Calgary sidewalk snow removal information

Calgary Sidewalk Snow & Ice Bylaws: The 24-Hour Rule Explained

Winter in Calgary comes with beautiful snowfalls, but it also brings an important responsibility for property owners. Under municipal bylaws enforced by the City of Calgary, anyone who owns or occupies property beside a public sidewalk must remove snow and ice within 24 hours after snowfall ends.

For many homeowners and commercial property managers, the rule sounds simple in theory but raises practical questions:

• What exactly counts as “bare surface”?

• When does the 24-hour clock start?

• What happens if you don’t clear it in time?

• How can you stay compliant during major storms?

This guide explains Calgary’s sidewalk snow-clearing requirements in plain English and offers practical tips to help both homeowners and businesses stay safe and compliant throughout the winter.

The Calgary 24-Hour Snow Removal Rule

Calgary’s bylaw requires property owners or occupants to clear snow and ice from public sidewalks bordering their property within 24 hours after snowfall stops.

In simple terms

If snow stops falling at 6:00 PM, the sidewalk must be cleared by 6:00 PM the next day.

The rule applies to:

• Homeowners

• Tenants or occupants

• Commercial property owners

• Property managers

• Businesses located along public sidewalks

If a sidewalk borders your property, you are responsible for keeping it clear.

Why the rule exists

Sidewalk snow removal laws are primarily about public safety.

Clearing sidewalks helps:

• Prevent slips and falls

• Allow pedestrians to move safely

• Keep sidewalks accessible for people with mobility aids

• Ensure emergency access during winter conditions

Even a small patch of packed snow can turn into dangerous ice when temperatures fluctuate.

What Does “Bare Surface” Mean?

The bylaw requires sidewalks to be cleared “down to the bare surface.”

This phrase causes a lot of confusion, so here is a practical interpretation.

Bare surface means:

• Most or all snow has been removed

• The pavement or concrete is visible

• Any remaining snow is minimal

• Ice buildup has been addressed

You don’t need to achieve perfectly dry pavement, but the sidewalk should be walkable and safe, not covered in packed snow.

What does NOT count as bare surface

The following situations usually do not meet the requirement:

• Packed snow left after light shovelling

• A thin layer of snow across the whole sidewalk

• Ice buildup with no treatment

• A narrow path cleared while most of the sidewalk remains covered

A good rule of thumb is this:

If someone walking by would reasonably consider the sidewalk slippery or obstructed, it probably isn’t compliant.

Who Is Responsible for Clearing Sidewalks?

Responsibility depends on who controls the property.

Residential properties

Typically, the homeowner or occupant is responsible for clearing the sidewalk beside their property.

This includes:

• Houses

• Duplexes

• Townhomes

• Small rental properties

Rental properties

Responsibility may depend on the lease agreement.

Often:

• Tenants clear the sidewalk

• Or landlords hire snow removal services

However, from the city’s perspective, the property owner may still be held accountable.

Commercial properties

For businesses, responsibility usually falls on:

• Property owners

• Property managers

• Commercial tenants

Many businesses hire professional snow removal services to ensure compliance during major storms.

What Happens If You Don’t Clear the Sidewalk?

If sidewalks are not cleared within the required timeframe, the city may take enforcement action.

Possible consequences include:

1. Warning notices

In some cases, the city may issue warnings first.

However, this is not guaranteed.

2. Fines

Failure to clear sidewalks can result in bylaw fines.

Repeated violations can increase penalties.

3. City clearing the sidewalk

If the city clears the sidewalk due to non-compliance, they may charge the property owner for the service.

4. Liability concerns

Beyond bylaw fines, failing to clear sidewalks may create liability risks if someone is injured.

Keeping sidewalks clear protects both pedestrians and property owners.

When Does the 24-Hour Clock Start?

The 24-hour window begins when snowfall stops, not when it starts.

This means:

Scenario	Clock starts
Snow stops at midnight	Deadline is midnight the next day
Snow stops at 9 AM	Deadline is 9 AM the next day
Snow falls intermittently	Clock starts after final snowfall ends

During long storms, it’s still wise to clear sidewalks periodically instead of waiting until the end.

Packed snow becomes much harder to remove if left overnight.

Practical Tips to Stay Compliant

Clearing sidewalks promptly is easier when you plan ahead. Here are some practical strategies used by homeowners and commercial property managers.

1. Clear snow early and often

Instead of waiting until the storm ends, shovel periodically.

Benefits include:

• Preventing snow from compacting

• Reducing ice formation

• Making the final cleanup much easier

2. Use ice melt when necessary

Ice melt products help prevent dangerous conditions.

Common options include:

• Rock salt

• Calcium chloride

• Magnesium chloride

• Pet-safe ice melt

Use these sparingly and according to manufacturer instructions.

3. Focus on high-traffic areas

If you’re short on time, prioritize:

• Sidewalk entrances

• Corners

• Bus stops

• Walkways near driveways

However, the entire sidewalk still needs to be cleared before the 24-hour deadline.

4. Keep a winter snow kit ready

Preparation makes winter maintenance easier.

A basic snow-clearing kit might include:

• Snow shovel or snow pusher

• Ice scraper

• Ice melt or sand

• Waterproof gloves

• Reflective clothing for nighttime clearing

Having tools ready reduces delays after storms.

5. Watch temperature swings

Calgary weather often fluctuates above and below freezing.

This can cause:

• Melted snow to refreeze overnight

• Black ice on sidewalks

• Hard-packed snow layers

Even after clearing snow, monitor conditions and apply ice melt if necessary.

6. Consider professional snow removal

For many property owners, hiring a snow removal service ensures sidewalks stay compliant during heavy storms.

Professional services typically provide:

• Regular monitoring during storms

• Prompt clearing after snowfall

• Ice management

• Commercial documentation when required

This is especially helpful for businesses that must maintain safe access for customers and employees.

Special Considerations for Commercial Properties

Commercial sites often face higher expectations for safety and accessibility.

Property managers may need to consider:

• Frequent monitoring during storms

• Multiple clearing visits during heavy snowfall

• Documentation of snow removal services

• Ice management on entrances and parking areas

Keeping detailed records can be helpful for liability protection and operational planning.

Common Questions About Calgary Snow Bylaws

Do I need to clear sidewalks if snow falls overnight?

Yes. The sidewalk must be cleared within 24 hours after snowfall ends, regardless of when the snow fell.

What if my neighbour doesn’t clear their sidewalk?

The city provides ways to report sidewalk concerns through municipal services.

However, many neighbourhoods encourage neighbours to help each other when possible.

Does the city clear residential sidewalks?

Generally, property owners are responsible for sidewalks next to their property.

The city typically focuses on clearing:

• Major pathways

• City-owned properties

• Certain high-traffic areas

What if ice forms after I clear the snow?

You are expected to take reasonable steps to reduce hazards.

Applying sand or ice melt may be necessary to maintain safe conditions.

Do I need to clear sidewalks during ongoing snowfall?

The legal requirement begins once snowfall stops.

However, clearing snow during the storm often prevents dangerous buildup.

Final Thoughts

Calgary’s sidewalk snow-clearing rules are designed to keep the city safe and accessible throughout the winter months.

The key points to remember are simple:

• Clear sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall ends

• Remove snow down to the bare surface

• Address ice hazards when necessary

Staying proactive with snow removal helps prevent accidents, avoids fines, and keeps neighbourhood sidewalks safe for everyone.

For homeowners and businesses alike, consistent winter maintenance is the easiest way to stay compliant and prepared for Calgary’s unpredictable winter weather.

A weekly blog present by a Kephas landscaping Inc, a Calgary based year round landscaping, tree services, snow removal company.