Snow Maintenance

Keeping Our Roads Safe in Winter

We know that safe and reliable roads are essential for everyone. Our team is committed to keeping winter travel as safe and accessible as possible.

Vulcan County’s team of operators clear snow for the following areas:

  • 8 hamlets
  • Over 1,800 miles of gravel roads, divided into 10 grader divisions
  • 19 miles of hard-surface roads

Thank you for your patience each winter as we work to maintain the roads we all depend on.

Snow Plowing & Driveway Maintenance Policy #32-1003

What We Consider When Plowing

Major Thoroughfares
Roads with higher traffic volumes are cleared first to keep the greatest number of people moving safely.

Resources Available
Our snow removal fleet includes:

  • 10 divisional graders
  • 2 additional graders with wings
  • 1 plow/sanding truck

Emergency Vehicle Access
We will always do our best to assist emergency vehicles when needed.

School Bus Routes — First Priority
There are two school divisions in Vulcan County, and each provides route maps annually.
Please note: Residential driveways are not considered bus routes, even if school-aged children live there.

Driveways

  • Please do not push snow from your driveway across the road into ditches.
  • Driveways are only cleared upon request from residents.
  • A Driveway Maintenance Agreement must be in place prior to service.
  • Operators will not make special trips for driveway clearing—they will complete them as they pass through the area.

Hamlets and Subdivisions

In hamlets and subdivisions, space can be limited. In some situations, we may need to push snow onto private yards when no safe or suitable alternative exists.

Our operators always do their best to avoid pushing snow onto driveways; however, some snow buildup may still occur despite our best efforts. This is a normal part of winter road maintenance in confined areas.

Help our operators clear roads safely and efficiently by following these tips:

  • Move vehicles and equipment off the street.
    Roads can be cleared faster when plows can remove all the snow in one pass.
  • Mark property edges with reflective stakes.
    Staking the edges of your yard or parking areas helps operators avoid damaging grass or landscaping hidden under the snow. Reflective stakes are available at most dollar or hardware stores.

During & After Major Snowfalls

Not all roads can be cleared immediately, especially during major storms or multiple days of heavy snowfall. If a new snowfall occurs before operators finish their assigned areas, they will restart with the school bus routes.

Throughout each snowfall event, our Operations team closely monitors road conditions and snowfall amounts to guide response and maintain safety across the County.

Report drifting 

Our crews monitor known drifting areas and respond as soon as staff and equipment are available, as per Policy #32-1003.

If you see a drift and have safety concerns please call us at 403.485.6090 or 403.423.0148 

Highways vs. Township and Range Roads

Understanding who maintains which roads can help ensure concerns are reported to the right place.

  • Township Road (TWP) or Range Road (RR): Snow removal is handled by Vulcan County.
  • Highway: Snow removal is managed by Volker Stevin, the provincial highway maintenance contractor.

County operators do not plow provincial highways. In fact, we are not permitted to plow them, which is why you will see our grader blades lifted when traveling on a highway.

To report a highway-related concern, contact Volker Stevin at 1-888-VSROADS.

What can you do?

Winter in rural Alberta comes with unique challenges, and being ready can make a big difference. Here are some things you can do to be prepared for winter conditions:

  1. Carry a winter emergency kit.
    Keep essentials such as a shovel, warm clothing, blankets, and non-perishable snacks in your vehicle. These items can help if you get stuck, need to dig out, or must wait for assistance.
  2. Expect delays during major snow events
    Waiting a few days for roads to be cleared is a reality of rural living. Having vehicles or equipment capable of handling snowy conditions can be helpful.
  3. Equip your vehicle for winter.
    Proper winter tires and good preparation are key to rural resilience.

Need Assistance? Contact our Operations department at (403) 485-3124 between 6:00a.m. – 4:30p.m. Monday to Thursday.