News Releases

While mass casualty incidents (MCI) are rare in Canada, our community needs to be prepared.  To that end, the Saskatoon Police Service Foundation (SPSF) is pleased to help provide funding for ballistic vests and helmets for firefighters, who are always on the front line in such an incident.

“Firefighters are often confronted with dangerous situations when they respond to calls,” says Vera Pezer, President of the SPSF.  “They are frequently working alongside police and ambulance service personnel when a high degree of risk is involved.”

A recent MCI training scenario revealed the need for additional protective equipment in the form of ballistic vests and helmets for Saskatoon Fire Department Primary Care Paramedics.  The foundation has committed $10 thousand in funding.

“We’re grateful for this generous support,” says Fire Chief Morgan Hackl. “In order for us to do our job in the ‘hot zone’ during a mass casualty incident, our paramedics need to have the equipment that will help us help others.”

The SPS Foundation is an incorporated, not-for-profit, community-led organization. It is dedicated to raising funds to support projects that contribute to community safety.

“We have seen mass casualty incidents occur regularly around the world”, said Police Chief Troy Cooper.  “While Saskatoon has not had a similar incident, this initiative will allow for enhanced cooperation with our partners in response to crisis.” 

The proceeds of its annual SPS Foundation Half Marathon, being held on April 29, will go towards this initiative.

For more information on the Saskatoon Police Foundation, visit https://saskatoonpoliceservicefoundation.org/.

In recognition of the Humboldt Broncos hockey team and the lives lost in Friday night’s highway bus tragedy, the City is lowering all flags to half-mast at civic facilities across Saskatoon. It is a small way of acknowledging the impact on the hockey community and people all across the province, and further today.

Mayor Charlie Clark says, “We are all devastated by the tragic bus crash of the Humboldt Broncos hockey team. 

These players and staff have family and friends throughout our whole province. They have touched us all. 

Saskatoon will offer support in any way we can as we all try to come to terms with the impacts of this heartbreaking accident. We have our Police, Fire, and Ambulance members all on the scene, providing emergency management and wellness supports. 

Sincere thanks to everyone who helped out last night and who continues to provide support, from emergency responders, to the media keeping us updated, to the community members who are providing comfort in this time of deep sadness. 

The City of Saskatoon will be lowering flags to half-mast in recognition of lives lost in this tragedy.” 

Every home has some level of risk for flooding during spring snow melt and rain storms.  An innovative new program was launched today in Saskatoon to help people take proactive measures and reduce their flood risk, thanks to sponsorship provided by the City and SGI CANADA.

“Homeowners can register now for a free or partially-subsidized professional home assessment to help identify flood risks through the Home Flood Protection Program,” said Reid Corbett, Director of Saskatoon Water. “Early action and preventative maintenance activities can help reduce these risks in the short and long term."

Home assessments are completed by a national environmental consulting agency - a $450 value - at a reduced rate of $125. Up to 100 homes that meet the criteria for high-risk flooding areas are eligible for a free home assessment.

Once a homeowner registers and books their 60-90 minute appointment, a trained assessor completes a 50-point visual assessment and provides a list of the top actions to reduce flood risk. Participants can also access self-help resources, a customer service help-line and local service provider information as they start implementing the recommendations.

“This leading-edge flood resiliency program comes at an important time,” said Cheryl Evans, Director of the Home Flood Protection Program at the University of Waterloo’s Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation. “As the frequency and severity of extreme weather due to climate change is increasing and exposes many homes to possible basement flooding.”

The Home Flood Protection Program was first piloted in Burlington, Ontario last year and is now available in Saskatoon for up to 400 owners of fully-detached, semi-detached and townhomes. Lessons learned from the pilot program will inform a broader rollout of the program across Canada.

City Council approved funding for the Home Flood Protection Program in response to feedback from residents in areas that experienced flooding during the July and August 2017 intense rain events.

The Home Flood Protection Program was developed by the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation at the University of Waterloo, is delivered locally by AET Group and sponsored by the City of Saskatoon and SGI CANADA. Homeowners who are interested in participating in the program can register online now or call 1-877-876-9235 (toll-free).