Downtown business owners in Stettler will soon face tighter deadlines and steeper penalties for failing to clear snow from their sidewalks .
At its Sept. 15 regular meeting, Stettler town council voted to direct administration to cut the window in the C1 Commercial Central District from 48 hours down to 24 hours after a snowfall.
Any new snowfall within an active window will reset the clock.
Council also approved making changes to the downtown snow clearing penalties.
Failing to remove snow from a property’s sidewalk will result in fines of $100 for a first offence, $200 for a second offence, and $400 for a third offence.
This is up from the current fine structure of $50 for a first offence, $100 for a second, and $200 for a third.
Administration had presented an alternative penalty scale reaching up to $750 for repeat violations, but council instead opted for the lower fine structure.
A staff report noted that the town received six snow removal complaints in the downtown district during the first few months of 2026.
Council noted that snow clearing on vacant downtown buildings has been a challenge during the winter months.
Under Alberta’s Municipal Government Act, if the municipality is forced to clear a neglected sidewalk, the town can bill the owner directly or transfer unpaid expenses onto the property tax roll the following year.
The proposed amendments to the bylaw will return to council for formal approval at a future meeting.
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
