News Releases

The City of Saskatoon is pleased to offer its residents the opportunity to dispose of elm wood at the Landfill at no cost (for loads up to 1,000kg) through to the end of the year. This initiative aims to encourage the prompt and proper disposal of elm wood, reducing the risk of disease transmission to healthy elm trees. The City wants to remind people that an elm pruning ban is in place each year from April 1 until August 31; however, this new initiative means that any elm wood that has been completely removed, previously been cut, has fallen or was intended as firewood can be disposed of for free.  

“Elm trees hold a special place in our urban landscape, providing shade, enhancing aesthetics, and supporting local biodiversity. However, they face a serious threat from diseases like Dutch Elm Disease. To help manage this issue effectively and limit the spread, it is crucial to ensure proper disposal of all elm wood,” says Konrad Andre, Parks Operations Manager. 

The City ran a free elm wood disposal pilot project at the Landfill in October 2023, accepting a total of 866 loads during the month-long pilot. Building on this positive community response, City Council approved the elimination of residential tipping fees on elm wood for the remainder of 2024 to encourage proper disposal.  

This means that residents may dispose of elm wood loads under 1,000 kg, including branches, logs and other elm debris, at the Landfill during regular operating hours at no cost. This program is limited to residents of the City of Saskatoon only due to provincial regulations that prohibit transporting elm wood across municipal boarders. Loads must consist of 100 per cent elm wood to qualify. The Saskatoon Regional Waste Management Centre (Landfill) is located along Valley Road, south of 11th Street. 

Commercial customers will continue to be charged regular fees and engagement with this sector is planned for later in 2024. 

“By taking advantage of this free elm wood disposal pilot program, residents can play an active role in protecting our urban canopy and preserving the natural beauty of our community,” says Andre. “Timely disposal of elm wood can significantly reduce the risk of Dutch Elm Disease and support the health of our elm tree population.” 

What is DED? 

DED is a serious fungal disease that impacts an elm tree’s water and nutrient conducting system, which eventually causes the tree to die. In Saskatoon, elms make up 25 per cent of the public urban forest. Four positive cases of DED were identified in Saskatoon neighbourhoods in 2023. 

How is DED spread? 

In Saskatchewan, the disease is spread by several species of elm bark beetles. These beetles can fly farther than two kilometres in search of elm trees and are attracted to the scent of pruned or damaged trees and firewood. The DED fungus has tiny spores that stick to the bodies of bark beetles and they can carry these spores and infect other elm trees. The fungus can also be spread by infected pruning tools. 

You can help prevent DED by: 

• Never storing elm wood or branches. Don’t buy or take elm wood from anyone and don’t burn it. Elm firewood is the best habitat for bark beetles. 
• Disposing of elm wood at the Saskatoon Regional Waste Management Centre (Landfill). Do not take elm to the compost depot or put it in your green bin. Dispose of it immediately, even if it is during the provincial pruning ban. 
• Reporting dead or dying elm trees or branches to the city.   

How to identify and report unhealthy elm trees and firewood 

American elm trees with DED may start showing symptoms as early as June. Typically, the leaves will start to wilt and turn yellow, then curl and turn brown. If you suspect an unhealthy elm tree or are unsure of what type of firewood you have, take a photo and complete the online form at saskatoon.ca/dutchelmdisease or call Urban Forestry at 306-975-2890. 

For more information on DED, visit saskatoon.ca/dutchelmdisease. 

The City of Saskatoon’s Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) will begin accepting new applications on May 1, 2024, at 6:00 pm, with room for 30-50 new applicants.  

HELP provides low interest loans to single-family homeowners for energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy installations that are repayable through their property taxes. Homeowners are eligible for loans between $1,000 - $60,000, with flexible repayment terms of 5, 10, or 20 years.  

The loans are tied to the property, not the person. To be eligible, property owners need to have their property taxes in good standing, and no additional credit checks are needed. 

HELP loans are specifically for home energy efficiency upgrades, retrofits, and renewable energy installations. Some of the eligible home upgrades include:   

• Replacing windows, doors, or heating and cooling equipment with EnergyStar models   
• Adding insulation to basements, attics, and walls   
• Replacing toilets and faucets to low-flow options   
• Installing solar panels   

The program has been closed to new applicants since 2023 and is opening now as all waitlisted applications have been processed.  

“This popular program has already seen 105 homes upgraded for better energy efficiency,” says Amber Weckworth, Manager of Climate, Strategy, and Data for the City of Saskatoon.   

 “We have calculated a reduction of 260 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year from renovations completed through the first batch of loans,” says Weckworth. “Reducing barriers for energy upgrades, lowering emissions, supporting local employment and businesses, and reducing utility costs are benefits that this program provides for the community that support broader goals set out by City Council.”  

While only 30-50 spots will be available in 2024, new funding was approved by City Council in March 2024 to continue the program for an additional 1-3 years with 100-240 new spots expected to open over the funding period. 

Visit saskatoon.ca/HELPHome for more information on the City’s Home Energy Loan Program (HELP). 

Drivers will notice lane restrictions on College Drive this week. Crews are laying down temporary above-ground water lines next to the road in preparation for what is anticipated to be a months-long water main maintenance project between Cumberland Avenue and Clarence Avenue. The project will begin next week and wrap up in October. 

“Maintenance work on water mains under this section of College Drive is required to continue providing reliable water service,” says Terry Schmidt, General Manager of Transportation and Construction. “The planned maintenance work is a trenchless method where pits are dug at various locations on College Drive, and plastic tubing is inserted into the existing water main to extend the lifespan.”   

The project will be phased and completed block-by-block with pits dug in various spots within each work zone. Two-way traffic will always be maintained, however, there will be lane restrictions. Schmidt says drivers can expect delays while this important water infrastructure work takes place.  

“Access points to the University of Saskatchewan, Royal University Hospital and Saskatchewan Cancer Centre are located along College Drive. There will be no access restrictions, however, due to anticipated traffic delays, we encourage anyone visiting these locations between now and October to take note and consider allowing extra travel time. From time to time, pedestrians may also be redirected to cross College Drive at different locations.” 

To see where current road restrictions are on College Drive, and on other priority Saskatoon roadways during the 2024 construction season, residents can check and/or subscribe to the City’s Daily Road Report. Saskatoon Transit will be affected. Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit.  

Work zones are clearly marked with orange signs and pylons. Drivers are asked to slow down, pay attention, and watch for workers. 

For more information on this and other upcoming water main and road related construction projects this year, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.  

Saskatoon’s 2024 Civic Election will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. Eligible voters will cast their ballot for Mayor, City Councillors, and Public and Catholic School Board Trustees for the next four-year term of local government.

The City Clerk’s Office reminds any unofficial or prospective municipal election candidates that the The Campaign Disclosure and Spending Limits Bylaw, 2006, outlines the campaign financing rules for the 2024 Civic Election this November:

• The Campaign Period as defined in the Bylaw begins on June 1 of the year of a general election, ending on the date of the election; in this election year that date is November 13, 2024. 

• The Campaign Expenses Period also begins June 1, but runs until December 15, allowing for accommodation and accounting of final expenses.

Campaign expenses, except the allowed activities as defined in the Bylaw, are not to be incurred outside of the Campaign Expenses Period.

Exceptions allowed are for the advance preparation of:

• election advertising materials
• website development
• signs
• incidental financial charges associated with accepting campaign contributions

These expenditures may be incurred prior to the Campaign Expenses Period, but they must be recorded and disclosed as campaign expenses in accordance with the Bylaw and the materials or resources are not to be used until the Campaign Period (June 1 to November 13).

The City of Saskatoon has appointed an independent Election Disclosure Complaints Officer to investigate any complaint where a candidate has filed false, misleading or incomplete disclosure of campaign contributions or expenses pursuant to the Bylaw.  Following an investigation, the Officer makes a final determination about the validity of complaints and any recommendations of whether prosecution is warranted.

Failing to file the required statement of campaign contributions and expenses may also result in prosecution under the Bylaw.

The Bylaw contains offences and penalties, which include fines and disqualification from office for any candidate who is elected and found to have contravened any provision(s) of the Bylaw.

The City Clerk’s Office recommends anyone interested in running for City Council carefully review the requirements of the Bylaw and The Local Government Election Act, 2015 to avoid any inadvertent violation of the Bylaw and Act which could affect their ability to serve should they be elected.

Any election-related questions or concerns can be directed to the City Clerk’s Office at city.clerks@saskatoon.ca or call 306-975-3240.

Visit saskatoon.ca/vote for additional 2024 Civic Election-related information.

City Archives is moving from its current location (since 2010) at 224 Cardinal Crescent near the Saskatoon Airport to new permanent quarters in the old Post Office Building located at 202 - 4^th Avenue North, right across the street from City Hall and the downtown Saskatoon Public Library. The City of Saskatoon refers to the new location as the Civic Square East (CSE) building.

“We’re excited about moving City Archives into this new space - it’s larger, better organized and more secure than Cardinal Crescent,” says Jeff O’Brien, City Archivist.  “This move is timely; we’ve simply outgrown our current space. We have a huge archival collection – we will have about 3500 boxes of records to move once we’re packed up.”

Planning for a large move. City Archives - by the numbers:

• 450,000 photographs
• 4,000 feet of shelves (66 bays of 8’ high shelving units, a total length of 275 feet
• 3,000 linear feet of records
• thousands of maps, plans and blueprints
• hundreds of miscellaneous materials
• 135 map cabinet drawers, along with bookcases and filing cabinets
• dozens of oversized financial ledgers and tax rolls

“Locating close to the downtown Saskatoon Public Library will allow us to share resources with the Local History Room so we may serve our shared community more effectively,” adds O’Brien. “For City staff, the new location will also make archives more accessible as we’ll be right across the street from City Hall. Our new location will support City Archives in being a more effective resource for all civic departments.”

City Archives mandate is to preserve and provide access to the historical records of the City of Saskatoon, as well as to those of historically significant individuals and organizations in Saskatoon. Archives is committed to build more effective and ongoing partnerships with civic and community stakeholders interested in the shared history of Saskatoon.

Preparation for the move of the City Archives and its collection began in January 2024. Construction of the new City Archives space is scheduled to be complete on May 1, 2024. City Archives move-in day is tentatively scheduled for May 6, 2024.

Starting April 8, 2024, as City Archives starts its time-consuming and careful pack up, the team will be unable to access records and therefore will be closed for public inquiries until the new location fully re-opens in its new forever home in June 2024.

City Archives thanks residents and stakeholders for their understanding and apologizes in advance for any inconvenience as they undertake this large and sure to be exciting move.

Visit saskatoon.ca/archives

The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo) has been fostering five zebras following their seizure by conservation officers as part of an investigation under The Captive Wildlife Regulations. The Government of Saskatchewan has informed the City of Saskatoon that the legal proceedings have concluded and the Province has transferred ownership of the zebras to the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo effective March 31, 2024.

“Our team has done such an incredible job working with the zebras since they came into our care,” says Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager. “We are excited for the community to come out and learn more about these magnificent animals.”

With warmer temperatures on the horizon, the zebras will begin spending more time exploring their outdoor habitat. Zebras are native to Africa and do not grow thick winter coats like horses or other animals native to colder climates. The herd can typically handle weather down to about negative five degrees Celsius and will typically choose to spend more time in their indoor habitat when temperatures drop.

The Zoo is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visit saskatoon.ca/zoo to plan your next visit or learn more about the Zoo Season Pass.

The City of Saskatoon has come together with many partners to host a community Round Dance and Feast for the very first time this evening at the Cosmo Civic Centre.

A Round Dance is a traditional event in First Nations culture that celebrates community unity through the coming together of the community and its people. The theme for this historic event is miyo-pimatisiwin (MEE-oh pim-MAT-tiss-win), which means the “the good life for all” in the Plains Cree language.

“This Round Dance has come together thanks to a great collaboration of the Indigenous Technical Advisory Group, Elders, city staff, sponsors and partners. I am very grateful for everyone who has helped out,” says Mayor Charlie Clark. “An important part of the journey of Reconciliation is celebration and gathering together - movement and laughter are good medicine. We are living in difficult times, here in Saskatoon and around the world. This is an opportunity to express gratitude for the good in our lives and in our community and to acknowledge the continued work towards a good life for every resident of our city.”

Hosting a Round Dance is meaningful for the City, as it responds to TRC Calls to Action, continues to build relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples and shows the City’s dedication to Reconciliation is not just words on paper.

The City is grateful to have the guidance, support and the ability to learn from ceremonialists, cultural advisors and knowledge keepers for events such as these. There are diverse Indigenous culture and language groups here in Saskatoon with different teachings, perspectives and worldviews.

“In terms of Reconciliation and the Calls to Action, this event is moving the needle forward in a very tangible way,” says Indigenous Initiatives Director, Melissa Cote. “We are so excited to be co-hosting this historical event with Indigenous Technical Advisory Group and support from the City of Saskatoon United Staff for Networking and Strategy – or ‘COUSINS’ Group as we call them.”

A Community Feast took place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Round Dance began at 6 p.m. and will end at midnight.

The City acknowledges Nutrien for providing a financial contribution and others for in-kind contributions. The City would also like to recognize the support of numerous community organizations, volunteers, City staff and individuals that travelled from their home communities outside of Saskatoon to take part in this important event.

For more information, visit saskatooon.ca/rounddance.

The Standing Policy Committee on Environment Utilities and Corporate Services will consider long-term options for city organics processing at its meeting Tuesday, April 2. 

“As we explored options for long-term organics processing, it made sense to consider the West Compost Depot since it will need to be relocated due to future development,” says Brendan Lemke, Director of Water & Waste Operations. “After a deeper evaluation, it was clear that constructing a City-owned facility would offer the best long-term costs for providing both organics processing for the green cart program and public-drop off services.”  

In a decision report to the Committee that includes a thorough analysis of long-term organics processing options, Administration recommends building a city-owned organics processing facility. This would provide organics processing for the green cart program and a location for public drop-off to replace the West Compost Depot. The analysis shows this option would have the lowest long-term cost impact for residents and it offers all the same services for residents. Also, the cost could be further reduced if the City is successful in its funding application to the Low Carbon Economy Challenge Fund. 

The city-wide curbside organics program launched in May of 2023. In 2020, Green Prairie Environmental Ltd. (GPE) was awarded a contract to process organics materials, however, GPE has not fulfilled their obligations under the organics processing contract. As a result, the City requires a long-term strategy for processing curbside organics. A comprehensive report on performance of the green cart program will be presented later this year. 

Since the green cart program launch,  more than 18,000 tonnes of organic waste have successfully been diverted from the landfill. The Solid Waste Reduction and Diversion Plan projected that the annual diversion would be between 15,000 and 22,000 tonnes per year. The lower range of the estimated diversion rate has been exceeded within the first nine months of the program. To learn more about the Green Cart program, visit saskatoon.ca/greencart. 

Starting Tuesday, April 2, 2024, to serve the public conveniently and best, residents who would like to discuss assessment matters with a City assessor, will only have to visit one centralized location, City Hall. In-person meetings will be by appointment only.

Previously, members of the public could visit the Assessment & Valuation Office one block north of City Hall; from April 2 onwards, the Assessment Office at 325 3^rd Avenue North, will be for City employee’s only with no public access.

“Our Assessment & Valuation team will continue to be as flexible as possible with members of the public seeking to meet with us by appointment at City Hall,” says Bryce Trew, City Assessor. “It remains important for us to have in-person meetings. Having conversations with property owners at a convenient centralized location helps us work through assessment-related questions residents may have. We are here to help.”

The Assessment & Valuation Office’s phoneline and email have not changed, there are three options to reach out:

• Conveniently send your assessment inquiry by email: assessmentsubmit@saskatoon.ca
• Call 306-975-3227 to discuss your assessment inquiry 8 am – 5 pm, Monday - Friday
• Call 306-975-3227 to schedule an in-person meeting with a City assessor at City Hall between 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday.  

For more information about assessment and assessment appeals visit saskatoon.ca/assessment.

City co-chaired Reconciliation Saskatoon is hosting the Rock Your Roots: Walk for Reconciliation on June 21, 2024—National Indigenous Peoples Day. This walk gathers Indigenous, non-Indigenous and newcomer peoples to honour the truth of the Residential schools and those who survived them, as well as demonstrate our collective commitment to reconciliation.

Rock Your Roots began in 2016 as part of the celebrations on June 21 to honour Indigenous Peoples in Canada. In 2022, the event was postponed due to weather and took place on September 30—the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This tradition was continued in 2023, a decision made by Residential School Survivors. After Rock Your Roots last year, Survivors spoke about how they missed seeing school buses full of children arriving to the walk. Since schools are closed on September 30 to acknowledge the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, teachers are not able to facilitate the participation of their students in the Rock Your Roots event.

“I had a dream of walking for Residential School Survivors that didn’t have a voice,” says Jamie Fiddler, Residential School Survivor. “This Rock Your Roots walk is a covenant of truth or ‘tāpwēwin’ and reconciliation or ‘miyo-wâhkôhtowin.’ As we are one family, we walk and heal together, going into the future.”

Reconciliation Saskatoon creates lesson plans and activities for classrooms leading up to the event, so that learning and engagement takes place before, during, and after the Walk. With the 2024 Rock Your Roots returning to June 21, Reconciliation Saskatoon and Residential School Survivors can deepen their engagement with students across the city.

Participants of the Walk for Reconciliation are invited to “Rock Your Roots” by wearing orange or contemporary/cultural regalia, or carrying signs that celebrate their heritage. Knowledge Keepers will start the day with a ceremony. Residential School Survivors will be honoured by leading the walk. Along the route, an international cast of singers, dancers, and musicians will celebrate the diverse cultures of Saskatoon.

Reconciliation Saskatoon is grateful to the incredible community that has made this walk possible. Organizations like the Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI) have put the strength of their community behind Rock Your Roots.

“Rock Your Roots is a day we honour our Residential School Survivors by coming out and showing community support,” says Shirley Isbister, President of CUMFI. “Gather your families, friends, business, and office staff. Make signs, wear your cultural regalia, and come out and Rock Your Roots.”

Reconciliation Saskatoon also recognizes the incredible support of Community Investors. Blue Cross Saskatchewan was the first investor to come forward in 2024.

“Last year we had the privilege of being a part of this incredible display of diversity in our community,” says Kelly Wilson, President and CEO of Saskatchewan Blue Cross. “We’re excited to partner with Reconciliation Saskatoon to participate in the journey of Truth and Reconciliation in Saskatchewan and celebrate diversity in the province.”

Also returning to support the event: SIGA, SGI Canada, BHP, and Nutrien.

Reconciliation Saskatoon invites everyone in the community to get involved: as organizers, volunteers, community investors, and participants. For more information on the Rock your Roots: Walk for Reconciliation, please visit BeAConnectR.com/events.

ATTACHED: Images (4)
Photo credit to Alexander Willems for the following images: Shirley RYR 2023, RYR Sept 30-2023, Survivors Jamie and Rick