Edmonton Winter Parking Bans: What Homeowners Need to Know
Phase 1 bans clear major roads. Phase 2 clears residential streets. Here is what happens, when, and what it costs if you do not move your car.
✅ Key Takeaways:
- Phase 1 (arterials): takes effect 7pm day of declaration
- Phase 2 (residential): 24-48 hours later, 8+ hours notice
- Ticket + tow + impound: $325-$440 total
- Sidewalk clearing: mandatory within 48 hours, $100+ fine
- Typical 3-6 bans per winter season
The Two-Phase System
Edmonton clears snow using a two-phase parking ban. The City declares bans after significant snowfall (typically 5+ cm). It is not automatic. You need to watch for announcements.
Phase 1 takes effect at 7pm the day it is declared. All vehicles must be removed from:
- Bus routes and major arterial roads
- Collector roads (the mid-size roads connecting neighbourhoods to arterials)
- Designated snow routes (marked with signage year-round)
Plows work through the night. Phase 1 typically takes 24-48 hours to complete.
Phase 2 is declared after Phase 1 finishes. All vehicles must be removed from residential streets. This is when your specific neighbourhood gets plowed. Phase 2 gives you time (usually announced with at least 8 hours notice) to move your car to a driveway, back lane, or cleared road.
How to Get Notified
- 311 App: Download the City of Edmonton 311 app. Push notifications for parking bans.
- edmonton.ca/parkingban: Live status page showing current ban phase and map.
- @CityofEdmonton on X/Twitter: Real-time ban declarations.
- Local radio: Stations announce bans during traffic reports.
- Text/email alerts: Sign up at edmonton.ca for neighbourhood-specific alerts.
The City also posts temporary "No Parking" signs on affected streets, but these go up with limited notice. Do not rely on signage alone.
What It Costs If You Do Not Move
| Violation | Cost |
|---|---|
| Parking ban ticket | $100-$150 |
| Towing fee | $200-$250 |
| Impound daily rate | $25-$40/day |
| Total (ticket + tow + 1 day impound) | $325-$440 |
Vehicles are towed to the impound lot. You pay the tow company directly to retrieve your vehicle. The ticket is separate and payable to the City.
How Many Bans Per Winter?
Edmonton typically declares 3-6 parking bans per winter season (November through March). Some winters have more. The 2024-2025 season had several significant snowfalls that triggered bans. Each ban lasts until plowing is complete, usually 2-4 days total across both phases.
Sidewalk Clearing: Your Responsibility
Edmonton bylaw requires property owners to clear sidewalks adjacent to their property within 48 hours of snowfall ending. This applies to:
- Front sidewalks
- Side sidewalks (corner lots)
- Paths leading to your front door (for mail/delivery access)
Clear to bare concrete or a packed snow surface that is safe to walk on. Do not push snow onto the road or into the gutter.
Fine for non-compliance: $100+ per violation. The City does enforce this, particularly after complaints from neighbours or mail carriers.
Snow Removal Services
If you do not want to shovel:
Per-visit pricing:
- Standard single driveway: $30-$50 per visit
- Double driveway: $45-$70 per visit
- Corner lot (sidewalk + driveway): $50-$80 per visit
Seasonal contracts (November through March):
- Standard: $200-$400 for the season
- Premium (same-day clearing, includes sidewalks): $400-$600
Most services are triggered by 2.5-5 cm of accumulation. Confirm the trigger amount and expected clearing time (within 12 hours of snowfall? 24 hours?) before signing.
Winter Tires
Not legally required in Edmonton, but practically essential. The City plows main roads first, and residential streets can remain snow-covered for days after a storm.
Budget $800-$1,200 for a set of four winter tires. Many drivers buy a second set of rims ($400-$600) so they can swap themselves instead of paying $80-$120 for seasonal changeovers at a shop.
Changeover season: install by mid-October, remove by mid-April. Some insurance companies offer a discount (2-5%) for winter tire use.
Tips for New Edmontonians
- Get a block heater cord. Your car has a block heater (standard on all Alberta vehicles). Plug it in when temperatures drop below -15C. Use a timer set for 2-3 hours before you start the car.
- Keep a winter kit in your trunk. Blanket, phone charger, small shovel, sand or kitty litter for traction.
- Learn the back lanes. Many Edmonton neighbourhoods have back lanes with garage access. During parking bans, your garage and back lane are your best friends.
- Budget for winter. Between snow removal ($200-$400), winter tires ($800-$1,200), increased heating costs, and the occasional parking ticket, winter adds $1,500-$2,500/year to your living costs.
🎯 The Bottom Line: Phase 1 clears arterials, Phase 2 clears your street. Ticket + tow costs $325-$440. Download the 311 app, plug in your block heater, and budget $1,500-$2,500/year for winter living costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a parking ban is in effect? Check edmonton.ca/parkingban or the 311 app. The status page shows the current phase and which streets are being cleared.
Can I park on a cleared street during Phase 2? Yes. Once a residential street has been plowed, you can park on it again. Check the status map.
What if I am at work when a ban is declared? Phase 1 gives you until 7pm the day of declaration. Phase 2 gives at least 8 hours notice. If your workplace is downtown, consider transit on ban days.
Do parking bans apply to back lanes? No. Back lanes are not covered by parking bans. However, the City does not plow most back lanes either.
What happens if I get towed and cannot afford the fees? Contact the tow company about payment plans. The parking ticket can be disputed through the City's ticket review process.
Parking ban rules from City of Edmonton (edmonton.ca). Sidewalk clearing bylaw: Community Standards Bylaw C14600.