News Releases

In 2015, the Saskatoon Fire Department has responded to 168 hazardous material emergency calls. These calls vary from a tank leaking, to a large spill of a known substance to determining the best way to handle an unknown substance/s.

In a hazardous material incident, the Saskatoon Fire Department’s focus is on keeping people and property safe. We keep people safe by establishing hot, warm and cold zones around the incident. Our work to protect property can take many forms such as covering drains, shutting off valves and/or diking an area. During a hazardous materials incident, emergency crews will often work with provincial and municipal agencies to mitigate the threat. Once that is completed, the work is transferred to a private company for cleanup.

When a 9-1-1 call comes in alerting us to a hazardous good spill, a fire truck from the closest station is dispatched along with specially trained firefighters and equipment from Fire Stations No. 7 (3350 Wanuskewin Road) and No. 9 (870 Attridge Drive).

The first arriving crew will move people a safe distance away and gather information. When the hazardous material and decontamination crews arrive, they will use the gathered information to established hot, warm and cool zones, work to identify the substance, if needed, and mitigate the harm done to the environment. The size of the hot, warm and cool zones is based on the wind speed, time of day, weather vapour, moisture content, number of people in the area and volume of the release.

At some incidents, we know exactly what the hazardous material is before we ever arrive, other times that is not the case. When we are dealing with an unknown substance the initial zones will be large enough to cover the worst case scenario. Firefighters then don suits that provide them with the highest level of protection (Level A) and collect a sample to identify the material. Once the chemical and corresponding hazards are known the hot, warm and cool zones will be adjusted accordingly and a plan formulated to mitigate the risks.

The Saskatoon Fire Department is here to protect the citizens of Saskatoon during emergencies. In order to do that we have firefighters trained in fire safety as well as emergency medical response, dangerous goods, water rescue, and technical rescue.

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 Government of Saskatchewan will begin site preparation work in the coming weeks ahead of a rehabilitation project on the Highway 16 over Idylwyld Drive overpass to North Battleford.

The preparation work consists of building two cross-over structures that will allow two-way traffic in the eastbound lanes of Highway 16 while repairs are carried out on the westbound overpass. The construction of the cross-overs is expected to begin within the next few weeks. During this work there will be minor traffic restrictions.

The overpass rehabilitation work is then expected to begin in early July, at which point the following restrictions will be in place:

• Traffic will be reduced to one lane in both directions on Idylwyld Drive between 51st Street and 60th Street.
• Traffic will be reduced to one lane in both directions on Highway 16 between Idylwyld Drive and Marquis Drive.
• Temporary traffic signals will be installed to control Idylwyld Drive southbound and Highway 16 westbound traffic.

The Province is responsible for the planning and construction of the project which is expected last approximately three months. The City of Saskatoon will coordinate traffic control for the duration of the project.

As more information is provided, details of traffic detours can be found on our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Traffic Detour Service Alerts are available at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts and you can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert.

For more information about the project visit saskatoon.ca/betterroads and view the Government of Saskatchewan’s News Release.

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.

NEW

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.

22ND ST W WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT AVENUE P
(Resurfacing)
Start: June 22, 7:00 a.m. End: June 23, 6:00 p.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.

IDYLWYLD DR NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 4TH ST W TO 6TH ST W
(Lighting repair)
Start: June 22, 9:00 a.m. End: June 22, 4:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM ADELAIDE ST TO 2ND ST
(Lighting repair)
Start: June 22, 9:00 a.m. End: June 22, 4:00 p.m.

8TH ST E EB CURB & CENTER LANE CLOSED BETWEEN EMERSON AVE & WALPOLE AVE
(Water leak repair)
Start: June 22, 9:00 a.m. End: June 22, 5:00 p.m.

NIGHT WORK: WARMAN RD NB CLOSED FROM PRIMROSE DR TO LENORE DR
(Road resurfacing)
Start: June 22, 6:00 p.m. End: June 23, 6:00 a.m.

NIGHT WORK: SID BUCKWOLD BRIDGE NB & SB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED
(Bridge washing)
Start: June 22, 9:00 p.m. End: June 23, 5:00 a.m.

ONGOING

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.

NEW SATURDAY

17TH ST W & AVE O S VARIOUS ROAD CLOSURES
(P&H Mill demolition)
Roads closed all around P&H Mill. Please obey all signage.
Start: June 20, 6:00 a.m. End: June 20, 8:00 a.m.

NEW SUNDAY

4-WAY STOP: COLLEGE DR & CENTRAL AVE INTERSECTION
(Light controller cabinet replacement)
Start: June 21, 6:30 a.m. End: June 21, 8:30 a.m.

LORNE AVE CLOSED FROM JASPER AVE TO RUTH ST E
(Road resurfacing)
Use Clarence for Circle Dr access
Start: June 21, 7:00 a.m. End: June 21, 5:00 p.m.

22ND ST E & 1ST AVE N INTERSECTION RESTRICTIONS
(Manhole repairs)
Start: June 21, 7:00 a.m. End: June 21, 10:00 a.m.

SPADINA CRES NB SHOULDER CLOSED FROM CIRCLE DR S BRIDGE TO 11TH ST W
(Mayor’s Marathon)
Start: June 21, 7:30 a.m. End: June 21, 9:00 a.m.

22ND ST E & 2ND AVE N INTERSECTION RESTRICTIONS
(Manhole repairs)
Start: June 21, 10:00 a.m. End: June 21, 11:00 a.m.

NIGHT WORK: WARMAN RD NB CLOSED FROM PRIMROSE DR TO LENORE DR
(Road resurfacing)
Start: June 21, 6:00 p.m. End: June 22, 6:00 a.m.

ONGOING

MILLAR AVE NB CURB LANE CLOSED AT 70TH ST E
(Construction work)
Start: June 19, 7:00 a.m. End: June 20, 5:00 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.

Saskatoon’s network of more than 400 kilometres of gravel back lanes will soon be improved.  City crews will begin back lane maintenance on June 22, two weeks earlier than in 2014. The work will be done by neighbourhood in each of Wards 1 through 8, beginning in the North Industrial area of Ward 5. This, after inspectors examined the lanes and rated them one-by-one.

“The annual back lane rehabilitation program serves to repair ruts and potholes, level off low areas and provide preventative maintenance in our back lanes,” says Pat Hyde, Director of Public Works. “This work improves drainage, restores the condition of the back lane, and provides better access for residents and service vehicles.”

Over time, gravel back lanes may deteriorate due to extreme weather changes, regular vehicle traffic, drainage from private properties, overgrown vegetation, and from large equipment using them.

Residents are asked to remove all obstructions and debris from the edges or “right-of-way” in back lanes.  This will give enough room for large equipment, prevent damage to private property, and help keep residents and City crews safe. As well, residents with back lane bin collections are reminded to always return garbage and recycling carts to their property after they’ve been emptied.

Please note: if collection and back lane maintenance happen the same day, residents are asked to place carts as usual. Work crews will move them as required.

As part of the back lane maintenance program, the City will also trim overhanging trees and vegetation along the property line. The crews will then grade and pack the gravel, to restore the lane’s shape for proper drainage, and to prevent future damage.

“Trees and bushes contribute to our quality of life in many ways, including a welcome shelter from the hot sun for people and pets through the summer,” says Hyde.  “However, the shade overgrown trees create causes a challenge for us because it prevents the gravel in back lanes from drying. This contributes to the formation of ruts and the overall deterioration of the back lane.”

Approximately 24 kilometres of gravel back lanes, representing 136 locations, will be reconstructed as part of a $1.3M capital rehabilitation program.  Reconstruction requires full closure of these lanes and may include replacing mud with new gravel, removing dirt and re-establishing the grade to restore the lane to standard. Residents affected by reconstruction will receive orange and black notices delivered to their front door with more information.

While crews are working in your back lane, access to lanes may be restricted and all vehicles must be moved. For their safety, children and pets must stay at least 15 metres away from equipment.

A schedule for back lane maintenance and reconstruction will be posted to saskatoon.ca/backlanes early next week. Rain may cause delays to the program and the schedule may fluctuate as a result.

For more information, visit saskatoon.ca/backlanes or contact Public Works Customer Service at public.works@saskatoon.ca or 306-975-2476.

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.

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The City of Saskatoon is pleased to offer extended hours on Thursdays at the new East Compost Depot, located just off Highway 5 at Zimmerman Road, east of the former Sundown Drive-in.

Approximately 150 vehicles access the East Compost Depot every day, depositing grass clippings, leaves, non-elm wood, sod and yard waste, reducing the amount of waste sent to the landfill.

Regular hours for the site are 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday to Monday. To accommodate residents who cannot make it to the site by 5:00 p.m., from June 18 to September 30 the East Compost Depot will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, two hours later. 

The West Compost Depot, located at the junction of Highway 7 and 11^thStreet, operates seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Your cooperation in ensuring that your material is unloaded prior to the posted closing time is appreciated. Vehicles arriving at closing time may be asked to return the  following  day during operating hours.

Learn more about the City’s composting programs at saskatoon.ca/composting.  For timely updates, watch for Compost Depot Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca and on Twitter with @YXEServiceAlert.

Patrons, volunteers, and sponsors of the 41^st Annual Civic Pancake Breakfast on Thursday, June 18, 2015 helped raise $5441.70 (including tips) for the Saskatoon & Area United Way. 

As the City of Saskatoon strives to be a leader in environmental stewardship, we all work together to  implement environmentally friendly and sustainable practices for the corporation and the community at large. We are pleased to report the following results:

There were 1,148 breakfasts served with a final waste tally of: 

-290 kg of compostables which included all dishes, paper table-covers, natural latex balloons, napkins, wooden stir-sticks, coffee filters and coffee grounds 
-0 garbage
-6 kg of aluminum and pails 
-all cardboard boxes, juice boxes (tetra paks), coffee cream cartons, plastic jugs, and whipped cream containers were recycled

The City of Saskatoon would like to thank everyone in attendance and all breakfast sponsors for their generous support and we encourage all event organizers to help reduce waste.

NEW

MILLAR AVE NB CURB LANE CLOSED AT 70TH ST E
(Construction work)
Start: June 19, 7:00 a.m. End: June 20, 5:00 p.m.

SPADINA CRES E CLOSED FROM 3RD AVE S TO 20TH ST E
(National Aboriginal Day)
Start: June 19, 8:00 a.m. End: June 19, 5:00 p.m.

BROADWAY AVE SB CLOSED FROM 12TH ST E TO 11TH ST E
(Water main repair)
Use 12th St to Dufferin Ave
Start: June 19, 8:00 a.m. End: June 19, 3:00 p.m.

ONGOING

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.

The Government of Saskatchewan will begin rehabilitation work on the Highway 16 over Idylwyld Drive overpass to North Battleford the week of Monday, June 22.

The Province is responsible for the planning and construction of the project which is expected last approximately three months and be complete in the fall. As a major stakeholder and eventual owner of the infrastructure, the City of Saskatoon has worked closely with the Province and will coordinate traffic control for the duration of the project.

The project consists of building two cross-over structures to allow two-way traffic in the eastbound lanes of Highway 16 while repairs are carried out on the westbound overpass. The following road restrictions will be required for the duration of the project, and are expected to take effect from approximately Wednesday June 24, 2015:

• Traffic will be reduced to one lane in both directions on Idylwyld Drive between 51st Street and 60th Street.
• Traffic will be reduced to one lane in both directions on Highway 16 between Idylwyld Drive and Marquis Drive.
• Temporary traffic signals will be installed to control Idylwyld Drive southbound and Highway 16 westbound traffic.

Every effort has been made to minimize disruption, with at least one lane of traffic maintained in all directions, however drivers should expect delays. During construction Warman residents are encouraged to detour via the newly resurfaced Wanuskewin Road, which is expected to be complete by Thursday, June 25, weather permitting.

The City has coordinated its own construction projects around the overpass rehabilitation to ensure the same traffic isn’t impacted by other major construction happening in the city at the same time. The City would like to thank drivers for their patience as this necessary work is carried out.

Keep up to date with road restrictions and 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.

For more information about the project visit saskatoon.ca/betterroads and view the Government of Saskatchewan’s News Release.

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.

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:

• June 20
• July 4
• 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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