News Releases

Following a formal Request For Proposals for the lease to operate the Farmers’ Market Building in River Landing issued in October, 2018, the City will not be awarding a lease and the RFP is now cancelled.

During the RFP process, it became apparent that ongoing water issues with the roof on the building will require significant repairs, and as such, the building will need to close for approximately three months to accommodate those repairs. During the RFP process, the City received two applications and it thanks the parties that submitted a proposal. However, awarding the lease to a tenant, only to close the building for a lengthy period, would be unfair.

The City has offered to extend the lease of the current tenant through the 2019 growing season, and the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market Cooperative (SFMCL) has agreed to stay on, in which case the building will remain open until December 31, 2019, when the lease with the SFMCL will end. Closure of the building and subsequent repairs to the roof would take place in early 2020.

Requests For Proposals will now be required for the work to design solutions and then repair the building’s roof. Future operations of the building will be explored in the coming months.

For the eighth consecutive year, the City of Saskatoon has been selected as one of Saskatchewan’s 2019 Top Employers. The competition recognizes Saskatchewan employers that lead their industries in offering exceptional places to work.

“The success of everything we do at the City of Saskatoon depends on the expertise, skills and commitment of our employees. That’s why we will continue to focus on employee engagement and creating a welcoming workplace where all people are encouraged to realize their potential,” says Chief Human Resources Officer Sarah Cameron.

“As Saskatoon continues to grow and become more culturally diverse so does our need to interact effectively with people of different cultures. Last year we introduced mandatory Indigenous awareness training for all employees and leadership training to build intercultural competency so that we can better serve all citizens of Saskatoon,” Cameron says.

The City of Saskatoon was evaluated on eight criteria, the same used for the Canada Top 100 Employer’s competition: (1) Physical Workplace; (2) Work Atmosphere & Social; (3) Health, Financial & Family Benefits; (4) Vacation & Time Off; (5) Employee Communications; (6) Performance Management; (7) Training & Skills Development; and (8) Community Involvement.

Employers are compared with other organizations in their field to determine which ones offer the most progressive and forward-thinking programs.

The Saskatchewan’s 2019 Top Employers are highlighted in today’s Saskatoon StarPhoenix and Regina Leader-Post. 

Approximately 90 percent of glass is broken by the time it is sorted for recycling.

In a step to improve the amount of glass that can be recycled, a pilot program in partnership with SARCAN will enable residents to take their glass items to SARCAN depots.

“We scanned blue bin programs across Canada, and noticed that single stream collection programs may not be the most effective in recycling glass products since so much of the glass gets broken.  While less people might use a depot, the overall percentage of glass that gets recycled can actually improve”, said Amber Weckworth, Manager of Education and Environmental Performance. 

While the current Blue Bin program will still accept household glass material, residents are encouraged to ‘take it, don’t break it’ and avoid broken glass during collections by taking clean glass jars and bottles to their nearest SARCAN recycling depot.

SARCAN Locations

• East Depot – 350B-103 Street East
• North Depot – 2327 Faithfull Avenue
• South Depot – Avalon Plaza 20A - 2605 Broadway Avenue
• West Depot – 7 - 2305 22nd Street W

 What you can recycle

• Food container jars – jam, pickles, peanuts, sauces, etc.
• Beverage glass bottles
• Food glass bottles – olive oil, etc. 

The following items are not accepted in the SARCAN pilot program: excessively dirty glass; broken containers; Pyrex; ceramics; dishes; drinking glasses; carboys and jugs from homemade wine kits; mirrors; light bulbs; and glass home décor.

 What you need to know

• Glass that has no deposit paid at the time of purchase, results in no refund given at SARCAN.
• Clean glass jars and bottles before taking items to SARCAN.
• Visit sarcan.ca for more information.

For more information on recyclables, collection calendar, and waste wizard, visit: saskatoon.ca/household-glass-pilot-program.

The City Archives is pleased to be the recipient of several locally-themed collections including extensive photographic material and news clippings from the Saskatoon StarPhoenix.

“This is a significant community asset and gift,” says City Archivist Jeff O’Brien.  “We are grateful to both the Provincial Archives and the StarPhoenix to have the opportunity to keep and make available at the City Archives, this vital historical resource.”

The StarPhoenix collection consists of approximately 400,000 images taken by StarPhoenix photographers.  The collection also includes clippings of the corresponding published images dating from 1948 to 1965 and from 1970 to 1986.  The material documents local news and personalities predominantly in Saskatoon, but also from surrounding communities.

In November, 2018, the Provincial Archives of Saskatchewan (PAS) announced the consolidation of its holdings, resulting in the closure of the Saskatoon office, and merging of their offices and services into a single Regina location.

Following discussions with the Provincial Archives, 22 other collections important to Saskatoon will also be kept at the City Archives. The PAS transferred 1500 digital images scanned from the collection over the years. Importantly, PAS also transferred indexes for the entire collection, including 25,000 descriptions of individual photographs that the City will incorporate into its in-house archives database.

The newly acquired material arrived Monday, February 4, 2019; it includes papers of the Temperance Colonization Society, Saskatoon Prairieland Exhibition Association, Trounce Family, Billy Silverwood, R.W. Caswell, Saskatoon Board of Trade and the Mendel Art Gallery.

The City Archive works to preserve and provide access to the historical records of the City of Saskatoon, as well as to those of historically significant individuals and organizations in Saskatoon. The Archives is open to the public during business hours. Staff will also provide research assistance by post, by email or by calling 306-975-7811.

The City Archives is pleased to be the recipient of several locally-themed collections including extensive photographic material and news clippings from the Saskatoon StarPhoenix.

“This is a significant community asset and gift,” says City Archivist Jeff O’Brien.  “We are grateful to both the Provincial Archives and the StarPhoenix to have the opportunity to keep and make available at the City Archives, this vital historical resource.”

The StarPhoenix collection consists of approximately 400,000 images taken by StarPhoenix photographers.  The collection also includes clippings of the corresponding published images dating from 1948 to 1965 and from 1970 to 1986.  The material documents local news and personalities predominantly in Saskatoon, but also from surrounding communities.

In November 2018, the Provincial Archives of Saskatchewan (PAS) announced the consolidation of its holdings, resulting in the closure of the Saskatoon office, and merging of their offices and services into a single Regina location.

Following discussions with the Provincial Archives, 22 other collections important to Saskatoon will also be kept at the City Archives. The PAS transferred 1500 digital images scanned from the collection over the years. Importantly, PAS also transferred indexes for the entire collection, including 25,000 descriptions of individual photographs that the City will incorporate into its in-house archives database.

The newly acquired material arrived Monday, February 4, 2019; it includes papers of the Temperance Colonization Society, Saskatoon Prairieland Exhibition Association, Trounce Family, Billy Silverwood, R.W. Caswell, Saskatoon Board of Trade and the Mendel Art Gallery.

The City Archive works to preserve and provide access to the historical records of the City of Saskatoon, as well as to those of historically significant individuals and organizations in Saskatoon. The Archives is open to the public during business hours. Staff will also provide research assistance by post, by email or by calling 306-975-7811.

Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for Saskatoon. Snow started overnight and is expected to continue through to Sunday, with an estimated total accumulation of 10-15 centimetres, and winds of 20 to 40 km/h. Daytime temperatures are expected to remain in the low minus 20s. There will be a risk of frostbite; with the wind it will feel more like temperatures around minus 33.

Winter driving conditions will exist and blowing snow will cause slippery conditions on roadways. People are asked to use caution on high traffic roads and on sidewalks where ice may form. City crews have up to 10 high-speed plows, 31 graders, 20 sanders and 10 sidewalk plows ready to clear priority streets and to treat slippery sections with sand that is pre-wet with magnesium chloride to help it stick.      

During the storm, all city resources will be mobilized to preserve mobility on high-traffic, high-speed roadways such as Circle Drive and Idylwyld Drive. Snow plowing and heavy wind can cause whiteouts and reduced visibility on freeways during a heavy snowfall.  Drivers are reminded to hang back, out of the snow cloud and watch for blue lights that indicate winter road maintenance is underway.

 What you can expect from us

1. Snow and ice may cause bridges, ramps, overpasses and high-traffic intersections to be icy.
2. City crews will be focussing efforts on clearing high traffic, high volume roadways such as Circle Drive, followed by key arterials, and then local and collector priority streets.  All priority streets are to be graded within 72 hours of the end of the storm.
3. If more snow falls during the clean-up, crews will go back to keeping high traffic, high volume roads clear until it stops.
4. Under heavy snowfall, plows on Circle Drive may be travelling at reduced speeds.
5. Transit routes may be impacted with late buses. Transit service alerts, real-time bus locations, and arrivals are available on third party apps like Transit and Google Transit. Access Transit may also be affected by heavy snow on residential streets.

 How you can help us

1. Slow down and use extra caution.
2. Watch for blue and amber flashing lights on winter road maintenance equipment. If you encounter equipment on the road, slow down, remain at least 15 metres (2.5 car lengths) behind, and be ready to stop.  Passing is not recommended and may not be possible.
3. When safe to do so, drivers can report icy or snowed-in locations to the 24-hour Customer Service Centre at 306-975-2476 or email snow@saskatoon.ca.
4. Be in the Know About Snow! Learn more about what happens when it snows at saskatoon.ca/snow.

Find real time alerts about snow event priority street grading progress when it snows at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts or follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert.

Both lanes of southbound traffic on Highway 11 at the derailment site have been opened to public access. Speed and traffic restrictions have been lifted for this direction.

One lane of northbound traffic on Highway 11 at the derailment site has now been opened to public access. Some speed and traffic restrictions are still in effect for this direction.

Watch for posted signage and obey all restrictions and safety information.

Work crews have cleared all the damaged cars from Tuesday’s derailment at the crossing at Highway #11 and Wanuskewin Road.

Repairs to the track continue this morning; when those are complete the highway will need to be inspected before it opens to vehicular traffic. Northbound traffic remains closed.

Transportation Safety Board (TSB)  investigators arrived last night to gather information and that work continues today. 

One lane of southbound traffic on Highway #11 is open; speed and traffic restrictions are in place.

Until the roadways are inspected and safe to open,  Highway 11 northbound to Warman is closed just past 71st Street; traffic is being detoured to Highway 12 through Martensville and Highway 305 back to Highway 11 for locations north of Warman. Wanuskewin Road northbound is closed just past Penner Road to allow access to Cathedral Bluffs.

Please watch for message boards and obey speed restrictions and safety information. 

Reconciliation Saskatoon has launched ConnectR - an online tool designed to help residents choose their own path towards reconciliation.

“Reconciliation is different for everyone and often people don’t know where to begin. ConnectR is a great resource that provides people of all ages a starting point for their journey,” Elder and Indian residential school survivor Gilbert Kewistep explains. “As a survivor, I’m excited about the future of reconciliation and seeing people, particularly our youth, respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s (TRC) calls to action.”

Visitors to the site are offered different paths to start their journey of reconciliation. Similar to Pinterest, the ConnectR website is highly visual and engaging with each path leading to a selection of relevant calls to action. Activities include: reading a particular book, learning about Indigenous protocols, visiting an Indigenous cultural site or going to a local workshop.

“The ConnectR initiative shows us what is possible when we work with care and humility on the journey of reconciliation,” says Mayor Charlie Clark. “Our city will only be successful if all people are able to be a part of its success, and ConnectR helps us to chart a path forward, pushes us to be a welcoming and resilient community, and inspires us to find strength in the differences of our neighbours and all of the people who call this place home. This project represents the best in our community, and I hope that many people in our community engage with this great resource.”

A unique aspect of the project is the involvement of seven ConnectR Youth Ambassadors who come from Indigenous, non-Indigenous and newcomer backgrounds. They each plan to document their reconciliation learning journey and share their diverse experiences with the community through social media. To follow their stories, visit facebook.com/BeAConnectR

“As Youth Champions, we want to tackle difficult conversations about reconciliation so that more people feel willing to engage in calls to action,” says ConnectR Youth Champion Sienna Waskewitch.

The ConnectR website was designed by Creative Fire that put together a team of Indigenous and non-Indigenous designers to incorporate Indigenous ways of knowing into the site design. Elders and Indian residential school survivors were also consulted during the entire process.

Funding for the project came from Saskatoon Community Foundation and the Government of Saskatchewan, as well as in-kind support from the Office of the Treaty Commissioner and the City of Saskatoon. The City of Saskatoon also provides website hosting services for the ConnectR website.

Reconciliation Saskatoon is an initiative of 98 member community organizations, non-profit organizations, businesses and partners who have come together to initiate a citywide conversation about reconciliation and provide opportunities for everyone to engage in the TRC’s Calls to Action.

The City of Saskatoon’s commitment to the TRC’s Calls to Action supports the City’s strategic goal of Quality of Life by identifying actions for enhancing Indigenous peoples’ well-being and participation in our community.

As part of the development of the WinterCityYXE Strategy, the City and community stakeholders again invite residents to celebrate what makes Saskatoon unique as a four-season community that is welcoming, vibrant and prosperous, even during the winter months.

“We are excited to develop a Strategy that celebrates our winter season. Saskatoon has a distinct outdoor experience and the winter season shouldn't limit us. As we continue to evolve and improve our winter culture, we hope to make winter more inviting and popular, even though it’s the coldest time of the year,” said Chris Schulz, Project Spokesperson, Planning & Development.  

The City invites residents and visitors to two events in January to share their ideas on creating a four-season community, located at:

Winter City Café – Prairieland Park, Hall A

• Friday, January 25 (9:00 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.)
• Saturday, January 26 (9:00 a.m. - 12:20 p.m.)

Wintershines – Saskatoon Farmers’ Market, inside the igloo

• Saturday, January 26 (1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.)

The Winter City Café is part of the Winter Cities Shake-Up Conference (Shake-Up) at Prairieland Park. Shake-Up is a conference that will bring together delegates to share their collective knowledge, experiences, opportunities and challenges of winter communities. Shake-Up runs from January 23-26. For more information about Shake-Up, visit wintercitiesconference.com.

In addition, starting January 16, ice sculptures will be placed around Saskatoon. These local pieces were designed in collaboration with students from Aden Bowman Collegiate.

To view a full list of winter events, facilities, activities or more information on the WintercityYXE Strategy, visit: saskatoon.ca/wintercityyxe.