The City of Edmonton is contemplating the reintroduction of calcium chloride for winter road maintenance. This chemical aids in snow and ice removal, a practice halted in 2020 due to environmental concerns and potential vehicle corrosion. Valerie Dacyk, the city’s snow and ice removal supervisor, mentioned input from various sources like academia, industry, frontline workers, Epcor, and environmental experts supporting this decision.
Coun. Jon Morgan proposed reintegrating calcium chloride into road maintenance tools after a tumultuous winter season. He emphasized its effectiveness in dealing with hazardous conditions. Dacyk acknowledged Morgan’s suggestion as the impetus for revisiting the use of calcium chloride.
Several cities in Canada, including Calgary, Toronto, and Saskatoon, still utilize calcium chloride for winter road maintenance. This liquid chemical can be applied before snowfall, sprayed on existing ice for faster melting, or mixed with salt/sand for better traction.
A recent report estimated an initial cost of $4.4 million and an annual expense of $2.5 million to enhance infrastructure for increased calcium chloride usage. The renewed interest in calcium chloride coincides with a new report addressing snow and ice control strategies, to be discussed during budget deliberations in November. The report also highlights potential adjustments to support events and winter festivals, such as the Deep Freeze festival, which faced snow clearing challenges amid changing winter patterns.
Dacyk noted Edmonton’s evolving winter climate trends, with decreased overall winter precipitation but more frequent freeze-thaw cycles due to warmer winters. The city’s community and public services committee will explore integrating accessibility into snow and ice clearing priorities. Further recommendations outlined in the report will undergo review during the upcoming 2027-2030 budget meetings in November.
