The City of Regina is launching a new snow removal pilot project this winter.

When there is more than five centimeters of snowfall, the city will ban parking on certain streets for 24 hours to make snow removal easier.

This winter, the city will test a five-kilometre route along three primary roads: Victoria Avenue, Winnipeg Street and College Avenue.

“This pilot project will help make winter operations safer and more efficient,” Regina Mayor Michael Fougere said in a news release Wednesday.

“Snow routes are used to improve traffic flow along the busiest roadways and allow for quicker and more consistent snow clearing, ultimately, reducing costs.”

Highlights of the pilot project include:

  • Signs will be installed along the route to help identify where there is no parking during the 24-hour ban. These signs are easily identified with a blue background and a white snowflake.
  • Snow routes are declared a minimum of eight hours before the 24-hour parking ban is in effect and will be issued at 3 p.m. the day prior. The parking ban will be in effect beginning at 6 a.m.
  • Neighbourhood residents can choose to be notified that a snow route has been declared by email, through facebook or twitter or by following the website. Residents can sign up now at Regina.ca/snowroutes.

“With no vehicles in the parking lane, a more thorough snow clearing from curb-to-curb can be achieved, improving overall traffic flow,” said Norman Kyle, the city’s director of roadways and transportation.

“If the results of this pilot are positive, it will help determine if, and where, we implement routes in the future. Neighbourhood residents, businesses and local drivers will also be asked to provide feedback on the impact of the pilot project from their perspective.”

Neighbourhood residents, businesses and others interested in details of the pilot project are encouraged to attend a come-and-go information session. Sessions will be held Oct. 5 and 11 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Hall, located at 2020 Winnipeg Street. Child care will be provided.

Neighbourhood residents and businesses along snow routes will receive detailed information by letter and are advised to call Service Regina at 306-777-7000 or visit Regina.ca/snowroutes if they have more questions.