City of Saskatoon continues to deploy Emergency Response Plan following severe snowstorm

For immediate release: March 4, 2024 - 8:10 am

TC24-4934

With the City of Saskatoon receiving more than 25 cm of snow accumulation since Saturday morning and streets being impassable for light vehicles, the Roadways team has activated the Emergency Response Plan (ERP). Additionally, the City’s Emergency Operation Centre has been activated and is collaborating with critical infrastructure partners throughout the city.

Residents remain encouraged to stay home if possible, to leave space for City and contractor crews to do their work and assist emergency services.

While the snow has mainly stopped, strong gusting winds will create additional challenges causing drifts. Snow crews will continue to address known problem areas as the day progresses.

The current focus now is to keep all highest Priority Streets open to maintain access to all emergency facilities. Additional contractor resources have been engaged from our emergency response list to support our ongoing efforts. A summary of the work underway includes:

Approximately 40% of Priority 1 Streets have been graded. They are slippery and sander trucks will be spreading sand throughout the day on these streets to increase traction. Some of the snow piles are fairly big, impacting sightlines at intersections, drivers should watch for pedestrians and turning vehicles.
By midnight tonight, Monday, March 4, we expect all Priority 1 Streets to be completed and will immediately proceed with grading on Priority 2 Streets, which are expected all to be graded by noon tomorrow.
After that, we will then start grading Priority 3 Streets and expect to complete them all by midnight on Thursday, March 7.
The plan is to move into residential areas and start clearing local streets during the night shift on Thursday, March 7.
Crews will move into industrial areas after all local streets in residential areas are completed. After that crews will be able to start to address alley access and problematic alleys may be addressed sooner pending available resources.
The need for the last phase of the plan, which involves city-wide snow removal, will be assessed in the coming days considering factors such as weather conditions and the proximity to the end of the winter season.
For a detailed timeline please review the Emergency Response Plan infographic.

Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed about snow grading efforts and the list of Priority Streets by visiting saskatoon.ca/snow and following the City’s social media channels. Stay in the know by checking the latest Snow & Ice Report posted to saskatoon.ca/snowreport. A regularly-updated map of which Priority Streets have been completed is available at saskatoon.ca/prioritystreetsmap.

Please do not push or blow snow into the street. This creates a greater risk for vehicles to get stuck. Instead, pile the snow on your property, as per Bylaw No. 8463 The Sidewalk Clearing Bylaw, 2005.

OTHER IMPACTED CITY OPERATIONS: MARCH 4, 2024

Saskatoon Transit

Operational impacts have resulted in reduced fixed-route service. Detours and delays are expected.
Outlying neighbourhoods, with particularly more impacts of snow accumulation, have limited operator access.
Access Transit will continue trips for essential services and medical appointments. Customers are asked to reschedule leisure travel.
OnDemand service will operate on cleared roadways that are accessible to operators.
The Transit Customer Service Centre will be open for walk-in customers; however customers are asked to call the phone lines if their trip to the Customer Service Centre is not essential. Phone lines (306-975-3100) will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
For updates check the real-time mobile app, transit or visit saskatoontransit.ca/service-alerts.

Leisure Facilities & Attractions

All Leisure Centres (Cosmo, Lakewood and Lawson Civic Centres, Saskatoon Field House and Shaw Centre) are closed Monday, March 4.
The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo is closed Monday, March 4.
City Indoor Rinks may be open subject to bookings and Saskatoon Minor Hockey.

Saskatoon Landfill

The landfill is open but snowy and windy conditions exist so please proceed with caution.

Recycling and Garbage Collections

Curbside cart collections are suspended for Monday, March 4. Collections will be rescheduled once the streets are accessible. Please watch for Service Alerts, updates on your Saskatoon Waste Wizard app or go to saskatoon.ca/collectioncalendar.

Parks

Within 48 hours of snowfall, snow clearing occurs on sidewalks adjacent to parks and all lighted parkways and some unlighted pathways. Excludes crusher dust (unpaved) pathways.

Building Standards

All scheduled building and plumbing inspections will be cancelled. Starting Monday, March 4 at 8 a.m., customers with scheduled inspections will be contacted and arrangements will be made to rebook.

Visit saskatoon.ca/servicealerts for the latest impacts to City facilities and services.