Snow route parking bans FAQ
What is a snow route parking ban?
A snow route parking ban is a temporary parking restriction on roads designated as snow routes. Parking bans allow crews to clear snow more effectively and efficiently when they don’t have to work around parked cars. Snow routes include major roadways, collector roads and most bus routes, and are marked by blue signs with a white snowflake. Check the address lookup to see if you are affected by snow route parking bans.
When does The City call parking bans?
The City will call a parking ban when a significant amount of snow has fallen and / or built-up around on-street parking spots along designated snow routes.
What is the process for calling a parking ban?
If a snow route parking ban is necessary, The City will announce, through the media and other channels, that a parking ban will come into effect in the next one to two days. The advisory encourages Calgarians to be proactive and remove their vehicles from the street before a parking ban goes into effect. Once the parking ban is in effect, all vehicles must be moved off snow routes until the ban is lifted.
How long will snow route parking bans be in effect?
Snow route parking bans could be in effect for up to 72 hours. There may be times when parking bans are shortened if the work is completed in less time.
Can I still put my waste and recycling bins on the street during a parking ban if I live on a snow route?
No, please put your blue, black and green carts on the sidewalk or boulevard next to the curb when a parking ban is in effect. If your carts are picked up from a back lane, put them in the usual place. Make sure to leave at least one metre between carts and surrounding objects such as parked cars.
If I don’t see a sign identifying the snow route on my street, is it a snow route?
Possibly. Snow route signs may only be posted at entry points to the route. Roads with only a few entry points will have fewer signs. It’s better to know than be towed; check the address lookup to see if you are affected by snow route parking bans.
My street has been plowed. Can I park my car on the road again?
No, not until The City announces that the parking ban has been lifted. Snow plows often return to the same locations multiple times to ensure the snow is cleared as thoroughly as possible. If you are unsure if you can park, check Snow and Ice Updates or call 311 to find out if the snow route parking ban is still in effect.
What are my options for alternate parking during a parking ban?
If you live or work on a snow route, find alternate parking in a garage, underground parkade, surface lot or on a secondary side street.
Can I park in my back alley during a snow route parking ban?
- The alley is wider than 6.1 metres and there are no pre-existing parking restrictions.
- There's at least 1.5 metres of space left between the vehicle and driveway or garage.
- The vehicle is not parked directly across from a driveway or garage.
- There’s at least 1 metre of space left between the vehicle and closest blue, black and green carts.
- There's at least 3 metres of clearance on either side of the vehicle to allow others to pass through unobstructed. See the traffic bylaw for more information.
Am I allowed to park on my front lawn during a snow route parking ban?
No, parking on a lawn is prohibited under The City’s Land Use Bylaw.
Are there any exceptions to snow route parking bans?
Yes. Snow routes located in Business Improvement Areas (BIA) and downtown are exempt from the snow route parking ban from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Existing parking controls remain in effect at all times. Please refer to the map for more information.
Will on-street accessible parking be impacted during a snow route parking ban?
On-street accessible parking zones located along snow routes are excluded from parking bans at all times. If you or a household member have mobility issues, learn more about accessible parking zones and how to apply for one.
Who can answer my specific parking enforcement questions?
If you have questions about parking enforcement, either during a snow route parking ban or otherwise, please contact Calgary Parking.
What happens to vehicles left on a snow route during a parking ban?
Vehicles that remain parked on snow routes during a parking ban may be ticketed and towed. See the Calgary Parking website for more information.
How do I report vehicles that are parked on a snow route during a ban?
Contact Calgary Parking for more information on enforcement practices.
Snow Route Map
Snow route signs are posted along all affected roadways. Check the snow route map to find out where snow routes are located.
Parking Ban Alerts
Sign-up to receive text or email notifications when a snow route parking ban will be in effect and when it's been lifted.
Where to park during a ban
Calgary Parking allows On-street paid parking in a ParkPlus zone located on a snow route, is only allowed during the day – from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Saturday – when a snow route parking ban is in effect.
Parking ban enforcement
Calgary Parking can ticket and/or tow vehicles parked on a Snow Route. Learn more about Calgary Parking enforcement practices during a Snow Route parking ban.
Snow and Ice Concerns
Report a complaint or concern on a public sidewalk, city road, pathway, walkway or Calgary Transit property.