Press Release: Councillor Davison Proposes Solutions to City Snow and Ice Control (SNIC) Policy Following December Snowfall

Calgary, AB – To recognize and address citizen concerns as a result of the December 21-22, 2020 snowfall event, Ward 6 Councillor Jeff Davison, the Chair of the City’s Transportation and Transit Committee along with Ward 1 Councillor Ward Sutherland, are proposing to the Priorities and Finance Committee on January 12, updates to the Snow and Ice Control (SNIC) Policy.

Currently, City Administration has various limitations to how resources can be deployed following a significant snowfall event. Current, policy dictates that a “snow emergency” must be declared by City Council so that Administration can access further snow-clearing funds.

Councillor Davison’s Notice of Motion, drafted in partnership with the City’s Road Department, proposes to identify these gaps and formulate criteria by which City Administration could have the authority and discretion to declare these events unilaterally in the case of extreme snow events.

“Many Calgarians are rightfully upset with the City’s snow clearing efforts following our last major snowfall,” said Davison.

“To hear that a bureaucratic technicality limited our snow response is unacceptable. This proposal will address Administrations ability to work quickly, and within their best professional judgement, to provide service to all Calgarians.”

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