Community Snow Dump Pilot Project

Snow dumps are specialized facilities municipalities and private businesses use to store accumulated snowfall from roadways and parking lots. This snow can include significant amounts of contaminants, including grease/oil, de-icing salts (sodium, chloride, magnesium, calcium, iron, and sodium ferrocyanide), nitrogen, phosphorus, lead, and litter. These contaminants can affect the environment and surrounding areas. As the snow melts, the melted water can adversely affect ponds, streams, aquifers, soils, vegetation, wildlife, and artificial surfaces like concrete and metal. There are many essential elements to consider before undertaking a snow dump project.

Currently, the closest operating snow dump facility is 17km away in the City of Regina. With expanding commercial growth and above-average snowfall in recent winters, the RM is considering developing a snow dump facility.

To ensure the snow dump does not negatively affect surrounding areas, RM staff are researching snow dump design and operations. For example, an Associated Engineering Report commissioned by the Communities of Tomorrow Leveraged Municipal Innovation Fund advises that site design considerations for snow dumps include:

Key operational management considerations for snow dumps include:

1. Operations & maintenance;
2. Environmental monitoring; and
3. Environmental remediation (if required).

The RM does not currently have a suitable site for a snow dump facility, nor does our Zoning Bylaw, Bylaw 2019-20, allow for snow dump facilities (a Zoning Bylaw amendment would be required). Siting needs to be reflective of the surrounding land uses and account for:

A future snow dump facility would also need to be sited to not interfere with:

How to get involved :

• Show us where you would like to put a snow dump facility in our Map sections
• Post questions in our Q&A section
• Stay tuned for more information about a community snow dump in 2023