The Town of Okotoks has launched a future-facing refinement to its Snow and Ice Control Service Levels for the 2025-2026 season. This update introduces a harmonized, criteria-based approach that aligns snow-clearing efforts with the Town’s strategic priorities: focusing on safety around schools, managing high-volume traffic corridors, and addressing high-risk areas.
“We looked at data along the routes to get a clearer picture of conditions and how they are used,” says D’Arcy Finlay, Transportation & Facilities Manager. “That helped us take a criteria-led approach using our existing service capacity, with safety front and centre.”
What’s new? The criteria for Priority 1 and 2 routes, which include those serving schools, commercial areas, downtown, fixed transit routes and key municipal facilities. We are harmonizing routes to maximize mobility and emergency access without changing service levels.
Overview of Priorities
- Priority 1 (Major Routes): Clearing on high-volume arteries and emergency routes will be prioritized and cleared within 24 hours after the completion of the snow event.
- Priority 2 (Connector Roads): To maintain full serviceability on major routes, clearing on P2 connector roads will be cleared within 48 hours after the completion of the snow event.
- NEW: Grader Priority (Rural/Annexed): A dedicated category has been established for gravel and annexed roads. Clearing in these areas will occur within 72 hours after the snow event and P1 and P2 routes have been cleared.
- Priority 3 (Residential Streets): Clearing on residential streets and cul-de-sacs will be activated if the accumulation of compacted snow exceeds 25 cm or if emergency access, significant safety or drainage issues arise.
Environmental Impact
Beyond operational efficiency, the updates support the Town’s environmental goals. By strictly prioritizing high-traffic corridors, the Town aims to reduce fuel consumption by heavy snow-clearing equipment, directly lowering the community’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Resources for Residents
Residents are encouraged to verify their street’s priority level by viewing the new 2025-2026 Snow Clearing Map.
For residents managing icy sidewalks, the Town continues to provide free sand. Residents can bring their own buckets to fill at the following locations:
- The Eco Centre
- Fire Hall No. 1 (132 Milligan Drive)
- Fire Hall No. 2 (98 Woodhaven Drive)