Saskatoon’s snow clearing fell behind last winter as record snowfalls overwhelmed plows, leading to service delays and a $6.5M budget overrun.
City Report Highlights Shortfalls
A city report presented to Saskatoon’s transportation committee this week revealed that snow and ice clearing services did not meet established targets during last winter’s storms. The document showed that multiple service levels, particularly in November, were not achieved as crews struggled to keep up with heavy snow.
Record Snowfall in November
Saskatoon was hit with two major snowfalls in the same week last November, with 17 and 25 centimetres dropping within just five days. The city’s standards require priority streets to be cleared within 12 hours of a snow event, defined as more than five centimetres of accumulation. That goal was missed.
Delays Across Priority Routes
Priority 2 streets, scheduled to be cleared within 36 hours, also saw delays. In response, city council voted in May to extend the clearance timeline to 48 hours to match available resources. If that standard had been in place last winter, officials say the city would have technically met its targets.
More Snow Than Average
Between November 19 and March 29, Saskatoon recorded 115 centimetres of snowfall — the highest in seven years. Environment and Climate Change Canada data shows the city normally receives about 91 centimetres in a season. The report noted an average of 98 centimetres over the last seven winters.
Sidewalks and Residential Challenges
The city also fell short in clearing sidewalks and pathways. While they are supposed to be cleared within 48 hours, the report says early snow events overwhelmed crews, especially with a six percent increase in the pathway network. Residential neighbourhoods were also affected, requiring full grading in both December and February, an unusual and costly step.
Budget Pressures Mount
Snow management costs quickly outpaced the city’s budget. Saskatoon overspent its 2024 snow and ice budget by $6.5 million, though the deficit was balanced using surpluses elsewhere. Still, a $3.5-million shortfall is already projected for 2025, raising concerns about long-term financial strain.
Looking Ahead to Future Reviews
The city plans to reassess its snow-clearing priority network in 2027, following the rollout of the Link transit system. Officials said the review could see changes in which streets receive priority service. City council will also debate whether to increase service levels for local streets during upcoming 2026–2027 budget discussions.
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