SASKATOON — As the city recovers from two days of heavy snowfall, officials remind the public to remain cautious, whether driving or walking on sidewalks. More than seven inches of snow enveloped the city, causing vehicles, even trucks, to get stuck on roadside ditches or in their driveways. Traffic was backed up during the morning and afternoon commute.
During a media briefing on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at Fire Station 1, Emergency Management Director Pamela Goulden-McLeod said residents should always be prepared in situations like this since Saskatchewan is known to experience extreme winter conditions.
“We live in Saskatchewan, and we know winter comes every year. I think it's always a good idea, particularly this first big snowstorm, to remind yourself of, you know, slowing down and making good plans to leave early for where you need to go,” said Goulden-McLeod.
“Ensure your car has an emergency kit if travelling outside the city and check the highway hotlines. We in Saskatchewan are good at dealing with winter. We know winter; sometimes, we need that reminder at the start of winter.”
The city experienced one of the worst snowstorms three years ago, where almost 12 inches of snow was dumped, with schools cancelling classes and travel. Going out and getting into the city was challenging due to the extreme weather.
The city’s snow crews and contractors have been working diligently, using 27 graders, 13 snowplows and 15 sanders to grade and plow Saskatoon’s priority streets and sidewalks. Snow fell from Monday until 3 a.m. on Wednesday.
Circle Drive, the city’s main thoroughfare, was first plowed and graded as part of the Priority 1 streets that must be cleared within the first 12 hours after the snow stopped. Streets with three lanes, Idylwyld Drive, 22nd Street and College Drive, are part of Priority 1.
Sidewalks, Meewasin Trail, pathways along major routes, and walkways over bridges and overpasses were cleared within 48 hours after the snowfall ended.
Double-lane streets, like Clarence Avenue, McKercher Drive, and Millar Avenue, are graded next and will take at least 36 hours after the end of the snow. Neighbourhood roads and streets are Priority 3 after those in Priority 2 are completed.
Motorists are advised to keep an eye on blue and amber flashing lights, as they are used by snow crews and the city’s contractors. Motorists are advised to slow down and keep a safe distance between their vehicles and the trucks used to grade and plow the roads. Motorists are reminded to respect winter work zones for their safety and that of the workers.
Residents are also advised to clear the sidewalks in front of their houses within 48 hours, keep the snow on their property, and not dump it onto the street, as it can cause vehicles to get stuck.
