News Releases

The Saskatoon Municipal Review Commission (SMRC) invites interested citizens to listen in or present their thoughts at a public hearing on three important topics:

• Compensation/remuneration for members of City Council
• Code of Conduct for members of City Council
• Municipal elections

Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Lakewood Civic Centre
2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Addressing Meetings: Citizens wishing to present to the Commission at the public hearing are encouraged to register by calling 306-975-3240 or emailing municipalreview@saskatoon.ca.

Can’t attend? Visit Saskatoon.ca/SMRC before June 30, 2015 to complete an online submission. 

For more information on the Commission mandate or other relevant topics, please go to Saskatoon.ca/SMRC or follow SMRC on Facebook and Twitter.

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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At its meeting on Monday, June 22, 2015, City Council passed recommendations of the Standing Policy Committee on Transportation regarding an increase to the number of seasonal taxi licences, and also approved the recommendation to amend Bylaw No. 9070, The Taxi Bylaw, 2014. A report on the changes to temporary wheelchair accessible licences will be submitted to the Standing Policy Committee on Transportation in the near future with the recommended changes to Bylaw No. 9070, The Taxi Bylaw, 2014.

City Council approved an increase of 6 temporary seasonal licences to make a total of 24, to be allocated to taxicab drivers only - through the process of an open lottery. Drivers must fill out an application form, and pay the non-refundable $50 fee charge to enter the draw. Application forms for the taxicab licence lottery, general rules for the draw and information on the lottery process can be found on the homepage of saskatoon.ca  under Services for Business or Announcements. Lottery Applications are also available at Corporate Revenue, main floor City Hall and the 2 Saskatoon taxi companies. 

The terms of the temporary licence season will be: September 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016, September 1, 2016 – June 30, 2017, and September 1, 2017 – June 30, 2018. The annual seasonal licence fee will be $375. A licensed seasonal taxicab driver will be required to notify City Administration if they move from one company to another, and payment of a $25 transfer fee will be required.    

City Council also approved an increase to the cap on the number of temporary wheelchair accessible taxi licences. Five additional licences were added to make a total of 21 licences. These licences will be in effect for 5 years, and will revert back to the City of Saskatoon at the end of the 5 year term. The allocation of the temporary wheelchair accessible licences was based on fleet size; 3 licences to Comfort Cab, and 2 licences to United Cabs. 

Taxi regulation supports the City of Saskatoon’s long-term plan for optimizing the flow of people and goods in and around the city, under the corporate Strategic Goal of Moving Around. One of the stated purposes of Bylaw No. 9070, The Taxi Bylaw, 2014 is to ensure that taxi service in Saskatoon will be available, safe, and economical to use for both citizens and visitors to our city.

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

IDYLWYLD DR S NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 10TH ST TO SASKATCHEWAN CRES
(Lighting repair)
Start: June 24, 9:00 a.m. End: June 24, 4:00 p.m.

NIGHT WORK: IDYLWYLD DR S NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM TAYLOR ST E TO RUTH ST E
(Bridge washing)
Start: June 24, 9:00 p.m. End: June 25, 5:00 a.m.

ONGOING

SPADINA CRES E WB CLOSED FROM 3RD AVE S TO 20TH ST E
(Saskatchewan Jazz Festival)
Start: June 22, 7:00 a.m. End: July 7, 6:00 a.m.

4TH AVE S NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM BROADWAY AVE TO 20TH ST E
(Sign Installation)
Start: June 22, 8:00 a.m. End: June 25, 4:00 p.m.

CONFEDERATION DR SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM LAURIER DR TO 22ND ST W
(Concrete work)
Start: June 18, 9:00 a.m. End: June 27, 5:00 p.m.

HWY 11 NB & SB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED AT VICTOR RD
(Stonebridge Interchange construction)
Start: June 15, 10:00 a.m. End: July 6, 6:00 p.m.

CENTRAL AVE CLOSED FROM SOMERS RD TO AGRA RD
(Force main installation)
Start: June 12, 9:00 a.m. End: July 8, 5:00 p.m.

AIRPORT DR NB & SB  MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED FROM 45TH ST W TO CYNTHIA ST
(Road construction)
Start: June 8, 9:00 a.m. End: June 29, 4:00 p.m.

HWY 11/16 EB OVERPASS CLOSED AT CLOVERLEAF INTERSECTION
(Overpass repair)
Two EB lanes and one WB lane of traffic will be maintained on the WB overpass.
Start: May 18, 7:00 a.m. End: Tentative - August 7, 5:00 p.m.

UNIVERSITY BRIDGE CLOSED BETWEEN SPADINA CRES & COLLEGE DR
(Bridge Repairs)
Full closure for authorized vehicles this weekend
Start: May 3, 7:00 a.m. End: August 31, 6:00 p.m.

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.

Over 1,000 blue “Recycle with Cosmo” containers have been delivered to apartments and condos as Saskatoon’s multi-unit residential recycling program is now fully implemented. The multi-unit recycling service provider is Cosmopolitan Industries (Cosmo), a non-profit organization that enhances the quality of life of adults with intellectual disabilities.

“With the implementation of our new multi-unit program, residential recycling service in Saskatoon is now city-wide,” says Brenda Wallace, Director of Environmental & Corporate Initiatives. “When done correctly, recycling reduces the amount of garbage sent to the landfill. Unfortunately, we’re finding that about 20% of the material in multi-unit recycling bins is garbage and we want to remind residents to put waste in the right place.” Wallace adds.

The City and Cosmo remind residents in multi-unit buildings like apartments and condos, that the same materials accepted through the curbside recycling program, with Loraas Recycle as the service provider, are accepted in the multi-unit recycling program. This includes paper and cardboard, plastic containers with number 1 to 7, milk jugs, laundry jugs, tin cans, aluminum trays and glass. The clean recyclable material does not require sorting or bagging – simply toss it loosely into the blue outdoor “Recycle with Cosmo” bin for the building.

“Resident participation is important for an effective recycling program and education serves as the foundation for success,” adds Wallace. “The City of Saskatoon and Cosmo have collaborated to develop an education program to increase participation in the multi-unit recycling program, and decrease the amount of garbage placed in the outdoor bins.”

“Cosmo is working closely with Building Managers by providing ongoing support, education and promotional materials to help them engage residents in their buildings and complexes in how and why to recycle,” says Sharlene Duquette, Executive Director of Cosmopolitan Industries. “Building Managers play a key role in addressing the challenges and opportunities of multi-unit recycling.”

For information on program details and collection schedules, call Cosmopolitan Industries at 306-955-9100. For recycling tips and program information, visit Saskatoon.ca/recycle. For information on recycling charges on utility bills, call the City of Saskatoon Corporate Revenue at 306-975-2400.

By recycling paper and packaging, and putting waste in the right place, together we grow a greener Saskatoon.

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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The City’s portion of construction at River Landing is now complete. The $81.5 million project reclaims Saskatoon’s waterfront and creates a year-round gathering place for residents and visitors. The redeveloped River Landing encompasses 36 acres from 19^th Street to the South Saskatchewan River and from 3^rd Avenue to Avenue C.

“River Landing was once a vision and now it’s a reality”, says Mayor Donald Atchison. “It is a breath-taking destination that draws thousands of families together and bridges our community. River Landing is now part of the signature of Saskatoon.”

Construction included landscaping and pedestrian bridges, riverfront trails, streetscaping, riverbank shoring, site remediation, underground services and site prep work for future residential and commercial developments. River Landing has a number of features such as a vast riverfront park, the Saskatoon Farmers Market, Ideas Inc., Market Square, Isinger Park, the “Prairie Wind” landmark, The War of 1812 Monument, a seasonal concession at the Pavilion Building, two amphitheatres, lookout points, a children’s water play feature, and an outdoor adult fitness circuit. Funding was provided by the City of Saskatoon, the Government of Canada, the Province of Saskatchewan, and the Meewasin Valley Authority.

At today’s event, Mayor Atchison also introduced the sponsor for the riverfront amphitheatre below Avenue A and Spadina Crescent. The Wright Construction Riverfront Stage includes a wooden platform with power capacity and a large grassy knoll with seating for more than 100 individuals to enjoy and use.

“We are proud to be a part of this legacy project that provides the citizens of Saskatoon with another gathering point for the arts, festivals, and cultural gatherings,” said Lorne Wright, President of Wright Construction.
Mayor Atchison and Mr. Wright also unveiled a large blackboard on the Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge abutment wall where residents and visitors can use the chalk provided to write their hopes and dreams for the future. The wall is inspired by the global art project called “Before I Die, I Want To...”. The wall lets people finish that sentence by reflecting on their lives and sharing their personal aspirations in a public space. Over 500 walls in 70 countries and 35 languages have been created.

BACKGROUND

River Landing Capital Construction

River Landing encompasses 36 acres from 19th Street to the South Saskatchewan River, and from 3rd Avenue to Avenue C and includes a number of features such as a vast riverfront park, the Saskatoon Farmers Market, Ideas Inc., Market Square, Isinger Park, War of 1812 Monument, the “Prairie Wind” landmark, a seasonal concession at the Pavilion Building, two amphitheatres, lookout points, water play feature, and an outdoor adult fitness circuit.

The total budget for all River Landing construction was $81.5 million. The project was funded by the City of Saskatoon, the Government of Canada, the Province of Saskatchewan, and the Meewasin Valley Authority.

Construction in River Landing first began in 2004 and the final portion of the City’s construction was finished in late 2014.  The final construction work included the installation of turf, irrigation, and paving stones on a new path on the western edge of the site.

Features and Amenities Constructed

Isinger Park
Pavilion Building (seasonal concession)
Saskatoon Farmers’ Market
Ideas Inc.
“Prairie Wind” landmark
“Launch Time” public art installation
Fire Vessel
Two outdoor amphitheatres
Public and temporary art
Outdoor adult fitness circuit
Two boat docks
Fountain/lagoon feature
Year-round washrooms

Additional Redevelopment Activities
Site cleanup and remediation
Riverfront park design and construction
Underground servicing
Riverbank shoring
Viewpoints construction19th Street reconfiguration
Streetscaping
Pedestrian connections
River pedestrian bridges
Roads and sidewalks
Lighting
Parking
Riverfront trails
Landscaping
Refurbishment of the Pumphouse in order to be leased as a restaurant/bistro
Site prep for future residential and commercial developments  

River Landing is a People Place

MVA statistics show along the riverbank trail system, an average of over 360,000 pedestrians and cyclists pass through the River Landing area each year.

In 2014, 67 different groups held 227 events at River Landing. Events included weddings, races, walks, dance classes, band recitals, concerts, tai chi classes, yoga classes, news conferences, Fireworks festival, WinterShines Festival, art shows, fashion shows,etc.

Wright Construction Riverfront Stage

Wright Construction has become the sponsor of the riverfront amphitheatre located in Phase II (the sponsorship is for 10 years, for $100,000).

Wright Construction is a general contractor serving Saskatchewan and is the creator of a number of Saskatchewan landmarks, including: the original buildings of the University of Saskatchewan, Hotel Saskatchewan Radisson Plaza in Regina, the Delta Bessborough Hotel in Saskatoon, and Persephone Theatre at River Landing Phase I. The company provides general contracting services including expertise ranging from site selection to total construction. The Wright family has been active in the Saskatchewan construction industry for over a century.

The Wright Construction Riverfront Stage is a free space for individuals to enjoy and use. The space includes a wooden stage with electrical outlets for different users. The adjacent large grassy knoll can accommodate over 100 people in the audience. The Stage can be booked by calling City of Saskatoon Allocations Section at 306-975-3366.

Global Art Project – “Before I Die, I Want To…”

The idea of the wall was first created by American artist Candy Chang in 2011 who felt compelled to express her grief after a close friend died. She painted blackboard paint on the side of an abandoned house (with permission) and wrote out the dreams she wanted to accomplish in her lifetime.  She put out a basket of chalk and encouraged passersby to add their comments. The idea then spread across the world, and walls popped up in many cities, some lasting one day or up to one year.

This wall is both fun and thought-provoking, as a way for people to write out what they want to do in their lives. It’s very interactive to read the comments and see what is important to each of us and our community. 

Residents of all ages are encouraged to visit the wall often and write out their dreams from their own personal bucket lists. Chalk is provided and people can also bring their own. Comments from other walls range from humourous to serious (examples include:  have a book published; travel the world, tell my mother I love her; teach yoga; get a tattoo; run a marathon; find true love; end war.)

This area under the bridge links the two sides of River Landing.  The wall will help brighten up the space and encourage more people to come down to visit and be inspired. It makes you think of all the great things we want to do. The painted wall is temporary in nature, and new questions will be posed periodically. 

Everyone is invited to Kinsmen Day at the Zoo on Friday, June 26, 2015.  Free admission to the Zoo will be provided from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.  Please note parking, stroller, and fishing fees will still apply.

 In lieu of admission, visitors are encouraged to donate a non-perishable food item to benefit the Saskatoon Food Bank.  Representatives of the Saskatoon Food Bank will be on site all day to receive donations and answer questions.    

 A variety of fun activities and entertainment is planned between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to keep the kids engaged.  In addition, the Saskatoon Zoo Society will have activities for children to learn more about the animals at the Zoo.

 While venturing through the Zoo, be sure to visit the feature animals in the PotashCorp Ark exhibit – Phoenix, a red panda, and Malcom and Jethro, two cougars.

Regular Zoo admission is $11.00 for adults, $6.50 for youth (6 to 18 years) and $22.00 for families.  For more information on the Zoo, please visit www.saskatoon.ca/zoo.

 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.

The City of Saskatoon will begin installing Protected Bike Lanes on 23rd Street from Idylwyld Drive to Spadina Crescent on Wednesday, June 24.

The work consists of installing new signs, painting traffic and bike lanes, and installing flexible posts. The work is expected to be complete by mid-July, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

During construction parking will be restricted on 23rd Street and at times there may be minor lane restrictions. Once construction is complete, the parking configuration will change slightly as the Protected Bike Lane will exist between the curb and parking spaces.

In March 2015, City Council approved a recommendation to proceed with a Protected Bike Lane Demonstration Project downtown. The goal is to create a vibrant and healthy downtown by improving cycling as a strategy to increase the attractiveness of the downtown for businesses, residents, visitors, employers and their employees.

For more information about the Protected Bike Lane Demonstration Project, visit saskatoon.ca and search protected bike lanes.

Know before you go! Find traffic detour information at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts, on the City’s interactive construction map at saskatoon.ca/constructionmap or by subscribing to the City’s Daily Road Report. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE.

NEW

IDYLWYLD DR S NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 6TH ST E TO MAIN ST
(Lighting repair)
Start: June 23, 9:00 a.m. End: June 23, 4:00 p.m.

33RD ST W EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN AVE B N & IDYLWYLD DR N
(Crane lift)
Start: June 23, 9:00 a.m. End: June 23, 5:00 p.m.

19TH ST E EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 3RD AVE S TO 4TH AVE S
(Saskatchewan Jazz Festival)
Start: June 23, 11:30 a.m. End: June 23, 2:00 p.m.

NIGHT WORK: WARMAN RD NB CLOSED FROM PRIMROSE DR TO LENORE DR
(Road resurfacing)
Start: June 23, 7:15 p.m. End: June 24, 6:00 a.m.

NIGHT WORK: SID BUCKWOLD BRIDGE NB & SB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED
(Bridge washing)
Start: June 23, 9:00 p.m. End: June 23, 5:00 a.m.

ONGOING

SPADINA CRES E WB CLOSED FROM 3RD AVE S TO 20TH ST E
(Saskatchewan Jazz Festival)
Start: June 22, 7:00 a.m. End: July 7, 6:00 a.m.

4TH AVE S NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM BROADWAY AVE TO 20TH ST E
(Sign Installation)
Start: June 22, 8:00 a.m. End: June 25, 4:00 p.m.

CONFEDERATION DR SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM LAURIER DR TO 22ND ST W
(Concrete work)
Start: June 18, 9:00 a.m. End: June 27, 5:00 p.m.

HWY 11 NB & SB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED AT VICTOR RD
(Stonebridge Interchange construction)
Start: June 15, 10:00 a.m. End: July 6, 6:00 p.m.

CENTRAL AVE CLOSED FROM SOMERS RD TO AGRA RD
(Force main installation)
Start: June 12, 9:00 a.m. End: July 8, 5:00 p.m.

AIRPORT DR NB & SB  MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED FROM 45TH ST W TO CYNTHIA ST
(Road construction)
Start: June 8, 9:00 a.m. End: June 29, 4:00 p.m.

HWY 11/16 EB OVERPASS CLOSED AT CLOVERLEAF INTERSECTION
(Overpass repair)
Two EB lanes and one WB lane of traffic will be maintained on the WB overpass.
Start: May 18, 7:00 a.m. End: Tentative - August 7, 5:00 p.m.

UNIVERSITY BRIDGE CLOSED BETWEEN SPADINA CRES & COLLEGE DR
(Bridge Repairs)
Full closure for authorized vehicles this weekend
Start: May 3, 7:00 a.m. End: August 31, 6:00 p.m.

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.

The City of Saskatoon is asking for your opinion on potential changes to the optional Green Cart program to help us better understand the wants, needs and expectations of our residents.  A short online survey is open until July 8 to interested residents who currently do not subscribe to the Green Cart program. Visit Saskatoon.ca/GreenCart for the survey link.

Current subscribers to the Green Cart program will be contacted by email or phone to complete a separate survey.

The City of Saskatoon continues to explore innovative waste management practices.  Engaging with residents will help to ensure that the viewpoints and values of citizens are included in the City’s decision-making process.

Subscriptions for the optional 2015 Green Cart program were accepted until June 1.  This year, approximately 5,700 households subscribed, an increase of 46% over 2014.

If you missed the June 1 deadline for the program, there are other ways to keep yard waste out of your black garbage cart.  The City’s compost depots are open for residents to drop off their leaves, grass and non-elm branches and tree trimmings free of charge.  For locations and hours, visit Saskatoon.ca/compostdepots. And for home composters, the City offers a $20 rebate to residents who purchase a compost bin from a Saskatoon retailer in 2015.  Visit Saskatoon.ca/homecomposting for information.

For information on the optional Green Cart program, the Compost Depots and home composting, including a $20 rebate on the purchase of a new home compost bin, visit Saskatoon.ca/GreenCart.

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.

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The National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism is on Tuesday, June 23, 2015.  In recognition, flags at all City of Saskatoon facilities will fly at half-mast for the day.

The National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism, recognized every year in Canada on June 23rd, marks the anniversary of the Air India Flight 182 bombing which happened off the coast of Ireland.  Flags across Canada are flown at half-mast to honour the victims of the bombing, as well as other acts of terrorist violence that have taken lives of Canadians.