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Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
Committee ponders cart size options for curbside residential garbage collection
August 31, 2022 - 5:44am
- Option 1 (Recommended by Administration):
- Three different garbage cart sizes would be available to residents upon request.
- Residents would have a choice of cart sizes ranging from a 180 litre, 240 litre and the current 360 litre for year-round bi-weekly pick-up service.
- This illustration compares the volume of the three black cart sizes.
- Option 2:
- Two different garbage cart sizes would be available to residents upon request -- the current large 360 litre and new medium 240 litre black cart for year-round bi-weekly pick-up service.
A pair of size options to collect residential garbage at single family households will be presented to the Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities & Corporate Services (EUCS) at its meeting Tuesday, September 6. The options are part of a report preparing the City’s move to a variable garbage cart utility in January 2024.
A variable black cart utility is a rate-based program where residents pay fees for the volume of waste they dispose and the services they receive based on the size of their garbage cart.
“While people are free to choose whatever they want, the volume-based rate structure is designed to encourage residents to divert as much waste as possible away from the landfill,” says Brendan Lemke, Director of Water and Waste Operations. “Residents with the largest garbage carts pay more and those with the smallest pay less.”
The decision to fund both the garbage and organics services through payments on utility bills was approved October 18, 2021 by the Governance and Priorities Committee of City Council, at which time the Committee asked the Administration to evaluate the funding model and present options on timing, phase-in and affordability.
The two options up for discussion are:
“Moving to a volume-based cart program will give residents choice based on their waste needs and it’s one of many components under the City’s Waste Reduction and Diversion Strategy to meet our waste diversion goals,” Lemke says. “We recommend Option 1 to City Council because it increases the customer’s control over their costs and provides financial incentives for waste diversion at a lower overall investment.”
The full report and attachments (appendix 1; appendix 2) can be found here.
For more information on waste and recycling, visit saskatoon.ca/wastediversion.
Daily Road Report - September 1, 2022
August 31, 2022 - 3:00pm
*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.
NEW
RUTH ST E EB LANES CLOSED FROM BROADWAY AVE TO LANSDOWNE AVE
(Sidewalk repair)
Two-way traffic will be maintained in WB lanes
Start: September 1, 7:00 a.m. End: September 8, 5:00 p.m.
NELSON RD EB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM HEATH AVE TO HEAL AVE
(Material laydown)
Start: September 1, 7:00 a.m. End: September 30, 5:00 p.m.
1ST AVE N ROAD CLOSED FROM 3RD AVE N TO PRINCESS ST
(Water main replacement)
Start: September 1, 7:30 a.m. End: September 20, 4:30 p.m.
22ND ST W EB & WB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM AVE I N TO AVE J S
(Streetlight replacements)
Start: September 1, 9:00 a.m. End: September 1, 3:00 p.m.
SPADINA CRES E ROAD FROM 3RD AVE S TO 20TH ST E
(Nutrien Fireworks Festival)
Access to Boat Launch will be closed during this time
Start: September 1, 5:00 p.m. End: September 5, 12:30 p.m.
NIGHTWORK
CIRCLE DR W ROAD CLOSED AT 33RD ST W
(Bridge washing)
Start: August 31, 7:00 p.m. End: September 1, 6:00 a.m.
ONGOING
7TH AVE N ROAD CLOSED FROM 33RD ST E TO EMPRESS ST
(Valve repairs)
Start: August 31, 8:00 a.m. End: September 1, 5:00 p.m.
CIRCLE DR E WB CURB LANE & LEFT TURN LANE CLOSED AT QUEBEC AVE
(Hydro Vac)
Start: August 30, 9:00 a.m. End: September 1, 5:00 p.m.
33RD ST E EB LEFT TURN & WB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED AT WARMAN RD
(Construction)
Start: August 20, 7:00 a.m. End: September 2, 5:00 p.m.
1ST AVE N SB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 25TH ST E TO 24TH ST E
(Concrete work)
Start: August 29, 7:30 a.m. End: September 4, 5:00 p.m.
AVE H N ROAD CLOSED AT 31ST ST W
(Water main work)
Start: August 30, 8:00 a.m. End: September 5, 4:30 p.m.
MCORMOND DR ROAD CLOSED AT BRIGHTON BLVD
(New road construction)
Start: June 6, 7:00 a.m. End: September 9, 5:00 p.m.
All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.
For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.
Spray pad hours of operation extended as part of the City’s Extreme Heat Response
August 31, 2022 - 2:00pm
As part of the City's Extreme Heat Response, all spray pads hours have been extended to 10:00 p.m. until Monday, September 5. Spray pads are open daily at 10:00 a.m. Visit saskatoon.ca/spraypads for a list of spray pad locations.
There are over 70 locations across Saskatoon to cool off and take a break from the heat. View the Heat Response Map to find a cooling location near you. Note: All paddling pools are closed for the season.
Tree maintenance begins in Nutana West, Nutana Central and East College Park neighbourhoods
August 31, 2022 - 12:00pm
Starting Thursday, September 1, 2022, crews will begin pruning trees on civic property in Nutana West, Nutana Central and College Park East as part of the City’s Boulevard Tree Maintenance Program. Tree maintenance operations in these three neighbourhoods will continue until December 16, 2022.
The Boulevard Tree Maintenance Program follows a regular pruning cycle to help preserve the health of the City’s tree inventory, as well as to eliminate hazards and provide clearance from buildings, signs, streetlights and utility wires.
Tree maintenance often requires road restrictions. The City reminds pedestrians, cyclists and drivers to ensure safety is a priority by respecting the work zone and obeying all road restrictions and signage.
For more information, visit saskatoon.ca/treemaintenance.
Winterization of park irrigation systems begins September 1
August 31, 2022 - 10:45am
On September 1, City crews begin the annual winterization of the 480 irrigation systems in Saskatoon parks and along roadway streetscapes. Winterization is an important maintenance procedure to help ensure the longevity of the City’s irrigation infrastructure.
Irrigation winterization involves the use of large compressors that force air through the irrigation system, removing any residual water so it will not freeze within the underground pipes. The force of compressed air exiting through sprinkler heads may pick up and propel debris within the work zone.
To ensure public safety, residents are asked to follow all signage at work sites, and to stay clear of all sprinkler heads, compressor units and related winterization equipment in the parks during maintenance.
The winterization process is expected to take seven weeks. For more information, visit saskatoon.ca/parkmaintenance.
Year-round reduced speeds now in effect for School Zones and new Playground Zones
August 31, 2022 - 10:00am
Saskatoon families may feel a stronger sense of safety in areas where their young children learn and play as changes to School Zones and new Playground Zones start tomorrow, September 1.
Speed limits in School Zones at elementary schools will be 30 km/h every day, all year from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Additionally, some school zone boundaries were adjusted and the reduced speed limit was removed from High School Zones. U-turns are still restricted at all schools between posted School Zone signs.
“Slowing from 50 km/h to 30 km/h where children play gives the driver more time to react, a wider field of vision and a chance to come to a complete stop sooner,” says Jay Magus, Director of Transportation. “Children are more vulnerable to severe injury in a crash than adults, so should a crash occur, it is less likely that it would have severe consequences at a reduced speed.”
Playground Zones are new in Saskatoon and require drivers to slow to 30 km/h as posted, when passing areas where children play. Where School and Playground Zone signs do not include a posted speed limit, treat the sign as a caution and pay close attention through the area.
Speed enforcement activities will be aligned with the new School Zone and Playground Zone effective hours.
“It’s critical for people to slow down in these areas where young children play and learn,” said Dale Solie, Inspector, Saskatoon Police Service. “Initially our focus will be to educate and raise awareness of the school zone and playground changes; however, enforcement will occur where necessary.”
Vehicle speed and pedestrian safety have been the top concerns of residents who participated in 77 Neighbourhood Traffic Reviews between 2013 and 2021, and many people felt that vulnerable people, such as children, were at risk of injury.
Following a city-wide speed limit review for residential streets in 2021, City Council approved changes to extend School Zones to year-round with longer hours and implement playground zones. Learn more at saskatoon.ca/speedlimit.
Butterflies have arrived at the Prairie Butterfly House
August 31, 2022 - 8:15am
- PrairiesCan
- Norplex Business Centre
- Hunter Family
- Duval Family
- Ultravision Construction
- one-mouse graphic design
- Dutch Growers
- ADA Architects
- Laser Impressions
- ASL Paving
- ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems Canada
The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo) is pleased to announce the arrival of the butterflies at the Prairie Butterfly House. Visitors to the Zoo can now see several butterflies fluttering around the new exhibit and will also have an opportunity to check out the emerging area where caterpillars form a chrysalis or pupa to rest and transform into an adult butterfly.
“We are thrilled to officially open the new Prairie Butterfly House,” says Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager. “The butterflies truly bring the exhibit to life, and we can’t wait for people to come and fully experience the beauty and tranquility of this new exhibit.”
In addition to the butterflies, interpretive signage has also been installed providing an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the many species of butterflies that will inhabit the space.
The Zoo would once again like to thank the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation and all of the partners, contributors and organizations that helped bring this exhibit to life.
The Zoo is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Visit saskatoon.ca/zoo to learn more and to plan your next visit.
Road restrictions for downtown firework's festival start Thursday
August 31, 2022 - 8:00am
- Spadina Crescent will be closed between 3rd Avenue and 20th Street
- Public access to the Saskatoon Boat Launch will be closed until Sunday, September 4 at 8:00 a.m.
- Rotary Park parking lot will be closed
- Spadina Crescent will be closed between 2nd and 3rd avenues
- The Traffic Bridge will be closed between 11th and 19th streets
- Spadina Crescent will be closed between 2nd Avenue and 20th Street
- Eastlake Avenue will be closed between 12ths Street and Saskatchewan Crescent
- Saskatchewan Crescent closed between 14th Street and McPherson Avenue
- Spadina Crescent will be closed between 2nd Avenue and 20th Street
- Eastlake Avenue will be closed between 12ths Street and Saskatchewan Crescent
- Saskatchewan Crescent closed between 14th Street and McPherson Avenue
- Broadway Bridge closed between 12th and 20th streets
- 19th Street closed between 3rd and 4th avenues
- Saskatchewan Crescent closed between 14th Street and Broadway Avenue
To accommodate the Nutrien Firework's Festival in the downtown area on Friday, September 2 and Saturday, September 3, detours, lane restrictions, and “no parking” signs will be in place guiding motorists around the event area. This event is expected to take four days to complete, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.
If there are weather impacts, the firework festival will take place on Sunday, September 4, with detours being removed on Monday, September 5.
Event road restrictions set in place from Thursday, September 1 at 5:00 p.m. to Sunday September 4 at 12:00 p.m.:
Event road restrictions set in place from Friday, September 2 at 9:00 a.m. to Sunday, September 4 at 12:00 p.m.:
Friday, September 2 event road restrictions to be set in place from 5:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.:
Saturday, September 3 event road restrictions to be set in place from 3:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.:
Friday, September 2 and Saturday, September 3 event road restrictions to be set daily from 6:45 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.:
Friday, September 2 and Saturday, September 3 event road restrictions to be set daily from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.:
For service alerts about bus stop closures, real-time bus locations, and next bus arrivals use the mobile app Transit or Google Transit on desktop. Customer Service is also available at 306-975-3100 to help answer any questions.
Drivers are reminded to watch out for pedestrians. The City thanks everyone for their patience.
For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.
1st Avenue closed between Princess Street and 3rd Avenue on Thursday
August 31, 2022 - 7:00am
1st Avenue will be closed between Princess Street and 3rd Avenue starting Thursday, September 1, at 7:00 a.m. for water main replacement work. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone. This project is expected to take 20 days to complete, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.
Saskatoon Transit may be affected by these detours. Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit on desktop.
For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.
Daily Road Report - August 31, 2022
August 30, 2022 - 3:00pm
*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.
NEW
7TH AVE N ROAD CLOSED FROM 33RD ST E TO EMPRESS ST
(Valve repairs)
Start: August 31, 8:00 a.m. End: September 1, 5:00 p.m.
NIGHTWORK
CIRCLE DR W ROAD CLOSED AT 33RD ST W
(Bridge washing)
Start: August 31, 7:00 p.m. End: September 1, 6:00 a.m.
ONGOING
DIEFENBAKER DR WB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM DOUGLAS CRES TO FISHER CRES
(Sidewalk work)
Start: August 26, 7:00 a.m. End: August 31, 5:00 p.m.
CIRCLE DR E WB CURB LANE & LEFT TURN LANE CLOSED AT QUEBEC AVE
(Hydro Vac)
Start: August 30, 9:00 a.m. End: September 1, 5:00 p.m.
33RD ST E EB LEFT TURN & WB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED AT WARMAN RD
(Construction)
Start: August 20, 7:00 a.m. End: September 2, 5:00 p.m.
1ST AVE N SB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 25TH ST E TO 24TH ST E
(Concrete work)
Start: August 29, 7:30 a.m. End: September 4, 5:00 p.m.
AVE H N ALL FROM 31ST ST W TO 31ST ST W
(Water main work)
Start: August 30, 8:00 a.m. End: September 5, 4:30 p.m.
MCORMOND DR ROAD CLOSED AT BRIGHTON BLVD
(New road construction)
Start: June 6, 7:00 a.m. End: September 9, 5:00 p.m.
All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.
For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.