News Releases

The City of Saskatoon’s (City) Planning and Development Division, partnering with the Saskatoon Police Service, invite citizens to attend a commemorative Police call box unveiling ceremony outside of the Sturdy Stone Building.

Join His Worship Mayor Donald Atchison, Deputy Chief Bernie Pannell, and City Archivist Jeff O’Brien as they unveil a replica call box and celebrate the history of how it was used in the first part of the 20^th Century.

                                                                                  Police Call Box Unveiling Ceremony
                                                                                             Friday, May 22, 2015
                                                                                                        1:30 p.m.
                                                                                  Outside the Sturdy Stone Building
                                                                                Corner of 3^rd Avenue and 22^nd Street

The City has created this heritage interpretive element on 3^rd Avenue as part of the streetscape project currently underway. The call box will house a digital audio playback device that invites passing pedestrians to listen to audio tracks featuring short dramatized stories of policing in the Downtown.

The call boxes were actively used by the Police and Fire Departments between 1912 and 1960 to report incidents directly to headquarters. The project is located in what used to be known as Beat No. 1, the area bounded by 19^th Street on the south, 23^rd Street on the north, 4^th Avenue on the east, and 1^st Avenue on the west.

A second call box has been installed in the lobby of the Police Station (76 - 25^th Street East) featuring interviews conducted with retired police officers who actively worked the beat during the use of these boxes.

 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

CIRCLE DR LANE CLOSURE BETWEEN TAYLOR ST OVERPASS & TAYLOR ST ON RAMP
(Crack filling)
Rolling closure - SB median lane > SB curb lane > NB median lane > NB curb lane. Only one lane closed at a time.
Start: May 21, 4:00 a.m. End: May 21, 4:00 p.m.

3RD AVE N CLOSED FROM 24TH ST E TO 25TH ST E
(Manhole repairs)
3rd Ave closed from 24th St to 25th St
Start: May 21, 9:00 a.m. End: May 21, 6:00 p.m.

WARMAN RD NB & SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANES CLOSED FROM PRIMROSE DR TO LENORE DR/51ST ST E
(Concrete work)
Start: May 21, 9:00 a.m. End: May 21, 3:30 p.m.

22ND ST E WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED APPROACHING 1ST AVE N
(Signage installation)
Start: May 21, 9:00 a.m. End: May 21, 4:00 p.m.

22ND ST E WB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 1ST AVE N TO PACIFIC AVE
(Parks median work)
Start: May 21, 10:00 a.m. End: May 21, 12:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR SB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED ON RUTH ST OVERPASS
(Ground testing)
Start: May 21, 11:00 a.m. End: May 21, 2:00 p.m.

ONGOING

AIRPORT DR SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT 45TH ST W
(Roadwork)
Start: May 20, 9:00 a.m. End: May 27, 5:00 p.m.

CONFEDERATION DR SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM LAURIER DR TO 22ND ST W
(Concrete work)
Start: May 20, 9:00 a.m. End: June 6, 5:00 p.m.

CENTRAL AVE SB CLOSED AT 104TH ST
(Water Main lining)
2-way traffic maintained in NB lanes
Start: May 19, 7:00 a.m. End: May 26, 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)
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 today unveiled a new online dashboard for citizens to monitor the City’s progress and performance toward our strategic goals. The dashboard’s launch follows consultations with citizens on their priorities for the City and performance targets that should guide City planning and investment.

“The best way to make progress is to measure it,” says Catherine Gryba, General Manager of Corporate Performance. “We are highlighting 25 bold targets and indicators based on citizen feedback and the goals outlined in our 10-year Strategic Plan.  Going forward, we will use these dashboard targets and indicators to measure how we’re making strides toward greater efficiency, more savings and service improvements.”

Gryba adds the new dashboard is the product of an overall effort to promote continuous improvement and deliver programs and services that are better for citizens and the City’s finances.

“People want their City to deliver programs and services that are better for them as citizens and for the City’s bottom line,” she says.  “They want to know tax dollars are being invested wisely, services are being delivered efficiently and we are dedicated to continuous improvement. That’s why -- on top of the dashboard -- we’re focused on three initiatives aimed at improving our efficiency, savings and service. “

Three initiatives will drive this effort:

* Annual Civic Services Reviews
* Internal Process Reviews
* Innovation Teams

Civic Services Reviews will examine all aspects of any given program or service with a view to improving efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Process Reviews will focus on a single stream of activity or service with a view to eliminating waste and redundancy.

Innovation Teams -- a new strategy -- are front-line employees and other staff who will take a fresh look at how services get delivered and propose better ways of meeting the needs and expectations of citizens.

While saving tax dollars and improving service have always been priorities for the City, Gryba says this new push on performance will sharpen the City’s focus.

“This is not a new effort. It’s a renewed effort,” Gryba explains. “By making performance improvement a formal priority, and by incorporating performance measurement into everything we do, we’ll find better ways to save money, serve citizens and reach our goals.”

The new dashboard is intended to keep performance improvement front and center and serve as a running progress report on the strides the City is making toward key goals and targets. Progress will be updated annually or more regularly, depending on the target area and availability of fresh data. Background information, including comparative data from other cities, will also be available to citizens through the website.

“We are following City Council’s lead in wanting to improve transparency and involve citizens in the decisions and actions that affect them,” Gryba says. “This dashboard tool will give citizens a look into how we are doing as a City, both where we need to improve and where we are making strides.”

To view the City of Saskatoon’s new performance monitoring dashboard, background materials and other resources, visit saskatoon.ca/strides.

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Dream Development in conjunction with the City of Saskatoon began construction of the Stonebridge and Highway 11 Interchange at Victor Road in Stonebridge on Tuesday, May 19. The project is expected to be complete in fall of 2016, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

The partial interchange at Victor Road and Highway 11 will complete the major access points to the Stonebridge neighbourhood and further improve traffic conditions at Clarence Avenue and Preston Avenue.  Dream Development (formerly Dundee Developments) has hired AECOM Canada Ltd. to design and manage the interchange while under construction and Graham Construction has been contracted to complete the construction of this project.  As a major stakeholder and eventual owner of the interchange, the City of Saskatoon has worked closely with Dream Development through the process and will coordinate traffic control for the duration of the project.

Access to the Stonebridge neighbourhood will not be affected by the construction however; lane restrictions and reduced speeds will be required on Highway 11 as construction progresses. No road restrictions are yet in place. As they occur, road restrictions will be communicated via City’s Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map at saskatoon.ca/constructionmap. Residents can also find Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts or follow the City on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE.

Dream Development and the City thank drivers for their patience while this work is carried out. For more information about the project visit saskatoon.ca/stonebridgeinterchange.

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

CIRCLE DR EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED APPROACHING WARMAN RD EXIT
(Crack filling)
Start: May 20, 4:00 a.m. End: May 20, 7:00 a.m.

1ST AVE NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN 22ND ST AND 23RD ST
(Sign installation)
Start: May 20, 7:00 a.m. End: May 20, 4:00 p.m.

AIRPORT DR SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT 45TH ST W
(Roadwork)
Start: May 20, 9:00 a.m. End: May 27, 5:00 p.m.

CONFEDERATION DR SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM LAURIER DR TO 22ND ST W
(Concrete work)
Start: May 20, 9:00 a.m. End: June 6, 5:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR SB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED ON RUTH ST OVERPASS
(Ground testing)
Start: May 20, 11:00 a.m. End: May 20, 2:00 p.m.

ONGOING

CENTRAL AVE SB CLOSED AT 104TH ST
(Water Main lining)
2-way traffic maintained in NB lanes
Start: May 19, 7:00 a.m. End: May 26, 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)
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.

The City of Saskatoon is committed to being more accountable, transparent, and efficient in the management and allocation of its key priorities and financial resources. First quarter projected results for the City of Saskatoon’s 2015 Corporate Business Plan and Budget: Sustaining the Saskatoon Advantage, as of March 31, 2015 forecast a net deficit of $1.043 million. It is cautioned that this is still an early projection and subject to substantial variance as the remainder of the year proceeds. The Administration will be taking all reasonable measures to bring in a balanced budget at year-end.

“This projected deficit is early in the fiscal year and open to many variables that can change over the course of the year.  It is based on the information we have to the end of the first quarter,” says CFO, Kerry Tarasoff.  “By examining our numbers now, we can identify solutions to recover costs and eliminate a deficit before year-end.”

“Much of this first quarter projected deficit can be linked to costs for increased street sweeping in the Business Improvement Districts and the industrial areas, as well as a revenue reduction from a decrease in Transit ridership, that compounded by a shift to discounted bus passes from regular fares,” Tarasoff says. 

Following is a brief summary of the main issues contributing to the projected variance; full details can be found in the Administrative Report, page 96.

Transportation is projecting a $2.16 million deficit due to unfavourable variance in Snow Removal ($0.461 million), Street Cleaning ($0.519 million) and Transit Operations ($1.17 million).  The Snow Removal deficit can be offset by its stabilization reserve however the deficit in this program as well as the street cleaning deficit will be managed through reductions in overtime and by closely managing contracts to bring costs within budget. The Transit division will be focusing on continued cost control efforts, and a targeted marketing plan related to the University Bridge Closure to help offset the current projection.

While Utilities are projecting a $1.475 million deficit, this will be offset by $0.675 million from a corresponding Stabilization Reserve.  The remaining deficit of $0.775 million will be offset by reducing a corresponding transfer to the Landfill Replacement Reserve in the Environmental Services Division.

An anticipated surplus in Taxation and General Revenues of $1.065 million is helping reduce the overall deficit. This surplus is attributable to increased payments from the Provincial utility franchise fees.   

Quarterly status updates on the City’s Corporate Business Plan and Budget help to ensure that City Council and the Administration are aware of emerging Business Plan and Budget issues and challenges, so they can react accordingly. Providing quarterly reports helps the City to mitigate any financial or corporate risks that may result from unplanned events, or new challenges that may emerge throughout 2015.

The City is committed to the Strategic Goals of Continuous Improvement, and Asset and Financial Sustainability, and dedicated to: creating a more visible budget process; reducing revenue reliance on the property tax; providing financial information frequently and earlier so City Council can make informed decisions; and planning opportunities for residents to have their say in shaping the 2016 budget and Saskatoon’s financial future.

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 Precautionary Evacuation Notice following the clean-up of the hydrochloric acid spill that occurred Friday morning on 50^th Street East between Cleveland and Wentz Avenue, has been lifted.

The Saskatoon Fire Department, the Ministry of Environment, the Emergency Response Team and a private contractor worked to neutralize the spill, which had the potential to produce a toxic gas. As a precautionary measure, the notice was issued and businesses to the north and west of the spill were asked to shut down and dismiss employees. Further clean-up of the site is ongoing.

The Saskatoon Fire Department responded to the chemical spill at 9:15 a.m. on Friday, May 15. Three fire engines as well as the Hazmat and Decon trailers responded.

The Saskatoon Fire Department reminds everyone of the importance of following advice given by emergency services to ensure their own safety. If you have questions about the safety in your business area, please call the Saskatoon Fire Department at 306-975-3030.

The Precautionary Evacuation Notice following the clean-up of the hydrochloric acid spill that occurred Friday morning on 50^th Street East between Cleveland and Wentz Avenue, has been lifted.

The Saskatoon Fire Department, the Ministry of Environment, the Emergency Response Team and a private contractor worked to neutralize the spill, which had the potential to produce a toxic gas. As a precautionary measure, the notice was issued and businesses to the north and west of the spill were asked to shut down and dismiss employees. Further clean-up of the site is ongoing.

The Saskatoon Fire Department responded to the chemical spill at 9:15 a.m. on Friday, May 15. Three fire engines as well as the Hazmat and Decon trailers responded.

The Saskatoon Fire Department reminds everyone of the importance of following advice given by emergency services to ensure their own safety. If you have questions about the safety in your business area, please call the Saskatoon Fire Department at 306-975-3030.

Emergency crews remain on scene dealing with the hydrochloric acid spill that occurred this morning on 50^th Street East between Cleveland and Wentz Avenue.

The Saskatoon Fire Department, the Ministry of Environment, the emergency response team and a private contractor are working to neutralize the spilled hydrochloric acid. This clean-up process may produce a toxic gas. As a precautionary measure, businesses to the north and west of the spill are being asked to shut down and dismiss employees.

Plume modelling has been utilized to determine the area that needs to be evacuated. Plume modelling takes into consideration wind speed, whether there is a high or low pressure system in the area, the vapour density of the product and the natural terrain of the area. The Saskatoon Fire Department and the Saskatoon Police Service are going door to door to ask a small number of businesses in the affected area to leave as soon as possible. Notifynow, Saskatoon’s emergency notification system, has been used to contact affected businesses and residents.

Emergency crews remain on scene dealing with the hydrochloric acid spill that occurred this morning on 50^th Street East between Cleveland and Wentz Avenue.

The Saskatoon Fire Department, the Ministry of Environment, the emergency response team and a private contractor are working to neutralize the spilled hydrochloric acid. This clean-up process may produce a toxic gas. As a precautionary measure, businesses to the north and west of the spill are being asked to shut down and dismiss employees.

Plume modelling has been utilized to determine the area that needs to be evacuated. Plume modelling takes into consideration wind speed, whether there is a high or low pressure system in the area, the vapour density of the product and the natural terrain of the area. The Saskatoon Fire Department and the Saskatoon Police Service are going door to door to ask a small number of businesses in the affected area to leave as soon as possible. Notifynow, Saskatoon’s emergency notification system, has been used to contact affected businesses and residents.