News Releases

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan                      Department of Finance

On behalf of Finance Minister Joe Oliver, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Member of Parliament for Battlefords–Lloydminster Gerry Ritz today announced the Government of Canada will help fund the North Commuter Parkway and Traffic Bridge Replacement project in Saskatoon.

Through the P3 Canada Fund the federal government will provide an investment of up to $66 million to the project while the Province of Saskatchewan will contribute $50 million.  The Minister was joined at the event by Brad Wall, Premier of Saskatchewan, and Donald J. Atchison, Mayor of Saskatoon.

The project involves the replacement of the 107-year-old Traffic Bridge in the City’s downtown core, the development of a new bridge crossing in the City’s north end, as well as connecting roadways. Once the Parkway and the two bridges are opened traffic congestion will be reduced and travel times will be shorter for vehicles and public transit, resulting in reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality.

Quick Facts

- This will be the fourth P3 Canada Fund project in the Province of Saskatchewan.

- A Request for Qualifications will be issued in the coming weeks by the City of Saskatoon to identify private sector proponent teams interested in bidding on the project.  The contractor, once selected, will design, build, finance, operate and maintain the project over a 30-year period.

- Construction of the Parkway and traffic bridge is anticipated to take three construction seasons, and the P3 model is expected to deliver the project on time and on budget.

- The $1.2 billion P3 Canada Fund is managed by PPP Canada, a Crown corporation responsible for advancing Canadian P3s through the provision of expert advice and support to all levels of government.

Quotes

“Our Government recognizes the advantages P3s can provide to build public infrastructure for better value while creating jobs and growth.  The North Commuter Parkway and Traffic Bridge Replacement project is a great example of how our Government is working with the City of Saskatoon and the private sector to reduce procurement and overhead costs to the benefit of all taxpayers in Saskatchewan.”

Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

“Our government is pleased to work with the City of Saskatoon and the Government of Canada on an innovative project that demonstrates the value of P3 partnerships.  Saskatoon is one of the fastest growing cities in Canada and the North Commuter Parkway Bridge will help sustain that growth by connecting residential neighbourhoods to the expanding industrial area in the City’s north end.”

Brad Wall, Premier of Saskatchewan

”Our continuing strong partnership with the federal government and provincial government is once again benefitting the people of Saskatoon.  This bundled bridge project is the first of its kind in Canada. It will shorten commutes, cut fuel costs, grow the economy and improve our quality of life.  It fits perfectly with the City’s strategic goals, and supports our Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon planning initiative.”

Donald J. Atchison, Mayor of Saskatoon

Additional Links:

www.p3canada.ca

The curb and centre lanes on College Drive westbound are closed from Preston Avenue to Campus Drive (southeast entrance to University of Saskatchewan), including the right turning lane from Preston Avenue southbound to College Drive westbound.  Traffic is merging to the median lane at Preston Avenue.

Drivers are encouraged to use an alternate route if possible, as this is a high-traffic route for morning commuters heading into downtown.  Please allow extra time to get to your destination if travelling in this area.

Crews repaired a primary water main on College Drive westbound over the weekend, just west of Preston Avenue.  The repair was successful, but the work zone remains in place for paving to occur on Monday.  The road is expected to reopen by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 9, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

The City thanks everyone for their patience.

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! Find traffic detour information on our website at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic. You can also follow us on Twitter @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

Aiming to reduce speeding and improve pedestrian safety, the City of Saskatoon is piloting a project to install flashing lights in school zones. Starting on June 9, flashing lights will be installed on the school zone signs on Clarence Avenue between 3rd Street and 5th Street.

“Evidence has shown that flashing lights along with reduced speed limits are effective in improving safety in school zones,” says Angela Gardiner, Director of Transportation. “This pilot project is another step to alert drivers to reduce their speed and slow down.”
The maximum speed limit in school zones is 30 kilometres per hour. Reduced speed limits will continue to be in effect in elementary and secondary school zones from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, September 1 to June 30. No exceptions are made for statutory holidays or school breaks. The penalty for exceeding the school zone speed limit is a fine and SGI demerit points

The work is expected to be completed by June 20, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.
Drivers are reminded to watch for pedestrians as they travel through school zones.

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.

SATURDAY

2ND AVENUE NORTHBOUND FROM 25TH STREET TO 26TH STREET, JUNE 7  

Beginning at 7.45 a.m. on Saturday, June 7, 2nd Avenue northbound lanes between 25th Street and 26th Street will be closed to accommodate a crane. Two-way traffic will be set in the southbound lanes.

The road is expected to reopen by 2:00 p.m. the same day.

SPADINA CRESCENT AND 19TH STREET, JUNE 7-8

Beginning at 12:00 p.m. noon on Saturday, June 7, the following road restrictions will be in place on Spadina Crescent and 19th Street to accommodate the Walmart Walk for Miracles event.

- Spadina Crescent will be closed from 3rd Avenue to 20th Street

- 19th Street eastbound curb (outside) lane will be closed from the Broadway Bridge to 3rd Avenue

The restrictions will be lifted by 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 8.

SUNDAY

VARIOUS LANE RESTRICTIONS FOR LIGHT POLE WORK,  JUNE 8

Beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 8, the following restrictions will be in place while Saskatoon Light & Power crews work on light poles.

- Circle Drive southbound curb (outside) lane will be closed south of the Taylor Street on ramp.

- Circle Drive northbound and southbound median (inside) lanes will be closed between 33rd Street and Airport Drive.

- Warman Road southbound curb (outside) lane closed between 7th Avenue and Cavers Street.

The restrictions are expected to be lifted by 12:30 p.m. the same day.

VARIOUS RESTRICTIONS FOR BRIDGE CITY BOOGIE, JUNE 8

Starting at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 8, various road restrictions will be in place to accommodate the Bridge City Boogie. The main road restrictions will include:

- Broadway Bridge SB curb (outside) lane will be closed from 19th Street to Saskatchewan Crescent

- Spadina Crescent will be closed from 2nd Avenue to 20th Street and northbound from Dundonald Avenue to the Water Treatment Plant

- 3rd Avenue will be closed between 2nd Avenue and 19th Street  and 3rd Avenue southbound will be closed at 19th Street

- St. Henry Ave will be closed from Taylor Street to Ruth Street

- Taylor Street will be closed from St. Henry Avenue to Saskatchewan Crescent

The restrictions will be lifted by 11:00 a.m. the same day. Drivers are encouraged to avoid the area during the event and watch for participants and officials.  

COLLEGE DRIVE WEST OF PRESTON, JUNE 8

Starting on Sunday, June 8, the College Drive westbound curb (outside) and middle lanes will be closed west of Preston Avenue while crews work on a water main. The restrictions will be lifted by evening the same day.

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! Find traffic detour information on our website at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic. You can also follow us on Twitter @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

The City of Saskatoon’s (City) Summer Leisure Mini Guide (Mini Guide) will be conveniently delivered to households with The SundayPhoenix on Sunday, June 8, 2014, and is also available for pick up at any indoor Leisure Centre, Saskatoon Public Library, or the Mendel Art Gallery.

The Mini Guide is your community source for a variety of arts, culture, and recreational activities throughout the summer months.  It contains up-to-date information on summer sites and programs, including outdoor pools, municipal golf courses, playground programs, youth centres, skateboard parks, Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo, Gordon Howe Campground, Leisure Centres, and Red Cross Swim Programs. 

The Mini Guide also includes information on exciting new Recreation and Sport Summer promotions like the Summer Indoor LeisureCard and Saskatoon Kids Club Card.

The Summer Indoor LeisureCard is a limited time promotion that provides unlimited access to the City’s seven indoor Leisure Centres in July and August for one low price ($90/Adults; $55/Youth; $185/Families).  Sales end Sunday, July 20, 2014.  Restrictions apply.  Visit www.saskatoon.ca/go/leisurecard for more information. 
 
Designed especially for kids, the Saskatoon Kids Club promotion features a Club Card valid June 15 through to September 1, 2014.  Visit seven of the listed sites and receive the eighth visit FREE!  Club Cards are available for pick up at any City leisure facility or public library. 

Family Fun Packs are still available for purchase at any of the Leisure Centres for the discounted price of $100, plus GST, ($137 value) until Monday, June 30, 2014.  Fun Packs include nine family admission passes to the City’s most popular attractions. 

For more information on the Mini Guide or other summer programs and promotions, visit www.saskatoon.ca/go/leisure.

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.