News Releases

Visits to the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo) are about to get even more fun with the unveiling of the new Orano Fun Zone playground!  A state-of-the-art accessible playground, the Orano Fun Zone playground is an attraction of its own, certain to delight children of all ages.

The new playground features a variety of accessible components, including a nature-inspired themed PlayBoosterR Treehouse, OodlerR Swing, Talk Tubes, and much more!

“The new playground is an excellent addition to the Zoo,” says Tim Sinclair-Smith, Zoo Manager.  “We couldn’t be more grateful for the work of the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation and the generous contribution from Orano Canada.”

The playground replaces an older wooden play structure and is located in a new, more accessible area next to the orchard in the Zoo.  The major upgrade was made possible thanks to the efforts and dedication of the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation, which raises funds for capital projects and improvements within the Zoo.

“The Saskatoon Zoo Foundation could not be more excited for this playground.  Working closely with Orano and our other playtime partners to build an accessible playground inside the Zoo is a true testament of community spirit.  For a better tomorrow, we want our children to play today, and everyone involved is absolutely thrilled to see the playground’s addition to the wonderful experience the Zoo has to offer,” says Dawn Woroniuk, Executive Director, Saskatoon Zoo Foundation.

Through the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation, the project received a generous donation from Orano Canada Inc. as part of its commitment to invest in community initiatives in the regions where its employees reside.  Orano Canada Inc. has been exploring for uranium, developing uranium mines, and producing uranium concentrate in Saskatchewan for over 50 years.

“We are proud to invest in our community and to support a facility such as the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo that serves so many in Saskatoon, in our province, and many visitors from beyond our borders.  Despite the difficult times for our industry, Orano Canada has been planning for this contribution for some time and we are particularly pleased to have been able to contribute to the construction of this new, accessible playground as it allows all children to have the opportunity to play together,” says Tammy Van Lambalgen, Vice President Corporate Affairs & General Counsel of Orano Canada Inc.  “The Orano Fun Zone provides a space within the Zoo for young children to learn and develop many skills while they play.  It is an area that will be a fun stop for many families visiting the Zoo, including our own employees and their children.”

The Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.  Additional information, such as admission rates and details on the recently launched Season Pass, can be found at saskatoon.ca/zoo.

After more than 900 votes, the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo (Zoo) is pleased to announce that the infant Goeldi monkey has been named Calli.

“We wanted to extend a huge thank you to everyone that participated in selecting the name Calli for the newest member of the Goeldi troop,” said Tim Sinclair-Smith, Zoo Manager.

Calli was selected by popular vote after the Zoo narrowed down the selection to four potential names, including Calli, Maku, Tupi, and Sofia.

Citizens can see Calli and the rest of the Goeldi troop in the monkey enclosure at the Kinsmen Children’s Zoo exhibit year-round.

The Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.  Additional information, such as admission rates and details on the recently launched Season Pass, can be found online at saskatoon.ca/zoo.

The Saskatoon Police Service is investigating an incident where a truck narrowly missed a roadways worker and damaged specialized patching equipment.

“Fortunately no one was injured; however, one person was in the work zone at the time and three others were on their way from another site – each of them with families to get home to,” says Brandon Harris, Director of Roadways & Operations.

“With advance warning signs and plenty of pylons, there is absolutely no reason for any vehicle to be in that work zone and put lives at risk.”

It happened Sunday, July 15 at Circle Drive and Avenue C. A semi-truck and trailer knocked over two metal construction signs, drove over multiple orange pylons and for about six metres dragged the City’s new infrared pothole patching machine – which was loaded with propane tanks.

The worker who was at risk of being hurt was also attempting to alert the truck driver.

Drivers are required to slow to 60 km/h or the posted speed limit when they enter a work zone, and follow the directions of all signs in the area. City and contract workers are encouraged to report license plate numbers to the Saskatoon Police Service, which will follow up with the vehicle owner.

“My message for drivers is: unless you are part of that crew in that moment, you must not touch the pylons, signs or any other barriers,” says Harris. “These are in place to protect the people who are at work.”

The roadways crew was on day four of a pilot project that was testing the effectiveness of the infrared patching technology on restoring cracked asphalt before it developed into a pothole or more serious crack. The cost of restoring the damage to the one-of-a kind patcher is unknown as repairs and troubleshooting are ongoing.

Firefighters will today begin protecting the southeast end of the City from the newly built Fire Station No. 3, at 2613 Clarence Ave South. The station, relocated from the corner of Taylor Street and York Avenue, is now in commission.

“This was a strategic choice to help strengthen neighbourhood amenities while providing improved service to the community at large,” says Fire Chief Morgan Hackl.

“We hope Fire Station No. 3 will become part of the neighbourhood and act as a community partner.”

Chief Hackl points out the new station includes community rooms with bookable space for the public meetings. The space can also accommodate opportunities for health and wellness clinics, such as car seat check clinics. 

Mayor Charlie Clark explains as the City grows, gaps and overlaps in emergency response service requires re-evaluating station locations. 

“As our community continues to grow, the City of Saskatoon has to rise to the challenge and ensure that we are delivering the services that citizens rely on while making sure that the money the City spends has the largest impact possible,” says Mayor Charlie Clark. “This relocation of Fire Station No. 3 is an investment that does just this: it helps us deliver a crucial service in a way that does not compromise on quality while saving us money in the long term.”

By following this approach, a previously identified new station will not be required in the neighbourhood of Stonebridge which results in a savings of $6 million in capital costs and $2 million in annual operating costs. 

Residents can watch for an invitation to attend an open house at Fire Station No. 3 during Fire Prevention Week this fall.

The relocation of Fire Station No, 3 supports the Strategic Goal of Quality of Life and the four-year priority to ensure that emergency response times for the Saskatoon Fire Department meet the needs of our citizens. 

The City is looking for your help to name the infant monkey at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo (Zoo)!  Proud parents, Diego and Leah, welcomed an infant female Goeldi monkey on May 27, weighing in at approximately 109 grams.

“It is always exciting to welcome a new addition to the Zoo,” said Tim Sinclair-Smith, Zoo Manager.  “Both baby and mother are doing well, and now it is time to select a name for the newest member of the troop.”

The Zoo has narrowed the selection down to four potential names, including:

• Calli – short for Callimico, the species name;
• Maku – an indigenous South American language;
• Tupi – an indigenous South American language; and
• Sofia – a common Brazilian girl’s name meaning wisdom.

“We want our citizens to have a special connection with this monkey and watch her grow throughout the years.  We are inviting the public to choose the final name by voting from the potential options,” says Sinclair-Smith.

To submit your vote, visit saskatoon.ca/zoo from Tuesday, July 17, to Tuesday, July 31.  The winning selection will be publicly announced on Wednesday, August 1.

The Goeldi and her parents are located in the monkey enclosure in the Kinsmen Children’s Zoo exhibit.  Citizens are encouraged to come and experience the cuteness for themselves.  The Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.  Additional information regarding the Zoo can be found online at saskatoon.ca/zoo.

There is a risk of a severe thunderstorm late this evening. Environment Canada has been monitoring rapidly changing conditions and says the City of Saskatoon could be on the edge of a severe storm cell.

Environment Canada says Saskatoon and area could experience wind gusts up to 40 km/h, hail and heavy rainfall late this evening and overnight.

The City reminds everyone heavy downpours may cause flash floods; water pooling on roads, and flooding in low-lying areas are possible.

Anyone should avoid driving or wading through flooded areas.  There are many hidden dangers such as open manholes or downed power lines that pose an obvious hazard to people and property.  

Known intersections to avoid include:

• Confederation Drive/ Laurier Drive
• Idylwyld Drive under the Circle Drive overpass

Please report flooded streets and manhole cover issues to the 24-hour Customer Service Centre at 306-975-2476.

To reduce the risk of damage to property, we recommend cleaning out eaves troughs and checking they drain into downspouts that are extended at least two metres (six feet) from the home foundation.

For information about possible disruptions to City services due to potential heavy rain, including leisure services, detours, and closures, citizens are encouraged to monitor saskatoon.ca/service-alerts or follow @YXESrviceAlert on Twitter.

To register for a home flood assessment or find more tips to reduce the risk of basement flooding, visit homefloodprotect.ca.

The Saskatoon Fire Department is collaborating with Saskatoon Police Service arson and major crimes detectives as they investigate a suspicious death following an early morning house fire.

“With all fire deaths, we proceed with the assumption of some level of suspicion until it can be disproved,” says Acting Fire Chief Anthony Tataryn. “Our fire investigators work closely with the police arson investigators and they’re the ones who determine who needs to be involved and at what point.”

At 2:31 a.m. fire crews were called to reports of smoke in the area of Avenue F North and Bedford Road. A single engine from Station No. 1 was dispatched to further investigate the reports. After a search in the neighbourhood, the responding fire crew discovered smoke coming from the rear of 229 Avenue F North.

More crews were called immediately – upgrading the response with two more engines, an aerial ladder truck and a rescue truck from stations No. 1, No. 2 and No. 4.

Fire crews made a quick interior fire attack from the rear of the structure. They had the flames under control in 12 minutes.

“The damage was fairly extensive,” Tataryn says. “Based on the interior and the charring in the structure, the fire was likely burning in a closed environment for a length of time prior to us getting the call – but that will be determined by the investigators.”

Fire crews searched the home and found an adult body. The deceased person was left in place and the Saskatoon Police Service was notified.

The arrival of warmer temperatures has allowed the City to get an early start on its microsurfacing work. Microsurfacing is a road surfacing treatment that preserves the roadway without the cost and inconvenience of full road replacement. It’s applied to weathered or worn surfaces that are structurally sound.

“Microsurfacing is one of those treatments that many residents don’t really like the look of when it’s first applied,” says Celene Anger, Director of Construction & Design. “It appears kind of rough and pebbly immediately after application. But, over time, it wears into a smooth and structurally sound surface that road users can appreciate.”

The City is undertaking microsurfacing at approximately 70 locations in 2018. Many of these locations are residential but there are some higher traffic routes that will also be treated including sections of the Sid Buckwold Bridge, Idylwyld Drive, and 51^st Street.  The work will be undertaken at night at those locations where the noise won’t be disruptive to area residents.

Microsurfacing is fast moving work that poses little interruption. In most locations, if weather cooperates and there are no unforeseen issues, contractors can be in and out of a location within a day or less.

More information about the 2018 Building Better Roads plan is available at saskatoon.ca/betterroads. You can also access Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/servicealerts or follow @YXEServiceAlert on Twitter.

It’s a new time and a new way forward for the City of Saskatoon. We’re moving to a new multi-year business plan and budget.  Rather than budgeting for one year at a time, residents can now expect to see a two-year business plan and budget created for 2020-2021. 

To get started, a new Civic Satisfaction & Performance Survey will kick off the first significant public engagement activity. This survey is the first of two, which along with other engagement activities, will ask residents for their input to be used in preparing our 2020-2021 Multi-Year Budget.

We value public input as an important part of the budget process and want to keep improving opportunities for residents to participate. To do that, the 2020-2021 Multi-Year Budget will create even more ways to help us better understand residents’ perceptions, views and priorities for the City. The goal is to include as many residents as possible by providing a variety of opportunities for people to participate, be heard and learn more.

This year, any resident can complete the Civic Satisfaction & Performance Survey online at saskatoon.ca/engage. The survey takes approximately 10 minutes. We hope to hear from you; tell us how we’re doing and how to improve. If preferred, a hard copy of the survey is available to print and submit to City Hall.  The Civic Satisfaction & Performance Survey is open until Sunday, July 29, 2018.

All public input collected this summer and fall will be compiled and presented to City Council in January 2019.  Your important feedback will be used throughout the year as we plan the 2020-2021 Multi-Year Budget. Watch for updates on what we heard after each survey closes.

The Saskatoon Fire Department would like to remind the community of safe practices for purchasing, enjoying, and disposing of fireworks. This Canada Day, Sunday, July 1^st, low-hazard fireworks can only be discharged on private property between the hours of dusk and 11:00 p.m.

Low-hazard fireworks are designed for public recreational use and include some roman candles and sparklers, among others, and travel less than 50m (160ft) high.

High-hazard fireworks are designed for professionals and can only be purchased by persons holding a valid Fireworks Supervisor – Level I or Level II card issued by Natural Resources Canada.

The Saskatoon Fire Department would like to remind residents and visitors of the risks and obligations associated with fireworks:

• Carefully read and follow the manufacturer instructions,

• Exercise increased caution when handling and discharging any type of firework,

• Choose your location wisely, noting that fireworks can only be discharged on private property,

• Ensure your location is free of overhead obstructions, is clear side-to-side, and is a safe distance from combustible materials,

• Familiarize yourself with the space requirements for the type of firework being discharged; requirements vary depending on the firework type,

• Be sure to properly stabilize the firework according to manufacturer direction, and

• Keep in mind that you are solely responsible for any debris that may land on your spectators or another’s property.

After dusk, when you are ready to discharge the fireworks, ensure that it is not windy, that everyone under the age of 18 is supervised by a parent or guardian, and that you always light the fuse at its tip. Other than sparklers, never light or hold a lit firework in your hand. Always have a water supply available when discharging fireworks.

Wait at least 30 minutes before beginning the clean-up process. At that time, it is a good idea to dispose of used fireworks and debris in a pail of water. Never try to relight or fix the fuse on fireworks that didn’t go off.

Always be extremely careful when discharging fireworks. The debris or smoldering embers could cause injuries, property damage, and/or fires.

The Saskatoon Fire Department wishes everyone a safe and happy Canada Day. Currently, there is no fire ban in effect for Saskatoon. It’s always recommended that residents and visitors celebrate at public firework displays that are hosted by a trusted organization; however, if you choose to celebrate Canada Day by sending off your own fireworks, please follow all safety practices, and only send them off between dusk and 11:00 p.m.