News Releases

With the influx of snow and colder temperatures, winter months typically see an increase in fires and carbon monoxide incidents. The Saskatoon Fire Department would like to remind residents to follow these winter safety tips: 

1. Check your exit/egress points 
   • Keep all doors and bedroom windows accessible and free of snow and other obstructions. They should be easy to open in case of an emergency.
   • Regularly review your fire escape plan and test all exits to make sure they are functional.
2. Clear snow and ice accumulation 
   • Check your roof for snow buildup. Melting snow that freezes can form ice dams, blocking drainage and causing water to seep under shingles, leading to leaks and damage.  
   • Keep intake and exhaust vents for furnaces and heating appliances free of ice and snow accumulations to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide build-up. 
   • When shoveling snow, clear fire hydrants of ice and snow so firefighters can quickly find and use them in an emergency. 
3. Inspect appliances and service equipment 
   • Regularly inspect the pipes and valves on fuel-burning appliances like water heaters, furnaces and gas stoves. Look for signs of wear, rust or leaks. 
   • Have your furnace, fireplace, water heater and other fuel-burning appliances cleaned and inspected by a professional to make sure they work properly and don’t emit carbon monoxide. 
4. Use electricity wisely 
   • Avoid overloading extension cords and power strips, as this can cause overheating and fires. 
   • Use cords rated for the device’s power needs and never use damaged or frayed cords. 
5. Test and maintain alarms 
   • Test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries at least once a year. 
   • Place carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas, and test them every three months. Replace units every seven years or sooner if required.

By taking these proactive measures, you can contribute to the safety and well-being of your family and neighbours. Stay safe this winter season! 

The City of Saskatoon has mobilized all available graders to clear snow and ice from residential streets. City and contractor crews will grade residential streets to improve mobility and access. Snow and ice will be stored in parking areas.

Operators will go around parked vehicles where possible, however, some streets will be skipped and returned to later with parking restrictions if access is limited. Please move vehicles off-street where possible and please give road equipment the space they need to operate, signaled by their blue and amber flashing lights. Parents and guardians are asked to ensure children stay away from snow piles to avoid potential risks.

The City will update saskatoon.ca/snow listing neighbourhoods that will see grading start within the next 48 hours. Additional neighbourhoods will be added as operations progress.

The City of Saskatoon has called in all available graders for tonight and the next few days to blitz local residential streets. City and contractor crews will shave off the top layer of snow ruts on local streets to improve mobility.

Grader operators will go around parked vehicles, but we encourage people to move vehicles if there is off-street parking available. As graders shave off the top layers of ruts the snow will be stored in the parking lane.

More details will be posted on saskatoon.ca/snow once available.

Saskatoon residents are waking up to slick city streets this morning following freezing rain overnight. Snow is expected to begin Sunday morning and continue throughout the day.

Crews have been working through the night on Circle Drive and other freeways, applying salt and sand where needed. There are 8 graders, 18 sanders and 6 plows out grading snow and ice on the highest priority streets such as Circle Drive, College Drive, 22nd Street, Idylwyld Drive and 8th Street. There are also sidewalk plows sanding bridge walkways and pathways to ensure these are passable for pedestrians.

Snow removal is planned for several priority streets over the next few days. This work may be delayed if crews need to shift focus to grading snow from high traffic streets. 

After freezing rain, snow and subzero temperatures, road conditions can be dangerous even with sanding and salting. Drivers are encouraged to adjust to winter conditions, keeping a safe distance from other vehicles.

Please give road equipment the space they need to operate, signaled by their blue and amber flashing lights.

Environment and Climate Change Canada is forecasting freezing rain beginning Saturday evening and continuing throughout the night and turning into snowfall on Sunday. City crews are fully prepared to manage the road conditions.

Roadway crews with 10 graders, 6 plows and 18 sander units with de-icing treatments will maintain priority streets starting with Circle Drive and expressways as well as on and off ramps and bridge decks and will continue to maintain city streets as long as the weather persists.

With freezing rain, snow and subzero temperatures in the forecast, road conditions can become dangerous. Drivers are encouraged to adjust to winter conditions, keeping a safe distance from other vehicles.

Please give road equipment the space they need to operate, signaled by their blue and amber flashing lights.

For more information on winter road maintenance, visit saskatoon.ca/snow.