Calgarians are some of the best folks in all of Canada. It may seem like we’re all just going through our days doing our own thing, but when our community needs help, Calgarians are always quick to offer a hand to their neighbours. This volunteer spirit makes it obvious that Calgarians take their responsibilities to their neighbours and community seriously. But community isn’t just about big gestures; here are three small ways you can be a good neighbour this winter.

Shovel and Salt your Sidewalk.

We may not have too much snow just yet, but that doesn’t mean you can ignore your obligation to keep the sidewalk in front of your home safe. Even if there isn’t a foot of snow, the thaw-freeze cycle we Calgarians are oh-so familiar with means a layer of nearly invisible, black ice can form on sidewalks. This thin coating of ice is particularly dangerous for young kids and the elderly who may have less coordination than an adult and may not fall as gracefully. It’s important to keep an eye on your sidewalks and remember to salt even if there isn’t much snow.

Make Sure you Don’t Park in a Snow Route.

All over Calgary, certain roads and lanes are dedicated as snow routes. What this designation means is that after a snowfall, the city needs that roads clear of parked cars in order to effectively plow and reduce traffic congestion from the winter conditions. If a car is parked in a snow route when the city needs access to the road, the workers won’t be able to plow as well or as quickly, and they may even tow your car. All in all, avoiding these areas after a snowfall will help everyone get where they need to go faster.

Choose Professional Snow Clearing.

Whether you’re fleeing the cold for a couple weeks or trying to find the perfect present for that person who has everything, we recommend hiring a professional snow clearing team. Even when you’re on a holiday, you have a responsibility to your neighbours to keep your sidewalks clear and safe. As for Ma and Pa, who may want to downsize their stuff rather than collect more junk, there are few Christmas presents better appreciated than not having to go out and shovel.

Canadians have a worldwide reputation for being polite and considerate. Here at Five-Star, we like to think that Albertans have earned that reputation a hundred fold. Let’s work together to keep proving to the world that Canadians really are the nicest people. If you need your sidewalk kept clear while you’re away on holidays or would like to hire us to help out an aging family member, call Five Star Landscaping today at (403) 203-4058.