City council agrees to add fines for not clearing snow and ice within 24 hours

Calgarians who fail to clear snow from their sidewalks could face fines following the approval of street bylaw changes, but city officials say residents won’t see any new penalties this winter.

City council passed an amending bylaw Monday that will eventually see people who continually fail to clear snow and ice within 24 hours of snowfall fined on a rising scale for repeat offences.

The revised system will begin with a year of public education, with the fines expected to take effect during the 2020 winter season, Calgary chief bylaw officer Alvin Murray told council.

Murray said in the next year, officers will continue to seek compliance with snow clearing.

When the city does start issuing fines, it will be seen as a “last resort” in certain cases, such as in dealing with repeat offenders.

Coun. Druh Farrell said in approving the fines the city is aiming to help prevent slip-and-fall injuries.

“Considering this is the only bylaw that doesn’t have a fine associated with non-compliance, this sends a message that we actually care for pedestrian safety,” Farrell told reporters after the 11-4 council vote.

If residents fail to comply with snow-clearing rules this upcoming winter, they’ll face a warning and some education, she said.

“Similar to last winter, if the city has to go out and clear, they’ll get a bill, and the bill will just simply be fee-for-service. The year after that, there will be a fine associated with it,” she said.

“If you’re a repeat offender, that fine continues to escalate. So we expect everyone to be a good neighbour.”

There are programs available for residents who need help clearing snow, Farrell said.

When community peace officers do issue a fine, the penalty will be $250, increasing to $500 for a second offence within 12 months, and $750 for a third.

The city has already approved a plan to speed up its snow-clearing schedule for sidewalks adjacent to city-owned properties from seven days to 24 hours.