Why does the City of Saskatoon sweep the streets every spring?

Sanding materials and other winter debris make the streets dusty and dirty, and can be dangerous. The sweeping program helps to prevent this material from going into our storm sewer system, reduces the dust, and makes street safer for cyclists, pedestrians and motorists.

When will the roads be swept?

Spring street sweeping is a four to five-week program. Depending on weather conditions and mechanical delays, crews will be out seven days a week (except Victoria Day) until the project is complete.

How can I find out when my street will be cleaned?

Residents will be notified that sweeping crews will enter your neighbourhood at least two days prior to your street being swept. Please watch for flyers in your mailbox or 'NO PARKING' signs being posted along your street. For the date noted on these materials, ensure that your vehicles are parked off-street between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.. Additional information can be found under Residential Street Sweeping Schedule and "No Parking" Signage Locations Schedule or by calling 975-2491.

In the past, I have seen crews start sweeping early and they have to manoeuvre around parked cars. Do those areas then stay dirty?

Since crews continue sweeping for their full shift, they are sometimes able to carry out preliminary sweeping in another neighbourhood in advance of the posted date. The street sweeper doing preliminary sweeping will only pick up heavy material and sweep around parked vehicles. Your street will ultimately be cleaned as it was regularly scheduled with advance notice given.

Will the City be cleaning sand and debris off sidewalks?

The City cleans sanding materials off sidewalks and boulevards on major roadways. We ask residents to help keep our city looking beautiful by sweeping sanding materials off residential sidewalks and driveways onto the street before the arrival of street sweepers.

How many streets are cleaned in total?

Work crews sweep about 1125 kilometres or streets and roads.

How many city employees are involved in the street cleaning program?

The Clean Sweep Program involves approximately 40 City of Saskatoon - Public Works' employees.

Why do I have to remove my vehicle from the street?

To help our work crews carry out a thorough clean-up, the City of Saskatoon relies on residents to remove vehicles from streets scheduled for cleaning. Once you have moved your own vehicles out of the sweeping area, please notify any neighbours who may not have seen the door hanger notices.

What happens if I leave my vehicle on the street when the cleaning equipment comes to sweep my street?

If there are no signs indicating a parking ban, the crew will sweep around the vehicle. In an area where a parking ban is in effect, vehicles may be ticketed and towed to a nearby street.

I have no driveway or back laneway, where should I park my vehicle while my street is being cleaned?

Unfortunately, to ensure a clean sweep, residents may have to park vehicles outside of the scheduled area.

How many street sweepers does the City have?

The City of Saskatoon - Public Works Branch uses a fleet of 16 street sweepers. 

Will the street cleaning equipment cause traffic tie-ups?

Major roadways are swept at night to avoid daytime traffic congestion. Street sweepers are equipped with lights and flashers to warn vehicular traffic of their presence. In addition, roadways are pre-wetted to reduce the creation of dust that may obscure visibility.