PRINCE ALBERT, Sask. — The City of Prince Albert has declared a Snow Route Parking Ban effective Wednesday evening, as officials prepare for expected snowfall, heavy winds and blowing snow that could complicate road conditions and snow removal efforts.
The city announced the ban will take effect at 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 18, and will require residents and visitors to remove their vehicles from designated snow routes to allow crews to clear streets safely and efficiently.
“Due to expected snowfall overnight, combined with heavy winds and blowing snow, the City of Prince Albert advises that a Snow Route Parking Ban has been declared,” the city said in a press release.
Municipal officials said parking is prohibited on all streets identified as snow routes once a ban is declared. These routes are marked with permanent signs reading “No Parking When Declared,” signalling priority corridors for snow clearing during winter weather events.
“The ban is effective from 9:00 PM on Wednesday, Feb 18. Residents and visitors are asked to avoid parking on designated snow routes to allow for safe and efficient snow clearing,” the city said.
Snow route parking bans are a common winter measure in many Canadian municipalities, allowing public works crews to quickly clear key roads that support traffic flow, emergency response and transit operations. By ensuring routes remain unobstructed, cities can reduce delays, improve safety and minimize the overall impact of storms on local transportation networks.
In Prince Albert, drivers who fail to comply with the ban face enforcement measures, including fines and towing at their own expense.
“The parking ban will require drivers to immediately remove their vehicles from Snow Routes, as indicated by snow route signs. For City crews to effectively clear all streets marked with a Snow Route Parking Ban sign, vehicles not removed from the street will be ticketed and/or towed at the owner’s expense,” the city said.
Typically, parking bans remain in effect for about two days, though the exact duration depends on weather conditions and cleanup progress.
“Parking bans are temporary, usually lasting 48 hours, unless persistent snowfall requires a parking ban to be re-declared,” the city said.
However, officials noted the restrictions could be lifted sooner if conditions improve and crews complete their work ahead of schedule.
“If the Emergency Routes are cleared before 48 hours have elapsed and there is no threat of a continuing storm, the parking ban may be lifted earlier,” the city said. “In this case, a posting will be made on the City website, and notifications will be sent to local media.”
The city said updates, including any extensions or early cancellations of the ban, will be communicated through its website and local media channels. Residents are encouraged to monitor official communications to stay informed as weather conditions evolve.
Winter weather can place significant operational demands on municipal public works departments, requiring careful coordination of plows, graders and crews. Snow route systems help municipalities prioritize critical corridors, particularly those with higher traffic volumes or strategic importance for emergency services.
Beyond removing vehicles from designated routes, the city is also asking residents to contribute to winter safety in their neighbourhoods.
“The City appreciates your cooperation in helping us to ensure that streets are cleared as safely and efficiently as possible, and would also ask that you assist your neighbour if they are not able to keep their sidewalk free of snow,” the city said.
Keeping sidewalks clear is not only important for pedestrian safety, but also helps maintain accessibility for seniors, people with disabilities and others who rely on safe walking routes during winter months.
Prince Albert residents seeking more information about snow route parking bans or the city’s broader winter maintenance approach can access official resources online.
“For more information on parking bans and to see a copy of the City’s Snow and Ice Control Policy, please visit www.citypa.ca,” the city said.
Environment conditions across much of Saskatchewan have brought periodic snow and strong winds this winter, increasing the need for municipalities to activate snow management plans on short notice.
City officials say cooperation from motorists is essential to ensure crews can complete clearing operations quickly, reduce disruptions and keep roads safe for all users.