Winter Control

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

Snow Clearing Guide

Yorkton counts with 172 KM of roads to plow when the snow falls, and it is executed based on a priority system show below. 

  1. Highways & mains roads (2 inches) 1st Priority Map 
  2. Collector streets (2 inches) 2nd Priority Map 
  3. Residential streets by zones that are followed according to curbside pickup (4 inches) Residential Map
  4. Back lanes - Only those used for primary access to properties (6 inches) 

If storms persist or occur in quick succession, we will focus on repeatedly or consistently addressing the most critical routes first. Only after completing these priority routes will we proceed to less crucial streets.

 YORKTON SNOW CLEARING GUIDE   REPORT A CONCERN   SNOW FAQ'S 

Snow route parking bans

Snow Route Parking Bans are declared to restrict on-street parking during our snowplowing operations. The city has established two primary snow removal route areas. 

  • The Blue Routes: Encompass the downtown business district
  • The Red Routes: Cover the main arterial streets citywide

The parking ban is in force for 72 hours. Blue area is in force from 11 P.M TO 7 A.M 

Fines may be issued and vehicles may be towed if they are not moved during a snow route parking ban.

Residential snow clearing

Snow clearing for residential starts after first priority streets (Highways & main roads) and second priority streets (collector streets) have completely done and the snow accumulated in residential streets is equal or higher than 4 inches. 

City crews work around curbside pick up & follow a zone-based approach, starting with zones corresponding to the day of the week, ensuring every corner of the city is covered. Please check residential map to identify the different zones

Sand and salt operations

In the winter, salt and sand trucks are out regularly during the week targeting high traffic roadways, intersections and problem areas throughout the city.

With salt and sand, we would like drivers to keep in mind that there are conditions that can limit its effectiveness:

  • Salt will not melt the snow/ice if temperatures are colder than -18 degrees.
  • 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 the Public Works department.

Sidewalks and cul-de-sac snow clearing

Sidewalks

Some road right-of-ways and public sidewalks will be utilized for snow storage as snow plows have no place else to push the snow. This is to accommodate on-street parking as much as possible, and help to prevent narrowing of streets. 

Cul-de-sac

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. City crews will return at a later time to remove the pile of snow.

 Keep children safe
Don't let them play, or build snow forts in the snow banks at the side of the road.
Snow from your driveway
Sometimes snow plows go past your property just after you have finished shoveling your driveway and/or sidewalk. We appreciate that this can be frustrating; however, we ask your cooperation in clearing the snow without placing it on the roadway. It is illegal to push snow from your property onto the street. If you hire a private contractor to clear your driveway, make sure the contractor does not push snow into the traveled portion of the roadway or fill in sidewalks.
 Fire hydrants
Remove snow from around fire hydrants on or near your property to enable quick access by emergency personnel if the need arises.
Garbage and recycling
DO NOT place your garbage or recycle boxes on top of snow banks. If possible place them on your driveway near the edge of the road.