An Edmonton city councillor is sounding the alarm, stating the municipality's current level of snow removal service is not meeting the demands of the growing urban centre. Andrew Knack argues the standards are insufficient for "the city we have."
Windrows Block Neighborhood Streets
The issue came into sharp focus on January 13, 2026, as residents in neighborhoods like Highlands navigated streets lined with large windrows—the piles of snow left by plows. These windrows can block driveways, narrow driving lanes, and create accessibility challenges for pedestrians and emergency vehicles alike. The visual evidence, captured in photos, underscores the practical problems residents face after major snowfall events.
A Call for Revised Service Standards
Councillor Knack's critique centers on the belief that the city's operational plans have not kept pace with its expansion and evolving transportation needs. He suggests that the existing benchmarks for when and where plowing occurs, and how much snow is cleared, were designed for a smaller, less dense Edmonton. The call is not merely for more frequent plowing, but for a fundamental review of the service level agreement the city has with its residents regarding winter maintenance.
This debate touches on core municipal responsibilities: ensuring safe mobility for all citizens, maintaining access for essential services, and balancing these needs against budgetary constraints. With Edmonton experiencing typical Prairie winters, efficient snow management is a critical component of urban livability and economic functionality.
Broader Implications for Municipal Planning
The discussion about snow removal opens a larger conversation about infrastructure and service planning in growing Canadian cities. Knack's comments imply that cities must proactively adapt their core services—from transit to waste collection to snow clearing—to match their current scale and future growth trajectories. Failing to do so can lead to chronic service shortfalls, public frustration, and potential safety issues.
As Edmonton continues to develop, pressure will likely mount on city council and administration to re-evaluate this essential winter service. The outcome of this debate could set a precedent for how other municipalities across Canada assess and upgrade their own service delivery models in response to urban growth and changing citizen expectations.
