Winter Storm Response: snow clearing, civic facilities, service level impacts
The City is committed to working around the clock to get Saskatoon moving again following a severe winter storm over the weekend and into Monday morning. The storm resulted in impassable roads, large drifts and ice, but progress is being made.
Snow Clearing
Snow clearing crews are focused on clearing all priority 1 roads, including Circle Drive, College Drive, Idylwyld Drive, 8th Street, 22nd Street, bridges, overpasses and ramps. All priority 1 roads are now passable, meaning there’s a minimum of one lane open. Right now, approximately 40 percent of all priority 2 roads are also passable.
“We would like to thank residents who have been able to stay off the roads which has allowed room for snow clearing equipment and emergency vehicles,” says Jeff Jorgenson, City Manager. “We remain focused on our priority roads and are working to open as many of our priority 2 roads as possible before the end of the day.”
The City continues to ask residents to avoid unnecessary travel. If travel is necessary, adjust for driving conditions and watch for snow removal crews equipped with blue and amber flashing lights. Stay a safe distance behind and be prepared to stop quickly. Some traffic signs and signals are covered with snow, so drivers should practice extra caution at intersections.
More information on the City’s snow clearing efforts can be found at saskatoon.ca/snow.
Civic Facilities and Service Impacts
City Hall
Residents are encouraged to avoid travelling to City Hall. Instead, please use online services (property taxes, assessment and utility related matters) at saskatoon.ca or contact us through e-mail at revenue@saskatoon.ca or phone at 306-975-2400.
Saskatoon Transit
Transit service is suspended but will resume as conditions allow. Please note the customer service phone line is experiencing a high volume of calls. For updates check the real-time mobile app, Transit, or visit saskatoontransit.ca/servicealerts. Once service resumes, it will be FREE for those who show the special Election Day pass.
Access Transit
Access Transit service is suspended and will resume once roads become more accessible. Affected customers are being contacted. Please call 306-975-3555 with any questions or concerns.
Garbage and Recycling
Garbage and Recycling collection for Monday, November 9 has been suspended. Collection has been rescheduled for Saturday, November 14. The City will continue to monitor the situation and inform residents if other routes are impacted.
The Landfill will close at 5:00 p.m. Anyone planning to visit the Landfill should bring assistance to unload.
Parks and Urban Forestry
Requests for service will be prioritized with service response occurring primarily during daylight hours. Service priorities would include locations where branches are blocking roadways and sidewalks or have the potential for injury or damage. Please report downed branch locations to 306-975-2476.
Trees on private property are the responsibility of the property owner. Brush that is cleared as a result of private trees obstructing public sidewalks or roadways will be left on private property for the owner to clean up.
All elm branches must be disposed of at the Landfill.
Leisure Services
Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo: closed
City Arenas: closed until at least 4:00 p.m. (City will reevaluate later today)
Leisure Centres: closed
Saskatoon Light & Power
There have been no service interruptions, but Saskatoon Light & Power (SL&P) is on standby to address any issues that may arise.
For timely updates regarding all service disruptions visit saskatoon.ca/servicealerts or follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert.
Civic Election, Monday November 9th
It is the Civic Election and the polls are open until 8:00 p.m.
Leisure Centres are not accepting mail-in ballot drop-offs because they are closed. However, voters can dropp off their completed mail-in ballots at any polling location in the city. All poll locations can be found here.
Visit saskatoon.ca/vote2020 for all election related updates and information.
Emergency Preparedness
The City has now moved into recovery mode, which is just as important as response.
Continue to ensure your own safety over the coming days:
Reach out to people who may require support:
- More than 300 people in Saskatoon are self-isolating due to COVID-19.
- Consider whether any of your neighbours may need assistance, including those that are seniors or have disabilities.
If travel is necessary:
- Equip yourself with an emergency kit containing warm clothes, blankets, candles, snacks and a shovel.
- Try not to travel alone. Have someone else who can assist you in the vehicle
- Be sure to let someone know where you’re going and when you arrive.
- Plan for delays.
- Activate the GPS locator app on your smartphone (‘Find My’ on iPhone and ‘Find My Device’ on Android) to allow assigned contacts to track you.
- A more detailed list of emergency preparedness tips can be found at saskatoon.ca/snowstorm2020
Residents are encouraged to subscribe to NotifyNow for updates on public safety messages.
For timely updates on snow and ice alerts visit saskatoon.ca/service-alerts and follow us at twitter.com/YXEServiceAlert.