News Releases

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.

The last Compost Sale Saturday of the 2014 season will be on September 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Residents can come to the City of Saskatoon’s Compost Depot on Highway 7 and 11th Street to purchase compost and mulch (woodchips) for their lawn and gardens.  Payment methods include cash, credit card or debit.

The cost is $5 per bag for a 20L (5 gallon) bag of compost or a 40L (10 gallon) bag of mulch.  There is no limit to the number of bags a resident may purchase.  Residents may also bring their own containers.

Compost and mulch are also available in bulk volumes of ½ yard, 1 yard, 1.5 yard, and 2 yard quantities.  Larger volumes can be loaded into a pickup truck or small trailer.  Bulk compost will be sold at the price of $65 per cubic meter ($50 per yard) and bulk mulch at $26 per cubic meter ($20 per yard).

Since 2006, the City of Saskatoon has been accepting leaves, grass, non-elm tree and shrub branches, and garden waste at the McOrmond Drive and the Highway 7 compost depots.  This material would otherwise end up in the landfill.

“In 2013, 21,500 tonnes of material was delivered to these compost depots, and about 13,500 tonnes, or 63% of that, was delivered by residents or brought in through the Green Cart program,” says Brenda Wallace, Director of Environmental and Corporate Initiatives.  “The sale of compost supports our city’s long-term strategy to eliminate the need for a new landfill and to increase revenue sources.”

Compost is valuable, ready-to-use organic matter that can be added to garden soil or lawns.  It acts as a natural fertilizer, improves soil structure, increases water retention, and boosts the amount of good microbes found in the soil.  Mulch (e.g. woodchips) can be layered on top of the soil around flowers, vegetables, trees and shrubs to suppress weeds, retain moisture in the soil, and help protect plants from fluctuating temperatures and extreme weather.

Adding compost and mulch to your yard will help you build a healthy lawn and garden that is resistant to pests, conserves water, and does not require additional fertilizer.

For more information on Compost Sale Saturdays, visit www.saskatoon.ca and click on “C” for Composting.

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.

Additional Information
The City of Saskatoon provides a number of other composting services for residents:

Compost Bin Rebates:
The City of Saskatoon has a limited number of $20 rebates available to Saskatoon residents who purchase a compost bin or rain barrel from a Saskatoon retailer in 2014.  For more information, visit http://www.saskwastereduction.ca/rebate-form.

Master Composter Home Visits:
The City supported the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council’s Master Composter training again in 2014.  These Master Composters offer free home visits to residents who have questions or would like to start a compost of their own. Contact (306) 931-3242 or info@saskwastereduction.ca for details.

Winter Composting Presentation:
Residents are invited to a composting presentation to learn how to compost through the winter months.

Date: Wednesday, October 1
Time: 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Location: Frances Morrison Library

Presented in partnership with the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council.

Compost Depots:
Residents are encouraged to take their leaves, grass, sod, topsoil, and non-elm branches, stumps and tree trimmings to the City’s compost depots free of charge. 

Since 2006, the compost depots have generated more than 16,000 cubic metres of Class A compost.  This has increased landfill diversion by nearly 15% over the last seven years and saved the Saskatoon Landfill approximately 400,000 cubic metres of airspace.  Composting the 21,500 tonnes of materials accepted at the Compost Depots in 2013 instead of taking it to the landfill reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 5,000 tonnes CO₂e, or the equivalent of removing 1,050 passenger vehicles from our roadways.

Be Water Wise:
The City of Saskatoon is committed to ensuring good stewardship of our water resources.  Using compost and mulch conserves water and keeps our lawns and gardens healthy.  For details and water conservation tips, visit www.saskatoon.ca and click on “B” for “Be Water Wise.”

Greet Cart Collection Program:
The Green Cart Collection Program was expanded in 2014 and services over 3900 households, up from 2744 in 2013. Service includes bi-weekly pickup of unbagged leaves, grass clippings, and non-woody yard vegetation.  The program runs from the beginning of May to the beginning of November.

Food Waste Collection Program:
The City is examining options and next steps for developing a food-waste collection program for residents.  For more information, visit www.saskatoon.ca for the Public Agenda - Standing Committee on Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services for September 15, 2014 - Report on Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction, Attachment 3, page 1.

CIRCLE DR EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED WEST OF PRESTON AVE S
(Guardrail repair)
Start: September 12, 9:30 p.m. End: September 12, 3:30 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.
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 LANES CLOSED FROM 110TH ST W TO 112TH ST W
(Streetscaping)
Two-way traffic set 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 W 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.

“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.

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.

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.

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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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.

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.

The City of Saskatoon’s Community Development Division, in partnership with Canadian Sport Centre - Saskatchewan; Sask Sport Inc.; and Women in Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation; will be hosting Active Like a Girl on Sunday, September 14, 2014, from 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the SaskTel Sports Centre (150 Nelson Road).  Active Like a Girl is a free, one-day event for girls ages 10 to 14.  For registration and transportation inquiries, call 306-975-3378 by Thursday, September 11.  Snacks will be provided. 

Experience the sport of rugby, wheelchair rugby, fencing, and golf with some world class athletes and coaches:

Heather Moyse (Bobsleigh, Rugby and Track Cycling)
A multi-sport athlete with accomplishments, including Bobsleigh Olympic gold medalist (2010, 2014); Rugby Sevens World Cup silver medalist (2013); and 4th place in match sprint at Pan American Track Cycling Championships (2012).

Miranda Biletski (Wheelchair Rugby)
A member of Team Canada who has achieved a bronze medal at the American Zonals (2009); silver medal at Four Nations (2010); 5th place World Championships (2010); bronze medal at World Challenge (2013); and silver medal at American Zonals (2013).

Shannon Comerford (Fencing)
A member of the Canadian Women’s Foil Senior National Team who has earned silver medals at the Pan American Championships (2009 to present).

Ashley Olynick (Golf)
A member of the Professional Golf Association of Canada and a certified personal coach at GolfTec. Ashley played collegiate golf at Texas A&M University Corpus-Christi and was player of the year in 2009.

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.