UPDATE: May 9, 2023

Street sweeping is 90% complete and streets are expected to be fully cleared soon.

UPDATE: April 27, 2023

The Public Works Department has encountered challenges with equipment supply dedicated to sidewalk and street sweeping activities. This has resulted in our service delivery taking longer than usual. Street sweeping is ongoing as sweepers become available. You should see street sweeping equipment in your neighbourhood this weekend. As always, we appreciate your patience and understanding.

What can you expect?

Spring cleaning to remove winter sand and debris from District roadways, boulevards and sidewalks. Contractors have started making a first pass to eliminate the bulk of the road material and mitigate the dusty conditions on the roadways. There are phases to this process, and we appreciate your patience! Here are some common questions about the street sweeping program:

Who completes the street sweeping activities?

Contractors are hired to complete street sweeping activities in the District. Our Public Works staff assist by manually sweeping once the contractors have removed the bulk of the debris.

What streets are swept first?

High traffic areas, such as the downtown core, hills and collector roads. Residential areas follow.

How long does street sweeping take?

It typically takes a sweeper 12-14 days to clean and polish the 89 lane kilometres of District roadways. When the stars align and we can secure two or three sweepers, the process can be completed pretty quickly.

Is the timeline the same each year?

Street sweeping generally occurs mid-March to April. However, the timeline is dependent on weather conditions and contractor availability. This year, the process may seem more stretched out due to a late winter and stubborn snow piles along boulevards.

How can residents help?

You can lend a helping hand by parking vehicles off the road and moving other items that could impact sweepers such as basketball hoops and hockey nets. You can also sweep your sidewalks to the curb. Be sure to evenly distribute and avoid making piles for better collection from sweepers.

Do you have questions that we haven't answered? Help us communicate better by completing the online Feedback Form.