Edmonton Ends First Seasonal Parking Ban, Braces for Christmas Snow

The City of Edmonton concluded its first Phase 1 seasonal parking ban of the winter on December 22, 2023, but the potential for another ban looms as a significant snowfall is forecasted over the Christmas period. The ban, which targeted major roads and bus routes, lasted five days and was largely successful despite challenges posed by non-compliant vehicles.

Snow removal crews faced difficulties as some drivers failed to relocate their vehicles from areas marked with seasonal parking ban signs. “We will plow around you, which means you will get a windrow around your vehicle,” warned Valerie Dacyk, a representative from the city’s snow removal department. Throughout the ban, the city issued 113 tickets for obstructing seasonal parking lanes, one warning, and towed a dozen vehicles.

The city acknowledged that colder conditions contribute to residents’ challenges in moving vehicles. “We do know that when it gets colder, it’s harder for people to move vehicles, especially vehicles that have been sitting for a while,” Dacyk added. The penalty for failing to comply with a parking ban stands at $250, a result the city prefers to avoid. “We do still request residents put an effort in when parking bans do happen as it makes everything more efficient and clear for everybody,” she noted.

The seasonal parking ban began on December 17. However, a subsequent smaller snowfall on December 19 forced crews to revisit and clear previously cleared areas. Crews also encountered a thick layer of ice beneath the snow created by freezing rain prior to the snowfall. To improve traction, snow removal teams have been applying a mixture of sand and salt for safer driving conditions.

Approximately 200 snowplows were deployed during the Phase 1 ban, which focused on clearing snow from major arterials, collector roads, bus routes, and roads within business improvement areas. The city is currently assessing windrows in Edmonton’s 634 school zones. Heavy equipment will be utilized to stack and remove snow in zones with significant windrows, ensuring safety when schools resume.

Street parking in these zones will be prohibited while clearing operations are underway, indicated by temporary “no parking” signs. The school zone clearing is scheduled to run daily from December 22 to January 4, 2026.

While the city has not activated a Phase 2 parking ban for residential and industrial roads at this time, the forecast of heavy snowfall may prompt future action. Dacyk explained that residential parking bans are implemented when severe safety concerns arise or when snow accumulation exceeds 10 centimeters. “With this snowfall and the upcoming potential snowfall, we will continue to monitor it,” she stated.

According to Environment Canada, a significant snowfall of 10 to 20 centimeters is expected across central Alberta, beginning late on December 22. The snow will progress north and northeast throughout the day, reaching Edmonton and surrounding areas by the afternoon, tapering off by Christmas morning.

Dacyk acknowledged that the holiday season complicates staffing for snow removal crews, but assured that they will be working around the clock to keep roadways clear. The Edmonton region is projected to experience chilly temperatures throughout the week, with overnight lows in the mid-minus twenties and wind chills making it feel between –30°C and –40°C.

As the city prepares for the potential impacts of the upcoming snowfall, residents are encouraged to stay informed and comply with any future parking bans to facilitate efficient snow removal efforts.