Shovelling heavy snow in the cold is hard work. If you are a senior, or you look after a parent who is, here is what help exists in the Grande Prairie area and what it covers.
Rural County: the Senior and Special Needs program
The County of Grande Prairie runs a Senior and Special Needs snow removal program for eligible residents. The County sets who qualifies, how to apply and when driveways are cleared. Check the program page for this season's details before you rely on it.
City of Grande Prairie: the sidewalk rule still applies
In the City, the sidewalk beside your home has to be cleared within 24 hours of the most recent snowfall under Traffic Bylaw C-1166 s. 38.1, whatever the owner's age. The City also leaves a windrow across the end of your driveway each time it plows your street, and that ridge of packed snow is the heaviest shovelling of the winter. More on the 24-hour sidewalk rule and why the windrow happens.
A season plan, so nobody has to watch the forecast
A residential snow removal season plan runs October 15 to April 15. After every snowfall of 5 cm or more, the driveway, front walk, windrow and front public sidewalk are cleared, with no call needed and no cap on visits. Plans start at $849 a season plus GST for a single driveway.
- Ice: pet-safe de-icing can be added for $249 a season, plus GST.
- Decks and steps: composite and front-entry decks are hand-cleared with poly-edged shovels.
- Payment: Pay in full by October 31 and save 5%, or split it into six monthly payments.
Buying a plan for a parent
Family members can book and pay for a plan at a parent's address. Put the service address in the quote and tell us who to contact about billing. Check the price for their address in the snow removal cost calculator, or see County of Grande Prairie service if they live outside the city. Acreages are quoted separately.
FAQ
Does the County of Grande Prairie clear driveways for seniors?
The County runs a Senior and Special Needs snow removal program. Eligibility, how to apply and when driveways are cleared are set by the County, so check the program page before you count on it.
Do seniors have to clear the sidewalk in Grande Prairie?
Yes. City of Grande Prairie Traffic Bylaw C-1166 s. 38.1 applies to the owner or occupant of any property beside a sidewalk: clear it within 24 hours of the most recent snowfall. The fine is $100, and the City can clear it and bill the owner.
Can I pay for snow removal for my parent?
Yes. Book the plan with your parent's address as the service address and tell us who to contact about billing. You can pay in full or in six monthly payments.