News Releases

The City of Saskatoon is celebrating the season of giving at this time of year, and recognizing the Snow Angels who go above and beyond to help fellow neighbours keep sidewalks clear of snow and ice throughout winter.

His Worship, Mayor Donald Atchison today thanked and presented a gift to Pat Freriks, this month’s winner of the Snow Angel program’s prize draw. Freriks was nominated as a Snow Angel by his neighbour, Simon Valentine.

“Saskatoon is a city full of thoughtful folks who help each other out; the Snow Angel program embodies the spirit of being good neighbours, which is something we take pride in,” says His Worship, Mayor Donald Atchison. “Pat is just one of hundreds of wonderful citizens nominated as a Snow Angel each winter, lending a hand to make Saskatoon a great place to live.”

“Every year since Pat has been living beside us, he clears my house of snow along with his,” says Valentine. “He’s never asked for anything in return and brushes it off when we thank him.”

A City bylaw requires residential sidewalks be clear of snow and ice within 48 hours after a snowfall. Commercial properties must have their walkways and sidewalks cleared within 24 hours. The City is responsible for clearing sidewalks adjacent to civic facilities, the Meewasin Trail and lit pathways in City parks.

“Clearing sidewalks quickly after a snowfall makes it easier and safer for people to move around,” says Andrew Hildebrandt, Director of Community Standards. “A considerate gesture from a neighbour like this goes a long way in improving accessibility and mobility for everyone and deserves to be recognized.”

If residents receive help with their snow clearing, they can nominate them as a Snow Angel online at saskatoon.ca/snow. They’ll be sent a thank you card from His Worship, Mayor Donald Atchison as well as entered into a monthly prize draw.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

The City of Saskatoon Building Standards will begin permitting six storey wood frame construction in early 2016 when the 2015 National Building Code of Canada (NBC) is formally printed.  The building code currently limits wood frame construction to a maximum of four storeys. 

“There is a growing interest from our customers to build six storey wood frame structures,” says Kara Fagnou, Building Standards Director.  “Six storey wood frame construction consists of mid-rise commercial and, or residential buildings made out of wood instead of traditional steel or concrete materials.”

Six storey wood frame construction will be accepted in Saskatoon through the Building Standards Alternative Solution Process - supported by the 2015 NBC framework - in advance of anticipated adoption by the Province of Saskatchewan in mid-2017.

“This change provides a new opportunity to create beneficial, cost-effective mid-rise options between the current low-rise and high-rise development,” says Fagnou.  “Other jurisdictions have reported cost savings of $30 to $40 per square foot, or up to 20%, when compared to a similar building built with steel and concrete.”

Safety of the wood buildings is of primary importance, and applicants will be required to adhere to the upcoming 2015 National Fire Code, which has been amended to provide a prescription to reduce risk.

“Building Standards will work closely with the Saskatoon Fire Department and our municipal partners that have already implemented six storey wood buildings, to learn best practices to be accepted in Saskatoon,” she says.

This initiative will also support the goals of our Growth Plan to a Half Million, increasing urban density through the use of mid-rise commercial and, or residential buildings in key areas such as downtown, north downtown, University of Saskatchewan lands, and along the 22nd Street, Idylwyld Drive, 8th Street, College Drive, and Preston Avenue corridors.

For more information on the NBC or six storey wood frame construction, visit www.saskatoon.ca/buildingpermits.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

December 14, 2015 Meeting of City Council

9.5.1  Saskatoon Public Schools - By-Election - Ward Nine Establishment of Date, Hours of Voting, Polling Areas and Places, Advances/Special and Mobile Polls Wednesday, February 24, 2016 

*City Council passed a recommendation that establishes hours of voting, polling areas and places, Special Poll and Advance Poll hours and locations, and a Mobile Poll, for the Saskatoon Public Schools, Ward Nine by-election to be held on February 24, 2016.

Additional Information:

*There is a vacancy on the Saskatoon Public School Board for Ward Nine. In accordance with Section 7(1) of The Local Government Election Act, City Council is to name a day specified by the board as election day.
*At the November 24, 2015, regular meeting of the Saskatoon Public School Board, February 24, 2016 was set as the by-election date.

9.6.1 2016 Taxi License Fee Increase

*City Council passed Bylaw No. 9342, The Taxi Amendment Bylaw, 2015 (No. 3).

Additional Information:

*During the November 23, 2015 City Council meeting, Administration recommended the annual taxi license fee for 2016 increase from $375 to $525.

9.6.2 2016 Transit Fare Adjustment

*Council passed Bylaw No. 9340, The Transit Fares Amendment Bylaw, 2015.

Additional Information:

*During meetings on November 30 and December 1, 2015, Administration recommended Transit fares for 2016 be adjusted by increasing the costs of tickets, monthly passes, annual passes, senior passes and low income passes, and by decreasing the cash fares for post-secondary students, adults and seniors.

9.6.3 Fee Increase for Woodlawn Cemetery

City Council passed Bylaw No. 9341, The Cemeteries Amendment Bylaw, 2015.

Additional Information:

*During meetings on November 30 and December 1, 2015, Administration recommended an increase to cemetery fees for 2016 by an overall average of 5%.

9.6.4 2016 Fee Increase for Multi-Unit Residential Recycling

City Council passed Bylaw No. 9339, The Waste Amendment Bylaw, 2015.

Additional Information:

*The Waste Amendment Bylaw implements City Council’s decision to increase the Multi-Unit Residential Recycling Program fees effective January 1, 2016.

9.6.5 Regulation of Electronic Cigarettes/Vaping and Ceremonial Tobacco Use

City Council passed Bylaw No. 9338, The Smoking Control Amendment Bylaw, 2015.

Additional Information:

*On November 23, 2015, City Council received a report recommending possible exemptions to existing smoking prohibitions to include the use of electronic cigarettes within an electronic cigarettes retailer and the use of tobacco in traditional Aboriginal spiritual or cultural practices or ceremonies being carried out in City-owned public places. City Council resolved that such exemptions be implemented and that the City Solicitor prepare the necessary bylaw amendment.

9.6.6 Municipal Governance Structure

City Council passed Bylaw No. 9331, The Procedures and Committees Amendment Bylaw, 2015 (No. 3).

Additional Information:

At its meeting held on November 23, 2015, City Council passed a resolution that:
-Executive Committee be renamed the Governance and Priorities Committee and remain a Committee of all members of Council; the Governance and Priorities Committee’s mandate includes: governance, strategic priorities, annual business plan and budget process, legal matters, human resource and collective bargaining issues and government relations; and, the Governance and Priorities Committee continues to meet on the third Monday of every month.
-City Council have the ability to extend a Regular Business Meeting past 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. upon a majority vote of the members present.
-For Public Hearings, members be prohibited from voting when absent for an entire Hearing; members vote when they have missed part of a Hearing but have reviewed a summary or a recording of what was missed; and, procedural provisions be included which aid in preventing members from missing small parts of Hearings.”

For the December 14, 2015 Regular Meeting of City Council

9.5.1  Saskatoon Public Schools - By-Election - Ward Nine Establishment of Date, Hours of Voting, Polling Areas and Places, Advances/Special and Mobile Polls Wednesday, February 24, 2016 

*City Council will be asked to consider a recommendation that establishes hours of voting, polling areas and places, Special Poll and Advance Poll hours and locations, and a Mobile Poll, for the Saskatoon Public Schools, Ward Nine by-election to be held on February 24, 2016.

Additional Information:

*There is a vacancy on the Saskatoon Public School Board for Ward Nine. In accordance with Section 7(1) of The Local Government Election Act, City Council is to name a day specified by the board as election day.
*At the November 24, 2015, regular meeting of the Saskatoon Public School Board, February 24, 2016 was set as the by-election date.

9.6.1 2016 Taxi License Fee Increase

*City Council will be asked to consider Bylaw No. 9342, The Taxi Amendment Bylaw, 2015 (No. 3).

Additional Information:

*During the November 23, 2015 City Council meeting, Administration recommended the annual taxi license fee for 2016 increase from $375 to $525.

9.6.2 2016 Transit Fare Adjustment

*Council will be asked to consider Bylaw No. 9340, The Transit Fares Amendment Bylaw, 2015.

Additional Information:

*during meetings on November 30 and December 1, 2015, Administration recommended Transit fares for 2016 be adjusted by increasing the costs of tickets, monthly passes, annual passes, senior passes and low income passes, and by decreasing the cash fares for post-secondary students, adults and seniors.

9.6.3 Fee Increase for Woodlawn Cemetery

City Council will be asked to consider Bylaw No. 9341, The Cemeteries Amendment Bylaw, 2015.

Additional Information:

*During meetings on November 30 and December 1, 2015, Administration recommended an increase to cemetery fees for 2016 by an overall average of 5%.

9.6.4 2016 Fee Increase for Multi-Unit Residential Recycling

City Council will be asked to consider Bylaw No. 9339, The Waste Amendment Bylaw, 2015.

Additional Information:

*The Waste Amendment Bylaw implements City Council’s decision to increase the Multi-Unit Residential Recycling Program fees effective January 1, 2016.

9.6.5 Regulation of Electronic Cigarettes/Vaping and Ceremonial Tobacco Use

*City Council will be asked to consider Bylaw No. 9338, The Smoking Control Amendment Bylaw, 2015.

Additional Information:

*On November 23, 2015, City Council received a report recommending possible exemptions to existing smoking prohibitions to include the use of electronic cigarettes within an electronic cigarettes retailer and the use of tobacco in traditional Aboriginal spiritual or cultural practices or ceremonies being carried out in City-owned public places. City Council resolved that such exemptions be implemented and that the City Solicitor prepare the necessary bylaw amendment.

9.6.6 Municipal Governance Structure

*City Council will be asked to consider Bylaw No. 9331, The Procedures and Committees Amendment Bylaw, 2015 (No. 3).

Additional Information:

At its meeting held on November 23, 2015, City Council passed a resolution that:

-Executive Committee be renamed the Governance and Priorities Committee and remain a Committee of all members of Council; the Governance and Priorities Committee’s mandate includes: governance, strategic priorities, annual business plan and budget process, legal matters, human resource and collective bargaining issues and government relations; and, the Governance and Priorities Committee continues to meet on the third Monday of every month.
-City Council have the ability to extend a Regular Business Meeting past 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. upon a majority vote of the members present.
-For Public Hearings, members be prohibited from voting when absent for an entire Hearing; members vote when they have missed part of a Hearing but have reviewed a summary or a recording of what was missed; and, procedural provisions be included which aid in preventing members from missing small parts of Hearings.”

Tomorrow, the City of Saskatoon hosts Jazz Aviation’s final stop on their cross-country tour in search of Santa. The event is intended to bring holiday cheer as some of Saskatoon’s most deserving children join Jazz, and community partners such as Saskatoon Transit, in a special day of “Searching for Santa.”

“You hear people talk about ways to instill holiday cheer, but we literally get to deliver it,” says Michael Moellenbeck, Operations Manager for Saskatoon Transit. “When we take these children to the airport, we are delivering them to an experience they will talk about for years to come. Saskatoon Transit is proud to be a part of this worthwhile holiday experience.”

For the Saskatoon portion of this seasonal event, Saskatoon Transit will be transporting 35 children from the Boys & Girls Club to the Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport where they will begin their holiday adventure. After their flight the children will enjoy breakfast with His Worship the Mayor Donald Atchison while they share their exciting stories.

As part of a national initiative, Jazz is enlisting the help of children from communities across Canada to help them search for Santa. In each community, children from various organizations board a Jazz aircraft where they get the opportunity to go for a short flight while helping to locate Santa.

“Christmas is a time for making positive memories that last a lifetime,” says Jon MacWilliams, Jazz’s Area Manager of Customer Service for the Prairies. “Jazz is grateful to Saskatoon and the many businesses and organizations like Saskatoon Transit that jumped on board when we proposed this idea. We do these events all across Canada and I am so pleased to bring this special adventure to some very special children here in Saskatoon.”

For more information about Saskatoon Transit, visit transit.saskatoon.ca or follow @StoonTransit on Twitter. You can also plan your route in advance using any of the following tools: Saskatoon Transit Trip Planner, Google Transit Trip Planner, or the Transit App on your mobile device.

With equipment moved on site, all regulatory permits in place, and the Meewasin Trail detours finalized, construction on the new Traffic Bridge is officially underway. Trail detours and construction fencing will be installed over the next couple of days and in-river construction will start next week.

Graham Commuter Partners (GCP) will work with the City over the next three years to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the new Traffic Bridge.

Starting tomorrow (Dec. 12), areas of the Meewasin Valley Trail will be restricted. Phase I of the restrictions will be in place until Spring 2016, and include the closure of the Trail between Broadway Avenue and the Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge on the south side of the South Saskatchewan River. Trail users will be detoured onto Saskatchewan Crescent East at each end of this section of the Trail via pedestrian crosswalks.

“Signage will be in place to ensure Trail users understand where the Trail is closed, the new temporary route, and where pedestrian crosswalks are located along Saskatchewan Crescent East,” says Dan Willems, Special Projects Manager with Major Projects.  “In addition to the detour signage, construction fencing will be going up around the perimeter of the construction site, and we remind residents to comply with posted signage. We want to ensure people are safe when moving around the live construction site.”

Next week, work on the construction berm in the river is expected to begin. “GCP will be constructing an earthen berm that extends from the south bank of the river to the existing pier in the centre of the river,” says Willems. “The berm will allow vehicles and equipment to access the river to work on the new bridge.”

Once the berm is constructed, the first phase of bridge demolition will occur. Information regarding the demolition will be shared in the coming weeks.

GCP is also in the process of applying for final permits to begin work on the North Commuter Parkway, the second component of the Bridging to Tomorrow project. It is expected construction of this bridge will start in early 2016. The City and GCP will be holding public information open house events on the Parkway piece of the project in early 2016.  

For more information, and a map of the Trail detours, visit saskatoon.ca/bridging.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

The City is pleased it has been able to achieve a settlement with the Transit union on the matter of two weeks of damages due to that portion of the lockout last year being declared illegal.

The final amount of the payment is approximately $651,000.  The payment will have no adverse budget impact for 2015 or for 2016, as the City already accrued a sufficient amount during the 2014 year-end and funds were reserved for this purpose.

It’s expected affected Transit staff should receive a payment by mid-February.

Despite the City’s efforts, continuing discussions with the Transit union on wages and pension concerns unfortunately remain at an impasse.  Nonetheless, we will remain working on a new contract with the Transit union. 

Fire officials are offering some advice on how to keep your family safe during the holiday season.

Today, Saskatoon Eastview MLA Corey Tochor, on behalf of Government Relations Minister Jim Reiter, joined Saskatoon Mayor Donald Atchison at a demonstration of a natural Christmas tree burn to remind citizens to be fire safe this holiday season.

“During the busy Christmas season, remember to add fire safety to the top of your holiday list, as you prepare to celebrate this wonderful time of year,” Tochor said.

“As we celebrate this season, I hope families will make fire safety a tradition in their holiday plans,” Atchison said.  “Please take a few minutes to make sure your home is always a safe and welcoming place for friends and loved ones.”

Picking a tree:
When choosing a real Christmas tree, pick one with fresh, green needles that don’t fall off when touched.  At home, and before placing the tree in a stand, cut at least two inches from the base of the tree trunk.  Make sure the tree’s base is watered right away with it immersed at all times, then check and water it daily.

Placing, decorating and disposing of a tree:
The tree should be placed at least three feet from any heat source like fireplaces, radiators, candles and heat vents.  Tree decoration light strings should be approved by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), discarded if damaged, and never left on when leaving home or going to sleep.  Trees should also be disposed of quickly after celebrating the holidays.

Smoke alarms:
Remember to check your home’s smoke alarms before the holidays and test them monthly.  Everyone in your home should understand a smoke alarm’s sound and know they are to exit a building quickly and calmly before calling the fire department.

For fire safety message videos, visit the Government of Saskatchewan at https://youtu.be/RdvVdkNlQTM and the City of Saskatoon at https://youtu.be/ssEC0ZbhJ3I.

The Ministry of Government Relations includes the Emergency Management and Fire Safety Branch and the Office of the Fire Commissioner of Saskatchewan.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

December 8, 2015 meeting

8.2.1 Appointments to Governance and Priorities Committee

*The purpose of the report is to transfer the 2016 appointments for Executive Committee to the newly-formed Governance and Priorities Committee.
*The committee approved forwarding a report to City Council recommending the 2016 appointments for Executive Committee be transferred to the Governance and Priorities Committee.

Background

*On November 23, City Council requested the following changes be implemented:
-Executive Committee be renamed the Governance and Priorities Committee and remain a Committee of all members of Council; the Governance and Priorities Committee’s mandate includes: governance, strategic priorities, annual business plan and budget process, legal matters, human resource and collective bargaining issues and government relations; and, the Governance and Priorities Committee continues to meet on the third Monday of every month.

8.2.2 Deferral Report – Municipal Governance – Practices and Procedures for the Reporting Out of In Camera Items

*Executive Committee approved deferral of the report until the January 18, 206 meeting of the Governance and Priorities Committee.

Background

*At the Executive Committee meeting of November 16, the Leadership Team Governance Subcommittee committed to providing a report respecting practices and procedures for the reporting out of in camera items. The finalization of this report has been delayed partly due to the passage of new Cities Act provisions impacting the issues. 

The City’s new garbage system will improve collection reliability, enhance customer service and improve efficiencies for the benefit of all black, blue and green cart customers.

“We’re so pleased to introduce new collection routes and take a bold step toward our vision of a highly efficient and effective waste management system,” said Brenda Wallace, Director of Environmental and Corporate Initiatives. “The City’s new efficient waste system will improve our service level to Saskatoon citizens, lower fuel costs and reduce our carbon footprint.”

Using real-time data collected by the new system over the past several months, the City is introducing optimised routes and schedules, designed specifically to move efficiently and directly through Saskatoon’s road network and neighbourhoods. The new routes also consider trips each truck needs to take to drop off collected materials at the landfill, recycling centre, or compost depot and ensures these trips are as short and direct as possible, with reduced back-tracking by collection trucks. There is no location change for front-street or back lane collections.

The new collection days begin January 4, 2016 and are clearly identified in the personalized 2016 Cart Collection Service guide and calendar delivered by Canada Post in December.

“Almost every neighbourhood will have a new day for at least one program starting January 4,” says Wallace.  “We encourage people to help their neighbours catch on to the new collection days for black and blue carts by reminding them if they don’t have their cart out, and by rolling out a cart for someone with physical challenges.”  

In addition to developing more efficient collection routes, the City’s new garbage system tracks where a garbage truck is on a route and confirms when your garbage has been collected. It also identifies any missed collections before a truck leaves the neighbourhood, and reduces the amount of kilometers the trucks travel, which is better for the environment and saves money in gas.

Increased efficiency of waste collection supports the City’s Strategic Goal of Asset and Financial Sustainability and being the best-managed city in Canada.