During the winter months, snow and ice on sidewalks can seriously impair the ability of people to get around safely - especially the elderly and those with mobility restrictions. For that reason, the City of Saskatoon has a bylaw in place requiring owners or occupants of property to clear sidewalks of snow and ice to prevent injury or inconvenience to pedestrians. Residents are reminded to please exercise caution and care when shovelling, especially during extremely cold weather. Check out  the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety website for information for shovelling snow.

The Sidewalk Clearing Bylaw, 2005 (No. 8463) requires that:

• Residential sidewalks must be clear of snow and ice within 48 hours of a snowfall.
• Sidewalks in designated commercial/suburban areas must be clear of snow and ice within 24 hours of a snowfall. The areas to which this Bylaw applies are outlined on maps in Schedule A (starting on page 8) of the The Sidewalk Clearing Bylaw, 2005 (No. 8463).

To report an unsafe sidewalk, please wait 48 hours after a snowfall in residential areas, and 24 hours in designated commercial/suburban areas. If it’s still not cleared, call the Public Works Customer Service Line at 975-2491.

The time that a snowfall is considered to be over is based on the conditions reported by Environment Canada at the John G. Diefenbaker International Airport. The information is available on their web site: www.weatheroffice.gc.ca

If a report is received about an uncleared sidewalk, the City will check the site and if necessary, the owner/occupant will be required to clear the sidewalk. This winter, the City will not fine residents for uncleared sidewalks. But, if the City has to clear the sidewalk, the cost will be charged to the owner’s property tax. The cost to clear a lot that has frontage only will be $100.00; and for a lot with frontage and flankage the cost will be $150.00. Please see sketch below for an explanation of frontage and flankage.

The City is responsible to clear sidewalks adjoining civic facilities, leisure centres, fire halls, auditoriums, and the Meewasin Trail within 48 hours after a snowfall. Lit pathways in City parks as well as sidewalks adjoining City parks and City-owned property will also be cleared within 48 hours. The City does not clear walkways or lanes.

During grading, crews push snow into ridges (windrows) along the curbs. Every effort is made to keep driveways and disabled zones clear, but sometimes already cleared sidewalks and driveways get covered. Call the Snow & Ice Hotline at 975-2491 to report a snow ridge left on a sidewalk by graders, and the City will come and check it out. If it’s a problem, the City will either clear the snow ridge with a sidewalk plow or come back later and clear it with a grader.

Need Help Clearing Your Sidewalk?

If you're unable to clear your sidewalks, consider asking younger family members, or neighbours for help, or perhaps the person who cuts your grass. Or look for snow removal services online, in the phone book or in the newspaper.

Want to help?

If you want to help your neighbours, start by posting your name and number at the local grocery store, schools, church or community centre.

Is your Non-Profit or Volunteer Agency or Community Group organizing a sidewalk snow clearing program this winter?

Non-profit/volunteer agencies and community groups that are organizing larger-scale sidewalk snow clearing programs this winter are asked to contact the City at 975-2491. We'll help to promote your program by including information on this website (below).