News Releases
Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
Snow Event #1 – Roadways Winter Maintenance Operations
January 10, 2024 - 6:51am
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Once the snow stops, crews will complete the Priority 1 streets like Circle Drive and streets with three or more lanes in each direction, such as Idylwyld Drive, 22nd Street and College Drive.
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We will also clear City facility sidewalks, Meewasin Trail, pathways along major routes, and walkways over bridges and overpasses within 48 hours.
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Crews will then move onto Priority 2 double-lane streets like Clarence Avenue, McKercher Drive and Millar Avenue. These streets will take about 24 hours to complete.
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Attention will then shift to neighbourhood streets like Louise Avenue, Howell Avenue and Main Street.
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All priority street snow grading is completed within 72 hours of the end of snowfall.
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When you see the blue and amber flashing lights of snow crews, please slow down, remain at least 15 metres (2.5 car lengths) behind, and be prepared to stop.
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Anticipate winter driving conditions and adjust your driving. This includes slowing down and allowing more space between vehicles.
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Clear your business sidewalks within 24 hours and residential sidewalks within 48 hours. Please keep this snow on your property.
Saskatoon received approximately 15 centimetres of snow since it began to fall yesterday afternoon. The snow accumulation, combined with strong winds, has created heavy snow cover, snow drifting and has reduced lanes on Saskatoon’s streets and sidewalks.
City and contractor crews worked through the night plowing and grading snow from the driving lanes of Circle Drive and other expressways and major arterial roads to maintain safety and mobility.
This morning, crews will complete all Priority 1 streets and move into collector streets through all neighbourhoods. Additional equipment will be monitoring and addressing localized heavy drifting. Sanding will continue and sidewalks, bridge walkway and pathway clearing will begin.
Six plows, 27 City and contractor graders, 19 sanders, six sidewalk plows and numerous smaller pieces of equipment will be working today to grade streets and sidewalks of snow and apply de-icing materials.
Please keep back when you see blue and amber flashing lights to let road equipment complete their pass.
What you can expect from us
How you can help us
Learn about winter road maintenance at saskatoon.ca/snow. Stay in the Snow by checking the latest Snow & Ice Report posted to saskatoon.ca/SnowReport.
Bus service to Blades vs. Giants
January 10, 2024 - 6:00am
- 5:45 p.m.
- 6:25 p.m.
Direct bus service from the Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to experience the Saskatoon Blades take on the Vancouver Giants at SaskTel Centre on Wednesday, January 10, at 7 p.m., is available at the following times:
Post-event drop-off is at the downtown terminal and regular fares apply ($3.00 per trip). Fare can be purchased on your mobile phone using either the TGo or transit app, transfers and passes are also accepted. Typically, buses arrive 30 minutes before the end of an event for post-event drop-off.
Transit service times for special events at SaskTel Centre and other popular destinations can always be found at SaskatoonTransit.ca/plan-my-trip/popular-destinations. Experience the convenience of using Saskatoon Transit to attend all your favourite events.
Daily Road Report, January 10, 2024
January 9, 2024 - 3:00pm
*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.
NEW
No new detours are scheduled to start on this date.
ONGOING
33RD ST W ROAD CLOSED FROM AVE B N TO AVE C N
(Service connection replacement)
Start: January 9, 9:00 a.m. End: January 10, 5:00 p.m.
BRIGHTON BLVD ROAD CLOSED FROM TASKAMANWA ST TO 8TH ST E
(Construction)
Use McOrmond Dr
Start: November 20, 7:00 a.m. End: November 18, 5:00 p.m.
All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.
For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.
Extreme Cold Weather Emergency Response Plan: Level II activated
January 9, 2024 - 9:45am
- air temperature or wind chill is expected to reach -30°C for two days;
- air temperature or wind chill is expected to reach -40°C for at least two hours; or,
- when 10cm of snow falls within 12 hours or less.
- emergency overnight shelters
- warm-up locations
- outreach services such as wellness checks and connecting individuals to available resources
- cold weather essentials such as toques, mitts, jackets, and blankets
In response to the cold temperatures this week, the Saskatoon Emergency Management Organization (EMO) will activate the Extreme Cold Weather Emergency Response Plan (ECWERP) from January 9 - 14 to support residents in Saskatoon. The ECWERP enables collaboration from over 35 community partners to ensure everyone has access to a safe location when Saskatoon is experiencing extreme cold or other severe weather.
The extreme cold weather response is activated when:
When the Extreme Cold Weather response is activated, members establish a coordinated approach to providing services and support for residents, including:
Individuals and families experiencing homelessness can visit any of the designated warm-up locations throughout the city.
EMO encourages residents to stay safe during these cold temperatures. Residents can help those most vulnerable by sharing the warm-up locations poster, checking on family, friends and neighbours and by alerting emergency services if you see someone in distress due to the cold.
As always, Saskatoon Transit offers the Safe Bus Program designed to assist anyone, of any age, that needs immediate shelter or needs emergency services. If you need help, flag down or go to a parked bus. Operators can contact emergency services directly & will provide a safe place to wait.
In an emergency, call 911 immediately.
For more information about the ECWERP, visit saskatoon.ca/cold.
Crews and winter road maintenance equipment ready for snow
January 8, 2024 - 5:00pm
Environment & Climate Change Canada has issued a snowfall warning for Saskatoon, with up to 15 cm of snow expected in Central Saskatchewan. Snow is expected to begin falling around noon on Tuesday, continuing into Wednesday. City crews and contractors are fully prepared to respond to the anticipated snowstorm.
Road conditions can deteriorate with the heavy snow accumulation and blowing snow can cause reduced visibility at times. Drivers should adjust their driving for the road conditions; leave extra room in case you need to stop suddenly and watch for blue and yellow flashing lights on road equipment. Please stay back at least 15 m from winter maintenance equipment.
During the snowfall, City crews will plow Circle Drive and expressways to minimize accumulation and maintain mobility and safety for motorists. Sanders will be applying de-icing material as required, beginning with Circle Drive and other high speed and high traffic streets, bridges and intersections.
At the end of snowfall, if the total snow accumulation is greater than 5 cm, a snow event will be declared. Contractors will join City crews to grade snow along all priority streets within 72 hours of the end of the snowfall. Sidewalks, multi-use pathways, cycle tracks and bike lanes will be cleared within 48 hours of the end of the snowfall.
To learn more about winter road maintenance, including which roads are prioritized for maintenance, visit saskatoon.ca/snow.