Lacombe City Council has decided to make some changes to its snow removal policy regarding sidewalks.

Over the holiday break many in the community were upset over the City's policy which exempts the clearing of snow on weekends and statutory holidays, a decision that was made in respect to the budget.
 
But with the way Christmas fell on the calendar this year there was an extended break and some accused the city of not following its own bylaw which requires the removal of snow from sidewalks within 48 hours of falling.
 
Acting Chief Administrative Officer Matthew Goudy says they’ve heard these concerns and there will be changes going forward “we’re going to be scheduling people when there is an extended break where we would be possibly in violation of our own bylaw, we’ll make sure there is someone on call and available to go out and clear those City owned walkways to make sure we are meeting the bylaw”.

The city will continue with its zero tolerance policy for residents not clearing their sidewalks within 48 hours, those in violation will automatically receive a fine, $100 for a first time offender.

Goudy also wants to assure residents that tickets were not issued between December 24th and January 1st.