People looking for additional help clearing snow around their home can now ask the City for help this winter.

The two-year pilot program of the Assisted Snow Removal Program aims to help the elderly, people with disabilities or people with reduced mobility, the City said in a press release.

By helping people clear snow, the City says it hopes to reduce the risk of slips and falls that can come from unplowed snow.

“Winters in Edmonton can be difficult, especially for seniors and people with mobility issues,” said Chantel Perizzolo, the city’s director of complaints and investigations.

The program is offered to low-income seniors, people with disabilities or reduced mobility. They can apply online and must provide a form signed by a health care provider to verify that they need help.

People already registered in other municipal programs such as the dedicated accessible public transportation service or the assisted waste collection program can access a simplified application.

Snow removal will take place 24 hours after a snowfall of two centimeters or more, the city said. The program covers public pedestrian walkways and sidewalks adjacent to properties. This does not cover private driveways or back walkways.

Until applications are approved, the City reminds citizens that they are still responsible for maintaining snow and ice on sidewalks adjacent to their property.