Fire Hydrant Accessibility
Help make fire hydrants easily accessible during the winter months.
Residents and businesses can lend a hand and make a major difference by helping keep hydrants clear and visible especially during back-to-back storms or periods of heavy snowfall. Every second counts in an emergency, snowbanks, ice and blocked paths can add precious minutes to fire services’ response time.
If your residence or business is by a hydrant, ensure you do not blow or shovel snow on our around hydrants. If you see one that is covered, here is how you can help.
How to clear snow around a fire hydrant
- Create a 3-foot (1 meter) radius around the hydrant: Use a shovel to remove all snow and ice from around the base of the hydrant. Make sure the entire hydrant is visible and clear on all sides, not just the front (and avoid piling snow back onto it).
- Clear a path to the street/curb: Ensure there is a path cleared/shovelled from the hydrant to the road/curb so it can be easily reached by fireifighters.
- Check after plowing: After snowplows come through, snow can be pushed back onto hydrants. After plowing occurs, check and see if any snow needs to be cleared. The City also conducts inspections and clearing of accumulated snow around hydrants from City roadway snow removal programs.
- Need help? If you see a hydrant that requires clearing or if you’re physically unable to remove snow from around a hydrant on or near your property, please contact Utilities by phone at 780-459-1557 or using the online submission form.
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Last edited: March 5, 2026