(Image Credit: File photo/northeastNOW Staff)

By Cam Lee

Significant snow, wind expected

City of Melfort prepares for winter storm

Feb 17, 2026 | 4:35 PM

The City of Melfort has prepared for what promises to be a significant snowfall. 

Environment and Climate Change Canada has forecast up to 50 cm of snow over the next couple of days, along with wind gusts up to 60 km/h at times. That is more than the 35 cm possible that they predicted earlier today (Tuesday).

Melfort’s Director of Public Works Kalyna Cipywnyk told northeastNOW the city’s preparation for a storm is much like that of a homeowner. She said crews are ensuring that all equipment and vehicles are in working order, that there is a good supply of fuel, and all other tasks outside of snow removal have been completed. 

“Typically, we do not get very much advance warning before a storm, and our response will depend on the amount of snow that actually falls,” Cipywnyk said. “We also have been lucky that there had been a break in the weather earlier this month and we were able to clear many streets of built-up snow and ice which greatly eases the pressure on the crews.” 

The break in the weather this month meant the city was able to make more room for snow storage and traffic. 

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Cipywnyk reminds residents crews will not begin snow removal activities until the snow and blowing snow has stopped. If a storm restarts, the snow clearing priorities are reset as per the city’s policy. 

“We ask that people do not push snow from their private property onto the street or in the alleyways,” Cipywynyk said. “This can create a road hazard as well as greatly increase the amount of snow the city’s crews will be managing in the streets.” 

Residents are also asked to take care while driving near city crews and equipment, and to respect all work zone signage. 

City policy outlines that the goal is to make all city streets “passable” within 48 hours of the end of a snowstorm. Passable in this case is defined as the plow making one or two passes for driving lanes. 

“The city does not have a set timeframe on when the snow will be fully removed from the streets, as this depends on the amount of snow received, changing weather conditions, and crew availability.” 

In preparation of the snowstorm, the city encourages residents to park off the street if possible and/or move any parked vehicles every 48 hours. Fewer vehicles on the street allow for crews to better clear snow away from driving and parking lanes. 

Cipywnyk said they use a city-owned property on the northeast side of town, off MacDonald Ave. E. to dump the snow removed from city streets. 

After the snow is removed, Cipywnyk said the city will apply salt and sand as they normally do should icy conditions persist. She added staff members appreciate everyone’s patience with their snow removal activities. 

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com