| Dust Suppression Program |
| Dust suppression involves the application of an emulsified asphalt product or an alternate product to an unpaved, gravel surfaced road or alley to mitigate dust on driving surfaces.
| 1. How can I get dust suppression on my street or alley?
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| Property owners adjacent to unpaved roads and alleys can petition the City to add or remove their block to the Dust Suppression Program. If over 50% of the adjacent property owners (representing more than 50% of the assessable value) petition to add or remove a road or alley from the program, then their block will be added or removed. Each year (early spring), the City issues a media notice on its website and social media platforms to notify the public of the Dust Suppression Program/process and important dates for when residents can petition to add or remove their block from the program. Petitions must be received prior to the deadline, as specified in the media notice, to be able to add or remove your block for that year. Once finalized, the list of approved blocks will be submitted in a bylaw for City Council approval. To receive notification, residents can subscribe to the City’s News and Notices. |
| 2. What is the cost and cost responsibility for dust suppression?
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| The cost for dust suppression is paid for by abutting properties. In 2025, The cost to property owners is:
- $2.23 per foot ($7.32 per metre) of property abutting treated streets per application, or
- $1.12 per foot ($3.67 per metre) of property abutting treated lanes per application.
- Roads typically receive two applications per season.
- Cost to the property owner is calculated based on the length of application abutting the property and will be added to the Property Tax bill for next year.
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| 3. How do we pay for dust suppression?
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| The cost for dust suppression is added on to the Property Tax bill for next year.
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| 4. How effective is the dust suppression program?
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Dust suppression is not a permanent solution to manage dust on non-paved roads/alleys but two applications do provide effective seasonal control of dust for residential roads/alleys.
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| 5. Important dates for 2024 dust suppression program
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| Last day to be added to or removed from the program is April 14, 2025.
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| 6. What do I do if I miss the deadline for adding or removing my block from the Dust Suppression Program? |
| Residents who miss the deadline for a particular year can apply for the program in the following year. It is suggested that they subscribe to the City’s News and Notices webpage so they can receive the annual notice of the Program including important dates. |
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| Sidewalk Repairs |
| When crews pave roads or do a utility dig, sidewalks, driveways, curbs and crossings are often impacted as follow: The City pays for the repairs:
| 1. Underground work that result in concrete replacement |
| The City Watermain or Sewer Replacement usually requires a 10 feet deep trench below the surface, so we need to remove the concrete to do the work, then the City puts the concrete back at the City’s Cost. Other Underground works that result in concrete replacement are: 1. Lead Service Replacement 2. Valves, Catch Basins, Manhole Replacements |
| 2. Surface Drainage |
| Concrete is selectively repaired if they are causing a drainage issue for the neighborhood. Concrete that has heaved or sunk that leaves 1/2" deep puddles or more on the street are replaced. Any puddles less deep than this remains in place. At the City’s Cost. |
| 3. Repaired for Access at the City's Cost |
| a) For Sidewalks and Curbs, the following conditions must be met for repair at the City’s Cost: 1. 1.5 inch wide cracks or greater 2. Spalls 12 inches long or greater 3. Raveling with pitting that is 1 inch deep or greater 4. Trip edges that are 2 inches tall or greater 5. Various complications as determined by City |
Residents/Business Owners pay for the repairs:
| 4. Residents or Business Driveway Crossings responsibility |
| b) For Residents or Business Driveway Crossings, it is the responsibility of the owner to maintain them at the Owner’s Cost. Crossings are the section of curb and sidewalk the owner drives over to access their property.
- If the condition identified in 3.a) is identified on a Driveway Crossing, then the City approaches the Owner and asks them if they would like the City to Repair their Driveway Crossing on their behalf.
1. If they agree the City covers 50% of the cost, the Owner covers the other 50%. 2. If they don’t no work occurs
- Some additional reasons they City would approach the Owner:
1. Driveway width doesn’t match the Crossing width 2. There is a Crossing that is not being Used 3. Bylaw Infractions. Parking on mud, driving over curbs, Not maintaining the driveway as per permits. Etc.
- The Residents can also approach the City for a repair. If the requested repair does not fall within 1) through to 3.a), then the request would not occur or the City can do it at 100% cost to owner.
- Outside of Paving and Utility Projects, homeowners pay 100% of the cost to maintain their Crossings.
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| 5. Homeowners will know if their crossing is being replaced when |
| Homeowners will know if their crossing is being replaced when City crews mark the panels to be removed usually 2-5 days before the concrete repair starts. Marking the panels can’t occur too early, because the asphalt surface needs to be milled before the drainage issues in 2) can be identified. Notice to Residents The Residents receive notice of spray marks on sidewalks that are being replaced. |
| 6. How much does it Cost? |
| Every driveway is different. The city supplies the Owner with the estimated cost. |
| 7. Does everyone pay the same amount? |
| No. Everyone pays similar rates, but the work is unique to each. |
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| Pothole Repairs |
| Potholes are caused when moisture enters a crack in the pavement and then freezes and expands in cold temperatures. The expansion puts pressure on the crack, causing the asphalt to break away, resulting in a pothole. Vehicle traffic over the pothole can cause the edges to crumble, which increases the size. Potholes are repaired based on the same priority system used for snow plowing operations. The high traffic, arterial roadways will be repaired first, followed by school zones and bus routes, the Central Avenue business district and, finally, residential areas. Each year, the City repairs 1,000 to 2,500 potholes. The number and severity of potholes changes from year to year and depends on the amount of freeze/thaw cycles that occur in the spring. In order to help crews locate potholes, the City of Prince Albert encourages residents to report a pothole by contacting the Public Works Department. Report a pothole |
| Street Sweeping |
| Street sweeping clears tonnes of sand and debris from City roadways and helps to keep streets safe, clean and beautiful. The City starts street sweeping in April or May of each year, depending on the timing of the snow melt. The process typically takes six to eight weeks to complete unless weather conditions create significant delays. Street sweeping follows the same priority as snow removal operations. Major arterial roadways are swept first, followed by bus routes and school zones, the downtown area and, finally, residential areas.
| Street Sweeping Temporary Parking Bans |
| Temporary parking bans are put in place to assist crews to quickly and effectively clean sand and debris from city 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 City of Prince Albert Traffic Bylaw, 2013 - Section 78(b). |
| 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. |
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| Burnt Out Street Lights |
 If you find a burnt out street light please report it to SaskPower online or call 1-888-757-6937.
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