News Releases

The same clean recyclable material accepted in the blue cart and the multi-unit recycling programs can now be tossed into blue bins recently placed at the four City of Saskatoon Recycling Depots. Material in the blue bins is collected regularly and taken to Cosmopolitan Industries for recycling.

Previously, recyclable material required sorting before being placed into green bins at the Recycling Depots. The green bins have been replaced with blue bins.

The City of Saskatoon operates four Recycling Depots:

• Primrose Recycling Depot – Adjacent to Lawson Civic Center
• University Heights Recycling Depot - Lowe Road
• Lakewood Civic Centre Recycling Depot– 1635 McKercher Drive
• Meadowgreen Recycling Depot – 22^nd Street W and Witney Avenue

The Recycling Depots accept the following materials:

• all paper and cardboard (flattened)
• plastics (look for symbol with number 1 – 7)
• tin cans
• milk jugs and cartons
• beverage containers (lids off)
• glass bottles and jars (rinse first)
• bagged plastic bags and bagged shredded paper

For information on disposal of other items such as clothing, tires, microwaves and hazardous waste, visit saskwastereduction.ca. Electronics and paint can be taken to SARCAN.

By putting waste in the right place and tossing your clean recyclables into a blue bin, you can help grow a greener Saskatoon.

NEW

CLARENCE AVE N CLOSED FROM 15TH ST E TO COLONY ST
(Water and sewer connection repairs)
Road closed 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. both days
Start: February 17, 9:00 a.m. End: February 18, 3:00 p.m.

DIEFENBAKER DR LEFT TURN LANES TO ST LAWRENCE CRES & LLOYD CRES CLOSED
(Manhole repair)
Start: February 17, 9:30 a.m. End: February 17, 12:30 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.

NEW SUNDAY

COLLEGE DR WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED APPROACHING CIRCLE DR NB RAMP
(Light pole repair)
Start: February 15, 7:30 a.m. End: February 15, 9:00 a.m.

CIRCLE DR E NB CURB (OUTSIDE LANE CLOSED APPROACHING TAYLOR ST E
(Light Pole repair)
Start: February 15, 7:30 a.m. End: February 15, 9:00 a.m.

HIGHWAY 12 NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED NORTH OF OVERPASS
(Light pole repair)
Start: February 15, 7:30 a.m. End: February 15, 11:00 a.m.

CIRCLE DR WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED APPROACHING AIRPORT DR
(Light pole repair)
Start: February 15, 9:00 a.m. End: February 15, 11:00 a.m.

IDYLWYLD DR NB CURB (OUTSIDE) CLOSED APPROACHING GREY PL
(Light pole repair)
Start: February 15, 9:00 a.m. End: February 15, 11:00 a.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.

NEW

19TH ST W LANES CLOSED FROM AVE B S TO AVE C S
(Concrete Work)
Start: February 12, 6:00 a.m. End: February 12, 9:00 p.m.

COLLEGE DR WB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED APPROACHING CIRCLE DR SOUTH RAMP
(Traffic pole work)
Start: February 12, 10:00 a.m. End: February 12, 12:00 p.m.

ONGOING

EXTENDED: 20TH ST W CLOSED FROM AVE J S TO AVE K S
(Water & Sewer Connection Replacement)
Start: February 9, 9:00 a.m. End: February 13, 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.

Saskatoon City Council has recently approved the new Seasonal Commercial Enterprise (SCE) in Parks Policy (Policy).  The Policy provides the opportunity for anyone wishing to operate a SCE that will support a variety of recreational, sporting, or cultural activities or events in Saskatoon’s parks.  The Policy also covers small motor vehicles, including Segways.

 “Of course we always look for ways to improve the quality of life here,” says Cary Humphrey, Director of Recreation and Sport.  “The purpose of the Policy is to establish fair criteria and a process to apply for park spaces suitable for the operation of a Seasonal Commercial Enterprise.  After a review of similar practices in other Canadian municipalities, and from asking key stakeholders for their views, we feel the Policy will meet the needs of all parties and enhance the experience of park users.”

 The City Solicitor will be amending the appropriate bylaws and policies to allow permitted SCEs to operate in parks including Recreation Facilities and Parks Usage Bylaw No. 7767 and Soliciting in Public Parks Policy No. 10-001.

 The deadline for applications is March 31, 2015, for the 2015 operating season that runs from July 1 to October 12.  Application packages are available by emailing the City of Saskatoon (City) at kara.lackie@saskatoon.ca or calling 306-975-3485.   The Policy itself is available on www.saskatoon.ca

 An Adjudication Committee with representatives from the City, Meewasin Valley Authority, Tourism Saskatoon, Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce, Broadway Business Improvement District, Riversdale Business Improvement District, and the Partnership, will review and recommend approval of SCE applications.  Approval will be based on the applicant’s ability to meet the specific criteria outlined in the Policy.

 Once the application has been approved and all required documentation is received by the City, a permit and business license will be issued by the City’s Planning and Development Division.  Permit costs range from $600 (not-for-profit) to $1,800 (for profit) annually; the fee for a new business license is $125.

 Enforcement of the Policy will be administered through the City’s Community Services Department.  It does not include food and beverage opportunities, which are currently available in downtown riverbank parks.

 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.

Get out and be active with the City of Saskatoon, and join us at these upcoming winter events and programs:

Family Day Skate
Free Family Day Skate will take place Monday, February 16, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. outdoors at the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval (Dudley Street and Avenue R South in the Gordon Howe Complex), and indoors at Cosmo Civic Centre (3130 Laurier Drive).

There will be free games and activities at both locations, along with a DJ at the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval.  If you prefer to stay warm inside, there will also be free games, arts, and crafts in the Cosmo Civic Centre gym available from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Vending machines, change rooms, and public washrooms will be available for your convenience at both locations.  You do not need speed skates to enjoy skating at the Oval; however, bring your own skates and safety gear as rentals are not available.

Winter Play Program and Learn to Skate
From February 21 to March 29, drop in from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the following parks across the city for winter games and activities, including Learn to Skate sessions on select dates.

• College Park:  133 Campion Crescent
• Holliston:  1151 Louise Avenue
• Massey Place:  3110 Massey Place
• Westmount:  306 Avenue L North

Each location has a heated warm-up unit.  Please note, if the temperature reaches ‑25˚C or below with the wind-chill, the program will be cancelled.

No experience is necessary to participate in the Learn to Skate program.  Participants must bring their own skates and CSA-approved winter helmets.  Please note that children under the age of six must be accompanied by an adult or responsible caregiver.  The Learn to Skate program will take place at the following locations:

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

20TH ST W CLOSED FROM AVE S S TO AVE R S
(Water & sewer valve replacement)
Start: February 11, 9:00 a.m. End: February 11, 3:30 p.m.

ONGOING

20TH ST W CLOSED FROM AVE J S TO AVE K S
(Water & Sewer Connection Replacement)
Start: February 9, 9:00 a.m. End: February 12, 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 following are the hours of civic services and facilities for Family Day on Monday, February 16, 2015:

City Hall will be closed.

Parking meters will not require payment.  Motorists are required to move their vehicles within the time period shown on parking meters, allowing for a constant turnover of parking availability.

Municipal Impound Lot will not be releasing vehicles to the public.

Saskatoon Landfill will be open with regular winter hours of 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Garbage and Recycling will take place as scheduled.

All Saskatoon Public Library locations will be closed.

Mendel Art Gallery and Saskatoon Civic Conservatory will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.  Admission is free.

TRANSIT SERVICES

Saskatoon Transit will operate with regular Sunday/Holiday Service.

Access Transit will operate with regular Holiday Service from 8:15 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.  Trips must be booked in advance as per normal procedures.  Customers are reminded that subscriptions do not apply on Statutory Holidays.

Transit Customer Service Centre will be closed.

Transit Customer Service phone lines will be available from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

RECREATION & SPORT

Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo:  Regular hours of operation.

Indoor Arenas:

ACT Arena: Parent & Tot skating cancelled. Bonus public skating from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Cosmo Arena: Parent & Tot skating cancelled. Free Family Day Skate event from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval: Regular hours of operation.
Free Family Day Skate event from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Leisure Centres

Cosmo Civic Centre: CLOSED.  Special Event: Free Family Day Activities from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. in the Cosmo Gym.  Everyone welcome.

Fitness Circuit & Terry Fox Track (in the SaskTel Sports Centre): CLOSED

Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre:  Open 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

All fitness classes and swim lessons CANCELLED.

Lakewood Civic Centre: Open 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Leisure pool closed for maintenance (February 14 to 20, 2015)

All fitness classes and child minding CANCELLED.

Lawson Civic Centre: Open 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

All fitness classes and swim lessons CANCELLED.

Saskatoon Field House: Open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

All fitness classes and child minding CANCELLED.

Holiday Fitness Class 10:30 – 11:45 a.m.

Shaw Centre: Open 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

All fitness classes and child minding CANCELLED.

For modified Lane, Public and Parent & Tot Swim times, please visit Drop-in Online at www.saskatoon.ca/go/dropinonline.  For more information on operating hours and programs, please contact the Leisure Centres or facilities.

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.

-30-

The Standing Policy Committee on Finance today received a report reaffirming the City’s AAA/Stable Outlook credit rating. The report also includes some key factors international bond rating agency Standard & Poor’s (S & P) applies to award such a rating.

The Administration addressed questions from the committee about whether S & P had cautioned the City in its rating report.

“Our citizens need to know this is a very positive piece of news,” says Chief Financial Officer Kerry Tarasoff. “Despite a perception S & P may have cautioned the City over its debt load, the agency has not issued any warning.”

“We have a triple-A rating with a stable outlook which is a fantastic achievement and consistent with our past ratings,” Tarasoff says.

The report outlines S & P’s Ratings Score Snapshot in which the bond raters say Saskatoon has a very strong economy, very strong budgetary flexibility, strong budgetary performance, strong financial management, “exceptional” liquidity with a debt burden rating of “very low.”

Standard & Poor’s rating notes: “The City will maintain exceptional levels of liquidity to meet debt service requirements.”

“This means we will continue to manage our finances very well with healthy reserves and it will help build the infrastructure our growing city needs.” Tarasoff says.

The City of Saskatoon has maintained its AAA/Stable credit rating for more than a decade.

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.

-30-

NEW

20TH ST W CLOSED FROM AVE S S TO AVE R S
(Water & sewer valve replacement)
Start: February 10, 9:00 a.m. End: February 10, 3:30 p.m.

ONGOING

20TH ST W CLOSED FROM AVE J S TO AVE K S
(Water & Sewer Connection Replacement)
Start: February 9, 9:00 a.m. End: February 12, 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.