Snow Plowing

The City's Snow and Ice Control Policy describes how snow and ice control will be handled by the City once a snowfall hits.

Snow Plowing Priority System

Snow plowing is based on a priority system, starting with major roadways and emergency streets. When storms are continuous, or closely follow one another, operations will be repeated or continued on the routes of highest priority until all such roads are completed before moving onto streets of a lesser priority.

For example, crews will leave the priority #2 streets, even if not complete, to return to priority #1 and start over.

Snow Plowing Parking Bans

Parking bans are put in place to assist crews to quickly and effectively complete snow clearing from city streets. Snow Route Parking Bans can be declared on Priority 1 streets when there is more than 4 inches of snowfall at one time.

Temporary parking bans are implemented as required on priority 2, 3 and 4 streets. Streets are signed at least 12 hours in advance to notify motorists of the temporary parking ban. Any vehicles that remain parked on the street 12 hours after the signs have been put up will be considered in violation of the Snow and Ice Control Policy and the City of Prince Albert Traffic Bylaw, 2013 - Section 78(b).

Snow Clearing Parking Ban Brochure

Fines and Towing

Cars that stay parked on the street 12 hours after a temporary parking ban has been put in place are considered in violation of the City's Traffic Bylaw and risk fines and towing. If your vehicle has been towed, please see more information about the City's Impound Lot.

Sand and Salt Operations

In the Winter sand and salt trucks are out regularly during the week targeting high traffic roadways and problem areas throughout the City. With sand and salt, we would like drivers to keep in mind that that there are conditions that can limit its effectiveness. Salt, for example, will not melt the snow/ice if it's colder than -18 and sand can be quickly worn away from traffic on high traffic streets.

If there is an area that you think needs attention, please report it to Public Works.

Windrows

The piles of snow left along the curbs following snow plowing operations are called windrows. Except in identified areas, such as 2nd Avenue West, the downtown or 6th Avenue East, snow is not trucked away. This means that in most cases snow plowing will result in windrows on both sides of the road.

Windrows at Driveways

Every efforts is made to ensure that windrows are not left along a driveway. If the windrow is greater than 12 inches in height you can contact the Public Works department to have it removed. Windrows under 12 inches in height are the responsibility of the property owner or affected individual, company or corporation.

Please note that a loader often follows behind the grader operator to remove windrows along driveways. Please allow some time before reporting the issue to ensure the second operator has time to clear the driveway.

Cul-de-sacs, Main Streets and Sidewalks

Snow is often piled in the centre of a cul-de-sac or in the middle of a main street to allow for timely clearing of driving lanes. Crews will return at a later time to truck out the snow.

Under certain conditions, where there is a greater volume of snow accumulation over the course of the season one third of the sidewalk may be used for snow plowing operations. In these cases, property owners would be responsible for clearing the remaining two-thirds of the sidewalk. Learn more about sidewalk snow responsibilities on our sidewalk snow removal page.

Reporting an Issue

If there is an area that you think needs attention, please report it to Public Works.

By Phone:

Regular office hours:
Please contact Public Works during regular office hours at (306) 953-4900.

After-Hours (weekends, evenings and holidays):
For items that require urgent attention, please contact the After-Hours Assistance - Non Emergency line after regular office hours at (306)953-4348.

By Email:
Roadways Report a Concern Form