COLD LAKE – Snow removal is getting an upgrade along Lakeshore Drive, while several newer residential streets will officially be added to the City of Cold Lake’s winter maintenance schedule.

Cold Lake City Council approved amendments to its Snow Removal and Winter Road Maintenance Policy during its October 27 regular meeting, updating service levels to reflect recent road construction, subdivision development and improvements throughout the city.

The biggest change will be along Lakeshore Drive, where snow will now be collected and hauled away rather than simply pushed to the side of the road.

Lakeshore Drive to Receive Enhanced Snow Removal

The changes affect Lakeshore Drive between 7th Avenue and 2nd Avenue, where significant improvements have transformed the roadway from two-way traffic to one-way traffic and added enhancements to the surrounding streetscape and linear park.

Previously, the section was designated for snow to be plowed to the roadside.

Under the approved amendments, the City will clear and remove accumulated snow from the area.

Administration explained that the upgraded service is necessary because of the investments made along Lakeshore Drive and the changes to the roadway’s design.

The section will remain a Priority 2 route, but its designation will now reflect the additional snow removal work.

New Residential Streets Added to Snow Removal Maps

Council also approved updates to include streets in five areas that have been developed, improved or brought under City responsibility since the policy was last revised in October 2022.

The additions include:

• Parkview Subdivision: Waterton Way and Fundy Way, developed as part of Phases 7 and 8.
• Harwood Subdivision: 12th Avenue between 13th Street and 16th Street, following paving completed in 2025.
• Glacier Gate: The first phase of the subdivision near the expanded Cold Lake Medical Clinic.
• Lakewood Way: A newly completed section of roadway.
• Pelican Close: The access road is being transferred from private ownership to the City.

These roads will be classified as Priority 5 residential streets.

Under the City’s policy, Priority 5 roads are scheduled for snow removal within 15 days once the applicable accumulation trigger of seven centimetres of packed snow has been reached.

For Pelican Close, snow removal will begin once the developer addresses outstanding development deficiencies and formally transfers the roadway to the City.

How Cold Lake Prioritizes Snow Removal

Cold Lake uses a priority system to determine when it clears roads after snowfall.

Major arterial roads and downtown commercial areas receive the highest priority, while residential streets are cleared according to their designated service levels and snow accumulation thresholds.

Priority 2 roads, including Lakeshore Drive, are generally cleared within 72 hours once the applicable snowfall trigger is met.

The policy also specifies that when temperatures fall below -30°C, Public Works responds only to emergency snow removal situations.

The Corporate Priorities Committee reviewed the proposed changes on October 20 before bringing them to council for final approval.

Council approved the amendments without further changes during the October 27 meeting.

The updated policy maps will now reflect the City’s expanded road network and the enhanced snow removal service along Lakeshore Drive.