Following an exceptionally snowy December with four times the usual accumulation, the City of Edmonton is deploying its full snow-clearing arsenal and announcing a mandatory residential parking ban to tackle the mounting challenge.
Phase 2 Parking Ban Details and Schedule
The city confirmed that a Phase 2 residential and industrial parking ban will come into effect at 7 a.m. on Monday, January 11, 2026. This is a direct response to the back-to-back snowfalls that have strained municipal resources. The ban will be enforced city-wide on a rolling basis, with each neighbourhood impacted for approximately 72 hours.
Val Dacyk, the city's General Supervisor of Snow and Ice Control, outlined the operational plan. "Snow clearing will operate 24 hours a day on weekdays only," Dacyk stated. The ban will pause for residents on weekends, running from 7 a.m. Monday to 7 p.m. each Friday, and resuming the following Monday at 7 a.m.
Substantial Fines for Non-Compliance
Ignoring the ban will be a costly mistake for vehicle owners. The city has made it clear that cars left on residential roads during active clearing in their area will be ticketed. The fine for violating the parking ban is $250 per ticket.
This enforcement is not an empty threat. Data from the city reveals that during two separate parking bans in December, which addressed four significant weather events, 245 tickets were issued. This resulted in a total of $61,250 in fines collected from non-compliant drivers.
Dacyk emphasized the importance of cooperation for efficient operations. "Moving your vehicle off the road is critical... Failure to move your vehicle will significantly hinder operations, and the area may be rescheduled or skipped," she warned.
Additional Winter Responsibilities for Residents
The city is also reminding Edmontonians of their other seasonal duties. Property owners must keep sidewalks cleared to a width that allows access for individuals with mobility issues. Failure to do so can lead to a fine of up to $100, plus the cost of the city sending a crew to clear it.
Residents are also asked to assist emergency services by keeping fire hydrants clear of snow and ice. "Every second counts — blocked, concealed or difficult to access fire hydrants can delay emergency fire response," Dacyk stressed.
For those seeking alternative parking during the ban, options include using garages, driveways, alleys, or roads already cleared under the Phase 1 ban. The city also notes that many ePark zones offer free overnight parking from 6 p.m. until 9 a.m.
With a forecasted warm spell next week threatening to melt snow followed by a return to deep freeze, creating potentially icy conditions, the city is urging all drivers to cooperate with the parking ban to ensure roads are cleared safely and effectively for all.
