Plowing to the right becomes permanent approach for snow route operations
Following a multi-year pilot program, plowing snow to the right during snow route operations will become the City of Lethbridge’s permanent approach to snow and ice control.
At its regular meeting today, Lethbridge City Council approved the future service level for snow and ice control by directing Administration to continue plowing to the right and maintain a subscription-based windrow assistance service for eligible residents.
The windrow assistance program is available for eligible residents living along the snow route network who experience mobility challenges clearing snow from their property.
“This decision reflects years of operational experience, resident feedback and financial analysis,” says Mayor Blaine Hyggen. “The pilot gave Council the information needed to evaluate both the operational and financial impacts of these service changes to make an informed decision.”
The approved service level aligns with City Council's 2026-2029 Strategic Plan by advancing priorities connected to a well-designed community. By maintaining a reliable, sustainable and cost-effective approach to winter maintenance, the City can continue supporting safe movement throughout the transportation network while making responsible use of taxpayer dollars.
The City introduced plowing to the right as part of a pilot project designed to improve the efficiency of snow clearing operations and reduce the need for costly residential snow removal. Under this approach, snow is consistently plowed to one side of the street during snow route operations, rather than being windrowed and removed from residential roadways.
Financial data from the past four winter seasons show residential snow plowing to the right costs approximately $260 per kilometre, compared with approximately $6,800 per kilometre for snow removal. Based on recent operating experience, plowing to the right is about 25 times more cost effective than removing snow from residential streets.
"The pilot demonstrated that plowing to the right can help us maintain mobility throughout the community while managing costs associated with winter operations," says Darwin Juell, General Manager of Transportation and Transit. "The approved service level allows us to continue providing a sustainable approach to snow and ice control while supporting residents who may need additional assistance."
Council also directed Administration to report back in the spring of 2030 on the results of implementation. Residents can learn more about snow routes and the windrow assistance program at lethbridge.ca/snow.
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