Sidewalk Snow Clearing

Many residents face accessibility challenges due to injury, permanent disability or aging. Be a good neighbour and help make our sidewalks accessible in all seasons, whether on foot, using a mobility device or pushing a stroller.

Information for Property Owners

• Property owners must clear sidewalks within 48 hours following a snow event.
  • Properties located within Schedule B of the Clean Property Bylaw are required to clear sidewalks within 24 hours. This area is primarily located within the downtown area.
• The end of a snow event is considered to be when the snow stops falling.
• Sidewalks must be kept free from snow and ice buildup. Create an even, walkable surface by clearing the sidewalks to the edges and as close to the concrete as possible.
• Snow from sidewalks can be placed on your property or along the curb next to the sidewalk, ensuring it does not interfere with traffic.
• Do not shovel or blow snow into the road.
• Property owners who fail to clear their sidewalk in the allotted timeframe could receive a Notice of Non-Compliance.
• If the property owner does not remedy the situation within the specified timeline, the City could take action to have the sidewalks cleared and the costs applied to their property taxes.

In 2021, City Council approved Sidewalk Snow Clearing as part of the Clean Property Bylaw to help create a city that is inclusive and accessible even in the coldest months of the year.

Public Sandboxes

The City provides free sand/salt mix at 19 sandboxes throughout Regina for residents to help make icy sidewalks safe. Bring a small container and something to scoop with. Find a sandbox near you.

Crews monitor and fill the sandboxes as needed after they attend to ice control activities on the priority road network. If your community sandbox is low or empty, please submit a Service Request to let us know, and crews will refill it at their earliest availability.

Snow Angels Program

The Snow Angels program is available in areas of the city where the community association has set up the service.

This season, 13 community associations are running a Snow Angels program within their respective communities.

Residents in the following neighbourhoods should contact their community association directly if they wish to volunteer or apply for snow removal support.

Questions & Answers

When is the start of the 48 or 24-hour clock to clear the sidewalk?
The timeline to clear a sidewalk is considered to begin once snow/rain stops falling, or when the wind stops blowing snow onto the roads and sidewalks.

Property owners can also be in violation of the bylaw outside of specific snow events if their walk is not shovelled as appropriate. For example, if high winds are causing drifts across the sidewalk, the property owner must clear the sidewalk even though it was not a specific snow event.

What does it mean to “clear” the sidewalk?
A safe and even walking surface is expected on all City sidewalks adjacent to the property by clearing to the sidewalk edges and as close to the concrete as possible. It should be shovelled within the allotted time to ensure snow and ice do not build up or cause slippery conditions for users.

Where can I put the snow?
Snow removed from sidewalks can be placed on the adjacent property or the curb next to the sidewalk, ensuring it does not interfere with traffic. Shovelling or blowing snow into the driving lane is a bylaw violation. Snow from driveways and private walkways should remain on the property.

I live on a corner lot. Am I expected to clear in front and along the side?
Yes, all parts of the sidewalk adjoining your property are expected to be cleared.

What happens if I don’t shovel my sidewalk?
The goal of the bylaw is to ensure sidewalks across our community are accessible for our neighbours throughout the winter months. Should enforcement be required, City staff will issue a Notice of Non-Compliance to the property owner to clear the sidewalk in a specified timeframe. If the property owner does not comply within the specified timeframe, the City will take action to have the sidewalks cleared and the costs applied to their property taxes.

What will the cost be if the City has to clear the sidewalks?
Our contractor charges an hourly rate that is comprised of labour, equipment and snow removal costs. The amount applied to the property owner’s tax account is based on the amount of time it takes the contractor to clear the sidewalk, which varies depending on the size of the lot and the amount of snow/ice removed.

How long will it take for the City to remedy the situation?
This timeline will vary depending on several factors including the number of snow or ice events, properties to investigate, and resourcing of winter maintenance staff to remedy the situation.

Who has to clear sidewalks in front of rental properties?
Property owners are responsible for maintaining the sidewalks in front of their properties.

What is the Schedule B area?
Schedule B is an appendix to The Clean Property Bylaw which identifies the area required to clear sidewalks 24 hours after a snow or ice event. This area is primarily located within the downtown area.

What if my neighbour doesn’t clear the sidewalk in front of their property?
There may be several reasons including they are unaware of the bylaw, or unable to physically clear it. If possible, ask them, or be a good neighbour and clear it for them. As a last option, it can be reported to Service Regina online or by calling 306-777-7000. The City will schedule an inspection of the sidewalk.

What if I'm unable to clear my sidewalk?
It’s important to make arrangements to clear your sidewalks as per the bylaw. Ask for help from family, friends, or neighbours, or hire a local student or snow removal company.

How can I get support from or volunteer to be a Snow Angel?
Each community association is responsible for its own Snow Angels program. Please reach out to your community association to request help or to volunteer.

What if City graders dump the snow on the freshly cleared sidewalks? 
Snow ridges are a result of plowing the roadway. Our goal is to keep the snow ridges in the curb lane and not on sidewalks. If it happens, we ask residents to call Service Regina and we can schedule our crews to stop by. 

Will the City be clearing sidewalks in front of their properties too? 
Yes, the City must adhere to the same level of service as indicated in the bylaw.