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Winter-ready tips for navigating Wetaskiwin's ice and snow

Walking or driving, preparation and extra time are key
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Roads and sidewalks can be treacherous in winter weather. Allow extra time and prepare before you head out.

With unpredictable winter weather a part of daily living for another few months, it's a good time to think about steps we can all take to help keep Wetaskiwin safer for residents and visitors.

For residents and business owners:

At home, it's important to remember the importance of keeping sidewalks clear – for mail carriers, your neighbours on their way to work and school, and others navigating the snow and ice.

In the City of Wetaskiwin, residents and businesses are required to remove snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to their property – whether they rent or own – within 48 hours of the snow falling or ice forming.

Under the Community-Standards-Bylaw, if sidewalks are not cleared, the City may undertake removal, with costs charged back to the resident. Additionally, an administration charge may be applied and any unpaid amount added to their property tax bill. Remember to keep snow and ice removed from driveways and walkways on your property to melt, rather than depositing it on the road where it can impede vehicles or add to flooding concerns.

For pedestrians:

Even the best-cleared paths and sidewalks can pose risks, especially after a thaw-freeze cycle, notes MyHealth Alberta. While it's best to try to find a route around snow and ice if possible, well-fitting shoes or boots with good grip will also help, as can adding snow grips or ice cleats when needed.

Allow extra time to get where you need to go, walking on cleared sidewalks, and taking smaller, deliberate steps. Keep your hands out of your pockets for better balance, use handrails on stairs and ramps, and use extra caution on slopes with no handrails. Find additional tips here.

For drivers:

You've likely already prepped your vehicle for the cold weather – winter tires, anti-freeze, working windshield wipers, etc. – but a winter driving refresher is never a bad idea.

Before you leave, maximize visibility by cleaning snow and ice from your vehicle, including windows, mirrors, headlights, taillights and licence plates.

Allow extra time to safely navigate driving conditions, which means slowing down – remember, posted speed limits are intended for ideal road conditions.

Keep your headlights on so drivers behind you can see your taillights (don’t rely on daytime running lights), don't use cruise control in winter conditions, and allow at least three times the normal following distance to give yourself additional reaction time. Know how 0 your braking system reacts on ice and be gentle with braking pressure on slick roads.

For more winter driving tips, visit alberta.ca/safer-winter-highways