News Releases

For Immediate Release:  February 26, 2014

This year marks the 25th anniversary since the inception of the Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Committee, which highlights the continued commitment to the citizens of Saskatoon to create an inclusive community where everyone is welcomed, respected, and can live without facing racism or discrimination.

The Opening Ceremony for Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Month will be on Monday, March 3, 2014, at 1:30 p.m. in Council Chambers, City Hall (222 - 3rd Avenue North). Everyone is welcome to attend.  The ceremony will include greetings from Senator Lillian Dyck; His Worship Mayor Donald Atchison; and Saskatchewan Human Rights Chief Commissioner, Judge David M. Arnot.  A flag-raising in Civic Square (beside City Hall off 23rd Street), will follow the ceremony.

In 1990, City Council proclaimed March as Race Relations Month, marking the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination which falls on March 21 annually.  The date commemorates the 1960 Sharpeville massacre in South Africa where peaceful demonstrators against apartheid were killed by police officers.

In recognition, during the month of March, a number of activities are initiated by a diverse cross-section of the community ranging from elementary school children to community group representatives. The Living in Harmony Awards Ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 21, 2014, at Centennial Collegiate (160 Nelson Road), celebrating the positive initiatives taking place within Saskatoon. 

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.

A full closure on 20th Street West between Avenue E and F is required for an emergency water main repair, beginning today, February 25, at 12:00 p.m. Drivers are encouraged to use 22nd Street West as an alternative.

The work should be completed and restrictions lifted by 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Drivers are reminded to allow extra time when travelling through the orange zone, watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Find up-to-date traffic detour information at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

The City of Saskatoon’s (City) Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Committee is now accepting nominations for the annual “Living in Harmony” awards, which recognize local organizations or individuals for their efforts in the elimination of racial discrimination.  The deadline for nominations is Friday, February 28, 2014.

Since 1994, the City’s Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Committee has presented the “Living in Harmony” Recognition Awards at a special ceremony to mark March 21 - International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.  The Committee presents these awards annually to celebrate the positive initiatives taking place within the community.  This year, the awards will be presented at Centennial Collegiate (160 Nelson Road) on Friday, March 21, 2014, starting at 10 a.m.

Nomination forms are available at www.saskatoon.ca under “L” for Living in Harmony or from the Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Office at Cosmo Civic Centre (3130 Laurier Drive).  Nominations are to be submitted to the Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Office.

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.

Saskatoon is experiencing a higher than normal amount of water main breaks across the city.  For the past two weeks, one to four breaks have been reported daily, which is almost twice the normal rate.  This past weekend, from Saturday morning to Sunday morning, seven breaks occurred, which is extremely unusual.  Experienced City and contractor crews are maintaining the commitment to have repairs complete and the water back on within 48 hours, working 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. seven days a week, with overtime as staff is available. 

While a leak or break in the underground water pipes (water main) can occur at any time of year, the extended cold temperatures we’ve been experiencing causes the soil to freeze quite deep in the ground.  In an average winter, the ground frost ranges from 1.5 to 2.4 metres (5 to 8 feet) deep.  Most of the water system pipes are located 2.7 to 3 metres (9 to 10 feet) deep and currently, the average ground frost is 2.9 metres (9.5 feet) deep.  This freezing can cause expansion and contraction that creates force on the water main.  Other factors that contribute to breaks are the age and type of pipe (cast iron pipes installed prior to 1970 can be more susceptible); soil conditions that cause corrosion; and pressure on the system, such as very hot, dry days with high water use. 

“The City would like to thank residents and businesses for their patience and understanding, says Acting Director of Public Works Trent Schmidt.  “The inconvenience of a water service interruption alone can be frustrating, but with the extremely cold temperature, it can feel unbearable.  We want you to know that we have extra staff and contractors working as quickly as possible to get the water back on.” 

If you see water in the street or on your lawn, please phone the Public Works customer service call centre 24 hours/day, 7 days/week at 306-975-2476.  A water & sewer trouble crew will be dispatched to inspect the location within 30-60 minutes.  There are four water trailers available to provide a temporary water supply for residents and businesses without water service.  We make every effort to make a water trailer available within eight hours of the water being shut off.  However, with the number of water main breaks we are currently experiencing, this may extend to 12 hours.  

Repair Process

Immediately following the report of a water main break, a water & sewer trouble crew is dispatched to determine the location, impact and severity of the break. First the water main is "controlled", by closing nearby valves, which shuts off the water service.  Once the general repair location has been identified and the water main is shut off, special equipment is used to find the precise location of the break.  

A separate water & sewer maintenance crew makes the repairs, which can begin up to 24 hours after the water is turned off.  A typical water main repair can take 10-12 hours, but may be extended up to 32 hours if complications occur.  Prior to any excavation, the underground utilities are located to ensure the repair can be done safely without causing further damage.  When frozen, it can take longer to break through the ground and expose the damaged pipes.  Once the repair is complete, the pipes are flushed and water is tested to ensure water quality before water service is restored.   

The excavation will be filled in with gravel until the spring when the temperature is warm enough to apply asphalt and repair the road.  Any damage to the sidewalk, driveways and private property from the repair excavation will be repaired during the summer, in consultation with the property owner.

Precautionary Drinking Water Advisory

When the water is turned off, affected addresses are given a yellow doorhanger with information about what they can expect and a recommendation to boil water for consumption once the water is back on for up to 72 hours until laboratory tests confirm the water is safe.  A green doorhanger will be delivered to notify residents they Precautionary Drinking Water Advisory is lifted.  For more information, visit saskatoon.ca and click on P for Precautionary Drinking Water Advisory. 

For more information, visit Saskatoon.ca and click on W for Water Main Break or call Public Works customer service call centre at 306-975-2476.  Know Before you Go! Subscribe to Traffic Detour service alerts for notifications of detours caused by water main repairs or other roadway work. 

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.

For Immediate Release:  February 24, 2014

The City of Saskatoon would like to remind you about our public event on Tuesday February 25, 2014 at TCU Place to provide input on future options for transit, rapid transit, bridges and growth along major corridors as Saskatoon plans for growth to half a million people.

Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon is a city-wide initiative that will take us from visioning to action and shape the City’s Growth Plan to Half a Million.  It is a proactive way to plan for our future and help us navigate the challenges associated with rapid population growth.  The Growth Plan to Half a Million will help guide civic investments over the next 30 to 40 years by addressing three key elements:

Shaping Growth  How do we grow along major corridors?
Shaping Transit  How do we move more people?
Shaping Bridges  How do we manage infrastructure investments?

“The intent of the Growth Plan to Half a Million is to create more options for citizens to move around, work, shop and play closer to home while improving access throughout the entire city,” says Alan Wallace, Director of Planning and Development. “Community input will help us plan to grow in a way that is balanced and responsible, while ensuring that our city is prosperous and continues to be a great place to live.”

Please join us to share your ideas on how Saskatoon should plan to grow to half a million people:

Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon Public Event
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m
(Presentations to start at 10:15 a.m and 6:15 p.m. respectively.)
TCU Place (Salon A and B)
35 22nd Street East 

Public consultation will be ongoing throughout the Growing Forward! process.  This event is the first of many opportunities for the public to get involved in this exciting initiative.  

Event materials and information will also be available online at www.growingfwd.ca on the day of the event, along with an opportunity to submit comments.  You can also join the discussion on Twitter as we live-tweet the event – just follow us on Twitter or use the hashtag #yxegrowingfwd.  

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.