News Releases

Household hazardous waste requires proper disposal to reduce risks to humans and animals, and prevent pollution of our land, water and air. These materials should not be placed in your garbage or recycling bins, poured down the drain or toilet, or released into the environment.

To ensure household hazardous materials are safely disposed of or recycled, the City coordinates regular Household Hazardous Waste Days for residents to drop-off these materials. A temporary site will be set up at SaskTel Centre parking lot (101 - 3515 Thatcher Avenue) from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., on the following dates in 2015:

2015 Household Hazardous Waste Days:

• August 15
• September 19
• October 17
• November 21

For a complete list of materials accepted at HHW Days, please visit Saskatoon.ca/hazardouswaste. A number of items can also be returned to local retailers for convenient and safe disposal or recycling – for current opportunities in the community, please visit Saskwastereduction.ca.

Please do not bring paint to Household Hazardous Waste Days. Leftover paint and empty paint cans are accepted without charge at all SARCAN recycling depots in Saskatoon. A complete list of paint/paint products accepted at SARCAN locations can be found at www.sarcan.ca/pages/paint.

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.

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NEW

CENTRAL AVE SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM BEEF RESEARCH RD TO ATTRIDGE DR
(Installation of a catch basin)
Start: August 13, 9:00 a.m. End: September 7, 5:00 p.m.

AIRPORT DR NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT 45TH ST W
(Concrete work)
Start: August 13, 9:00 a.m. End: August 13, 4:00 p.m.

PRESTON AVE N NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM FIELD HOUSE RD TO COLLEGE DR
(Manhole work)
Start: August 13, 9:30 a.m. End: August 17, 4:00 p.m.

NIGHT WORK: CIRCLE DR NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANES CLOSED AT ATTRIDGE DR
Attridge Dr. WB exit ramp will be closed. Access Circle Dr. via College Dr./Central Ave.
(Road resurfacing)
Start: August 13, 7:00 p.m. End: August 13, 6:00 a.m.

ONGOING

HWY 11/16 WB OVERPASS CLOSED AT CLOVERLEAF INTERSECTION
(Overpass repair)
Two EB lanes and one WB lane of traffic will be maintained on the EB overpass.
Start: July 24, 7:00 a.m. End: September 30, 5:00 p.m.

CENTRAL AVE CLOSED BETWEEN GARVIE RD & AGRA RD
(Force main installation)
Start: July 18, 7:00 a.m. End: August 15, 5:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR N/HIGHWAY 16 NB & SB LANE RESTRICTIONS FROM 51ST ST E TO MARQUIS DR W
(Hwy 16 flyover repair)
Start: July 13, 9:00 a.m. End: September 11, 5:00 p.m.

UNIVERSITY BRIDGE IS NOW OPEN
Ongoing work with limited lane restrictions to occur during off peak hours

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information and subscribe to Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – A grand opening ceremony is being held Wednesday, August 12, for PotashCorp Playland at Kinsmen Park – Saskatoon’s new, must-see family-friendly attraction.

To officially open PotashCorp Playland, representatives from the City of Saskatoon, PotashCorp, Canpotex, and Canadian Pacific (CP) will help hammer in “the last spike” for the train track that loops around the park.  The fun ceremony was inspired by a similar one held in 1885 in British Columbia when the Canadian Pacific Railway completed its transcontinental railroad across Canada.

PotashCorp Playland features a $1.025 million train provided by Canpotex and CP, as well as a larger Ferris wheel and a refurbished carousel.  PotashCorp provided $7.5 million of the $9.5 million cost of PotashCorp Playland, which also includes a unique, new play area.  This part of PotashCorp Playland is free of charge and has lots of room for climbing, sliding, swinging – and riding down the double cable ride.

“Visiting the Kinsmen Park rides has long been a tradition in Saskatoon – and with the opening of PotashCorp Playland, the experience is better than ever,” says Lee Knafelc, PotashCorp Vice President of Human Resources and Administration. “Every child will find something fun to do at PotashCorp Playland, and that was our goal.”

PotashCorp strives to improve the well-being of the communities in which it operates, and this motivated its investment in PotashCorp Playland at Kinsmen Park.

“I am so proud of the partnerships that created this one-of-a-kind family centre right in downtown Saskatoon,” says Mayor Donald Atchison. “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to PotashCorp, Canpotex, and CP for their financial commitment to the people of Saskatoon.  Thousands of families will come here in the decades ahead and create wonderful memories of PotashCorp Playland and Kinsmen Park.”

To celebrate Wednesday’s grand opening, rides are free from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at PotashCorp Playland.  There is also entertainment, carnival games, prizes, and snacks, all courtesy of PotashCorp.

As the world’s largest crop nutrient company, PotashCorp plays an integral role in global food production. The company produces the three essential nutrients required to help farmers grow healthier, more abundant crops. With global population rising and diets improving in developing countries, crop nutrients such as potash, phosphates and nitrogen offer a responsible and practical solution to help produce the food we need, from the land we have.                                     

The City is preparing to activate the newly installed traffic signals at the corner of Marquis Drive and Highway 16. The traffic signals will improve safety as development in the area continues to generate more traffic through this intersection. 

The newly installed signals will include advance warning flashers to notify drivers on the highway when the signals are about to turn red. Additional improvements, such as widening the shoulder of the road, are scheduled to be completed in the near future.

Upon initial activation, the lights will flash red for approximately five days so drivers become aware of the new traffic signals. While they continue to flash red, drivers should treat the intersection as a four-way stop. We expect the regular signal timing and control of the intersection will be activated on Monday, August 17, 2015.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information and subscribe to Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE.

NEW

NIGHT WORK: CIRCLE DR SB ON RAMP TO COLLEGE DR WB CLOSED
(Paving)
Access College WB via 108th St exit
Start: August 11, 7:00 p.m. End: August 12, 6:00 a.m.

NIGHT WORK: CIRCLE DR NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT 108TH ST OVERPASS
(Paving)
Start: August 11, 7:00 p.m. End: August 12, 6:00 a.m.

COLLEGE DR EB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT MCORMOND DR
(Guardrail repair)
Start: August 12, 9:00 a.m. End: August 12, 11:00 a.m.

33RD ST EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT CIRCLE DR OVERPASS
(Streetlight repair)
Start: August 12, 9:00 a.m. End: August 12, 3:00 p.m.

CENTRAL AVE SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT ATTRIDGE DR.
(Road Patching)
Start: August 12, 9:00 a.m. End: September 7, 6:00 p.m.

NIGHT WORK: CIRCLE DR EB RAMP TO ATTRIDGE/PRESTON CROSSING CLOSED
(Road resurfacing)
Start: August 12, 7:00 p.m. End: August 13, 6:00 a.m.

ONGOING

HWY 11/16 WB OVERPASS CLOSED AT CLOVERLEAF INTERSECTION
(Overpass repair)
Two EB lanes and one WB lane of traffic will be maintained on the EB overpass.
Start: July 24, 7:00 a.m. End: September 30, 5:00 p.m.

CENTRAL AVE CLOSED BETWEEN GARVIE RD & AGRA RD
(Force main installation)
Start: July 18, 7:00 a.m. End: August 15, 5:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR N/HIGHWAY 16 NB & SB LANE RESTRICTIONS FROM 51ST ST E TO MARQUIS DR W
(Hwy 16 flyover repair)
Start: July 13, 9:00 a.m. End: September 11, 5:00 p.m.

UNIVERSITY BRIDGE IS NOW OPEN
Ongoing work with limited lane restrictions to occur during off peak hours

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information and subscribe to Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

As the City continues to roll out the FlexParking program in stages, an additional 140 pay stations will be activated today (Wednesday, August 12) throughout the remainder of the downtown core and in the area surrounding City Hospital.

When the new, flexible pay stations are turned on, the old coin meters will either be removed or covered with a white and yellow hood that directs drivers to use the pay stations. As long as drivers encounter an unhooded, active coin meter that’s where they should pay.

More stations will continue to be activated at other locations across the city in the weeks to come.

Important tips and reminders:

1. Have your licence plate number handy; you’ll need it at every transaction.
    
2. Don’t forget to note the maximum allowable time where you’re parking; you can only park as long as the sign indicates, regardless of how much time you buy.
    
3. You don’t need to display a dashboard ticket; your plate provides proof of payment.
    
4. Balances on your parking purchase can be carried forward to any space that’s been switched over to the new system; balances cannot be applied to coin metered spaces.
    
5. Additional parking time may be purchased provided you have not exceeded the maximum allowable time posted at your parking space.

The City’s Disability and Veteran parking permit programs remain unchanged and drivers are still required to display their placards.

For more information, including a map of where the new FlexParking pay stations are installed, and frequently asked questions, visit saskatoon.ca/flexparking or call 306-975-2548.

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

Looking for a way to help your dog cool off in the heat?  Bring your pooch for a swim at the FREE Dog Day of Summer event at Mayfair Outdoor Pool on August 24!

Service dogs welcome during a dedicated swim time from 11:00 to 11:45 a.m., and all dogs are welcome in one-hour time slots starting at 12:00 p.m.

Service Dogs (60 dog limit):                                   11:00 to 11:45 a.m.

All other dogs (60 dog limit per time slot) :         12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

                                                                                    1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

                                                                                    3:00 to 4:00 p.m.

                                                                                    4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

                                                                                    6:00 to 7:00 p.m.          

Attendance is by online preregistration only at www.saskatoon.ca/animalservices, with a limit of 60 dogs per session accompanied by an adult owner.  All dogs must be well-socialized, vaccinated, and licensed in Saskatoon.  If you don’t have a current license, one can be purchased online prior to registering for the event (www.saskatoon.ca/petlicense).

The Saskatoon SPCA will be hosting a fundraiser BBQ, with all proceeds going towards SPCA initiatives.

The Dog Day of Summer event is planned for the day after the pool closes for the season.  No human swimming will be permitted.  Participation in this event is at your and your dog’s own risk.

To register for this event or for information on Animal Services, please visit www.saskatoon.ca/animalservices.

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.

So far, no more Saskatoon trees have been found to have Dutch elm disease (DED) since one tree tested positive for DED in the Queen Elizabeth neighbourhood on July 21, 2015.

 Since that time, the City engaged its aggressive DED Response Plan, which included removal of the tree that tested positive for the disease.   Our crews have also finished the surveillance within the 1 kilometre radius around the infected tree.

In the 1 kilometre area around the infected tree, 9 elm trees were sampled and all were negative.  To date, 43 trees have been sampled in Saskatoon.

 Additionally the City has:

• Identified and cleaned up 12 elm wood storage infractions within the 1 kilometer area around the infected tree site.
• Trained an additional crew for increased surveillance.
• Updated the City website and created an online form for the public to submit information about trees suspected of DED.
• Contacted the province to see what assistance may be available.

 DED is a serious disease of the American elm and was introduced into North America in the 1930’s.  It has wiped out millions of elms across Canada and the United States.

 DED has been present in Saskatchewan since the 1980’s and Saskatoon has remained free of it until July of this year.

 American elm trees with DED may start showing symptoms as early as the month of June.  Typically, the leaves will start to wilt and turn yellow, then curl and turn brown. Residents who start to notice any of these symptoms are encouraged to call City of Saskatoon Pest Management at 306-975-3300.

 Residents can help prevent DED by:

• Not pruning elms during provincial pruning ban (April 1 to August 31.
• Not storing or transporting any elm firewood (Provincial regulations prohibit the storing or transporting of elm firewood).
• Disposing of all elm wood at the City Landfill.

More information on DED, including pruning deadline information, is available at www.saskatoon.ca.

 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.

NEW

8TH ST E EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM CAIRNS AVE TO WIGGINS AVE S
(Restore water service)
Start: August 11, 9:00 a.m. End: August 11, 4:00 p.m.

CENTRAL AVE NB/SB CLOSED FROM 112TH ST W TO 113TH ST W
(Road patching)
Start: August 11, 9:30 a.m. End: August 11, 12:00 p.m.

NIGHT WORK: CIRCLE DR NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT 108TH ST OVERPASS
(Paving)
Start: August 11, 7:00 p.m. End: August 12, 6:00 a.m.

NIGHT WORK: CIRCLE DR SB ON RAMP TO COLLEGE DR WB CLOSED
(Paving)
Access College WB via 108th St exit
Start: August 11, 7:00 p.m. End: August 12, 6:00 a.m.

NIGHT WORK: CIRCLE DR EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT PRESTON CROSSING/ATTRIDGE DR EB
(Paving)
Start: August 11, 7:00 p.m. End: August 12, 6:00 a.m.

NIGHT WORK: ATTRIDGE DR WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT CIRCLE DR E OVERPASS
(Paving)
Start: August 11, 7:00 p.m. End: August 12, 6:00 a.m.

NIGHT WORK: PRESTON AVE EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT CIRCLE DR E OVERPASS
(Paving)
Start: August 11, 7:00 p.m. End: August 12, 6:00 a.m.

ONGOING

HWY 11/16 WB OVERPASS CLOSED AT CLOVERLEAF INTERSECTION
(Overpass repair)
Two EB lanes and one WB lane of traffic will be maintained on the EB overpass.
Start: July 24, 7:00 a.m. End: September 30, 5:00 p.m.

CENTRAL AVE CLOSED BETWEEN GARVIE RD & AGRA RD
(Force main installation)
Start: July 18, 7:00 a.m. End: August 15, 5:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR N/HIGHWAY 16 NB & SB LANE RESTRICTIONS FROM 51ST ST E TO MARQUIS DR W
(Hwy 16 flyover repair)
Start: July 13, 9:00 a.m. End: September 11, 5:00 p.m.

UNIVERSITY BRIDGE IS NOW OPEN
Ongoing work with limited lane restrictions to occur during off peak hours

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information and subscribe to Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

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NEW

COLLEGE DR EB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT MCORMOND DR
(Guardrail repair)
Start: August 10, 7:00 a.m. End: August 10, 11:00 a.m.

HWY 16 WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT ZIMMERMAN RD
(Reconstruction)
Zimmerman Rd will be closed. Access Hwy 16 via Boychuk Dr.
Start: August 10, 7:00 a.m. End: November 15, 5:00 p.m.

20TH ST EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM AVE G S TO AVE H S
(Street-scaping)
The south section of 20th St & Ave H will be closed. WB & EB two-way traffic will be maintained in the WB lanes.
Start: August 10, 9:00 a.m. End: August 31, 5:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DR WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT MILLAR AVE NB
(Paving)
Start: August 10, 9:00 a.m. End: August 10, 4:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR S NB/SB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED FROM SASKATCHEWAN CRES E TO 20TH ST E
(Guardrail repair)
Start: August 10, 9:00 a.m. End: August 12, 5:00 p.m.

COLLEGE DR WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM MCORMOND DR TO MCKERCHER DR
(Guardrail repair)
Start: August 10, 11:00 a.m. End: August 10, 4:00 p.m.

NIGHT WORK: CIRCLE DR NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT 108TH ST OVERPASS
(Paving)
Start: August 10, 7:00 p.m. End: August 11, 6:00 a.m.

NIGHT WORK: CIRCLE DR SB ON RAMP TO COLLEGE DR WB CLOSED
(Paving)
Access College WB via 108th St exit
Start: August 10, 7:00 p.m. End: August 11, 6:00 a.m.

ONGOING

HWY 11/16 WB OVERPASS CLOSED AT CLOVERLEAF INTERSECTION
(Overpass repair)
Two EB lanes and one WB lane of traffic will be maintained on the EB overpass.
Start: July 24, 7:00 a.m. End: September 30, 5:00 p.m.

CENTRAL AVE CLOSED BETWEEN GARVIE RD & AGRA RD
(Force main installation)
Start: July 18, 7:00 a.m. End: August 15, 5:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR N/HIGHWAY 16 NB & SB LANE RESTRICTIONS FROM 51ST ST E TO MARQUIS DR W
(Hwy 16 flyover repair)
Start: July 13, 9:00 a.m. End: September 11, 5:00 p.m.

UNIVERSITY BRIDGE IS NOW OPEN
Ongoing work with limited lane restrictions to occur during off peak hours

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information and subscribe to Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.