News Releases

“This is the first time in Saskatoon’s history that we will have an objective, technology-based condition assessment of our complete road network,” says Mike Gutek, Director of Major Projects. “An increase in funding has allowed us to invest in this new technology to better assess the condition of our roads.”

In the past, City engineering staff would manually inspect portions of roadway and rate the condition based on three visible defects; dips, cracking and roughness. This manual data collection would take up to four years to gather and provide data of various ages.

The new method, implemented earlier this year, uses a semi-automated road rating vehicle which can detect up to 11 different surface and structural defects in the roadway. Not only does this new method allow the City to inspect the entire roadway, it will help determine patterns, predict future distresses and determine the best long term treatments. It will also establish a new baseline network condition and provide an up-to-date road condition report card every four years with yearly report cards updated using deterioration prediction models.

“Through this new process, data from the more than 4,000 kilometres of road network can be collected in just a couple of months as opposed to four years,” says Gutek. “As we analyze the data we’ll be able to make more informed decisions as we deploy the rehabilitation budgets.”

Focusing all funding on roads that are in the worst condition would lead to a relatively rapid decline in the overall network condition; this is because it would cost the same to completely reconstruct one kilometre of the worst road as it would to repair 20 kilometres of road that may be in fair condition with a minor roadway treatment. 

The new assessment system will help to improve the City’s road network in the most cost effective way and allow a more proactive approach.

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.

For Release: September 11, 2014

Starting today, residents can now access Service Alerts on Twitter by following @YXEServiceAlert. 

Service Alerts are RSS feeds issued when service disruptions, such as power outages, and traffic restrictions will have a direct impact on the lives and routines of residents and visitors.

Currently, when each alert is issued it is automatically posted to Twitter and Facebook, which often clutters the City’s main Twitter feed – @CityofSaskatoon.

By pushing Service Alert tweets to their own feed, followers are now able to access the information they need about service disruptions with greater ease.  This also means information about programs and initiatives will be more accessible for those using social media through the main account, @CityofSaskatoon.

Both channels will be regularly monitored during normal City business hours, Monday through Friday.

This switch does not affect the delivery of the RSS feeds, which residents can subscribe to by following the links on Saskatoon.ca.

As the City continues to move forward with the new website redesign project, more improvements may be made to how the City engages with residents on social media.

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.

On Monday, September 15, the Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services, will receive the Integrated Waste Management Annual Report for 2013.  The report highlights the following key findings:

*Recycling programs, including the new blue-cart program for houses and recycling depots across the community achieved a 67% increase in diversion over 2012 by diverting 12,622 tonnes of material from the landfill.

*The new blue-cart program collected a broad range of materials for recycling including the following by weight:

-Paper and cardboard: 74%
-Household glass: 7%
-Aluminium and tin: 5%
-Plastics: 5%
-Deposit beverage containers: 1%
-Residuals from processing: 4%
-Contamination from collections (garbage in carts): 4%

*Recycling helped recapture 10% of the landfill airspace in 2013, equivalent to adding 5.5 years to the life of that facility.

*The Waste Disposal Rate per household continues to decline in Saskatoon and the amount of garbage collected per home in 2013 was 0.95 tonnes (or 252 kilograms per person).  This is still higher than the national average of 0.64 tonnes.

*New specifications for garbage carts are helping to bring the cart failure rate down to 0.55% compared to the rate of 15% experienced in some neighbourhoods.

*The cost to deliver residential garbage services remains constant over 2012 at $144.27 per household in 2013 (or $12.02 per household per month).  This cost is comparable with other municipalities across Canada.

*Availability of vehicles and equipment has been an issue in 2013 with significant hours of downtime logged for mechanical or maintenance-related issues.  This is affecting both service delivery and cost.

*Saskatoon has one of the highest rates of residential garbage self-hauled to the Landfill in Canada, creating site management challenges for the operations of that facility.  These challenges, along with equipment downtime, contribute to rising operating costs that have now nearly doubled since 2008 to $29/tonne.

*Landfill tipping fees must cover both operating costs and capital improvements.  The range of fees for tipping waste among 26 municipal landfills across Canada is $32.65 to $125 per tonne.  Saskatoon’s fees (at $90 in 2013) fall in the middle of this range (near the median).

Since 2013, recycling and composting programs are showing signs of continued growth and success.

The blue-cart recycling program for houses has already recycled more than 7,500 tonnes of recyclables so far in 2014.  Cart set-out rates on each collection day remain high at an average of 67%.  The contamination rate (garbage placed in carts) has dropped to under 4%.

The green-cart yard waste program now has 3,900 subscribers, an increase of 30% over 2013, contributing to the diversion of organic waste to compost depots rather than the landfill.

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 waterslide at Lakewood Civic Centre is currently not in operation as a result of ground movement issues in the mechanical crawlspace affecting the pump that supplies water to the slide.  The City of Saskatoon (City) reassures the public that there are no concerns with the safety of the swimming pool and hot tub, which remain open at this time for all regularly scheduled activities. 
The City is currently working with a consultant to develop a solution to fix these issues as quickly as possible while having the least impact to patrons and the operation of the pool.  At this time, it is anticipated that the waterslide will remain out of service for the next several weeks.  Further updates will be provided as the repairs progress, and a timeline for the reopening of the waterslide is identified.  The City apologizes for the inconvenience, and thanks the public for its patience and understanding.
For hours of operation and drop-in programming information at Lakewood Civic Centre, refer to www.saskatoon.ca/go/dropinonline or call 306-975-2944.
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.

MILLAR AVE NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT MOLARO PL
(Curb box maintenance)
Start: September 11, 9:00 a.m. End: September 11, 5:00 p.m.
MILLAR AVE SB CLOSED FROM MARQUIS DR E TO 68TH ST E
(Valve repair)
Two-way traffic in NB lanes
Start: September 11, 10:00 a.m. End: September 11, 6:00 p.m.
ONGOING
TAYLOR ST CLOSED FROM MUNROE AVE S TO MCKINNON AVE S
(Water main lining)
Start: September 8, 8:00 a.m. End: October 8, 7:00 p.m.
IDYLWYLD DR N SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 25TH ST W TO 24TH ST E
(Streetscaping)
Traffic will merge to one lane. Right turn from 25th St EB to Idylwyld Dr SB will be maintained
Start: September 2, 9:00 a.m. End: September 14, 6:00 p.m.
CENTRAL AVE SB CLOSED FROM 110TH ST W TO 112TH ST W
(Streetscaping)
Two-way traffic in NB lanes
Start: August 25, 10:00 a.m. End: September 20, 7:00 p.m.
33RD ST W EB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE Y N TO AVE W N
(water main lining)
Two-way traffic set in WB lanes of 33rd St
Start: August 22, 10:30 a.m. End: September 19, 6:00 p.m.
AIRPORT DR NB LANES CLOSED ON FROM GATEWAY BLVD TO THE AIRPORT
(roadway improvements)
Two-way traffic accommodated in the SB lanes. 45th St closed from Airport Dr to Koyl Ave
Start: August 20, 1:00 p.m. End: October 29, 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 @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

22ND ST EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED APPROACHING AUDITORIUM AVE
(Manhole work)
Start: September 10, 9:00 a.m. End: September 10, 6:00 p.m.
ONGOING
8TH ST E WB RIGHT TURN LANE CLOSED AT BROADWAY AVE
(Sidewalk & curb repair)
Start: September 8, 9:00 a.m. End: September 10, 6:00 p.m.
TAYLOR ST E CLOSED FROM MUNROE AVE S TO MCKINNON AVE S
(Water main lining)
Start: September 8, 8:00 a.m. End: October 8, 7:00 p.m.
IDYLWYLD DR N SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 25TH ST W TO 24TH ST E
(Streetscaping)
Traffic will merge to one lane. Right turn from 25th St EB to Idylwyld Dr SB will be maintained
Start: September 2, 9:00 a.m. End: September 14, 6:00 p.m.
CENTRAL AVE SB CLOSED FROM 110TH ST W TO 112TH ST W
(Streetscaping)
Two-way traffic accommodated in the SB lanes
Start: August 25, 10:00 a.m. End: September 20, 7:00 p.m.
33RD ST W EB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE Y N TO AVE W N
(Water main lining)
Two-way traffic set in WB lanes of 33rd St
Start: August 22, 10:30 a.m. End: September 19, 6:00 p.m.
AIRPORT DR NB LANES CLOSED ON FROM GATEWAY BLVD TO THE AIRPORT
(Roadway improvements)
Two-way traffic accommodated in the SB lanes. 45th St closed from Airport Dr to Koyl Ave
Start: August 20, 1:00 p.m. End: October 29, 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 @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

Exciting construction developments will be taking place at Saskatoon’s most beloved park in upcoming weeks as part of Phase One of the Kinsmen Park and Area Master Plan, which includes the addition of notable attractions to the Future Home of PotashCorp Playland. 

“The City of Saskatoon is pleased the project is finally at a stage that people can see the transformation of what’s been a Saskatoon gathering spot for generations,” says Cary Humphrey, Director of Recreation and Sport.
The attractions include:

• Delivery of the 19.2 metre (63 feet) Ferris Wheel to the site.
  Installation began on September 2, 2014, and is expected to finish September 10, 2014.
• Arizona Railroad Depot, LLC. began excavation of the 626 metre train loop.
• Construction on the new train station building has started and the concrete for the train crossings has been poured.  
• The development of the actual locomotive, carriages, and caboose for The Canpotex Train is well underway at the factory located in Phoenix, Arizona. The completed train will be delivered in Spring 2015. 
• Curbing and edging work around the new sand play, water play, and natural play areas has begun.

PCL Construction has been contracted for Phase One of the Kinsmen Park Master Plan which began April 2014, and is anticipated to open in Spring 2015.
For more information on the Future Home of PotashCorp Playland at Kinsmen Park and the Kinsmen Park and Area Master Plan, including video updates, please visit www.saskatoon.ca/go/kinsmenpark.
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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SPC on PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

7.2.2 Innovative Housing Incentives Application – New Rental Construction Land-Cost Rebate Application – Stonebridge/CILO II – 241 Willis Crescent (p. 32)

The Administration asks the Standing Policy Committee to recommend to City Council:

*That a five-year incremental tax abatement of the residential taxes be applied to the additional 19 purpose-built rental units to be built at 241 Willis Crescent, by Stonebridge/CILO II Limited Partnership, in addition to the already approved abatement for 153 purpose-built rental units, commencing the next taxation year, following the completion of the project.
*That a matching cash grant equal to the value of the five-year incremental property tax abatement, to a maximum of $5,000 per unit, estimated at $711,198, be approved for this project in place of the previously approved grant of $609,731.

Additional Information:

*New Summit Partners was previously approved for incentives for their plans to construct a 153 unit purpose-built rental project.  They are proposing an additional 19 units in this project.
*This project qualifies for an incremental property tax abatement and cash grant.
*New Summit Partners will be required to enter into an incentive agreement to ensure the units are completed on time and remain as rental stock for 15 years.

7.2.3 Summer Festivals – Security Options for Public Events in City Parks (p. 37)

The Administration asks the Standing Policy Committee to recommend to City Council:

*That the September 8, 2014 report of the General Manager, Community Services Department, be received as information.

Additional Information:

*The Recreation and Sport Division facilitates the planning and delivery of events in Saskatoon Parks through the coordination of civic services, Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) and the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA).
*The SLGA mandates the level of security required for events that serve alcohol and the SPS determines policing requirements.
*Special events are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and assessed for risk based on predetermined risk factors.

7.2.4 Award of Contract – Animal Control Services (p. 40)

The Administration asks the Standing Policy Committee to recommend to City Council:

*That the Saskatoon Animal Control Agency be awarded the contract for animal control services for the City of Saskatoon commencing May 1, 2014.

Additional Information:

*The Administration issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) on March 11, 2014, seeking proposals for the provision of animal control and dangerous animal control services to the City for a five-year contract.  Tenders closed on April 3, 2014.  Only one proposal was received.
*Recreation and Sport entered into contract negotiations with SACA in regards to the received proposal and reached an agreement on July 11, 2014.  A summary of the Terms of Agreement are identified in this report.

7.2.5 Request to Construct and Operate Saskatoon’s Winter Recreation Park and Lifestyle Activity Centre at Diefenbaker Park (p. 44)

The Administration asks the Standing Policy Committee to recommend to City Council:

*That the request by the Optimist Club of Saskatoon, to construct and operate Saskatoon’s Winter Recreation Park and Lifestyle Activity Centre at Diefenbaker Park, continue to be approved, in principle.
*That the City Solicitor be requested to prepare the appropriate Memorandum of Understanding, based on the details set out in the report of the General Manager, Community Services dated September 8, 2014, and that His Worship the Mayor and the City Clerk be authorized to execute the Memorandum of Understanding.
*That the Administration prepare a Capital Budget submission for the City of Saskatoon’s contribution towards the Winter Recreation Park and Lifestyle Activity Centre.
*That at the appropriate time, the Administration bring forward a further report to City Council concerning the details for a Memorandum of Agreement to address the construction, operation and maintenance of the facility, as well as the establishment of a Dedicated Capital Reinvestment Fund, the contributions to the fund being made by the Optimist Club and the proposed granting of a five-year tax abatement.

Additional Information:

*The Optimist Club has submitted a Business Plan to capital fund-raise, construct and operate the Park and Activity Centre and enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the City of Saskatoon (City).  The Business Plan provides details of the Optimist Club’s organization summary, facility management, financials and implementation plan.
*The Optimist Club has requested the City to support the capital and operations of the Park and Activity Centre in Diefenbaker Park.  Diefenbaker Park was chosen as the ideal location for this project due to its natural suitability for tobogganing, snow tubing (four to five groomed lanes), snowboarding, including a snow terrain park and the space requirements for a building and parking lot.
*Subject to certain conditions being met, the Administration has reviewed and supports the Optimist Club’s Business Plan, in principle, to ensure a sustainable operation of the Park and Activity Centre.
*In lieu of paying property taxes, the Optimist Club would make annual contributions to a Dedicated Capital Reinvestment Fund (Reinvestment Fund) to establish a major equipment and building replacement reserve.  This would be the basis for providing the Optimist Club with a five-year tax abatement for the Park and Activity Centre.

SPC on FINANCE

7.1.1 Persephone Theatre Property Tax Abatement (p. 4)

Request to Speak: Jennifer Pereira, Chair, Persephone Theatre Board of Directors

The Administration asks the Standing Policy Committee to recommend to City Council:

*That a full (100%) property tax abatement to Persephone Theatre through the Culture Grant Program for a five-year period be approved.

Additional Information:

*Persephone has received various cash grants and tax abatements from the City since it acquired the property in River Landing in 2005.
*The majority of municipalities in Canada, surveyed for this report, provide full tax exemptions or abatements to non-profit performing arts organizations.
*The City provides tax abatements to cultural institutions that qualify under an appropriate grant or incentives program.

7.2.1 Quarterly Report – Builder and Developer Lot Supply (p. 19)

The Administration asks the Standing Policy Committee to recommend to City Council:

*That the Quarterly Report on Builder and Developer Lot Supply be received.

Additional Information:

*Land developers in Saskatoon have 329 residential lots in inventory and there is a healthy builder inventory of 1,454 residential lots.
*Land developers in Saskatoon are projected to completely service 1,738 single family lots in 2014.
*Land developers and builders have approximately 164 acres of multi-family land in inventory, which can potentially accommodate approximately 4,200 dwelling units.
*Estimates of current builder/developer serviced land inventory levels could accommodate population growth in excess of 5%.
*There is a healthy supply of vacant industrial land held by recent industrial land purchasers.

Starting at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 9, 2014 the pedestrian bridge in River Landing, east of the Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge, will be closed until 4:00 p.m.  The closure is to allow crews to fix and install the third coloured sail on the bridge.
During the temporary closure, pedestrians and cyclists travelling through River Landing and approaching the bridge on either side can take the various pathways leading up to 19^th Street, travel along 19^th Street, then return to the River Landing riverfront pathway on the other side of the bridge.  Route maps have been posted at the bridge to direct users.
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.

SPADINA CRES SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED UNDER UNIVERSITY BRIDGE
(Bridge work)
Start: September 8, 12:00 p.m. End: November 9, 6:00 p.m.
ONGOING
TAYLOR ST E CLOSED FROM MUNROE AVE S TO MCKINNON AVE S
(Water main lining)
Start: September 8, 8:00 a.m. End: October 8, 7:00 p.m.
8TH ST E WB RIGHT TURN LANE TO BROADWAY AVE NB CLOSED
(Sidewalk & curb repair)
Start: September 8, 9:00 a.m. End: September 10, 6:00 p.m.
IDYLWYLD DR N SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 25TH ST W TO 24TH ST E
(Streetscaping)
Traffic will merge to one lane. Right turn from 25th St EB to Idylwyld Dr SB will be maintained
Start: September 2, 9:00 a.m. End: September 14, 6:00 p.m.
CENTRAL AVE SB CLOSED FROM 110TH ST W TO 112TH ST W
(Streetscaping)
Two-way traffic accommodated in NB lanes
Start: August 25, 10:00 a.m. End: September 20, 7:00 p.m.
33RD ST W EB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE Y N TO AVE W N
(Water main lining)
Two-way traffic set in WB lanes of 33rd St
Start: August 22, 10:30 a.m. End: September 19, 6:00 p.m.
AIRPORT DR NB LANES CLOSED ON FROM GATEWAY BLVD TO THE AIRPORT
(Roadway improvements)
Two-way traffic accommodated in the SB lanes. 45th St closed from Airport Dr to Koyl Ave.
Start: August 20, 1:00 p.m. End: October 29, 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 @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.