County crews follow a priority system based on the  Winter maintenance policy (119.9 KB)  to manage snow and ice on winter roads. 

High-volume and high-speed roads are cleared and sanded first.

Urban snow clearing priorities

Priority 1 - Major thoroughfares and arterials
Snow accumulation of 2-5 cm
Cleared within 12 hours after accumulation stops

Priority 2 – Minor arterials and school drop zones 
Snow accumulation of 5-7 cm 
Cleared within 12 hours (after Priority 1 completed)
(drop zones within 72 hours)

Priority 3 – Snow routes (collector roads)
Snow accumulation of 15 cm
Cleared within six days (after Priority 2 completed)
See a complete list of snow routes. (188.9 KB)

Priority 4 – Residential streets*
Snow accumulation of 7 cm compacted snow
Cleared within 10 days

If there is more snowfall, crews will return to Priority 1 roads.

*Includes: Sherwood Park, Ardrossan, Balmoral Heights, Fountain Creek Estates, Meadow Hawk and Sherwood Country Club Estates.

Launch full interactive map.

Download a pdf version of the  urban winter priorities map. (1.2 MB)

Parking bans during snow removal

Parking bans are required when snow clearing is scheduled for Priority 3 and Priority 4 roads.

Watch for signs and move your vehicle when parking restrictions are in place.. 

Learn more to avoid a ticket and tow!

Ice control

Crews continuously monitor and address icy conditions on all roads, in order of priority.

• A sand/salt mixture is used on Priority 1, 2 and 3 roads.
  • Salt is not as effective at cold temperatures, so the amount of salt decreases as the temperature drops.
• Rock chips are used on Priority 4 residential roads and in County-owned parking lots.

Highways are maintained by province

The Province of Alberta is responsible for winter maintenance on all highways throughout Strathcona County. This includes the Anthony Henday, Highway 16 (Yellowhead Trail), Highway 21, Highway 14, Highway 824 and Highway 630 (Wye Road east of Highway 21).

Learn more about highway maintenance.

Transit stops and parking lots

Strathcona County Transit bus stops are cleared along with sidewalks and trails. Priority is given to stops located along arterial roads and then those located along collector roads.

County-owned parking lots are cleared after school drop off are completed, after at least five centimetres of snowfall.

Stay in the know

Stay up to date on winter road activities, including parking bans and updates on road conditions.

• Follow us on Twitter
• Like us on Facebook
• Sign up for snow route parking ban alerts
• Sign up for Winter Roads eNews
• Follow online snow clearing progress maps: Snow routes or Residential streets

Further information: