All hands on deck to clear Saskatoon streets after snowstorm

Dozens of graders operators are working to clear streets in Saskatoon after a late-winter snowstorm hit the city.

Cam LeClaire, roadways manager for the City of Saskatoon, said it’s all hands on deck.

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“We have all of our city and contractor forces activated,” he said. “All of our grading support contractors and sidewalk plow contractors are working with us.”

The snow mixed with ice has created some treacherous driving conditions.

“It’s definitely difficult, we’re lucky we have a lot of professional operators,” he said. “Sometimes the conditions slow us down.”

LeClaire said for the most part Sanders will be following behind graders.

“In some cases sanders will be on a different route,” he said. “They may have to be hitting those grated sections later, as the graders do move quite a bit slower than the sanders can.”

LeClaire said all priority one streets would be cleared off before Saturday morning, with the hope of clearing all priority roads before Monday.

Crews will be working 24 hours a day until the roads are clear.

According to the City of Saskatoon, 12 centimetres of snow accumulated during the storm, which blew in from Alberta on Thursday.

A total of 26 graders and six plows are focusing on high-priority routes, the city said, while 14 sanders are working to improve traction in icy spots and six sidewalk plows are clearing city-owned pathways and sidewalks.

NEW: the @cityofsaskatoon has officially declared a snow event, with 12cm of snow falling in #YXE @CKOMNews pic.twitter.com/Tp5BKSPTuk

— Alex Brown (@AlexBrownYXE) March 28, 2025

“Snow will be stored on medians, boulevards and parking lanes to maintain mobility,” the city said in a news release.

“Drivers should be aware to adjust driving habits by slowing down and increasing following distances between vehicles. Give road equipment the space it needs to operate, and watch for blue and yellow flashing lights.”

The latest updates on the city’s snow-clearing efforts can be found on the City of Saskatoon’s website.

650 CKOM’s Alex Brown was out on the roads Friday morning. While traffic was moving well on most major routes like Eighth Street, she said the left lanes of Circle Drive were covered by snowdrifts in many spots.

ROAD REPORT: Circle Drive is not at its best!
Left lane completely covered with snow drifts around Taylor/8th, so most are sticking to the right. @CKOMNews pic.twitter.com/ZD8pqEI1b8

— Alex Brown (@AlexBrownYXE) March 28, 2025

Read more:

• Spring snowstorm causes treacherous road conditions across central Sask.
• SHA warns of measles exposure risk in Saskatoon, North Battleford
• Questions remain as Sask. moves to zero out industrial carbon tax