The Assisted Snow Removal Pilot Program supports low-income seniors and Edmontonians with disabilities and mobility challenges by clearing snow from accessible walkways and public sidewalks adjacent to private property.
In April 2024, City Council approved a two-year pilot to assist in snow removal for approved low-income seniors and residents with disabilities and mobility challenges.
The Assisted Snow Removal Pilot project focuses on three main areas:
- Snow Removal Support for People with Disabilities and Mobility Challenges
The City of Edmonton will coordinate snow removal services to remove snow from the private property accessible walkway and public sidewalks adjacent to the property of those with disabilities and mobility challenges. This service will be funded by the City, as approved by Council. - Collaboration with the Government of Alberta for Low-Income Seniors
The City has partnered with the Government of Alberta, which offers snow removal support for low-income seniors. The provincial program, Special Needs Assistance for Seniors, provides financial assistance to seniors, helping them cover the costs of essential items like appliances, specific healthcare services, personal support and snow removal. - Snow Removal Supports for Community Leagues
The City supports Community Leagues in their efforts to bring the community together to support equity-deserving groups to remove barriers to finding tools and resources to alleviate their snow removal needs.
Support for People with Disabilities and Mobility Challenges
Eligibility
- Any person living in Edmonton with a permanent or temporary disability can apply to the Assisted Snow Removal Program.
- Participants must provide a signed authorized health care provider form to confirm that they cannot perform any activities related to snow removal. Current participants of the Dedicated Accessible Transit Service (DATS) and the Assisted Waste Collection programs can enrol in the Assisted Snow Removal Pilot through a simplified process. Please complete the enrolment form and our team will contact you to gather additional information to support your request.
- There must be no individuals residing in the household who can perform snow removal.
- Only one enrolment will be processed per household. If two residents are eligible for the pilot, one should become the primary participant.
Step 1:
For New Participants
- Submit the online enrolment form; download and print the authorized healthcare provider form
- Have your healthcare provider sign the authorized healthcare provider form and send by courier/regular mail to:
Citizen Services / City of Edmonton
Complaints & Investigations
PO Box 2359
Edmonton Tower, 10111 104 Avenue NW
Edmonton, AB T5J 2R7
Please note that we are not able to receive the authorized healthcare provider form sent by email. We will only approve original documents, no copies, scans or other.
For Current DATS and Assisted Waste Participants
- If you are already enrolled in the Dedicated Accessible Transit Service (DATS) or the Assisted Waste Collection programs, you can enroll in the Assisted Snow Removal Pilot through a simplified process.
- Simply complete the enrolment form, and our team will contact you with additional questions to confirm your needs and service location.
Step 2:
After receiving the online enrolment form and the original health care provider form by courier/regular mail, we will schedule a phone interview to continue the process. This step cannot be completed online.
Step 3:
During the phone interview, you will be notified of your approval status. Once approved, you will begin receiving the Assisted Snow Removal services.
You may apply at any time during winter. Please note that processing times may be longer during periods of peak snow removal demand.
We will only accept one application per household.
- Complete the enrolment form. Our team will contact you with additional questions about your needs and to determine the service level, location, and area.
- You will be notified whether your enrolment was approved, placed on a waiting list or denied. If you are denied entry into the pilot, we will send you a letter or email outlining the reason for your ineligibility and information on the appeal process.
- Once approved, we will add your address to the snow removal inventory. All additional information will be kept confidential, ensuring your privacy and security.
- Snow removal service will begin within 24 hours after the snowfall has ceased citywide and at least 2 cm of snow has accumulated. You don’t need to contact us or the service provider to get the service.
- In case of any issue, you can contact us by calling 780-508-9288 or emailing assistedsnowremovalprogram@edmonton.ca.
- Before each winter season, a program renewal letter will be sent to you by mail or email to verify your eligibility, personal information and to confirm your need for snow removal service.
Frequently Asked Questions
This pilot program will run for two years, starting in winter 2024. All participants will undergo an annual review to verify their personal information and eligibility.
No, the City still needs to approve your enrolment, which requires authorization and completing a service agreement. Please note that until a service agreement is complete and enrolment is finalized, you are responsible for maintaining the snow and ice adjacent to your private property.
If a spot in the pilot program is not available when you apply, you will automatically be added to our waitlist. This ensures you will be notified if a spot opens up.
Yes, the Assisted Snow Removal Pilot will arrange for local subcontractors to remove snow from the private property accessible walkway and public sidewalks adjacent to the property.
You don’t need to contact the City or the service provider to get the service. Once you consent to the Service Agreement, we will add your name and address to the pilot program’s inventory list. Snow removal assistance will be provided within 24 hours after snowfall has ceased city-wide and at least 2 cm of snow has accumulated.
If you agree, the subcontractor will apply an ice treatment, either sand or a pickle mixture, which is a salt and sand combination, during the snow removal service. Ongoing ice treatment between snowfalls is your responsibility. Our Community Sandbox Program provides free, dry sand at designated locations for use on icy sidewalks and walkways.
Meeting the subcontractor on-site is not required, but you can certainly greet the provider and say hello. The service provider will enter your yard and begin snow removal services without notification such as door knocking. Please ensure all gates are unlocked so the provider can access all sidewalks requiring snow removal.
No, the City of Edmonton will ensure that all snow removal costs determined in the service agreement will be covered for approved applicants.
Please contact us as soon as possible by calling 780-508-9288 or emailing assistedsnowremovalprogram@edmonton.ca. Changes should be made at least 14 days in advance to avoid any disturbance. After that period, we can’t guarantee timely service at your new location.
Please email assistedsnowremovalprogram@edmonton.ca to cancel the Assisted Snow Removal Pilot agreement.
We are aware that not everyone can complete an online application. For assistance completing the enrolment form, please contact us at 780-508-9288 or assistedsnowremovalprogram@edmonton.ca.
If a spot in the program is not available when you apply, you will automatically be added to our waitlist. This ensures you will be notified if a spot opens up.
Special Needs Assistance (SNA) Program for Low-Income Seniors
The Government of Alberta provides a program that offers financial assistance to low-income seniors, helping them cover the cost of appliances, specific health care, and personal support, including snow removal.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Special Needs Assistance program, you must:
- Be 65 years of age or older
- Be an Alberta resident
- Be a Canadian citizen or have been lawfully admitted to Canada for permanent residence
- Meet financial eligibility criteria
- Have provided a Seniors Financial Assistance application
To apply, please visit Special Needs Assistance for Seniors.
The City of Edmonton is working with the Government of Alberta to streamline the snow removal service pilot program for Edmontonians needing service for the 2025-2026 winter season.
For help with the application process, call 211 and press 2 for the Seniors Information Phone Line. An operator will guide you to find organizations supporting seniors in Edmonton.
You can also contact any of the following organizations to find help.
For more information, visit the Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council.
Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society |
ASSIST Community Services Centre |
Jewish Family Services (welcomes all individuals) |
Operation Friendship Seniors Society |
Newcomer Centre (Former Edmonton Mennonite Centre) |
Sage Seniors Association |
The Shaama Centre |
Strathcona Place Seniors Society |
Westend Seniors Activity Centre |
Multicultural Health Brokers Cooperative |
Snow Removal Supports for Community Leagues
The City of Edmonton is partnering with several community leagues to support residents across the city. By fostering a collaborative approach, Edmontonians can get additional snow removal support, ensuring safer and more accessible neighbourhoods during winter months. Contact the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues to get more information about your community league.
The Community Assisted Snow Removal Grant will start receiving applications by November 1, 2024.
311 Contact Centre
Online | Contact 311 Online |
If you are calling from outside Edmonton | (780) 442-5311 |
Telephone | 311 |
---|---|
TTY | 711 |