Winter Snow Removal Guidelines

Winter is upon us, and with the amount of snow that has fallen, there may become a time where ratepayers may run out of room to put the snow that has accumulated on their laneways. Wheatland County Traffic Bylaw 2019-20 prohibits ratepayers from pushing snow from their properties across the road into the opposite ditch, or into the ditch outside of their property.

The reason you cannot push snow from your driveway across the gravel road into the opposite ditch is mainly due to safety, environmental, and legal concerns. Here’s a breakdown of why this is problematic:

1. Safety Hazards:
   • Obstruction of the road: When you push snow onto the road, you create a potential hazard for motorists and road maintenance crews. The snow may block lanes, creating driving hazards, especially during icy conditions. The snow can also pile up against the shoulder of the road and freeze up potentially causing issues for graders with the snow wing extended to clear roads. This can lead to accidents or make the road more difficult to navigate, particularly for emergency vehicles, graders and plows, or school buses.
2. Damage to the Road and Infrastructure:
   • Road erosion and damage: Snow contains moisture, and when it’s pushed onto the gravel road, it can create uneven surfaces or cause erosion of the road base. The moisture from melting snow can weaken the gravel, causing ruts, potholes, or other damage that would require costly repairs by the local authorities.
   • Impact on drainage: Roads are typically designed with drainage systems that allow water to flow away from the surface. By dumping snow into ditches, you can block the natural drainage, leading to flooding or the accumulation of standing water on the road, which can damage both the road itself and surrounding areas.
3. Legal and Property Issues:
   • Local ordinances or regulations: Many municipalities and counties have regulations that prohibit the dumping or pushing of snow onto public roads or ditches. This is because it can create the safety and environmental concerns mentioned above. In some cases, pushing snow across the road can result in fines or other penalties.
   • Liability concerns: If you push snow into a ditch or across the road and it causes an accident or damages public property, you could be held liable for the costs associated with the incident or damage.

In short, it’s important to follow local guidelines and be mindful of safety, the environment, and infrastructure. The proper way to manage snow is typically to keep it on your own property, ensuring that it doesn’t obstruct traffic or cause damage to public roads. In rural areas, this might involve piling snow in a way that doesn’t affect the road or using a snowblower to push it to a safe location away from the road.