News Releases
Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
City snow crews addressing residential problem areas
November 19, 2020 - 3:34am
Over the past week, snow crews prioritized improving mobility on residential streets in 65 neighbourhoods across our city. Crews are returning to residential streets that continue to present driveability challenges and streets that were inadvertently missed in residential neighbourhoods.
“It’s been our objective, through increasing capacity of our snow crews, working around the clock, and prioritizing residential streets to get to you as soon as possible,” says Terry Schmidt, General Manager of Transportation & Construction. “Fast tracking the schedule has resulted in some streets being missed or driveability challenges still remaining. Crews are already returning to those locations to fix the problems and will continue to do so over the coming days.”
The Saskatoon road network is approximately 4,000 lane kilometres, with 2,400 lane kilometres, or roughly 60 percent, in residential neighbourhoods alone. In addition to the size of the network, some neighbourhoods present unique challenges such as: narrow streets, street parking, higher winds leading to increased drifting, and limited space to push snow. Depending on the characteristics of the street and availability of equipment, at times a grader was used for the work, where other times a loader, skid steer or other smaller equipment were used. The streets where graders worked together with loaders and skid steers have seen better results.
“This is the largest response to a snow event in the City’s history, and as we go we continue to learn what works and what hasn’t worked,” says Schmidt. “Our City received 35-plus centimetres of snowfall in 48 hours, making it one of the largest snowfall events ever for our City. This has been a challenging situation for residents and crews alike and we’re committed to doing everything we can, with as many crews members as possible.”
The City reports nearly 1,000 work orders for problem areas in residential neighbourhoods. As reports are made, they are prioritized, tracked, and crews will address these concerns over the coming weeks.
As is the forecast for today, if Saskatoon experiences more snowfall, crews will need to prioritize our priority or highest traffic streets as usual.
Winter driving conditions remain while this extensive cleanup is underway. Please drive with caution. For more information visit saskatoon.ca/snow
City of Saskatoon is one of 95 global cities named as new generation of climate leaders on CDP 2021 A List
November 18, 2021 - 10:00am
Saskatoon has been recognized by CDP as one of 95 cities across the globe, and one of only 7 Canadian cities, that are taking bold leadership on environmental action and transparency.
CDP is a global non-profit that runs the world’s environmental disclosure system for companies, cities, states, and regions. Designed to encourage and support cities to ramp up their climate action and ambition, CDP’s Cities A List is based on environmental data disclosed by cities to their unified reporting system.
To score an A, a city must disclose publicly and have a city-wide emissions inventory, have set an emissions reduction target and a renewable energy target for the future, and have published a climate action plan. It must also complete a climate risk and vulnerability assessment and have a climate adaptation plan to demonstrate how it will tackle climate hazards. Many A List cities are also taking a variety of other leadership actions, including political commitment from a city’s Mayor to tackle climate change.
“We’re proud to be among the 7 Canadian cities leading the way on climate action,” says Jeanna South, Director of Sustainability. “The actions in our Climate Action Plan guide the City and the community over the next 30 years to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make Saskatoon more resilient against the changing climate.”
A List cities are taking twice as many mitigation and adaptation measures as non-A List cities, and also identify more than twice as many opportunities. Local examples include Saskatoon’s Home Energy Loan Program to help homeowners improve the energy performance of their homes, and the upcoming 2.2 MW Dundonald Avenue Solar Farm to enable Saskatoon Light & Power to generate renewable electricity for their customers.
“What gets measured, gets managed – Saskatoon is committed to managing its environmental risks and impact, and to building a safe and secure city for people to live and work in,” says Mayor Charlie Clark. “Disclosing information is a critical step towards taking the right action, and towards cities and governments at all levels developing the right climate change policies.”
Saskatoon, and the other cities on this year’s A List, are also celebrated for showing that urgent and impactful climate action is achievable at a global level, and in cities with different climate realities and priorities. However, actions need to go further and faster to meet the new targets agreed at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) held in Glasgow earlier this month.
Visit cdp.net o view the full 2021 A List of cities and to find out more about this ambitious initiative.
City-wide snow clean-up continues
November 17, 2020 - 5:04am
- Continuing to clean and clear priority streets as needed;
- Residential streets that need more attention to improve drivability;
- Addressing problem areas on residential streets (e.g. snow piles near driveways or in front of fire hydrants);
- Removal of snow in Business Improvement Districts;
- Industrial areas.
City snow crews are making great progress in the city-wide clean-up following the severe winter storm. Clearing of driving lanes on residential streets will be complete later today, which is three and a half days ahead of the projected schedule.
“There’s no question that we have more work to do,” says Terry Schmidt, General Manager of Transportation & Construction. “But I’m proud of the way our crews and contractors are putting everything they have, around the clock, into this operation.”
With the first pass of driving lanes in residential areas completed, crews will now focus their attention on the following:
Where piles of snow present a clear issue, they will be removed. This includes large piles that restrict sight lines on priority roads and piles of especially heavy, packed snow around driveway entrances and parked vehicles. With the massive accumulation of snow, there will still be piles of snow on residential streets reducing on-street parking at times. Crews will return in the coming weeks for snow removal, once the other priorities have been addressed.
“This is the first time we’ve undertaken a snow operation of this magnitude and we’re truly grateful for the patience and cooperation of Saskatoon residents,” says Schmidt. “We’re seeing people shovelling out their neighbour’s vehicle or driveway entrance; it truly is a community effort.”
A reminder that Saskatoon Transit has resumed normal operations and is available to get residents where they need to go.
2020 Civic Election: citizens exercise vote amid pandemic & postponed election day
November 17, 2020 - 4:48am
Following the postponement of Monday’s election, the election office reports the official voter turnout figures as 58,734 or 27.4 per cent of eligible voters. This figure includes 19,666 ballots cast at advance polls and 8,600 mail-in ballots. The next most comparable turnout was in 2000 when 26.4% of eligible voters cast ballots.
The election office adds 20,906 ballots were cast on Monday, November 9, which is four per cent of eligible voters, and 8,532 ballots cast on Friday, November 13. There are 214,301 eligible voters in Saskatoon.
“Given the environmental challenges confronted, voters went to the polls,” says Returning Officer Scott Bastian. “This election was held during a pandemic and then a severe winter storm rolled over Saskatoon leading into election day. Through it all, an important part was to adjust and comply with provincial legislation and orders,” Bastian says. “Options were provided to voters that fit within boundaries of the law.”
Bastian acknowledges his office experienced challenges, including long lineups at advance polls and the new online mail-in ballot application process. Like past civic elections, the Returning Officer will prepare a report on the 2020 Civic Election to submit to City Council in the first quarter of 2021. The report will outline the election process, successes and challenges faced during this election, and opportunities to pursue for future elections.
“There will be an opportunity to explore facets of the 2020 election with the election office and perhaps in conjunction with other municipalities in Saskatchewan and Elections Saskatchewan,” Bastian adds.
Bastian says the conclusion of an unconventional election is a testament to the dedicated staff working the election and to the community.
“I want to thank all the dedicated election workers who worked advance polls and in care homes and hospitals, carefully following COVID-19 safety protocols, and to those who braved a snowstorm on Monday to open the polls, as well as those who were available again Friday, November 13 to ensure the postponed day went ahead successfully.”
The City of Saskatoon’s official results from the 2020 election are available at electionresults.saskatoon.ca.
Two Saskatoon Transit Employees recently test positive for COVID-19 outside workplace
November 17, 2020 - 4:26am
- Nov 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14: Route 15 Civic Operations Centre
- Nov 7, 4:45 pm to 11:45 pm: Route 2 Meadowgreen
- Nov 8, 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm: Route 50 Lakeview/University
- Nov 10, 5:00 pm to 11:45 pm: Route 1 Exhibition and Route 7 Dundonald
- Nov 11, 4:45 to 10:30 pm: Route 12 River Heights and Route 19 Centre Mall
- Nov 14, 4:00 pm to 1:30 am: Route 2 Meadowgreen
- Nov 15, 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm: Route 50 Lakeview/University
The City has recently been informed that two Saskatoon Transit Operators have tested positive for COVID-19. The first individual received a positive diagnosis on Friday, November 13 and the second individual received their diagnosis on Monday, November 16.
"Neither of these cases are related and unlikely to be linked to transmission within the workplace. Both individuals have relayed that they were exposed to the virus in settings outside of the workplace," says Mike Moellenbeck, Operations Manager for Saskatoon Transit. "Due to the need to protect the privacy of the individuals, we cannot provide further details about the positive cases."
The City has implemented health and safety protocols and precautions to protect both employees and the public. This includes mandatory masks for all riders, proper hygiene and vinyl barriers for drivers
"We understand this may cause concern for bus riders. This situation stresses the importance of the layers of protection the City has put in place to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 on Saskatoon Transit."
Below are the affected routes and time periods. If you were riding the bus during these time periods, it is always a good idea to self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and stay home and call HealthLine 811 to arrange for testing if symptoms occur.
**UPDATED LIST DUE TO SASKATCHEWAN HEALTH AUTHORITY (SHA) CONTACT TRACING PROCESS**
Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting have taken place in all impacted busses and areas since the positive cases were identified.
"It is our understanding that SHA will be following up and contacting individuals identified as close contacts as per their contact tracing process and providing information to them on the next steps. The City will support SHA in their contact tracing process as necessary," says Moellenbeck.
The City also has processes in place so supervisors can be aware of which employees need to be sent home if necessary or contact Health Line at 811 for further instruction.
Moellenbeck emphasizes that, "this positive case reminds us that we all have a shared responsibility to limit the transmission risk of COVID-19 in our community. Stay home if you are feeling unwell, follow all Public Health Orders and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and others."
Council Chambers receives long overdue upgrades
November 16, 2020 - 7:13am
- Audio visual upgrades to improve video and audio of Council proceedings.
- Changes to room configuration to improve accessibility and enable distancing.
- Equipping gallery seats with power tables where occupants can plug in devices.
- Providing a new space for media, including a fully connected media box.
- HVAC system upgrades to improve heating/cooling and air filtration.
- New paint, carpeting, and gallery seating.
Council Chambers will look different when it reopens for the new City Council. Over the course of this fall, the Chamber underwent renovations to improve the function and accessibility of this important public space.
The improvements include:
“These changes will improve access and engagement for citizens,” says Troy LaFreniere, Director of Facilities Management. “This long-planned modernization of Council Chambers will mean appropriate and high-quality connection to public meetings. The technology in Chambers was well past end of life.”
With the exception of a few minor things, Council Chambers has not been renovated since 1981. These upgrades have been planned for the past five years but there wasn’t an opportunity to conduct the work without significant disruption to Chamber business. The move to largely virtual gatherings during the pandemic, and the suspension of Council activities during the election period, presented an opportunity to undertake this work this fall with minimal disruption.
The funding for Chamber renovations was allocated by the City’s Comprehensive Building Maintenance Reserve. A portion of these funds is earmarked for replacing/renewing aging infrastructure such as Council Chambers.
LaFreniere continues: “Managing and maintaining our physical assets should meet the needs of our citizens and reflect the pride and priority we place on the space where citizens engage with their municipal government.”
Snow clearing ahead of schedule, snow removal to begin soon
November 16, 2020 - 6:06am
The incredible undertaking of clearing snow from last week’s winter storm has been moving ahead of schedule, with road clearing now expected to be complete tomorrow, days ahead of the original projection of Friday, November 20. Once snow clearing is complete, efforts will turn to snow clearing on industrial streets and removal of snow from neighbourhoods across the city.
“At first, we’d planned on focusing efforts on clearing those streets worst affected or those with higher traffic, but with our increased capacity, crews are now clearing snow from driving lanes on all streets, in every neighbourhood, city-wide,” says Terry Schmidt, General Manager of Transportation and Construction. “This has proven to be the most efficient method. We are also going to back lanes to level out the snow, or pack it down, to improve mobility. This work is all happening at the same time as residential clearing. If there’s still problem areas after the initial pass through, crews will return once all neighbourhoods and major roadways have been addressed.”
By tonight it is estimated that clearing will have been restored, or work continuing, in a total of 63 (or 97 per cent) of the 65 residential neighbourhoods on the schedule. Efforts will also be turned to industrial streets and snow removal in Business Improvement Districts.
“I would like thank the many people behind the scenes who are supporting and orchestrating this monumental effort to get the city moving around again,” says Schmidt. “This has been an extraordinary event and people are coming together all through our City, whether that be neighbours helping neighbours or crews working around the clock.”
Residents are asked to please avoid pushing snow out onto the street when clearing snow from sidewalks and driveways, as this can clog up streets with even more snow and continue to create accessibility issues.
More information on our process for snow clearing can be found at saskatoon.ca/snow.
Events taking place to honour Louis Riel for his dedication to Métis people
November 16, 2021 - 3:02am
On the anniversary of Louis Riel’s execution – which occurred in Regina on November 16th, 1885 – several organizations are putting on events to honour Riel’s legacy.
Riel led two popular Métis governments, was a central figure in Manitoba’s entry into Confederation, and led the 1885 resistance to Canadian encroachment on Métis lands (leading to his execution). Riel is widely considered the most famous Métis leader and an important figurehead for Métis people in Western Canada.
Métis Nation–Saskatchewan President Glen McCallum says, “Our Métis citizens always look forward to honouring Louis Riel Day to celebrate and remember Riel's leadership. We continue the commitment to the rights of our Métis citizens and the ultimate sacrifice our leader Riel made for our Nation. It is encouraging to see more people in Saskatchewan know about the history of Riel's leadership, his accomplishments, and our unique and distinct Métis identity, culture, values, and language.”
Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark says, “Louis Riel was an influential leader who shaped the story of our country from right here in Saskatchewan. Today is a chance to reflect on this history and understand the important role the Métis community has played - and continues to play - in both our city and our country.”
LOCAL EVENTS
These are just a few of the events taking place around Saskatoon this week.
Louis Riel ooma sa Zhoornii – Gathering
Presented by Métis Nation–Saskatchewan, Western Region 2A, CUMFI Local, Local 126, Local 11 and 11a
Gathering at the statue of Gabriel Dumont in Friendship Park near the Broadway Bridge. Entertainment and traditional Métis lunch to follow at St. George's Hall.
Nov. 16, 2021, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Virtual Riel Day Celebration
Presented by Gabriel Dumont Local 11, Saskatoon & Area
Nov. 16, 2021, 6:30 p.m.
via Zoom > Register here
A Conversation on Louis Riel
Presented by the Gabriel Dumont Institute, Parks Canada, and Friends of Batoche
Recorded Nov. 15, 2021
Access recording here
Blizzard-like conditions expected in Saskatoon on Tuesday
November 15, 2021 - 10:41am
Environment and Climate Change Canada is forecasting a significant snowfall and high winds for Saskatoon starting Tuesday. Rain is expected to start this evening, which may result in slippery sidewalks as people head to work. City crews will be applying salt to keep freeways, intersections, on/off ramps and bridge decks from freezing.
“Fortunately, we are not staring down a storm like we experienced last year,” says Goran Saric, Director of Roadways, Fleet and Support. “However, there will still be lots of snow and strong winds which will create challenging driving conditions on Tuesday and into Wednesday.
“Our crews are ready and will be out to keep the roads clear for emergency vehicles and Saskatoon Transit, but we’re asking everyone to consider delaying non-essential trips outside of Saskatoon. If you need to travel, make sure you have a vehicle emergency kit and charged cell phone."
As the snow begins in Saskatoon Tuesday, City crews and equipment will plow Circle Drive and on/off ramps until the snow stops. Reduced visibility on Saskatoon streets may occur during the day Tuesday with combination of snow falling and wind up to 80 km/h into the evening.
Emergency Management Organization Director Pamela Goulden-McLeod says the Cold Weather Strategy for Saskatoon’s vulnerable is activated with warming shelters open for those who need them.
“Using a whole-community approach to emergency management there are over twenty organizations involved with the Cold Weather Strategy. These organizations, under the leadership of the Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership, work to make sure that individuals and families experiencing or at risk-of homelessness are aware of safe available sleeping options and warming locations."
Goulden-McLeod also reminds all residents and businesses that we each have a role to play in emergency planning and review winter storm planning to make sure they are prepared when it happens.
High winds could create disruption in electrical service. Trees can sometimes contact with above-ground power lines causing breaks or downed lines.
“If a tree falls onto a line stay at least 10 metres or three car lengths away from it and stay away from other equipment that comes into contact with the line,” says Trevor Bell, Director of Saskatoon Light & Power. “If the line is on the ground, call 9-1-1 immediately and stay back.”
Ten to 15 cm of snow is expected, and a Snow Event will be declared once the snow stops. Contractor graders will join the City fleet in the priority street cleanup on freeways, arterial and collector streets, storing snow on medians, boulevards and in parking lanes. Specialized crews will clear City facility sidewalks, Meewasin Trail, park pathways with street lighting and bridge/overpass walkways at the same time. Given the forecast, it is very unlikely that the new Roadways Emergency Response Plan (PDF) will be triggered for this snow event. Activating the plan would be considered after a blizzard with snow accumulations of at least 25 centimetres and mobility reduced to the point light vehicles cannot drive on city streets, to add extra staffing and contractor resources for city-wide grading and snow removal.
Learn more about the City’s priority street grading plan at saskatoon.ca/snow. Look-up your address on the Street Grading Priority Streets map to see if snow grading happens on your street after a snow event. For Saskatoon Ligh & Power customers, refer to the new interactive power outage map if you experience an issue.
Round-the-clock efforts mean winter storm recovery ahead of schedule
November 15, 2020 - 5:39am
- Information about the Residential Snow Clearing Schedule
- Links to our news releases which provide valuable information on our progress and other service updates
- News conferences on our YouTube Channel
- General information on our priority road system, snow clearing program, and some of the questions you might have.
Saskatoon continues to dig out from last weekend’s severe winter storm. Currently nearly 300 road crew individuals are working on the snow removal effort, with progress continuing day and night.
“Our efforts in residential neighbourhoods have been around the clock. Progress is better than anticipated, and many neighbourhoods have been bumped up in the schedule. Should this pace continue, we’re estimating to move through the residential neighbourhood schedule sooner than the originally planned date of Friday this week,” says Terry Schmidt, General Manager of Transportation and Construction. “Because of this we urge everyone to check our online schedule often for the latest updates.”
The priority is to send snow removal crews to as many residential neighbourhoods as quickly as possible. This will mean that there may be impacts on parking availability in the neighbourhoods when the snow clearing is completed. Residents are not required to move their vehicle but, if able, crews will appreciate more space to complete the work and the ability to clear streets more fully. After the initial pass through a neighbourhood, piles of snow may be left in places that interfere with someone's ability to pull in and out of their driveway or another inconvenient situation. These situations have been identified and crews have started returning to those locations for clean-up work. After clearing has been completed in all neighborhoods city-wide, crews will return to streets for additional clean-up work.
It is anticipated by the end of this evening snow removal crews will have passed through 48 residential areas, or 75 per cent of the City.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who is working day and night, sacrificing time away from friends and family to get the city moving again,” says Schmidt. “And once again thank you to the people of Saskatoon, for helping your neighbours, remaining patient during the city-wide snow clean-up, and for staying safe around the snow removal equipment on our streets as we try and restore our roadways as best as possible to how they were before this massive storm.”
Please do not push snow out onto the street when clearing snow from sidewalks and driveways, as this can clog up streets with even more snow and continue to create accessibility issues.
More information on our process for snow clearing can be found at saskatoon.ca/snow: