Winter Road Maintenance

How Winter Road Maintenance Works in Westlock

Our snow removal process follows a set order to keep the community safe and roads passable. After a snowfall that meets the Town’s “triggering event” thresholds, crews begin clearing roads by priority level, then move into zone-based clearing.

Step 1 — Clearing by Priority

Roadways are cleared in this order:

  • Priority 1 – Emergency Routes
    These are the highest-use, highest-risk routes (emergency access and key connectors).

  • Priority 2 – Downtown Business Core & School Routes
    Includes downtown streets, school areas, and Town-managed parking lots.

  • Priority 3 – Business Continuity Routes (Collector Roads)
    These are the larger neighbourhood connector roads and avenues.

Crews complete Priorities 1, 2, and 3 before moving into residential areas.

Step 2 — Clearing by Zone

Once the top three priorities are complete, operations move into:

  • Priority 4 – Residential Areas
  • Priority 5 – Lanes and Alleys

Residential and lane clearing is completed by zone, following a rotating schedule:

  • The zone cleared first in the previous event becomes the last in the next event.
  • The next zone moves up to first, and so on.
  • This rotation applies to Priorities 3, 4, and 5.

This rotation ensures fairness and consistency throughout the season.

2025-2026 Snow Clearing Activity

Snow removal operations are triggered based on accumulation levels:

  • Standard Response:
    • Loose snowfall of more than 100 mm
    • Compacted snow depth of 100 mm or more
  • Heavy Snowfall Event:
    • Loose snowfall of more than 200 mm
    • Focus will be on clearing driving lanes first, with snow pushed to the curb lane (windrows)
    • Windrows are removed after all priority roads and lanes are cleared
    • Contracted services will support cleanup during major snow events

  • Snow Day Removal signs are posted at least 24 hours in advance of operations in a specific area.
  • Sign placement, location, date, and time are recorded by the Operations Department.
  • Notices are shared on the Town of Westlock website and Facebook page.

When No Parking signs are posted, all vehicles must be removed from the road by 12:00 a.m. until the snow removal operation is complete.

To keep our community safe and mobile during winter:

  • Clear sidewalks adjacent to your property within 24 hours after snowfall.
  • Keep vehicles off the road when Snow Day Removal signs are posted.
  • Do not push or blow snow onto public roads or sidewalks.
  • Report uncleared sidewalks using the Report a Concern tool.

Working together helps ensure everyone can access schools, healthcare, and essential services safely.

  • Transportation alerts, maps, and schedules will be shared through the Town’s communication channels.
  • Sign up for the Westlock Regional Notification System to receive real-time alerts by text, email, or phone.

To report issues on Highways 44 and 18, contact LaPrairie Works at 1-800-828-3908.

While the Town of Westlock maintains most roads within town limits, Highway 18 and Highway 44 are managed by LaPrairie Works, under contract with the Province of Alberta.

2024-2025 Snow Clearing Activity

Questions?

  • Town Office: 780-350-0710
  • After-hours Public Works Line: 780-349-0178