Edmonton Ends First Parking Ban; Christmas Snowfall May Trigger Another

The City of Edmonton concluded its first Phase 1 seasonal parking ban of the winter on December 22, 2023, but officials warn that another ban could soon follow due to a forecasted Christmas snowfall. The initial ban, which lasted five days, was put in place to facilitate snow removal on major roads and bus routes.

Challenges arose during the ban as some drivers failed to move their vehicles from designated areas, complicating snow clearing efforts. According to Valerie Dacyk from the city’s snow removal department, “We will plow around you, which means you will get a windrow around your vehicle.” The city issued 113 tickets for obstructing seasonal parking ban lanes, along with one warning and the towing of a dozen vehicles.

As temperatures dropped, the city acknowledged that colder conditions made it difficult for some residents to comply with parking regulations. Dacyk emphasized the importance of cooperation from residents, stating, “We do still request residents put an effort in when parking bans do happen as it makes everything more efficient and clear for everybody.” Those who do not adhere to parking bans face a fine of $250.

The parking ban began on December 17, but a subsequent snowfall on December 19 required crews to revisit previously cleared areas. Snow removal teams also dealt with a thick layer of ice beneath the snow, resulting from freezing rain prior to the snowfall. Crews utilized a mixture of sand and salt to improve traction for drivers. Approximately 200 snowplows participated in the initial phase, targeting major arterials, collector roads, bus routes, and roads within business improvement areas.

In addition to clearing roads, the city is assessing windrows in Edmonton’s 634 school zones. For areas with significant snow accumulation, heavy equipment will remove snow to ensure safety when schools reopen. Temporary “no parking” signs will indicate restricted parking during this operation, which is scheduled to run daily from December 22, 2023, to January 4, 2026.

Currently, the city has not implemented a Phase 2 parking ban for residential and industrial roads. However, officials are closely monitoring conditions as a significant snowfall is predicted during the holiday season. Dacyk noted, “Residential parking bans, or Phase 2 parking bans, are called when we have severe safety concerns or greater than up to 10 centimetres of snow pack.” Until last week, Edmonton had not experienced such conditions, but the forecast indicates a shift.

Environment Canada predicts that a Christmas Eve snowfall could blanket central Alberta with between 10 to 20 centimetres of snow, starting late Wednesday morning. Snow is expected to extend from areas near Red Deer to Edmonton and towards the Saskatchewan border throughout the day, tapering off by Christmas morning.

“Because of the holiday season, it is going to make staffing a little bit more difficult, but crews will be out there working 24/7 to get the roadways clear,” Dacyk assured residents. The temperature is forecasted to remain low throughout the week, with overnight lows in the mid-minus twenties Celsius, and wind chill making it feel between -30°C and -40°C.

As the city prepares for the potential for another parking ban, residents are urged to remain vigilant and prepared for changing weather conditions.