News Releases

As part of a one-year pilot project, the City of Saskatoon is making public (free) WiFi available in an area that includes parts of the Pleasant Hill and Meadowgreen neighbourhoods. The network, named “YXEPublicWiFi”, was activated on February 16, 2023. Anyone inside the pilot area, which includes approximately 1,500 residents, may now connect using a WiFi-enabled device such as a laptop, tablet, or phone.

On Feb. 2, 2022 the City announced its intention to explore free public WiFi through a pilot project. The intent is to assess how the provision of public (free) WiFi can improve the quality of life for residents previously unable or significantly constrained in their ability to access the Internet due to barriers such as cost.

“There is a growing recognition in countries around the world that the ability to access basic services and programs and participate in today’s digital world requires access to the internet,” says Drew Bell, the City’s Interim IT Director. “This pilot project will help us discover how the provision of free internet impacts people’s lives and help us decide if this initiative is worthy of further consideration, including expansion.”

The isolation imposed by COVID highlighted how the internet can sometimes be the only means of communicating or accessing things such as: legal and medical services, housing information, important safety information and public health orders, day-to-day transactions, and work and study opportunities.

The free WiFi is intended to cover the area between 19th St W and 21st St W and between Witney Ave S and Ave U S. This area was selected based on population data (including high percentage of youth, seniors, newcomers, Indigenous persons), the needs of area students, consultation with external organizations, and the proximity to City-owned infrastructure where the necessary equipment could be installed.

While the network has been tested extensively, the City notes that the WiFi’s performance – much like any WiFi network – won’t perform the same on all devices and in all locations. For example, the network signal will be stronger closer to the access points installed on the light poles in the pilot area. The age and performance of the personal device might also impact the WiFi’s performance. As well, there are some unknowns about how the network will perform during the changing seasons – like how heavy foliage might impact the signal strength.

“While there are many jurisdictions across Canada, the U.S., and Europe that have implemented or are undertaking similar projects, this is actually a relatively new area of exploration for Saskatoon,” notes the City’s Interim IT Director. “We’re expecting to learn a lot through this pilot. We’re optimistic that we’ll see some great uptake and that we’ll be impacting residents’ lives in a very tangible and positive way.”

At the end of the one-year pilot, its success will be measured by assessing usage, quality of service, adoption, and feedback from residents. More information is available at saskatoon.ca/PublicWiFi.

Construction is starting a little earlier than usual this year. On Tuesday, February 28, a nine-month-long rehabilitation will begin on the 40-year-old Circle Drive North Bridge. The project will start with a full closure of the westbound lanes with two-way traffic being accommodated in the eastbound lanes.

“When construction wraps up on the westbound side of the bridge in approximately four months from now, it will then reopen to accommodate two-way traffic while work happens on the eastbound side,” says Todd Grabowski, Engineering Manager, Asset Preservation. “It is unusual to start construction so early in the year, but because this is a major, months-long project on one of Saskatoon’s busiest roadways, we need to start early so we can finish during one construction season rather than extending the work over two.”

Grabowski says the City’s preservation plan, with the results of the Deck Testing Program, identified the need for the rehabilitation of the Circle Drive North Bridge to optimize the service life and diminish the overall capital lifecycle costs.

“Certain elements of the bridge are nearing the end of their typical lifecycle, so this is a proactive construction project to ensure it lasts for years to come. Work will include replacing asphalt and barriers, improvements to drainage and concrete, and repairs to the piers and abutments.”

The pedestrian bridge underneath the Circle Drive North Bridge will not be impacted during the rehabilitation project. A section of Spadina Crescent underneath the bridge will close at some points during construction to accommodate scaffolding.

“We know this construction project is going to be a pain in the asphalt because moving through this area of Circle Drive will be much slower than usual. We will continually monitor traffic and adjust signals throughout the city as necessary to minimize delays and disruptions as much as possible,” says Grabowski.

The 275-metre-long bridge opened in 1983 at a cost of $11.8 million. In 2005, additional lanes were added on each side of the bridge and in 2007, the pedestrian bridge opened.

For more information about the Circle Drive North Rehabilitation project, please visit saskatoon.ca/construction.

Construction has started on a dry storm pond in Weaver District Park. It’s the third of nine Flood Control Strategy (FCS) projects the City of Saskatoon has undertaken, and it will be completed in 2024. The FCS, aimed at reducing neighbourhood flooding during intense rainfalls, 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 the 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.

“Prairie communities have long excelled at finding new and innovative ways to protect their citizens from flooding hazards,” said the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities. “We will continue to be guided by their expertise in delivering infrastructure projects that create more resilient communities, in Saskatchewan and across the country.”

Dry storm ponds hold water that would otherwise cause flooding in intersections and nearby properties during intense rainfalls. The water flows into the pond instead, then slowly drains into the storm sewer system. Whenever dry, it is used as recreational or park space.

“Once operational, the Weaver Park dry storm pond will reduce flooding to properties near the intersections of Cascade Street and Dufferin Avenue, and Bute Street and Dufferin Avenue,” said Russ Munro, Director of Saskatoon Water. “The project is being built in the north end of the park where a recreation field is also being incorporated into the design between the playground and dry storm pond.”

The City of Saskatoon opened the W.W. Ashley District dry storm pond in 2022 and the Churchill Park dry storm pond project will be completed later this year. Six more FCS projects will be built in Saskatoon over the next four years.

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

A city-wide initiative is rolling out this spring that will help divert up to 20,000 tonnes, or about 3,300 garbage truck loads, of organics from the Saskatoon landfill every year. Throughout March and April, all households with black garbage carts and blue recycling carts will receive a third cart - a green cart - specifically for materials like food and yard waste.

“Our studies show that up to fifty-seven percent of what the average Saskatoon household throws into the garbage can actually be put to good, sustainable use,” says Brendan Lemke, Director of Water and Waste Operations. “Lawn clippings, leaves, meat, dairy, and even soiled paper are among the many things that residents will be able to divert from their garbage to the green cart.”

When biweekly collection starts in May, green cart materials will be taken to a third-party processing facility that turns everything into nutrient-rich compost faster and at higher temperatures than at-home composting or a compost depot. Compost produced will meet the highest certification as a safe and healthy fertilizer for yards, gardens and farms.  

The green carts, with an information package and kitchen pail attached, will be delivered to the front of each home between mid-March and the end of April. Subscribers to the previous Green Cart Program will continue to use their existing carts but will also receive the kitchen pail. The pail is to collect food waste inside before transferring it into the green cart.

Because so much of what we throw away can go into the green cart, Lemke says garbage cart collection will continue on a biweekly schedule once the green cart service begins in May. Green carts will be collected at the same location as the black and blue carts.

“If they’re not already thinking about it, then now is a great time for residents to consider how they will get rid of waste going forward. Is it really garbage or can it go into the green cart? Is it recyclable or could it be reused? By asking ourselves these questions and putting our waste in the right place, we are helping protect the health of our land, air and water while reducing the need for a new landfill.”

A monthly average utility fee of $6.73 will appear on City utility bills beginning in May. The fee covers collection, composting, cart maintenance, education programs and program management. The City is planning a multi-unit residential organics program, but for now, residents who utilize the large communal garbage and recycling bins are not affected by these changes and will not be charged monthly. This summer, businesses and organizations that generate food and yard waste will be required to separate it from the garbage.

For more information about green carts, and to download the ‘Saskatoon Waste Wizard’ app where you can check collection dates and sign up for collection reminders, please visit saskatoon.ca/greencart.

Since it was built in 1958, the City’s Greenhouse facility (Greenhouse) located within the Vic Rempel yards off Avenue P North, has provided plants for all the City’s flowerpots, flower beds and indoor greenery and has now reached the end of its service life.  

In recent years, the Greenhouse has experienced escalating structural concerns due to its age and unique design and will soon need to be vacated for the safety of staff. In September 2022, an engineering assessment indicated increasing issues with the Greenhouse structure from the previous year and recommended that it be vacated.   

The City wants everyone to know that bright and beautiful flowers will continue to be planted citywide by Parks staff every year. While options will be explored for the future of the Greenhouse, the City has secured a suitable private sector contractor to provide seasonal plants for the 2023 season. 

Later this year, City Administration will bring a report back to City Council outlining longer-term recommendations for the future of the Greenhouse program.  

Through a competitive process, Stantec has been chosen as the City’s Technical Advisor for the Downtown Event and Entertainment District. Stantec has partnered with HOK and LMN who have a wealth of experience in similar projects, including Rogers Place and Edmonton’s ICE District, the Seattle Convention Centre and the Calgary BMO Centre Expansion in Calgary.

“Stantec has put together a highly experienced team of experts for this project,” says Dan Willems, Director of Technical Services. “When it comes to developing event centres and convention centres, our technical advisors bring international expertise to the project. This, combined with the ability to leverage Saskatoon-specific knowledge through City Council, the District Advisory Group, and local stakeholders and rightsholders, gives us confidence we will have a successful project.”

Additionally, at the February 14^th Governance and Priorities Committee Meeting, a draft of the Vision and Guiding Principles for the District Plan will be presented in an Information Report.

The Vision and Guiding Principles are designed to outline the aspirations of the District Plan, with the goal of repurposing Downtown Saskatoon into an entertainment and cultural hub, with vibrant public spaces that are welcoming and accessible for everyone.

“The vision for the Downtown Event and Entertainment District will combine the new event centre, a new or updated convention centre and a plan for the larger area, including enhanced public spaces that will be accessible to everyone through the Bus Rapid Transit system,” says Willems.

“The District Plan creates the foundation to support commerce, tourism, services, residential properties, entertainment and more, and is the key component to the future success of the District.”

The full draft Vision and Guiding Principles can be found through the meeting agenda. The main principles being proposed for the District, including:

• A distinctive identity through placemaking/placekeeping
• Architectural and public realm design excellence
• Reconciliation by honouring Indigenous histories, languages and culture
• Reliable and efficient transportation options
• Downtown density with a focus on housing
• Leadership in sustainability and resiliency
• A robust and diverse economy
• A healthy and safe community

Other aspects of the Downtown Event and Entertainment District continue to progress. The City is continuing to develop funding strategies with the goal of funding the project with little or no additional increases to property taxes. Conceptual design of the new facilities will begin in February.

City Council will be asked to make a decision on the guiding principles at its meeting in March.

For more information visit the project website at saskatoon.ca/eventdistrict.

The City’s Administration and Arbutus have reached an agreement that allows for the potential development of 2775 Meadows Parkway in Rosewood to move forward. The agreement resolves the financial matters between the two parties while at the same time protects City infrastructure and the property of current and future residents.

The City Administration and Arbutus have continued working together throughout the past months and are pleased to have arrived at a mutually agreeable resolution of this matter.

The matter will be considered by City Council at its January 25, 2023 Public Hearing meeting.

Jeff Jorgenson
City Manager

S&P Global Ratings (S&P) has reaffirmed the City of Saskatoon’s credit rating with the highest rating possible, a ‘AAA’ credit rating with a “Stable” outlook. The City has maintained the ‘AAA’/Stable credit rating for twenty-one years since S&P first began affirming the City’s credit ratings in 2002.

“City Staff and City Council have worked hard over the years to ensure that prudent financial management and forward-thinking financial decisions are always top priority.  This endorsement by S&P once again confirms the City of Saskatoon’s financial management practices, economy and outlook as one of the strongest in the country,” says Clae Hack, Chief Financial Officer. “I’m confident the City’s prudent financial practices and our strong economy will continue to serve the City, residents and our business community well into the future.”

S&P notes “Saskatoon’s broad and diverse economy with a growing population will continue to support the City’s creditworthiness,” and also observes the City’s ability to  “maintain robust financial results that will support its capital plans, low debt, and exceptional liquidity.” As experienced by other Canadian municipalities, “Saskatoon benefits from an extremely predictable and supportive local and regional government framework that has demonstrated high institutional stability and evidence of extraordinary support in times of financial distress.”

“Maintaining the ‘AAA’ credit rating which includes a stable outlook, is important as it supports our confidence in our budgetary decisions, financial management and overall economic outlook for the City of Saskatoon,” adds Hack. “We continue to be a municipal leader and remain assured in our ability to minimize debt as we commit to priorities within the City’s 2022-2025 Strategic Plan and undertake long-term planning for infrastructure to support our great quality of life in Saskatoon.”

S&P states rationale contributing to the City’s strong credit rating within January 19, 2023, S&P Global Ratings Direct® Report:

• The City's “strong and prudent financial management is a key credit strength” and “the City’s management team is experienced and qualified to effectively enact fiscal policies and respond to external risks.”
• The City “demonstrates good political and managerial strength with its lengthy track record of passing budgets with minimal variations from budgeted revenues and expenses.”
• S & P views “management accountability as strong and financial policies as prudent. Management’s disclosure and transparency are good, and the city prepares robust annual budget documents.”
• “The City prepares multiyear operating and capital budgets for subsequent years, as well as long-term capital and borrowing plans. We believe that this supports fiscal transparency and discipline.”
• The City maintains “exceptional liquidity” and “debt is supported by high operating margins, which over five years exceed total direct debt outstanding, highlighting the small and manageable debt burden.”

Credit ratings are one of several tools that investors and lenders use when making decisions regarding an organization’s future financial strengths and weaknesses. For the City of Saskatoon, the ‘AAA’/Stable rating serves as an indication of the credit risk and ability to meet its financial obligations in full and on time. This also identifies the credit quality of the City’s debt issue and can translate into lower interest rates for favourable credit ratings since there is minimal or low risk associated with the City’s debt.

View the City of Saskatoon’s past documents on financial performance and credit rating history at saskatoon.ca.

The Governance and Priorities Committee of City Council (GPC) unanimously approved a process to find a private industry partner to oversee the management and operation of future downtown arena and convention centres. 

“Many municipalities that own event centres are moving towards private contracted management,” says Dan Willems, Director of Technical Services. “It’s nearly unheard of for a facility to move from private management back to public management.” 

Right now, SaskTel Centre is managed by a private company. The proposed option would mean, subject to successful procurement and contract negotiations with the preferred proponent, both future facilities could be managed by a single company but remain City-owned.  

This approach will enable the City to: 

• Negotiate a management agreement at a level playing field after receiving competitive bids from all qualified and interested parties; 

• Optimize and streamline governance structures of both facilities; and  

• Obtain the most favourable agreements for the City that will also elevate the new venues. 

Willems says that no third-party management firms will be given preferential treatment through the procurement process, adding that an independent Fairness Advisor will be brought on to monitor the process.  

“This will be a clean slate with the goal of obtaining the highest overall value for Saskatoon. We want to ensure any future management arrangement will maximize seat sales, profits and animation of the facilities, which will in turn create spinoff benefits to the surrounding Downtown area and entire community.” 

Securing a private partner to contribute capital funding towards the facilities will reduce the overall funding required to be secured from other sources.  

The next steps involve securing an Owner’s Representative to assist City Administration with preparing the Request for Qualifications and Request for Proposal documents for the private partner procurement. The Administration will be reporting back to GPC to outline the anticipated schedule for the procurement, in addition to seeking City Council’s endorsement of key elements and principles within the Request for Proposal prior to it being issued – likely in April or May.