Edmonton Mobilizes Private Contractors as Winter Storm Intensifies
With a severe winter storm bringing swirling snow and a prolonged deep freeze to Edmonton, city officials are taking proactive measures to ensure road safety and accessibility. The municipality has enlisted a fleet of 100 private graders to bolster its snow and ice removal efforts, significantly expanding its operational capacity.
Phase 1 Parking Ban Activated
The city's Phase 1 parking ban will come into effect on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 7 a.m. This restriction prohibits parking on all major roadways, arterials, collectors, and bus routes. The ban is expected to remain in place for three to five days, allowing crews to work around the clock in a prioritized manner to clear primary roads efficiently.
Valerie Dacyk, general supervisor for infrastructure field operations overseeing snow and ice removal, emphasized the strategic approach. "We are starting our snow response early, ahead of the snow event ending," Dacyk stated. "We will still be ensuring that the roadways are fully cleared after the snow stops, but additional resources have been brought in early to try and get the roads ready earlier and quicker for residents to travel on."
Expanded Snow Removal Fleet
The recruitment of private contractors has dramatically increased the city's snow-busting capabilities. City crews have been operating continuously since Monday night, and with the addition of the private graders, the total fleet has expanded from 20 to 120 graders. These machines join approximately 120 truck-plows equipped with front- and under-body-mounted blades, creating a comprehensive response team.
"We do feel quite confident that we'll be able to get the roadways cleared and ready to go in a very short period of time," Dacyk added. "Additionally, with that, bringing in contractors early, we'll see the impact on the roadways much quicker." Drivers should notice significant improvements by rush hour on Wednesday morning, with roads expected to be fully operational shortly thereafter.
Weather Conditions and Future Evaluations
Fortunately, the actual snowfall has been less than initially forecasted, which may aid in faster clearance. "This time, the predicted weather forecast was actually for more than what we're seeing fall out there," Dacyk noted.
City officials plan to evaluate residential areas on Friday, after the majority of snow accumulation has ended, to determine if a Phase 2 parking ban is necessary. "Only at that time will we be able to tell if we're going to go into a Phase 2 parking ban or not," Dacyk explained. Historically, Phase 1 bans have seen higher compliance rates compared to Phase 2, due to the types of roadways they cover.
Background and Public Response
This aggressive response comes in the wake of previous criticism over snow and ice removal delays during earlier winter events. Reports indicated that up to 90 percent of motorists were ignoring Phase 2 parking bans, leading to public frustration and operational challenges. The current measures aim to address these concerns by enhancing resources and implementing bans proactively.
By leveraging private contractors and enforcing parking restrictions, Edmonton aims to mitigate the impact of the winter storm and ensure safer travel conditions for all residents. The city's commitment to early action and expanded fleet deployment reflects a determined effort to avoid past pitfalls and maintain efficient urban mobility during harsh weather.
