Saskatoon plans city-wide grading and snow removal program

The cleanup is underway after more than a foot of snow hit Saskatoon.

The City of Saskatoon estimated around 34 centimetres of snow has fallen since Christmas, and laid out its plan for clearing the streets. City and contracted crews will continue to clear main roadways, and will then move to a city-wide grading and removal program.

Gorman Saric, director of roadways for the city, said public safety remains the top priority as the snow is moved.

“We are doing everything we can to get everyone moving around normally again, including those who live along streets that aren’t typically graded,” Saric said in a statement.

“This is a challenging situation,” he added, “with many residential streets impassable for light vehicles.”

The schedule for residential street grading will be released later this week and can be found on the city’s website.

The Roadways Emergency Response Plan is activated by the city when there are extreme or unusual snow events, such as when more than 25 centimetres of snow falls, or if there is a combination of snow, freezing rain and wind that contributes to reduced visibility on city streets.

Saric said Saskatoon has received 90 centimetres of snow so far this winter, and it’s important to clear the snow now.

“With several months of winter still ahead of us, grading and removing snow across the entire city now will help us avoid compounded mobility issues and potential spring drainage concerns in the coming months,” Saric said.

The see the latest information about snow and ice in the city, residents visit the city’s website.