News Releases
Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo receives two industry excellence awards
October 7, 2021 - 11:00am
- Story Time at the Zoo (pre-kindergarten, kindergarten)
- Meet the Creature (Grades 1-2, 2/3 splits)
- Habitat and Adaptations (Grades 3-5 and 5/6 splits)
- Owl and Owl Pellets (Grades 3 and up)
- Species at Risk (Grades 7-8)
The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo) is extremely honoured and proud to be the recipient of two awards at the 2021 Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) Annual Awards of Excellence.
The new Prairie Dog Exhibit at the Zoo won the Thomas R. Baines award. This award recognizes excellence in habitat design and development as well as the ability to apply unique approaches to animal care and welfare.
“We are so proud of our new Prairie Dog Exhibit and to receive an award recognizing the new habitat is very exciting,” says Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager. “A big thank you our zookeepers and our partner organizations including the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation, that came together to make this exhibit a reality.”
The Prairie Dog Exhibit was designed to feature a naturalistic habitat and provide a new permanent home for the prairie dogs at the Zoo. The exhibit is over nine feet deep with one-inch stainless steel mesh covering the entire bottom of the exhibit allowing the prairie dogs to exhibit their natural behaviours of digging and exploring. The design also allows for visitors to the Zoo to get an up-close look at the prairie dogs with over 40 feet of glass for great viewing opportunities and is anchored with original artwork created by the Saskatoon Community Youth Arts Program. Behind the scenes, a shifting area was created to provide space for future medical and physical checks for the animals.
The Saskatoon Zoo Society received the Eleanore Oakes Award for Education Program Design. This award recognizes outstanding achievement and innovation in education program design that enhances conservation knowledge.
“Our team developed virtual programs when restrictions from the Covid-19 pandemic forced our programming to move to a virtual environment” says Kathleen Zary, Education Manager, Saskatoon Zoo Society. “We were so thankful to receive support from several funders to deliver over 350 virtual programs designed to connect students to nature by bringing animals and students together through interactive education while fostering a respect for nature with a Saskatchewan focus.”
The Saskatoon Zoo Society developed five virtual environmental education programs for children in kindergarten to grade eight. Each program featured animal interactions in real time, experienced educators that deepened conversations facilitated throughout the program and professionally taped video tours. The programs also matched the Saskatchewan curricular objectives and incorporated Indigenous-focused content. The five programs developed include:
For more information on the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo visit saskatoon.ca/zoo.
For more information on the Saskatoon Zoo Society visit saskatoonzoosociety.ca.
For more information on CAZA visit caza.ca.
20th Street closed between Avenue W and Avenue Y starting Friday
October 7, 2021 - 9:00am
20th Street will be closed between Avenue W and Avenue Y starting Friday, October 8, at 8:00 a.m. for valve replacement work. Avenue X will be closed between 19th and 21st streets during this project. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around this work. This project is expected to take two days to complete, barring any unforeseen circumstances or weather delays.
Saskatoon Transit may be affected by these detours. Transit service alerts and real-time bus information is 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.
2nd Avenue closed between 20th and 21st streets on Friday
October 7, 2021 - 8:00am
2nd Avenue will be closed between 20th and 21st streets on Friday, October 8, at 6:00 a.m. for valve replacement work. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around this work. This project is expected to take one day to complete, barring any unforeseen circumstances or weather delays.
Saskatoon Transit may be affected by these detours. Transit service alerts and real-time bus information is 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.
Baltzan Boulevard closed between McOrmond Drive and Horner Crescent on Friday
October 7, 2021 - 7:00am
Baltzan Boulevard will be closed between McOrmond Drive and Horner Crescent on Friday, October 8, at 9:00 a.m. for crack sealing work. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around this work. This project is expected to take three hours to complete, barring any unforeseen circumstances or weather delays.
Saskatoon Transit may be affected by these detours. Transit service alerts and real-time bus information is 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.
Allowance of on-leash pets recommended in Kiwanis Memorial Park
October 6, 2021 - 4:30pm
An approval report will be presented to the Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services on October 12, 2021, outlining the proposed amendment to Bylaw No. 7860, The Animal Control Bylaw, 1999 to permit pets on-leash in Kiwanis Memorial Park.
In 2019, City Council heard from residents and the business community that there was support to amend the current bylaw prohibiting pets in Kiwanis Memorial Park. City Council directed Administration to report back on the current feasibility of allowing pets on-leash in all riverbank parks along Meewasin Trail including the possible impacts, both positive and negative, of amending the Animal Control Bylaw No. 7860.
Kiwanis Memorial Park is currently one of four areas in Saskatoon that prohibits pets on-leash and off-leash. Kiwanis Memorial Park has been designated and maintained as a pet-prohibited park since 1982 and is currently the only riverbank park or park along the Meewasin Trail where pets are not permitted.
Administration from Recreation and Community Development engaged with both internal and external stakeholders, including the Animal Services Working Group, as well as the community on whether on-leash pets should be allowed in Kiwanis Memorial Park, identifying the associated opportunities and barriers of doing so. More than 2,200 respondents participated in a community survey, with the majority of respondents stating they strongly supported (72%) or supported (10%) allowing on-leash pets full access to the park at all times.
“We were very excited to see great participation and positive support provided from the community as well as key stakeholder groups,” said Andrew Roberts, Director Recreation and Community Development. “With the majority of the 2,200 responses to the community survey and stakeholders supporting allowing pets on-leash in Kiwanis Memorial Park, Administration is recommending to Council to amend the bylaw”.
The full report and attachments can be found here.
Daily Road Report, October 7, 2021
October 6, 2021 - 3:00pm
*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.
NEW
33RD ST W EB RIGHT TURN BAY & WB LEFT TURN BAY CLOSED AT CONFEDERATION DR
(Intersection improvements)
Start: October 7, 7:00 a.m. End: October 10, 5:00 p.m.
CUMBERLAND AVE S ROAD CLOSED FROM 5TH ST E TO 1ST ST E
(Catch basin replacement)
Start: October 7, 8:00 a.m. End: October 8, 5:00 p.m.
ATTRIDGE DR EB & WB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM CIRCLE DR E TO CENTRAL AVE
(Overhead sign work)
Start: October 7, 9:00 a.m. End: October 7, 3:00 p.m.
ONGOING
33RD ST W EB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM CONFEDERATION DR TO WEDGE RD
(Intersection improvements)
Start: October 4, 7:00 a.m. End: October 7, 5:00 p.m.
AVE H N ROAD CLOSED FROM 30TH ST W TO 33RD ST W
(Water main work)
Start: September 27, 7:00 a.m. End: October 8, 4:30 p.m.
1ST AVE N INTERSECTION CLOSED AT PRINCESS ST
(construction)
Start: October 4, 7:00 a.m. End: October 8, 6:00 p.m.
BRIGHTON BLVD ROAD CLOSED FROM 8TH ST TO BRIGHTON COMMON
(Storm sewer work)
Start: August 30, 9:00 a.m. End: October 4, 7:00 a.m.
BOYCHUK DR ROAD CLOSED FROM MCKERCHER DR TO MCMASTER CRES
(channelization)
Start: October 4, 9:00 a.m. End: October 13, 5:00 p.m.
20TH ST W ROAD CLOSED FROM AVE Q S TO AVE T S
(Water main repairs)
Start: August 16, 7:00 a.m. End: October 14, 4:00 p.m.
NELSON RD SOUTH SIDEWALK CLOSED FROM HEATH AVE TO HEAL AVE
(Sidewalk closed)
Start: September 16, 6:00 a.m. End: October 16, 6:00 p.m.
14TH ST E WB LANES & CURB LANE; & CIRCLE DR NB RAMP CLOSED FROM CIRCLE DR E TO CARLETON DR
(PWM repair)
Two-way traffic will be maintained in the EB Lanes.
Start: September 27, 9:30 a.m. End: October 17, 4:00 p.m.
NEAULT RD NB LANES CLOSED FROM 22ND ST W TO 33RD ST W
(Water main construction)
Start: September 20, 10:00 a.m. End: October 25, 5:00 p.m.
KENSINGTON GATE W ROAD CLOSED FROM NEAULT RD TO KENSINGTON LANE N
(Water main work)
Start: September 13, 7:00 a.m. End: October 25, 6:00 p.m.
NEAULT RD NB & SB SPEED REDUCTION FROM 22ND ST W TO KENSINGTON GATE W
(Water main work)
Start: September 15, 9:00 a.m. End: October 26, 4:00 p.m.
All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.
Cumberland Avenue closed between 1st and 5th streets starting Thursday
October 6, 2021 - 7:00am
Cumberland Avenue will be closed between 1st and 5th streets starting Thursday, October 7, at 8:00 a.m. for catch basin replacement work. 3rd Street will be closed between Ewart and Jackson avenues during this project. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around this work. This project is expected to take two days to complete, barring any unforeseen circumstances or weather delays.
Saskatoon Transit may be affected by these detours. Transit service alerts and real-time bus information is 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.
Daily Road Report, October 6, 2021
October 5, 2021 - 3:00pm
*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.
NEW
22ND ST W EB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM HIGHWAY 7 TO BETTS AVE
(conc. repair in median)
Start: October 6, 7:00 a.m. End: October 6, 12:00 p.m.
PRINCESS ST INTERSECTION CLOSED FROM 1ST AVE TO CITY YARDS
(Construction)
Start: October 6, 7:00 a.m. End: October 12, 7:00 p.m.
CENTRAL AVE SB LANES CLOSED FROM 111TH ST W TO 110TH ST W
(Well monitoring)
Two-way traffic will be maintained in the NB Lanes.
Start: October 6, 9:00 a.m. End: October 6, 12:00 p.m.
8TH ST E WB CURB & PARKING LANES CLOSED FROM BROADWAY AVE TO EASTLAKE AVE
(Resurfacing)
Start: October 6, 9:00 a.m. End: October 6, 3:00 p.m.
8TH ST E EB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM VICTORIA AVE TO BROADWAY AVE
(Paving)
Start: October 6, 9:00 a.m. End: October 6, 3:00 p.m.
CENTRAL AVE NB LANES CLOSED FROM 111TH ST W TO 110TH ST W
(Well monitoring)
Two-way traffic will be maintained in the SB Lanes.
Start: October 6, 12:00 p.m. End: October 6, 4:00 p.m.
ATTRIDGE DR EB MEDIAN & CENTRE LANES; & WB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM CENTRAL AVE TO CIRCLE DR E
(Overhead sign work)
Start: October 6, 6:30 p.m. End: October 6, 9:30 p.m.
ONGOING
1ST AVE N INTERSECTION CLOSED AT PRINCESS ST
(Construction)
Start: October 4, 7:00 a.m. End: October 6, 7:00 a.m.
IDYLWYLD DR S NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM 8TH ST E TO SASKATCHEWAN CRES W
(Median Barrier Replacements)
Start: September 13, 7:00 a.m. End: October 6, 3:00 p.m.
33RD ST W EB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM CONFEDERATION DR TO WEDGE RD
(Intersection improvements)
Start: October 4, 7:00 a.m. End: October 7, 5:00 p.m.
AVE H N ROAD CLOSED FROM 30TH ST W TO 33RD ST W
(Water main work)
Start: September 27, 7:00 a.m. End: October 8, 4:30 p.m.
BRIGHTON BLVD ROAD CLOSED FROM 8TH ST TO BRIGHTON COMMON
(Storm sewer work)
Start: August 30, 9:00 a.m. End: October 4, 7:00 a.m.
BOYCHUK DR ROAD CLOSED FROM MCKERCHER DR TO MCMASTER CRES
(Channelization)
Start: October 4, 9:00 a.m. End: October 13, 5:00 p.m.
NELSON RD SOUTH SIDEWALK CLOSED FROM HEATH AVE TO HEAL AVE
(Sidewalk closed)
Start: September 16, 6:00 a.m. End: October 16, 6:00 p.m.
14TH ST E WB LANES & CURB LANE; & CIRCLE DR NB RAMP CLOSED FROM CIRCLE DR E TO CARLETON DR
(PWM repair)
Two-way traffic will be maintained in the EB Lanes.
Start: September 27, 9:30 a.m. End: October 17, 4:00 p.m.
NEAULT RD NB LANES CLOSED FROM 22ND ST W TO 33RD ST W
(Water main construction)
Start: September 20, 10:00 a.m. End: October 25, 5:00 p.m.
KENSINGTON GATE W ROAD CLOSED FROM NEAULT RD TO KENSINGTON LANE N
(Water main work)
Start: September 13, 7:00 a.m. End: October 25, 6:00 p.m.
NEAULT RD NB & SB SPEED REDUCTION FROM 22ND ST W TO KENSINGTON GATE W
(Water main work)
Start: September 15, 9:00 a.m. End: October 26, 4:00 p.m.
All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.
City recognizes City customer service employees serving, supporting residents
October 5, 2021 - 4:41am
- Adopting new health and safety protocols
- Adapting to masks, plexiglass, social distancing
- Managing feelings of personal safety
- Responding to resident concerns about COVID protocols
- Adapting in-person services to be delivered online or over the phone
- Managing more calls and messages than ever due to pandemic-related service changes
This week (Oct. 4-8), the City is recognizing the significant contributions of their employees in customer service roles. Customer Service Week, marked annually by the City during the first full week of October, is about showing appreciation for the City staff who serve and support residents.
Recognizing the contributions of staff in customer service is always important but never more so than now. Customer service staff are attempting to navigate a seemingly endless array of changes and challenges posed by a global health pandemic.
COVID-19 has resulted in many changes to the customer service functions of the City. Some of these include:
Have you had a City customer service representative go above and beyond to assist you? Please consider taking a moment to send a note of appreciation using the City’s Contact Us Form.
Zoo animals getting ready for winter
October 5, 2021 - 10:00am
It’s time to get ready for winter at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo). Preparations for winter vary for many animals at the Zoo. For some like the bison, mountain goats and pronghorns, now is the time to start developing heavier coats in anticipation for cooler temperatures. Many animals have also been increasing their food consumption including grizzly bears Mistaya and Koda who are gearing up for their long winter sleep.
“It is always great to see the animals exhibiting their natural adaptations for the upcoming winter season,” says Zoo Manager, Jeff Mitchell. “We have already seen our grizzly bears showing familiar signs of preparing for torpor, many of our elk and caribou are already displaying full antlers and soon our arctic fox’s fur will begin to change from grey to white. These are just some of the amazing transformations that we can expect to see as we move into the fall and winter seasons.”
Mitchell notes, the grizzly bears will likely be spending more time in their dens as they begin to settle in for their long winter slumber.
Dingoes Maple and Euci will also be adjusting their daily routine soon. Once the temperature falls below minus five degrees Celsius, the dingoes will start to spend more time indoors in favour of warmer temperatures.
Kazi (KAH-zee) the snow leopard is settling into his new home at the Nutrien Ark and is ready for the cooler temperatures.
“You will not see many big changes from Kazi, as he is so well adapted for winter,” says Mitchell. “One thing you may notice is his tail may get a little fluffier, that is because snow leopards will often use their tail as a scarf or a blanket during the winter months.”
The Zoo would like to remind residents that a non-medical mask is required when accessing indoor City-operated facilities and services including the Meerkat House and washroom facilities at the Zoo. Although masks are not required in outdoor spaces, the City recommends wearing a mask throughout your visit, even while enjoying the outdoor exhibits.
The Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., visit saskatoon.ca/zoo for more information or to plan your next visit.