The City of Calgary prepares for snow

With the first major snowfall of the winter forecasted for overnight, The City of Calgary is already jumping into action.

The City of Calgary is taking proactive steps to help commuters after Environment Canada issued a snowfall warning. Up to 20 centimetres of snow is predicted to fall by Tuesday afternoon.

Even before the snowfall begins, City crews are applying anti-icing agent on known potential trouble spots. Areas such as bridge decks and hills throughout the city are receiving the anti-icing agent as a preventative measure against ice build-up on the roadways.

With road temperatures currently at about -5C, salt is also being spread on the roads. As snow begins to accumulate, crews will plow as necessary.

As The City prepares, you can too. With heavy snow warnings in the forecast, conditions may be right to declare a city-wide Snow Route parking ban.

Calgarians can get informed about a potential parking ban by:

• tuning in to local media (TV and radio newscasts) 
• signing up for automatic email alerts
• reading City-issued releases via The City’s newsroom
• viewing The City’s online interactive map
• downloading the free applications for iPhone, Blackberry and Android
• visiting calgary.ca
• contacting 311

Drivers are reminded to leave at least 10 metres distance - about three car lengths - between your vehicle and the working sanders, graders and plows. Do not pass working equipment.
As the commute has not been affected by severe winter conditions in some time, drivers are reminded to take the following steps before beginning their commute:

• Tune up and winterize your vehicle.
• Consider installing appropriate tires to the season.
• Clean snow and ice off your vehicle and ensure your lights and your windows are clear.
• Give yourself extra time to reach your destination.
• Reduce your speed and turn on your headlights.
• Drive defensively.
• Leave extra distance between you and the car ahead of you.
• When road conditions are difficult, consider using Calgary Transit.
• Consider delaying your trip until the roads are in better condition.  

For information on The City’s snow and ice control program, please visit calgary.ca.