Calgary’s snow plan fails residents with disabilities despite 36-hour pledge
Calgary man highlights mobility challenges caused by snow, ice buildup
The City of Calgary's snow plan schedules crews to clear wheelchair curb ramps and busy sidewalks within 36 hours of a snowfall, but that clock resets when the snow falls again.
2025-12-05T13:31:00+00:00
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Calgary’s winter snow plan aims to keep sidewalks and wheelchair ramps clear within 36 hours of a snowfall. The city prioritises high-traffic areas and bus stops, but recent heavy snow has made mobility harder for residents like Aaron Symonds. With around 20 cm of snow since late November, challenges remain for those with disabilities.
Aaron Symonds, a lifelong cowboy, became paralysed from the waist down after an accident while breaking a horse. Now using a wheelchair, he faces daily struggles with snow and ice buildup on sidewalks and ramps. His neighbours clear their paths, but lingering ice can still block access.
The city’s efforts to clear snow within 36 hours aim to improve accessibility, but ongoing snowfall creates persistent hurdles. For residents like Symonds, even small barriers can disrupt daily life. Reporting issues to 311 remains a key way for Calgarians to help address mobility challenges.
