News Releases

ONGOING
4TH AVE N SB LANES CLOSED FROM QUEEN ST TO 26TH ST E
(Crane Lift)
Queen St 2-way traffic from 4th Ave to 5th Ave
Start: January 27, 9:00 a.m. End: January 28, 3:00 p.m.
25TH ST E WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM PACIFIC AVE TO IDYLWYLD DR N
(Directional Drilling)
Start: January 27, 9:00 a.m. End: January 28, 5:00 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.

International bond rating agency Standard and Poor’s (S&P) has again awarded the City of Saskatoon (City) its top rating of AAA/Stable.

“Standard and Poor’s has time and again approved of the way we plan City business,” says His Worship Mayor Donald Atchison. “At a time when many are focusing on government finances, S&P has had a look two years down the road and is confident Saskatoon will continue benefitting from a very strong economy.”

Every year S&P reviews the City’s finances and delivers a rating in a report based on that study.

“This is excellent news,” says Chief Financial Officer Kerry Tarasoff. “The triple-A rating continues to provide Saskatoon with the financial certainty we need as we grow forward toward half a million people.” 

“Saskatoon demonstrates strong financial management,” the agency notes.  As S&P continues to view the financial outlook for Saskatoon as stable, it further outlines part of this strength is grounded in a diverse local economy which is not tied as strongly to the resource sector.

The agency also points to the City’s transparency, audited financial statements, “good” budget documents and financing plans as other reasons to award the rating.

The City has received the AAA/stable credit rating every year for more than a decade.

Receiving the AAA credit rating essentially means that the City can borrow money at lower rates, and is viewed by financial institutions as having virtually no-risk with respect to defaulting on credit.

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
4TH AVE N SB LANES CLOSED FROM QUEEN ST TO 26TH ST E
(Crane Lift)
Queen St 2-way traffic from 4th Ave to 5th Ave.
Start: January 27, 9:00 a.m. End: January 28, 3:00 p.m.
HWY 16 WB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED APPROACHING BOYCHUK DR
(Light Repair)
Start: January 27, 9:00 a.m. End: January 27, 3:00 p.m.
25TH ST E WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM PACIFIC AVE TO IDYLWYLD DR N
(Directional Drilling)
Start: January 27, 9:00 a.m. End: January 28, 5:00 p.m.

ONGOING
24TH ST E EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT 3RD AVE N
(Cable maintenance)
Start: January 21, 9:00 a.m. End: January 27, 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 January 26, 2015

8.4.1 Civic Operations Centre – Procurement Complete

City Council will be asked to receive the information.

Additional Information:

• The procurement for the Civic Operations Centre Project, Phase One, is complete.
• The procurement was highly competitive and as a result, the Project is $24.9M under budget.
• Monthly payments are linked to performance.
• Schedule and Milestone risks are owned by Integrated Team Solutions.
• The procurement process was conducted in a fair manner.

8.7.2 – Inquiry – Councillor C. Clark – Decorative Street Lighting

City Council will be asked to:

• Proceed with Option 2 as outlined in the report of the General Manager, Transportation & Utilities Department dated January 12, 2015.
• Request the administration explore options for decorative lighting and financial implications, in consultation with the Business Improvement Districts, and report back to committee.

 Additional Information:

• Feedback from the Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) indicates general support for extending the decorative street lighting program to a “Winter-based” schedule.
• Further discussions will occur with the BIDs, through the Urban Design Committee, to explore financial partnership for a “Winter-based” lighting schedule, as well as the potential for creating new opportunities for additional year-round decorative lighting.
• Extending the schedule for decorative street lighting may have an impact on the banner program at some locations.

Option 2:

• In addition to the 3rd Avenue snowflake decorations, the snowflakes along the Broadway Bridge and down Broadway Avenue could also be considered for this winter. The energy cost for these lights is estimated to be $25. These decorations are different from the 3rd Avenue ones and are more susceptible to damage by wind. Leaving them in-place longer will reduce their anticipated life span and may result in additional maintenance and repair costs. The total estimated cost for both the 3^rd Avenue and Broadway decorations is approximately $200 annually.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

4.1.4 Proposed Kensington Neighbourhood Concept Plan Amendment

Council will be asked to:

• Approve the proposed Kensington Neighbourhood Concept Plan amendment.

Additional Information:

• An amendment to the Kensington Neighbourhood Concept Plan (Concept Plan) is proposed to reclassify lands from single-family detached to townhouse-style residential.
• A rezoning to RMTN – Townhouse Residential District is proposed.
• The increased density and form of development proposed is considered compatible with the location and adjacent land uses.

4.1.9 Propose Rezoning from B1 to M3 – 840 Idylwyld Drive North

City Council will be asked to:

• Consider Bylaw 9255

Additional Information:  

• A comprehensive redevelopment of 840 Idylwyld Drive North is proposed.
• Amendments to the OCP – Land Use Map and Zoning Bylaw are required.
• This proposal supports the goals of the North Downtown Master Plan (NDMP) and the Growth Plan to Half a Million.

4.1.10 Proposed Rezoning by Agreement RM3 – 530 to 538 Avenue F

City Council will be asked to:

• Consider Bylaw No. 9236; and
• Consider a recommendation of the Municipal Planning Commission requesting the Administration to review on-street parking in the Riversdale Neighbourhood area including a proposal from Shift Developments to increase on- street parking on Avenue F South.

Additional Information:

• In 2009, City Council approved a rezoning of these properties, subject to a Zoning Agreement, to permit construction of a 23-unit multiple-unit dwelling.
• Shift Development Inc. has submitted a revised development proposal for a dwelling group consisting of 21 units.
• The revised proposal is considered to be more compatible with the established character of the Riversdale neighbourhood.
• The existing Zoning Agreement is required to be repealed, and a new agreement put in place in order to facilitate construction of the revised proposal.

ONGOING
24TH ST E EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT 3RD AVE N
(Cable maintenance)
Start: January 21, 9:00 a.m. End: January 27, 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.

NEW SATURDAY
1ST AVE NB CENTER & CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED APPROACHING 22ND ST
(Crane Lift)
Start: January 24, 7:00 a.m. End: January 24, 1:00 p.m.

NEW SUNDAY

ADELAIDE ST ON RAMP TO IDYLWYLD DR NB CLOSED
(Light pole repairs)
Start: January 25, 9:00 a.m. End: January 24, 11:00 a.m.

IDYLWYLD DR SB ON RAMP CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE TO 8TH ST CLOSED
(Street light repair)
Start: January 25, 10:30 a.m. End: January 25, 12:30 p.m.
ONGOING
24TH ST E EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED 3RD AVE N
(Cable maintenance)
Start: January 21, 9:00 a.m. End: January 27, 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.

NEW

HWY 16 WB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED BETWEEN BOYCHUK DR & CIRCLE DR
(Light repairs)
Start: January 23, 9:00 a.m. End: January 23, 3:00 p.m.

ONGOING

24TH ST E EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT 3RD AVE N
(Cable maintenance)
Start: January 21, 9:00 a.m. End: January 27, 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.

City crews are responding to slushy road conditions and patching potholes as unseasonably mild temperatures cause snow to melt quickly.

Priority streets are in good winter driving condition and crews continue to work 24/7 salting and sanding as required. Crews are concentrating on repairing potholes with cold mix asphalt on Priority 1 and 2 streets. So far this winter, approximately 10 tons of cold mix asphalt has been used to repair potholes.

With the warmer weather, snowpack on residential streets is becoming soft and turning to slush. While some ruts will develop, the current snowpack is not deep enough to cause severe rutting. Crews will monitor residential streets, investigate any reports of trouble areas, and maintain them as required.

Environment Canada is forecasting the mild temperatures to continue for at least the next week so there is less concern about the slush turning hard ice due to the expected continued melt.  Residents are reminded that sidewalk conditions can be slippery due to standing water that is subject to the freeze/thaw cycle from night time temperatures.

As 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.

Drivers are encouraged to be cautious and drive appropriately for the conditions. Use extra caution when approaching snow maintenance equipment such as sanders and graders; and avoid passing. Beware of reduced visibility. Clearing wet, slushy roads and shoulders can throw moisture onto your windshield leading to sudden loss of visibility. Always drive defensively and leave enough space to minimize snow spray.

Residents are encouraged to report potholes and 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.

The City of Saskatoon has awarded the contract for the new Civic Operations Centre (COC) to Integrated Team Solutions (ITS), establishing the City’s first Public-Private Partnership (P3).

“The procurement process was highly competitive and the savings were even greater than we anticipated,” says Jeff Jorgenson, General Manager of Transportation & Utilities. “The City budgeted $185 million for capital and maintenance/operating costs over 25 years; the submission from ITS came in $25 million under budget at $160 million. In addition, the Federal Government will also contribute approximately $38.5 million to the project through the P3 Canada Fund.”

The COC will be developed in phases, co-locating the new Saskatoon Transit Operations Facility and the City’s first Snow Management Facility. The new site located in Saskatoon’s southwest quadrant, will provide direct access to Circle Drive South Bridge which will allow the City to move equipment, materials and vehicles more efficiently around the city.

The facility will have room to store 224 City buses with capacity for future fleet growth. Among the features will be administrative offices, fare collection, fueling, wash lanes, maintenance bays and inspections pits. Relocating Saskatoon Transit from Caswell Hill removes an industrial use from a residential neighbourhood. The Snow Management Facility will have the capacity to store up to 1 million cubic metres of snow and will feature a meltwater collection site where the environmental safety of meltwater can be monitored prior to release into the storm sewer system. The COC also allows for the addition of other civic departments and services in the future.

ITS, a consortium comprised of EllisDon Capital Inc., Fengate Capital, Kasian Architecture, EllisDon Corporation and Cofely Services Inc., will design, build, finance and maintain both facilities at the COC for 25 years. At all times, the City retains full ownership of both facilities and will continue to operate day-to-day activities.

“ITS is excited to be partnering with the City of Saskatoon to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the new Civic Operations Centre,” said Danny Giacomel, ITS representative.  We are committed to delivering the Transit Operations Facility and the Snow Management Facility on time and on budget and then providing seamless operations and maintenance of these first class facilities for the 25 year contract term.”

Mayor Donald Atchison commented, “I want to thank Prime Minister Harper and the Federal Government for their commitment to our strong and diverse economy; this operations centre will ensure civic services keep pace with our prospering city over the next 25 years.” Mayor Atchison continued, “The facility will create jobs and contribute to the continued rejuvenation of the Caswell Hill neighbourhood.”

Value for Money calculations show the P3 model is expected to achieve value for taxpayer dollars equivalent to $92.3 million when compared to the traditional “Design-Bid-Build” approach typically used by the City.

“Another benefit of the P3 is that the agreement between the City and ITS is a fixed price contract so the project will not go over budget; the responsibility of any cost overruns rests with ITS,” says Jorgenson. “ITS is also responsible and accountable for ensuring the facilities are maintained and rehabilitated over the life of the agreement, otherwise the City’s annual payments will be reduced or withheld. The risk rests with ITS and not the City.”

Construction is expected to start in Spring 2015 and is due to be completed by late 2016 with Saskatoon Transit moving in, and the Snow Management Facility operational by January 2017.

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.

ONGOING
24TH ST E EB CURB LANE CLOSED AT 3RD AVE N
(Cable maintenance)
Start: January 21, 9:00 a.m. End: January 27, 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.