Snow Clearing
Each winter, the City of Winkler provides snow removal services throughout the city. Our fleet of snow clearing equipment and crews are ready to clear your roads and sidewalks as quickly and efficiently as possible. Every time the crew heads out to clear snow they maintain 130 km of roads, 60 km of sidewalks and 59 cul-de-sacs. City staff generally concentrate on the primary routes first then move on to secondary roads. More information on our snow clearing and ice control process can be found below.
Click here to view Snow clearing priority map
Click here for our Snow Removal Policy
When are streets cleared?
Typical accumulation to begin snow removal is 5-7cm (2"-2.75") of snow.
Downtown streets are usually cleaned between midnight and 8am due to less traffic and for windrowing.
Is there a street priority system in place for snow removal?
For the purpose of snow clearing, Winkler's street system is classified in three categories; Primary, Downtown, and Secondary, which are listed on this map.
Primary streets are normally cleaned first and usually kept open (as needed) during a storm for Emergency vehicles.
Does snow clearing affect garbage pick up?
After a snowfall, waste & recycling should be placed 5-10 feet from the street to avoid contact with the snowplow.
Street cleaning for a certain route may be left until the pick up is complete.
Why does the city dump snow on my boulevard?
During plowing operation, snow is stored on boulevards in the public right-of-way.
Residents are reminded that the City’s boulevard is utilized for snow storage.
What types of snow clearning equipment is used?
Streets are normally cleaned by graders.
Bays and Cul-de-sacs are normally cleaned by loaders.
Walkways and sidewalks are normally cleaned by skid steers or other small equipment.
How long does it take city crews to clear the streets after a snowfall?
When a city-wide plowing program is implemented, it will be completed with in 120 hours after a snow event.
Why did the snowplow leave a ridge on my driveway?
The snowplow driveway wing is designed to contain most of the snow and keep it from entering the driveway. On occasion residual snow will spill out onto the driveway.
What is a windrow?
A windrow is a ridge of snow that is left behind after a snow plow or grader passes by.
Can I move snow from my private property onto a City right-of-way?
No, it is not permitted to move snow from private properties onto boulevards, streets, lanes and ditches.
Persons found depositing snow on boulevards, streets, lanes and ditches may be charged the cost to remove such snow. By-law 2176-17, Section 6.1
Can I park on the street after a snowfall?
Please do not park on the street until after the street has been cleared.
Does the city use sand on the streets?
To improve traction on icy roadways, crews spread treated sand (which includes approximately 5 percent salt) as required to improve traction on roadways.