News Releases

Today, the City of Saskatoon announced that work is now completed on the Digester and Heating Upgrades project at the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP).

The 3-year, $48.2 million project is funded by the Government of Canada ($9.5 million) and Government of Saskatchewan ($9.5 million) through their New Building Canada Fund, with a $29.2 million investment by the City of Saskatoon.

“Investments in modernizing wastewater infrastructure address communities’ needs and help protect the environment. By partnering with Saskatchewan to upgrade Saskatoon’s Wastewater Treatment Plant, our Government is supporting the local economy while ensuring residents benefit from improved water quality and healthier local ecosystems,” said the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities.

“Reliable local water systems are important to position Saskatchewan communities for growth and attract new business,” Saskatoon Riversdale MLA Marv Friesen said on behalf of Don McMorris, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Government Relations. “The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to invest $9.5 million toward this important wastewater infrastructure project in Saskatoon, which will benefit the local economy, residents and environment.”

“As our city continues to grow, it’s important to maintain our high standards and stewardship in protecting people and property downstream from Saskatoon,” said Mayor Charlie Clark. “The investments in a new digester and heating upgrades at the Wastewater Treatment Plant will help us meet demand by improving capacity, sustainability, as well as maintaining our high-quality standards into the future. The expansion includes an exciting sustainable energy recovery process that will recycle biogas to be used as fuel in boilers and solid matter as nutrients for local and nearby crops.”

The new digester is the Wastewater Treatment Plant’s fourth and will improve capacity to allow the plant to maintain Water Security Agency processing standards whenever another digester is taken out of service for maintenance. The digesters are large circular tanks that hold the solids removed during the wastewater treatment process. The solids are deprived of oxygen to allow bacteria to form and break the solids down, and methane biogas is produced during the process. The methane biogas helps heat the WWTP, which in turn, reduces reliance on the use of natural gas for heating. Boiler upgrades and the installation of a methane biogas treatment filter were also a part of the project.

To learn more about the Digester and Heating Upgrades project, visit saskatoon.ca/digester.

Summary of Facts

• Construction on the fourth digester and Heating and Gas Scrubbing Building began in 2019 and was completed in 2021, ahead of schedule and under budget.
• Digesters are the last stage in the wastewater treatment process. The solids removed during the treatment process are held in an oxygen deprived environment to allow bacteria to form and break the solids down.
• The digesters produce two types of renewable resources; biogas (energy) and biosolids (soil nutrient).
• This expansion includes a new sustainable energy recovery process that will condition biogas to be used as fuel in the boilers while the solid matter is used as nutrient for local crops.
• Construction of a fourth digester tank improves capacity and allows the City to maintain Water Security Agency processing standards when another digester is taken out of service for maintenance purposes.
• Upgrades to boilers were also made to accommodate the additional heat that will be required to run all four digesters.
• Now that construction is complete, residents can no longer see an open flame at the Wastewater Treatment Plant as the flare has been replaced with two enclosed flares.

After a two year pause due to COVID, the Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation is back in-person for the community to gather together and celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21) at 10:00 a.m.

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, attended by thousands in past years, was first held in 2016 with attendance growing each year. The intent 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 working towards an inclusive community.

“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 for organizers to see Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples come together in this way.”

Individuals of all ages are invited to attend, including groups representing organizations, workplaces, and schools. Cultural performers from across the city have been invited to ‘rock their roots’ along the walk route by sharing a piece of their culture and showcasing Saskatoon’s incredible diversity.

“This walk is an opportunity to learn about and honour Indigenous history as well as celebrate the cultural mosaic that is our community,” says Shirley Isbister, President of the Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI). “It’s an inclusive event that welcomes everyone to participate; I’m really hoping that we’ll see a great turnout.”

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

Walk participants are invited to wear their cultural regalia, an EveryChildMatters shirt, or any other orange shirt. Rock Your Roots t-shirts – with all proceeds directed to programming and activities for Rock Your Roots – can be ordered by emailing RockYourRootstshirts@gmail.com.

“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.”

The Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation event takes place on National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21) in Victoria Park between 10:00 and 11:30 a.m. The start location is in Victoria Park near Legion Branch 63 on Spadina Crescent West. All are welcome. More information is available at saskatoon.ca/Indigenous.

At 8:50 a.m. today, Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received multiple 911 calls reporting a house on fire on Kirkpatrick Crescent. Dispatched to the scene were three engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit and a Battalion Chief. On arrival, fire crews found a house with an attached garage with significant fire and smoke showing. Crews began an aggressive attack with multiple large lines to knock the fire down. There was significant fire damage to the house including the loss of the roof structure. Preliminary indication is the fire started on the exterior of the house and spread to the whole structure.

There were no injuries as a result of this fire.

The fire is under investigation and further information will be provided when available.

The City is pleased to announce the approval of $750,000 in Government of Canada funding through PrairiesCan under the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) for the interior renovations of the Farmers’ Market Building at River Landing.

“Our government is pleased to support infrastructure projects through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund that provide Canadians with opportunities to connect and explore their communities,” said the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan. “The renovated Saskatoon Farmers’ Market Building will continue to be an important hub of social activity and a favourite source for fresh produce and locally produced goods.”

The City is currently working with consultants Henry Downing Architects and Stantec Consulting to complete the interior design, plan mechanical and other infrastructure upgrades, and manage the construction project. The renovation project will upgrade the washroom facilities and mechanical systems, as well as prepare permanent tenant spaces for the building’s intended use as a public market with a dedicated seasonal outdoor farmers’ market. Construction on the project is estimated to begin fall 2022.

“This important investment will help to revitalize the Farmers’ Market Building and bring even more activity to River Landing,” said Mayor Charlie Clark. “This exciting renovation project will give residents and visitors a world class experience when they buy goods and produce from our local producers and artisans.” 

To achieve the goal of establishing a fully animated Farmers’ Market Building, the renewal project is estimated to cost $1.65M. Funding of $400,000 has been allocated from the City’s Civic Building Comprehensive Maintenance reserve, $1.1M in capital funding was secured through the 2022/2023 budget deliberations and $150,000 was supported as a post-budget request in 2021 to hire the Design Consultant.

The City is working to complete a lease agreement with Ideas Inc. to operate the new public market at River Landing a minimum of six days a week and provide a vibrant community destination and gathering place that will focus on Saskatchewan produce and content.

Street Stall Saturdays, an outdoor market, has returned to Market Square in River Landing for the 2022 growing season.

For more information on the Farmers’ Market Building at River Landing, visit saskatoon.ca/farmersmarket.

About the Canada Community Revitalization Fund
The Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) helps communities rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic. The fund assists non-profit organizations, municipalities, community groups, and Indigenous communities across Canada to build and improve community infrastructure projects. The CCRF is a two-year, $500 million national infrastructure program to revitalize communities across Canada.

The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo) is entering the final phase of development for the Prairie Butterfly House. The new exhibit at the Zoo will be home to several species of butterflies as well as a variety of plants and flowers. The Prairie Butterfly House will provide an opportunity for guests to learn more about pollinators and the important role they play in our ecosystem. Depending on the season, guests will be able to spot a variety of butterflies including:

• Buckeye
• Julia
• Monarch
• Zebra Longwing
• Black Swallowtail
• Giant Swallowtail
• Palamedes
• Polydamas

“Pollinators (butterflies) are some of the most important animals on the planet,” says Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager. “The Prairie Butterfly House will cultivate an exceptional learning environment where visitors can develop an understanding and passion for what pollinators do and how important they are to our environment.”

Several organizations played a role in the development of the Prairie Butterfly House. Through PrairiesCan, funding of $177,320 under the Tourism Relief Fund was provided for the construction of the Prairie Butterfly House from the Government of Canada.

“Canada’s prairie landscape is rich in flora and fauna, and the new Prairie Butterfly House will highlight some of the smallest creatures that contribute a lot to our ecosystem. Our government is proud to invest in this facility at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo through the Tourism Relief Fund. Residents and visitors to Saskatoon will be able to see the beauty and environmental impact of butterflies for years to come,” said the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister responsible for PrairiesCan. 

PrairiesCan funding under the Tourism Relief Fund supports tourism operators through contribution agreements. The Tourism Relief Fund empowers tourism businesses to create new or to enhance existing tourism experiences and products to attract local and domestic visitors. Tourism Relief Funding focuses on projects that position communities to take advantage of post-pandemic opportunities, as well as supporting destination development prospects in line with objectives set out in the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy.

A special thank you to the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation and all the Prairie Butterfly House sponsors who contributed to the development of the new exhibit.

• 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
• Saskatoon Zoo Foundation

“The Prairie Butterfly House will further enrich the guest experience at the Saskatoon Zoo,” says Saskatoon Zoo Foundation Executive Director, Dawn Woroniuk. “This exhibit was made possible thanks to a number of donors and contributors, we are especially grateful to the Government of Canada, Norplex Business Centre and the Hunter and Duval Families. By supporting the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation, we can continue to connect citizens to nature through education, research and conservation while building for the future for this much-loved tourist attraction.”

Residents will have their first opportunity to preview the space on Saturday, June 11, with the official opening to take place later this summer. The Zoo is open daily from 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. visit saskatoon.ca/zoo to plan your next visit.

June is Parks and Recreation Month in Saskatchewan. The initiative is a reminder of the of the many opportunities parks and recreation bring to our community.

“The City of Saskatoon is proud to provide top-quality recreational facilities, attractions and leisure program opportunities that make the city a great place to live, work and play,” says Andrew Roberts, Director of Recreation and Community Development. 

“Saskatoon parks connect citizens to nature and improve their quality of life with amenities such as sport fields, ski trails, walking trails and picnic tables”, says Darren Crilly, Director of Parks. “We are committed to maintaining the vitality of Saskatoon’s park space”, Crilly adds. This involves planning and designing parks for new neighbourhoods, as well as providing necessary maintenance services and refurbishment of park amenities throughout the City.  

“This month is a time to show appreciation for recreation and park maintenance workers, administrators and volunteers who contribute to the diverse quality of life available to residents and visitors,” says Roberts.    

The City’s golf courses, Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo, Nutrien Playland at Kinsmen Park, skateboard sites, tennis and pickleball courts, spray pads and Gordon Howe Campground have recently opened for the season. Outdoor Pools begin opening next week and Play Programs and Youth Centres will follow at the beginning of July. 

The indoor Leisure Centres operate year-round and provide a place to get out and get active not matter the weather.  

The Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA), along with the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA) and other Provincial/Territorial Parks and Recreation Associations across Canada, celebrates the month of June as Parks and Recreation Month.

The month provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of parks and recreation and the role it plays in the quality of life for all Canadians. To find out more, visit spra.sk.ca.

For more information on parks and recreation opportunities in Saskatoon, visit saskatoon.ca/recreation.

June is recognized annually as National Indigenous History Month. This is a time to honour the history, heritage, and diversity of Indigenous people as well as to recognize the strength of present-day Indigenous people and their communities.

Saskatoon Mayor, Charlie Clark says: “More and more people in our community are moving from words to action when it comes to the work of Truth and Reconciliation. There are new partnerships forming and in many sectors of our community. I see First Nations and Métis people and organizations walking the path together with non-Indigenous counterparts, valuing each other’s ways of knowing and building on each other’s strengths. This is the work of building right relationships. I am grateful for all of these efforts, because there is still much work to do.”

To honour the occasion and to increase awareness, the Reconciliation Flag has been raised in Civic Square (behind City Hall off 23rd Street, between 3rd and 4th Avenues). Residents are invited to visit the flag and take a moment to reflect on the significance of Reconciliation – the process of building bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. The flag will remain raised until June 3.

Saskatoon Tribal Council’s Tribal Chief, Mark Arcand says: “As a First Nations organization serving many members in Saskatoon, we have been very pleased with the outcomes and results of past and current initiatives with the City of Saskatoon. Most notable in recent years, the City of Saskatoon has acknowledged the work of Elders and planning committees with the Reconciliation Flag Raising as an event that will continue to leave a lasting impression as a result of the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action. In the spirit of Reconciliation, we must continue to work together as we are all Treaty People; so we all can have a quality of life.”

President of the Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI), Shirley Isbister says: “Indigenous History Month provides the opportunity for everyone to learn about, share, and celebrate Indigenous cultures. We are peoples with varying cultures, customs, and languages. We are all a part of a shared history with common goals and aspirations. Now is time for Truth.” 

Métis Nation—Saskatchewan Western Region 2A Regional Director, Kathie Pruden-Nansel says: “As we acknowledge June as Indigenous History Month, Métis citizens across our Homeland will also be gathering to recognize our Métis citizens and survivors impacted by residential schools. Our Métis people continue to work towards Reconciliation, as we share our many cultures, journeys and visions of inclusion, and Reconciliation; our Métis Truths as well.”

There are a number of activities happening around Saskatoon during the month of June that present opportunities to learn and get involved. A listing of just some of these is available at saskatoon.ca/Indigenous.

The City of Saskatoon Co-Chairs Reconciliation Saskatoon. Reconciliation Saskatoon is a community of over 115 non-profits, businesses, and other organizations who have come together towards one mission: to initiate a citywide conversation about Reconciliation and provide opportunities for everyone to engage in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.

The condominium fire in the 300 block of 108th Street West has been fully extinguished with no serious injuries resulting.

The fire was reported to Saskatoon Fire just before 11:30 p.m. on Friday, May 27, 2022. Crews were on scene in 2.5 minutes from the time this call was received via Dispatch. It took crews 7 hours to get the blaze under control, and another 7.5 hours to fully extinguish the site.

“This was a large-scale fire and a difficult one to get under control,” says Fire Chief Morgan Hackl. “The fire spread very quickly, and it required close to 80 staff rotating through the scene before it all over.”

The cause of the fire was the improper disposal of smoking material in an exterior receptable at the northeast corner of the property. The condo unit contained 24 units and damages are estimated at $5 million.

Hackl says: “I’m extremely proud of our Department’s response. Firefighters performed amazing rescue efforts during the course of this incident which presented extreme challenges. The assistance of emergency services – including Police and Ambulance – ensure a coordinated approach to mitigate incidents such as these. And, when rehousing is required, the Salvation Army and Ministry of Social Services also play an important role.”

While Hackl acknowledges the early 911 call as a key factor, he did express serious concern that the fire alarm in the condo building had not been activated.

“I want to remind the public today that, while calling 911 is a critical step, it’s equally important to pull those internal fire alarms at the first detection of smoke or fire. Without these alarms sounding, there will be people inside the building that still aren’t aware they need to get out immediately.”

The Fire Department wishes to share these important safety reminders on the heels of this incident:

• Always ensure you’re properly disposing of smoking materials
• At first fire/smoke detection, activate the fire alarm and yell “fire”
• Call 911
• Use the nearest exit
• Test the smoke alarm monthly and replace batteries annually
• Stay well clear of an active fire scene to allow fire crews to safely do their job

More information on fire safety is available at saskatoon.ca/fire. More information on the proper disposal of smoking materials is available here.

ATTACHED: rescue clip video file
(SOURCE: Facebook video - used with permission)