Calgary and Alberta as a whole have seen an influx of new residents over the last few years, and for many, this past weekend brought their first real experience with our approach to heavy snowfall.
Following days of snowfall blanketing the city, one newcomer from Ottawa took to Reddit to express their dismay at the City of Calgary’s snow-clearing policies when it comes to residential sidewalks.
The poster claimed to be a recent transplant and was stunned to learn that in Calgary, residents are responsible for clearing residential sidewalks within 24 hours post-snowfall.
“Is this a sick joke?” They wrote.
Calgary’s method of snow clearing contrasts sharply with the poster’s hometown of Ottawa, where, like many places in Ontario, the municipality is responsible for clearing the sidewalk outside your home.
City of Ottawa
Responses to the thread quickly poured in. Some commenters were surprised to find out that sidewalks are cleared elsewhere, while others pointed out that Alberta’s preference for lower taxes often means fewer municipal services.
Would you prefer that Calgary clear residential sidewalks? Let us know in the comments.