Proper snow removal issue raised at Swift Current City Council

City residents have been given a friendly reminder about some of the do’s and don’t about snow removal rules in the City of Swift Current.

At the December 3 Swift Current City Council meeting, Greg Parsons, Director of Engineering Services and Operations was asked to clarify the rules regarding snow removal in the community.

The existing City Bylaw regarding snow removal requires that property owners clear their sidewalks of snow and ice within 24 hours of a snowfall.

Councillor George Bowditch asked Parsons if it was proper for someone to shovel snow from their driveway into the street.

“Actually we ask that you push that snow onto your lawn or keep it on your own property. That just helps keep the streets from getting plugged up with everybody else’s snow,” Parsons said.

He was also asked if individuals with motorized snow moving equipment are permitted to push snow into city parks or other open spaces.

“Again, on residential streets, we ask that people keep the snow on their own property. If it’s commercial property or a parking lot, we ask that they haul that snow to our designated snow dumps.”

Swift Current’s snow dumps are located near the Patterson Softball and Slo-pitch Diamonds on the city’s east side, with another off of 11th N.W., and a third one off Friesen St. by the horse pasture.

Additionally, business owners are reminded not to pile snow in adjoining open spaces or ditches.

“We ask that you have it hauled away by contractors or hire somebody to do it and then haul it to those designated snow dumps.”

In a press release earlier this year, the City reminded that owners of rental properties are still responsible for ensuring the clearing of adjacent sidewalks and pathways of their rental property, regardless of who does the work.

The City of Swift Current will notify property owners in the event of an infraction.

Community members concerned about snow removal at a specific property are invited to present their compliant in writing by sending an e-mail to plng@swiftcurrent.ca, filling out a “Bylaw Inquiry Form” at www.swiftcurrent.ca, or filling out a “Bylaw Complainant Statement” at City Hall.

Section 65 of the Traffic Bylaw outlines the full snow removal requirements. The entire city Traffic Bylaw can be accessed on the City of Swift Current website http://www.swiftcurrent.ca/i-want-to/learn-aboutcity-services/bylaw-enforcement.