News Releases

The City of Saskatoon has released a new tool for homeowners to better understand their home’s energy use and make improvements.  The map uses artificial intelligence (AI) to produce a digital energy score that can be used to compare against other homes of similar size, age, and type and help users understand how much energy their home consumes.  The map also provides each homeowner with a customized “retrofit roadmap” to see what actions they can take to reduce their energy consumption. 

“Just like home appliances have energy labels that indicate how efficient they are, this map provides a digital energy score for Saskatoon homes. The lower the score, the more efficient the energy use in that home,” says Jeanna South, Director of Sustainability. “The Home Energy Map helps residents to visualize their home energy use in a different way, comparing it against other homes in the city, and providing them with a list of renovations they can consider to help decrease energy use.”

Saskatoon’s extreme temperatures means that a lot of energy is used at home, with 42% of Saskatoon’s total greenhouse gas emissions coming from heating, cooling, and providing power to homes. The core objective of the Home Energy Map is to help homeowners build momentum on a retrofit journey, and to connect them to other resources such as Energy Coaching to provide hands-on support through the process.

Users have the option to create an account for their home address and provide additional information about their home - including any upgrades they have already completed - to update the total energy score. While only the home energy score is publicly visible, the tool also provides a set of personalized recommendations to account holders for renovations that could help reduce overall energy consumption. 

“The goal of our software tools is to help cities and homeowners to see which actions in which buildings will generate the biggest energy and emissions savings,” says OPEN Technologies CEO Donovan Woollard. “We applaud the City of Saskatoon for its leadership in setting an ambitious reduction target, and for investing in tools like the Home Energy Map to provide a roadmap on how to get there.” 

According to the 2023 Canadian Home Builders Association (CHBA) Homebuyer Preference Survey, four of the top ten most desired features are energy-related, with “overall energy efficient home” among the top priorities for prospective homebuyers. 

With the Canada Greener Homes initiative, homeowners can access up to $40,000 in interest free loans, and up to $5,600 in grants, making it easier to fund these kinds of renovation activities. This is the fourth home energy-focused initiative the City has launched in 2023 (links below); all programs were funded by the Green Municipal Fund, administered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

Associated links:  
Saskatoon.ca/EnergyMap
Saskatoon.ca/EnergyCoaches
Solar.myheat.ca/saskatoon
Saskatoon.ca/RenoResources

The City of Saskatoon is pleased to announce $200,000 funding from the Government of Canada under the Active Transportation Fund to support the implementation of its Active Transportation Plan. The Active Transportation Plan aims to provide more choices to move around Saskatoon by addressing infrastructure for cycling, walking and other modes of active transportation.  

“Residents of Saskatoon increasingly walk, bike, drive or use public transportation to get to their destinations. Our government is investing in these projects to ensure their commutes are safe and pleasant, and to encourage more people to take up active transportation. It is good for our health and for our environment,” says the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities. 

“This funding focuses on planning and education projects, which supports the goals of the Active Transportation Plan to have more places for walking and cycling safely, to build a culture for active transportation, and to encourage more people to walk and ride a bike,” says Jay Magus, Director of Transportation. 

The funding is divided between four active transportation projects, with $50,000 allocated for each:  

1. Millar Avenue from 43rd Street to Marquis Drive: Planning project that includes assessment, engagement and design of a multi-use pathway. 

2. College Drive from Preston Avenue to McOrmond Drive: Feasibility analysis to determine active transportation crossings at interchanges and rail crossings. 

3. Victoria Avenue from Taylor Street to Ruth Street: Planning project that includes assessment, engagement, and design of pedestrian improvements and an all ages and abilities cycling facility. 

4. Active Transportation Street Team: Provide an education program about the rules of the road and the existing bike network.  

“We continuously invest in making Saskatoon a great place to live. Providing active transportation options is one of many ways we are working to support our residents," says Magus.  

Learn more about the City of Saskatoon's Active Transportation Plan.

The opening of the Material Recovery Centre (MRC), formerly the Recovery Park Landfill Expansion, marks a major achievement for the City of Saskatoon as it works towards its 70% waste diversion goal.

The MRC, located on Valley Road at the entrance to the Saskatoon Regional Waste Management Facility (City Landfill) is now open to the public and offers residents free drop-off for many recyclable items as well as a new access point for scaled waste.

“We are thrilled to open the Material Recovery Centre and offer residents of Saskatoon a one-stop waste drop-off location,” says Brendan Lemke, Director of Water and Waste Operations. “With more items with free drop-off and reduced rates for other recyclable materials, we anticipate diverting up to 3,500 tonnes of waste annually that would have otherwise ended up in the landfill.”

The MRC will provide free drop-off at Sort & Go for recycling, small appliances, batteries, oil and anti-freeze, electronics, metals, rimless tires, bicycles and appliances, with a $20 fee for appliances with refrigerant.

Residents can continue to visit the MRC to drop off non-recyclable waste including garbage and elm wood, via Scale & Pay, and have a reduced disposal rate for concrete and brick, which will be diverted. The City is also pleased to offer free disposal of elm wood for the month of October.

For more information on the Material Recovery Centre, including hours of operation and a detailed list of acceptable items and rates, visit saskatoon.ca/mrc.

New online education tools and in-person support are now available for Saskatoon businesses and organizations working to implement new organics diversion requirements within the Waste Bylaw that came into effect earlier this year. The education phase begins this October and enforcement will not occur until October 2024 to give businesses and organizations time to meet the new bylaw regulation.

All businesses and organizations that generate food or yard waste as part of their operations in Saskatoon are required to have separate bins to divert organics from the garbage. The organics regulation means all businesses and organizations are required to:

• Have separate labelled containers for garbage, recycling, and organics.
• Educate employees and tenants annually about which materials are organic and how to sort them.
• Ensure organic waste is removed and taken to an appropriate facility.

Establishments belonging under North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes of industries that are known to generate organic waste are required to follow the bylaw regardless of establishment size or number of employees or tenants. An exemption process is available to address circumstances where materials may not be generated or there are other factors preventing compliance beyond an establishment’s control. Businesses who do not produce food or yard waste as part of their operations do not need an exemption.

“Businesses and organizations generate 68% of the garbage in our community. Approximately 25% is organic waste that could be rescued or composted,” says Jeanna South, Director of Sustainability. “With the new residential green cart program, the City has already diverted over 11,000 tonnes of food and yard waste from the landfill. Through this program, businesses and organizations will be diverting the same waste as residents and bring us one step closer to achieving the City’s goal of 70% waste diversion.”

To help businesses and organizations meet these new requirements, the City of Saskatoon has launched a dedicated webpage that includes a variety of new tools and resources to access. Resources include a new Organics Guide for Businesses and Organizations and other print materials that can be printed and used on site for education. Businesses may also request in-person support to assist with setting up organics diversion and troubleshooting issues. The Business Waste Wizard remains a resource for businesses in helping sort their waste.

The Solid Waste Reduction and Diversion Plan, finalized in early 2021, includes organic waste diversion for all sectors to be phased in over the next few years. The new residential green cart program rolled out earlier this year and has already has participation rates similar to black cart garbage and blue cart recycling. A multi-unit organics program pilot is set to start later this year for residents that have their waste collected in large communal bins.

Businesses and organizations are encouraged to visit saskatoon.ca/businessorganics for more information and access to resources to get started with their organics programs.

The City of Saskatoon is set to kick off its annual Fall Street Sweeping Campaign, a crucial initiative aimed at maintaining the city's cleanliness and strategy to prevent springtime flooding.  

From October 16 to October 25, street sweeping crews will be hard at work clearing the streets of fallen leaves in the city’s leafiest neighbourhoods: Buena Vista, Caswell Hill, City Park, Exhibition, Holiday Park, King George, Mayfair, Nutana, Riversdale and Varsity View. Find your sweep day at saskatoon.ca/sweep. 

“Leaves can pose a challenge when they accumulate on city streets and can plug catch basins and storm drains, leading to flooding during the spring melt,” says Tracy Danielson, Roadways Manager. 

“This proactive measure is a safeguard for City infrastructure and enhances the overall quality of life for residents.” 

Like residential street sweeping in the spring, temporary parking restrictions will be enforced with ticketing and towing as required. 

How you can help: 

1. Pick up leaves on the sidewalk and boulevard beside your property. Don’t push leaves onto the street because big piles of leaves slow down sweeping. 

2. Put loose leaves in your green cart or take them to a compost depot. Bagged leaves can go in your black cart. 

3. Watch for yellow No Parking signs and move your car by 7:00 a.m. on your sweep day. Refer to Find My Vehicle! to locate your vehicle if it was towed or call our Customer Care Centre at 306-975-2476. 

Service Alerts will be issued for any expected changes that may affect the sweep schedule, such as weather. Find more information at saskatoon.ca/sweep. 

Following the October 6 provincial government announcement of its plan for homelessness and mental health supports, the City is being asked to assist provincial ministry officials locate compatible areas where smaller-sized shelters could operate. 

The province last week outlined several strategies to address the homelessness, mental health and addictions crisis in Saskatoon and other cities.  The plan calls for more supports for mental health and addictions plus a three-pillar approach to addressing homelessness. 

As outlined in an Administration report to the Wednesday, October 11 meeting of Governance and Priorities Committee of City Council, the provincial government program is prepared to provide funding for all the real estate, rental and operating costs for smaller-sized shelters. There would be independent service providers to operate the shelters.  

Shelters with fewer beds have operated throughout Saskatoon with minimal negative impact.  As noted in the report, there are successful examples of emergency shelters in Saskatoon that are similar in size to the two sites being sought for the new facilities. The report highlights the City’s role would be limited.   

The proposed criteria would be: 

• Two sites providing a combined total of 60 beds 

• Beds in an open shelter-type hall with movable partitions 

• Some private rooms with internal access 

• Area suitable for staff office space 

• Kitchen, showers and bathroom facilities 

• Internal and external gathering spaces on site 

• Proximity to other services   

• Zoned appropriately for shelter/care home or applicable for Emergency Shelter zoning provision 

The provincial government announcement follows recent results from the Civic Services Survey which identifies homelessness as the most important issue facing the city.   

On Saturday, Oct. 7, the City of Saskatoon launched a new anti-racism video in partnership with the City of Regina at the Saskatchewan Roughriders home game at Mosaic Stadium.

The video is a collaboration between a number of Saskatchewan sports organizations and athletes including the Saskatchewan Roughriders, the Saskatchewan Rattlers Basketball Team, Saskatoon Blades Hockey Team, USask Huskies, Fighting Sioux Lacrosse Team, Standing Buffalo Saskatchewan Lacrosse Association, and athletes Michael Linklater and Carol Lafayette-Boyd.

“Using the powerful influence of athletes, we’re seeking to shed light on racism in a way that’s inspiring, positive, and empowering,” says City of Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark. “We’re hoping this video will inspire people to speak up when they hear something wrong. Racism can only exist if we allow it to.”

“We build bridges of understanding and respect by engaging in open and honest conversations,” says City of Regina Mayor Sandra Masters. “When we speak up against prejudice and discrimination, we can help combat racism and create a more inclusive community for all residents.”

The City of Saskatoon’s 2022-25 Strategic Plan states that it’s a Council priority to advance work that contributes to the elimination of individual and systemic discrimination. In support of this, the City of Saskatoon shares anti-racism messages to raise the collective awareness about the presence of racism and discrimination and to encourage each of us to be a bridge.

Be a Bridge

• If you hear something wrong, offensive or hateful: step up, speak up.
• Racism is real and it’s happening all around us every day. But it doesn’t have to be that way—we can change the game.
• It’s up to current generations to change the story and create a legacy of healthy and inclusive societies.
• Be a Bridge to ending racism.
• Together we can ensure no one gets left behind.

The video can be accessed here: Be a Bridge to Ending Racism.

To coincide with Sisters in Spirit Day on October 4, Saskatoon Transit partnered with talented Indigenous artist Vanessa Hyggen, to unveil a new bus shelter at Preston Avenue and Adelaide Street. This is Saskatoon Transit’s fifth bus shelter in commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #79.  

This year’s bus shelter was created in collaboration with family and community members affected by the tragedy of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), as well as Two-Spirit individuals. Vanessa skillfully integrated the shared thoughts and emotions of the group. Her aim was to pay tribute to and raise awareness of the issues faced, provide a healing space, and encourage community members to speak out. The bus shelter stands as a tribute to the lives affected by this tragic issue, a call for justice, and a symbol of hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Scan the QR code on the front of the bus shelter to be directed to a webpage page that includes the full story behind the artwork, information on the committee members that inspired the piece, and previous bus shelter art projects. 

For more information, visit: saskatoon.ca/trc-bus-shelter-art 

The other four Saskatoon Transit bus shelters displaying Indigenous artwork are located at the following locations:  

• Confederation Drive & Massey Drive  
• Rusholme Road at E.D. Feehan High School 
• Broadway Avenue & 12 Street  
• Clarence Avenue at Aden Bowman Collegiate  

Faith Bosse, artwork committee member says: "I'm so thankful to have worked alongside the talented artists & family members who helped piece together this beautiful artwork over the past few months. As the daughter of an MMIW, it means so much to me to have something representing all of the families & our loved ones we have lost.” 

Paul Trottier, artwork committee member says: “This bus shelter helps to lift the veil of silence, it expresses the voice of those who are missing, those who cannot be heard. Those who are missing are a part of someone, a life, a future, a human being.  We want our loved ones back.” 

Vanessa Hyggen, Indigenous artist says: “I've been honoured to work with the families who shared their stories with me. I carried their words and stories on my heart for about 3 weeks before I began to draw. Once I started to draw though, I felt like the direction of the piece all came together. I met with the committee a couple of times, received feedback, then worked to incorporate the feedback. This piece is a story, and a feeling, and I can only hope that it will help to elevate their voices, and raise the issue of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, Girls and Two -Spirit People.” 

Charlie Clark, Mayor says: “Coinciding with the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, I am proud to be able to unveil this new shelter. The Bus Shelter Art projects placed around the city provide meaningful art displays that tie together learning, understanding, and steps towards reconciliation. I am very grateful for all of the community partners and city staff who helped make this happen. The willingness of community members to support our work in responding to the TRC Calls to Action continues to be invaluable.” 

Jim Puffalt, Director of Saskatoon Transit says: “We hope this bus shelter serves as an inclusive space where everyone, regardless of their background, feels valued and protected. With Vanessa and the committee members, we have crafted a beacon of awareness and a tribute to the strength of Indigenous cultures.” 

Crews are putting the finishing touches on Saskatoon’s Circle Drive North Bridge, which has been under construction since the beginning of March. All traffic restrictions will be removed by late afternoon Tuesday, October 3, 2023.

“Work progressed well over the past several months, and we are opening the bridge approximately three weeks ahead of schedule and within the $10.5 million budget,” says Todd Grabowski, City of Saskatoon Engineering Manager of Asset Preservation. “We’ve improved the overall life span of the 40-year-old bridge, ensuring it will last for several more decades.”

The Circle Drive North Bridge Rehabilitation project:

• Was a proactive construction project to optimize both the service life and the overall capital life cycle costs
• Started early in 2023 to ensure all the work was completed during one construction season rather than extending the work over two years
• Included asphalt and barrier replacements, drainage improvements, and concrete repairs to the bridge deck, piers and abutments
• Included minor repairs to the pedestrian bridge above Circle Drive North that connects Pembina Place to G.D. Archibald Park

The 275-metre-long bridge opened in 1983 at a cost of $11.8 million. In 2005, additional lanes were added on each side of the bridge and in 2007, the pedestrian bridge below opened. 

For more information about current and future construction, please visit saskatoon.ca/construction. 

A report to update the City of Saskatoon’s Noise Bylaw, 2003 to align with the Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) Vehicle Noise Policy will be presented to the Standing Policy Committee on Transportation on October 3, 2023.  

The proposed update to the Bylaw will enhance enforcement procedures and reduce ambiguity in compliance assessments, extending the ability of police officers to order sound testing of both motorcycles and other motor vehicles, which is an objective method to measure noise levels rather than determining subjectively when noise from motor vehicles is unreasonably loud or excessive. 

The proposed update will also include a noise level limit for motor vehicles while placing the noise level limit for motorcycles to the same standard. If approved by City Council, these changes would take effect on January 1, 2024. 

“This bylaw alignment with SGI’s policy addresses a longstanding challenge in enforcing noise bylaws, striving to reduce vehicle noise disruptions across our community,” said Nathalie Baudais, Transportation Engineering Manager. 

“This initiative reflects our efforts to improve the quality of life and health for people in our community.” 

Similar to the SGI Vehicle Noise Policy, police officers would have the ability to issue vehicle inspection tickets, requiring vehicle owners to take their vehicle for inspection to an SGI-certified vehicle inspection station, and complete all necessary repairs as part of SGI’s Unsafe Vehicle Program. 

All light vehicles in Saskatchewan, including passenger cars, pickup trucks, minivans, SUVs and motorcycles, must be equal to or quieter than 101.3 dB when tested, based on stationary measurements of exhaust noise. This noise test and policy is consistent with the Society of Automotive Engineers. 

For more information on the City of Saskatoon’s Noise Bylaw, visit www.saskatoon.ca/noise-bylaw