Winter maintenance parking restrictions return for parts of Fort McMurray

Winter Maintenance Zones, RMWB image

FORT MCMURRAY — Snow removal operations will be underway across parts of Fort McMurray next week as Winter Maintenance Subzones 1 and 2 become active from Dec. 15 to 19, bringing temporary on street parking restrictions.

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo says crews will move directly into snow removal, which involves loading accumulated snow into haul trucks and transporting it to a designated snow disposal site. The process takes longer than routine snow clearing but is necessary to maintain road safety as snowbanks grow through the winter.

Residents living in Subzones 1 and 2 are required to remove vehicles from the street on their designated maintenance day between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. On street signage and the municipality’s Find Your Zone tool identify each residential street’s assigned subzone and weekday.

During active weeks, parking restrictions apply only on the single scheduled day for each street. The municipality says following the schedule helps crews work efficiently and reduces delays.

Residents are also reminded to clear personal items from the curb, including curb mats, basketball hoops, and hockey nets, to prevent damage and keep crews moving.

The snow disposal site on Tower Road is open 24 hours a day. Contractors and residents disposing of snow must have a valid snow disposal permit, which can be applied for online.

The municipality notes residents are responsible for clearing snow from sidewalks and driveways within 48 hours of a snowfall. Snow should be shoveled onto private property or the green space between driveways and never onto the roadway.

Officials are asking motorists and pedestrians to give maintenance crews space and to avoid approaching equipment while work is underway.

Residents can stay informed by signing up for Winter Maintenance Zone email updates, watching digital neighbourhood signs, following the municipality on social media, or visiting rmwb.ca/WMZ. Questions can be directed to Pulse by calling 780-743-7000 or visiting rmwb.ca/pulse.