News Releases

Earlier this month, City Council approved an overall energy charge increase of three per cent. For the average residential customer, this will mean a monthly increase of $3.
This rate increase is effective January 1, 2015.
A few tips to reduce your electricity use:

1. Ensure your home is well insulated and properly sealed.
2. Ensure indoor humidity levels are between 30 and 50 per cent.
3. Install an automatic timer on your lights.

For more information, visit saskatoon.ca and look under ‘S’ for Saskatoon Light & Power.

Two neighbourhoods in Saskatoon will have their blue recycling carts collected on a different day of the week in 2015 – City Park and Exhibition. Changing the recycling routes for these two neighbourhoods will decrease the amount of fuel used by the Loraas Recycle collection trucks and reduce GHG emissions. The garbage collection day remains the same for all neighbourhoods in 2015.

City Park households will have their blue carts collected on Thursday (rather than Wednesday) starting January 8, 2015. The last blue cart collection in 2014 for City Park will be on Wednesday, December 31.

Exhibition households will have their blue carts collected on Thursday (rather than Tuesday) starting January 8, 2015. The last blue cart collection in 2014 for Exhibition will be on Tuesday, December 23.

The change to recycling cart collection day for these two neighbourhoods is reflected in the 2015 Waste and Recycling Calendar, which will arrive in mailboxes around December 24. It is also included on the online version of the 2015 collection calendar at www.SaskatoonRecycles.ca, where residents can also sign up for to receive handy collections reminders by phone or email.

Residents in all other neighbourhoods can expect 2015 cart collections to occur on the same days of the week as in 2014.

Loraas Recycle provides the blue cart recycling service and is available to answer your questions. Just call (306) 242-2300 or email customercare@loraas.ca

By recycling paper and packaging, and putting waste in the right place, together we can divert recyclables away from our Landfill and grow a greener Saskatoon.

The Multi-Unit Recycling Program run by Cosmo Industries, which was recently adopted by City Council, will continue to move ahead.  There were statements in the news and on social media that the Cosmo program was stopped indefinitely.

“Unfortunately, this information was inaccurate and has led to confusion in the community,” says Brenda Wallace, Director of Environmental and Corporate Initiatives. “To be clear, Cosmo Industries will continue to collect recyclables from apartment and condo blue bins.”

The provincial government announced last week that it was “adjusting” the province-wide Multi-Materials Recycling Program (MMRP), which may have funding implications for the City.

“The implications of the recent postponement of the MMRP are not yet known,” Wallace says.  “The Administration will bring options to City Council once a financial impact is confirmed.”

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 is celebrating the spirit of giving at this time of year, and recognizing the Snow Angels who go above and beyond to help fellow neighbours keep sidewalks clear of snow and ice throughout winter.

His Worship, Mayor Donald Atchison today thanked and presented a gift to Glenn Hussey, this month’s winner of the Snow Angel program’s prize draw. Mr. Hussey was nominated as a Snow Angel by his neighbours, Peggy and Bob Woods.

“Twice last month, Glenn appeared with his snow blower and cleared our drive and sidewalk after a heavy snowfall,” says Mr. Woods. “My wife and I were both times sitting after breakfast trying to raise the energy and determination to do the job ourselves; the sound of his snow blower was both music to our ears and a relief.”

A City bylaw requires residential sidewalks be clear of snow and ice within 48 hours after a snowfall.

“Clearing sidewalks quickly after a snowfall makes it easier and safer for people to move around, and a friendly gesture from a neighbour goes a long way in improving accessibility and mobility for everyone,” says Colleen McKee, Marketing and Communications Manager for Transportation & Utilities. “The City is responsible for clearing sidewalks adjacent to civic facilities, the Meewasin Trail and lit pathways in City parks but we rely on our citizens to help keep people moving around in residential neighbourhoods.”

If residents receive help from a neighbour or relative, they can nominate them as a Snow Angel online, or by mailing their name and address to; Public Works, City of Saskatoon, 222 – 3rd Avenue North, S7K 0J5. The City will send them a thank you card signed by His Worship, Mayor Donald Atchison and they’ll be entered into a draw to win a one-month family pass to any City leisure centre.

“Saskatoon is a city full of wonderful people who help each other out; the Snow Angel program embodies the spirit of being good neighbours, which is something we take pride in,” says His Worship, Mayor Donald Atchison. “Glenn is just one of hundreds of incredible citizens nominated as a Snow Angel each winter, lending a hand to make Saskatoon a great place to live.”

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 of Saskatoon today introduced an expanded 2015 Waste and Recycling Calendar that features all three black, blue and the optional green cart schedules in one easy-to-follow format.

Every household will receive in the mail the new calendar outlining the garbage, recycling and yard waste cart collection days specific to their home address. It also provides useful information on how to use and place carts for pick-up, how to subscribe to the optional green cart program ($55 in 2015), as well as other waste recycling and disposal options around the city.

 “This year’s calendar makes it easy for everyone to participate in the City’s residential cart programs, including those who subscribe to our green cart service for yard waste,” said Brenda Wallace, Director of Environmental & Corporate Initiatives for the City of Saskatoon. “The collection schedule for each cart program is now integrated into a single, 12-month calendar which will help citizens avoid the frustration of missed collection days.”

 A searchable, online version of the calendar is also available to help residents to avoid missed collections. Through SaskatoonRecycles.ca, citizens can search their cart schedules by their home address and also sign up for free collection day reminders by email or phone.

In 2015, garbage and recycling will be collected on the same day of the week as in 2014, except in the City Park and Exhibition neighbourhoods where the recycling collection day is changing to Thursdays starting January 8.

“We want to help everyone put waste in the right place and make the most of the City’s black, blue and the optional green cart programs,” said Wallace. “The more people who participate, the more we can reduce the amount and type of waste that goes into our Landfill, saving both money and our environment.”

The 2015 Waste and Recycling Calendar will arrive in your mailbox around December 24.

The City of Saskatoon would like to extend a sincere thank you and best wishes to Marlys Bilanski, who is retiring this week after 35 years of service.

“To say that Marlys has left an indelible mark on the City would be an understatement.  Hers is a record of solid financial management and prudent fiscal policy,” says City Manager, Murray Totland.  “One of the reasons that Saskatoon has a AAA credit rating is because of the financial stewardship that Marlys has provided the corporation during her more than three decades of work.”

Marlys began her career with the City in 1979 and has worked in a variety of accounting positions, including Budget Manager and City Comptroller.  In 2005, Marlys became the General Manager of Corporate Services, later to become the General Manager of Asset & Financial Management and the City’s Chief Financial Officer.

In this role, Marlys has worked tirelessly behind the scenes ensuring the dollars were in place so all of the City’s biggest projects could move from an idea to a reality.

“Our Corporation’s strong financial health has been established through the hard work and keen insights of Marlys and her team.  Her wealth of knowledge has been a tremendous asset to the Corporation, and her professionalism, work ethic, and friendship will be missed,” says Totland.

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

PRESTON AVE NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM COLLEGE DR TO 108TH ST
(Water main replacement)
Start: December 23, 9:00 a.m. End: December 23, 4:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR NB EXIT TO HIGHWAY 16 CLOSED
(Light pole Repair)
Use Marquis Dr to access Highway 16
Start: December 23, 9:00 p.m. End: December 23, 11:00 p.m.
ONGOING
QUEEN ST EB CLOSED FROM 4TH AVE N TO 5TH AVE N
(Crane Lift)
4th Ave SB closed between Queen St & 26th St
Start: December 22, 7:00 a.m. End: December 23, 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.

The following fee changes* will take place in the New Year:

Landfill (effective January 1, 2015)
Entrance Fee:             $10.00 per visit (no change)
General Tipping:          $100.00 per tonne ($5.00 increase)

Leisure Centres (effective January 1, 2015)
Adult Admission:          $9.80 (50 cent increase)
Youth/Child Admission:    $5.90 (30 cent increase)
Family Admission:        $19.60 ($1.00 increase)
Preschool:               FREE (no change)

*Visit saskatoon.ca for full list of Leisure Centre and Golf Course fee changes

Residential Recycling Collection (effective January 1, 2015)Roll-out Cart – Single Family Residential: $5.05 per month (16 cent increase)
Saskatoon Light & Power (effective January 1, 2015)
3% average overall increase (matching SaskPower)

Storm Water Utility Fee (effective January 1, 2015)Saskatoon property owners are charged a storm water utility fee based on the amount of hard surface area they have on their property. These are areas that easily collect storm water like sidewalks, driveways and paved walks. The rate structure is based on a standard method used by many municipalities for storm water utility billing. The unit of measure is called an Equivalent Runoff Unit, or ERU, and for Saskatoon, is 265.3 square meters. Visit this page to see the 2015 phase in rate.

Water / Wastewater (effective January 1, 2015)
9.5% increase. A typical monthly residential bill for water, wastewater and infrastructure charges increases by $7.50 to $79.02. In 2013, City Council approved water and wastewater rates to increase the average bill by 9.5% in 2014, 2015 and 2016.

Business Licenses (effective February 1, 2015)
New Business License:          $125.00 ($30.00 increase)
Change of Business Location:   $125.00 ($30.00 increase)
Annual Renewal:               $85.00 ($15.00 increase)
*There are no Animal Services, Building Permit, Plumbing Permit or Saskatoon Transit fee increases for 2015. Proposed parking fee increases have not been finalized*

NEW
QUEEN ST EB CLOSED FROM 4TH AVE N TO 5TH AVE N
(Crane Lift)
4th Ave SB closed between Queen St & 26th St
Start: December 22, 7:00 a.m. End: December 23, 6:00 p.m.

5TH AVE N CLOSED BETWEEN PRINCESS ST & DUKE ST
(Water & sewer connection)
Start: December 22, 7:00 a.m. End: December 22, 4:00 p.m.

3RD AVE SB CLOSED FROM 26TH ST TO 25TH ST
(Hydro-vaccing)
Start: December 22, 9:00 a.m. End: December 22, 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.

The City of Saskatoon has made changes to its snow route declaration plan in order to quickly and effectively grade priority streets in the event of an extreme snowfall. Should a snow route parking ban be declared, vehicles must be removed from streets marked with a permanent No Parking Snow Route sign so the City can grade snow from curb-to-curb.

“Instead of having every vehicle off of a snow route at the same time for a 48-hour period as per the previous process, this year we divided the snow routes into two phases: the Green Circle and Blue Square snow routes. Each phase can last up to 24 hours, minimizing the disruption to residents by reducing the amount of time the parking ban is in effect,” says Pat Hyde, Director of Public Works. “We don’t intend to declare a snow route parking ban unless it’s absolutely necessary but, as we all know, Mother Nature is unpredictable and we want to ensure we are ready for whatever winter brings.”

The Green Circle snow route parking ban will always be declared first; and as the end of that ban approaches, the Blue Square snow route parking ban will be declared. There are only two times of day the City can make a declaration; 7:00 a.m. or 3:00 p.m. Residents will be informed of the time the Snow Route parking ban will come into effect. A minimum of 8 hours notice will be given for residents to remove their vehicle from marked streets. If vehicles are not moved in time, they may be ticketed and relocated.

“It is the responsibility of residents to know if they live or park on a Snow Route. Snow Routes are marked with permanent No Parking Snow Route Signs with a metal plate indicating if it’s a Green Circle or Blue Square route,” says Hyde. “There is no defined trigger point for when a snow route parking ban will be declared; a combination of a number of things including snow accumulation, drifting, and temperature could all be factors.”

A new interactive Snow Grading Map shows the Green Circle and Blue Square snow routes and provides information if a Snow Route parking ban is declared. The map also shows progress of snow grading operations during and after a snow event with no parking ban and will provide schedules later this season should a city-wide neighbourhood grading be required if the average snow pack is 15cm or more.

Businesses and residents located on a Snow Route should watch for a flyer with more information about snow routes to be delivered early in January. Residents are also encouraged to pay attention to saskatoon.ca and local radio channels following a significant snowfall to find out if a Snow Route parking ban has been declared. Residents can also register to receive an e-Notification every time a snow route parking ban is declared, and when it is lifted. To register email your full name to snow.route@saskatoon.ca.

The City is Plowing Ahead and ready for whatever winter brings this year! For more information on Snow Routes and to find the new interactive Snow Grading Map, 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.