News Releases

Major upgrades to local infrastructure have started in several locations throughout Saskatoon thanks to support from federal and provincial governments as part of the 2017 Water Main, Sanitary Lining and Lead Water Pipe Replacement Initiative.

 “Modern, efficient water, wastewater and storm water management infrastructure is essential to the well-being of Canadian families and creates economic growth and middle-class jobs,” said the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “We are pleased to invest in these improvements in Saskatoon to improve the reliability of its systems while protecting the environment.”

This year, close to 1,000 properties in five neighbourhoods in Saskatoon will see extensive water main replacement and sewer lining work, including the replacement of over 900 lead water service pipes to homes and businesses.

“The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to play a role in improving Saskatoon’s water infrastructure by investing up to $7.9 million toward this initiative and working with our federal and municipal partners to improve service for our citizens,” said the Honourable Donna Harpauer, Minister of Government Relations.

This coordinated approach to managing underground and road renewal at the same time lessens the impact to residents and lowers the cost. 

“We always look for ways to be more efficient and minimize inconvenience to citizens,” says Celene Anger, Director of Construction and Design.  “By combining water main replacement and water and sewer main lining, then replacing road surfaces and sidewalks, we save money and we save the amount of time we’re in a neighbourhood.”

The intent of this initiative is to accelerate short-term municipal investments while supporting the rehabilitation of water and wastewater infrastructure to meet immediate priorities for clean water and healthier environments for communities.

Through the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund, the Government of Canada is contributing up to $15.8 million and the Government of Saskatchewan is contributing up to $7.9 million toward this overall City of Saskatoon initiative worth a total of $43.3 million.

City Council updated its Building Bylaw and repealed its 25-year-old predecessor at its Tuesday, May 23 meeting.

“It’s business as usual, just better,” says Director of Building Standards, Kara Fagnou.  “We have consolidated and improved our information to capture all key aspects of the building process into the bylaw.”

Building Bylaw No. 9455 (Bylaw) will replace Building Bylaw No. 7306.

“The intent of the Bylaw is to better reflect current practices and provide tools to better administer our programs,” Fagnou says.  “The updates will also clarify the requirements and conditions for building permit applicants and what people or companies can expect when building in Saskatoon.”

The Bylaw updates will enhance program transparency by clarifying what the application requirements and permitting conditions are.  Some of these conditions include:

• defining permit expiry dates;
• outlining the process for requesting a permit extension; and
• clarifying site conditions and construction signage requirements.

Importantly, key industry stakeholders were involved in improving the way life-safety systems are addressed throughout the building process.  These partners helped incorporate new requirements for on-site life-safety system reviews to make sure installations are done in accordance with the approved engineered design; this was previously outside the scope of the program.

The updated Bylaw will contain new administration fees to support the sustainability of the Building Inspection and Plan Review Programs.  The administration fees will apply only to customers who request to:

• extend the term of their building permit;
• reinstate a building permit; or
• cancel a building permit.

Full enforcement of the Bylaw provisions is proposed for January 1, 2018.  The City’s Building Standards Division will work with industry and civic departments over the next six months to develop an implementation plan to support the rollout of the updated Bylaw.

“Overall, the updated Bylaw provides a platform to communicate building permit requirements and conditions in a clear and consistent manner,” Fagnou says.  “It helps promote good neighbour practices through transparent building permit program administration, and it supports the City’s Strategic Goals by balancing growth with accountability and public safety.”

For more information on the updated Bylaw, please visit saskatoon.ca/buildingstandards or contact Building Standards at 306-975-2645.

Mayor Charlie Clark has requested all flags at City of Saskatoon facilities fly at half-mast to pay tribute to victims of the bombing in Manchester, United Kingdom.

“We would like to offer our deep condolences to the community and people of Manchester,” Mayor Clark says. “This affects us all, and especially the many residents in Saskatoon who have friends and family living in England.”

A Saskatoon Transit bus was this morning involved in a multi-vehicle collision near the intersection of 2nd Avenue and Queen Street. 

Passengers on the southbound bus were not injured, but the operator reported some discomfort to an arm. While at least four other vehicles were involved, no other injuries were reported.

Drugs or alcohol are not suspected. In addition to cooperating with police, Transit officials are also conducting the routine internal investigation.

The City of Saskatoon, Office of the Treaty Commissioner, Saskatoon Tribal Council, Central Urban Metis Federation Inc., along with 54 supporting organizations, have launched a month-long series of activities to promote Reconciliation in Saskatoon.

The 58 member initiative, known as Reconciliation Saskatoon, joined together to further a citywide conversation about the process of Canadian reconciliation, provide opportunities for transformative experiences at events, and inspire citizens to engage in calls to action.

In 2015, Saskatoon committed to responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s calls to action, with a proclamation by City Council on June 22, declaring 2015-16 the Year of Reconciliation. In addition, the City committed to working with the Office of the Treaty Commissioner and other community groups, leaders and institutions in Saskatchewan, to promote reconciliation in our province.

This year’s month-long schedule of activities will give Saskatoon residents an opportunity to explore the meaning of reconciliation and answer the calls.

The schedule will culminate in the second annual “Rock Your Roots” Walk for Reconciliation in Victoria Park on June 21, National Aboriginal Day. Everyone is invited to celebrate with our Indigenous community and display their own unique cultural heritage. Food and entertainment will be provided.

For more information on events, or to have your Reconciliation event added to the calendar, please visit OTC.ca.

Quotations:

• Felix Thomas, Chief, Saskatoon Tribal Council

“The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s calls to action called on all of us - First Nations, leadership, organizations, everyone - to step up. Reconciliation is a heavy task and it takes more than a village to make it happen. The organizations and people that are part of Reconciliation Saskatoon prove that working together helps us move forward. Let’s keep this momentum up and one day Reconciliation won’t just be a goal, but an achievement.”

• Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark

I see tremendous work underway in our community toward Reconciliation. People from many walks of life are reaching out to one another, making commitments to learn more about the impact of Residential schools and our colonial history, and to building stronger relationships toward the future. Reconciliation is a journey that we can each take. It recognizes that our diversity gives us the strength we need to for a sustainable and prosperous future. I hope to see you at the many great events planned to bring us together as part of Reconciliation.”

• Shirley Isbister, President of the Central Urban Metis Federation Inc.

“Reconciliation and answering the calls to reconciliation is about building community, building relationships and committing ourselves to making a better world for our children, grandchildren and those to come, to feel safe and respected. We invite everyone to join us June 21, 2017 as we walk to show our solidarity in answering the calls to action.”

• Harry Lafond, Executive Director, Office of the Treaty Commissioner

“Reconciliation is at the heart of the Treaty relationship in Saskatchewan. At the Office of the Treaty Commissioner we work to create space where people can come together and learn about our collective story of Treaty, ask questions and create relationships. The month of events and the Walk for Reconciliation are a chance for each of us to take another step on our journeys of reconciliation, to celebrate our diversity and get to know each other as community.”

In a recent Readers’ Choice Survey, held by RV West, a recreational vehicle (RV) publication reaching Western Canada, the City’s Gordon Howe Campground was awarded Gold for Favourite RV Park or Campground in Saskatchewan.

“We are very honoured to hear Gordon Howe Campground was voted one of Saskatchewan’s favourites,” says Andrew Roberts, Manager of Special Use Facilities and Capital Planning.  “This recognition reflects the pride our staff takes in beatifying the campground and the high quality of service that customers can expect 24/7.”

RV West readers are surveyed annually and asked to indicate their favourite destinations, events, attractions, accommodations, and dealerships in Canada and the United States.  A complete list of 2017 recipients can be found at rvwest.com/readerschoice/2017.

“Right in the heart of Saskatoon, our campground is over 55 years old with a mature canopy of trees and shrubs, paved well-lit streets, onsite facilities, and 135 serviced sites to accommodate every traveler, whether you are tenting or in a larger motorhome,” says Roberts.

Gordon Howe Campground is located at 1640 Avenue P South and open mid‑April to mid-October annually.  For more information, visit saskatoon.ca/camp.

The downtown Protected Bike Lane Demonstration Project is now entering its final summer season and the City would like feedback to determine if its project goals are being met.

“As a part of our evaluation of our downtown protected bike lanes we will be including input from citizens across Saskatoon,” says Angela Gardiner, Director of Transportation.

The Protected Bike Lane Demonstration Project’s goal is to increase accessibility for all ages and abilities to the downtown. It wants to achieve this by making the Central Business District a more attractive and vibrant destination to the benefit of the entire city. The project is also a step towards implementation of the City’s Active Transportation Plan, making it easier and more secure to get into and around downtown.

“We want to make sure that we get the balance right in our city between people driving, taking the bus, walking, or using their bike,” says Gardiner. “Protected bike lanes have been adopted permanently in other city centres but every city is unique. We need to find the right transportation mix for Saskatoon.”

Preliminary data indicates protected bike lane use is in line with what other cities such as Calgary and Vancouver have experienced during their demonstration projects. An average of more than 300 people per day are using the separate bike lanes to safely navigate downtown streets while limiting impacts to vehicles and pedestrians.

The City’s Protected Bike Lane Demonstration Project was approved in March of 2015 with a lane opening on 23rd Street later that year. The 4th Avenue lane was opened in May of 2016. In response to some preliminary feedback from downtown businesses and people who bike downtown, the City is planning some alterations to both lanes in the coming weeks.

The protected bike lanes support City Council’s Strategic Priorities for 2016 to 2020 of improved downtown development and environmental sustainability while meeting transportation needs of a growing city. A report and a recommendation on the future of the project will be prepared for City Council in fall 2017.   

Find more information at saskatoon.ca/bikelanes and share your feedback on the Shaping Saskatoon website.

After more than 1,000 online votes, the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo (Zoo) is pleased to announce that the infant Goeldi monkey has been named Evy.

“We wanted to extend a huge thank you to everyone that participated in selecting the name Evy for the newest member of the Goeldi troop,” said Tim Sinclair-Smith, Zoo Manager.

Evy was selected by popular vote after the Zoo narrowed down the selection to four potential names, including Evy, Laka, Zoila, and Elena.

“The name couldn’t be more fitting for this wonderful little animal, and she is settling into it well,” says Sinclair-Smith.

Citizens can see Evy and her parents in the monkey enclosure at the Kinsmen Children’s Zoo exhibit year-round.  The Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.  Additional information can be found online at saskatoon.ca/zoo.

Travel-planning website Expedia has named downtown Saskatoon as one of the “coolest” in North America.

“This recognition demonstrates the attention City Council pays to sustainable growth,” says Lesley Anderson, Director of Planning and Development.

“Our Urban Design program aims to keep the city core vibrant, help it attract people there and make it a great place to live, work and enjoy.”

Travel writer Kohleun Adamson highlights the list on the website’s travel blog Viewfinder which is based on, “…one-of-a-kind dining options, local arts venues, unique shopping experiences, fascinating historical sites, and access to urban greenspace.” 

Saskatoon shares company with cities such as: Boston, Massachusetts; Boca Raton, Florida; Pasadena, California and Cancun, Mexico.

The article and list of North America’s coolest downtowns can be found here.

This week's notifynow TEST message sent by the City of Saskatoon's Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) on Tuesday, May 9 was once again a success, based on feedback from residents and program delivery results.

“Residents that called in after the TEST message wanted to learn more about how to sign-up to customize their notifynow profile,” says Eron McCormick, Emergency Measures Coordinator. “In a city-wide or community emergency, you might prefer a text message - and an email in addition to receiving a voice message to your land line. Or maybe you want to make sure your children receive a text message. That’s what’s great about notifynow emergency notifications in Saskatoon. You can customize your profile, and tell us how to best to reach you - and your family members.”

To date, 21,213 residents have signed up to customize their preferred communication method. With the twice-yearly testing of the notifynow system, and by creating ongoing awareness for the program, the City and Emergency Measures Organization hope to continue to grow this number. The next TEST message will be sent in December of this year.

“Testing the system helps familiarize residents with what a notifynow message will sound like, and how it will be displayed on their phones or on the other preferred methods of communication they’ve let us know about by signing up,” says McCormick. “Test messages help residents realize that in the event of an emergency, they can trust receiving a timely and targeted notifynow message that tells them what to do, what to expect, or where to go.”

The EMO continues to encourage everyone to sign-up for notifynow. Make notifynow messages an important part of your personal emergency preparedness plan, and also for those you care about.

To sign-up for notifynow and to tell us how to best to reach you with timely, targeted and trusted notifynow messages in an emergency situation, visit saskatoon.ca/notifynow or call 306-975-3210 for more information.