Winter Road Maintenance | Town of Westlock

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.

View or Download Snow Removal Policy

Priority and Zone Maps

2025-2026 Snow Clearing Activity

Residential Snow Removal Begins:	Snow Removal Zone Rotation Schedule:
Priority 1: Emergency routes and highway intersections	WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2026 Public Works crews continue with full snow removal operations after receiving additional snowfall. Crews will focus on Priority 1 emergency routes and highway intersections to ensure safe and reliable travel throughout the community.
Priority 2: Downtown Business District & School Zones	THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2026 Crews will complete Priority 2 routes in the Downtown Business District and School Zones. Once this work is finished, crews will transition back to regular snow clearing operations, resuming Priority 4 local roads where they previously left off. We anticipate starting Priority 4 local roads in Zone 4 on Friday.
Priority 3: Remaining Collector Roads	These routes were completed February 17-March 2, 2026.
Priority 4: Local Roads	FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2026 Crews will continue snow removal operations on Priority 4 routes in Zone 4, as shown on the map below. Please allow crews plenty of space to operate and use caution when travelling near equipment. Moving vehicles from marked areas helps us complete snow removal safely and efficiently. We anticipate transitioning to Priority 4 local roads in Zone 5 on Monday. MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2026 Crews will continue snow removal operations on Priority 4 routes in Zone 5, as shown on the map below. We anticipate transitioning to Priority 4 local roads in Zone 6 on Tuesday. TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2026 Crews will continue snow removal operations on Priority 4 routes in Zone 7, as shown on the map below. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2026 Crews will continue snow removal operations on Priority 4 routes in Zone 6 and 7, as shown on the map below.

Residential Snow Removal Begins:	Snow Removal Zone Rotation Schedule:
Priority 1: Emergency routes and highway intersections	PAST ACTIVITY: FEBRUARY 17, 2026 Winter is back in full force. With snow in today’s forecast, our crews are focusing on drifted areas, emergency routes, and highway intersections to maintain access and ensure safe travel throughout the community. Once snowfall has stopped, crews will transition into our regular snow removal rotation. PAST ACTIVITY: FEBRUARY 18, 2026 Today, crews are focusing on Priority 1 Intersections and Emergency Routes (see map below). We remind residents to follow posted snow removal signs and to remove vehicles from roadways so crews can safely and effectively clear snow. Please give our crews space to work—together, we can keep Westlock moving.
Priority 2: Downtown Business District & School Zones	PAST ACTIVITY: FEBRUARY 19, 2026 Crews will be transitioning to Priority 2 routes in the downtown business district beginning at 4:00 a.m. February 19 (please see map below). To support safe and efficient snow removal, residents and businesses are reminded to follow posted snow removal signage and remove vehicles from roadways in advance of crews arriving. PAST ACTIVITY: FEBRUARY 20, 2026 Crews will continue working on Priority 2 routes in the downtown business district beginning at 4:00 a.m.(please see map below). PAST ACTIVITY: FEBRUARY 21, 2026 Crews will continue clearing Priority 2 and 3 routes starting at 6:00 a.m. (See map below). Our maps reflect the routes we are aiming to complete each day; however, these are best estimates based on weather and operating conditions. If your street is highlighted but was not completed, crews will return to address it the following day. As crews move throughout town, they are also clearing alleys where drifting snow is creating access issues.
Priority 3: Remaining Collector Roads	PAST ACTIVITY: FEBRUARY 23, 2026 Snow removal operations will continue on Priority 3 routes (see map below). Crews are also working through alleys as they move across the community to address drifting snow that is affecting access for residents and businesses. PAST ACTIVITY: FEBRUARY 24 - 27, 2026 Snow removal operations will continue on Priority 3 routes (see map below). PAST ACTIVITY: MARCH 2, 2026 On Monday, crews will be focusing on the routes shown in red on the map below. You can help by ensuring vehicles are moved from marked areas—this allows crews to clear streets efficiently and safely. When no parking signs are posted on snow routes, all vehicles must be removed from the roadway by 12:00 a.m. and remain off the street until snow removal and windrow clearing are complete.
Priority 4: Local Roads	PAST ACTIVITY: MARCH 3, 2026 Crews will transition into Priority 4 local roads in Zone 3 as shown on the map below. With changing weather conditions expected over the next 24 hours, including periods of snow, crews will actively monitor the forecast and adjust operations as needed to ensure emergency routes and highway intersections remain clear and accessible.

Residential Snow Removal Begins:

Snow Removal Zone Rotation Schedule:

Priority 1: Emergency routes and highway intersections

PAST ACTIVITY: December 27, 2025, at 5 p.m.

Tomorrow, Sunday, December 28, we’ll be adjusting our snow removal operations to address current conditions.

What to expect:

Crews will begin the day in Priority 1 routes (arterial roads and emergency routes)
Once Priority 1 routes are addressed, crews will return to residential streets
Additional graders and ploughs will be brought in to help move snow more efficiently
Snow will be pushed to the centre of the road or to one side, where appropriate

Windrows
Windrows will remain in place for several days as crews work through all roadways. Removal will occur as resources allow, but residents should expect temporary windrows during this phase of operations.

Snow Blower Crews
We plan to have two snowblower crews operating over the next two days to support windrow removal and cleanup.

Thank you for your patience as crews continue working through the winter road maintenance process. Updates will be shared as conditions change.

PAST ACTIVITY: December 30, 2025 at 11:30 a.m.

Ongoing snow removal is being complicated by rain and slippery conditions. All available crews are actively working, with additional contractors assisting in all snow removal operations. Crews have reduced operating speeds for safety, while continuing to clear roads.

To improve safety and road conditions, sanding operations have been increased and made more aggressive where needed. Despite the weather, crews remain committed to clearing Priority routes, we appreciate residents’ patience as operations continue. Please watch for crews and equipment in the area and allow them space to operate safely. Vehicles must be removed from marked areas.

Updates will be shared as conditions evolve.

Priority 2: Downtown Business District & School Zones

Priority 3: Remaining Collector Roads

Priority 4: Local Roads

PAST ACTIVITY: December 31, 2025 - January 5, 2026

All available crews are actively working, with additional contractors assisting in all snow removal operations. Crews have been clearing routes in Priority 2, 3 and 4 roads.

PAST ACTIVITY: January 6, 2026

Snow removal routes for Tuesday, January 6 and Wednesday, January 7 are shown on the maps below.

Both large snow blowers are currently down for repairs. These blowers are used to remove windrows by blowing snow directly into dump trucks, which allows crews to clear streets efficiently and haul snow out of town. Without this equipment, snow removal will continue but at a significantly slower pace while repairs are underway.

Thank you for your patience as crews continue working through challenging winter conditions to keep roads safe and clear.

PAST ACTIVITY: January 7, 2026

Public Works crews continue snow removal operations; however, both large snow blowers are currently down for repairs.

Without this equipment, snow removal will continue but at a significantly slower pace while repairs are underway. Snow removal routes for Wednesday, January 7 are shown below. If your route was scheduled for today but was not cleared, crews will return on Thursday, January 8 to complete snow removal.

We appreciate residents’ patience and understanding as crews continue working with the equipment available. Updates will be shared as more information becomes available.

PAST ACTIVITY: January 8 & 9, 2026

Public Works crews have completed repairs to both large snow blowers, and normal snow removal operations have resumed. Crews are once again able to remove windrows efficiently and haul snow out of town.

Snow removal routes scheduled for tomorrow, January 8 and Friday, January 9, are posted below in blue and orange. Please watch for signage and crews working in your area.

We appreciate residents’ continued patience and cooperation as snow removal operations progress.

Residential Snow Removal Begins:	Snow Removal Zone Rotation Schedule:
Priority 1: Emergency routes and highway intersections.	PAST ACTIVITY: DECEMBER 17, 2025 We have reached the 100 mm snowfall threshold that triggers full snow removal operations. Snow is still falling, and blowing snow is reducing visibility and contributing to drifting in some areas. Over the next 24 hours, Public Works crews will focus on Priority 1 Emergency Routes and Highway Intersections, which will remain the focus until snowfall and drifting conditions improve. Based on current forecasts, we anticipate moving into Priority 2 areas, including the Downtown Business District and School Zones, on Friday. PAST ACTIVITY: DECEMBER 18, 2025 Public Works crews continue to operate under full snow removal operations. Today, crews remain focused on Priority 1 Emergency Routes and Highway Intersections to ensure safe access for emergency services and traffic. Based on current forecasts and progress, crews plan to begin work on Priority 2 routes tomorrow, including the Downtown Business District and School Zones. Residents can help by ensuring vehicles are moved from marked areas, which allows crews to clear streets efficiently and safely. When no-parking signs are posted on snow routes, all vehicles must be removed from the roadway by 12:00 a.m. and remain off the street until snow removal and windrow clearing are complete.
Priority 2: Downtown Business District & School Zones	PAST ACTIVITY: DECEMBER 19 & 20, 2025 Crews continue full snow removal operations today after receiving additional snowfall overnight. Ongoing drifting snow has extended operations, and crews remain focused on clearing the Downtown Business District routes safely and efficiently.
Priority 3: Remaining Collector Roads & Priority 4: Local Roads	PAST ACTIVITY: DECEMBER 21 - 22, 2025 Collector Roads in Zones 4, 5, 6 and 7 will be cleared starting on Sunday as conditions permit. Please see the detailed snow removal activity maps below. PAST ACTIVITY: DECEMBER 23 - 24, 2025 Crews will be working in Zone 7, focusing on Collector Routes and Local Roads. Extremely cold temperatures are creating challenging conditions for both crews and equipment, which may slow progress as Operators work safely and efficiently. Based on current progress and weather conditions, we anticipate moving into Zone 2 on December 24, 2025.
Priority 1: Emergency routes and highway intersections.	PAST ACTIVITY: DECEMBER 27, 2025 Full snow removal was not completed before another triggering snowfall event occurred. As a result, crews were required to return to Priority 1 emergency routes to address safety and access concerns.

Snow Removal Activity

Snow removal routes are planned based on typical conditions and may change due to weather events, equipment availability, or emergency response needs. Our crews work to follow these routes as conditions allow. Thank you for your patience during winter weather events.

When Does Snow Removal Begin?

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 Removal Signage

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.

Resident Responsibilities

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.

Stay Informed

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.

Questions?

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