Like a lot of other communities, we clear & sand roads using a priority system: Priority One, Priority Two, and then all other roads. As you’d expect, Priority One & Two roads are usually the first to be sanded or cleared. Sometimes, we need to change the order to deal with safety issues or if certain equipment isn't available, but our crews always do their best to handle each situation.

Priorities & Maps

• Taber Sanding Priorities
• Taber Snow Removal Priorities
• Sidewalk Pathways Cleaning Map

• Priority One routes usually include emergency routes, main arterial roads, the downtown area (so people can access important services), and roads that have more traffic than Priority Two roads.

• Priority Two routes usually include playground zones and other main roads that have less traffic than the busy Priority One roads.

Remaining roads:

• Other industrial and commercial service roads are done after Priority One & Two roads are cleared first.

• Residential roads may be cleared after each snowfall when the snow reaches 5 centimeters or more. Our team uses our grader and loaders with snow blades as needed, but only after we’ve finished with the first two priority areas. The goal of this approach is to prevent snow and ice from building up to the point where it creates ruts, which can make driving difficult. Regular plowing and sanding in residential areas also help keep snow piles (windrows) manageable.

If it keeps snowing and Priority One routes get covered again before we’ve finished Priority Two, we go back to Priority Ones and clear them again.

How does the Town decide whether to clear the roads, sand them, or just wait for a chinook? Our decision on winter road maintenance is based on several factors:

• Snow Accumulation: If there’s significant snowfall, typically over the set thresholds (see previous page for centimeter thresholds), road clearing begins to ensure safe driving conditions. Minor snowfalls might not require full clearing but could still need sanding for traction.

• Road Conditions: If the roads are icy but snow accumulation is minimal, sanding is preferred to improve traction, especially on intersections and high-traffic areas.

• Weather Forecast: If a chinook or warming trend is expected shortly, the Town may opt to delay road clearing, as warmer temperatures will naturally melt the snow (and it’s cost-effective for tax dollars). However, this decision depends on how quickly the chinook is expected and current road safety.

• Priority Routes: Main roads and emergency routes are always monitored, and decisions are made based on the need to keep those routes open and safe. Residential streets may wait longer if a chinook is forecasted soon.

• Public Safety: Safety is the top priority. If conditions are hazardous, such as ice build-up or drifts, the Town will act promptly by either clearing or sanding the roads, regardless of upcoming weather changes.

Sanding vs Grading Roads: 

How do we decide whether to use sand/salt or grade the road to remove the snow? It depends on a few factors:

• Temperatures before, during & after the storm
• How long the storm lasts
• How much snow falls
• Wind speed and direction

In general, here’s how we decide:

• Less than 5 cm of snow* (or if ice makes driving dangerous): We use a sand-salt mix.

• 12 cm of snow or more* (or if snow drifts are blocking traffic): We start clearing the snow on priority routes.

*If the roads are still safe for traffic, we might not clear them. This is because snow removal costs money, and the Town needs to balance keeping roads safe with being responsible with your tax dollars.

We make windrows in the center of the street to keep snow from piling up on sidewalks, driveways, and lawns.

By placing snow in the middle, it helps keep streets clear & safe for driving while also making it easier for crews to remove the snow later (using the snowblower). This way, we avoid blocking homes & businesses with large snow piles, and it has the added benefit of removing the snow from the road completely, instead of just pushing it somewhere else.

Snow clearing starts within 24 hours after a snowfall ends, as long as it meets the set accumulation criteria for each priority route. This does not include Saturdays, Sundays, or statutory holidays—unless it’s really needed.

• Holidays & Weekends: If you see snow being cleared on weekends or holidays, it’s a bonus!

• Sidewalks & Pathways: sidewalks & pathways will be cleared within 48 hours, but not on weekends or holidays.

• Parking Lots: parking lots are cleared during weekdays, with weekend clearing only happening if vehicles are getting stuck.

Crews need to wait until a snowfall ends before starting to clear, especially if it's still snowing heavily. This prevents us from having to re-clear roads multiple times and helps make sure our efforts are efficient (and cost-effective). In some cases (very heavy snowfall), we may start when the snow is still falling for emergency route access.

If it continues to snow, crews will return to Priority One routes first to ensure they stay clear. Once those are safe, we’ll move back to the other roads.

Our equipment is sometimes too large to fit into residential cul-de-sacs without risking damage to curbs, hydrants, and other property, as the space can be quite tight. Parked cars in these areas also make it more challenging for our crews to navigate safely (and we definitely want to avoid any contact with your vehicles). For these reasons, our snow equipment usually won’t clear cul-de-sacs unless there’s a safety concern.

Alleys are generally not a priority for snow removal unless garbage trucks are getting stuck (then we will remove drifting piles mainly).

If you use an alley to access your property, you are allowed to clear it yourself. However, this is done at your own risk, and the Town is not responsible for any damage caused to infrastructure during the process.

Our crews will typically clear the downtown core at night. Why? Because the streets are empty!

Think of downtown as a giant parking lot that needs to be cleared for safety and pedestrians. We clear the downtown core at night to avoid disrupting traffic & businesses during the day. By working at night, our crews can clear snow more efficiently & safely without getting in the way of vehicles or pedestrians. It also helps ensure the area is ready for everyone to use by the time the morning rush starts, and people can get to critical businesses and services.

Parking lots at Town facilities (like the Community Centre) are cleared before 8:00 AM to make space for snow and keep them safe for everyone to use.

Clearing happens early to avoid busy times and help keep the lot clear for visitors. Since it’s our facility, we’re responsible for making sure it's safe for the public and groups. We also sometimes need to use the parking lots as a place to pile snow before we move it with dump trucks, so having a clear parking lot helps free up that space. 

Why do private parking lots get done so fast? Does the Town do them?

No, the Town does not clear private parking lots. We only maintain parking lots, walking trails, and areas owned by the Town. Private businesses hire their own contractors to clear their lots, and these contractors often have more staff and equipment dedicated solely to snow removal. This allows them to work quickly and prioritize their clients' needs.

Town crews, on the other hand, manage snow removal on Priority Routes, Town-owned parking lots, and walking trails. At the same time, they’re still responsible for other essential services like cemetery services, water and sewer repairs, waste collection, and more. This means our resources are spread across a variety of important tasks, and why it may take longer for the Town to finish snow clearing compared to private businesses.

Sidewalks & pathways will be cleared within 48 hours, but not on weekends or holidays. Roadways are our priority, but we will clear the public sidewalks and walkways that are outlined in Pathways Map (at the top of the page).

If your street hasn’t been cleared yet, we could still be working on others, or it might not be one of our priority routes.

If you notice a safety issue, feel free to contact our Shop at 403-223-6018 (or email). Please keep in mind that we need to clear priority routes first, so we really appreciate your patience, and your kindness to our crews!

Each community handles snow removal differently because every place has its own unique needs. Taber’s approach is carefully designed to work best for our streets, our budget, and, most importantly, the safety of our residents.

In some communities, snowplows push snow to the sides of the road. Others choose to hire private contractors for all snow removal, accepting the costs that come with hiring out the service. Some only clear roads when they become impassable, focusing instead on sanding to improve traction.

These differences often come down to street design, snowfall amounts, and local budgets. Comparing Taber’s snow removal process to another community’s is like comparing apples to oranges—what works in one place may not be practical or affordable in another.

Our system is built specifically for Taber. It’s designed to keep our community safe and accessible while staying within the budget set by Council. We believe this approach balances safety, efficiency, and cost to meet the needs of our town.

Priority Routes are always our top focus during snow removal. However, there are times when they may not be cleared as quickly as expected, or we might need to address some Priority Routes before others. Here are some reasons why this can happen:

• Ongoing Snowfall: When snow continues to fall, crews often need to repeatedly clear the same areas to keep them safe. This can delay progress on other routes.

• Equipment Issues: Snow removal equipment can break down and require repairs before it can be used again. In some cases, repairs may take longer, especially if parts or maintenance need to be sourced from outside Taber. Equipment being out of commission can slow the process significantly.

• Emergencies: Crews may need to respond to urgent situations, such as clearing access for emergency vehicles or addressing icy conditions in high-risk areas.

• Blocked Access: Parked vehicles or other obstacles can prevent crews from clearing a route effectively, causing delays.

• Other Work Calls: Snow removal crews are also responsible for other critical Public Works tasks. They may be called away to handle emergencies such as water or sewer line repairs, waste collection, or cemetery maintenance. These urgent responsibilities can temporarily delay snow removal efforts.

We do our best to stick to the Priority Route schedule, but real-time conditions can impact how quickly each area is addressed. Our crews are committed to keeping the community safe, even when faced with challenging circumstances.

It’s actually a mix of both–sometimes called “pickled sand,” it’s the exact same mix used on highways! In the spring, we use our street sweeper to clean up the sand left behind. The salt goes down our storm drains with the melting snow/ice.

We primarily sand intersections, curves, and other high-traffic areas because these are where vehicles are most likely to stop, start, or turn, increasing the risk of skidding on ice or snow.

Full road sanding is not always necessary or efficient, as vehicles tend to compact snow on straight stretches of road, which provides some natural traction. By focusing on intersections and critical areas, we conserve resources while still improving safety where it's needed most.

Additionally, sanding every road in Taber would not a responsible use of taxpayer dollars because of the costs.

• Grader: Contrary to what some may think, the Town of Taber doesn’t own or use snowplows—we have one grader! Why? Snowplows need somewhere to push the snow, and it could end up in your driveway, on your lawn, or on the sidewalk. Snowplows work well on highways because they can push snow into ditches. Our grader, however, allows us to move snow exactly where we want, like the windrows in the middle of the street. It’s a slower process, but it prevents large snow piles from blocking driveways and freezing solid. Plus, we can completely remove the snow rather than just pushing it aside; if we didn’t clear the windrows, they’d freeze & even our equipment wouldn’t be able to remove them! Why only one grader? To be smart with tax dollars! More equipment costs money, so we maintain balance with equipment we have & contract if/when it’s needed.

• 2 Front-End Loaders: These machines help lift snow piles into the hauling trucks. They also have big sno-push blades to clear intersections. Often you will see one clearing intersections while the other is hauling the snowblower around.

• Snowblower: This is an attachment to our front-end loader that collects the snow from the windrows and blows it into the back of a truck. Fun fact: our snowblower can fill the back of a dump truck in just 14 seconds!

• Dump trucks: These trucks carry the snow out of town to a field near the Trout Pond. While the Town owns 5, we often contract local businesses to help us with hauling snow, because the snowblower is so fast filling them up.

• Sanding Truck: This truck spreads a sand-salt mix on the road to help cars get better traction on snow and ice. It is typically the first equipment you’ll see us using during the winter. Be sure to keep your distance so your car doesn’t get sprayed!

• Tool Cat: This is the smallest machine in our fleet, but it’s powerful! It has 3 attachments– a snow blade, snow brush, and a snowblower. We use it to clear sidewalks and walking trails that the Town is responsible for —after we finish with priority routes, of course.

In Taber, we don’t use traditional snowplows like the ones you see in larger cities or on highways. Snowplows are designed to push snow to the sides of the road, which might seem efficient, but it causes significant challenges in a community like ours. Here’s why:

1. Sidewalks and Driveways Get Blocked
   When a snowplow pushes snow to the sides, it creates large piles along the curbs. This snow often spills onto sidewalks and blocks driveways. Residents then have to spend extra time and effort clearing those areas just to get out of their homes or use the sidewalks safely. It also causes an accessibility issue for both emergency access to homes (ie: if an ambulance needed access to the driveway and was blocked with a snowplow-caused pile), and accessibility issues for those who may not be able to clear their own driveways/sidewalks. 

2. Narrow Streets Become Harder to Use
   In a town like Taber, where some streets are narrower, those snow piles can quickly reduce the space available for parking and driving. This makes it harder for cars to pass and can lead to dangerous conditions.

3. Our Approach is Different
   Instead of snowplows, we use graders to push snow into the center of the road, forming what’s called a windrow. After that, we bring in equipment to remove the snow completely. This method has several benefits:

   • Sidewalks and driveways stay clear.
   • Streets remain fully open for vehicles to park and drive.
   • The snow is physically removed, not just pushed aside, which helps prevent buildup over the winter.

   
   

4. Why Don’t Other Towns Do This?
   Some communities use snowplows because it’s faster, especially on highways or in cities with large snow storage areas. However, those systems come with trade-offs, like extra cleanup for residents and less usable road space. Our system is tailored to Taber’s needs, ensuring safer, cleaner streets for everyone.

This process may take a little longer, but it provides a better, long-term solution to managing snow in our community. We believe it’s the best choice for Taber’s residents and roadways.

• Move your vehicle off the street if possible. Parking on the street during snow removal can slow crews down. Use your driveway if possible; it gives our crews more room to work. While not a requirement, it really does help us clear the roads faster.

• Give equipment plenty of space. Stay out of the way of snow removal equipment and don’t follow too closely for safety. Don’t pass our equipment until it is safe to do so.

• Remove curb ramps. If you have curb ramps in front of your driveway, now’s the time to remove them! They must be taken out before the first snowfall of the season and can’t be put back until the streets have been cleaned by the street sweeper in the spring (Traffic Control Bylaw Section 19.16).
  • Curb ramps can block water from reaching the drains, which can cause flooding and icy patches when temperatures drop. They can also damage our grader, and if that happens, the resident would be responsible for any repairs– and we don’t want that to happen to anyone!

• Don't shovel snow into the street. When you shovel your driveway or sidewalk, please keep the snow off the street (put it on your lawn). Pushing snow onto the road creates piles and slippery spots, which can be dangerous for drivers. It’s also against the Nuisance Bylaw (Section 7) and makes it harder for our grader to clear the roads.

• Shoveling snow into the street often leads to ruts and piles that make it difficult for people to access the road, causing them to get stuck. By keeping the snow on your lawn, you help keep the roads safe and prevent ice blockages in the gutters when the weather warms. Plus, when the snow melts in the spring, the piles can water your lawn and might even save you some money on your water bill!

• Keep sidewalks clear- for safety. We really appreciate your help with shoveling sidewalks next to your home or business! While there are fines that could be issued for not clearing sidewalks of ice & snow adjacent to your property within 24 hours of a snowfall ending (see Section 7 of the Nuisance Bylaw), our goal is to educate, not punish. 

• It’s also a great way to be a good neighbor– it helps with safety and keeps walkways accessible for people with mobility issues, seniors, and children. Also consider shoveling snow for neighbors who may have difficulty clearing it themselves. A little friendliness goes a long way during winter!

• Adopt a fire hydrant during snowfall. After a heavy snowfall, residents can help by keeping fire hydrants on their property clear of snow, with a 3-foot perimeter around the hydrant. This allows the Fire Department to quickly access the hydrants in an emergency, instead of losing valuable time digging them out of the snow. Your help could make a big difference when every second counts!

• You can help prevent flooding by clearing snow and ice from storm drains before the snow melts. When drains are blocked, water can back up onto streets and sidewalks, creating large puddles that may refreeze and become hazardous for drivers and pedestrians. While our crews work hard to clear them as quickly as possible, we always appreciate extra help from residents if you’re willing to lend it! By keeping storm drains clear, you're reducing the risk of flooding and dangerous ice patches, helping to keep the community safe. Plus, it ensures that melting snow drains properly, preventing water from pooling near homes and potentially causing damage.