News Releases

From major infrastructure rehabilitation to general road maintenance, the 2019 construction season is progressing as planned and on schedule in Saskatoon. City Council invested over $61 million in 2019 to make more of Saskatoon’s streets, bridges and sidewalks, smoother, safer and longer-lasting.

“With so many active projects underway, we know navigating around Saskatoon can be inconvenient,” says Matt Jurkiewicz, Interim Director, Construction & Design. “We plan our short construction season to lessen these impacts as much as possible, but of course it’s not possible to avoid traffic delays altogether. We’re asking everyone to remember the work is necessary and will be worth it in the long run.”

• The interchanges at Boychuk Drive and Highway 16 and McOrmond Drive and College Drive are complete and open.
   
• Phase 1 of the Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge rehabilitation project has reached the mid-way point and remains on track for completion in October. In 2020, Phase 2 will require the lanes heading into downtown to be closed.
   
• Water main/connection replacements will improve water service for 387 properties in City Park (2018-2020) and Riversdale (2019-2020). City Park remains on schedule and Riversdale is ahead of schedule. Completion of the current phases is anticipated in early fall.  
   
• Other water main replacement locations include 14^th Street East and Bates Crescent, Acadia Drive between Leddy Crescent and Harrington Street, and 12^th Street East between Broadway Avenue and Eastlake Avenue.
   
• Completed road improvements: resurfacing of Circle Drive from Millar Avenue to the Circle Drive North Bridge; and sections of Taylor Street, Boychuk Drive and Kenderdine Road. The twinning of Wanuskewin Road north of 71^st Street is scheduled for completion in October.

• Upcoming road construction: resurfacing the westbound lanes on College Drive from the city limits to the Canadian Pacific Rail overpass, resurfacing Idylwyld Drive northbound lanes from 25^th Street to 31^st Street, and resurfacing Preston Avenue northbound lanes from Taylor Street to 8^th Street.
   
• Road and sidewalk maintenance: spring street sweeping was completed through all neighbourhoods in 7 weeks, back lane grading started in July and runs through to October, and sidewalk, pothole and utility cut repairs occur daily across the entire city.

Along with better project coordination, such as sidewalk and roadway overhauls being done at the same time and continuing construction overnight when possible, the City has also adopted a new purchasing policy that allows for the hiring of the best company for the job based on experience, qualifications and construction plan, not just the lowest bid.

We thank you for your pave-tience during construction. We know it can be a real ‘pain in the asphalt.’

The City, along with collaborating partners Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre (SICC) and Office of the Treaty Commissioner (OTC), is pleased to share the second edition of “ayisiyiniwak [a/yi/see/ni/wak, Cree for ‘the people’]: A Communications Guide” (ayisiyiniwak). 

Originally developed in 2017 as an educational resource for City employees to enhance their understanding of Indigenous culture and practices, copies of the guide have since been requested by organizations across Canada including government agencies, other municipalities, educational institutions and community groups. 

“The creation of ayisiyiniwak has helped us to build understanding and forge a path of partnership with the Indigenous community,” said Mayor Charlie Clark.  “The leadership shown from our staff in partnership with the OTC and SICC is something to be truly proud of.  Now I have civic leaders from across the country asking me for these guides.”

The second edition of ayisiyiniwak has been updated with:

• a chapter devoted to Métis culture and local history;
• a new Inuit chapter; 
• revised Cree translations (including the title) as reviewed by nêhiyawak or Cree speaking linguists;
• new sections within the First Nations chapter including 60s Scoop, Elder’s Helper, Syllabics, Flag Etiquette, Anthems/Honour Songs, The Grand Entry, Blanketing and Two-Spirit People; 
• several new terms and suggested resources.

“The Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre is pleased to be part of this handbook. On behalf of the Board of Governors, the Elders Council, and the staff we would like to commend the City of Saskatoon and the Office of the Treaty Commissioner for their commitment and dedication to developing this second edition. Education comes in many forms and this handbook provides a platform for, not only City employees, but for everyone to enjoy and begin to learn a little about Indigenous culture. Reconciliation begins with understanding. Understanding begins with openness, respectfulness, compassion, and willingness. Understanding isn’t always easy or beautiful, it takes time and is very personal. Be patient and open to learn and become more mindful and respectful of Indigenous ways of being,” said Wanda Wilson, President, Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre.      

ayisiyiniwak is part of the City’s commitment to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation of Canada’s Call to Action #57, which specifically calls upon governments to: “provide education to public servants on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal-Crown relations.” 

“The Office of the Treaty Commissioner is committed to engaging in public information and awareness to advance the Treaty goal of good relations. The ayisiyiniwak communications guide continues to grow and support the work of reconciliation,” said Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan, Mary Culbertson. “Being able to understand each other results in building positive, trusting relationships.”

During the development of the second edition, the project team was privileged to have the guidance of a Cree linguist, several First Nation and Métis Elders, as well as the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami [ITK]. 

The project team also wishes to acknowledge the support of Gabriel Dumont Institute and the Saskatoon Tribal Council, who through a summer employment partnership opportunity helped make the second edition of ayisiyiniwak possible. 

The first edition of the guide recently won a National Planning Excellence Award of Merit from the Canadian Institute of Planners in the category of Planning for Reconciliation. 

For more information and to download and digital copy of ayisiyiniwak, visit saskatoon.ca/ayisiyiniwak.

Hard copies of ayisiyiniwak can be purchased from SICC’s Online Store at https://store.sicc.sk.ca/ or by emailing Tiffany.Carrier@sicc.sk.ca. 

Saskatoon’s new interchange at Boychuk Drive and Highway 16 is now officially complete.

The interchange opened to vehicles in late 2018. Surrounding work was just finished earlier this week to finalize the infrastructure project, which was funded by the Government of Canada, Government of Saskatchewan, and City of Saskatoon.

“This important traffic improvement project for Saskatoon is a great example of how the Government of Canada is making smart investments that contribute to economic growth and improve quality of life in order to foster a thriving middle class,” said the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “This new interchange is making daily commutes easier and safer for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians and keeping commercial traffic flowing across the region.”

“The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to play a key role by contributing more than $10.9 million toward the Boychuk Drive and Highway 16 Interchange Project. Investments in key infrastructure like this contributes to more efficient travel for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians who live, work and play in Saskatoon,” said the Honourable Warren Kaeding, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Government Relations.

“This new interchange is a sign of a growing Saskatoon and it is an important step in creating a more connected community,” said His Worship Charlie Clark, Mayor of the City of Saskatoon. “It is already having a significant impact for those travelling in and through the south-east part of our city by improving safety, traffic flow, and the quality of life in our community. I would like to thank our federal and provincial partners for investing in this project.”

Construction began in April of 2017 on the project, which eliminated the eastbound left turn lane on Highway 16 at Boychuk Drive to resolve safety and traffic flow issues.

“There has been a substantial improvement in traffic flow, which had become heavier and backed up as Rosewood and other east side neighbourhoods developed and became populated,” said Terry Schmidt, General Manager of Transportation & Construction with the City of Saskatoon.

Through the New Building Canada Fund – Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component – National and Regional Projects, the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan each contributed $10,960,885 toward the Boychuk Drive and Highway 16 Interchange Project. The City was responsible for the remaining investment.

Another new interchange at McOrmond Drive and College Drive officially opened earlier this year. Adjacent developers paid 100 per cent of its cost.

The two interchanges were simultaneously built by PCL Construction Management Inc., and both also include walkways and paths to make the areas safer for cyclists and pedestrians.

Both interchanges were constructed for a total investment of $56,694,600.

The intersection at Idylwyld and 22^nd Street is expected to be closed until tomorrow afternoon, Wednesday July 31^st to allow for an emergency natural gas line repair.

In the meantime, drivers are advised to avoid 22^nd Street and consider east-west travel along 19^th Street, 20^th Street or 33^rd Street. Expect delays, plan ahead and re-route your commute.

This emergency work is necessary because on Monday evening July 29^th, firefighters closed the intersection after discovering a noticeable odour and high concentration of natural gas in the area.  SaskEnergy arrived and determined the gas was leaking from an underground valve.  The gas line workers were able to seal the leak but it now needs a more permanent fix.

Once the gas line is repaired the excavation site will be paved and the intersection will re-open. The paving work cannot be scheduled until the morning of Wednesday, July 31^st.  

Thank you for your patience and cooperation while this necessary emergency work is completed.

Transit riders can follow Transit service alerts, real-time bus locations, and arrivals are available on third party apps like Transit and Google Transit on desktop.

For updates on construction projects anytime, refer to the Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Road users are reminded to reduce speeds, stay alert and mind posted signage and barriers when encountering a construction zone.

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After reviewing nine budget options brought forward by Administration, City Council at its regular meeting on July 29, 2019, selected six options to help achieve lower municipal property tax target increases of 3.94% for 2020 and 4.17% for 2021, as earlier directed by the City’s Governance and Priorities Committee.

“The options City Council approved result in lower property tax targets of 3.23% for 2020 and 3.54% for 2021,” says Kerry Tarasoff, Chief Financial Officer. “It’s important to emphasize these targets serve as a starting point. This early direction from City Council is not final, as they’ll have an opportunity for further debate through the City’s preliminary budget release this October.”

Administration was asked to report back on a list of prioritized projects with result to Gas Tax funding, options to reduce the number of print publications the City produces, and options for reducing the frequency of black cart pick-up in summer months.

City Council approved the following budget options: 

• Option 3 – a one-time Gas Tax allocation to the organics program (reduction to property tax phase-in from reduced debt by 0.13% in each of the years 2020 and 2021);
• Option 4 – utilize Multi-Material Stewardship Western funding towards the Waste deficit (reduction of 0.19% in each of the years 2020 and 2021);
• Option 5 – defer all bylaw/policy required inflationary allocations (reduction of 0.15% in 2020 and 0.17% in 2021);
• Option 6 – phase-in the Remai Civic Buildings Comprehensive Maintenance Reserve requirement over a longer period (reduction of 0.08% in 2020 and 0.04% in 2021);
• Option 7 – defer the Recovery Park funding phase-in until 2023 (reduction of 0.10% in 2021); and
• Option 8 – adjust the Major Transportation Funding/Bus Rapid Transit funding plan (reduction of 0.10% in each of the years 2020 and 2021).

The following budget option was defeated:

• Option 9 – changes to the Waste program deficit and city-wide organics phase-in (reduction of 0.21% in each of the years 2020 and 2021).

The following budget options did not have enough movers to move forward, thus they were received as information.

• Option 1 – reduce the inflation and growth increase allocated to the Building Better Roads Program (reduction of 0.8% in each of the years 2020 and 2021); and
• Option 2 – provision for civic services subsidized fee for service (reduction of 0.03% in 2020)

“In the months to come as we lead up to the release of our first preliminary Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget, City Council will consider other information they’ve requested, along with additional options on capital projects, Asset Management Plans, service level changes and options to help accelerate achieving City Council’s strategic priorities,” adds Tarasoff.

The Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget will provide greater certainty for residents about the future direction of property taxes, better alignment of the City’s longer-term goals, and improved financial stability, transparency and accountability.

City Council will set the final budget and associated municipal property tax rate through the 2020/2021 Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget Deliberations at the end of November 2019.

For more information on the City’s Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget, visit saskatoon.ca/budget.