News Releases

Following a discussion of several options, City Council today approved the purchase of a used washroom trailer to provide a staffed, all-day service for the Riversdale and Pleasant Hill neighbourhoods. Council also approved funding to provide staffing at a riverbank washroom location and for extra public access to drinking water.  

“Like many other communities in Canada, Saskatoon is being impacted by an increase in residents who are experiencing homelessness,” says Pamela Goulden-McLeod, Director of Emergency Management. “We’re encouraged with Council’s decision because there’s been a widening gap in services and resources -- including access to public washrooms and drinking water -- for residents in need.” 

The options are expected to cost approximately $700,000, with the money coming from the Reserve for Capital Expenditures. Administration will be diligently looking for cost-saving options. Two community partners have expressed an interest in working with the City on this project. These partnerships are expected to impact some of the planned resources and will lower the project's cost. 

Council heard the City already provides public washroom options in neighbourhoods throughout Saskatoon. The approved options would help increase access to washrooms in neighbourhoods that do not have this service and, in turn, would minimize the overall impact on one single washroom location. The overnight winter warming location that operated at St. Mary’s Hall provided a washroom facility. With the seasonal closure of the warming centre, Pleasant Hill and Riversdale do not have an all-day service – which was in great demand. 

“There is significant need for washroom resources and one location could be overwhelmed quickly,” says Goulden-McLeod. “This was learned from the post-action debrief regarding the St. Mary’s overnight warming location this winter.” 

Goulden-McLeod says there is a cost saving with a used trailer, and if needed, the purchased washroom trailer could then be used for many other functions within the community. 

The washroom trailer is expected to be available in about a week’s time. The Riverbank location, once confirmed, could be staffed in June.  

Council also committed to fund a continuation of misting tents to help prevent heat-stroke and heat-related illnesses, critical to the City’s Extreme Heat Emergency Response Plan. A pilot project for a water-bottle filling station last year at the Westside Clinic was successful; Council now supports three new water bottle filling stations on top of the established distribution of bottled water for those in need. 

The City of Saskatoon is implementing 30 km/h speed limits on select neighbourhood bikeways this summer, as part of an ongoing commitment to improving road safety and comfort for all users. 

A new policy pertaining to reduced speed limits for neighbourhood bikeways was approved by City Council in December 2023. 

“This change aims to enhance safety and create a more comfortable environment for cyclists, pedestrians and drivers,” says Jay Magus, Director of Transportation. “Neighbourhood bikeways are designed for streets with lower vehicle volumes and speeds, promoting safer shared road use."  

Two neighbourhood bikeways will have reduced speed limits implemented this summer: 23rd Street West between Vancouver Avenue North and Avenue C North, Avenue I between the north and south legs of 23rd Street West, and 14th Street East between Saskatchewan Crescent East and Cumberland Avenue.  

The traffic bylaw was amended in February of 2024 for these two neighbourhood bikeways. 

The 14th Street Neighbourhood Bikeway was identified in the Active Transportation Plan and connects the Meewasin Trail to several residential neighbourhoods, as far east as College Park. The 23rd Street Neighbourhood Bikeway, established as a priority cycling route in 2011, offers a connection for cyclists traveling between downtown and Blairmore.  

Signage for these two neighbourhood bikeways is being installed and the reduced posted speed limit of 30 km/h will be in effect on July 5, 2024. Signage for future neighbourhood bikeways will be installed after traffic calming measures are constructed. 

The City understands that these changes can be challenging, but they are part of the broader efforts to enhance safety and make Saskatoon more livable for everyone. For more information on neighbourhood bikeways visit saskatoon.ca/bikewayspeedlimits.

The City of Saskatoon celebrated its partnerships with eight First Nations at a special meeting and Flag Ceremony this morning. There are 10 Urban Reserves within Saskatoon’s boundaries. The first Urban Reserve and Municipal Servicing Agreement was signed in 1988 with Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, and the most recent one was signed in 2023 with Lac La Ronge Indian Band.

Other First Nations with Urban Reserves in Saskatoon are: Kahkewistahaw First Nation; One Arrow First Nation; Red Pheasant Cree Nation; Thunderchild First Nation; Yellow Quill First Nation; and Pelican Lake First Nation.

Urban Reserves benefit both First Nations and the City in creating opportunities in economic growth, offering employment opportunities, strengthening partnerships, and fulfilling Treaty Land Entitlements. These investments help create prosperity for everyone and are a model of good partnership and cooperation.

The Flag installation ceremony occurred at the start of this month’s City Council meeting to recognize the distinct order of First Nations and Métis governments through the Treaty 6 Flag and the Métis Flag. First Nations with urban reserves, additional First Nations represented by the Saskatoon Tribal Council, and Métis Nation-Saskatchewan Western Region 2A along with Locals in Saskatoon participated in the Flag ceremony. 

Métis Nation-Saskatchewan Western Region 2A Locals in Saskatoon are Central Urban Métis Federation Local #165, Victoria Racette Local IIA, Saskatoon Métis Local # 126, and Gabriel Dumont Local #11. The additional First Nations represented by the Saskatoon Tribal Council recognized at the Flag ceremony are: Kinistin Saulteaux Nation; Mistawasis Nêhiyawak ; Muskoday First Nation; and Whitecap Dakota First Nation.

About Urban Reserves and Treaty Land Entitlement

Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) is a process used by the Federal and Provincial governments to resolve outstanding obligations to First Nations who did not receive all of the Reserve land to which they were entitled under Treaty. TLE has enabled First Nations to purchase land and transfer it to Reserve status. The City of Saskatoon welcomes these investments in the city and the region, which support the economic, environmental, social, and cultural well-being of the entire community. Before an urban Reserve is created, the City of Saskatoon and the First Nation sign agreements that cover commitments to work together, municipal services, fees for services, and compatible standards for development.

For more information on the First Nations who have land holdings or reserves within the City of Saskatoon and region, go to www.saskatoon.ca/business-development/planning/programs-projects/urban-reserves-treaty-land-entitlement

Construction is getting underway on the City of Saskatoon’s (City) fourth Flood Control Strategy (FCS) project. Once operational in 2025, flooding during intense summer storms will be mitigated around Early Drive and Tucker Crescent in the Brevoort Park neighbourhood.

“This project includes new storm sewer pipes and underground storm water storage,” says Russ Munro, Director of Saskatoon Water. “Rainwater that typically pools and floods area properties during intense summer storms, will now flow into underground storage tanks that are being installed in Brevoort Park South.”

The storage tanks will temporarily hold the water which will slowly drain through the storm sewer system to the South Saskatchewan River. The project will also include new landscaping once the tanks are installed. Most of Brevoort Park South is fenced off and will remain closed for several months following construction to give the new sod and trees adequate time to establish.

The FCS was approved by City Council in 2018. The Government of Canada is contributing 40% of the eligible construction costs up to a maximum of $21.6 million toward all nine FCS projects. The City is funding the remaining construction costs through the Storm Water Utility Capital Program and revenue generated from Storm Water Utility charges.

FCS projects to date include the W.W. Ashley District dry storm pond, which opened in 2022, and the Churchill Park dry storm pond completed in 2023. Five more FCS projects will be built in Saskatoon’s most flood-prone neighbourhoods over the next three years.

For more information about the FCS and future project locations, visit saskatoon.ca/floodplan.

The City has released its 2023 Report on Service, Savings, Sustainability (SSS). The SSS Report has been released annually since 2005 when City Council directed Administration to prepare a report annually on efficiencies implemented in the previous year. The report highlights the ways the City’s business lines teams worked together in the preceding year to:

• capture savings
• enhance services for residents, and
• make improvements in the area of sustainability

“This type of report is not one that is done in many other municipalities,” says Celene Anger, the City’s Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer. “This year’s report includes more than 130 stories from business areas across the City which feature ways we have both improved and streamlined services without compromising quality.”

The report identifies $4.35 million in total savings. These savings were realized through cost avoidance, cost reductions, and time savings. 

The 2023 SSS Report is available at saskatoon.ca/SSSreport. As well, you will also find a video on this webpage that provides a preview of the full report, highlighting four of the stories featured in 2023

The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo) family grew by one this week, with the birth of a healthy ring-tailed lemur.

“Mom Lucy is doing great, and the baby is exhibiting all of the major milestones we hope to see,” says Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager. “We have not yet identified if it’s a boy or girl because we are allowing time for mom and baby to bond and will be selecting a name in the coming weeks.”

Infant ring-tailed lemurs will cling to their mother’s belly for the first few weeks before moving to a more jockey-style hold on mom’s back. Mom will introduce solid foods after about two weeks with full weaning at five to six months of age. Lucy will be keeping a close eye on her baby as it will begin to explore the habitat and become increasingly independent after a month. Lucy will be celebrating her first Mother’s Day this weekend as this is the first ring-tailed lemur born to mom Lucy and dad Ringo following their arrival at the Zoo last year.

Ring-tailed lemurs are native to southwestern Madagascar and are classified as endangered. Lemurs are considered the most endangered mammal group in the world and their populations are managed through Species Survival Plan Programs led by expert advisors who cooperatively work together to maximize genetic diversity and appropriately manage the demographic distribution and long-term sustainability of the species.

The ring-tailed lemur family is located in the Small Mammal House at the Zoo. The Zoo is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visit saskatoon.ca/zoo to plan your next visit or learn more about the Zoo Season Pass.

Get ready to vote this fall! The provincial election is on October 28, 2024, and the City of Saskatoon’s municipal election for local government leadership and school board trustees for the Public and Separate School Divisions will take place on November 13, 2024.

May has been proclaimed by the Province of Saskatchewan as Voter Registration Month. Eligible voters, you can now register or update your voter information for the provincial election. All you need to do is check, update, or add your voter information to the Elections Saskatchewan Voters List portal here.

Key Dates:

• At the end of May 2024: The Returning Officer for Saskatoon’s 2024 Municipal/School Board election will collect Voter Registration data from Elections Saskatchewan to establish Saskatoon’s municipal voter registry.
   
• Starting July 2024: Eligible voters for the Saskatoon Municipal/School Board election will be able to register and update their Voter Information until mid-October 2024 on the Elections Saskatoon website at saskatoon.ca/vote2024. 

“Saskatoon has not used a voters list since 1988,” says Shellie Bryant, Returning Officer, 2024 Civic Election.  “Elections Saskatoon’s partnership with Elections Saskatchewan will support Saskatoon’s modernized and secure civic election and provide a faster voter experience at the polls.”

In May 2023, City Council approved Saskatoon’s election modernization strategy. This includes the use of a registered voters list for the municipal election and entering into an information-sharing agreement with Elections Saskatchewan.

Who Can Register to Vote

You can register to vote in the Municipal/School Board election if you meet the following criteria on Election Day, November 13, 2024.

• You are a Canadian citizen and at least 18 years of age
• You have resided in Saskatchewan for at least six consecutive months
• You are a resident of Saskatoon or have owned assessable land within Saskatoon for at least three consecutive months

What eligible voters need to know: 2024 Saskatoon Municipal Election

• After you check, update or add your voter information to the Elections Saskatchewan Voters List, you are automatically registered to vote in Saskatoon’s Municipal/School Board election this fall.
• Elections Saskatoon will send a voter information guide to all households in the fall.

“Being registered ahead of time will make your voting experience faster for both elections held this fall,” adds Bryant. “As in previous civic elections, if you are an eligible voter, you can still register to vote at the voting location you attend in November.”

Helpful reminders for both provincial and Saskatoon municipal election voters:

• If you will turn 18 years old by the provincial or municipal election day, get ready to vote for the first time!  Register today.
• Have you recently become a Canadian Citizen? Register to vote in your first election.
• Moved lately? Or changed your name? Check, update or add your voter information today.

For additional municipal election information, we encourage residents to visit saskatoon.ca/vote2024 - the official information source for Saskatoon’s 2024 Civic Election to be held November 13, 2024. Or call the City Clerk’s Office at 306-975-3240.

Elections Saskatoon is committed to protecting the integrity of the voting process, providing a faster and more efficient voter experience at the polls, and an easier way to verify identity through the use of a Voters List, and by providing alternative voting formats such as Mail-In Ballots and Drive-Thru Voting.

Elections Saskatoon is the City of Saskatoon’s non-partisan and independent election-management body and office. Elections Saskatoon will direct and supervise the administration of Saskatoon’s 2024 Civic Election.

Saskatoon’s 2024 Civic Election is on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. Eligible voters will vote for local government leadership - Saskatoon’s Mayor, Councillors, and Public and Separate School Board Trustees for the next four-year term. Civic elections are held every four years.

A delayed spring with a late March freeze and thaw has created more cracks and potholes than usual this year.  So, City crews are on pothole patrol to provide smoother and safer roadways, using hot mix asphalt for more permanent repairs. 

Instances confirmed as emergency potholes are included in the locations marked as High Priority on the Report a Pothole Map, and will be addressed within 24 to 72 hours, weather permitting. Non-emergency pothole repairs are part of planned maintenance programs, ensuring the road network's longevity while prioritizing citizen safety and fiscal responsibility. 

Please allow 24 to 48 hours for repair completion and Map updates. Remember to reduce speed and watch for crews for everyone's safety. 

Anyone that notices hazardous potholes or pavement cuts can report them to our Customer Care Centre at 306-975-2476. Explore more about potholes and utility cut repairs at saskatoon.ca/potholes. 

After a short delay because of rain, residential street sweeping will begin today, Wednesday May 8.  

Street sweeping in the rain presents challenges: it turns dust and debris into mud, making it much harder for our street sweepers to do the best job cleaning the roads.    

Scheduled street sweeping missed during the rainfall this week will be rescheduled for a later date. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to ensure the cleanliness and safety of City streets. 

To ensure thorough cleaning, "No Parking" signs will be posted prior to sweeping. Your cooperation in moving parked vehicles and following the parking restrictions is greatly appreciated.  

For more information and to find your sweep date, visit saskatoon.ca/sweep. 

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).