Saskatoon Hit by Heavy Snowstorm

A heavy snowstorm has blanketed Saskatoon, leaving residents grappling with 24 centimeters of snow since Saturday afternoon. The city is urging residents to avoid all non-essential travel as cleanup efforts are underway, following closely on the heels of another storm that deposited 17 centimeters just days prior.

School Closures Announced

In light of the inclement weather, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools (GSCS) have announced the cancellation of all classes on Monday, including those in surrounding areas such as Warman, Martensville, Humboldt, and Biggar. Similarly, Prairie Spirit School Division and Saskatoon Public School Division have also opted to cancel classes. School is expected to resume as normal on Tuesday, pending weather conditions.

Community Services Affected

As residents dig out from the snow, the Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre have also declared closure for Monday, adding to the disruptions caused by the storm.

City Cleanup Efforts

City crews are working diligently to ensure road and sidewalk safety, deploying a fleet that comprises 36 graders, 15 sanders, 11 plows, and five sidewalk plows. Luckily, the city's emergency response plan has not been put into action since the snow did not exceed the 25-centimeter threshold that would trigger such a response.

Public Transit Updates

Public transit in Saskatoon continued to operate on Sunday, but riders should prepare for delays of up to 20 minutes or more. Several routes have been modified to avoid deep snow hazards, and drivers may need to stop in the driving lane to pick up passengers. Access Transit customers are advised to reschedule any non-urgent trips for Monday, as unforeseen delays are likely.

Air Travel Disruptions

Air travel has not remained unscathed; WestJet has canceled flights to major destinations such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary, while additional delays have been reported for both WestJet and Air Canada.

Snow Removal Strategy

The City of Saskatoon has established a plowing priority system to address snow removal efficiently. Here’s how it works: - **Priority 1 roads**, including major freeways and major streets, are plowed within 12 hours after a snowstorm ends. - **Priority 2 roads**, which cover arterial streets and Saskatoon Transit routes, will be graded within 36 hours. - **Priority 3 roads** encompass collector streets and business zones, set to be completed within 72 hours.

Responsibilities for Homeowners

Residents are reminded of their responsibility to clear sidewalks around their properties. Snow must be removed within 48 hours after a snowfall, ensuring it is not pushed into the street. Non-residential properties face a stricter 24-hour timeline.

Clearing Sidewalks

The city emphasizes that cleared sidewalks must allow a minimum width of 1.2 meters and should have negligible snow pack (less than 3 cm). Loose snow and debris must be cleared to facilitate pedestrian traffic, including individuals with mobility challenges.

Reporting Issues

For those encountering uncleared sidewalks, there is an online reporting option, with city inspectors following up on complaints. Residents who fail to clear their walkways may receive a notice that requires compliance within 24 or 48 hours, after which a contractor may be brought in at the owner's expense.

Community Resilience

As the community copes with the aftermath of this snowstorm, city officials are working tirelessly to restore safe travel and ordinary life, while residents brace for whatever weather challenges may come next. Keep those shovels ready, Saskatoon—winter has just begun!