At a regular Council meeting, the following motion was passed:
“MOVED BY Councillor Reese to have Administration and Council draft a response to snowplow concerns this past winter and publish it on County social media and the Mile Zero Banner Post.”
Council and Administration acknowledge the snowplowing and winter road concerns raised by residents at the ratepayer meetings held in Dixonville and Manning, as well as through other public comments received this season. Safe and reliable road access is important for residents, school buses, emergency services, businesses, agricultural operations, and County services.
This past winter, particularly December 2025, created significant challenges due to heavy snowfall, drifting snow, wind, equipment demands, and the size of the County’s road network. In December, the County received approximately 60 inches of snow, and County equipment operated with limited downtime for most of the month.
To respond, the County hired an additional three pieces of contracted equipment to assist County operators and regular contractors. Snow continued to fall during this time, winds created drifting, and equipment breakdowns occurred. The County office also received an average of 24 calls per day regarding road conditions and driveway clearing requests.
During December:
- County equipment operators worked 2,549 hours.
- Regular and additional contracted equipment worked 1,075.5 hours.
- By comparison, average monthly winter hours are approximately 2,240 hours for County operators and 659.9 hours for regular contracted operators.
The County is responsible for approximately 2,000 kilometres of road, as well as entrances and parking lots for water fill stations, transfer stations, landfills, community facilities, and approximately 250 residential driveways enrolled in the Residential Snow Removal Program.
Snow clearing is completed in priority order, as outlined in the County’s Level of Road Service Classification Policy:
- Main routes;
- Roads to occupied residences and school bus routes; and
- Snow-plow-posted driveways.
County operators also address windrows left in entrances as soon as possible. However, during extreme snowfall, windrow removal may take longer than anticipated, as the first priority must be keeping County roads passable and safe.
Council and Administration also recognize that residents have raised concerns regarding the cancellation of private driveway snow clearing services. These concerns were heard clearly at the Dixonville ratepayer meeting, through comments at the Northern Connections Expo in Peace River, and through public discussion in the local newspaper. Council understands that driveway clearing, road plowing, and windrow removal are closely connected for many residents, particularly seniors and those with limited access to private equipment or contractors.
The County will continue to review snow removal service levels, policy direction, operational capacity, and public education opportunities to help residents better understand what services the County can provide and where responsibility rests.
It is also important to clarify that not all roads and snow-clearing areas within the County are the responsibility of the County of Northern Lights.
Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors, through La Prairie Group, is responsible for Highways 35, 986, 737, 743, 691, 690, 741, 695, and 692, including highway entrances, turning lanes, rest areas, and County road intersections within highway rights-of-way. Unsafe highway conditions may be reported to La Prairie at 1-800-828-3908 or works@laprairiegroup.com.
CN is responsible for CN road and rail crossings. The County is not permitted to work within five metres on either side of CN infrastructure. Unsafe CN crossing conditions may be reported to 1-800-465-9239.
Canada Post is responsible for clearing in front of community mailboxes. County operators make every effort not to leave windrows in front of mailboxes; however, during heavy snowfall, clearing County roads remains the priority.
Private property driveways, entrances, and parking lots are the responsibility of property owners, except where driveway or entrance windrow removal applies. Residents and contractors are asked to avoid pushing snow onto County roads, piling snow along ditches where it interferes with grader operations, or placing snow where it may increase spring drainage or flooding concerns.
To report non-emergent County road concerns, residents may use the online reporting form at www.countyofnorthernlights.com/report-issue or call the County office at 780-836-3348.
For emergent road-related situations during regular office hours, please call 780-836-3348. For after-hours emergency concerns related to roads or utilities, residents should call the County office and wait for the recorded message with the appropriate after-hours contact number.
Council and Administration sincerely thank County equipment operators, administrative staff, contracted operators, and residents for their efforts, patience, and understanding during a challenging winter season.
Council and Administration