News Releases

The City of Saskatoon continues to undertake workforce planning in light of COVID-19. The City’s priority has been to maintain services and jobs wherever possible while keeping the health of employees and residents top of mind. Core services are being maintained throughout the pandemic. 

“Given that such a large percentage of our workforce needs to be working in the community or interfacing with residents, we have definitely had to pivot during this time,” says David Smith, Acting Chief Human Resources Officer. “We’ve had to adjust operations in a number of ways to follow Government of Saskatchewan’s public health orders.”

Some of these changes have included: mandatory masks for employees that are unable to physically distance, reorganization of work spaces to enable more distance and add barriers, operational adjustments to allow more time for sanitization of work and public spaces. In accordance with provincial health orders and the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan, other employees have been working from home where they can do so effectively using digital technologies.

“In preparation for a potential increase of COVID-19 cases this fall, the City is continuing to apply a high degree of caution to our workforce planning,” says Smith. “For example, we’ve recently directed those employees that can effectively work from home to continue doing so until January.”

The City is working to bring more services online and to increase its customer service capacity via phone, email and other virtual platforms. In addition to these ongoing adjustments, a formal review of operations will take place in November to consider and reassess workforce planning measures.
 

The City of Saskatoon’s 2019 Annual Report is now available online.

The Financial Statements continue to show prudent financial management and responsible governance by the Administration and City Council.

The City continues to enjoy a strong and steadily growing economy, which can be seen by the City’s 2019 ending surplus of $0.518 million compared to a deficit of $3.02 million in 2018, a healthy Statement of Financial Position along with a AAA/Stable credit rating from S&P Global.

The Annual Report provides an overview of:

• The City’s Audited Consolidated Financial Statements;
• Financial Discussion & Analysis on the City’s Financial performance and forecasts;
• Updates on Major Projects and Initiatives; and
• Updated Performance Measures made against goals outlined in the City’s 2018 – 2021 Strategic Plan.

The City's fiscal year runs from January 1 to December 31.

View other performance and finance-related reports at saskatoon.ca.

The 2020 Civic Election is November 9, 2020.  Eligible voters in Saskatoon will cast their ballot for Mayor, City Councillors and School Board Trustees. Voting safely is our priority. The City’s Election Office will ensure public safety measures are in place for voters and election workers. The Civic Election team will respond accordingly to all current public health orders and COVID-19 directives as issued by the Province.  

In an effort to provide a greater number of voting opportunities, encourage voter turnout, and ensure voting safely during the COVID-19 pandemic, additional voting opportunities will be available to Saskatoon residents this fall.

At its special meeting today, City Council received an information report that advises of an increase to the number of advance polling stations, and approved an amendment to The Election Bylaw, 2012 to expand accessibility to mail-in ballots.

“We’re pleased to be able to provide eligible voters with a number of options to cast their ballots in this fall’s Civic Election, whether it’s by mail-in ballot, advanced poll or in-person on election day November 9,” says Scott Bastian, Returning Officer.

Meeting highlights:

• Changes to The Election Bylaw, 2012:
  • All eligible voters will be able to request a mail-in ballot, regardless of circumstances.
  • The requirements for the mail-in ballot application witnesses criteria has been expanded to anyone who is an eligible voter in the municipal election.
• The election team is currently finalizing plans to implement the City’s first ever drive thru advance poll voting option, located in the north-end of Saskatoon.
• Advanced polls will be increased over the 2016 election with a total of 11 advanced poll locations available between October 30 and November 5.
• Sixty-six polling stations will be open (one in each neighbourhood as reasonably practical) on election day November 9.

Eligible voters can apply online for a mail-in ballot by visiting saskatoon.ca/mailballot. Mail-in ballots must be received at the election office on November 9 by 8:00 p.m.

For more information and the latest election updates, visit saskatoon.ca/election2020 or follow the City on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Saskatoon’s Bicycle Bylaw has been updated to bring cycling rules and regulations in line with national best practices. The changes, proposed by the Administration following input from various community organizations, Business Improvement Districts and City Advisory Committees, have been adopted by City Council.

“Reviewing and updating the Bicycle Bylaw was one of 80 action items within our Active Transportation Plan,” says Jay Magus, Director of Transportation. “The feedback we have received over the past two years regarding ways to improve safety and encourage respectful shared road and pathway etiquette, has been imperative in helping us bring it up to date.”

Revisions made to the Bicycle Bylaw include:

• Children under the age of 14 are allowed to ride bikes on the sidewalk; 
• People riding bikes on shared pathways must ride at a moderate rate of speed and proceed with reasonable consideration for all pedestrians and other path users.

The following revision has also been made to the Traffic Bylaw:

• Drivers must pass people riding bikes on the road with a minimum one-metre buffer on streets with only one driving lane in the direction of travel.

“These changes affect all of us whether we’re walking, biking, or driving. We hope the Bicycle Bylaw and the changes we have made will help reinforce safe and respectful traveling behaviour among all road and pathway users,” says Magus.

To enforce all aspects of the revised Bicycle Bylaw, both Saskatoon Police and Community Support Officers have the ability to issue tickets. The revised Bicycle Bylaw is officially in effect.

For more information on the revised Bicycle Bylaw and for cycling tips, where to ride and how to safely bike around town, please visit Saskatoon.ca/byxe. 

The re-location team has completed the first phase of the support for residents of the City Centre Inn and Suites.

As of Thursday evening, July 23, 120 individuals were provided the opportunity for temporary housing and re-location to local shelters and local hotels. Several residents were provided longer-term housing options.

“An amazing team came together and performed incredible work here,” says Assistant Chief Yvonne Raymer. “Re-housing this many people in such a short time – and under these circumstances – is an accomplishment practically unheard of."

“Emergency Management Organization’s leadership in bringing together all the government and community-based partners, and the willingness of those organizations to problem-solve together, responding to every changing circumstance, speaks to the heart and care of our city.”

Today, Friday, July 24 the Ministry of Social Services and AIDS Saskatoon staff will be connecting with the residents to:

• Confirm they are at the re-location site
• Provide clothing vouchers
• Follow-up with requests for additional supports

The Salvation Army will be providing food for residents over the weekend at their re-location site.

The re-housing team will meet Monday to determine additional actions to support residents with longer-term housing placements.

More information:

Update: Fire Department & community partners move to house residents of unsafe motel

A full summary of City Centre Inn & Suites Order of Closure can be found here.

The plan to provide housing for residents displaced as a result of the Fire Department ordering the closure of the City Centre Inn and Suites, continues to move forward.  As of 1 p.m. residents began to move to alternate housing. That process is still underway.

The Ministry of Social Services offered the option of temporary housing at local shelters.  Residents with medical or unique personal needs were offered the option of temporary housing in local hotels.

A full summary of City Centre Inn & Suites Order of Closure can be found here.

****

The Saskatoon Fire Department with the support of many community partner organizations will today take action to house approximately 150 residents of the City Centre Inn and Suites.

The Fire Department has taken the unusual but necessary steps ordering a closure of the entire City Centre Inn and Suites because of unsafe and unsanitary living conditions; the notice remains pending and will be in effect at 3 p.m. today, Thursday, July 23.

“The Department is limited in its legal authority to enter and inspect what are essentially people’s homes,” says Assistant Chief Yvonne Raymer.  “Once we were alerted by an anonymous complaint, we moved forward with the inspection process.  When it became clear there were immediate hazards because of unsafe and unclean living conditions, we quickly moved to close the entire facility.”

Approximately seven teams will conduct door-to-door visits to each room at the City Center Inn and Suites to support relocation of the residents.

The circulating teams will be comprised of:

• One health professional to conduct COVID-19 screening and swab testing
• Two or more outreach workers to assess needs and determine appropriate housing options

Approximately 40 staff resources from the following agencies will be on site to support this process:

• 10 – 12  members from the Saskatoon Tribal Council
• Seven Ministry of Social Services members plus one supervisor
• Five members from the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA)
• Five members from The Salvation Army
• Three members from AIDS Saskatoon
• Three members from Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership
• Two members from Saskatchewan Housing Authority
• Two members from the City of Saskatoon Emergency Management Organization
• One member from Public Health

The SHA Health Bus is one on site until 4:30 p.m.

Saskatoon Transit is providing transportation to the new locations for the residents. 

Canada Post is supporting the residents with change of address.

Meals, water and coffee for staff and displaced residents is being provided by the Salvation Army today.

The Saskatoon SPCA and Okihtcitawak Patrol Group were also on hand to lend assistance to the residents.

Single adults will go either to a shelter, hotel or stay with family or friends for short term housing needs. 

The Saskatchewan Housing Authority is also on site to provide case management for longer term housing options.

Four families have already been relocated.

“The Fire Department is so grateful for the collaboration and support of our government and community based partners to make this happen in roughly 48 hours,” Raymer says.

Assistant Chief Raymer says the most recent visit to 610 Idylwyld Drive North which involved four Fire Inspectors revealed an immediate hazard with issues such as:

• unsafe and unsanitary conditions
• locked exit doors
• stairs at risk of collapse
• combustible material too close to buildings
• inaccessible fire extinguishers
• too few and un-inspected extinguishers
• improper smoke alarm records
• failure to maintain fire alarm systems

The owner of the City Centre Inn and Suites has been ordered to remedy 34 deficiencies under the Property Maintenance and Nuisance Abatement Bylaw; and 27 deficiencies under the National Fire Code of Canada.

The closure notice – which is pending – is expected to be in effect by 3 p.m. today, Thursday, July 23.

The Saskatoon Fire Department with the support of many community partner organizations will today take action to house approximately 150 residents of the City Centre Inn and Suites.

The Fire Department has taken the unusual but necessary steps ordering a closure of the entire City Centre Inn and Suites because of unsafe and unsanitary living conditions; the notice remains pending and will be in effect at 3 p.m. today, Thursday, July 23.

“The Department is limited in its legal authority to enter and inspect what are essentially people’s homes,” says Assistant Chief Yvonne Raymer.  “Once we were alerted by an anonymous complaint, we moved forward with the inspection process.  When it became clear there were immediate hazards because of unsafe and unclean living conditions, we quickly moved to close the entire facility.”

Approximately seven teams will conduct door-to-door visits to each room at the City Center Inn and Suites to support relocation of the residents.

The circulating teams will be comprised of:

• One health professional to conduct COVID screening and swab testing
• Two or more outreach workers to assess needs and determine appropriate housing options

Over 50 staff resources from the following agencies will be on site to support this process:

• 10 – 12  members from the Saskatoon Tribal Council
• Seven Ministry of Social Services members plus one supervisor
• Five members from the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA)
• Five members from The Salvation Army
• Three members from AIDS Saskatoon
• Three members from Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership
• Two members from Saskatchewan Housing Authority
• Two members from the City of Saskatoon Emergency Management Organization
• One member from Public Health

The SHA Health Bus is one on site until 4:30 p.m.

Saskatoon Transit is providing transportation to the new locations for the residents. 

Canada Post is supporting the residents with change of address.

Meals, water and coffee for staff and displaced residents is being provided by the Salvation Army today.

Single adults will go either to a shelter, hotel or stay with family or friends for short term housing needs. 

The Saskatchewan Housing Authority is also on site to provide case management for longer term housing options.

Four families have already been relocated.

“The Fire Department is so grateful for the collaboration and support of our government and community based partners to make this happen in roughly 48 hours,” Raymer says.

Assistant Chief Raymer says the most recent visit to 610 Idylwyld Drive North which involved four Fire Inspectors revealed an immediate hazard with issues such as:

• unsafe and unsanitary conditions
• locked exit doors
• stairs at risk of collapse
• combustible material too close to buildings
• inaccessible fire extinguishers
• too few and uninspected extinguishers
• improper smoke alarm records
• failure to maintain fire alarm systems

The owner of the City Centre Inn and Suites has been ordered to remedy 34 deficiencies under the Property Maintenance and Nuisance Abatement Bylaw; and 27 deficiencies under the National Fire Code of Canada.

The closure notice – which is pending – is expected to be in effect by 3 p.m. today, Thursday, July 23.

Construction is moving along on schedule in all areas of the city this summer. In 2020, City Council invested over $61 million to rehabilitate and preserve road, water and sewer infrastructure to improve the safety and lifespan of the assets residents rely on every day.  

Key construction projects this year include:

• The replacement of aging water mains on 8^th Street. Work is on schedule and will wrap up in early fall. The project also includes sidewalk rehabilitation and road resurfacing. Other water main replacement projects are currently underway on Cumberland Avenue, Clarence Avenue, Avenue J North and Avenue C North.
• The second and final phase of the Sid Buckwold Bridge Rehabilitation project has reached the mid-way point and remains on track for completion in October. Once complete, it will have a wider walkway with taller barriers, improved drainage, and the bridge deck and ramps will be completely resurfaced.
• Road resurfacing on sections of College Drive, Taylor Street, and Boychuk Drive is complete. Crews are currently resurfacing on Circle Drive from the College Drive overpass to 14^th Street. This work is being done at night to minimize impacts to motorists.

The City has also invested $53 million toward the development of new infrastructure needed to support developing neighbourhoods. 2020 development projects include:

• The installation of a primary water main under Garvie Road that will service the Evergreen and Aspen Ridge neighbourhoods. This project wrapped up ahead of schedule and also included road resurfacing.
• The Taylor Street extension from Rosewood Gate North to Wess Road is expected to be complete and open to traffic in October.  
• The installation of sewer trunks to service the Brighton neighbourhood. This two year project began in the spring and will be finished in 2021.

“We started this construction season with an edited ‘to-do’ list in order to ensure the safety of workers and residents during the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Matt Jurkiewicz, Director of Construction & Design. “For example, we opted to put non-emergent lead line replacements that require workers to enter homes on hold this year, but the effects of the pandemic have not slowed down or interrupted all other planned work.”

The City continues to evaluate all projects as they proceed while continuing to follow the provincial Public Health Orders and recommendations of the Public Health Agency of Canada.

More information about 2020 construction projects is available at Saskatoon.ca/construction.

We thank you for your pave-tience during construction. We know it can be a real ‘pain in the asphalt.’

Now available online: the City’s annual Report on Service, Savings and Sustainability highlighting how City teams worked together to maximize value, minimize costs and find innovative ways to deliver better service to citizens in 2019.

“The report highlights our many achievements in 2019 and showcases the innovative projects, initiatives and partnerships City teams undertook last year,” says Celene Anger, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer. “I am proud of our City employees, they continue to move the organization towards becoming the best-managed city in Canada and show their commitment to our Strategic Goal of Continuous Improvement every day.”

Featured stories include numerous service improvements and enhancements focused on delivering quality and reliable front-line civic services, such as the achievement of Saskatoon Transit in converting all buses to fully accessible status through investments from all three levels of government.

Savings stories outline more than $1.1 Million in operational efficiencies through one-time and recurring annual savings. Sustainability accomplishments celebrate ongoing efforts to ensure Saskatoon grows in harmony with nature and plans for a sustainable future. Many initiatives featured helped to reduce the City’s environmental footprint and mitigate the risks posed by climate change. Other projects moved the City forward to create a more equitable and socially responsible community.

The report proudly presents the City’s ongoing commitment to Indigenous Initiatives and Reconciliation. Notable achievements in 2019 included:

• Establishing the Indigenous Technical Advisory Group (ITAG) to engage in meaningful dialogues on issues that impact Indigenous peoples in Saskatoon
• Creation of a new Indigenous Engagement  Employer Handbook to provide guidance and options for employers seeking to improve their recruitment outcomes
• Highest ever attendance at the 5^th Annual Wîcihitowin Conference
• Kahkewistahaw Signing Ceremony
• Publishing the 2^nd Edition of ayisiyiniwak: A Communications Guide

The 2019 Report on Service, Savings and Sustainability will be presented to the Governance and Priorities Committee on July 20, 2020.

View the full report here.