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.