News Releases

The City of Saskatoon again received a positive endorsement from S&P Global Rating Services, which today reconfirmed the City’s ‘AAA’ credit rating.

“Of course we’re very encouraged with this rating,” says Clae Hack, Interim Chief Financial Officer. “The rating agency points to a ‘strong and diversified’ economy in our city, the fact we’ve kept debt ‘minimal’ and are able to pass budgets before the start of the fiscal year as benefits.”

Highlighting “sound financial management,” S&P today affirmed ‘AAA’ long-term issuer credit and senior unsecured debt ratings on the City with a “stable” outlook.

Key points within the August 26, 2019, S&P report are:

• Saskatoon is expected to “maintain a strong budgetary position over the next two years”
• Saskatoon’s creditworthiness reflects strong financial management
• Saskatoon’s “…management accountability is strong and financial policies are prudent.”

“As is always the case, the 'AAA' rating is important,” Hack says.  “It provides that certainty for anyone looking to invest and create jobs in Saskatoon and it allows us at City Hall to plan for the growth that happens as a result.”

The City’s mid-year ‘AAA’/Stable credit rating affirmation comes as a result of S&P publishing updated methodology on July 15, 2019, for assigning ratings to local and regional governments outside of the United States. The intent of the changes is to:

• Better capture country and entity-specific nuances while continuing to reflect global calibration and comparisons;
• Streamline and simplify the criteria while maintaining its analytical robustness; and
• Allow analysts to tell a better credit story through the application of more flexible criteria while ensuring a consistent criteria application.

The mid-year ‘AAA’/Stable rating for the City report was reissued based on a cursory review using the new criteria as well as the most current information as of the date of the reissued report. 

For more information, the report entitled “City of Saskatoon Ratings Affirmed at ‘AAA’; Outlook Remains Stable” is available on the City’s website saskatoon.ca.

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Following an extensive veterinary examination, the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo has made a difficult decision to next week say goodbye to Ma the Capuchin Monkey.

“We don’t take a decision like this lightly,” says Zoo manager Tim Sinclair-Smith. “We know announcing this makes many of us uncomfortable about the animals we love and care for however Ma’s health and quality of life continues to decline and we have made the medical and humane decision to let her go.”

Ma has been in palliative care at the Zoo and has needed prescribed pain and anti-inflammatory medication.

“We have been managing Ma’s pain associated with aging for over a year but despite our best attempts, her quality of life has diminished and we are no longer able to control her pain,” says Dr. Dennilyn Parker an expert in Zoo, Exotic and Wildlife Medicine at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine.

A Capuchin Monkey’s average life expectancy can be as much as 25 years in the wild and up to 40 years in captivity.

Ma arrived at the Zoo in 1974 from the U of S when she was about two-years-old – which makes her about 47 or older.

“With dedicated support, love and care here at the Zoo, Ma well surpassed the typical lifespan of her species,” Sinclair-Smith says.

“We are going to miss her and while we know this will have a deep effect on our staff and anyone who’s come to see her since the mid-1970s, it’s the compassionate thing to do.”

In a given year, the City cleans out between 3,000 and 4,000 service lines connecting residential properties to the City’s sanitary sewer system. The sanitary sewer system is like a giant funnel with over 75,000 connections all directed to the Wastewater Treatment Plant. When individuals put harmful things down the drain it can quickly become a significant problem in the sewer system.

To shift behaviors, the City has developed an education campaign that is targeted towards residential users of the sanitary sewer. The goal behind Prevent Irritable Sewer Syndrome is to build awareness of what is and is not to be flushed down toilets and rinsed down sinks, and to reduce the number of blockages experienced throughout the community.

“Most drain clogs occur when materials do not dissolve or break apart in water. The common culprit for clogged drains in our community is grease and flushable wipes”, says Russ Munro, Director of Water & Waste Operations. “Increased understanding of how certain materials impact the sewer system and how to properly dispose of these items will help decrease the amount of sewer backups residents experience, which can be extremely costly and very inconvenient.”

What can residents do to help?

• Wipe fats, oils and grease off dishes before washing.
• Compost organic waste (food scraps, coffee grounds and paper towel).
• Return pharmaceuticals to pharmacy.
• Dispose of wipes, diapers, personal hygiene products, and family planning products in the garbage.
• Unload hazardous products at the household hazardous waste drop-off site.

To learn more on how to protect your pipes and Prevent Irritable Sewer Syndrome, visit: saskatoon.ca/irritable-sewer-syndrome.

The City of Saskatoon continues to make progress on recovering $1.04 million in funds that earlier this month were directed to a fraudster’s bank account through a fraud scheme.

“While it is early in the investigation, we’re pleased to say most of the funds have been identified or traced and have been locked-down by Court order,” says City Manager Jeff Jorgenson.

Jorgenson says the City is chasing down every lead and working with banking institutions and the Saskatoon Police Service.

“Recovery of the remaining funds, further fortifying our controls, and gathering all of the facts continues to be the City’s number-one priority,” he says. “This is a very good start and we are cautiously optimistic about recovering more funds.”

A fraudster electronically impersonated the Chief Financial Officer of Allan Construction, asking for a change of banking information. The City complied, and as a result, the next contract payment intended to go to that company, was directed to the fraudster’s bank account. The fraud was identified on August 12, 2019.

“It’s very disconcerting that the perpetrator used my name and our company name to commit this crime,” says Allan Construction’s CFO Blaine Dubreuil. “We have done a security assessment and are confident that our systems were not hacked or compromised. We’ll be working closely with the City of Saskatoon and the Saskatoon Police Service as the investigation continues.”

The City has issued a claim with its insurer. To protect the integrity of the police investigation the City and Allan Construction are not at liberty to disclose further details.

Clarence Avenue and 14th Street now has an illuminated crossing that accommodates both pedestrians and cyclists, thanks to a grant from the provincial Traffic Safety Fund, derived from photo speed enforcement fine revenue. Earlier this year, the City received a $45,000 grant to install signage, special illumination and amber flashing beacons at the intersection. It is the first pedestrian-cyclist actuated signal in Saskatoon.

“Initially, only a pedestrian signal was to be installed,” says Jay Magus, Director of Transportation. “However, it made sense to add the cyclist signal as well because 14th Street is a shared-use on-road cycling lane.”

The crossing operates as any other illuminated crossing in the city, but includes a cyclist push button that is easily accessible to those who simply ride up next to it. Tips on how to use the new pedestrian and cyclist crossing are available at Saskatoon.ca/bike.

Residents of Nutana and Varsity View had identified Clarence Avenue and 14th Street as a necessary location for pedestrian safety improvements through the City’s neighbourhood traffic review process. In choosing recipients, the Photo Speed Enforcement committee looked at criteria focused on priority areas including intersection safety, aggressive driving, speeding and vulnerable road users.  

Provincial Traffic Safety Fund grants will be awarded twice annually. The City plans to continue submitting funding applications to improve safety at other intersections and school zones throughout Saskatoon.

The City of Saskatoon has been affected by a fraud scheme, where a fraudster electronically impersonated the CFO of a construction company and asked for a change of banking information.  The City complied, and as a result, the next contract payment intended to go to that company, $1.04 million, was directed to the fraudster’s bank account.  The fraud was identified on August 12, 2019.

Upon discovering the fraudulent activity, the City notified its internal auditor, the Saskatoon Police Service and other authorities including banking institutions.

“Our focus at this time is on recovery of the funds.  We have experts engaged from our internal auditor, the banks affected, and the Saskatoon Police Service.  Additionally we have external and internal experts pouring over financial transactions and processes to do everything reasonably possible to protect the City from any further attacks”, City Manager, Jeff Jorgenson says.

“This incident is a serious criminal matter, and the City is working hard to recover these funds, minimize the opportunities for this to occur in the future, and to cooperate with the police in this investigation,” says Mayor Charlie Clark

“As this is an ongoing investigation, the City cannot disclose further details about the fraud at this time.  The City is now notifying the media and the public in an effort to be transparent and also to warn other corporations.  The City will continue to work with and fully cooperate with law enforcement”, says Jorgenson.

From major infrastructure rehabilitation to general road maintenance, the 2019 construction season is progressing as planned and on schedule in Saskatoon. City Council invested over $61 million in 2019 to make more of Saskatoon’s streets, bridges and sidewalks, smoother, safer and longer-lasting.

“With so many active projects underway, we know navigating around Saskatoon can be inconvenient,” says Matt Jurkiewicz, Interim Director, Construction & Design. “We plan our short construction season to lessen these impacts as much as possible, but of course it’s not possible to avoid traffic delays altogether. We’re asking everyone to remember the work is necessary and will be worth it in the long run.”

• The interchanges at Boychuk Drive and Highway 16 and McOrmond Drive and College Drive are complete and open.
   
• Phase 1 of the Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge rehabilitation project has reached the mid-way point and remains on track for completion in October. In 2020, Phase 2 will require the lanes heading into downtown to be closed.
   
• Water main/connection replacements will improve water service for 387 properties in City Park (2018-2020) and Riversdale (2019-2020). City Park remains on schedule and Riversdale is ahead of schedule. Completion of the current phases is anticipated in early fall.  
   
• Other water main replacement locations include 14^th Street East and Bates Crescent, Acadia Drive between Leddy Crescent and Harrington Street, and 12^th Street East between Broadway Avenue and Eastlake Avenue.
   
• Completed road improvements: resurfacing of Circle Drive from Millar Avenue to the Circle Drive North Bridge; and sections of Taylor Street, Boychuk Drive and Kenderdine Road. The twinning of Wanuskewin Road north of 71^st Street is scheduled for completion in October.

• Upcoming road construction: resurfacing the westbound lanes on College Drive from the city limits to the Canadian Pacific Rail overpass, resurfacing Idylwyld Drive northbound lanes from 25^th Street to 31^st Street, and resurfacing Preston Avenue northbound lanes from Taylor Street to 8^th Street.
   
• Road and sidewalk maintenance: spring street sweeping was completed through all neighbourhoods in 7 weeks, back lane grading started in July and runs through to October, and sidewalk, pothole and utility cut repairs occur daily across the entire city.

Along with better project coordination, such as sidewalk and roadway overhauls being done at the same time and continuing construction overnight when possible, the City has also adopted a new purchasing policy that allows for the hiring of the best company for the job based on experience, qualifications and construction plan, not just the lowest bid.

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

The City, along with collaborating partners Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre (SICC) and Office of the Treaty Commissioner (OTC), is pleased to share the second edition of “ayisiyiniwak [a/yi/see/ni/wak, Cree for ‘the people’]: A Communications Guide” (ayisiyiniwak). 

Originally developed in 2017 as an educational resource for City employees to enhance their understanding of Indigenous culture and practices, copies of the guide have since been requested by organizations across Canada including government agencies, other municipalities, educational institutions and community groups. 

“The creation of ayisiyiniwak has helped us to build understanding and forge a path of partnership with the Indigenous community,” said Mayor Charlie Clark.  “The leadership shown from our staff in partnership with the OTC and SICC is something to be truly proud of.  Now I have civic leaders from across the country asking me for these guides.”

The second edition of ayisiyiniwak has been updated with:

• a chapter devoted to Métis culture and local history;
• a new Inuit chapter; 
• revised Cree translations (including the title) as reviewed by nêhiyawak or Cree speaking linguists;
• new sections within the First Nations chapter including 60s Scoop, Elder’s Helper, Syllabics, Flag Etiquette, Anthems/Honour Songs, The Grand Entry, Blanketing and Two-Spirit People; 
• several new terms and suggested resources.

“The Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre is pleased to be part of this handbook. On behalf of the Board of Governors, the Elders Council, and the staff we would like to commend the City of Saskatoon and the Office of the Treaty Commissioner for their commitment and dedication to developing this second edition. Education comes in many forms and this handbook provides a platform for, not only City employees, but for everyone to enjoy and begin to learn a little about Indigenous culture. Reconciliation begins with understanding. Understanding begins with openness, respectfulness, compassion, and willingness. Understanding isn’t always easy or beautiful, it takes time and is very personal. Be patient and open to learn and become more mindful and respectful of Indigenous ways of being,” said Wanda Wilson, President, Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre.      

ayisiyiniwak is part of the City’s commitment to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation of Canada’s Call to Action #57, which specifically calls upon governments to: “provide education to public servants on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal-Crown relations.” 

“The Office of the Treaty Commissioner is committed to engaging in public information and awareness to advance the Treaty goal of good relations. The ayisiyiniwak communications guide continues to grow and support the work of reconciliation,” said Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan, Mary Culbertson. “Being able to understand each other results in building positive, trusting relationships.”

During the development of the second edition, the project team was privileged to have the guidance of a Cree linguist, several First Nation and Métis Elders, as well as the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami [ITK]. 

The project team also wishes to acknowledge the support of Gabriel Dumont Institute and the Saskatoon Tribal Council, who through a summer employment partnership opportunity helped make the second edition of ayisiyiniwak possible. 

The first edition of the guide recently won a National Planning Excellence Award of Merit from the Canadian Institute of Planners in the category of Planning for Reconciliation. 

For more information and to download and digital copy of ayisiyiniwak, visit saskatoon.ca/ayisiyiniwak.

Hard copies of ayisiyiniwak can be purchased from SICC’s Online Store at https://store.sicc.sk.ca/ or by emailing Tiffany.Carrier@sicc.sk.ca. 

Saskatoon’s new interchange at Boychuk Drive and Highway 16 is now officially complete.

The interchange opened to vehicles in late 2018. Surrounding work was just finished earlier this week to finalize the infrastructure project, which was funded by the Government of Canada, Government of Saskatchewan, and City of Saskatoon.

“This important traffic improvement project for Saskatoon is a great example of how the Government of Canada is making smart investments that contribute to economic growth and improve quality of life in order to foster a thriving middle class,” said the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “This new interchange is making daily commutes easier and safer for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians and keeping commercial traffic flowing across the region.”

“The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to play a key role by contributing more than $10.9 million toward the Boychuk Drive and Highway 16 Interchange Project. Investments in key infrastructure like this contributes to more efficient travel for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians who live, work and play in Saskatoon,” said the Honourable Warren Kaeding, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Government Relations.

“This new interchange is a sign of a growing Saskatoon and it is an important step in creating a more connected community,” said His Worship Charlie Clark, Mayor of the City of Saskatoon. “It is already having a significant impact for those travelling in and through the south-east part of our city by improving safety, traffic flow, and the quality of life in our community. I would like to thank our federal and provincial partners for investing in this project.”

Construction began in April of 2017 on the project, which eliminated the eastbound left turn lane on Highway 16 at Boychuk Drive to resolve safety and traffic flow issues.

“There has been a substantial improvement in traffic flow, which had become heavier and backed up as Rosewood and other east side neighbourhoods developed and became populated,” said Terry Schmidt, General Manager of Transportation & Construction with the City of Saskatoon.

Through the New Building Canada Fund – Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component – National and Regional Projects, the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan each contributed $10,960,885 toward the Boychuk Drive and Highway 16 Interchange Project. The City was responsible for the remaining investment.

Another new interchange at McOrmond Drive and College Drive officially opened earlier this year. Adjacent developers paid 100 per cent of its cost.

The two interchanges were simultaneously built by PCL Construction Management Inc., and both also include walkways and paths to make the areas safer for cyclists and pedestrians.

Both interchanges were constructed for a total investment of $56,694,600.