Snow and Ice Control Program

Snow and ice control operationsThe Snow and Ice Control Program in the Town of Ponoka is conducted in accordance with the Town’s Snow and Ice Control Policy to help keep Town roads and sidewalks safe for motorists and pedestrians, as well as to support the operation of emergency services.

Throughout the winter months, snow and ice control operations include salting, sanding and clearing snow and removing snow when needed from: 

  • Town roadways;
  • Sidewalks adjacent to Town-owned properties;
  • Municipal parking lots, such as the Ponoka Arena Complex and Ponoka Aquaplex; 
  • Walking trails and park furniture (benches, picnic tables, etc.) in parks and throughout the trail system in the Town of Ponoka. 

Snow and ice control operations also include clearing snow from the Lions Centennial Park ice skating trail and the Outdoor Rink (ODR) next to the Ponoka Arena Complex. 

Please note that 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. Inquiries related to snow and ice control on those provincial roadways can be directed to their contractor, Main Roads, at 1-817-875-3263.

How to Report a Roadway or Sidewalk that May Need Attention

To report an icy intersection, back alley or snow-covered sidewalk that may need attention, please file an Online Service Request or phone the Town Office at (403) 783-4431 where Town staff can help fill out the form for you.

The Town of Ponoka's Snow and Ice Control Policy states that snow and ice control operations along Town roadways will commence upon a snow accumulation of 10 centimetres or four inches. 

Snow and ice control operations may commence earlier depending on road conditions and the weather forecast.

To view the Snow and Ice Control Policy, please click here.

Snow and ice control operations are conducted within the Town’s annual snow removal budget which is based on average winter snowfall conditions over the past 10 years and is approved by Town Council.  

Snow and ice control operations are conducted first on priority routes in the Town of Ponoka, which include high-volume roadways, such as emergency, school bus and connector routes. 

To view the Town’s Priority Routes Map, please click here.

There are four residential zones and two commercial/industrial zones in the Town of Ponoka:

  • Zone 1 - Lucas Heights
  • Zone 2 - North End
  • Zone 3 - Central District
  • Zone 4 - Riverside
  • Zone 5 - Commercial/Industrial
  • Zone 6 - Downtown Core

To view the Snow and Ice Control Zone Map, please click here. Snow and ice control operations in residential areas are completed on a rotational basis starting in a different zone each year.

Please note that the residential snow removal schedule is dependent on environmental conditions. New weather events can require crews to redirect attention back to priority routes.

Which sidewalks and pathways does the Town of Ponoka clear?


Crews salt, sand and clear snow on sidewalks adjacent to Town-owned properties and on walking trails, as well as clearing snow from park furniture (benches, picnic tables, etc.) in Town parks and throughout the trail system.

Which sidewalks do I have to clear on my property?

Citizens are reminded to please help keep our community safe by ensuring sidewalks that border your property, including the section of sidewalk in front of your driveway are clear of snow and ice.

By keeping sidewalks clear of ice and snow, you are helping protect the safety and well-being of your neighbours and fellow citizens in Ponoka.

Clearing sidewalks that border your property within 48 hours after the snow or ice has been deposited is a requirement under the Town of Ponoka Community Standards Bylaw #384-17 and can result in fines when necessary. 

When shovelling, residents are asked to please only deposit snow and ice onto your own property – not the roadway or someone else’s property. This is also a requirement under the Bylaw. Shovelling snow onto your own property is also good for your grass when the snow melts in the spring.
Snow and Ice Control Updates are posted frequently throughout the winter season here on the Town of Ponoka website and on the Town's social media channels to inform citizens of snow and ice control operations in the Town of Ponoka. 

To view Snow and Ice Control Updates, please click here.

To report an icy intersection, back alley or snow-covered sidewalk that may need attention, please file an Online Service Request or phone the Town Office at (403) 783-4431 where Town staff can help fill out the form for you.