News Releases

The public is invited to create, participate, experience, and celebrate culture in Saskatoon with free activities and workshops being held to celebrate Culture Days from Thursday, September 24, to Sunday, September 27, 2015.     

Culture Days 2015 will officially kick off Thursday, September 24 at 11:30 a.m. with an opening ceremony and flag raising at Civic Square (222 - 3^rd Avenue North). Following the flag-raising ceremony, cultural displays, including a showcase of civic employees’ cultural talents, free hands-on workshops and displays, will be held across the street at The Bassment (202 – 4^th Avenue North) from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Additionally, the City has planned activities throughout the weekend in support of Culture Days.  All are welcome and all events are free.

Friday, September 25
Cultural Workshops (4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
Saskatoon Indian and Metis Friendship Centre, 168 Wall Street
Learn hand games, sash weaving, double ball, and jigging; make a dream catcher; watch both a jigging and a First Nations showcase.

Saturday, September 26
Decorating Paper Lanterns (1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
229 20^th Street West
Lanterns, paints, drawing, and collaging materials will all be available for creating a unique lantern.  All the lanterns will be used to decorate the façade at 229 20^th Street West for the contemporary arts festival, Nuit Blanche, in the evening.

Under the Bridge (6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.)
Underneath the Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge (west side of the Meewasin Trail)
Projection of short films in partnership with Paved Arts and art installation, 66 Physiognomies, by Jinzhe Cui.

Sunday, September 27
Cultural Quest (1:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.)
Meeting point - Safeway parking lot (33^rd Street and Avenue C North)
A public bike tour that will explore and experience art in the Mayfair and Caswell Hill neighbourhoods.

Culture Days is a national initiative intended to raise awareness of arts and culture in communities across Canada.  Even 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 at http://www.culturedays.ca/en/celebration-schedule. 

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

PRESTON AVE S SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM WILLIS LANE TO CORNISH RD
(Super chlorination work)
Start: September 22, 7:00 a.m. End: September 22, 5:00 p.m.

ONGOING

33RD ST E EB & WB CLOSED AT 5TH AVE N
(Primary water main repair)
33rd St EB centre lane closed at 3rd Ave. 5th Ave closed from 33rd St to Empress Ave
Start: September 8, 9:00 a.m. End: September 25, 5:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN 19TH ST & SID BUCKWOLD BRIDGE
(Bridge Maintenance)
1st Ave SB curb lane closed between 19th St & Sid Buckwold Bridge
Start: September 14, 7:00 a.m. End: October 4, 6:00 p.m.

AIRPORT DR NB/SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANES CLOSED  AT CLAYPOOL DR
(Road construction)
Claypool Dr WB closed from Airport Dr to McClocklin Rd
Start: September 15, 7:00 a.m. End: October 27, 6:00 p.m.

MELVILLE ST CLOSED FROM LORNE AVE & BRAND RD
(Force main installation)
Start: August 24, 7:00 a.m. End: October 30, 5:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR N/HIGHWAY 16 NB & SB LANE RESTRICTIONS FROM 51ST ST E TO MARQUIS DR W
(Hwy 16 flyover repair)
Start: July 13, 9:00 a.m. End: October 31, 5:00 p.m.

HWY 16 WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED PAST ZIMMERMAN RD
(Road reconstruction)
Modified road closure until September 26 for additional work. Curb lane open again through Zimmerman Rd. intersection only during this time
Start: September 16, 7:00 a.m. End: November 15, 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 and subscribe to Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

The City is making strides with its community partners towards recommendations from the 2014 Kitaskinaw Project and the Urban Aboriginal Community Gathering. Progress and next steps are outlined in the Aboriginal Engagement and Inclusion report going to Executive Committee on September 21.

“The City has progressed over the last year in enhancing its programs and services for Aboriginal citizens and strengthening relations with Aboriginal peoples and organizations,” says Gilles Dorval, Director of Aboriginal Relations. “Input on future actions and initiatives to address priority areas will be a foundation for our future success towards full Aboriginal participation in our community.”

Kitaskinaw means “our Land” in Plains Cree and is used to describe a wide snapshot of our community. Recommendations from Kitaskinaw and the Gathering had significant input from Aboriginal citizens and focused on enhancing Aboriginal well-being and inclusion. The City undertook various programs to meet these recommendations, including:

- Education workshops and awareness campaigns, for the City and the community-at-large, focused on understanding and reducing racism.

- Taking a lead role in the establishment of the Saskatoon Aboriginal Employment Partnership through Saskatoon Regional Intersectoral Committee with Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Association (SREDA), the private sector, and Aboriginal and other community-based organizations.

- Providing a “Profile Saskatoon Grant” of $150,000 and in-kind support for the World Indigenous Business Forum (WIBF) and the first International Indigenous Music and Cultural Festival to be held in Saskatoon in August 2016.

- Naming Chief Darcy Bear Park in recognition of Chief Bear’s accomplishments and our longstanding relationship with Whitecap Dakota First Nation.

- A partnership with the Saskatoon Tribal Council and Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. and other faith based community organizations, supported awareness of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action report through a June 2, 2015 community event.

- A contribution of $17,000 towards a CUMFI project for an affordable elder’s residence within a residential care home.  Since the Attainable Housing Program’s inception, 10 Aboriginal housing projects have been supported

The Report outlines future actions to continue addressing recommendations to enhance its programs and services for Aboriginal people and to strengthen relations with Aboriginal people and organizations.

“Working with First Nations and Métis citizens and elders, Aboriginal organizations, federal and provincial governments, educational institutions, the private sector, and community-based organizations will be important in delivering enhanced programs and services to better meet the needs of our Aboriginal citizens,” Dorval says.

The City is partnering with the United Way, Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon Health Region, and other Community-Based Organizations to host Mawe Wicihitowin – “Working Together” conference, to build local on local Aboriginal engagement and service delivery.  An Elders/Old People workshop, held in conjunction, will focus on incorporating Aboriginal values in programs and services. In 2016, the City will engage with Aboriginal citizens through an urban Aboriginal gathering with community partners to report on progress to-date and obtain feedback.

The Aboriginal Engagement and Inclusion report supports “Quality of Life” by identifying actions for enhancing Aboriginal well-being and participation in our community.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

The City of Saskatoon has completed repairs to the Highway 11 & 16 cloverleaf overpasses and all traffic restrictions have been lifted. Some single lane restrictions during off peak hours may still be required for finishing touches.

During the four month long project the following work was completed:

• Cross-overs built between the driving lanes to accommodate detoured traffic
• Removal and replacement of the ends of the support beams and key structural components to restore the structural capacity
• Removal and replacement of the asphalt surface  

The work has extended the life of this important piece of infrastructure and ensured its continued use into the future. Maintaining City infrastructure and bridges is important to Saskatoon.

The City thanks drivers for their patience while this necessary work was carried out. 

In an effort to reduce the overall cost of bridge structures, the City focuses on preservation in order to protect the financial investment as well as maximize the sustainability of the infrastructure. The City’s Bridge Strategy moving forward includes the rehabilitation of at least two bridge/overpass structures per year. The Ruth Street overpass is slated for rehabilitation in 2016.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information and subscribe to Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert.

NEW

PRESTON AVE S SB CLOSED FROM 14TH ST E TO MAIN ST
(Sewer connection replacement)
Follow detour set up through 14^th St, Cumberland Ave & Main St
Start: September 21, 7:00 a.m. End: September 21, 5:00 p.m.

PRESTON AVE S SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM WILLIS LANE TO CORNISH RD
(Super chlorination work)
Start: September 21, 9:00 a.m. End: September 21, 5:00 p.m.

NIGHT WORK: IDYLWYLD DR N SB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 32ND ST W TO WILLINGDON PL
(Sewer cleaning)
Start: September 21, 10:00 p.m. End: September 22, 7:00 a.m.

ONGOING

33RD ST E EB & WB CLOSED AT 5TH AVE N
(Primary water main repair)
33rd St EB centre lane closed at 3rd Ave. 5th Ave closed from 33rd St to Empress Ave
Start: September 8, 9:00 a.m. End: September 25, 5:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN 19TH ST & SID BUCKWOLD BRIDGE
(Bridge Maintenance)
1st Ave SB curb lane closed between 19th St & Sid Buckwold Bridge
Start: September 14, 7:00 a.m. End: October 4, 6:00 p.m.

AIRPORT DR NB/SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANES CLOSED  AT CLAYPOOL DR
(Road construction)
Claypool Dr WB closed from Airport Dr to McClocklin Rd
Start: September 15, 7:00 a.m. End: October 27, 6:00 p.m.

MELVILLE ST CLOSED FROM LORNE AVE & BRAND RD
(Force main installation)
Start: August 24, 7:00 a.m. End: October 30, 5:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR N/HIGHWAY 16 NB & SB LANE RESTRICTIONS FROM 51ST ST E TO MARQUIS DR W
(Hwy 16 flyover repair)
Start: July 13, 9:00 a.m. End: October 31, 5:00 p.m.

HWY 16 WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED PAST ZIMMERMAN RD
(Road reconstruction)
Modified road closure until September 26 for additional work. Curb lane open again through Zimmerman Rd. intersection only during this time
Start: September 16, 7:00 a.m. End: November 15, 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 and subscribe to Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.