City encourages drivers to adjust as snow clearing efforts begin

With the drop in temperatures and snow arriving today, residents are encouraged to adjust their driving habits to the winter conditions.

To help keep Lethbridge moving during winter months, the City of Lethbridge’s Transportation Operations plows and sands roads regularly on a priority system. Snow control crews also help manage snow drifts, icy intersections and other safety hazards in the city. This is done on an as-needed basis, as staff and equipment become available. 

“Our crews and equipment are ready to tackle winter weather with plowing, sanding and de-icing,” says Juliane Ruck, Transportation Operations Manager. “As we prepare to keep Lethbridge on the move, residents can take action by winterizing their vehicles, planning more time for their commute and making sure they’re aware of snow route parking restrictions.”  

Snow routes have not been declared today, but the City will declare and activate snow routes in response to heavy snow accumulation. There are three stages to snow routes: 

• Declared – Residents on snow routes have 24 hours to move parked vehicles off the street. No plowing occurs
• Active – No parking allowed on snow routes. Plows will clear snow to the right. Parked vehicles may be plowed in or ticketed
• Deactivated – On-street parking on snow routes can resume

What to do when a snow route is declared

Snow routes can become active any time during the season whenever snow creates unsafe driving conditions, as determined by City Transportation Operations. 

• Snow routes are identified with a blue snowflake tab above snow route parking signs. The community is reminded to look for signs and make sure they are aware of the snow route status before using the adjacent on-street parking
• When the routes are declared active, temporary on-street parking restrictions apply. Residents and visitors must move all vehicles and find alternative parking when snow routes are active
• This year, the Windrow Assistance Service is being piloted for a second year to help residents along snow routes who struggle to manage the windrow

When you see snow, stay in the know    

• Download the Lethbridge Loop app to get notified when snow routes are declared, active and deactivated
• Follow the live snow plow map
• Subscribe to receive News Releases, Public Service Announcements and Our Stories directly to your inbox
• Visit lethbridge.ca/snow or contact 311 for more information on snow and ice control in Lethbridge 

For Public Inquiries:  

Call or chat 311 | Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.