Blowing and drifting snow have accompanied an Alberta Clipper through Saskatchewan. (Cam Lee/northeastNOW Staff)

By Cam Lee

Snow removal reminders

Designated priority areas plowed first in Melfort

Feb 26, 2024 | 12:00 PM

The incredibly mild, dry winter has taken a break this week.

An Alberta Clipper has come through the province, bringing with it snow, strong wind, and colder temperatures. That has led to significant drifting both on highways and city streets.

The city of Melfort is reminding residents their snow plows have designated priority routes through their Snow and Ice Management Policy.

Public Works Director Lydia Steffen told northeastNOW the policy describes how snow and ice control are handled in the city.

According to Steffen, the city’s top priorities for snow clearing are “highways, service roads, collector roads, (and) emergency service routes.” That includes roadways to hospitals, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes.

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The Miller Field Airport, central business district, and school access routes are included in priority one and two for snow clearing.

Steffen said there are other routes in the city that are cleared afterward so residents wouldn’t have far to access a plowed road.

“Sometimes blowing snow, poor visibility, continued snowfall, that can always impact the timeline of how snow removal happens,” explained Steffen.

The city’s focus is on consistently addressing the most critical routes first, and only after dealing with those routes crews will address others.

“City staff try their best to ensure that residents’ streets are passable or free of excessive snow within at least seven days,” said Steffen.

She added with the lack of snow so far this winter, crews that would normally be clearing the snow have been designated for other tasks throughout the city.

Steffen said the city values the understanding and cooperation of residents as crews look to clear the snow. Residents are reminded not to shovel ice or snow onto roads or sidewalks as they can cause uneven spots that make it more difficult to drive or wlak.

Homeowners are also asked to clear snow around hydrants on their property so fire crews can access them should the need arise.

According to Steffen, city crews are responsible for clearing approximately 60 kilometres of streets, 12 kilometres of highways, service roads, 20 kilometers of back alleys, and nine kilometres of walking paths.

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @northeastNOW_SK