Town of Foam Lake – Snow Clearing Bylaw Overview
With winter weather approaching, the Town of Foam Lake would like to remind residents of our Snow Clearing Bylaw and the priority system our Public Works Department follows during snow events.
This policy ensures that snow removal is completed efficiently, safely, and in a prioritized order to keep essential services accessible.
Priority Area 1 – High Priority (Emergency Services Access)
Priority Area 2 – Primary Streets
Priority Area 3 – Town Facilities
Priority Area 4 – Remaining Streets & Facilities
Snow Removal Priorities
Snow removal typically begins after 10 cm of snowfall, once the storm has ended. In the case of heavy or continuous snowfall, crews may begin clearing during the storm if conditions allow.
Snow clearing is completed in four priority stages (Public Works may alter the order of snow removal where operational, safety, or emergency conditions require):
Priority Area 1 – High Priority (Emergency Services Access)
These areas are cleared first to maintain access for emergency vehicles:
- Fire Station
- RCMP
- Midway Ambulance
- Foam Lake Health Centre
- Water Treatment Plant
Priority Area 2 – Primary Streets
These major routes support higher traffic volumes and business access:
- Alberta Avenue
- Bray Avenue
- Broadway Street
- Cameron Street
- Chant Street
- Main Street (100–400 blocks)
- McIntosh Street
- North Railway Avenue
- Robertson Avenue
- Saskatchewan Avenue
- South Railway Avenue
Priority Area 3 – Town Facilities
- Cemetery
- Community Hall
- Lagoon Entrance
- Library / Food Bank
- Lift Stations 1 & 2
- Recreation Centre
- Storage Buildings
- Town Office
- Town Shop
- Transfer Station
Priority Area 4 – Remaining Streets & Facilities
All remaining residential roads, bays, and Town properties, including Armour Drive, Forget Street, Knobel Drive, Moore Street, Psyden Drive, Royal Street, York Street, Zaychuk Street, and others.
Additional Snow Removal Information
- Only select back lanes (Main Street 100–400 blocks and lanes requiring delivery services) are cleared.
- When snow accumulation is heavy, snow on Main Street (300–400 blocks) may be temporarily placed in the center and removed as time permits.
- Driveway ridge removal will only occur where the driveway is clearly identifiable and has been previously shovelled or cleared by the property owner.
- Residents must not push or blow snow from private property onto public streets.
- Sidewalk clearing is limited to designated routes, including Main Street sidewalks and portions of Bray Avenue and Cameron Street.
- Snow removal will not be provided for private walkways or non-designated sidewalks.
- Fire hydrants and storm sewer grates are cleared for safety and proper spring drainage.
Sanding
Intersections and road surfaces are sanded after:
- Freezing rain
- Light snow causing slippery conditions
- When roads become polished or icy
Sanding is completed after snow removal within each area.
Responsibilities
Property Owners
- Clear windrows left by graders across driveway entrances.
- Clear adjacent sidewalks within 24 hours of snowfall.
- The Town shall not be responsible for damage to lawn ornaments, decorations, or other personal property located on the front portion of a property that extends onto Town-owned property, including boulevards, sidewalks, or other municipal set-backs
Contractors
- Private contractors not retained by the Town shall not pile or deposit snow on public property.
- Snow removed by a private contractor must be piled on the originating property unless alternative arrangements are approved by Public Works.
Public Works
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Follow and enforce the Snow Clearing Bylaw while ensuring efficient & safe snow removal across the community