News Releases
Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
Celebrating Labour Day with fireworks
September 1, 2022 - 8:00am
- Carefully read and follow the manufacturer instructions.
- Exercise increased caution when handling and discharging any type of firework.
- Choose your location wisely. Fireworks can only be discharged on private property.
- Familiarize yourself with the space requirements for the type of firework being discharged. Requirements vary depending on the firework type.
- Ensure your location is free of overhead obstructions, is clear side-to-side and is a safe distance from combustible materials.
- Ensure that it is not windy and that all spectators are safely located to observe the display.
- Be sure to properly stabilize the firework according to manufacturer direction.
- Other than sparklers, never light or hold a lit firework in your hand.
- Always light the fuse at its tip.
- Never try to relight or fix the fuse on fireworks that did not go off.
- Have a supply of water available and use it to extinguish debris or smouldering embers before they cause injuries, property damage and/or fires.
- Keep in mind that you are solely responsible for any debris that may land on spectators or another’s property.
The Saskatoon Fire Department would like to remind residents and visitors of safe practices for purchasing, enjoying and disposing of fireworks. This Labour Day, low-hazard fireworks can only be discharged on private property between the hours of dusk and 11:00 p.m. on Monday, September 5.
Low-hazard fireworks are designed for public recreational use. These fireworks travel less than 50m (160ft) high and include items such as roman candles, sparklers, fountains, wheels, volcanoes, mines and snakes.
High-hazard fireworks are designed for professionals and can only be purchased by persons holding a valid Fireworks Supervisor – Level I or Level II card issued by Natural Resources Canada.
Residents and spectators are reminded of the risks and obligations associated with fireworks:
For more information about fireworks safety, please visit saskatoon.ca/fireworks.
The Saskatoon Fire Department wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable Labour Day weekend!
Rescheduled: Lorne Avenue closed between Elm and Willow streets starting Friday
September 1, 2022 - 7:00am
Lorne Avenue will be closed between Elm and Willow streets starting Friday, September 2, at 8:00 a.m. for catch basin replacement work. Hilliard Street will be closed between Coy and McPherson avenues during this project. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone. This project is expected to take two days to complete, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.
Saskatoon Transit may be affected by these detours. Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit on desktop.
For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.
Saskatoon Light & Power to match SaskPower: new electrical rates effective today, September 1
September 1, 2022 - 7:00am
City Council at its August 29, 2022, meeting approved the Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services recommendation to match SaskPower’s approved electrical rate increases. The new rates will be effective starting today, September 1, 2022; as approved, a second rate will take effect on April 1, 2023. The Federal Carbon Charge is anticipated to increase on January 1, 2023.
The City of Saskatoon, and thereby Saskatoon Light & Power (SL&P) as a reseller of electricity matches its power rates to those established by SaskPower. This is to ensure equality between utility customers regardless of where they live in Saskatoon - within SL&P’s service provider area or SaskPower's.
The most recent general increase in electricity rates occurred on March 1, 2018, when a system-wide average increase of 3.5% came into effect. Since then, the Federal Carbon Charge has been implemented with annual adjustments. The Government of Saskatchewan also provided the Saskatchewan Economic Recovery Rebate in the amount of a 10% reduction in rates from December 1, 2020, to November 30, 2021.
SaskPower indicated in their current rate application that the main drivers of the requested rate increase were due to increases in the cost of fuel, purchased power expenses and modest increases in operating, maintenance, and administration expenses.
Starting September 1, 2022, an average residential customer using 625 kWh of electricity each month will incur an additional $7.00/month (3.4% electrical rate increase). Effective April 1, 2023, an additional $5.50/month (4.1% electrical rate increase). For commercial customers, there are several different rate categories depending on how much electricity they consume.
Please visit saskatoon.ca/utilityrates for full details on the electrical rates effective September 1, 2022.
For the City’s utility customers who have created an online My Utility Account, you'll be able to access SmartUtil our newest web tool to help you monitor your electrical consumption, view trends and also set handy budget notifications if you wish.
If you're uncertain of your electrical service provider, review your monthly utility bill or call Saskatoon Light & Power at 306-975-2414 during regular business hours.
City of Saskatoon electrical utility (SL&P) customers, check out the helpful new interactive power outage map.
Visit saskatoon.ca for more information about City services and programs.
City of Saskatoon releases 2021 Annual Report
August 31, 2022 - 10:45am
- consolidated operating revenues of $1.08 billion and operating expenses of $892.3 million resulting in a net surplus of $186.7 million
- a strengthened accumulated surplus from $4.6 billion to $4.8 billion, an increase of 4.0% over 2020’s figures
- a 2.95% increase in overall Reserves from $208.7 million to $270.4 million
- a year-end deficit for tax-based operations before the transfer from the fiscal stabilization Reserve of $1.1 million, the same operating deficit that was reported to City Council at its meeting on April 25, 2022
The City of Saskatoon has released its 2021 Annual Report to the public having received the opinion of the external auditor. Per The Cities Act, the 2021 Audited Financial Statements and Reports were presented to City Council for information on Monday, August 29, 2022. The Annual Report containing the consolidated financial statements is the legally required public report of the City's finances.
“The 2021 Annual Report highlights the City’s progress on major projects and initiatives by business line, our achievements and ongoing priorities as set out in the Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget, and the City's financial position at the end of 2021,” says Clae Hack, Chief Financial Officer.
“Against the ongoing challenges and the uncertainty of COVID-19 in 2021, we continued to find creative ways to be resilient and responsive in the delivery of our key civic services to the community,” says Hack. “We remain committed to ensuring residents receive value from the services and programs provided by local government, and from the investments made through their tax dollars.”
Financial highlights from 2021 show the City had:
Award-Winning Financial Reporting
For the 14th consecutive year, the City of Saskatoon received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Canadian Award for Financial Reporting (2020). The 2021 Annual Report will be submitted to the GFOA for consideration for this year's award.
The City also had its S & P Global ‘AAA/ Stable’ credit rating reconfirmed for 2021 (and again in January for 2022 ), supported by the City’s cautious financial decision-making and willingness to explore innovative and alternative ways to fund, finance, deliver and make progress on important infrastructure projects.
Intending to be one of the best-managed cities in Canada, the 2021 Annual Report reflects the City’s ongoing dedication to continuous improvement, accountability to the public we serve, transparency and clarity in financial reporting.
Visit saskatoon.ca/finance to view the 2021 Annual Report. Citizens may request an individually printed copy by emailing finance@saskatoon.ca.
Committee ponders cart size options for curbside residential garbage collection
August 31, 2022 - 5:44am
- Option 1 (Recommended by Administration):
- Three different garbage cart sizes would be available to residents upon request.
- Residents would have a choice of cart sizes ranging from a 180 litre, 240 litre and the current 360 litre for year-round bi-weekly pick-up service.
- This illustration compares the volume of the three black cart sizes.
- Option 2:
- Two different garbage cart sizes would be available to residents upon request -- the current large 360 litre and new medium 240 litre black cart for year-round bi-weekly pick-up service.
A pair of size options to collect residential garbage at single family households will be presented to the Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities & Corporate Services (EUCS) at its meeting Tuesday, September 6. The options are part of a report preparing the City’s move to a variable garbage cart utility in January 2024.
A variable black cart utility is a rate-based program where residents pay fees for the volume of waste they dispose and the services they receive based on the size of their garbage cart.
“While people are free to choose whatever they want, the volume-based rate structure is designed to encourage residents to divert as much waste as possible away from the landfill,” says Brendan Lemke, Director of Water and Waste Operations. “Residents with the largest garbage carts pay more and those with the smallest pay less.”
The decision to fund both the garbage and organics services through payments on utility bills was approved October 18, 2021 by the Governance and Priorities Committee of City Council, at which time the Committee asked the Administration to evaluate the funding model and present options on timing, phase-in and affordability.
The two options up for discussion are:
“Moving to a volume-based cart program will give residents choice based on their waste needs and it’s one of many components under the City’s Waste Reduction and Diversion Strategy to meet our waste diversion goals,” Lemke says. “We recommend Option 1 to City Council because it increases the customer’s control over their costs and provides financial incentives for waste diversion at a lower overall investment.”
The full report and attachments (appendix 1; appendix 2) can be found here.
For more information on waste and recycling, visit saskatoon.ca/wastediversion.
Daily Road Report - September 1, 2022
August 31, 2022 - 3:00pm
*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.
NEW
RUTH ST E EB LANES CLOSED FROM BROADWAY AVE TO LANSDOWNE AVE
(Sidewalk repair)
Two-way traffic will be maintained in WB lanes
Start: September 1, 7:00 a.m. End: September 8, 5:00 p.m.
NELSON RD EB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM HEATH AVE TO HEAL AVE
(Material laydown)
Start: September 1, 7:00 a.m. End: September 30, 5:00 p.m.
1ST AVE N ROAD CLOSED FROM 3RD AVE N TO PRINCESS ST
(Water main replacement)
Start: September 1, 7:30 a.m. End: September 20, 4:30 p.m.
22ND ST W EB & WB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM AVE I N TO AVE J S
(Streetlight replacements)
Start: September 1, 9:00 a.m. End: September 1, 3:00 p.m.
SPADINA CRES E ROAD FROM 3RD AVE S TO 20TH ST E
(Nutrien Fireworks Festival)
Access to Boat Launch will be closed during this time
Start: September 1, 5:00 p.m. End: September 5, 12:30 p.m.
NIGHTWORK
CIRCLE DR W ROAD CLOSED AT 33RD ST W
(Bridge washing)
Start: August 31, 7:00 p.m. End: September 1, 6:00 a.m.
ONGOING
7TH AVE N ROAD CLOSED FROM 33RD ST E TO EMPRESS ST
(Valve repairs)
Start: August 31, 8:00 a.m. End: September 1, 5:00 p.m.
CIRCLE DR E WB CURB LANE & LEFT TURN LANE CLOSED AT QUEBEC AVE
(Hydro Vac)
Start: August 30, 9:00 a.m. End: September 1, 5:00 p.m.
33RD ST E EB LEFT TURN & WB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED AT WARMAN RD
(Construction)
Start: August 20, 7:00 a.m. End: September 2, 5:00 p.m.
1ST AVE N SB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 25TH ST E TO 24TH ST E
(Concrete work)
Start: August 29, 7:30 a.m. End: September 4, 5:00 p.m.
AVE H N ROAD CLOSED AT 31ST ST W
(Water main work)
Start: August 30, 8:00 a.m. End: September 5, 4:30 p.m.
MCORMOND DR ROAD CLOSED AT BRIGHTON BLVD
(New road construction)
Start: June 6, 7:00 a.m. End: September 9, 5:00 p.m.
All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.
For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.
Spray pad hours of operation extended as part of the City’s Extreme Heat Response
August 31, 2022 - 2:00pm
As part of the City's Extreme Heat Response, all spray pads hours have been extended to 10:00 p.m. until Monday, September 5. Spray pads are open daily at 10:00 a.m. Visit saskatoon.ca/spraypads for a list of spray pad locations.
There are over 70 locations across Saskatoon to cool off and take a break from the heat. View the Heat Response Map to find a cooling location near you. Note: All paddling pools are closed for the season.
Tree maintenance begins in Nutana West, Nutana Central and East College Park neighbourhoods
August 31, 2022 - 12:00pm
Starting Thursday, September 1, 2022, crews will begin pruning trees on civic property in Nutana West, Nutana Central and College Park East as part of the City’s Boulevard Tree Maintenance Program. Tree maintenance operations in these three neighbourhoods will continue until December 16, 2022.
The Boulevard Tree Maintenance Program follows a regular pruning cycle to help preserve the health of the City’s tree inventory, as well as to eliminate hazards and provide clearance from buildings, signs, streetlights and utility wires.
Tree maintenance often requires road restrictions. The City reminds pedestrians, cyclists and drivers to ensure safety is a priority by respecting the work zone and obeying all road restrictions and signage.
For more information, visit saskatoon.ca/treemaintenance.
Winterization of park irrigation systems begins September 1
August 31, 2022 - 10:45am
On September 1, City crews begin the annual winterization of the 480 irrigation systems in Saskatoon parks and along roadway streetscapes. Winterization is an important maintenance procedure to help ensure the longevity of the City’s irrigation infrastructure.
Irrigation winterization involves the use of large compressors that force air through the irrigation system, removing any residual water so it will not freeze within the underground pipes. The force of compressed air exiting through sprinkler heads may pick up and propel debris within the work zone.
To ensure public safety, residents are asked to follow all signage at work sites, and to stay clear of all sprinkler heads, compressor units and related winterization equipment in the parks during maintenance.
The winterization process is expected to take seven weeks. For more information, visit saskatoon.ca/parkmaintenance.
Year-round reduced speeds now in effect for School Zones and new Playground Zones
August 31, 2022 - 10:00am
Saskatoon families may feel a stronger sense of safety in areas where their young children learn and play as changes to School Zones and new Playground Zones start tomorrow, September 1.
Speed limits in School Zones at elementary schools will be 30 km/h every day, all year from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Additionally, some school zone boundaries were adjusted and the reduced speed limit was removed from High School Zones. U-turns are still restricted at all schools between posted School Zone signs.
“Slowing from 50 km/h to 30 km/h where children play gives the driver more time to react, a wider field of vision and a chance to come to a complete stop sooner,” says Jay Magus, Director of Transportation. “Children are more vulnerable to severe injury in a crash than adults, so should a crash occur, it is less likely that it would have severe consequences at a reduced speed.”
Playground Zones are new in Saskatoon and require drivers to slow to 30 km/h as posted, when passing areas where children play. Where School and Playground Zone signs do not include a posted speed limit, treat the sign as a caution and pay close attention through the area.
Speed enforcement activities will be aligned with the new School Zone and Playground Zone effective hours.
“It’s critical for people to slow down in these areas where young children play and learn,” said Dale Solie, Inspector, Saskatoon Police Service. “Initially our focus will be to educate and raise awareness of the school zone and playground changes; however, enforcement will occur where necessary.”
Vehicle speed and pedestrian safety have been the top concerns of residents who participated in 77 Neighbourhood Traffic Reviews between 2013 and 2021, and many people felt that vulnerable people, such as children, were at risk of injury.
Following a city-wide speed limit review for residential streets in 2021, City Council approved changes to extend School Zones to year-round with longer hours and implement playground zones. Learn more at saskatoon.ca/speedlimit.