Snow-clearing operations in the City of Prince Albert are entering a critical phase as municipal crews move into school zones following a major winter storm that delivered about 35 centimetres of snow, affecting transportation, commuting, and daily business activity across the northern Saskatchewan city.
City officials said Friday afternoon that crews have completed clearing all Priority 2 roads — key routes that support significant traffic volumes and access to essential services — and have now shifted their focus to school zones, the remaining component of that priority category. Clearing in those areas began earlier in the day and is expected to continue through the weekend, with completion projected by the end of Tuesday.
The progress marks a key milestone in restoring normal traffic flow after the storm, which significantly disrupted mobility for residents and businesses alike. School zones are considered particularly important because of safety concerns tied to children, school buses, and increased pedestrian traffic during weekday mornings and afternoons.
In addition to school zones, crews have also completed median snow lifts along several emergency routes. These operations involve removing accumulated snow from road medians to improve visibility for drivers and ensure emergency vehicles can move efficiently.
Municipal snow clearing is typically conducted in phases, with priority routes handled first to maintain core transportation networks. These routes often include arterial roads, transit corridors, and streets serving hospitals, fire stations, and police services.
With Priority 2 routes nearly finished, the City is now turning its attention to planning the next phase: residential road grading. Officials said operational plans and options are under review, and more information will be shared once school zones and other priority areas are complete.
Residential streets often take longer to address due to their sheer volume and lower traffic priority, but they remain essential for local access, deliveries, and neighbourhood mobility. Snow accumulation on these roads can affect everything from employee commutes to supply chain deliveries for local businesses.
However, further progress could be complicated by incoming weather. Environment Canada has issued a snow squall warning for later Friday, raising the possibility of additional snowfall and reduced visibility.
If conditions worsen, crews may need to return to previously cleared priority routes to maintain safe driving conditions before advancing further into residential areas. Such setbacks are common during extended winter weather events and can prolong full recovery timelines for municipalities and residents.
The City is urging residents and business owners to report snow-related issues through its online reporting system or by phone, allowing officials to track problem areas and respond more efficiently.
Officials also acknowledged the public’s cooperation during the cleanup effort.
“The City would like to thank everyone for their patience and support as we tackle this snow together. When you see graders and loaders at work, please slow down and give our crews plenty of space.”
Major snow events like this one can carry broader economic implications, affecting workforce mobility, retail traffic, and service delivery. Delays in snow removal can reduce customer access to businesses and slow logistics operations, particularly in regions where trucking is essential for supply chains.
Efficient snow clearing is therefore not only a public safety issue but also an economic priority, helping restore normal commercial activity as quickly as possible.
Prince Albert, like many Canadian cities, budgets annually for snow and ice control, with spending varying depending on storm frequency and severity. Large storms such as this one often require sustained deployment of graders, loaders, and haul trucks over multiple days.
For now, municipal officials say their focus remains on completing school zones and maintaining priority routes while monitoring the incoming weather system.
Further updates on residential snow clearing are expected in the coming days.