Winnipeg sanding tonnage flatlines while rear-end crashes rise

Every year, thousands of tons of sand is spread on Winnipeg streets to help prevent collisions and keep people safe, but over the last number of years, it seems as though sanding levels have plateaued in the city, dropping off since a five-year high recorded in 2022. 

However, some with experience navigating different cities in Gary Fewings, director of fleet safety with Northern Plains Transport, says roads in the Peg’ fair pretty well when stacked up against other municipalities.

“Overall, I think our roads are in pretty good shape,” Fewings said. “If you compare us to Regina, Saskatoon, Edmonton, our roads are pretty good. Our crews look after the roads really well here.” 

 The City of Winnipeg declined an interview request, but in 2025, city data indicated 45,450 tons of sand were spread on city streets, that’s compared to 52,653 tons in 2024, 43,413 in 2023, a high of 122,836 tons in 2022 and 58,806 tons in 2021.  

 In total, that’s more than 323,000 tons in five years and Fewings says sand is a critical part of road safety. 

“It gives the equipment, our trucks, personal vehicles, passenger vehicles, the opportunity to stop and start,” Fewings explained. “Spinning tires are what creates the ice on the road, so when you get some sand on there, it breaks down that ice, and everybody gets better traction, and we all get home safe.” 

And while the number of tons of sand being applied to city streets has flat-lined, the number of rear-end collisions recorded by MPI, is on the rise, with 13,176 recorded in 2025 — a five-year high, compared to 12,816 in 2024, 11,199 in 2023, 12,635 in 2022 and 10,309 in 2021. 

 Winnipeggers braving the cold Friday had mixed thoughts on sanding efforts in the city.

“I mean, you can’t keep up with every freezing temperature, but generally I find it O.K.,” said John Scollin, while walking in the Exchange District. 

“I think in some areas, but it definitely needs more in some areas. We’ve seen two accidents already today,” said Josh Salisi, who was driving on Friday. 

Kurt Iguis, who just parked his car, said sanding has crossed his mind while behind the wheel lately in Winnipeg. 

“I don’t think so,” he said when asked if sanding efforts in Winnipeg suffice. “Recently, I’ve just been driving around and have been like: ‘there’s just not enough sand in the city’ and I’m wondering why as well.” 

 The City of Winnipeg is expected to release sanding numbers for 2026 so far next week.