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Updates to the City’s Snow and Ice Control Policy will be up for consideration at the upcoming Executive Committee meeting on Monday, October 24, 2022. The policy sets minimum standards on the nature and order of snow maintenance operations and was last updated in 2010.
Since the policy was last updated, the snow maintenance division has established several best practices when it comes to the approach of snow operations. The proposed updates will not impact service levels but clarify the service level standards historically delivered each winter season.
“What we have found is that our best practices do not always align with the written standards outlined in the policy,” said Jeff DaSilva, Operations Manager for the City of Prince Albert. “The recommended updates will give everyone more clarity on what they can expect each season.”
Examples of the policy updates to be considered include:
Priority Streets: The proposed policy includes two priority levels rather than four. Priority streets have the highest traffic, requiring ongoing attention to ensure clear roadways for residents and emergency vehicles. When there is a new snowfall or a continuous snow event, crews will restart operations by returning to the priority one streets and working through the remaining priority areas.
The Downtown, or Central Business District (CBD), previously identified as priority three, is assessed regularly throughout the season to determine the timing of snow lifts. Without a snow storage area along the sidewalks, the downtown requires that snow is trucked out. Instead of identifying the CBD with a priority number, it will be a designated area specified for snow lifts. Snow lifts in the CBD are done a minimum of twice per season.
Residential areas, previously identified as priority four, are assessed regularly throughout the season to determine when grading will occur. There are over 300 km of residential streets. Instead of identifying residential areas on the priority scale, they will be assessed for grading as needed depending on the amount of snowfall. Grading occurs in residential areas a minimum of once a season, November to March.
By removing priority status from residential streets and the CBD, the service level will not change. Instead, the policy will now reflect the best practice that has been established and which has been maintained the last several winter seasons.
Driveway Windrows - In the proposed policy, graders will ensure that no more than a six-inch high windrow of snow will be left behind on driveways. The previous policy identified a windrow of 12 inches. This is not a change in service levels but an update that reflects current best practices.
Sidewalk Storage - The proposed policy identifies one-third of a sidewalk as a snow storage area when streets are graded. The previous policy included language to suggest one-third of the sidewalk may be used if required. In practice, using one-third of the sidewalk later in the season is not possible due to compacted snow along the curb. The change means one-third of the sidewalk will be used earlier in the season. This is a change in approach compared to the previous winter which will improve the ability of the roadways division to maintain wider driving lanes in snowy winters.
School Zones -The proposed policy maintains school zones as priority two but has been revised to identify that grading will be done in a manner that prioritizes accessibility while minimizing the creation of windrows that block access to sidewalks for drop-off areas for students. Snow lifts will be assessed and scheduled as needed. Where possible, lifts will be scheduled during school breaks to avoid equipment operation during school hours.
The policy amendments will be introduced and discussed at the Executive committee meeting. Any approved updates following the meeting will be forwarded to a City Council meeting for final review and approval. The report from Administration is now available online at https://eagenda.ca/iip/princealbert.
Once approved, the policy standards will be updated on the City’s website and shared with the public through routine seasonal winter maintenance communications.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Jeff DaSilva
Operations Manager
(306) 953-4900
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