News Releases
Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
CITIZENS INVITED TO PREVIEW AND PROVIDE INPUT ON THE NEW WEBSITE
November 26, 2014 - 12:00pm
For Release: November 27, 2014
The Website Project Steering Committee is pleased to invite residents of Saskatoon to preview the new City of Saskatoon website and provide feedback. Users will be able to see the website’s new structure and some of the new features planned for the full launch. And for the first time, users will be able to experience a version of the City’s website on mobile, tablet and desktop devices.
“Residents have already participated in a number of surveys and online exercises during various stages of development, which has proven valuable in guiding decisions and priorities for the new website,” says Rob Gilhuly, Project Manager. “If we want a site that residents find easy to use, we know we have to consult with users on decisions that affect the experience. And we know we have to have those consultations at every step along the way.”
Using feedback obtained from residents during various engagement activities, the navigation system has been completely redesigned, providing users with the experience they said they wanted and needed.
“With the amount of input we’ve been able to gather, this has really felt a like a collaboration with residents,” says Gilhuly.
The new Saskatoon website is scheduled to replace the existing site in January. In December, we encourage residents to visit new.saskatoon.ca to preview the new website and to provide feedback.
For more information on the website project, please also visit new.saskatoon.ca.
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MORE THAN 600 TRUCKLOADS OF SNOW REMOVED FROM CITY STREETS AHEAD OF MORE SNOW
November 26, 2014 - 12:00pm
Crews continue to work around the clock cleaning up and removing snow from the weekend’s snow event to make room for another 15-25 cm expected to start today. In addition, light snow and dropping temperatures is causing icing at intersections, and on bridges and overpasses, so we are also out in full force sanding and salting priority streets.
“The past weekend’s snow and ice event started with one inch of freezing rain, followed by heavy snow, keeping our city crews and contractors busy on priority streets. With the changes we implemented this year, increasing the number of contractor crews, we made excellent progress and graders made at least one pass on all of the priority streets in 58 hours, well below the targeted 72 hour timeframe,” says Pat Hyde, Director of Public Works. “Once all of the priority streets are graded, we go back and begin to remove the snow stored in the center of the roads. So far this week, we have removed 612 large tandem truckloads of snow.”
More snow is forecast today and tomorrow, so graders will be back snow grading the priority streets before they can remove the snow piles (windrows) within the school zones.
When it rains or snows, salting, sanding and grading occur on the following Priority Street System;
Priority 1: Highest traffic streets – major roads such as Circle Drive, 8th Street, 22nd Street and College Drive, access to fire halls, hospitals and emergency sites.
· Snow grading - within 12 hours after a snow storm ends
Priority 2: Streets adjacent to emergency services, rapid transit bus routes, busy roads such as Clarence Avenue, Taylor Street, Ruth Street, Fairlight Drive, McCormack Road, 37th Street and Centennial Drive.
· Snow grading – within 36 hours after a snow storm ends
Priority 3: Includes local bus routes, access to schools, and main streets such as Emmeline Road, parts of Main Street, and Wiggins Avenue, 29th Street, Forrester Road.
· Snow grading – within 72 hours after a snow storm ends
Another snowfall or blowing snow within the 72-hour timeframe may require crews to return to Priority 1 streets, causing snow grading to take longer. A Priority Route Map is available at saskatoon.ca by clicking on Better Winter Roads.
During a snow event, regular Snow & Ice updates will be issued in the morning and late afternoon and the Snow & Ice Interactive Map will be updated as priority streets are graded. These updates will be shared on our social media channels and Saskatoon.ca.
“Residents are reminded that residential streets are not included in the priority system, and will only be graded once the snow pack reaches 15 cm (6 inches) to prevent ruts that form when the snow softens,” says Hyde. “We want this to occur later in the season because the graded snow is pushed to the side of the road and reduces on-street parking, which can be frustrating for residents. Residents can report excessive rutting that may occur prior to performing the residential snow grading. We will then investigate and take appropriate action as may be required."
Residents can report problem areas by calling Public Works Customer Service at 306-975-2476.
The City is Plowing Ahead and is ready for whatever winter brings this year! For more information on these and all of our Snow & Ice programs, visit Saskatoon.ca and click on Better Winter Roads.
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.
DAILY ROAD REPORT, NOVEMBER 28
November 26, 2014 - 12:00pm
NEW
33RD ST EB LANES CLOSED BETWEEN AVE Y & AVE W
(Water main connection dig)
2-way traffic setup in WB lanes
Start: November 28, 7:00 a.m. End: November 28, 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 on our saskatoon.ca homepage or subscribe to our Traffic Detour Service Alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.
WINTER WREATHS PROGRAM NOW AVAILABLE AT WOODLAWN CEMETERY
November 26, 2014 - 12:00pm
Winter wreaths are now available for purchase and placement on gravesites at Woodlawn Cemetery. The 12-inch wreaths cost $70 each and are made of fresh mixed evergreens and decorated with beautiful holiday decorations. Wreaths will be available while supplies last.
Please call 306-975-3308 to order a wreath or to speak to one of our staff members for more information.
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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SAFETY REMINDER: COYOTE SIGHTINGS OBSERVED IN THE CITY
November 25, 2014 - 12:00pm
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Never approach the animal;
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Look for a way out;
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Be observant of the coyote’s movement;
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Act assertive, yell, and wave your arms so that coyotes maintain a healthy respect for humans; and
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Ensure the animal has an escape route and enough space to flee the situation.
Rapid expansion of the city and the design of larger green spaces has resulted in more coyote sightings in Saskatoon. Coyotes are common in all major municipalities across Canada and are more commonly seen in the winter. Coyotes can be seen in residential and commercial areas, especially if food and shelter are readily available. - Never feed coyotes or leave food waste in accessible areas;
- Do not put meat, eggs, or dairy in compost bins;
- Seal off access to decks and other sheltered spaces in your yard;
- If you feed your pets outdoors, bring the food in at night; and
- Close the gate to your yard and make sure fencing is in good condition.
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The City of Saskatoon (City) is advising the public that coyote sightings have increased at various locations throughout the city. The City reminds people to keep their distance from coyotes and all wildlife as they can be unpredictable when confronted.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding coyotes or other wildlife within the city of Saskatoon, please contact Parks Pest Management at 306-975-3300. If there is an emergency, please contact Saskatoon Police Service at 306-975-8300.
Here is what to do if you have a close encounter with a coyote:
Here are some tips to help avoid a coyote encounter in your yard:
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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DAILY ROAD REPORT, NOVEMBER 27
November 25, 2014 - 12:00pm
NEW
CIRCLE DR WB SPEED RESTRICTIONS APPROACHING LORNE AVE EXIT
(Crash cushion repair)
Speed reduced to 60km/h for work zone
Start: November 27, 9:00 a.m. End: November 27, 12:00 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 on our saskatoon.ca homepage or subscribe to our Traffic Detour Service Alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.
CITY COUNCIL APPROVES 33RD STREET BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
November 24, 2014 - 12:00pm
Saskatoon City Council has recently made possible the final step in creating Saskatoon’s newest Business Improvement District (BID), which includes both sides of 33rd Street from Alberta Avenue to Avenue G.
“We are tremendously excited about establishing a BID for 33rd Street. The business owners in this area have worked very hard to achieve this goal, and it has now become a reality. We couldn't be more pleased with Council’s decision,” says Nicola Tabb, representing the 33rd Street BID Organizing Committee.
At its November 24, 2014 meeting, City Council approved Bylaw No. 9235 – The 33rd Street Business Improvement District Bylaw, 2014. A BID is an area of commercial and industrial property owners and tenants who work in partnership to create a thriving and competitive business area.
Over the past two years, a group of dedicated business owners on 33rd Street have worked toward organizing a BID, which is made up of a variety of unique businesses such as restaurants, shops, services, and a major grocery store. The business group saw the potential in forming a BID to improve and enhance the appeal and viability of the district now and into the future.
“The creation of a BID benefits not only the 33rd Street commercial district, but the city overall,” says Alan Wallace, Director of the City of Saskatoon Planning and Development Division. “The success of other BIDs in Saskatoon has directly resulted in thriving, attractive areas where residents and visitors alike can come to work, shop, and play. The 33rd Street BID will certainly create the same positive impact for their commercial area.”
The 33rd Street BID will begin operations in 2015.
For more information regarding BIDs in Saskatoon, visit www.saskatoon.ca (look under “B” for Business Improvement Districts).
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 ENVIRONMENTAL SCAN OF SASKATOON ABORIGINAL PROGRAMS
November 24, 2014 - 12:00pm
For Release: November 25, 2014
Over 1,000 programs and services have been compiled and listed following a recent environmental scan of Saskatoon’s Aboriginal community. The Kitaskinaw project, released today, is a partnership between the City of Saskatoon, Saskatoon Tribal Council, United Way of Saskatoon & Area, and the Gabriel Dumont Institute of Native Studies and Applied Research. The report includes feedback from Saskatoon’s Aboriginal community about the comprehensive inventory of programs and services currently accessed.
“This is a solid and reliable resource,” says Saskatoon City Manager, Murray Totland. “Knowledge of the overlaps and gaps that have been identified through community feedback is essential when it comes to policy development regarding Aboriginal service delivery in our city.”
Through a Community workshop, an old people’s gathering, and a user survey, participants indicated cultural awareness and sensitivity are the most important qualities to have in an agency that serves Aboriginal people.
“The Kitaskinaw project is an important step in the delivery of services for citizens,” says Saskatoon Tribal Chief, Felix Thomas. “This is especially true for the First Nations population and the need for the delivery of effective, meaningful services to individuals and families.”
The report also highlights the need for mainstream organizations to be inclusive of Aboriginal people as employees within their organizations in order to build culturally competent service delivery.
“This important report, which includes the voices of those seeking service and help in our community, will influence how we work at the United Way,” says Saskatoon United Way Chair, Lea Pennock. “It will move us forward as an organization on our journey towards authentic engagement with Aboriginal Peoples in our community.”
Information gathered for Kitaskinaw, which means “our land” in the plains Cree language, will assist corporate, academic and political organizations make informed decisions.
“This project is the first of its kind for Saskatoon,” says Gabriel Dumont Institute Executive Director, Geordy McCaffrey. “With community voice, the inventory of programs and services, and the gathering of existing community information, the links between program and service delivery across Saskatoon may be better understood.”
Technical Committee
City of Saskatoon
Saskatoon Tribal Council
United Way of Saskatoon & Area
Gabriel Dumont Institute of Native Studies and Applied Research
Advisory Committee
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
Central Urban Metis Federation Inc. (CUMFI)
Saskatoon Indian and Metis Friendship Centre
University of Saskatchewan
Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools
Saskatoon Public Schools
YMCA
Saskatoon Health Region
Kitaskinaw will be available on the following partner websites in mid-December: saskatoon.ca, sktc.sk.ca, unitedwaysaskatoon.ca, and gdins.org.
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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REMINDER: HAVE YOUR SAY! GROWTH PLAN PUBLIC EVENTS PLANNED FOR NOVEMBER 26, DECEMBER 1, AND DECEMBER 4, 2014
November 24, 2014 - 12:00pm
Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon invites residents to attend one of four upcoming public engagement events to discuss possibilities for shaping Saskatoon’s Growth Plan to Half a Million (Growth Plan). The Growth Plan is being developed to help guide future infrastructure investments in areas like corridor redevelopment, transit, and core area bridges so residents will have more choices for how they live and move around the city as Saskatoon grows.
Main Event – Growth Plan Workshops
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
TCU Place (Salons A and B), 35 - 22nd Street East
Presentations will begin at 10:15 a.m. and 6:15 p.m., with revolving workshops to follow every half hour to discuss possibilities for corridor redevelopment, transit, and core area bridges. You may choose to participate in one or all of the workshop topics.
Growth Plan Information Session:
Monday, December 1, 2014
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cliff Wright Branch Library, 1635 McKercher Drive
Presentation will begin at 6:15 p.m., followed by facilitated question and answer period.
Thursday, December 4, 2014
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cosmo Civic Centre, 3130 Laurier Drive
Presentation will begin at 6:15 p.m., followed by facilitated question and answer period.
Event materials and information are also available online at www.growingfwd.ca, along with an opportunity to submit comments. You can also join the discussion on Twitter as we live-tweet the November 26, 2014 event – just follow the City of Saskatoon on Twitter or use the hashtag #yxegrowingfwd.
Public consultation will be ongoing throughout the development of the Growth Plan. Those interested can sign up for project update notifications at www.growingfwd.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.
DAILY ROAD REPORT, NOVEMBER 26
November 24, 2014 - 12:00pm
NEW
51ST ST E EB & WB CURB (OUTSIDE) & CENTER LANES CLOSED APPROACHING WARMAN RD
(Installation of Signs & Jersey Barriers)
Start: November 26, 9:00 a.m. End: November 26, 12:00 p.m.
2ND AVE & 26TH ST INTERSECTION RESTRICTIONS
(Manhole inspection)
No left turns from 2nd Ave at 26th St. No left turns or through traffic for 26th St EB & WB
Start: November 26, 9:00 a.m. End: November 26, 12:00 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 on our saskatoon.ca homepage or subscribe to our Traffic Detour Service Alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.