News Releases

For Release: Thursday, August 21, 2014 

The City of Saskatoon’s focus on continuous improvement is resulting in increased savings, award winning service, and greenhouse gas reducing environmental programs.

The 2013 Report on Service, Savings and Sustainability: How the City of Saskatoon is Improving Productivity has been released, showing the City is on the right track toward achieving its vision of being the best managed city in Canada.

“We are always exploring and implementing new ways to improve service, increase savings, and grow our city in a sustainable way,” says Catherine Gryba, General Manager of Corporate Performance. “The City is ensuring we continue to provide the programs and services that matter most to citizens.”

The report shows the City increased savings in 2013 by taking a fresh look at how it operates, resulting in an approximate $51.7 million in savings and more than $74 million over the next 30 years.  Additionally, there is $600,000 in deferred savings.

The list of new and improved delivery of civic services and programs outlined in the report is long, and includes everything from reintroducing a fall street sweeping program in more than 20 years to enabling citizens to report traffic concerns online, to committing to the development of more affordable housing units.

When it comes to environmental matters, Saskatoon citizens doubled the amount of recycling they do, thanks to the curbside recycling program. Key environmental initiatives are also helping reduce civic greenhouse gas emissions to the equivalent of removing 23,165 cars off Saskatoon roads.

Gryba says the overall report reflects how the City has gone beyond conventional approaches to meet the dynamic changing needs and high expectations of citizens.

“We are ensuring we are continuously dedicated to the creation of a culture of continuous improvement, one of the City of Saskatoon’s seven Strategic Goals.”

The entire 2013 Report on Service, Savings and Sustainability is available at www.saskatoon.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.

 

The Downtown Transit Terminal will be closed Thursday, August 21 and Friday, August 22 while crews complete maintenance on the curbs and sidewalks in the area.

While crews are working, the terminal will be moved one block east to 23rd Street between 3rd Avenue and 4th Avenue, with temporary stops in effect.  Stops on 2nd Avenue and 3rd Avenue will not be affected and buses will stop at their usual location. 

For more information call our Customer Service Centre at 306-975-3100.

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 first edition of Our Environment: The City of Saskatoon’s Environmental Leadership Report has been released. The report provides an overview of Saskatoon’s environmental health and establishes baselines for the strategies and priorities identified under the City’s Strategic Goal of Environmental Leadership.

“Our citizens value a healthy environment and as Saskatoon continues to grow, there will be corresponding pressures on our land, air, water and waste,” says Ian Loughran, Energy & Sustainability Engineering Manager. “Raising awareness of the overall condition of our environment and our progress toward sustainability will help us all make informed decisions and choices to reduce the negative impacts on our environment.”

How is Saskatoon doing? Highlights of the report include:

Ecological Footprint: Saskatoon's Ecological Footprint is 7.3 global hectares per capita, an increase of 6% between 2003 and 2010. The Ecological Footprint measures the environmental impact of human activity on the planet, expressing this impact in terms of the land area needed to support those activities by considering the space used to both produce the resources we consume and absorb the wastes we generate.

Land: The City, along with partners such as Meewasin Valley Authority and University of Saskatchewan, has established conservation management zones to protect wildlife habitat and encourage healthy and biologically diverse ecosystems. One example of this is Saskatoon's Northeast Swale - one of the largest pieces of unbroken natural habitat in the Saskatoon region.

Air: Corporate and community Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions have increased since 2003. The City has a growing number of green and alternative energy projects that reduce the City's overall greenhouse gas emissions. A recent example is the Landfill Gas Project which captures gas (methane) from decomposing organic material in the Landfill, pipes the gas to a generating station and burns the gas in engine-generators to produce electrical energy. The project will eventually produce enough energy to power 1,300 homes and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 45,000 tonnes annually.

Water: Residential water use decreased by over 55 litres per person per day over the 2008-2013 period. One of the reasons for the decrease is an increased awareness of water conservation techniques communicated through the City's Be Water Wise campaign. Water conservation relates directly to cost savings and greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

Waste: Diverting waste from the Landfill can reduce the environmental effects of landfilled waste and extend the operating life of the Landfill. The amount of materials diverted from the Landfill in 2013 through composting, recycling and hazardous waste collection programs was 34,539 tonnes - an increase of 30% from 2012.

The “Our Environment” Report is available for viewing at Saskatoon.ca and clicking on “O” for Our Environment.

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

OVERNIGHT: CIRCLE DR E CURB (OUTSIDE) LANES CLOSED ON CIRCLE DR NORTH BRIDGE
(Bridge sealing)
Start: August 18, 8:00 p.m. End: August 19, 6:00 a.m.
OVERNIGHT: IDYLWYLD DR SB FROM 24TH ST TO 22ND ST
(Paving)
Two-way traffic will be accommodated on Idylwyld Dr NB from 22nd St to 24th St. 
23rd St WB left turn bay approaching Idylwyld Dr is closed.
Start: August 19, 7:00 p.m. End: August 20, 7:00 a.m.

OVERNIGHT: 22ND ST WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE FROM IDYLWYLD DR TO AVENUE B
(Paving)
Start: August 19, 7:00 p.m. End: August 20, 7:00 a.m.

1ST AVE N NB LANE CLOSED FROM CIRCLE DR E TO 42ND A ST E
(Water & sewer work)
Turning onto 1st Ave from Circle Dr will be restricted. Detour: use Faithfull Ave or Millar Ave
Start: August 19, 7:00 a.m. End: August 20, 6:00 p.m.

ONGOING

CENTRAL AVE LANES CLOSED FROM GRAY AVE TO 110TH ST W
(Streetscaping)
Detour via Egbert Ave.
Start: August 17, 7:00 p.m. End: August 24, 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: August 13, 12:00 p.m. End: August 27, 4:00 p.m.
KINGSMERE BLVD & WHITESHORE CR (E. LEG) INTERSECTION CLOSED
(Water pipe boring)
Bus routes will be affected. Please watch for temporary bus stop locations and allow extra time in case of delays. Call Saskatoon Transit at 306-975-3100
Start: August 7, 8:00 a.m. End: August 22, 6:00 p.m.

20TH ST W WB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE F S TO AVE G S
(Streetscaping)
Two way traffic will be accommodated in the EB lanes. Speed reduced to 30km/h
Start: August 7, 9:00 a.m. End: September 4, 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.

Looking for a way to help your dog cool off in the heat? Bring your pooch for a swim at the FREE Dog Day of Summer Event at Mayfair Outdoor Pool on Monday, August 25!  Service dogs welcome between 2 and 4 p.m., and all dogs are welcome between 5 and 7 p.m.

All dogs must be well-socialized, vaccinated, and licensed in Saskatoon. If you don’t have a current license don’t worry, licenses can be purchased at the time of entry.

Skip the lines and be entered to win a prize by pre-registering before Wednesday, August 20 by emailing animalservices@saskatoon.ca with your name and your dog’s pet license number.  Registered participants will be admitted through the doors first.

The Saskatoon Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will be hosting a fundraiser BBQ with broth flavoured sno cones for dogs.

The Dog Day of Summer Event is planned for the day after the pool closes for the season. No human swimming will be permitted. Participation in this event is at your and your dog’s own risk.

For more information on this event or Animal Services, please visit www.saskatoon.ca/go/animalservices.

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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Household hazardous waste requires proper disposal to reduce risks to humans and animals, and prevent pollution of our land, water, and air. These materials should not be placed in the garbage or recycling, poured down the drain or toilet, or released into the environment.

To ensure household hazardous materials are safely disposed of or recycled, the City coordinates regular Household Hazardous Waste Days for residents to drop-off these materials.  On August 16, and the days listed below, a temporary site is set up at Credit Union Centre parking lot (101 - 3515 Thatcher Avenue) from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Household Hazardous Waste Days:

September 20

October 18

November 15

December 20

Accepted Materials include:

- Pesticides
- Automotive oil
- Prescription medicine
- Batteries
- Aerosols
- Poisons
- Propane cylinders
- Household cleaners
- Mercury-containing items
- Electronics (accepted by the Electronic Producer Recycling Association)

Leftover paint and empty paint cans are accepted without charge at all SARCAN recycling depots in Saskatoon. Please do not bring paint to Household Hazardous Waste Day unless it is not accepted through the SARCAN program.  Find out what is accepted through SARCAN’s paint program at www.sarcan.ca/pages/paint.

For a complete list of accepted and non-acceptable materials, visit Saskatoon.ca and click on “H” for Household Hazardous Waste Days.

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: August 15, 2014

As a result of bylaw changes City Council made to address all loud motor vehicles in our community, the Saskatoon Police Service will be holding public noise testing clinics for motorcycle owners over the next few weeks. 

In May, 2014 the City of Saskatoon introduced amendments to Bylaw 8244, The Noise Bylaw.

“The changes were made to address community concerns regarding cars, trucks and motorcycles creating excessive and unreasonable noise,” says City Solicitor Patricia Warwick.

“While all vehicles are subject to noise laws, the testing of decibel levels is specific to motorcycles.”

The clinics are one component of a public education campaign and ticket-free amnesty period during the 2014 motorcycle riding season. 

“These clinics are just a part of creating greater awareness in the community about noisy vehicles and what owners’ responsibilities are,” says Insp. Lorne Constantinoff.

 “We want motorcycle riders to come in, ask some questions and test their bike without any worry of receiving a ticket.”

The Saskatoon Police Service has purchased decibel readers and trained several officers in their use.

Motorcycle owners are invited to have decibel levels tested at public clinics beginning August 15, 2014 at 1:00 p.m., at Redline Harley Davidson, 102 – 23rd Street East.

A list of clinics is available at http://police.saskatoon.sk.ca/excessivevehiclenoise.  Motorcycle owners whose bikes are not compliant with the Noise Bylaw will not be issued a ticket by police at the testing clinics.

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 SATURDAY

1ST AVE N CLOSED FROM 23RD ST E TO 24TH ST E
(Community event)
Start: August 16, 8:00 a.m. End: August 16, 11:00 p.m.

NEW SUNDAY

OVERNIGHT: CIRCLE DR E SB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM ATTRIDGE DR TO COLLEGE DR OVERPASS
(Road resurfacing)
Access to 108th Street and College Drive off-ramps maintained. No access to Circle Drive southbound from Preston Ave.
Start: August 17, 7:00 p.m. End: August 18, 7:00 a.m.

CENTRAL AVE CLOSED FROM GRAY AVE TO 110TH ST W
(Streetscaping)
Detour via Egbert Ave.
Start: August 17, 7:00 p.m. End: August 24, 6:00 p.m.
ONGOING
24TH ST E EB & WB LANES CLOSED FROM 3RD AVE N TO 4TH AVE N
(Community event)
Start: August 15, 5:00 p.m. End: August 16, 12:00 a.m.

CENTENNIAL DR CLOSED FROM JOHNSON CRES TO LANGEVIN CRES (W. LEG)
(Concrete work)
Start: August 15, 9:00 a.m. End: August 17, 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 Street eastbound to Idylwyld Drive southbound will be maintained
Start: August 13, 12:00 p.m. End: August 27, 4:00 p.m.
20TH ST W WB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE F S TO AVE G S
(Streetscaping)
Two way traffic will be accommodated in the eastbound lanes. Speed reduced to 30km/h
Start: August 7, 9:00 a.m. End: September 4, 6:00 p.m.
KINGSMERE BLVD & WHITESHORE CR (E. LEG) INTERSECTION CLOSED
(Water pipe boring)
Bus routes will be affected. Please watch for temporary bus stop locations and allow extra time in case of delays. Call Saskatoon Transit at 306-975-3100
Start: August 7, 8:00 a.m. End: August 21, 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.

 


NEW
OVERNIGHT: CIRCLE DR E SB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM ATTRIDGE DR TO COLLEGE DR OVERPASS
(Road resurfacing)
Start: August 18, 7:00 p.m. End: August 19, 7:00 a.m.
ONGOING
CENTRAL AVE NB AND SB LANES CLOSED FROM GRAY AVE TO 110TH ST W
(Streetscaping)
Detour via Egbert Ave.
Start: August 17, 7:00 p.m. End: August 24, 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: August 13, 12:00 p.m. End: August 27, 4:00 p.m.
KINGSMERE BLVD & WHITESHORE CR (E. LEG) INTERSECTION CLOSED
(Water pipe boring)
Bus routes will be affected. Please watch for temporary bus stop locations and allow extra time in case of delays. Call Saskatoon Transit at 306-975-3100
Start: August 7, 8:00 a.m. End: August 21, 6:00 p.m.

20TH ST W WB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE F S TO AVE G S
(Streetscaping)
Two way traffic will be accommodated in EB lanes. Speed reduced to 30km/h
Start: August 7, 9:00 a.m. End: September 4, 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.

 

Saskatoon Citizens are more satisfied with the overall services provided by the City than they were last year, according to the 2014 Civic Services Survey. Specifically, 86% of telephone respondents and 79% of respondents online said they are satisfied or very satisfied compared to 83% and 73% respectively in 2013.

“Not only has citizen satisfaction increased, we are pleased to see that the perception of quality of life in Saskatoon remains high”, says Catherine Gryba, General Manager of the Corporate Performance Department.

Roads remain the number one issue among Saskatoon citizens who participated in the 2014 Civic Services Survey. The annual survey shows 37% of phone respondents and 19% of online respondents feel that roads should stay at the top of the City’s priority list.

“The Annual Civic Services Survey plays a very important role in key decision making and investing in what matters to citizens,” Gryba says. “For example, Saskatoon’s 2014 Road Plan and Building Better Roads campaign is a result of feedback from last year. Now we’re in the middle of the most aggressive program of road work in this community’s history.” 

“More than $50 million will be spent on Saskatoon roads this year; that’s 47% more than was spent in 2013. This investment is already paying off by the notable increase in citizen satisfaction with snow and ice road maintenance, and maintenance of major roadways and freeways”, Gryba says.  In comparison to last year, there has been a notable increase in satisfaction with traffic management, and planning for growth and development.

Other highlights of the 2014 Civic Services Survey include:

• Services rated of the highest importance include: quality of drinking water, repair of water main breaks, maintenance of major roadways and freeways, fire protection, and police services.
• The services that received the highest rating for performance include: quality of drinking water, fire protection, electrical services reliability, garbage collection, and police services.
• Respondents were divided with just over half showing support to a question specifically related to an $8.00 monthly charge to have snow removed from residential streets after it has been ploughed to the side.
• The City’s website continues to be an important information tool for citizens.

A total of 500 surveys were completed via telephone and 801 surveys were completed online between May 20^th and June 3^rd, 2014.  View the City of Saskatoon Annual Civic Services Survey in its entirety at www.saskatoon.ca.

The telephone survey is considered accurate within 4.4 percentage points 19 times out of 20.  A margin of error for the online study is not applicable because online research is considered a non-random sampling technique.

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.