Winter maintenance preparedness, raising awareness about new parking ban

Lloydminster, AB/SK – The City of Lloydminster finds itself amid an unusually mild December, with this winter’s first forecast of snow expected overnight through December 7, 2023. Despite the late start to a winter landscape, the City assures residents and passersby that it is fully prepared for winter weather conditions.

Environment Canada is calling for periods of rain changing to snow this evening. Approximately two to four centimetres of snow is expected to hit the area, and 20 km/h winds from the northwest could cause some visibility issues. The City reminds motorists to drive to conditions and allow ample time for travel.

As the community prepares for what could be the first real sign of winter, the City would like to take this opportunity to highlight its new proactive approach to winter maintenance.

Winter Maintenance Readiness

• The City of Lloydminster has a comprehensive winter maintenance policy to address snow and ice removal promptly and efficiently.
• A fleet of snowplows and sand spreaders is well-maintained and awaits deployment.
• Weather conditions are continuously monitored to stay ahead of changing conditions. This helps ensure appropriate staffing levels are met.

New Parking Ban Implementation

• This year, the winter maintenance policy includes a significant update—a parking ban. To provide operational efficiency and ensure safety during winter maintenance operations, the City may implement a parking ban, as required, Monday to Friday between 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. from October 31 to March 31 of the following year.
• When a parking ban is implemented, the City shall communicate the parking ban via local media, through the City’s website and social media, and may place “No Parking” signs (excluding Priority 1 and Priority 2 routes) in or near the specified area in advance. 
• Vehicles not adhering to the parking ban may be towed and impounded at the registered vehicle owner’s expense.
• The City of Lloydminster will continue to raise awareness of the new parking ban throughout the 2023/2024 winter season. Although vehicles will not likely be towed between December 2023 to March 31, 2024, the City strongly encourages motorists to find alternate parking this winter. Parking bans will be fully enforced effective October 31, 2024.

Community Teamwork

• The City appreciates the co-operation of the greater community in adhering to parking regulations during snow events, ensuring the effectiveness of our snow clearing and removal efforts, and keeping walkways clear for everyone to enjoy.
• To help ensure safe travels through neighbourhoods, property owners or occupants whose properties are located along municipal streets must remove snow, ice, dirt, debris, or any other material from the sidewalk within 72 hours.
• Community co-operation is requested as citizens are reminded that snow cleared from approaches, driveways and sidewalks shall not be pushed onto highways, roadways or ditches. 
• The City encourages residents to stay informed about winter maintenance updates through official city channels, including Lloydminster.ca/traffic, Facebook and Instagram.