Winter in Strathmore

All outdoor recreational facilities are first come, first serve and users are encouraged to share the space. It's important to show respect for all and make room for users of any age or ability to recreate their own way. Some facilities have user rules and regulations, all which are posted onsite. Please respect the regulations and the facilities. Any damage, graffiti, or vandalism can be reported to the Town Operations Department: Call 403-361-2126 or Email operations@strathmore.ca

Kinsmen Lake and Strathmore Lake Skating Areas

Lakes, ponds, rivers, and other bodies of water freeze at different rates depending on whether water is moving or still, the depth of water, and the source of the water.

Storm Ponds often seem still, but water is continually moving through our storm system. This can cause gaps beneath the ice or weak areas on the surface. Inlets and outlets often have thinner ice coverage than in other areas of the lake.

Recreational use of Town of Strathmore Storm Ponds is only permitted on Kinsmen Lake and Strathmore Lake, and only within the areas cleared of snow by the Town. Skating is not permitted on any other Town of Strathmore Storm Ponds. Read the Recreational Use of Strathmore and Kinsmen Lakes Policy here. 

Town employees will clear snow from designated areas of these lakes. Do not clear snow from other areas or enlarge the skating surfaces. The designated areas have been selected as the sections of the lake least likely to experience erosion due to sub-surface water movement. Please help us to ensure a safe skating season, and report any private equipment being operated on these lakes to our Municipal Enforcement Team (403-361-2112)

Our Parks Team is conducting regular measurements of the ice surface at Kinsmen Lake and Strathmore Lake. Ice thickness that has surpassed 10 inches, can safely support skating activities. These are the only two ponds where skating is permitted within Town limits.

Our Team will continue to monitor and maintain recreational areas on these two surfaces throughout the season.

How do you know if the ice is safe to skate on? 

Please check the Ice Condition signs at Kinsman and Strathmore Lakes before you go on the ice. These signs will indicate if the ice is safe for recreational use. 

The Lions Outdoor Rink 

Flooding of the Lion's outdoor rink is anticipated to begin in December - dependent on suitable weather conditions. 

Located just off Highway 817 at the Ag Grounds turn off. When operations, the outdoor rink is open from 7:00am - 10:00pm. 

Flooding of this ice surface can commence when daily overnight temperatures fall below -10C. The Operations team will work overnight, for several nights in a row to create the ice. Once the ice surface is complete the outdoor rink is open for public use so long as the weather stays cool enough to maintain good ice. Do not enter the outdoor rink if the doors are locked. Locked doors can mean that there's flooding in progress, or that the ice quality is poor. Entering the ODR while it's closed can cause further damage, and delay reopening. Lights are on every evening so skating and ball hockey can be enjoyed. There are hockey nets at each end, please do not shoot pucks at the boards. The public are encouraged to share the space, making room for all to recreate their way.

*Please use the garbage and recycling bins provided at the Outdoor Rink. Keep this area clean so it can be enjoyed by everyone. 

Terry Ray Clark Park Ice Surface

Flooding of the Terry Ray Clark Park ice surface is anticipated to begin once the Lions Outdoor Rink is open. 

Located at Parkview Estates and Parkwood Crescent (the soccer field). When operational, this ice surface is open from dawn until dusk. 

The Town of Strathmore piloted the creation of three ice surfaces in 2020 at Terry Ray Clark Park. To improve on this project for 2021/2022, one large surface with boards has been created. This ice surface will not have hockey nets provided, please avoid shooting pucks into the boards. This surface may be closed periodically for flooding or due to poor ice conditions. Please watch for signage indicating that this surface is closed. 

COVID-19 Protocols

Stay home if you are unwell or exhibiting these symptoms. Maintain a two-metre physical distance between yourself and others that are not from your household. If there are too many participants on the ice to ensure physical distancing, please wait until others have left the ice before joining. View current provincial guidance here. 

Report a Problem

Concerns about outdoor ice surfaces can be emailed to operations@strathmore.ca or call 403-361-2126. Acts of vandalism can be reported to Municipal Enforcement by calling 403-361-2112. 

When the snow falls how long should you wait to shovel?

In Strathmore residents are responsible for removing ice and snow from walkways in front of their residence within 48 hours of the accumulation as per Bylaw 13-05. Read the full Bylaw here.

48 hours is the maximum, but you don’t have to wait this long! Clearing snow from walkway early makes it easier to move because you’ll get to it before it’s trampled down. You’ll also feel like a good neighbor as you won’t have to watch walkers and school children trudge through your snowy walkway.

It’s a good idea to shovel multiple times during heavy snowfall. Shoveling a heavy snowfall accumulation all at once can be hard on your body and may increase the amount of time you spend out in the cold. Ensure you always shovel snow onto your property and NOT onto the road. Shoveling snow onto roadways increases the accumulation that vehicles need to drive through or park in, especially on non-priority snow removal routes. Shoveling into the road also impedes the snow removal efforts of Town employees working to keep priority routes clear and safe for emergency vehicles.

Keep some paw safe salt or non-clumping kitty litter on hand to help deal with icy walkways. Clear any accumulated snow off your walkway before using salt for ice control. 

Residential Roads

The Town of Strathmore is responsible for maintaining publicly owned roads, parking lots and pathways that are directly adjacent to Town owned property. Crews will begin plowing when snow accumulates to 5cm on priority roads. This doesn’t mean that snow removal crews are waiting for accumulation during a snow event. The Operations Team monitors the weather and spreads snow and ice control products where necessary.

Priority 1 roads will be plowed and have snow and ice control operations 24 hours after the end of a winter storm event storm event. The Town establishes snow clearing priorities as follows:

• Arterial roads and Expressways
• Emergency services access roads
• School zones when in session
• Any roadways where the RCMP or Fire Department request additional service for public safety or emergency access

 Establishing priority routes ensures that emergency vehicles can respond promptly to emergencies and helps keep school busses running on time in the winter. Learn more about road maintenance priorities by reading the Winter road Maintenance Policy. 

How can Strathmore’s residents help during and after a snow event?

When the snow starts to pile up there a few things residents can do:

• Clear snow from your residential walkway promptly.
• Help a neighbor out by shoveling their walkway if you see it hasn’t been done yet.
• Never shovel snow onto the road.
• If you live on a priority route, park in the driveway if possible, to allow for snow clearing. Don’t park on the street if signs have been posted for snow clearing in your neighborhood.

Need to report a problem on a residential road? You can contact Operations by calling 403-361-2137, emailing operations@strathmore.ca or fill in a Public Works Request Form here. 

Highways 1 and 817 are cleaned and maintained by Volker Stevin Highways www.vshighways.ca.production.cluster03.flinkinternet.nl/en/activities/highway-maintenance.

During a weather event it will be the Volker Stevin’s crews that clear these roads, including the portion of Highway 817 that runs through Strathmore (Wheatland Trail).  If you encounter a plow on the road maintain a safe following distance of 10 metres.  If you see a road problem that needs to be reported to Volker Stevin, you can call 1-888-VS-ROADS.

Help your community by being a good neighbor in the winter:

• Clear snow and ice from your walkway promptly.
• If there is a Canada Post mailbox adjacent to your property, clear the snow from it when you shovel your walkway.
• Adopt a hydrant! Clearing snow from the area around a fire hydrant makes your neighborhood safer. Sign up to adopt a hydrant here.
  
• Be a snow angel. Shoveling can de difficult for those that have limited mobility or certain health conditions. Look for snow angel signs in your neighborhood and help out by shoveling their walkways if you’re able. Learn more about the Snow Angel Program here.
• Keep catch basins clear of ice and debris. Catch basins can be easily forgotten over the winter when everything is frozen, but when snow and ice begin to melt they are a vital part of the Town’s infrastructure. If you have a catch basin near your home, check it when you shovel your walkway and when the weather becomes warm enough for the snow to melt. Clear away any ice or debris that may be blocking the catch basin so that it can effectively drain excess water from your street. 

Learn more about your responsibilities as a home owner during a snowfall by reading Bylaw 13-05, Part V (Pages 16-18) here. 

Pre-plan for winter travel so you can arrive at your destination safely. Make sure your vehicle has an emergency car kit. Your kit should include:

• Food that won't spoil, such as energy bars
• Water—plastic bottles that won't break if the water freezes (replace them every six months)
• Blanket
• Extra clothing and shoes or boots
• First aid kit with seatbelt cutter
• Small shovel, scraper and snowbrush
• Candle in a deep can and matches
• Wind‑up flashlight
• Whistle—in case you need to attract attention
• Roadmaps
• Copy of your emergency plan

 Additionally, keep the following item in your trunk in case you run into trouble on the road:

• Sand, salt or cat litter (non-clumping)
• Antifreeze and windshield washer fluid
• Tow rope
• Jumper cables
• Fire extinguisher
• Warning light or road flares

 Plan extra time for winter travel and “Know before you go” by checking the weather forecast at https://weather.gc.ca/ and the road conditions at https://511.alberta.ca/. 

Exercise extra caution when driving in these winter weather conditions, if you don’t think road conditions are safe, stay home!

• Blizzards: The most dangerous of winter storms, combining falling, blowing and drifting snow, winds of at least 40 km/h, visibility less than one kilometre and temperatures below -10°C. They can last from a few hours to several days.
• Heavy snowfall: Refers to snowfalls of at least 10 centimetres in 12 hours, or at least 15 centimetres in 24 hours; accumulation may be lower in temperate climates.
• Freezing rain or drizzle: This can lead to ice storms, with ice covering roads, trees, power lines, etc.
• Cold snap: Refers to temperatures that fall rapidly over a very short period of time, causing very icy conditions.
• Winds: They create the conditions associated with blizzards, and cause blowing and drifting snow, reducing visibility and causing wind chill.
• Black ice: Refers to a thin layer of ice on the road that can be difficult to see or can make the road look black and shiny. The road freezes more quickly in shaded areas, on bridges and on overpasses when it is cold. These areas remain frozen long after the sun has risen.
• Slush: Wet snow can make for slushy roads. Heavy slush can build up in the wheel wells of your vehicle and can affect your ability to steer. Large trucks and buses can blow slush and snow onto your windshield, leading to a sudden loss of visibility.

*Source: https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/sfttps/tp201012-en.aspx

Do you need winter tires?

Did you know that winter tires are provincially required in British Columbia from October 1 – April 30? While winter tires may not be the law in Alberta, they’re still a good idea for winter driving preparedness. Swap to winter tires on your vehicle when the average temperature falls below 7.

Confused about the difference between all season and winter tires? All season tires provide some grip in slush and snow below 7.  Winter tires have special tread patterns and can maintain elasticity in -40, a temperature we’re not unfamiliar with when it’s winter in Alberta!

Learn more about winter tires here.

In the event of a large snow or ice storm you and your family should be prepared to shelter in place for up to 72 hours. Equip your home with an emergency kit that includes: 

• Water
• Food (non-perishable) and manual can opener if this includes cans
• Special needs such as medications, baby needs, extra glasses, etc. 
• Important family documents (i.e. copies of birth and marriage certificates, passports, licenses, wills, land deeds and insurance)
• A copy of your emergency plan
• Crank or battery-operated flashlight, with extra batteries
• Battery-operated or crank radio
• Extra keys, for your house and car
• First aid kit
• Extra cash 
• Personal hygiene items
• Pet food and pet medication
• Cell phone with extra charger or battery pack

Learn more about building your emergency kit here. 

You can find up-to-date information on severe storm conditions, storm maps, weather warnings and public weather alerts at Environment Canada. 

Strathmore Municipal Building Office Closure

The Strathmore Municipal Building closes on Friday, December 24^th at 12:00pm and reopens (to regular hours) on Tuesday, January 4^th at 8:30am.

 In case of emergency, the following contacts will be available:

• Sewer and Water (EPCOR): 403-934-9440
• Power Outage (Fortis): 403-310-WIRE (9473)
• Police, Fire, Ambulance: 911
• Operations (Emergency): 403-899-1428

Recreation Facility Holiday Hours

The Strathmore Aquatic Centre, Family Centre Arena and the Strathmore Motor Products Sport Centre have adjusted their hours for the holiday season. Before you head to one of these facilities double check the schedule to ensure your aware of holiday hours and closures.

View facility holiday hours here. 

Waste Collection

The holidays are not impacting regularly scheduled Green and Black cart collection in Strathmore. 

Christmas tree pick will be available on January 12, at your regular waste collection site. Learn more here.