(File photo/northeastNOW)

By Cam Lee

Snow clearing

Residents urged to obey signs as snow clearing continues in Melfort

Feb 12, 2025 | 11:36 AM

Residents of Melfort may have noticed snow-clearing equipment making its way through the city as of late.

City crews have been clearing streets during the lull in significant snowfall events.

Director of Public Works Kalyna Cipywnyk told northeastNOW that being able to clear the streets of the built-up snow and ice between snowfalls eases the pressure on the crews.

“With the excess snow removed, crews are able to better manage the next snowfall as there is more room available for both snow storage and vehicular traffic,” Cipywnyk explained.

Cipywnyk is asking drivers to respect their work zone, as they have had “multiple incidents” over the past month of people driving through a street that has been blocked off by the crew. She said that puts both the workers and the public at risk.

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“We have witnessed people moving signs and barricades to driver through our work zone or not following our temporary ‘No Parking’ signage,” said Cipywnyk. “Driving through a work zone comes with fines and can be reported to the RCMP.”

Ultimately, the goal is to clear the streets while making sure everyone gets home to their family safely at the end of the day. Cipywnyk said that starts with being careful around crews clearing snow.

With the larger and more frequent snowfalls this year, crews have been busier than the past couple of years, but Cipywnyk said the snow clearing operations are proceeding at a normal pace given the temperatures.

If residents have concerns about icy or rutted conditions, or have sight-line issues, they can contact city hall with the date, time, and location of the issue that will be passed along to the crew as a service request.

There is one more challenge when clearing snow during the cold snap. Cipywnyk said the extreme cold temperatures come with a higher risk of equipment failure.

“To mitigate these risks, the crews have been keeping up with preventative maintenance as well as making sure the equipment has a chance to warm up in the mornings,” she said.

Cipywnyk thanks everyone for their patience and kind words of support they have received so far this winter.

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Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com