(Cam Lee/northeastNOW Staff)

By Cam Lee

Snow removal update

Northeast continues to dig out from second significant snowfall

Nov 25, 2024 | 3:01 PM

Communities across the northeast are asking residents to remain patient as they remove snow from the second large snowstorm in a week.

Melfort, Tisdale, Nipawin, and Humboldt have all been busy on their social media accounts updating citizens on snow removal.

The Town of Nipawin issued an update on Monday that said because of the volume of snow and ongoing weather conditions “residents may experience some delays in snow removal.”

The town said in the release they appreciate the patience and understanding of residents as the snow removal crews clear main roads, school zones, and high-traffic areas. They asked citizens to avoid parking vehicles on streets, if possible, to allow for more efficient snow clearing. The town also advised people to be cautious around equipment and reminded business owners to clear the area adjacent to their properties.

“Our dedicated crews are putting in every effort to manage this snowfall efficiently and safely,” GM of Operations and Engineering Services Jamie Fast said in a news release. “We ask for your cooperation and patience as we work to address the challenging conditions.”

Snow removal update

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Melfort Director of Public Works Kalyna Cipywnyk told northeastNOW that snow removal is progressing at a “slow and steady pace” due to the two major snowfalls.

“Our crews have been working overtime hours in the early mornings and evenings, as well as over the weekend, to ensure that roads are passable,” said Cipywnyk.

She said Priority 1 streets include highways, service roads, collector roads, and emergency services routes, and other areas of the city will be done after they are cleared. Cipywnyk said the back-to-back snowfalls are not unprecedented, but they present a challenge.

“The most challenging aspect of these events is helping residents understand that if another snow event occurs, our mandate is to return to our Priority 1 streets and the airport to make sure they are clear, even if some residential areas have not been plowed,” explained Cipywnyk. “All streets will be cleared eventually, but heavy snowfall has an impact on our service levels and timelines.”

Residents are reminded not to push or blow snow or ice from private property onto city streets or back alleys, as it is against the city’s Snow Removal Bylaw and only adds to the amount of snow graders need to deal with. Cipywnyk said residents are also asked, if possible, to move vehicles parked on the street to allow for better snow clearing by crews.

She asked people to be patient as crews try to whittle down the number of streets to be plowed.

The Humboldt Fire Department also posted on social media that a fire hydrant buried in snow can delay the response to a fire. Homeowners are asked to clear a path from the hydrant to the street, including an area of about a metre around the hydrant.

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Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @northeastNOW_SK