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RAINFALL LANDSCAPES BLOG

6 tips and tricks to deal with snow removal in Calgary

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The winter season in Calgary can be extremely erratic. Snow storms and freezing temperatures to sunny chinook days are the norm. Snow removal in Calgary is extremely important to stay on top of. We have outlined some tips and tricks that will help you deal with snow removal in Calgary this winter. 

1. Follow the City of Calgary snow removal bylaw

The most important thing when removing snow in Calgary, is following the bylaws put in place by the City. You must remove snow and ice from public sidewalks boarding your home within 24 hours of snowfall ending. This includes the paths and sidewalks directly next to and adjacent to your home. 

The penalties from failing to remove snow from your Calgary home is a fine of $250 for the first offence, $500 for the second offence and $750 for a third offence. 

You are also responsible for ensuring that no one falls or slips on your property. This means placing down ice melt after you have shovelled snow on your Calgary home. Be diligent and remove snow from your Calgary home within 24 hours of snow fall. 

2. Use a good shovel

Shovelling snow during a Calgary winter can be exhausting. It becomes even more exhausting when you have a terrible shovel. If you don’t have a high-quality shovel to work with, you’re just making it harder for yourself and your body. Purchasing a high-quality shovel like True Temper or Grant Yukon will allow you to get the job done. 

If you’re local to Calgary, please try and purchase from small local hardware stores located in Calgary. Our favourites are Gregg Distributors : they are Canadian owned and founded in Alberta, or Equipment Express – Deal in power equipment (snow throwers/blowers, Sweepers).

3. Are you a Calgary resident banking on a chinook to remove your snow? Think again!

One of the biggest perks of living in Calgary are the chinooks we receive every few days. There really is nothing like experiencing weather in the positives after a week of -20 degrees Celsius. We have heard many people banking on a chinook to “naturally” remove their snow. Although a chinook is great for melting snow, it can actually be more dangerous than you think. A chinook tends to simply melt the snow just enough for it to turn into ice again when it dips below zero. This is a recipe for disaster and makes it more difficult to remove. Freezing ice is also extremely dangerous and if you have a Calgary home in a high traffic area, you run the risk of an accident occurring on your Calgary property. It is simple, practice good snow removal immediately!

4. Invest in a good quality ice melt

There are loads of different options for effective snow removal ice melt. There is salt, sodium chloride, calcium chloride, calcium magnesium acetate, and urea. It is important to learn about each ingredient and product you are using before purchasing them. Some ice melts can be harmful to pets, damage plants and event damage the flooring in your home. 

Rainfall Landscapes uses a unique mix that is 100% natural, does not harm your pets, plants, garden or home. 

5. Shovel snow often

This might seem like a no-brainer, but if you leave removing snow until the next day after snowfall, the snow may start to compact, stick to the ground and it may even begin to freeze. The more and quicker you shovel the snow, the easier it becomes. The snow is still light and fluffy, allowing you to remove it easier. 

6. Has the Calgary winter got you exhausted? Invest in a snow blower!

If you’re over shovelling the snow in front of your Calgary home every day, consider investing in a snow blower. Snow blowers can make the job a little easier for you. Although it is an easier option, it is definitely more expensive. Snow blowers can be $1,000 + and require routine maintenance. 

If this isn’t an option, we recommend investing in a local snow removal company located in Calgary, such as Rainfall Landscapes (cough, cough). This will allow you to not have to worry about a thing. When it snows, we are there to clean up the mess!

1. Follow the City of Calgary snow removal bylaw

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