Claypool Drive was closed down again on Tuesday when the snow fell and wind blew. And it isn’t the first time in Saskatoon this winter. A statement from Director of Roadways, Fleet and Support Goran Saric says Claypool Drive is susceptible to drifting because it’s adjacent to an open area. He says there have been a couple of very intense storms this winter depositing snow quickly making the street impassable and cars become stuck which, when that happens, prevents snow clearing operations from taking place.

Saric says they are assessing more permanent solutions like snow ridging and snow fencing but in the interim they are monitoring the situation and trying to address the drifting as the snow build-up occurs. He says they plan to have a solution in place for next winter season but there are some limitations in coming up with a permanent solution due to the proximity of the Saskatoon airport land to the north, and coming up with a permanent fix requires cooperation with the airport authorities.

And an area of the city which is susceptible when it rains is being addressed by the city. Construction of a dry storm pond to reduce neighbourhood flooding during significant rain events is underway in Churchill Park. This is the second of nine planned projects under the Flood Control Strategy that was approved by City Council in 2018.

Once complete, it will reduce the flood risk for properties near the intersections of Ruth Street at Cairns Avenue and York Avenue, and Bute Street at Munroe Avenue and Albert Avenue.
Dry storm ponds hold water that would otherwise cause flooding in intersections and nearby properties during intense rainfalls. The water flows into the pond instead, then slowly drains into the storm sewer system. Whenever dry, it is used as recreational or park space.