News Releases

The following are the hours of civic services and facilities for the 2014/2015 Holiday Season:

City Hall will be closed December 25, 26, and January 1.

Parking meters will not require payment.  Motorists are required to move their vehicles within the time period shown on parking meters, allowing for a constant turnover of parking availability.

Municipal Impound Lot will not be releasing vehicles to the public on December 25, 26, and January 1.

Saskatoon Landfill will be closed on December 25 and January 1. The Landfill will be open all other days with regular winter hours of 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Garbage and Recycling Collection will not occur on December 25 and January 1.  Carts scheduled for collection on these dates are rescheduled for December 27 and January 3, respectively.  Recycle Depots are open 24/7 for over-sized cardboard and wrapping paper; and weekly collection will occur December 15 - January 2, 2015.

All Saskatoon Public Library locations will close early at 5 p.m. on December 24; will close December 25 and December 26; will close early at 5 p.m. on December 31 and will close January 1.

Mendel Art Gallery & Civic Conservatory
Regular hours until December 23: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
December 24, Christmas Eve: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
December 25, Christmas Day: Closed
December 26-30, back to regular hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
December 31, New Year’s Eve: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
January 1, back to regular hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Gallery Shop
Regular hours until December 23: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
December 24, Christmas Eve: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
December 25, Christmas Day: Closed
December 26, back to regular hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
December 31, New Year’s Eve: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
January 1, back to regular hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
January 2: Closed for inventory

TRANSIT SERVICES

Saskatoon Transit will operate with regular Sunday/Holiday Service.

Access Transit will operate with regular Holiday Service from 8:15 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.  Trips must be booked in advance as per normal procedures.  Customers are reminded that subscriptions do not apply on Statutory Holidays.

Transit Customer Service Centre will be closed.

Transit Customer Service phone lines will be available from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

RECREATION & SPORT

Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo:  CLOSED December 25. Regular hours of operation December 26 and January 1.

Indoor Arenas:  All arenas CLOSED December 25, 26, and January 1.
For the modified holiday rink schedule, visit Drop-in Online at www.saskatoon.ca/go/dropinonline.

Clarence Downey Speed Skating: OPEN December 25 and January 1; CLOSED December 26 - 28 weather permitting. For extended holiday hours, please call 306-975-3318.

LEISURE CENTRES

Cosmo Civic Centre: FACILITY CLOSED December 25 and 26 January 1. Modified hours for December 24 and 31.

Fitness Circuit & Terry Fox Track (in the SaskTel Sports Centre): FACILITY CLOSED December 25, 26, and January 1. Check drop-in on-line for additional closures throughout the holiday season.

Lakewood Civic Centre: FACILITY CLOSED December 25; modified hours for December 24, 26, 31 and January 1. All fitness classes and child minding CANCELLED on December 26 and Jan 1.

Lawson Civic Centre: FACILITY CLOSED December 25; modified hours for December 24, 26, 31 and January 1.

Saskatoon Field House: FACILITY CLOSED December 25; modified hours for December 24, 26, 31, and January 1. Child minding CANCELLED December 26^th:  Holiday Fitness Class December 26^th and January 1^st.

Shaw Centre: FACILITY CLOSED December 25; modified hours for December 26 and January 1. All fitness classes and child minding CANCELLED December 24 and 31.

Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre:  FACILITY CLOSED December 25; modified hours for December 24, 26, 31, and January 1. All fitness classes and swim lessons CANCELLED on December 26.

For modified Lane, Public and Parent & Tot Swim times, please visit Drop-in Online at www.saskatoon.ca/go/dropinonline.  For more information on operating hours and programs, please contact the Leisure Centres or facilities.

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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NEW
33RD ST EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN IDYLWYLD DR & ONTARIO AVE
(Pole installation)
Start: December 17, 9:00 a.m. End: December 17, 12:00 p.m.

 

33RD ST W WB LANES & EB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN AVE P N & EDMONTON AVE
(Hydrant repair)
Start: December 17, 9:30 a.m. End: December 17, 4:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DR MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED NORTH OF VALLEY RD
(Pole maintenance)
Start: December 17, 9:30 a.m. End: December 17, 10:30 a.m.

33RD ST WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN AVE J & AVE K
(Pole installation)
Start: December 17, 1:00 p.m. End: December 17, 4:00 p.m.

ONGOING
20TH ST W CLOSED FROM AVE R S TO AVE S S
(Water & Sewer Connection Repair)
Start: December 17, 7:30 a.m. End: December 17, 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 @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

 
The Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval will open for the 2014 to 2015 season starting Monday, December 15, 2014, at 2:00 p.m.  Public skating hours are as follows:  Monday to Thursday from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10:15 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Admission is free, and all skating skill levels are welcome to enjoy the 400 metre outdoor oval; speed skates are not necessary.  A modern warm-up building provides change rooms, public washrooms, and an area to lace-up skates in comfort.

The facility is closed Fridays.  The Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval will also be closed for Canada Winter Games Trial on December 26, 27 and 28; Provincial Meet from January 15 to 18; and Canadian Long Track Meet from February 4 to 8.

The Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval is located on Dudley Street at Avenue R, in the Gordon Howe Complex.

For more information, please visit www.saskatoon.ca/go/oval or call 306-975-3318.

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
20TH ST CLOSED FROM AVE R S TO AVE S S
(Water & Sewer Connection Repair)
Start: December 16, 7:30 a.m. End: December 17, 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 @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

For December 15, 2014

8.1.1 - 8.1.4 Acquisition of land for North Commuter Parkway Project

*Authorize the Real Estate Manager to acquire the following land for the North Commuter Parkway Project:

*The City of Saskatoon (City) requires a portion of land from Akzo  Nobel Chemicals Ltd.’s (Akzo Nobel) property at 3910 Wanuskewin Road to accommodate construction of the future NCP project.

*Portions of Parcel A, Plan No. 65S22382, Extension 0; Parcel B, Plan No. 101392354, Extension 3; and Parcel C, Plan No.101392680, Extension 2, comprising approximately 1.75 acres of vacant land owned by P.R.  Developments.

*Portions of SE 11-37-05 W3, Extension 127; Parcel A, Plan No.  86S45475, Extension 0; and Parcel B, Plan No. 76S21090, Extension 0, comprising approximately 1.312 acres of vacant land owned by the University of Saskatchewan.

*Portion of Block CC, Plan No. 102102725, Extension 0, comprising approximately 150 square meters of vacant land owned by Norseman Inc.

8.4.1 North Commuter Parkway and Traffic Bridge – Issuance of Request for Proposals

City Council will be asked to:

*Issue the Request for Proposals in substantially the form as reference within the report, subject to non-substantive amendments as reviewed and approved by the City Engineer and the City Solicitor’s Office.

Additional Information:

*The City has shortlisted the following three teams to participate in the RFP process: Bridge City Infrastructure Group, Bridge City Partners, and Graham Commuter Partners.

*The RFP process for the project will use a Public-Private Partnership (P3) method of procurement.

*The RFP will be issued in mid-December 2014, and is expected to close in Summer 2015, with Commercial Close of the Project Agreement 60 days following a City Council resolution regarding the preferred Proponent in Fall 2015.

*Substantial completion of the project is anticipated by the Fall of 2018.

*The honorarium for the unsuccessful Proponents is $500,000.

8.6.3, 8.11.1, 8.11.3 and 8.11.4 Independent Review Commission: Code of Conduct, Conduct of Municipal Elections, Total Compensation for Members of Council

In these four separate but related reports, City Council will be asked to:

*Instruct the City Solicitor to prepare the appropriate bylaw for consideration. (8.11.1)

 *Committees convene on or before March 1, 2015 and report to Council on or before May 31, 2015 with the following order of priority (8.11.1):

   - Municipal Elections Committee
  - Code of Conduct Committee
  - Remuneration Committee

*Consider Bylaw No. 9242 (8.6.3)

*Release the Investigation report received on September 22, 2014, regarding breaches under The Code of Conduct, in due course following appropriate review, as outlined. (8.11.3)

*Release the Investigation report received on November 5, 2014, regarding a breach under The Code of Conduct, in due course following appropriate review, as outlined.  (8.11.4)

8.9.1 and 8.9.2 Application for Municipal Heritage Property Designation for 803 9th Avenue North and 1102 Spadina Crescent East

City Council will be asked to:

*Request the City Solicitor to prepare and bring forward a bylaw to designate the property at 803 9th Avenue North and the property at 1102 Spadina Crescent East as Municipal Heritage Properties under the provision of The Heritage Property Act, with such designation limited to the exterior of the building.

*Request the General Manager, Community Services to prepare the necessary notices.

*Allocate $2,500 from the Heritage Reserve Fund for supply and installation of a recognition plaque for the property.

Additional Information:

*803 9th Avenue North – This property is eligible for designation as a Municipal Heritage Property. It is an excellent example of Tudor-style architecture. The property was once home to Andrew N. Boyd, an auto dealership owner and prominent member of the Knox United Church and Dr. Lorne McConnell, a pioneer in the field of neurosurgery in Western Canada and former Chief of Surgery at Saskatoon City Hospital.

*1102 Spadina Crescent East – This property is eligible for designation as a Municipal Heritage Property. It is a one and a half-story house that exhibits typical characteristics of homes built during the boom time period, and has been home to several prominent people, including Dr. Richard A. Wilson, Angus McGill Mowat and Farley Mowat. The property owner is undertaking a rehabilitation project to the exterior of the dwelling.

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As mild temperatures continue, the City of Saskatoon is addressing reports from residents of trouble spots as the snowpack continues to melt, creating slushy conditions.

 

“Traffic is moving well on all priority streets including Circle Drive.  The snow pack has been eliminated on most of the priority streets and driving lanes are in very good winter condition,” says Pat Hyde, Director of Public Works. “We are also addressing trouble spots in residential areas. Supervisors are investigating reported locations and crews are grading those streets or intersections that are difficult to navigate for vehicles.”

On residential streets, the snow is melting very quickly and we are seeing a significant reduction in the snow pack.  The long range forecast is calling for cooler temperatures but not a dramatic drop which would create ice blocks or severe rutting in areas that are slushy now.

Where an identified need is required, crews are clearing and opening catch basins to deal with the melt. The snow piled into windrows will allow the snow to melt slowly, reducing the risk of flooding. Crews are also addressing potholes as they arise, filling them with cold mix asphalt.

More than 1,100 tandem truckloads of snow have been removed from priority streets and Business Improvement Districts. The snow train has completed removing snow piles from bridges, overpasses and protective barriers along Circle Drive and contractors have finished hauling stored snow away from school zones.

Sidewalk plows have been touching up any blown in areas and widening pedestrian pathways, and crews have been clearing and sanding bus stops for pedestrians.

“Drivers should use extra caution when approaching plows and graders; and avoid passing,” says Hyde. “Be aware of reduced visibility, clearing of wet, slushy roads and shoulders can throw moisture onto your windshield leading to a sudden loss of visibility.  Always drive defensively and leave enough space between vehicles and our equipment to minimize snow spray.”

Residents can report any impassable or hazardous streets by calling Public Works Customer Service at 306-975-2476.

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
25TH ST E WB CLOSED & 3RD AVE SB CLOSED AT INTERSECTION
(Water Main Repair)
25th St EB & 3rd Ave NB reduced to one lane.
Start: December 13, 7:00 a.m. End: December 14, 6:00 p.m.

NEW SUNDAY

CIRCLE DR EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT IDYLWYLD DR INTERSECTION
(Electrical work)
No left turn from Circle Dr WB to Idylwyld Dr NB
Start: December 14, 6:30 a.m. End: December 14, 7:30 a.m.

SPADINA CRES NB CLOSED BETWEEN 24TH ST & UNIVERSITY BRIDGE
(Pole maintenance)
Start: December 14, 7:30 a.m. End: December 14, 9:00 a.m.
IDYLWYLD DR NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED APPROACHING 51ST ST OFF-RAMP
(Pole maintenance)
Start: December 14, 9:00 a.m. End: December 14, 10:30 a.m.

HWY 7 NB & SB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED SOUTH OF HART RD
(Pole maintenance)
Start: December 14, 10:30 a.m. End: December 14, 12:00 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 @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

NEW
EVENING: 25TH ST CLOSED FROM 1ST AVE N TO 2ND AVE N
(Business delivery)
Start: December 15, 7:00 p.m. End: December 15, 9:00 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 @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

 

For those property owners on the convenient TIPPS program (Tax Installment Payment Plan Service) watch for your new TIPPS Information in the mail this week.

TIPPS allows property owners to pay their property tax bill in 12 monthly instalments by automatic withdrawal rather than a single annual payment, based on the calendar year.  TIPPS customers must ensure that sufficient funds are available in their deposit account on the first banking day each month. This service makes budgeting easier, and has no added fees or penalties.

If you are a property owner and not currently paying your property taxes on a monthly basis, consider applying for TIPPS. You can apply if you: 

· have banking privileges at your financial institution (bank, trust company, or credit union)

· are not paying your property tax through a mortgage company

TIPPS applications are accepted throughout the year, and it is important to note, all tax arrears and any missed instalments from January 1 must be paid at the time of your application.

For those property owners currently not on TIPPS, property taxes are due and payable June 30 of each year.  

For more information visit the homepage of saskatoon.ca and look under Online Services for TIPPS, or use the Property Assessment & Online Tax Tool.  Other tax questions? Call 306-975-2400.

 - 30 -

 

The City of Saskatoon will begin installing new FlexParking pay stations in the downtown and core business districts on Wednesday, December 10, 2014, however the stations will not be operational until early 2015.

“This flexible, pay-by-plate system will replace the individual coin meters in the city’s Downtown, Broadway, Sutherland and Riversdale business districts,” says Angela Gardiner, Director of Transportation. “The easy to use system will enable citizens to pay using coins, credit cards, the new City Parking Card and, in the near future, cell phones. It also allows you to park at various locations throughout the city on a single payment.”

Drivers may move around the city and occupy several spaces, using their single parking purchase at multiple spots. However, drivers must still obey the posted time limits associated with each new space. Parking commissioners will be able to tell how much time your vehicle has sat in each location through the aid of licence plate identification and recognition software. 

The new machines are solar powered and ticketless; you simply enter your licence plate number at the nearest pay station, make your payment and walk away. Since your payment is tied to your licence plate, there is no need to display a ticket on the dash. Receipts are issued as requested. In total, 325 pay stations will replace 2,800 coin meters; parking fees will remain unchanged.

“We had been hearing from residents that the old meters were dated and inflexible, especially as cash is used less and less for transactions and fewer people are carrying change,” says Gardiner. “Until the new systems are activated, people should continue to plug the old coin meters. Once the new stations are active, the existing meters will be hooded until they are removed.”

A map showing  where the new FlexParking pay stations are being installed is available at www.saskatoon.ca/go/flexparking and people are also encouraged to try out the new pay station in the City Hall foyer where a test station has been installed. Note that the test station only accepts credit cards but that no charges will be applied to your card for these tests.  

For more information about the new FlexParking pay stations visit saskatoon.ca/go/flexparking or call 306-975-2980.