The City of Airdrie's roads department is asking residents to move their cars off the streets later this month, as residential street sweeping is set to start on April 25.
Mike Avramenko, team leader of road operations for the City, said residents should keep an eye out for signs that will indicate when vehicles should be moved.
“Look for large orange signs at entrances to your neighbourhood and ensure your vehicle is moved off the street on the dates indicated on the sign," he said in a City press release.
“The orange signs are not located on every residential street, only at the main access roads into the community. We like to say watch for the sign to avoid the fine.”
According to the City, the municipality will be using a 'tag and tow' program in order to make sure the city gets a clean sweep within each neighbourhood.
To that end, vehicles that aren't removed from the street on the day street sweeping is scheduled for that community can expect to receive a fine and their vehicle being towed. The city asks that residents alternatively park their vehicles in their driveway or in a rear garage pad, and to remove driveway ramps if applicable.
“Our ultimate goal is to have residents move their vehicles so that our streets can be swept as efficiently as possible, without towing,” said Avramenko.
The City's press release stated that cleaning the streets has an impact on resident safety and is beneficial for the environment, as it helps get rid of winter debris, keeping it from entering Airdrie's storm drains, and overall helps to keep waterways cleaner. The City added it also helps in the reduction of air pollution, which is caused by dust, making it more safe as spring and summer activities take place outside.
If residents wish to follow the progress and look out for what neighbourhood is up next, they can look on Twitter, at AIRDRIE.CA/STREETSWEEPINGMAP or they can subscribe to Roads notifications at MyAirdrie.ca to get an email or text sent directly to them.
Street sweeping inquiries can be made to Public Works at 403.948.8415 or by visiting AIRDRIE.CA/STREETSWEEPING.
According to the City of Airdrie, the road operations crews sweep over 400 lane kilometres of paved residential roads every year. The municipality believes the process is a joint effort between community members and the city.
