City of Lethbridge makes permanent snow plowing changes

Lethbridge City Council voted to implement permanent changes to their snow plowing operations.

Plows will stick to only plowing snow to the right on snow routes, rather than than being windrowed and removed from residential roadways. The windrow assistance program that was introduced as a pilot program over the last few years will also become a permanent service in our city.

The windrow assistance program allows residents living by snow routes and who experience mobility challenges to sign up for snow clearing assistance to clear plowed snowbanks from their driveways. In an effort to shore up costs and improve efficiency for clearing operations, the city began plowing only to the right side of the street four years ago.

“This decision reflects years of operational experience, resident feedback and financial analysis,” says Mayor Blaine Hyggen. “The pilot gave Council the information needed to evaluate both the operational and financial impacts of these service changes to make an informed decision.”

By not removing windrows entirely, it has brought the cost per kilometre of snow plowing to the right at approximately $260 per kilometre, compared with approximately $6,800 per kilometre for snow removal.

The city says the service aligns with the 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, with council directing administration to report back results in the spring of 2030.

Residents can view more about the program on the City’s website.