News Releases

A pair of size options to collect residential garbage at single family households will be presented to the Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities & Corporate Services (EUCS) at its meeting Tuesday, September 6. The options are part of a report preparing the City’s move to a variable garbage cart utility in January 2024.

A variable black cart utility is a rate-based program where residents pay fees for the volume of waste they dispose and the services they receive based on the size of their garbage cart.

“While people are free to choose whatever they want, the volume-based rate structure is designed to encourage residents to divert as much waste as possible away from the landfill,” says Brendan Lemke, Director of Water and Waste Operations. “Residents with the largest garbage carts pay more and those with the smallest pay less.”  

The decision to fund both the garbage and organics services through payments on utility bills was approved October 18, 2021 by the Governance and Priorities Committee of City Council, at which time the Committee asked the Administration to evaluate the funding model and present options on timing, phase-in and affordability.

The two options up for discussion are:

• Option 1 (Recommended by Administration):
  • Three different garbage cart sizes would be available to residents upon request.
  • Residents would have a choice of cart sizes ranging from a 180 litre, 240 litre and the current 360 litre for year-round bi-weekly pick-up service.
  • This illustration compares the volume of the three black cart sizes. 

• Option 2:
  • Two different garbage cart sizes would be available to residents upon request -- the current large 360 litre and new medium 240 litre black cart for year-round bi-weekly pick-up service.

“Moving to a volume-based cart program will give residents choice based on their waste needs and it’s one of many components under the City’s Waste Reduction and Diversion Strategy to meet our waste diversion goals,” Lemke says. “We recommend Option 1 to City Council because it increases the customer’s control over their costs and provides financial incentives for waste diversion at a lower overall investment.”

The full report and attachments (appendix 1; appendix 2) can be found here.

For more information on waste and recycling, visit saskatoon.ca/wastediversion.

The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo) is pleased to announce the arrival of the butterflies at the Prairie Butterfly House. Visitors to the Zoo can now see several butterflies fluttering around the new exhibit and will also have an opportunity to check out the emerging area where caterpillars form a chrysalis or pupa to rest and transform into an adult butterfly.

“We are thrilled to officially open the new Prairie Butterfly House,” says Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager. “The butterflies truly bring the exhibit to life, and we can’t wait for people to come and fully experience the beauty and tranquility of this new exhibit.”

In addition to the butterflies, interpretive signage has also been installed providing an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the many species of butterflies that will inhabit the space. 

The Zoo would once again like to thank the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation and all of the partners, contributors and organizations that helped bring this exhibit to life.

• PrairiesCan
• Norplex Business Centre
• Hunter Family
• Duval Family
• Ultravision Construction
• one-mouse graphic design
• Dutch Growers
• ADA Architects
• Laser Impressions
• ASL Paving
• ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems Canada

The Zoo is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Visit saskatoon.ca/zoo to learn more and to plan your next visit.

If City Council approves a plan to consider two feasible sites for a future Downtown event centre/arena, the public will have the opportunity to provide feedback through a process of public engagement that would begin in the coming days.

A report will be presented to the August 29 meeting of City Council outlining a detailed technical study of potential Downtown locations for a new event centre/arena, which will become one of the key anchors of the future Downtown Event & Entertainment District.

Five different site options for the Downtown event centre/arena were initially studied to determine if they were a suitable size for a modern event facility, with a capacity comparable to the existing SaskTel Centre. Sites determined to be too small were eliminated from further consideration, while the remaining sites were ranked in accordance with nine evaluation criteria. After thoroughly studying the evaluation criteria, two sites are considered viable options:

• Site A – Midtown Shopping Centre North Parking Lot
• Site B – North Downtown/City Yards

Public engagement on the two locations was not possible until one of the sites was available following lengthy real estate discussions. The Council report includes an engagement plan for approval.

“Based on the technical criteria, the Midtown location is the highest scoring site and affirmed by two external consultants,” says Dan Willems, Director of Technical Services.

“The public engagement will be an opportunity to hear from residents, businesses and other community partners on the opportunities and challenges of both potential sites. The public feedback, along with the technical rankings, will give City Council the information it needs to make the final decision on the event centre/arena location.”

From August 30 to October 3 the City will seek public input in several ways:

August 30 to September 5:

• A representative sample survey (that includes a telephone and online panel survey) for Saskatoon residents.

September 13 to October 3:

• An opt-in online public survey (Saskatoon residents, as well as those from other communities, can self-select to participate);
• An opt-in survey for local businesses and organizations; and
• Intercept surveys to hear from residents across Saskatoon.

This engagement method reflects the “consult level” of the International Association for Public Participation using a qualitative approach. Results will be shared publicly and presented to City Council in November to be considered as part of the final decision on the location for the future event centre/arena site.

“Since 2018, when City Council decided a future event centre/arena should be located Downtown, a lot of research, consideration and effort has gotten us to this point,” Willems says. “The goal evolved beyond the need for a new event centre/arena to envision a revitalized Downtown that is welcoming for everyone to work, play and live.”

The event centre/arena site, along with the convention centre, will act as an anchor for the rest of the District development. The future Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system will connect the District to the entire city, boosting revitalization of the Downtown area.

 “The vision of an event and entertainment district is one of a shared public space where everyone feels comfortable and welcome,” he says.

The area would be developed sustainably with Indigenous placemaking a focus. By offering residents and visitors a gathering place for entertainment and events, with a variety of restaurants, venues, shopping and nightlife, Saskatoon’s Downtown will become an economic driver for the city and the province.

“The creation of a successful District will have significant benefits for Saskatoon — a new Downtown event centre/arena, a new or enhanced convention centre, and the future BRT are the key public infrastructure investments that will drive further investment in the Downtown area, in Saskatoon and in Saskatchewan.”

The report being considered by City Council can be found at saskatoon.ca/agendas. If approved, more information will be made available starting Tuesday, August 30 on saskatoon.ca/eventdistrict.

On September 1, 1972, the City of Saskatoon completed a $160,000 renovation to expand the Sutherland Forest Nursery Station to include an animal park. Since then, a wide variety of exotic species and western Canadian animals have called the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo home.

“It’s pretty amazing to look back and reflect on all of the animals that have become part of the Zoo family over the past 50 years,” says Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager. “We have had some amazing animal ambassadors over the years, including grizzly bears Mistaya and Koda who have called the Zoo home for more than 15 years”.

Since opening the expanded facility in 1972, the Zoo has become home to several species of animals. Some animals have incredible stories of survival like Sammis the pronghorn who was delivered via c-section by a conservation officer after his mother was hit by a car. Sammis was brought to the zoo where he was bottle fed and is now thriving as part of the pronghorn herd. Many other zoo residents like the red-tailed hawk, snowy owls and bald eagles sustained injuries preventing them from being able to survive in the wild, and several other species like the snow leopard and Goeldi’s monkeys participate in important conservation research and education programs to ensure the survival of their species.

To celebrate the milestone, the Zoo will be organizing a variety of enrichment activities for the animals at the Zoo and will be offering a special 50^th anniversary daily admission rate on Thursday, September 1, 2022. Daily admission rates will be $5 for adults (18+), $5 for youth (6-18) and $10 for families (a group of up to seven individuals with a maximum of 2 adults). Children under 6 always receive FREE admission to the Zoo. Parking fees will remain in effect at $4 per vehicle.

“Our animals will be very excited to see what our team has in store for them to mark the occasion,” says Mitchell. “Our zookeepers have been working on a variety of enrichment activities that will promote mental and physical stimulation and also provide an opportunity for the animals to participate in the celebrations. We encourage everyone to come out and visit our species ambassadors and see some of the fun activities we have in store for them.”

The Zoo is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Visit saskatoon.ca/zoo to plan your visit.

Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo Background

Established in 1913, the Sutherland Forest Nursery Station researched and produced trees adapted for growth in the prairie climate. For over 50 years, millions of seedlings were grown and shipped to farms throughout the Prairie Provinces, helping to ensure the success of prairie farming by providing protection from harsh weather and beautification of the landscape. The Nursery Station was closed in 1965 and was purchased by the City of Saskatoon and re-opened in 1972 as the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo. Today, the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo is a National Historic Site boasting restored heritage buildings, carefully-crafted garden spaces and Saskatchewan’s only CAZA accredited zoo.

The Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation has been rescheduled for September 30, following the cancellation on June 21 due to extreme weather. The event will take place on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30) between 10:00 and 11:30 a.m. The walk will begin at Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI) and end at the “Where our Paths Cross” Reconciliation Circle art installation in Victoria Park (across the road from 422 Spadina Cres W).

“The significance of a walk can be attributed to the Sunday walks in residential schools; this was often the only time when siblings and cousins of different genders might be reunited,” says Judy Pelly, a Residential School Survivor and member of the Rock Your Roots Walk organizing committee. “It’s meaningful to see Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples come together in this way.”

Rock Your Roots is put on by Reconciliation Saskatoon, which the City of Saskatoon co-chairs along with the Office of the Treaty Commissioner. The event, which has seen attendance in the thousands in past years, was first held in 2016. The intent of this event is to answer the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action by demonstrating a commitment to Reconciliation, honouring Residential School Survivors, and continuing work towards an inclusive community.

“This walk is an opportunity to learn about and honour First Nation and Métis residential school survivors,” says Shirley Isbister, President of Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI). “It’s an inclusive event that welcomes everyone to come out and participate. We look forward to being together.”

Individuals of all ages are invited to attend—alone or as part of a group. Workplaces and other organizations are encouraged to send a team and invited to come outfitted with banners showcasing their organization’s support for Reconciliation. Many schools will be closed for the day in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation which presents an opportunity for parents to bring their children and partake in this powerful Reconciliation event together. Cultural performers will 'rock their roots' to start and end the walk, sharing their culture and showcasing Saskatoon's incredible diversity.

“Rock Your Roots is an opportunity to bring our community together to understand and be educated on residential schools and how they have negatively impacted Indigenous peoples,” says Saskatoon Tribal Chief Mark Arcand. “This walk is a symbol of Reconciliation and a commitment to change for the better, so that all people can have a good quality of life.”

“Rock Your Roots represents an acknowledgment of the multi-generational impacts of residential schools and a commitment to Reconciliation,” says Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark. “It’s a public demonstration of support for residential school attendees and those lost. It’s a promise to work towards a future that affords every member of our community equal opportunity.”

This event is open to all and there is no charge for participating. Walk participants are invited to wear their cultural dress or symbols, an EveryChildMatters shirt, or any other orange shirt. For the latest event information, follow the Rock Your Roots Facebook Event.

The City of Saskatoon has a responsibility to provide clean drinking water to a growing population through an efficient and reliable water treatment and distribution system. Since it was established in 1906, Saskatoon’s Water Treatment Plant has been expanded to a treatment capacity of 250 million litres per day (MLD). The plant, along with reservoirs and pump stations, serve the city and several surrounding municipal and rural customers.

“We will continue to utilize and upgrade our current Water Treatment Plant and infrastructure for years to come, but we need to begin planning the development of a second plant to increase treatment capacity,” says Pamela Hamoline, Interim Director of Saskatoon Water. “A second plant would eventually bring our total treatment capacity to 450 ML per day, which is necessary for an expected population of 500,000 in the coming years.”

On Monday, the Water Treatment Long Term Capital Strategy will go before the City’s Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services. The report highlights the current and future steps needed to increase treatment capacity.

“Despite many successful water conservation efforts, as well as maintenance and upgrades over the years, it is unrealistic to depend on our 116-year-old Water Treatment Plant to keep up with future demand,” says Hamoline.

Hamoline says an internal Decision Quality Team is committed to ensuring the alignment of the City’s Strategic Goals in determining a treatment plant expansion strategy, including the goal of Environmental Leadership to reduce the City’s environmental footprint and promoting responsible use of resources.

“The team still has a lot of work to do and is currently exploring funding strategies so it can report the findings to City Council. That work will include looking into opportunities and partnerships with Federal and Provincial funding programs.”

The City has a draft Engagement Plan in the works as well, focusing on identifying major stakeholders and opportunities for proactive public communication.

For more information about the Water Treatment Plant, history, distribution system, and treatment process, visit saskatoon.ca/water.

Residents of Saskatoon will soon be able to request public transit service using the Saskatoon Transit OnDemand app from designated stops to the nearest transit hub and vice-versa. The OnDemand Transit (ODT) service will connect the new neighbourhoods of Brighton/Rosewood, North Kensington and Blairmore with fixed route service, to fill service gaps in those areas.

“This is all about service,” says Tracey Davis, Interim Director, Saskatoon Transit.

“We want to provide people with as much flexibility as possible - especially in developing neighbourhoods where full public transit options don’t yet exist. Our OnDemand Transit service is just the thing to meet this challenge head on.”

The new ODT service will begin August 2 and will be fully integrated with the current fixed-route transit system. OnDemand will also be available in Transit, Saskatoon Transit’s all-in-one app to plan, track and pay for rides. Thanks to this integration, riders can, for the first-time plan trips that combine Saskatoon's OnDemand and fixed-route services. Passengers can plan a trip in Transit to their destination using a combination of OnDemand and fixed-route service, then link directly to the Saskatoon OnDemand app to request their ride. Trips can be requested in multiple ways: the Saskatoon Transit OnDemand mobile app, website, or phone (306-975-3100).

To make this all work in a coordinated effort is new AI technology paired with an app that allows trips to be booked in real time, or up to two weeks before riding. Spots can also be reserved for wheelchairs and bikes.

“The software is brilliant,” says Davis. “We’re able to connect buses directly to our customers when they need it, and to route the bus efficiently from rider pickup to drop-off.”

The new service to launch August 2, 2022, will connect Brighton/Rosewood, North Kensington and Blairmore to transit hubs Monday to Friday, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.