Clearing your sidewalk after a snowfall supports residents to move safely through residential areas.

You play an important role in keeping our community accessible.

Keep sidewalks safe for everyone

If you are a resident or business owner within Strathcona County, the Community Standards Bylaw (450.2 KB) establishes that you must:

• Clear all snow and ice from sidewalks around your property within 48 hours following a snowfall.

• Apply non-slip material when ice is an issue and cannot be fully cleared away.

• Shovel snow and ice onto your property. Do not shovel snow onto the road. This can cause hazardous driving conditions in winter and melting issues in early spring.

The expectation is an ice-free path that is cleared the full width of the sidewalk, to ensure strollers, walkers/wheelchairs and pedestrians can safely pass by. We understand clearing down to the bare concrete is not always possible.

Find free rock chips to manage ice

If ice is an issue, residents are expected to apply some type of material for traction, such as rock chips, while actively clearing the sidewalk. Free rock chips are available at locations throughout the County. 

Launch full interactive map

Download PDF versions of the chip box locations maps: 

• Chip box locations - Urban (1.0 MB)

• Chip box locations - Rural (1.6 MB)

If your neighbourhood chip bin has run out, you can find rock chips at central locations. 

Central locations include: 

• 53129 Range Road 222  

• Ardrossan Recreation Complex  

• Broadmoor Golf Course  

• Broadview Enviroservice Station  

• Centennial Park  

• Elk Island Administration Office (west side off Range Road 231)  

• Glen Allan Recreation Complex

• Log Cabin on Fir Street  

• Salisbury Composite High School (north side off Festival Way)  

• Strathcona Athletic Park  

NOTE:  The central locations include a large pile of rock chips with small barricades. Sometimes it looks like a mound of sand or is partially covered in snow. Signs have been added to help identify them. 

Take action on snow clearing notices

If a sidewalk is not cleared within 48 hours, the homeowner may receive a Snow Clearing Notice. This written reminder provides the occupant/homeowner with 24 hours to remove the snow. 

If no action is taken, the homeowner may receive a fine and the County will clear the sidewalk at the homeowner’s expense.

Clear around hydrants and catch basins

While shovelling your sidewalk, you are encouraged to take these extra steps to help your community:

• Clear space around hydrants. If you have a fire hydrant near your home, please clear snow or ice at least 60 cm (2 ft) from around the hydrant. This ensures Emergency Services crews can find and access the hydrant as quickly as possible in an emergency.

• Keep catch basins clear. Clear snow and ice around catch basins in the gutter by your property. This will help reduce drainage issues in early spring.

Ask for help if you need it

If you are unable to clear your sidewalks, please arrange for someone to clear them for you.

Volunteer Strathcona has a program called Snow Busters that connects eligible residents with volunteers.

Further information: