The City of Prince Albert says it is intensifying snow-clearing efforts after a stretch of heavy snowfall and fluctuating winter temperatures created challenging driving conditions across the community, particularly on residential streets.
City officials say daytime melting followed by overnight refreezing has resulted in slush, deep ruts and uneven surfaces in several areas, making travel more difficult for motorists and pedestrians alike. Crews have been working full-time over the past week to manage snow accumulation while responding to changing weather patterns that have complicated operations.
Snow removal efforts are being guided by the city’s established, priority-based snow-clearing plan, which focuses first on major routes and critical infrastructure before moving into secondary and residential areas. However, ongoing snowfall has forced crews to repeatedly return to high-priority routes, slowing progress elsewhere.
According to the city, Priority 1 routes — which include main arteries and roads essential for emergency services — require continuous attention during active snowfall. As a result, work on Priority 2 routes and residential streets can be delayed when weather conditions worsen.
City crews are actively monitoring road conditions and adjusting schedules to ensure grading and snow removal take place where they will have the greatest impact. When residents report severe ruts or hazardous conditions, a duty foreman is dispatched to assess the situation. Streets deemed to be in the worst condition are addressed first, based on safety and accessibility concerns.
Municipal officials are encouraging residents to use the city’s online service request portal to report snow-related issues, including ruts and sightline concerns. Submitting a request through the portal creates a direct service ticket for snow operations and helps staff respond more efficiently to problem areas.
Residents can submit reports at https://srportal.citypa.ca/public using the keyword Snow – Street Concern. The city has also made its snow-clearing map available online, allowing residents to track where crews are currently working as part of the snow management program.
The city outlined several key milestones in this week’s snow-clearing schedule. On Tuesday, crews completed snow removal on 10th Street, from 1st Avenue East to 1st Avenue West, before returning to Priority 1 routes. Those routes were scheduled for completion later that day.
On Wednesday, crews are set to begin early-morning work with a snow lift on 12th Street, from 1st Avenue East to 2nd Avenue West. Following that operation, teams will return to Priority 2 routes. Work on Priority 2 routes is expected to continue into Friday, weather permitting.
Looking ahead, a full snow lift of the downtown area is scheduled for Sunday, a move the city says will help improve accessibility for businesses, transit users and pedestrians in the core.
Into next week, crews are expected to continue focusing on Priority 2 routes, unless additional snowfall requires a renewed emphasis on Priority 1 roads. Officials note that snow-clearing plans remain flexible to account for rapidly changing winter conditions.
The city says it appreciates residents’ patience as crews work through the demands of winter weather. Motorists are being reminded to slow down, allow extra travel time and adjust driving behaviour to match road conditions.
While winter maintenance remains a significant operational challenge, city officials say they are committed to maintaining safe and passable roads throughout the season and encourage residents to stay informed through city updates and online tools.
