News Releases
Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
Two Saskatoon Transit Employees recently test positive for COVID-19 outside workplace
November 17, 2020 - 4:26am
- Nov 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14: Route 15 Civic Operations Centre
- Nov 7, 4:45 pm to 11:45 pm: Route 2 Meadowgreen
- Nov 8, 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm: Route 50 Lakeview/University
- Nov 10, 5:00 pm to 11:45 pm: Route 1 Exhibition and Route 7 Dundonald
- Nov 11, 4:45 to 10:30 pm: Route 12 River Heights and Route 19 Centre Mall
- Nov 14, 4:00 pm to 1:30 am: Route 2 Meadowgreen
- Nov 15, 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm: Route 50 Lakeview/University
The City has recently been informed that two Saskatoon Transit Operators have tested positive for COVID-19. The first individual received a positive diagnosis on Friday, November 13 and the second individual received their diagnosis on Monday, November 16.
"Neither of these cases are related and unlikely to be linked to transmission within the workplace. Both individuals have relayed that they were exposed to the virus in settings outside of the workplace," says Mike Moellenbeck, Operations Manager for Saskatoon Transit. "Due to the need to protect the privacy of the individuals, we cannot provide further details about the positive cases."
The City has implemented health and safety protocols and precautions to protect both employees and the public. This includes mandatory masks for all riders, proper hygiene and vinyl barriers for drivers
"We understand this may cause concern for bus riders. This situation stresses the importance of the layers of protection the City has put in place to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 on Saskatoon Transit."
Below are the affected routes and time periods. If you were riding the bus during these time periods, it is always a good idea to self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and stay home and call HealthLine 811 to arrange for testing if symptoms occur.
**UPDATED LIST DUE TO SASKATCHEWAN HEALTH AUTHORITY (SHA) CONTACT TRACING PROCESS**
Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting have taken place in all impacted busses and areas since the positive cases were identified.
"It is our understanding that SHA will be following up and contacting individuals identified as close contacts as per their contact tracing process and providing information to them on the next steps. The City will support SHA in their contact tracing process as necessary," says Moellenbeck.
The City also has processes in place so supervisors can be aware of which employees need to be sent home if necessary or contact Health Line at 811 for further instruction.
Moellenbeck emphasizes that, "this positive case reminds us that we all have a shared responsibility to limit the transmission risk of COVID-19 in our community. Stay home if you are feeling unwell, follow all Public Health Orders and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and others."
Council Chambers receives long overdue upgrades
November 16, 2020 - 7:13am
- Audio visual upgrades to improve video and audio of Council proceedings.
- Changes to room configuration to improve accessibility and enable distancing.
- Equipping gallery seats with power tables where occupants can plug in devices.
- Providing a new space for media, including a fully connected media box.
- HVAC system upgrades to improve heating/cooling and air filtration.
- New paint, carpeting, and gallery seating.
Council Chambers will look different when it reopens for the new City Council. Over the course of this fall, the Chamber underwent renovations to improve the function and accessibility of this important public space.
The improvements include:
“These changes will improve access and engagement for citizens,” says Troy LaFreniere, Director of Facilities Management. “This long-planned modernization of Council Chambers will mean appropriate and high-quality connection to public meetings. The technology in Chambers was well past end of life.”
With the exception of a few minor things, Council Chambers has not been renovated since 1981. These upgrades have been planned for the past five years but there wasn’t an opportunity to conduct the work without significant disruption to Chamber business. The move to largely virtual gatherings during the pandemic, and the suspension of Council activities during the election period, presented an opportunity to undertake this work this fall with minimal disruption.
The funding for Chamber renovations was allocated by the City’s Comprehensive Building Maintenance Reserve. A portion of these funds is earmarked for replacing/renewing aging infrastructure such as Council Chambers.
LaFreniere continues: “Managing and maintaining our physical assets should meet the needs of our citizens and reflect the pride and priority we place on the space where citizens engage with their municipal government.”
Snow clearing ahead of schedule, snow removal to begin soon
November 16, 2020 - 6:06am
The incredible undertaking of clearing snow from last week’s winter storm has been moving ahead of schedule, with road clearing now expected to be complete tomorrow, days ahead of the original projection of Friday, November 20. Once snow clearing is complete, efforts will turn to snow clearing on industrial streets and removal of snow from neighbourhoods across the city.
“At first, we’d planned on focusing efforts on clearing those streets worst affected or those with higher traffic, but with our increased capacity, crews are now clearing snow from driving lanes on all streets, in every neighbourhood, city-wide,” says Terry Schmidt, General Manager of Transportation and Construction. “This has proven to be the most efficient method. We are also going to back lanes to level out the snow, or pack it down, to improve mobility. This work is all happening at the same time as residential clearing. If there’s still problem areas after the initial pass through, crews will return once all neighbourhoods and major roadways have been addressed.”
By tonight it is estimated that clearing will have been restored, or work continuing, in a total of 63 (or 97 per cent) of the 65 residential neighbourhoods on the schedule. Efforts will also be turned to industrial streets and snow removal in Business Improvement Districts.
“I would like thank the many people behind the scenes who are supporting and orchestrating this monumental effort to get the city moving around again,” says Schmidt. “This has been an extraordinary event and people are coming together all through our City, whether that be neighbours helping neighbours or crews working around the clock.”
Residents are asked to please avoid pushing snow out onto the street when clearing snow from sidewalks and driveways, as this can clog up streets with even more snow and continue to create accessibility issues.
More information on our process for snow clearing can be found at saskatoon.ca/snow.
Events taking place to honour Louis Riel for his dedication to Métis people
November 16, 2021 - 3:02am
On the anniversary of Louis Riel’s execution – which occurred in Regina on November 16th, 1885 – several organizations are putting on events to honour Riel’s legacy.
Riel led two popular Métis governments, was a central figure in Manitoba’s entry into Confederation, and led the 1885 resistance to Canadian encroachment on Métis lands (leading to his execution). Riel is widely considered the most famous Métis leader and an important figurehead for Métis people in Western Canada.
Métis Nation–Saskatchewan President Glen McCallum says, “Our Métis citizens always look forward to honouring Louis Riel Day to celebrate and remember Riel's leadership. We continue the commitment to the rights of our Métis citizens and the ultimate sacrifice our leader Riel made for our Nation. It is encouraging to see more people in Saskatchewan know about the history of Riel's leadership, his accomplishments, and our unique and distinct Métis identity, culture, values, and language.”
Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark says, “Louis Riel was an influential leader who shaped the story of our country from right here in Saskatchewan. Today is a chance to reflect on this history and understand the important role the Métis community has played - and continues to play - in both our city and our country.”
LOCAL EVENTS
These are just a few of the events taking place around Saskatoon this week.
Louis Riel ooma sa Zhoornii – Gathering
Presented by Métis Nation–Saskatchewan, Western Region 2A, CUMFI Local, Local 126, Local 11 and 11a
Gathering at the statue of Gabriel Dumont in Friendship Park near the Broadway Bridge. Entertainment and traditional Métis lunch to follow at St. George's Hall.
Nov. 16, 2021, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Virtual Riel Day Celebration
Presented by Gabriel Dumont Local 11, Saskatoon & Area
Nov. 16, 2021, 6:30 p.m.
via Zoom > Register here
A Conversation on Louis Riel
Presented by the Gabriel Dumont Institute, Parks Canada, and Friends of Batoche
Recorded Nov. 15, 2021
Access recording here
Blizzard-like conditions expected in Saskatoon on Tuesday
November 15, 2021 - 10:41am
Environment and Climate Change Canada is forecasting a significant snowfall and high winds for Saskatoon starting Tuesday. Rain is expected to start this evening, which may result in slippery sidewalks as people head to work. City crews will be applying salt to keep freeways, intersections, on/off ramps and bridge decks from freezing.
“Fortunately, we are not staring down a storm like we experienced last year,” says Goran Saric, Director of Roadways, Fleet and Support. “However, there will still be lots of snow and strong winds which will create challenging driving conditions on Tuesday and into Wednesday.
“Our crews are ready and will be out to keep the roads clear for emergency vehicles and Saskatoon Transit, but we’re asking everyone to consider delaying non-essential trips outside of Saskatoon. If you need to travel, make sure you have a vehicle emergency kit and charged cell phone."
As the snow begins in Saskatoon Tuesday, City crews and equipment will plow Circle Drive and on/off ramps until the snow stops. Reduced visibility on Saskatoon streets may occur during the day Tuesday with combination of snow falling and wind up to 80 km/h into the evening.
Emergency Management Organization Director Pamela Goulden-McLeod says the Cold Weather Strategy for Saskatoon’s vulnerable is activated with warming shelters open for those who need them.
“Using a whole-community approach to emergency management there are over twenty organizations involved with the Cold Weather Strategy. These organizations, under the leadership of the Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership, work to make sure that individuals and families experiencing or at risk-of homelessness are aware of safe available sleeping options and warming locations."
Goulden-McLeod also reminds all residents and businesses that we each have a role to play in emergency planning and review winter storm planning to make sure they are prepared when it happens.
High winds could create disruption in electrical service. Trees can sometimes contact with above-ground power lines causing breaks or downed lines.
“If a tree falls onto a line stay at least 10 metres or three car lengths away from it and stay away from other equipment that comes into contact with the line,” says Trevor Bell, Director of Saskatoon Light & Power. “If the line is on the ground, call 9-1-1 immediately and stay back.”
Ten to 15 cm of snow is expected, and a Snow Event will be declared once the snow stops. Contractor graders will join the City fleet in the priority street cleanup on freeways, arterial and collector streets, storing snow on medians, boulevards and in parking lanes. Specialized crews will clear City facility sidewalks, Meewasin Trail, park pathways with street lighting and bridge/overpass walkways at the same time. Given the forecast, it is very unlikely that the new Roadways Emergency Response Plan (PDF) will be triggered for this snow event. Activating the plan would be considered after a blizzard with snow accumulations of at least 25 centimetres and mobility reduced to the point light vehicles cannot drive on city streets, to add extra staffing and contractor resources for city-wide grading and snow removal.
Learn more about the City’s priority street grading plan at saskatoon.ca/snow. Look-up your address on the Street Grading Priority Streets map to see if snow grading happens on your street after a snow event. For Saskatoon Ligh & Power customers, refer to the new interactive power outage map if you experience an issue.
Round-the-clock efforts mean winter storm recovery ahead of schedule
November 15, 2020 - 5:39am
- Information about the Residential Snow Clearing Schedule
- Links to our news releases which provide valuable information on our progress and other service updates
- News conferences on our YouTube Channel
- General information on our priority road system, snow clearing program, and some of the questions you might have.
Saskatoon continues to dig out from last weekend’s severe winter storm. Currently nearly 300 road crew individuals are working on the snow removal effort, with progress continuing day and night.
“Our efforts in residential neighbourhoods have been around the clock. Progress is better than anticipated, and many neighbourhoods have been bumped up in the schedule. Should this pace continue, we’re estimating to move through the residential neighbourhood schedule sooner than the originally planned date of Friday this week,” says Terry Schmidt, General Manager of Transportation and Construction. “Because of this we urge everyone to check our online schedule often for the latest updates.”
The priority is to send snow removal crews to as many residential neighbourhoods as quickly as possible. This will mean that there may be impacts on parking availability in the neighbourhoods when the snow clearing is completed. Residents are not required to move their vehicle but, if able, crews will appreciate more space to complete the work and the ability to clear streets more fully. After the initial pass through a neighbourhood, piles of snow may be left in places that interfere with someone's ability to pull in and out of their driveway or another inconvenient situation. These situations have been identified and crews have started returning to those locations for clean-up work. After clearing has been completed in all neighborhoods city-wide, crews will return to streets for additional clean-up work.
It is anticipated by the end of this evening snow removal crews will have passed through 48 residential areas, or 75 per cent of the City.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who is working day and night, sacrificing time away from friends and family to get the city moving again,” says Schmidt. “And once again thank you to the people of Saskatoon, for helping your neighbours, remaining patient during the city-wide snow clean-up, and for staying safe around the snow removal equipment on our streets as we try and restore our roadways as best as possible to how they were before this massive storm.”
Please do not push snow out onto the street when clearing snow from sidewalks and driveways, as this can clog up streets with even more snow and continue to create accessibility issues.
More information on our process for snow clearing can be found at saskatoon.ca/snow:
Progress continues to be made despite fresh snow and more drifting
November 14, 2020 - 6:23am
The massive effort to get Saskatoon moving again following a severe blizzard continues, with great progress being made despite fresh snow and more drifting. Since Wednesday, November 11th, 25 per cent of residential streets have been cleared of snow with improved mobility for residents continuing to be a priority.
“We are continuing to work to improve mobility for as many residents as possible, as quickly as possible”, says Terry Schmidt, General Manager of Transportation and Construction. “Great progress continues to be made, and in fact we are ahead of schedule in some neighbourhoods as we continue to bring in contractors to assist us. Although much work has been accomplished, we know much work still needs to be done.”
As of Saturday morning, the City reports mobility has been restored in 15 neighbourhoods: Kensington, Stonebridge, Hampton, Brighton, Montgomery, Rosewood, Eastview, Arbor Creek, Dundonald, Holiday Park, Mayfair, Erindale, Buena Vista, Lakeridge and Silverspring. Progress has been made in six additional neighbourhoods including Silverwood, Evergreen, Wildwood, Nutana, King George and Willowgrove.
Schmidt encouraged residents to continue to check the online schedule as updates are made frequently and the schedule at times is advanced with more contractor capacity added.
“We are seeing significant progress every day and it is very inspiring to see over 300 people working long shifts away from their friends and family – and fellow Saskatoon citizens that are doing everything they can to help get this cleaned up,” says Jeff Jorgensen, City Manager. “We appreciate your extra caution and care as you move around the City. We are continuing to work on residential areas as vehicles are struggling to navigate, but perhaps more importantly to mitigate the risk of significant ruts that could become a problem throughout the winter.”
With the snow and winds the city is experiencing today, drifting is occurring on some of the priority streets, particularly those with high snow ridges in the medians and on the sides of the street. Crews will monitor these priority streets throughout the day and sand, salt and plow as required.
Please do not push snow out onto the street when clearing snow from sidewalks and driveways, as this can clog up streets with even more snow and continue to create accessibility issues.
More information on our process for snow clearing can be found at saskatoon.ca/snow
Progress made clearing residential streets
November 13, 2020 - 5:53am
Crews continue working around the clock to get everyone moving again, following a severe blizzard that brought high amounts of snowfall and strong winds, creating drifting on roads and sidewalks.
“Great gains are being made on restoring mobility in residential streets and we continue to bring on additional contractors for this work”, says Terry Schmidt, General Manager of Transportation and Construction. “Crews continue to work simultaneously throughout the entire City. We are focused on beginning with the streets worst affected and clearing residential streets in all neighborhoods. This will be done in a sequence where the streets carrying the most traffic, or strategically located streets are addressed first.”
As of Friday morning, the City reports residential street snow clearing is now complete in Kensington, Stonebridge, Eastview, Holiday Park and Brighton. Snow clearing is underway in an additional six neighbourhoods, including Dundonald, Rosewood, Hampton Village, Lakeridge, Arbor Creek and Evergreen. Today, work is scheduled to start in Wildwood, Buena Vista, Mayfair, Silverwood Heights, Erindale and Montgomery.
“With nearly 300 crew members clearing snow, and counting, this schedule may change, so we encourage you to keep checking online for updates,” says Schmidt. “As much as we can, we’re coordinating the clearing schedule with waste and recycling collections; however, there will be some instances they overlap. In those cases, crews will move bins onto driveways, then move them back onto the street.”
Schmidt also encourages children to stay away from playing in the snow piles. The huge accumulations of snow present a dangerous situation if climbing on the snow piles or building tunnels through them.
“Once again, thank you for helping your neighbours, remaining patient during the city-wide snow clean-up, and for staying safe around the snow removal equipment on our streets,” Schmidt adds. “Please remember that road conditions are still considered hazardous due to snow accumulation and the layer of ice underneath the snow. Our crews are sanding and salting to treat ice as snow is being cleared from roads.”
There may be piles of snow left by the graders (windrows); crews will come back afterwards to remove those that are impacting residents.
Please do not push snow out onto the street when clearing snow from sidewalks and driveways, as this can clog up streets with even more snow and continue to create accessibility issues.
More information on our process for snow clearing can be found at saskatoon.ca/snow
*Correction* 2020 Civic Election: Seventh polling location announced
November 12, 2020 - 11:16am
- attend any polling location between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
- print and fill out a voter registration form to save time at the polling location
- bring your own pen to mark your ballot
- wear a mask and practice physical distancing
The election office has announced another eastside polling location at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Silverspring. This brings the total number of locations to seven for voters to cast their ballot on the postponed election day, Friday, November 13.
Revised: Voters can attend ANY of the SEVEN polling locations tomorrow until 8:00 p.m.: Cosmo Civic Centre, Lawson Civic Centre, Lakewood Civic Centre, Shaw Centre, City Hall, Prairieland Park and Ebenezer Baptist Church. Voter Assistance Terminal (VAT) is available at City Hall and support persons and service animals are welcome at all locations. Election workers will assist voters with mobility issues when requested.
Voters should anticipate wait times similar to advance polls, due to physical distancing measures, hand sanitizing, one-way/dedicated entrances and exits and additional cleaning protocols. Polls are expected to be busy; election workers will be dedicated to keeping lineups moving along with all safety protocols in place.
Mail-in ballots will be received by election officials until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 13 at City Hall or the Election Office (226 Cardinal Crescent). Mail-in ballots can also be dropped off at any polling location on Election Day. Visit saskatoon.ca/mailballot for more information.
Election Day Reminders:
For more information on the 2020 Civic Election, including locations and ID requirements, visit saskatoon.ca/vote2020.
Severe winter storm update November 12
November 12, 2020 - 6:12am
- All priority streets were made passable -- about 1800 km of lanes -- by punching through with a grader or a plow and not doing a full clean-up of the street.
- Crews returned to priority streets to do a proper grading to ensure all lanes are available for traffic. This has been completed on about 90% of the P1s, 20% of P2s and 10% of P3s.
- 100% of residential streets in Kensington have been cleared and 50% of residential streets in Stonebridge
- 50% of our total of 150 km of priority sidewalks have been cleared
- Transit is moving again on a modified schedule by opening the downtown bus terminal and clearing key routes for buses to travel on
- Find information about the Residential Snow Clearing Schedule
- Access links to our news releases which provide valuable information on our progress and other service updates
- View news conferences on our YouTube Channel
- And find general information on our Priority Road system.
We’re coming to residential streets and the City will be today releasing a schedule of what residential streets will be plowed.
Back lanes will also be prioritized along with the residential snow clearing
It’s our objective to restore mobility to key streets in every neighbourhood, city wide - get everyone moving around again.
This amount of snowfall has presented an incredible challenge - we are doing everything we can to get Saskatoon back to a daily routine.
The plan is to put as many resources as possible in as many neighbourhoods as possible all at the same time across the City. This work will be done night and day, in all neighbourhoods.
The focus will be on beginning with the streets worst affected and clearing residential streets in all neighborhoods in a sequence where the streets carrying the most traffic, or are strategically located, are addressed first.
We want you to know we’ve heard your calls and we’re throwing everything we’ve got at this to help you and your family get where you need to go, safely.
Every minute of every day there has been equipment working on Saskatoon’s streets.
When the plows arrive, residents are not required to move their vehicle, but if able, crews will appreciate more space to complete the work and the ability to clear streets more fully. So, if you can move your vehicle -- please do -- if not, we’ll plow around it.
There may be piles of snow left by the graders (windrows); we’ll come back afterwards to clear these out.
We have also revamped our saskatoon.ca/snow webpages to make it easier to:
And as another reminder, please do not push snow out onto the street when clearing snow from sidewalks and driveways, as this can clog up streets with even more snow and continue to create accessibility issues.
We will be continuously working on updating and adding information on this webpage as it becomes available. Again, the residents can visit saskatoon.ca/snow.