By TERRY PUGH
The City of Warman is looking to clear the way for a new snow-removal bylaw before the first blizzard arrives.
At the August 25 Warman City Council meeting, a report from the city’s Director of Infrastructure laid out several proposed changes to the municipality’s current snow removal practices.
The changes were prompted primarily by difficulties faced by emergency service vehicles needing to get around centre-ridge snow piles on streets following a major snowfall.
“One of the main drivers behind the proposed snow removal bylaw amendments was an internal report prepared by the Fire Chief,” stated the administration report. “The report highlighted concerns that the city’s current practice of centre ridging in residential areas did not ensure adequate access for emergency vehicles during winter months.”
The proposed changes are also focused on addressing concerns expressed by residents, according to the administration report. They provide updated service standards, operational clarity and enforceable provisions.
“While centre ridging and larger snow piles have served as a practical approach in past seasons, residents expressed that the delays between piling and hauling created challenges for accessibility and overall satisfaction,” stated the administration report. “Adjustments in the proposed bylaw are intended to balance these concerns with service capacity, while maintaining a focus on public safety and emergency access.”
City Council is looking to gather additional feedback from residents on the proposed snow removal bylaw in the coming weeks. The goal is to incorporate suggestions from residents by mid-October; coinciding with a public engagement session at the Warman Open for Business (WOBE) trade show.
Under the proposed changes, Priority 1 roadways will have snow cleared similar to previous years using side and centre medians for storage. Centre ridges will be created only when removal is possible within three days. There are no changes to the Priority 1 roadway designations. (A map of the different roadway designations is available online at the City of Warman website.)
Priority 2 roadways will have snow cleared using side medians where possible. Centre ridges will be formed only when removal is possible within three days. There are no changes to the Priority 2 roadway designations.
Priority 3 (residential and commercial) roadways will be lightly graded to knock down high and low spots, with snow pushed to gutters for storage. A new four-inch snowpack standard (down from the current six-inch standard) has been introduced to reduce deep ruts and spring drainage issues, while maintaining driveability and standard parking. Once windrows exceed this standard, snow will be centre ridged and hauled away within three days, or as soon a possible.
The proposed policy also updates fines and penalties for offences including moving snow from private lots onto streets, failing to move vehicles when no-parking signs are posted and parking in one location for more than 48 hours.