A North American street paint shortage has forced Estevan city crews to pivot as they get set to repaint the lines on city streets this spring.

Roads and Drainage Manager Norm Mack spoke to city council Monday night and outlined the situation.

"(As) with many things in the world right now, there's supply chain issues," Mack said. "Street paint happens to be one of them, so what we're going to do, we had a little bit in stock...we're using a new source from Quebec, and it costs more money but we feel it's important."

"Weather permitting, in the next week or two, we'll be starting line painting."

The city was made aware of the paint shortage back in January. Despite the city placing an order early, it was told on May 3 that it would not be receiving the shipment from General Paint due to supply chain issues.

With the other manufacturer in Quebec, the cost has risen from $95 per five gallons to $140.

Mack said the city will prioritize street lines, along with frequently used intersections and pedestrian walkways.

"It's just a shortage that nobody can really help, and we're just going to try to do the best we can with what we've got," he said.