| Residential Snow Removal Begins: | Snow Removal Zone Rotation Schedule: |
| Priority 1: Emergency routes and highway intersections |
December 27, 2025, at 5 p.m.
Windrows
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. |
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.
Priority and Zone Maps
2025-2026 Snow Clearing Activity
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.
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
Contact Us
Town of Westlock
Town Office
10003-106 Street,
Westlock, Alberta T7P 2K3
Ph: 780-349-4444
Toll Free: 1-866-349-4445
Fax: 780-349-4436
Email Us: info@westlock.ca
After Hours/On-Call:
780-349-0178