Fort McMurray to see up to 15 centimetres of snow in coming days, council promises more snow removal

After what may have been the region’s last burst of sunshine, winter weather is set to return to Fort McMurray this weekend.

Environment Canada issued a weather advisory Friday morning for the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.

Rain is expected to transition to heavy snow this afternoon, according to the weather forecast.

Total snowfall amounts of up to 15 centimetres are possible. Snow is expected to continue overnight and into Saturday morning before gradually tapering off by Saturday evening.

A new snow and ice policy will support increased management of snowfall in Wood Buffalo.

In a release shared on Wednesday, the municipality said the updated program is designed to improve snow and ice management across the region by establishing clearer service standards, response timelines and maintenance priorities.

Council said that residents should “expect to see more snow removal and quicker response times” under the new policy.

Rural residential roads will now have snow removed twice in a season as conditions change, while crews will clear snow from snowbanks to allow for increased visibility along streets.

The municipality noted that, prior to the new policy, snow removal in rural residential areas was not included in seasonal operational plans.

The changes come weeks after council approved a new schedule of fines for winter parking.

The municipality says windrows, or snowbanks left at the end of driveways by plows, measuring 15 centimetres or more will be removed within 12 hours.

Residents are responsible for clearing windrows less than 15 centimetres high within 48 hours after plowing is completed.

Residents and organizations must also clear sidewalks adjacent to their properties within 48 hours of a snowfall.

The new policy also establishes service timelines for municipally maintained sidewalks and trails not located beside private property, based on priority.

The municipality is also reminding residents that keeping streets accessible during winter is a shared responsibility.

Residents are encouraged to place snow from driveways and walkways onto their own property and avoid pushing snow onto roads, ditches, neighbouring properties or around fire hydrants.

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