Snow removal continues in Fort McMurray as parking restrictions hit subzones 3 and 4

WMZ / Winter Maintenance Zone Sinage -Photo by Jon Tupper

FORT McMURRAY — Snow removal operations are continuing across Fort McMurray this week as winter maintenance subzones 3 and 4 come under parking restrictions.

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo says on-street parking restrictions will be in effect from March 16 to March 20 while crews remove snow in those areas.

Municipal officials say the work involves loading snow into trucks and hauling it to disposal sites, a process that requires more time and equipment than regular plowing and typically occurs only once or twice each winter.

Subzones 1 and 2 are expected to follow, with snow removal scheduled from March 23 to March 27.

Crews will also continue work over the weekend of March 14 and 15 in the downtown area and in Thickwood. Temporary no-parking signs are being placed 24 hours before snow removal begins on streets not included in the municipality’s winter maintenance zone program, such as primary, secondary and tertiary routes.

Residents are asked to watch for temporary signage and avoid parking in restricted areas until crews complete the work and signs are removed.

Municipal officials are also urging residents to help keep garbage and recycling collection on schedule as heavy snowfall continues to affect access to bins.

Residents are asked to place bins in front of windrows rather than on snowbanks, keep lids clear of snow and ice, and ensure containers are not blocked by snow piles.

The municipality also advises residents to take care when crossing windrows and to avoid climbing on large snow piles along streets and in cul-de-sacs.

Homeowners are reminded to remove empty bins from the street after collection, clear driveways and sidewalks within 48 hours of a snowfall and place shoveled snow on their yards or nearby greenspace rather than pushing it onto the street or near fire hydrants.

Residents can track winter maintenance zone activity and receive updates through the municipality’s website, neighbourhood digital signs and social media channels.