A friendly reminder to shovel your sidewalks. It’s not just polite, it’s the law. Although this winter hasn't been too snowy, recent weather patterns have left the streets of Saskatoon with a fresh blanket of snow- and what better time to brush up on civic bylaws relating to sidewalk clearing! Bylaw No. 8463, or “The Sidewalk Clearing Bylaw,” has been in place since 2005. It sets out the obligations of owners and occupants of property adjoining pedestrian sidewalks.  The bylaw requires that any snow, ice, or other loose debris must be cleared within 48 hours of deposit.  The city also maps out several busy areas where clearing is required within 24 hours.  These include portions of Broadway Ave, Primrose Drive, Warman Road, McOrmond Drive, Attridge Drive, Central Avenue, and Herold Road. The bylaw requires that any snow, ice, or debris be cleared onto private property, however if that is not practical, it can be cleared onto an adjacent roadway.  That being said, doing so must not create a hazard or interfere with the use of the road. Failure to comply with the bylaw can lead to fine ranging from $100 to $1000, depending on the number of offences.  The cost increases for corporations. The bottom line is this: shovel your sidewalk within 48 hours.  Make sure to clear the snow onto your property.  If that is not feasible, it can go on the road, but you must not block the roadway.

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