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Parking Restrictions In Place

Downtown snow removal underway in Ponoka

Jan 13, 2022 | 5:07 PM

Parking restrictions are being implemented in downtown Ponoka as Town Operations staff conduct snow removal in the downtown core (Zone 6) beginning at 4 p.m. on Jan. 13.

‘No Parking – Snow Removal’ signs are being placed along affected streets downtown. Citizens are asked to please move parked cars from roadways where the signs have been placed. Officials say the parking restrictions will continue this evening and tomorrow until snow removal operations are completed in the downtown area.

To view the Town of Ponoka Snow Removal Zone Map, please visit www.ponoka.ca/p/snow-ice-control-program.

Motorists are reminded to please drive with caution around snow removal equipment and pedestrians are asked to please maintain a safe distance around snow removal operations.

Once snow removal operations are completed in the downtown area, crews will continue to focus on snow removal along Priority 1 and 2 routes in accordance with the Town’s Snow and Ice Control Policy. Upon completion of Priority 1 and 2 routes, Town crews will begin turning their attention to snow removal in residential areas. Weather conditions and new snowfall events, however, can require crews to redirect their attention back to Priority 1 and 2 routes.

To view the Town of Ponoka Priority Routes Map, please visit www.ponoka.ca/p/snow-ice-control-program.

Priority routes are designated based on the following criteria:

  • Emergency services routes;
  • School bus routes;
  • Traffic volume (pedestrians and vehicles);
  • Road classification; and
  • Special conditions (roadway geometry and terrain, drift exposure, drainage, etc.)

Notification will be posted on the Town website and social media pages when snow clearing of residential zones commences. Snow clearing in residential zones is conducted on a rotational basis according to zones. This winter, residential snow clearing will begin in Zone 3 – Central District.

Town crews are also continuing to clear snow and salting and sanding sidewalks adjacent to Town-owned properties, as well as on walking trails and park furniture (benches, picnic tables etc.) in Town parks and throughout the trail system.

To report an icy intersection, back alley, or sidewalk that may need attention, please submit an online request on the Town website at www.ponoka.ca. Just click the Service Request button under ‘File an Online Service Request’ and fill out the form. You can also phone the Town Office at 403-783-4431 where Town staff can help fill out the online form for you.

By helping keep sidewalks clear of snow and ice that border your property, Town officials say you are protecting the safety and well-being of your fellow citizens in Ponoka. Keeping sidewalks adjacent to your property clear of snow and ice is a requirement under the Town of Ponoka Community Standards Bylaw #384-17 and can result in fines.

When shovelling, residents are also asked to please avoid depositing snow and ice onto the roadway and properties other than your own. Shovelling snow onto your own property is said to be not only good for your grass when it melts in the spring, but also a Bylaw requirement.

Town winter operations crews work in conjunction with the Alberta Ministry of Transportation, which is responsible for snow and ice control on Highways 2A and 53 in Ponoka.

To view the Town of Ponoka Snow and Ice Control Policy, please visit the Town website at www.ponoka.ca/p/snow-ice-control-program.