Alderman and mayoral candidate Bob Hawkesworth dumped a bunch of snow on Stephen Avenue in downtown Calgary on Friday to illustrate his criticisms of rival Ric McIver's snow removal plans. (CBC)

Ald. Bob Hawkesworth has attacked the snow removal plan fellow alderman and mayoral candidate Ric McIver unveiled Thursday.

McIver's plan included allowing those residents with snow-clearing equipment to help plow residential streets.

Hawkesworth dumped a pile of snow on Stephen Avenue on Friday to illustrate his criticisms.

He said McIver wants Calgarians to remove their own snow, rather than boost the city's snow removal budget.

Hawkesworth is also concerned about legal liability issues if anyone damages city or personal property while clearing snow.

"It's not workable, council turned it down, it's a goofy idea," said Hawkesworth. "It's going to be goofy if he's mayor as much as it was when he was alderman."

Hawkesworth said the snow removal budget needs a $10-million boost to ensure city streets are passable in the winter.

McIver has not yet responded to the criticisms.

McIver's plan also says that all roads will be cleared in heavy snow conditions. A list of frequent trouble spots would be compiled so crews can be better prepared, McIver's platform suggests, and more city vehicles will be equipped with plows to supplement the regular fleet.

Mayoral candidate Barb Higgins, meanwhile, released what she calls a "comprehensive policy document" on Friday.

It covers everything from fiscal responsibility to snow removal.

Higgins said Calgary doesn't get enough snow over the course of the winter to warrant a permanent residential snow removal program.

Instead, Higgins said, the city should just plan its response to extraordinary snowstorms.