News Releases

 

On Wednesday, December 10, the following streets reopened to traffic as construction of the Avenue H Reservoir Expansion project wraps up.

- Avenue H reopened between 11th Street and 12th Street
- 11th Street reopened between Avenue H and Avenue I

Construction of the Avenue H Reservoir Expansion project began in March, 2012 and included the expansion of the reservoir, the addition of an ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system, and the installation of a new high-lift pump station. In conjunction with the new faciltiy, a new overhead pedestrian corridor was installed across Avenue H which has a height restriction of 5.1 meters.

A grand opening of the new facility will occur in the spring of 2015.

For more information on the reservoir expansion project, please visit saskatoon.ca and click on “W” for Water Treatment Plant Expansion Plans.

The City recognizes that this project created a significant inconvenience to adjacent property owners and would especially like to thank them for their patience and cooperation during construction.  The City would also like to thank drivers who were inconvenienced by the detour.

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.

As unseasonally mild temperatures cause snow to melt quickly crews are working 24/7 to address slushy conditions on priority one and two streets. Crews are currently proactively salting and grading priority roads to soften packed snow and reduce slush.  The Circle Drive Snow Train will be removing the remaining stored snow from along guardrails.

 

Snow on residential streets is also melting quickly and while snow is going to be very soft, it’s not deep enough to cause severe ruts. We are monitoring the situation and investigating reports from residents of trouble areas.  Drivers are encouraged to be cautious and drive appropriately for slushy conditions.

As required, crews are clearing and opening catch basins to deal with the melt. The snow piled into windrows will allow the snow to melt slowly, reducing the risk of flooding. Crews are also addressing potholes as they arise, filling them with cold mix asphalt.

With mild conditions forecast overnight there is less concern about the slush turning to hard ice. However, the grading being carried out on priority streets, removing clumps and ruts, will help to prevent severe icing when temperatures do eventually drop.  Drivers should use extra caution when approaching plows and graders; and avoid passing. Beware of reduced visibility. Clearing of wet, slushy roads and shoulders can throw moisture onto your windshield leading to a sudden loss of visibility.  Always drive defensively and leave enough space to minimize snow spray.

Residents may consider the following tips to reduce the risk of snowmelt flooding around their homes:

• Remove snow from around your foundation. Pay particular attention to the areas around window wells.
• Most lots drain along the outside edges. Remove snow from these areas.
• Keep the snow in your yard; do not place it on the road or in the alley.
• Help keep catch basins clear. Where possible, safely clear snow, ice and debris from the catch basins in your area.

When shovelling, please exercise caution and care, especially when lifting wet, heavy snow. Consider doing a bit at a time.

Residents can report problem areas by calling Public Works Customer Service at 306-975-2476.

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.

ONGOING
3RD AVE CLOSED AT 21ST ST INTERSECTION
(Water Main Repair)
Start: December 8, 9:00 a.m. End: December 11, 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.

A Book of Condolence in memory of former Saskatoon Mayor Cliff Wright has been set up in the lobby of City Hall at 222 3^rd Avenue North. The public is invited to sign the book, which will be presented to the Wright family.

Cliff Wright served the people of Saskatoon for over 20 years: first as an Alderman from 1967 to 1976 and then as Mayor from 1976 to 1988.

Flags at all Civic facilities are flying at half-mast to honour Mr. Wright.

 

 

The City of Saskatoon will begin installing new FlexParking pay stations in the downtown and core business districts on Wednesday, December 10, 2014, however the stations will not be operational until early 2015.

“This flexible, pay-by-plate system will replace the individual coin meters in the city’s Downtown, Broadway, Sutherland and Riversdale business districts,” says Angela Gardiner, Director of Transportation. “The easy to use system will enable citizens to pay using coins, credit cards, the new City Parking Card and, in the near future, cell phones. It also allows you to park at various locations throughout the city on a single payment.”

Drivers may move around the city and occupy several spaces, using their single parking purchase at multiple spots. However, drivers must still obey the posted time limits associated with each new space. Parking commissioners will be able to tell how much time your vehicle has sat in each location through the aid of licence plate identification and recognition software. 

The new machines are solar powered and ticketless; you simply enter your licence plate number at the nearest pay station, make your payment and walk away. Since your payment is tied to your licence plate, there is no need to display a ticket on the dash. Receipts are issued as requested. In total, 325 pay stations will replace 2,800 coin meters; parking fees will remain unchanged.

“We had been hearing from residents that the old meters were dated and inflexible, especially as cash is used less and less for transactions and fewer people are carrying change,” says Gardiner. “Until the new systems are activated, people should continue to plug the old coin meters. Once the new stations are active, the existing meters will be hooded until they are removed.”

A map showing  where the new FlexParking pay stations are being installed is available at www.saskatoon.ca/go/flexparking and people are also encouraged to try out the new pay station in the City Hall foyer where a test station has been installed. Note that the test station only accepts credit cards but that no charges will be applied to your card for these tests.  

For more information about the new FlexParking pay stations visit saskatoon.ca/go/flexparking or call 306-975-2980.