News Releases

Central Avenue in the Sutherland Business Improvement District (BID) is now home to “Spheres of Confluence,” a new work of public art by Paul Reimer, as seen below.  The sculpture was revealed as part of the Sutherland Culture Fair and Saskatoon’s Culture Days.

“Paul Reimer used track manufactured in 1912 from Canadian Pacific’s Sutherland rail yard; the base represents the historic importance of the railroad in Sutherland, a strong foundation future generations have built on,” says Community Development Manager, Kevin Kitchen.  “The large ring symbolizes our community and rail’s contribution to Saskatoon.  The middle represents the neighbourhood of Sutherland and the small, inner ring – the individuals and families at the core of community.  Pointing skyward to the future, is the spirit of our community.” 

Paul was born in Calgary, Alberta, and at a young age his family moved to British Columbia (BC).  In Paul’s teen years, he began his blacksmithing apprenticeship, and by 20 years old, he became the head blacksmith at Fort Steele Heritage Town, just outside of Cranbrook, BC.  In 2001, at age 26, Paul began his own blacksmithing business with six employees.  Paul lives with his wife and two children in Cranbrook.  Family and community involvement are the most important elements of Paul’s life.  With his work, Paul strives to bring the spirit of community building with public art projects to many other cities.

“The City has a vibrant art program, showcasing pieces from a wide range of artists,” Kitchen says.  “The City and the Sutherland BID are looking forward to having this unique piece displayed on Central Avenue.”

Culture Days is a national initiative intended to raise awareness of arts and culture in communities across Canada.  Many more events will be happening in Saskatoon throughout the weekend, focusing on our city’s vibrant cultural scene.  For a complete list of activities, visit the official Culture Days website.

For more information on Saskatoon’s Public Art initiatives, visit the website. 

Saskatoon’s first pink fire truck will be patrolling city streets to raise awareness and money for breast cancer research. Firefighters have long seen their colleagues, mothers, wives and daughters fight breast cancer and want to make a difference.

Fire Engine 12 is painted a traditional red but it will be wrapped in pink for the month of October. Saskatoon residents will be able to sign the pink fire truck in exchange for a $10 donation to breast cancer research. Please make sure the truck is not involved in an emergency before approaching.

Engine 12 will continue to be an integral part of the Saskatoon Fire Department’s fleet during October.  If possible, the pink truck will be at following events:

• Woman’s World Show at Prairieland Park on October 1.
• Ladies Optimist Gala at TCU Place on October 15.
• C95 Radio Marathon for Breast Cancer Research at the Circle Centre Mall on October 21.
• Breast Health Comedy Night at the Parktown Hotel on October 21^st

The pink truck is the result of a three-way partnership between the Saskatoon Fire Department, IAFF Local 80 and Cowan Imaging Group who donated the costs associated with installing the wrap.

All proceeds will be donated to the C95 Radio Marathon for Breast Cancer Research to fund research being done right here in Saskatoon.

-30-

Today, the City and SaskCulture celebrated the start of Saskatoon’s 7^th Annual Culture Days at River Landing.

“Culture Days is a chance for all of us to recognize the role that arts and culture has in making our city a better place to live, work, and play,” says Community Development Manager, Kevin Kitchen.  “Cultural activities are important as they bring people from all across our community to participate in the arts, to learn more about other cultures, and to celebrate our community and all it has to offer.”

The public is encouraged to create, participate, experience, and celebrate culture in Saskatoon with free activities and workshops being held to celebrate Culture Days from Friday, September 30, to Sunday, October 2, 2016.

The City is offering other activities throughout the weekend in support of Culture Days.  All are welcome and all events are free.

Friday, September 30
Sutherland Culture Fair
11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sutherland Hall (1112 Central Avenue)
*New public artwork, meet the artist, farmers’ market, SaskCulture Community Engagement Animateur Zoe Fortier, artist-led activities, Remai Modern Art Caravan, and cultural demonstrations.

Indian and Métis Friendship Centre
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
168 Wall Street
*Engage in First Nations and Métis cultural activities, hands-on workshops, and SaskCulture Community Engagement Animateur Zoe Fortier.

Saturday, October 1
I Am The Bridge
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
River Landing under Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge
*Short film screening in collaboration with PAVED Arts, Moving Stories YXE documentary premiere, and meet the artist (participants should bring their own lawn chairs).

Sunday, October 2
Public Art Bike Tour
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Downtown, Riversdale, and River Landing
*Guided bike tour of new and existing public artworks and meet the artist (meet at 1:00 p.m. downtown at Drinkle Mall, 22^nd Street East and 3^rd Avenue South).

Many more events will be happening in Saskatoon throughout the weekend, focusing on our city’s vibrant cultural scene, some of which are listed below.  For a complete list of activities, visit the official Culture Days website at http://www.culturedays.ca/en/celebration-schedule.

Culture Days is a national initiative intended to raise awareness of arts and culture in communities across Canada.

The off-ramp from Circle Drive northbound to Attridge Drive eastbound will be closed Thursday, September 29 from 4:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. as final paving and tie-in work is completed for the new ramp.

“Drivers who normally take this route to access residential areas or the University Heights Shopping Centre should reroute their commute on Thursday,” says Dan Willems, Director of Major Projects. “We’re suggesting drivers take one of the alternate routes from Circle Drive to Attridge which include Preston Avenue, Central Avenue or McOrmond Drive. This work will not affect the off-ramp from Circle Drive northbound to Preston Avenue for drivers taking this route to the University of Saskatchewan or Preston Crossing.”

The off-ramp access is being realigned as part of the upgrades and widening at Central Avenue and Attridge Drive to minimize traffic congestion. Milling and paving of the realignment of the right turning lane from Central Avenue to Attridge Drive eastbound is ongoing. Other progress at this location includes realignment of the right turning lane from Attridge Drive to Central Avenue southbound, which will be reopening later today following paving that was completed on Monday.

“The next phase of work includes realignment of the right turning lane from Attridge Drive to Central Avenue northbound,” Willems says. “This phase of work is scheduled to be completed by late October.”  

Final work includes realigning the concrete medians at the intersection. This will complete modification of the intersection to include dual left turn bays for eastbound to northbound turning vehicles.

The North Commuter Parkway will support the transportation needs of citizens who live in Saskatoon’s northeast and work in the Marquis and North Industrial areas. The work at Attridge Drive and Central Avenue is expected to wrap up by November of 2016.  

Bridging to Tomorrow project updates, including detailed monthly summaries, links to live cameras at each bridge site, and quarterly video updates, are available at saskatoon.ca/bridging.

The City this evening learned a majority of the Transit union membership turned down an opportunity to vote on the City’s fair and final offer.

“This is extremely disappointing news,” says Catherine Gryba, General Manager of Corporate Performance.  “I’ve said it before, but in the current economic downturn, a ten per cent wage increase is certainly above what many workers would receive elsewhere in the marketplace.”

"However, we have exchanged e-mails with the Transit union this evening and as we've said before, we are always willing to get back to the bargaining table," Gryba says. 

At this point no job action has happened.

"We will do everything we can to provide full Transit service to our customers each day,” says Jeff Jorgenson, General Manager of Transportation and Utilities.  “Transit customers should sign up for service alerts, or check our web site every day for updates on any service changes should the Transit union chose to withdraw services.”

The City believes Access Transit is protected by Essential Services legislation and will continue to operate regardless of what actions the Transit union attempts.  

Saskatoon Transit will keep customers informed by issuing service alerts when we are made aware of any service disruptions or delays.

For more information and facts on the Final Offer, please go here.