What streets get cleared and when? The City maintains approximately 1130 kilometres of roadways (3440 lane kilometers including turning bays, parking lanes, etc), and uses a priority sytem to maximize use of existing resources. High traffic streets and emergency routes are plowed first, followed by thoroughfares and bus routes. During winter storms, the goal is to maintain the passability of high traffic streets and emergency routes.
What about my neighbourhood? As a rule, residential streets are not plowed unless conditions become unsafe. Exceptions include high parking areas, such as the University district and roads in developing neighbourhoods that are prone to being covered with wind-blown snow which will be plowed to make them reasonably passable.
If deep ruts develop (at least 4-6 inches) and extend the length of the block, please call the Public Works Customer Service Line at 975-2491 and let us know. If we see that the ruts are a problem, we’ll plow the street. Plowing rutted streets leaves windrows (large ridges of snow) on both sides of the roadway which may impede parked vehicles and affect on-street parking.
Does the City sand or salt residential streets? The City sands/salts residential intersections and school zones to improve vehicle traction. Priority routes are sanded/salted as part of regular winter maintenance. Crews respond to developing icy conditions as quickly as resources permit, providing 20 hour a day, 7 day a week coverage.
Do graders have to push snow into my driveway? City crews grade streets to reduce ruts as required. During grading, snow is pushed into windrows (large ridges of snow) along the curbs. Every effort is made to keep driveways and disabled zones clear, but sometimes already cleared sidewalks and driveways get covered. Call the Snow & Ice Hotline at 975-2491 to report a large snow ridge left on a sidewalk by graders, and the City will come and check it out. If it’s a problem, the City will either clear the snow ridge with a sidewalk plow or come back later and clear it with a grader.
I have health issues and can’t clear my own sidewalk. What should I do? Consider asking younger family members or neighbours for help, or perhaps the person who cuts your grass. Or look for snow removal services online, in the phone book, or in the newspaper.
I want to volunteer to clear snow from sidewalks. Who can I contact? Check around your neighbourhood and ask those who are elderly or have health or mobility restrictions if you can help them. Or consider contacting Services for Seniors at 668-2762 to volunteer.
I want to report an uncleared sidewalk. What do I do? If it’s in a residential area, wait 48 hours after the snowfall and if it’s still not cleared, call the Public Works Customer Service Line at 975-2491. If it’s in a designated commercial/suburban area, wait 24 hours and then call the Hotline.
How do I find out what time the snowfall ended before waiting to report an uncleared sidewalk? The time that a snowfall is considered to be over is based on the conditions reported by Environment Canada at the John G. Diefenbaker International Airport. The information is available on their web site: www.weatheroffice.gc.ca
Which sidewalks is the City responsible for clearing? The City clears sidewalks adjoining civic facilities, leisure centres, fire halls, auditoriums, and the Meewasin Trail within 48 hours after a snowfall. Lit pathways in City parks as well as sidewalks adjoining City parks and City-owned property will also be cleared within 48 hours. The City does not clear walkways or lanes.
How does the Snow Route improve snow plowing operations? When there are no vehicles parked on the high traffic Snow Route, crews can plow these streets more quickly which will help to improve traffic flow.
Which streets are included in the Snow Route? The Snow Route includes high traffic streets/street segments that are part of the Priority System. Check the Snow Route map on our Snow Route page.
Are there signs identifying which streets are on the Snow Route? Some of the streets are already “No Parking” zones. “No Parking – Snow Route” signs are posted on streets not already banned for parking.
How can I find out if a Snow Route Temporary Parking Ban has been declared, and how can I tell when it’s over? Register to receive Snow Route e-Notifications, check out local news reports, or call the Public Works Customer Service Line at 975-2491. If snow is accumulating, consider not parking on the Snow Route. If Environment Canada is forecasting a significant amount of snow (in excess of seven centimetres) and/or winds that cause drifting on high traffic streets, a Snow Route Temporary Parking Ban may be declared.
I didn’t move my parked vehicle from the Snow Route during the Snow Route Temporary Parking Ban and now it's gone. Where is it? Your vehicle was probably ticketed and towed around the corner or to the Impound Lot. If you can’t find it around the corner, call the Public Works Customer Service Line at 975-2491 for information.