SASKATOON — The city’s snow crews worked around the clock to clear streets and sidewalks after a snowfall that began Monday night and continued until 3 a.m. Wednesday. Contractors helped in their efforts, as 17 centimetres of snow accumulated across the city, and the teams have been working tirelessly to plow and grade priority routes.
Currently, 27 graders, 13 snowplows, and 15 sanders are out on Saskatoon’s streets, ensuring safe driving conditions for residents. Crews focus on priority streets first, followed by neighbourhood roads and sidewalks.
The city’s snow-clearing operations are divided into different priority levels:
Priority 1 streets, including major routes like Circle Dr., Idylwyld Dr., 22nd St., and College Dr. (three lanes or more), are being plowed and graded within 12 hours of the snow event’s end. Crews are already on these high-traffic roads, which is essential for commuter flow.
Sidewalk clearing is also underway, with city crews focusing on areas around City facilities, Meewasin Trail, pathways along major routes, and bridges/overpasses. This work is expected to be completed within 48 hours.
Priority 2 streets, such as Clarence Ave., McKercher Dr., and Millar Ave., will be addressed after Priority 1 routes are completed. This work typically takes about 36 hours to finish.
Priority 3 streets, including minor neighbourhood roads like Louise Ave., Howell Ave., and Main St., will be cleared once the Priority 2 streets are finished.
In outlying neighbourhoods, loaders clear snowdrifts that have blocked some streets due to heavy winds. These areas are being prioritized as well to restore full access.
How You Can Help:
The City of Saskatoon reminds residents to be patient and cautious during this significant snow event. Drivers should anticipate winter driving conditions, slow down, and maintain extra space between vehicles to ensure safety on snow-covered roads.
When you encounter snow removal crews on the roads, please slow down and stay at least 15 meters (approximately two-and-a-half car lengths) behind snowplows and graders. These crews need space to work safely, and it’s essential to be prepared to stop if necessary.
Business owners must clear sidewalks within 24 hours, while homeowners have 48 hours to clear sidewalks adjacent to their properties. The city emphasizes the importance of keeping cleared snow on your property — pushing it onto the street is illegal and can pose a hazard to other vehicles.
Residents can stay updated on snow removal progress by checking the latest Snow & Ice Report on the city's website, saskatoon.ca/SnowReport.
As the cleanup continues, city officials remind residents to be patient and adjust their daily routines to accommodate the ongoing snow-clearing efforts. The city is committed to making sure roads and pathways remain safe for everyone in Saskatoon throughout the winter season.
