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  2. City of Saskatoon Emergency Response Plan Update: March 4 (Afternoon)

City of Saskatoon Emergency Response Plan Update: March 4 (Afternoon)

For immediate release: March 4, 2024 - 4:20 pm
TC24-4943

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). The City’s Emergency Operation Centre has been activated to collaborate with critical infrastructure partners throughout the city. 

A summary of the work underway includes: 

  • Saskatoon has in the range of 1600 lane-km of Priority Roads – that’s roughly the distance from City Hall to Vancouver. So far, approximately 95 per cent of Priority 1 Streets, 45 per cent of Priority 2 Streets and 25 per cent of Priority 3 Streets have been graded, far ahead of the anticipated schedule from this morning. 

  • Sander trucks continue to spread sand throughout the day on these streets to increase traction.  

  • By midnight tonight, Monday, March 4, we expect all Priority 1 Streets to be completed and will immediately proceed with grading on the remaining Priority 2 Streets, which are expected all to be graded by noon tomorrow.  

  • Priority 3 Streets are expected to be complete 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. A list of initial neighbourhoods for local street snow grading will be available at saskatoon.ca/snow by Thursday, March 7 and continuously updated as crews make progress – please watch for further information this week. 

  • Crews will move into industrial areas after all local streets in residential areas are completed. After that, crews can start addressing alley access; problematic alleys may be addressed sooner pending available resources.   

  • The need for the last phase of the plan (Phase 5), 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.  

  • Right now there are many tall snowpiles along the roadways. Sight-lines may be reduced so drivers should proceed with caution near intersections and crosswalks. 

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. 

A summary of civic services operating normally: 

  • City Hall remains open and the majority of civic services are operating as normal.  

  • Despite ongoing operational and weather impacts this morning, Saskatoon Transit is maintaining full service this afternoon with no delays exceeding 15 minutes. However, detours and delays can be expected as operators navigate accessible streets. For updates check the real-time mobile app, transit or visit saskatoontransit.ca/service-alerts. 

  • 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.  

  • City Indoor Rinks have resumed regular operations.  

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

  • Parks is on track to clearing pathways according to route priorities. 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. 

  • Missed blue cart collection on Monday, March 4 is rescheduled for Saturday, March 9. Blue Cart affected area(s) include Route 4: Briarwood, College Park, College Park East, Lakeridge, Lakewood Urban Centre, Rosewood. 

  • Missed black cart collection on Monday, March 4 rescheduled for Saturday, March 9. Black Cart affected areas include Route 1: Avalon, Buena Vista, Exhibition, Haultain, Nutana, Queen Elizabeth. 

  • Missed Green Cart collection on Monday, March 4 rescheduled for Saturday March 9.  Green Cart affected areas include Route 2: Adelaide/Churchill, Holliston, Nutana Park, Stonebridge, The Willows.

  • All curbside collections for Tuesday, March 5 will go ahead as planned. Please watch for Service Alerts, updates on your Saskatoon Waste Wizard app or go to saskatoon.ca/collectioncalendar. 

  • The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo will re-open tomorrow, March 5, with normal operating hours.  

Other Impacted City Operations 

Leisure Facilities 

  • All Leisure Centres (Cosmo (excluding Cosmo Arena), Lakewood and Lawson Civic Centres, Saskatoon Field House and Shaw Centre) are closed Monday, March 4 and will remain closed Tuesday, March 5. They are anticipated to re-open Wednesday, March 6, with normal operating hours. 

Building Standards 

  • All scheduled building and plumbing inspections for Monday March, 4 and Tuesday, March 5 are cancelled.  Customers with scheduled inspections will be contacted and arrangements will be made to rebook. 

Impound Lot 

  • The impound lot is closed for the remainder of the day. Updates on when the service is restored will be available on saskatoon.ca/servicealerts. 

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

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Safety Reminders 

  • The Saskatchewan Health Authority reminds residents to be careful when you go out to shovel. Shoveling is a significant workout and can put a lot of strain on your heart and back. Follow their recent tips. 

  • When shoveling snow, take some time to clear any fire hydrants of ice and snow near your property. In case of a fire, firefighters need to be able to spot and access fire hydrants quickly to protect people and property. 

  • Check intake pipes and exhaust vents that may be blocked with snow or ice and clear any snow away from the opening if it builds up. A plugged exhaust could result in carbon monoxide (CO) being pushed back into your home or cause your furnace to shut down.  

  • For your safety and the safety of your children we ask that no one climbs on the snow piles or builds tunnels through them as the weight of that snow is very dangerous.