After each winter season, our Public Works Department begins the Spring Street Sweeping Program to clear roads of sand and debris buildup. Subdivision sweeping is contracted out, while priority 1’s and parking lots are completed with Town resources.

By removing sand and debris, street sweeping prevents build-ups that could block storm sewers and catch basins, while also reducing the amount of airborne dust and improving the quality of air.

Street sweeping provides a safe, clean driving surface for motorists and improves the look of the Town's road network.

What you should know:

• Spring sweeping usually starts mid to late April and is typically completed by mid-May. Our sweepers are on the streets between 7:00am and 7:00pm Monday to Friday.
• "No parking" signs are placed 24 hours before sweeping starts. We ask that residents be cognizant of the signage and move their vehicles, and help our crews complete the work in a timely and efficient manner.
• Please do not park on the street until the signs are removed. 
  • Street Sweeping schedule will be posted a few days in advance to remind residents to make plans to remove their vehicle(s) to ensure an effective and efficient sweep is completed.
• Please note: The street sweeping schedule is weather-dependent and is subject to change, especially in Alberta!

Frequently Asked Questions: 

When does the street sweeping program take place?

The street sweeping program typically operates during the spring and summer months, when weather conditions are favourable. However, the specific dates and frequency of street sweeping may vary each year based on factors like weather patterns and road conditions. The Town of Blackfalds schedules street sweeping in the spring, and specific areas are swept in the fall to pick up leaves that would end up blocking the storm water infrastructure.

How often are the streets swept?

The frequency of street sweeping varies depending on the road classification and the level of debris accumulation. Main arterial roads and heavily trafficked areas are usually swept more frequently than residential streets. Generally, the Town of Blackfalds strives to sweep all streets at least once during the street sweeping season.

Will I be notified in advance when the street sweeping will take place on my street?

The Town of Blackfalds makes an effort to provide advanced notice to residents regarding upcoming street sweeping activities. Typically, notices are posted on the town's website and social media platforms. Additionally, temporary "No Parking" signs may be placed along the streets scheduled for sweeping. Residents can also sign up for Blackfalds Connect, where notices are sent right to your phone. 

How should I prepare for street sweeping on my street?

To facilitate effective street sweeping, it is essential to remove any vehicles, trailers, or other obstacles from the road on the designated sweeping day. Make sure to check the notifications provided by the town to be aware of the scheduled sweeping dates for your area. By keeping the streets clear, you can help ensure thorough cleaning and maximize the benefits of the street sweeping program.

Will the street sweeping program affect garbage collection and other services?

The street sweeping program is typically coordinated to minimize disruptions to other municipal services, such as garbage collection. Efforts are made to ensure that the sweeping schedule does not coincide with the regular garbage collection days. Multiple sections are assigned each week to allow for waste pickup schedules.

How can I contribute to the effectiveness of the street sweeping program?

Residents can support the street sweeping program by keeping their yards and sidewalks free from debris. Avoid sweeping leaves, grass clippings, or other yard waste into the street, as it can obstruct the sweeper's effectiveness and clog storm drains.

Whom should I contact for further information or specific inquiries about the street sweeping program?

For additional information or specific inquiries about the street sweeping program in the Town of Blackfalds, you can reach out to the Public Works Department. They can provide you with further details, address concerns, and assist you with any questions related to the program. 

Every spring, road crews work to keep storm drains open and clean the streets of sand and debris that accumulates in the winter. The stormwater drainage basins are often steamed repeatedly to minimize the formation of large puddles.

When the road surface is dry enough, the streets are swept to prevent the storm sewers from clogging and to maintain a safer, clean surface for driving and cycling. The surfaces done each spring include:

• Town-owned roads that are finished with asphalt
• Hard-surfaced boulevards & medians
• Sidewalks & walkways that are plowed in the winter
• Public facility parking lots: Civic Cultural Centre, Eagle Builders Centre Arena, Abbey Centre, Community Centre, and Wadey Centre.

Street cleaning adds to the beauty and safety of our community and minimizes our environmental footprint, but can produce noise and dust. Community members are thanked for their understanding while this work is done and are asked to limit their on street parking and be mindful when placing their waste & recycling carts at this time.

Periodic sweeping continues throughout the summer until the Thanksgiving weekend, as required. 

Please refer to the Snow & Ice Maintenance Policy for full details on the policies and procedures for snow removal in the Town of Blackfalds.

In order to assist Town crews with effective snow clearing, we ask that all residents follow these guidelines:

• Keep the streets clear of vehicles during plowing. 
• 'No Parking' signs will be placed 24 hours before snow removal to allow time to move vehicles off the street. 
  Vehicles that are not moved will be towed.
• If you plan to be away for an extended time, you are required to move any vehicles to off-street parking.
• Keep sidewalks clear of ice and snow within 48 hours of snowfall.

Snow Removal Programs

The Town conducts snow removal operations on seven (7) priority levels in accordance with the Snow & Ice Maintenance Policy 148.20, as approved by Town Council.

For each Priority Level, criteria for snow fall, snowpack or other conditions must be met prior to commencing snow removal operations. Priority Levels for roadway snow removal operations go in descending order for Priorities 1 through 5.

• Priority 1 routes are roadways considered emergency roadway access where snow removal signage is not required, and snow can be plowed to the side of the road. 
• Priority Levels 2 through 5 are routes where snow cannot be plowed to the side of the road and must be hauled out. (Signage is posted at least 24 hours in advance of snow clearing/removal activities for Priority Levels 2 through 5.)
• Priority 6 (service lanes) are done on an as-needed basis, ie. when a service lane becomes impassable in order to maintain solid waste service collections.
• Priority 7 includes Town trails, sidewalks, and parks parking lots. 

Snow Removal Schedule 

Roadway Sanding

For all snow removal and street sanding activities, Public Works follows the Snow & Ice Maintenance Policy. Sanding priorities are based on the use and volumes of traffic on roadways. 

Sanding of intersections and icy sections will be done as required for known problem areas and out of order of priority levels as established in the Snow & Ice Maintenance Policy. The sand/salt mixture the Town uses is comprised of salt for de-icing and sand and chips for traction control. The town uses a road salt (sodium chloride – NaCl) which is effective in preventing ice from forming on the roadways when the temperature is below approximately -7 degrees Celsius. 

Public Works monitors future and current weather conditions and plans for snow plowing and ice control. 

Sidewalk & Trail Sanding

While the Parks and Recreation Department maintains trails, sidewalk maintenance is a shared responsibility between the Town, local schools, businesses, and property owners. Residents and business owners can pick up free sand for ice control on the sidewalks in front of their property at designated locations. Please bring your own pail and shovel. 

Please refer to the Snow & Ice Maintenance Policy for more information on snow and ice maintenance on Town-owned sidewalks and trails. 

Salted sand is now located at the Abbey Centre (4500 Womacks Rd.) and Centennial Park (Panorama Dr.)

Residents can submit a Service Request to request sanding: www.blackfalds.ca/p/service-request

Community Mailboxes

Canada Post is responsible for clearing snow in front of all community mailboxes. If you are concerned about snow or ice control in front of community mailboxes, please visit their website to submit an online request here!

How to Use a Roundabout website

Government of Alberta Roundabout page

Town crews do their best to make our roads safe. Road repairs and maintenance may include pothole filling, crack sealing, spray patching, alley and roadway grading.

Asphalt resurfacing may occur at various times during the year and we ask that all drivers and pedestrians be aware of construction signage and work zones.

We appreciate your patience and allow crews to complete these important repair and maintenance activities safely. 

Our Public Works team always appreciates a friendly wave and positive words from our residents!