The City of Lethbridge is piloting a new Snow Route Windrow Assistance Service this winter. (Photo: City of Lethbridge)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge residents with mobility challenges can sign up for windrow assistance

Sep 5, 2024 | 9:24 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The City of Lethbridge looks to help some residents remove piles of snow from their curbs and driveways.

It is piloting a new free Snow Route Windrow Assistance Service this coming winter.

Transportation Operations Manager Juliane Ruck says the City has heard that residents, particularly those who have mobility challenges, need help with snow clearing.

“Snow clearing practices were adjusted in the last two years and have resulted in significant cost savings with more roads plowed, more often,” says Ruck. “This is important, but feedback indicated that the effects can be disproportionate for some residents. The aim is to balance the financial benefits with community needs.”

When snow routes are activated, snow is plowed to the right of the roadway, creating a windrow along curbs and driveways.

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The new service will create a passage in the windrow at the driveway, or if no driveway exists, at the curb near an on-street parking location.

Residents will continue to be responsible for clearing sidewalks, pathways, and other snow on their property.

A media release from the City states, “If a faster level of service is required, or if you need your entire driveway cleared, you may prefer to hire a private snow-clearing company as part of your property maintenance or identify family, friends, or neighbours who can assist with shoveling.”

One windrow passage will be created per property. The City says service may be delivered up to three days after snow routes are plowed.

Anybody who is interested in the Snow Route Windrow Assistance Service can sign up from September 16-27, 2024 by phoning 311. This will be the only time people can subscribe for the 2024-25 winter season and no early sign-ups will be available.

“We recognize that it’s early in the year to think about snow,” says Ruck, “But we need to make sure we have enough resources allocated for this winter. We won’t have further capacity to add snow route residents to the program later in the season.”

You can learn more about the service on the City of Lethbridge’s website.

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