Snow route parking bans

When a snow route parking ban is declared, parking is temporarily restricted on designated snow routes for up to 72 hours.

  • Blue signs with a white snowflake are posted along snow routes. 
  • Sign up for email and text notifications to find out when you need to move your vehicle(s) during a snow route parking ban.

  • Parking is allowed on Snow Routes

    Current status: Parking ban not declared

    Be prepared by signing up for email and text notifications.

    Sign up for email and text alerts

How parking bans work

  • The decision to call a ban is based on snow accumulation, road temperature, weather forecast and road conditions.
  • The City gives advance notice of an upcoming parking ban, typically one to two days prior to the ban going into effect. A banner will also be displayed on Calgary.ca webpages.
  • The City will also announce when the parking ban goes into effect and when it is lifted.
  • Parking bans typically begin 18 hours after a snowfall has ended, as crews are preparing to clear major community and transit routes (collector roads, major community access roads, bus routes etc.)
  • Vehicles parked on snow routes must be moved off the route for the duration of the parking ban. Vehicles that remain parked on a snow route during the ban are subject to enforcement, up to and including a $120 parking ticket and tow. Check the FAQ page for more information.
  • Parking bans are in effect for up to 72 hours or until The City declares they have been lifted.

Snow route locations

Parking ban route lookup

Are you parked on a snow route? Type your address into the field below, select your address from the list provided, and click Check location.

(required)

Example: 800 MACLEOD TR SE

Address search tips

  • Do not include your unit/apartment/suite number when entering your address
  • When entering a street number that includes a letter, ensure there is no space between the number and letter (eg. 707 4A ST NW)
  • When entering your address, do not use the pound sign (#)
  • Please note that the following abbreviations are used in the address list; BV for boulevard, AV for avenue, VW for view.

Snow route parking ban exemptions

On-street accessible parking zones – no parking bans

On-street accessible parking zones located on snow routes are exempt from parking bans at all times. If you or a household member have mobility issues, learn more about accessible parking zones and how to apply for one.

Downtown and Business Improvement Areas – overnight bans only

Parking is permitted daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in any ParkPlus zone located on a snow route during a parking ban. Parking is not permitted in these same ParkPlus zones overnight, from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., during a parking ban. Check out the snow route location map for further information.

  • Snow route map

    Snow route signs are posted along all affected roadways. Check the snow route map to find out where snow routes are located.

    Snow routes map

Where to park during a ban

If you currently park on a snow route, you’ll have to find another place for your vehicle when a ban is in place or risk a ticket and/or tow. Alternate parking options during a snow route parking ban include:

  • Calgary Parking allows on-street paid parking in a ParkPlus zone located on a snow route, is only allowed during the day – from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Saturday – when a snow route parking ban is in effect.
  • On any nearby street that isn’t on a snow route and doesn't have any other parking restrictions in place.
  • In an alley, as long as these conditions are met:
    • The alley is wider than 6.1 metres and there are no pre-existing parking restrictions.
    • There's at least 1.5 metres of space left between the vehicle and driveway or garage.
    • The vehicle is not parked directly across from a driveway or garage.
    • There's at least 1 metre of space left between the vehicle and closest blue, black and green carts.
    • There's at least 3 metres of clearance on either side of the vehicle to allow others to pass by unobstructed. See the traffic bylaw for more information.

Parking ban enforcement

Calgary Parking can ticket and/or tow vehicles parked on a Snow Route. Learn more about Calgary Parking enforcement practices during a Snow Route parking ban.

Snow route parking ban alerts

The City uses a variety of channels to let you know when a snow route parking ban is coming into effect, is in effect and when it’s lifted.

Still have questions? Visit our FAQs for more information on how Snow Route parking bans work.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Background

What is a snow route parking ban?

​A snow route parking ban is a temporary parking restriction on roads designated as snow routes. Parking bans allow crews to clear snow more effectively and efficiently when they don’t have to work around parked cars. Snow routes include major roadways, collector roads and most bus routes, and are marked by blue signs with a white snowflake. Check the address lookup to see if you are parked on a road affected by snow route parking bans.

When does The City call parking bans?

​The City will call a parking ban when a significant amount of snow has fallen and/or built-up around on-street parking spots along designated snow routes.

Process - How snow route parking bans work

What is the process for calling a parking ban?

​If a snow route parking ban is necessary, The City will announce, through the media and other channels, that a parking ban will come into effect in the next one to two days. The advisory encourages Calgarians to be proactive and remove their vehicles from the street before a parking ban goes into effect. Once the parking ban is in effect, all vehicles must be moved off snow routes until the ban is lifted.

How long will snow route parking bans be in effect?

​Snow route parking bans could be in effect for up to 72 hours. There may be times when parking bans are shortened if the work is completed in less time.

Can I still put my waste and recycling bins on the street during a parking ban if I live on a snow route?

​No, please put your blue, black and green carts on the sidewalk or boulevard next to the curb when a parking ban is in effect. If your carts are picked up from a back lane, put them in the usual place. Make sure to leave at least one metre between carts and surrounding objects such as parked cars.

Do I live on a snow route?

If I don’t see a sign identifying the snow route on my street, is it a snow route?

​Possibly. Snow route signs may only be posted at entry points to the route. Roads with only a few entry points will have fewer signs. It’s better to know than be towed; check the address lookup to see if you are affected by snow route parking bans.

Parking - Where can I park during a parking ban?

My street has been plowed. Can I park my car on the road again?

​No, not until The City announces that the parking ban has been lifted. Snow plows often return to the same locations multiple times to ensure the snow is cleared as thoroughly as possible. If you are unsure if you can park, check Snow and Ice Updates or call 311 to find out if the snow route parking ban is still in effect.

What are my options for alternate parking during a parking ban?

If you live or work on a snow route, find alternate parking in a garage, underground parkade, surface lot or on a secondary side street.

Can I park in my back alley during a snow route parking ban?

Parking is allowed in back alleys during a snow route parking ban provided the following conditions are met:
  • The alley is wider than 6.1 metres and there are no pre-existing parking restrictions.
  • There's at least 1.5 metres of space left between the vehicle and driveway or garage.
  • The vehicle is not parked directly across from a driveway or garage.
  • There’s at least 1 metre of space left between the vehicle and closest blue, black and green carts.
  • There's at least 3 metres of clearance on either side of the vehicle to allow others to pass through unobstructed. See the traffic bylaw for more information.

Am I allowed to park on my front lawn during a snow route parking ban?

​No, parking on a lawn is prohibited under The City’s Land Use Bylaw.

Exceptions

Are there any exceptions to snow route parking bans?

​Yes. Snow routes located in Business Improvement Areas (BIA) and downtown are exempt from the snow route parking ban from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Existing parking controls remain in effect at all times. Please refer to the map for more information.

Will on-street accessible parking be impacted during a snow route parking ban?

​On-street accessible parking zones located along snow routes are excluded from parking bans at all times. If you or a household member have mobility issues, learn more about accessible parking zones and how to apply for one.

Enforcement

Who can answer my specific parking enforcement questions?

​If you have questions about parking enforcement, either during a snow route parking ban or otherwise, please contact Calgary Parking.

What happens to vehicles left on a snow route during a parking ban?

​Vehicles that remain parked on snow routes during a parking ban may be ticketed and towed. See the Calgary Parking website for more information.

How do I report vehicles that are parked on a snow route during a ban?

​Contact Calgary Parking for more information on enforcement practices.

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