Edmontonians frustrated with delays in residential snow clearing after record snowfall

Edmontonians are expressing their frustration at the City’s delay in clearing residential streets after a record snowfall.

CityNews spoke to Edmontonians who said driving in residential neighbourhoods was challenging as the City prioritized major roads before clearing snow closer to their homes.

“I remember a few years ago we had little signs go up that said ‘your area is due to be plowed coming up,’ but that hasn’t happened at all this year,” says Daniel Zellinger. “It makes driving in residential areas difficult.”

South central Edmonton resident Harold Ottosen says driving through unplowed residential streets has become the norm.

“It’s frustrating to anyone who lives around here. Just because they say they’re going to plow neighbourhoods, doesn’t mean they’re going to plow every neighbourhood. They’re going to do things on a priority basis,” Ottosen said.

According to Val Dacyk, general supervisor of Edmonton’s snow and ice control program, crews have been working round-the-clock after the above-average snowfall the city received in December.

Dacyk said that, after Thursday’s snowfall, the crews were working to clear Priority 1-3 roadways which include arterial and collector roads, bus routes and business improvement areas.

“While the residential roads are in priority sequence to be cleared, it is important that snow removals on Priority 1-3 roadways are completed first,” Dacyk said. “Plans are underway to address residential roadways and a Phase 2 Parking Ban will be activated once Priority removals are done and we can operationally reset.” Dacyk said that further details will be shared next week.