News Releases

After the successful launch of new.saskatoon.ca, the hub for resident engagement and involvement throughout the development of the new City of Saskatoon website, the City of Saskatoon (City) will host an hour-long twitter chat with representatives from the new website development team on Monday, June 9, 2014 at 3:30 p.m.

This twitter chat will give curious and interested residents the opportunity to ask direct questions and get an answer from those working directly on the website redesign project.  To participate, sign-up or log-in to Twitter and tweet your questions to @cityofsaskatoon or by using the #newsaskatoon hashtag.

Because public involvement is a vital aspect of the website redesign project, this is a great topic for the first-ever twitter chat and the City looks forward to hosting more twitter chats in the future.  This twitter-chat will aim to increase participation in the current engagement exercise, have people sign-up for updates and announcements and a way for the City to answer any questions people may have about the project overall. 

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 seeking community input on the North Downtown Master Plan which aims to intensify the residential, commercial, recreational and retail opportunities in the downtown area and establish a framework for development to support the City as it grows to a population of 500,000 residents.

Please join us at our “Come and Go” Open House event:

Wednesday, June 11, 2014
TCU Place – Salon E
35 – 22^nd Street
3:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Drop in to view displays and provide comments or plan to attend a presentation and discussion at 3:30 and 6:00 p.m.

The North Downtown Master Plan will guide the development of an exciting new neighbourhood in the heart of the City, which includes former rail yards and additional lands bounded by Idylwyld Drive, 33rd Street, First Avenue and 24th Street.  The envisioned North Downtown will be a lively residential and mixed-use neighbourhood that will feature a network of green and open spaces and promotes sustainable living.  A draft final plan reflecting input from a series of community consultations will be presented.

Materials and information presented will also be available on the City’s website following the public meeting.  Detailed information and updates on these initiatives are available at www.saskatoon.ca  and look under “N” for North Downtown Master Plan.

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 Immediate Release: June 5, 2014
                                           

IDYLWYLD DRIVE, JUNE 6-7

Beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, June 6, the following lane restrictions will be in place on Idylwyld Drive while crews repair the guard rails.

Friday, June 6 – 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

- Idylwyld Drive northbound median (inside) lane will be closed between 39th Street and 44th Street. 

Saturday, June 7 – 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

- Idylwyld Drive northbound median (inside) lane will be closed between 39th Street and 44th Street.
- Idylwyld Drive southbound median (inside) lane will be closed between 44th Street and Circle Drive.

The restrictions will be taken down and reset each day.

4TH AVENUE FROM 21ST STREET TO 20TH STREET, JUNE 6

Beginning at 5:30 a.m. on Friday, June 6, 4th Avenue southbound lanes and the northbound median (inside) lane will be closed from 21st Street to 20th Street to accommodate the SIIT Annual President’s Breakfast. The road is expected to reopen by 11:30 a.m. the same day. 

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! Find traffic detour information on our website at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic. You can also follow us on Twitter @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

For Immediate Release: June 5, 2014
                                             

Today the City of Saskatoon highlighted steps it is taking to build better roads and ensure this season’s patching, resurfacing and paving efforts last over a longer term. 

“With the road construction season now underway, it’s important for people to know that we’re not just building better roads.  The new funding for road rehabilitation will extend the life of our roadways and residential streets,” says Mike Gutek, Director of Major Projects at the City of Saskatoon. “We are resurfacing 178 lane kilometres of road this summer and drivers will start to see a big improvement over the next few years as funding levels increase.”

Measuring the time a road will be used from the beginning to the end of its life (known as a “lifecycle”) helps to determine the type and frequency of preservation treatments the roadway will require to maximize its life, rather than just building it and using it until it wears out. This lifecycle assessment balances the life of materials with the most effective preservation treatments.

“Treating roadways during their lifecycle is key to protecting our investment,” Gutek explains. “We want to catch a road before it fails, creating a network of better roads, in better condition, for a longer period of time.  The concept is essentially the same as maintaining your house; you replace your shingles before the roof leaks and you plan to paint your siding before it deteriorates and starts peeling.”

As road construction proceeds this year, new design features such as drainage layers to protect roads from moisture damage are being introduced.

The City will also introduce a new Roadway Preservation Funding plan to address road conditions earlier in their lifecycle, using the latest preservation techniques and treatments that are the most time and cost-effective.

 “With a properly funded rehabilitation program, we can move past temporary fixes and get to the root of the problem,” says Gutek. “Our proactive approach this year will result in better roads today and tomorrow.”

Saskatoon’s most aggressive program of road construction, maintenance and rehabilitation ever is now underway with over $50 million targeted to projects ranging from major roadwork to residential streets and sidewalks. Almost half ($23.4M) of this budget is dedicated to improving our road network.  This is an increase in funding of 79 per cent dedicated to road preservation compared to $13.06 million in 2013, allowing us to apply treatments to 178 lane kilometres, versus 78 lane kilometres in 2013, which is about the same distance as from Saskatoon to Kindersley.

Residents can view a list of the City’s 2014 construction projects at saskatoon.ca by clicking “Building Better Roads”.

To improve understanding of backyard composting, the City of Saskatoon (City) has partnered with the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council (SWRC) to launch a backyard composting research project, entitled “Dishing the Dirt.”  Not only does backyard composting divert waste from the landfill and reduce greenhouse gases, it also generates a valuable soil amendment that can be used on residents’ lawns and gardens to promote soil health and reduce watering needs.  One household alone can reduce 250-350 kilograms of waste every year by backyard composting.

Over the next year, 23 different composting systems will be tested by volunteers in Saskatoon and Regina to evaluate their level of ease, effectiveness and accessibility.  By studying these systems, the aim is to determine which systems work best for different types of households and to make it easier for residents who are interested in backyard composting.

“It is our hope that the results of the Dishing the Dirt program will help encourage backyard composting in Saskatoon,” says Brenda Wallace, Director of Environmental & Corporate Initiatives.  “The program also complements the City’s other composting efforts, which all play an important role in waste reduction and diversion.”

On Wednesday, June 4th, media was invited to attend the Dishing the Dirt launch to learn about the backyard composting systems, meet some of the research participants and meet with representatives from SWRC and the City.

“Compostable materials make up between 30 and 50 percent of the waste stream,” says Joanne Fedyk, SWRC Executive Director.  “We’re so pleased to have partners like the Cities of Saskatoon and Regina who are in support of increasing the number of backyard composters and diverting this valuable material from the waste stream.”

In addition to providing support for the Dishing the Dirt program, the City provides a number of composting services for residents:

Compost Bin Rebates:
The City 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.

Master Composters:
The City supported the SWRC’s Master Composter training again in 2014.  These trained Master Composters offer free home visits for residents who have questions or would like to start a backyard compost of their own.

Compost Depots:
Residents may 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 percent over the last seven years and saved the Saskatoon Landfill approximately 400,000 cubic metres of airspace.  In 2013 alone, 21,820 tonnes of materials were accepted at the City compost depots (from residential and commercial haulers).  Composting this material instead of taking it to the landfill reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 5,000 tonnes CO2e.

Compost Sale Saturdays:
Residents may purchase compost and mulch (woodchips) for their lawns and gardens during Compost Sale Saturdays.  The sales have been very popular; the three spring sales brought in hundreds of residents.  The next events are planned for the fall.

Be Water Wise:
The City’s Be Water Wise campaign encourages residents to reduce water use in their homes and yards.  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.  Currently, it services over 3,550 residents.  Service includes bi-weekly pickup of unbagged leaves, grass clippings and non-woody yard vegetation from early May until early November.

Food Waste Collection Program:
The City is examining options and next steps for developing a food-waste collection program for residents.

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.

Five municipalities in the Saskatoon region are responding to growth by forming a new working group called the Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth (P4G), and creating a Regional Plan.

“We have a long history of working together in this region, and P4G is another example of our strong regional partnerships,” says Alan Wallace, Director of Planning and Development.

P4G is made up of political leaders and key administrators from the Cities of Saskatoon, Martensville, Warman, the Rural Municipality of Corman Park and the Town of Osler.

A report will be on the public City Council agenda later this afternoon.  It highlights that P4G will hire a consultant this fall to help create a Regional Plan by mid-2016.  The goal of the Regional Plan is to ensure each of the five municipalities can benefit from growth opportunities, increase efficiencies and reduce costs by working together.

“By working together and creating a Regional Plan, we will help our region to be ready for growth so that everyone can enjoy economic prosperity and a good quality of life,” says Bonnie Gorelitza, Planning Manager for the City of Martensville.

The Regional Plan will consist of plans for land use, transportation, and servicing.  It will also outline the funding strategies needed to implement the Regional Plan and proposed new governance and administrative structures for the region.

The budget for the Regional Plan project is $926,000, including the cost of a consultant and a dedicated Project Manager from P4G.

The Saskatoon area is one of the fastest-growing regions in Canada.  Recent estimates indicate it grew by approximately 4 percent over the past year and could reach a population of 500,000 within 20 years.

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.

Immediate Release: June 4, 2014

COLLEGE DRIVE WESTBOUND, JUNE 5-10

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 5, crews will begin paving sections of College Drive westbound. The work will be done in phases and the crews will move along the roadway section by section with the project expected to last 6 days.

The work is scheduled to progress in the following sequence:

- College Drive westbound curb (outside) lane from the railroad track to McKercher Drive on ramp
- College Drive westbound curb (outside) lane from McKercher Drive on ramp to Central Avenue
- College Drive westbound median (inside) lane from the railroad track to Circle Drive overpass
- College Drive westbound curb (outside) lane from Central Avenue to Circle Drive underpass and College Drive westbound on ramp onto Circle Drive.

One lane on College Drive westbound will remain open at all times. Crews will be working around the clock to accelerate the length of construction and minimize impact to traffic.

Please watch for Traffic Detour alerts at Saskatoon.ca for up-to-date information on specific road restrictions in this area.

MILLAR AVENUE BETWEEN 46TH & 47TH STREETS, JUNE 5

Beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 5, Millar Avenue northbound lanes and the southbound median lane will be closed between 46th Street East and 47th Street East while crews repair a sanitary sewer connection.

The road is expected to reopen by 5:00 p.m. the same day.

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! Find traffic detour information on our website at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic. You can also follow us on Twitter @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

For Immediate Release: June 3, 2014
 

HIGHWAY 16 TO CIRCLE DRIVE NORTHBOUND RAMP, JUNE 4  

Beginning at 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 4, Highway 16 westbound ramp to Circle Drive northbound will be closed while crews repair cracks in the road. 

The ramp is expected to reopen by 7:00 p.m. the same day. 

COLLEGE DRIVE WESTBOUND CURB LANE, JUNE 4-6 

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 4, College Drive westbound curb (outside) lane will be closed at St Thomas More College between Bottomley Road and Wiggins Road to accommodate construction work. The road will re-open by 3:30 p.m. each day. 

The restrictions are expected to last 3 days and will be taken down and reset daily to minimize disruption to peak hour traffic. 

7TH AVENUE & 33RD STREET RAIL BRIDGE UNDERPASS, JUNE 4-5 

Beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 4, the following restrictions will be in place on 7th Avenue while crews add anti-pigeon netting to the underside of the CP Rail bridge: 

Wednesday, June 4 - 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

- 7th Avenue northbound will be closed between Lauriston Street and 33rd Street.
- Access to local traffic will be maintained 

Thursday, June 5 – 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

- 7th Avenue southbound will be closed between 33rd Street and Lauriston Street
- Access to local traffic will be maintained  

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! Find traffic detour information on our website at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic. You can also follow us on Twitter @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

51ST STREET EASTBOUND, JUNE 3-5

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 3, 51st Street eastbound median (inside) lane will be closed between Wentz Avenue and Cleveland Avenue while crews work on a sanitary sewer line. Turning within the work zone will be restricted.

The work is expected to take 3 days.

2ND AVENUE AND 25TH STREET OVERNIGHT, JUNE 3

Beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3, the following restrictions will be in place at the intersection of 2nd Avenue and 25th Street while crews work on a watermain valve:

- 25th Street eastbound median (inside) lane and left turn bay will be closed
- 25th Street westbound left turn bay to 2nd Avenue southbound will be closed
- 2nd Avenue southbound through traffic will be restricted; turning onto 25th Street will be maintained.
- 2nd Avenue northbound left turn bay to 25th Street westbound will be closed.  

To minimize disruption to traffic the work will take place overnight with the restrictions expected to be lifted by 6:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 4.

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! Find traffic detour information on our website at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic. You can also follow us on Twitter @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

The City of Saskatoon (City), in partnership with the Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC) and Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI), wishes to meet with Aboriginal residents and governments, First Nation land holders, and other interested citizens to provide an overview of the Aboriginal programs and services currently offered, and to seek input to ensure they best meet the needs of the community as Saskatoon is home to an increasing Aboriginal population. Topics will include areas such as affordable housing, economic development, urban reserves, recreation, Aboriginal employment, and future city development.  Key staff will be at the meeting to introduce themselves, answer questions, and gather feedback.

Urban Aboriginal Community Gathering
Thursday, June 12, 2014
5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Saskatoon Inn
2002 Airport Drive, Saskatoon

Please R.S.V.P. to urbanaboriginalcommunity@saskatoon.ca or call 306-975-8066.  Meeting information is also available at www.shapingsaskatoon.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

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