Calgary crews are ready for snow and winter as city advises residents to prepare

Steam rises from office towers in the downtown as the temperatures dip below -25C and rush hour traffic is stalled in Calgary, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Calgarians have been enjoying unseasonably warm weather this month so far, but the city says crews are ready when the snow flies.

The City of Calgary says its crews are ready 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the winter season.

“Our crews work before, during and after each snowfall, focusing on the busiest roads, sidewalks and pathways first to help keep Calgary moving after a snowstorm,” said Chris Hewitt, Calgary’s manager of mobility maintenance, in a release.

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Officials say Calgary’s busiest routes see more than 20,000 vehicles per day, so it’s vitally important for crews to respond effectively during snowstorms.

Crews are tasked with clearing major roads during the first 18 hours after a snowfall and pedestrian infrastructure such as pathways and sidewalks are cleared within 24 hours.

Calgary Transit buses are also being prepared for the coming conditions, the city said.

All-weather tires are now being installed on 40- and 60-foot vehicles, which will be used year-round.

The service’s entire fleet is expected to be upgraded all-weather tires by 2029, with no extra cost to taxpayers.

Calgarians need to be prepared

Dry, warm conditions have been giving residents a false sense of security, the city says, but they don’t mean snow isn’t coming.

“We encourage Calgarians to keep their eyes on the weather. This calm before the storm is a good opportunity for the city to remind Calgarians to be prepared for travel this winter season,” Hewitt said.

Calgarians are also reminded to take extra time to get where they need to go and give extra space to crews as they clear roads.

They should also be making sure their vehicles are properly maintained and ready for the coming weather.

This includes topping up all necessary fluids, brushing off your vehicle before driving and bringing along a snow brush, scraper and emergency kit.