From December through March, residential streets are typically graded up to two times, depending on snowfall amounts and temperature conditions across the city. (Image Credit: File photo/paNOW Staff)

By paNOW Staff

Winter operations

Residential grading begins Monday

Jan 23, 2026 | 12:49 PM

It should come as a big relief to Prince Albert residents who have been navigating winter ruts that the City of Prince Albert announced crews will begin grading residential streets on Monday, Jan. 26.

Residents are asked to watch for and comply with temporary no-parking signs, which are required to allow crews to work efficiently and safely.

Vehicles left parked on posted streets may be ticketed or towed.

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Before residential areas are scheduled for grading, garbage and recycling collection schedules are reviewed to avoid clearing around curbside bins and reduce service disruptions.

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A map showing residential snow grading areas is available online at: https://bit.ly/3NWhHlA

Residential Snow Grading: What Residents Should Know

From December through March, residential streets are typically graded up to two times, depending on snowfall amounts and temperature conditions across the city. Grading is used to address ruts following significant snowfall and deep snowpack that softens during warmer temperatures.

During freeze-thaw cycles, particularly as spring approaches, snow and ice soften into slush during the day, and deep, sharp ruts freeze overnight, creating hazardous driving conditions. Grading may be carried out as a response to recent snowfall or as a proactive measure to reduce rutting ahead of spring conditions.

Trade-Offs and Impacts

According to the city, grading creates windrows along curbs, which can narrow driving lanes and reduce access to on-street parking. In spring, these windrows often consist of solid ice and compacted snow. The decision to grade is a balance between improving overall driving conditions and the impacts of windrows at the curb.

Snow Removal and Windrows

Residential windrows are not lifted and trucked out as part of standard snow operations. Snow lifting is prioritized in:

Downtown areas, school zones, targeted arterial streets, bus stops, and residential areas prone to spring flooding.

In some neighbourhoods, property owners choose to hire private contractors at their own expense to remove snow in front of their homes. When a street is later graded, snow will be stored again in these cleared areas.

Driveway Access and Reporting

The city said crews make every effort to avoid leaving windrows across driveways. If a driveway windrow exceeds six inches, crews will return to remove it. A loader follows the grader to clear driveways, and residents are asked to allow time for this secondary pass before reporting concerns.

Driveway issues can be reported through the City’s Roadways Concern Form at: https://srportal.citypa.ca/public (use the keyword Snow – Snow Blockage).

panews@pattisonmedia.com