News Releases

The union representing Saskatoon Transit and the City of Saskatoon remain at an impasse. Transit operations will be suspended with the lockout of approximately 330 Amalgamated Transit Union, 615 (ATU) members on Saturday, September 20.

“They are now asking for much more than what they were willing to settle for in December 2013.  They now want a 22.25% wage increase over 5 years.  This is more than double what the other 8 unions accepted,” says Marno McInnes, Director of Human Resources.  

“This is a dramatic shift in ATU’s position from earlier this year and is very disappointing. So talks have concluded and we are preparing for a lockout at 10:00 p.m.,” says McInnes.

The City offered the same four year wage and pension package to ATU as it has offered to all the other unions and associations that participate in the City’s General Pension Plan. This included a wage increase totalling 10% over four years (2013-2016). Agreements have been reached with eight of the unions/associations.

We still need to address the pension deficit.  The goal is to address the deficit by increasing contributions by both employees and the City and to make changes to the Plan design to address the pension problem.

The changes are an urgent business matter for the City.  The Superintendent of Pensions and the General Pension Plan’s Board of Trustees are waiting to implement the changes made to the Plan by the City. A letter dated September 15, 2014 from the Superintendent of Pensions to the City Manager says “…the employer make special payments equal to $90,100 per month starting at January 1, 2014.”

The letter further states, “As the funding requirement for special payments in the Report has not been implemented the Plan is not in compliance with the Act. I am therefore requesting that the City remit all outstanding special payments, retroactive to January 1, 2014...we also note that an amendment is required to the Plan, to implement new contribution rates and benefit provisions which are effective January 1, 2014.”

City Council will meet Monday, September 22, 2014 to discuss whether to proceed with passing the bylaw to implement the necessary changes for all members of the General Pension Plan.

“We hope ATU can find a way back to the negotiating table so that our transit operations can return to normal,” McInnes says. “Every month without a contract moves us closer to freezing temperatures where transit customers could be left out in the cold.” The City will continue to make negotiators fully available to ATU. 

As an essential service, only Access Transit will continue to operate normally. All other transit service, including charter buses, is suspended until further notice.

We apologize to Saskatoon Transit customers who count on this service to meet their transportation needs. For the latest information on the transit situation, customers can call 306-975-3100 or visit saskatoon.ca.

 

    
The City of Saskatoon operates two compost depots that are free for residents of Saskatoon: McOrmond Drive Depot, located just north of 8th Street East on McOrmond Drive; and Highway 7 Depot, located at the corner of Highway 7 and 11th Street West. 

Beginning on Monday, September 22, until the sites close for the season on November 7 (weather permitting), both locations will operate daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Previously, extended hours were offered at the Highway 7 depot when daylight hours were longer. 

The depots accept leaves, grass, sod, topsoil, and non-elm branches, stumps and tree trimmings, and even Halloween pumpkins.  Elm tree clippings or wood is not accepted at any time.  

There are a number of other composting tips and services for residents, including compost bin rebates, master composter advice, and a Winter Composting Presentation on October 1 for Saskatoon residents.  For more information, visit saskatoon.ca and look under “C” for Composting. 

For timely updates, watch for Compost Depot Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca and on Facebook and Twitter (@YXEServiceAlert).
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.

NEW SATURDAY
23RD ST CLOSED FROM 3RD AVE TO 5TH AVE
(Word on the Street)
Start: September 20, 6:00 a.m. End: September 21, 10:00 p.m.

4TH AVE S CLOSED FROM 19TH ST E TO 20TH ST E
(Road paving)
Start: September 20, 7:00 a.m. End: September 20, 4:00 p.m.

VARIOUS: SPADINA CRES, UNIVERSITY BRIDGE, BROADWAY BRIDGE
(Mogathon)
Start: September 20, 7:00 a.m. End: September 20, 3:00 p.m.

NEW SUNDAY
IDYLWYLD DR SB CURB LANE CLOSED BETWEEN SID BUCKWOLD BRIDGE & 8TH ST OVERPASS
(Guardrail Repair)
Start: September 21, 7:00 a.m. End: September 21, 5:00 p.m.

3RD AVE S NB LANES CLOSED FROM 20TH ST E TO 21ST ST E
(Connection Valve Repair)
Start: September 21, 7:00 a.m. End: September 21, 6:00 p.m.
22ND ST ON-RAMP TO CIRCLE DR SB CLOSED
(Asphalt Repair)
Start: September 21, 7:30 a.m. End: September 21, 11:30 a.m.
ONGOING

21ST ST E EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 2ND AVE S TO 3RD AVE S
(Roof Construction)
Start: September 19, 5:00 a.m. End: September 22, 8:00 a.m.

4TH AVE S CLOSED FROM 20TH ST E TO 22ND ST E
(Road paving)
Broadway Bridge NB curb (outside) lane closed approaching 19th St
Start: September 18, 9:00 a.m. End: September 20, 9:00 a.m.
20TH ST W EB & WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANES CLOSED FROM AVE E S TO AVE F S
(Streetscaping)
Start: September 16, 9:00 a.m. End: September 23, 6:00 p.m.
TAYLOR ST E CLOSED FROM MUNROE AVE S TO MCKINNON AVE S
(Water main lining)
Start: September 8, 8:00 a.m. End: October 8, 7:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 25TH ST TO 24TH ST
(Streetscaping)
Right turn from 25th St EB to Idylwyld Dr SB maintained
Start: September 2, 9:00 a.m. End: September 26, 6:00 p.m.
CENTRAL AVE SB CLOSED FROM 110TH ST W TO 112TH ST W
(Streetscaping)
Two-way traffic accommodated in the NB lanes
Start: August 25, 10:00 a.m. End: September 20, 7:00 p.m.

33RD ST W EB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE Y N TO AVE W N
(Water main lining)
Two-way traffic set in WB lanes of 33rd St
Start: August 22, 10:30 a.m. End: September 24, 6:00 p.m.
AIRPORT DR NB LANES CLOSED ON FROM GATEWAY BLVD TO THE AIRPORT
(Roadway improvements)
Two-way traffic accommodated in the SB lanes. 45th St closed from Airport Dr to Koyl Ave
Start: August 20, 1:00 p.m. End: October 29, 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.

The City of Saskatoon’s new red-light camera system is now fully operational and drivers can now view their violations online.

“Prior to the implementation of this system, those drivers wishing to view footage of their infraction needed to set up an appointment at City Hall,” says Angela Gardiner, Director of Transportation. “With this new system, a violation notice will now include a notice number and a Personal Identification Number that provides online access to photos and video of the infraction.”

The City began using red-light cameras in 2005; since then on average there has been a 9 per cent reduction in injury and fatality rates and a 12 per cent reduction in right-angle collisions (the most severe type). At the Preston Avenue and 8th Street intersection in particular, injury and fatality rates have reduced by 25 per cent and right-angle collisions by 45 per cent.

“We are committed to traffic safety, the overall goal of this program is to reduce collisions and achieve zero infractions,” says Gardiner.  “All revenue generated through the red-light camera program goes into our traffic safety reserve, making our roads safer for everyone in Saskatoon.”

The City would also like to remind residents that by law, drivers must come to a complete stop before making a right turn on a red light.

“We have had a significant number of calls from people complaining about receiving a violation notice for making a right turn on a red light without stopping first,” says Gardiner. “This allows the driver to have a clear picture of on-coming traffic and ensure there are no pedestrians in the crosswalk before proceeding.”

Red-light safety cameras are located at the following intersections:

- Preston Avenue and 8th Street
- Warman Road and 51st Street
- Avenue C and Circle Drive
- 33rd Street and Idylwyld Drive (New November 2013)

Drivers who disobey the traffic signal receive a violation notice and a fine of $230.

For more information go to Saskatoon.ca and click on “R” for Red Light Cameras.

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
UPDATE: 4TH AVE S CLOSED FROM 20TH ST E TO 22ND ST E
(Road paving)
Broadway Bridge NB curb (outside) lane closed approaching 19th St
Start: September 18, 9:00 a.m. End: September 20, 9:00 a.m.
21ST ST E EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 2ND AVE S TO 3RD AVE S
(Roof Construction)
Start: September 19, 5:00 a.m. End: September 22, 8:00 a.m.

20TH ST CURB (OUTSIDE) LANES CLOSED FROM AVE B TO AVE E
(Parking Day street festival)
Start: September 19, 7:00 a.m. End: September 19, 6:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DR SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN CIRCLE DR SOUTH BRIDGE & LORNE AVE
(Guardrail repair)
Start: September 19, 7:30 a.m. End: September 19, 6:00 p.m.

20TH ST CLOSED FROM AVE R TO AVE S
(Water & sewer connection)
Start: September 19, 8:00 a.m. End: September 19, 3:00 p.m.
ONGOING

20TH ST W EB & WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANES CLOSED FROM AVE E S TO AVE F S
(Streetscaping)
Start: September 16, 9:00 a.m. End: September 23, 6:00 p.m.
TAYLOR ST E CLOSED FROM MUNROE AVE S TO MCKINNON AVE S
(Water main lining)
Start: September 8, 8:00 a.m. End: October 8, 7:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 25TH ST TO 24TH ST
(Streetscaping)
Right turn from 25th St EB to Idylwyld Dr SB maintained
Start: September 2, 9:00 a.m. End: September 26, 6:00 p.m.
CENTRAL AVE SB CLOSED FROM 110TH ST W TO 112TH ST W
(Streetscaping)
Two-way traffic accommodated in the NB lanes
Start: August 25, 10:00 a.m. End: September 20, 7:00 p.m.

33RD ST W EB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE Y N TO AVE W N
(Water main lining)
Two-way traffic set in WB lanes of 33rd St
Start: August 22, 10:30 a.m. End: September 19, 6:00 p.m.
AIRPORT DR NB LANES CLOSED ON FROM GATEWAY BLVD TO THE AIRPORT
(Roadway improvements)
Two-way traffic accommodated in the SB lanes. 45th St closed from Airport Dr to Koyl Ave
Start: August 20, 1:00 p.m. End: October 29, 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.