News Releases

Civic Administration will present the final Growth Plan to Half a Million (Growth Plan) report to the Governance and Priorities Committee on Monday, April 18, 2016, and request that the report be forwarded to City Council for approval, in principle, of the long-term benefits and key directions outlined in the plan.

“The Growth Plan was developed over the last two and a half years through a five-phase public engagement process called ‘Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon’,” says Alan Wallace, Director of Planning and Development.  “Residents were involved in discussions on everything from current and future challenges of growth to potential long-term changes for the city.”

Resident feedback has been used alongside technical work to prepare the final Growth Plan, which outlines eight key directions to guide transportation, transit, and land use planning to accommodate a population of half a million people.

The key directions included in the Growth Plan are:

1. focus growth and enable redevelopment along Saskatoon’s major corridors, with the goal of creating complete communities along these corridors;
2. support the development of strategic infill sites consisting of the Downtown, North Downtown, and the University of Saskatchewan’s endowment lands to achieve infill targets;
3. provide a robust transportation network that includes opportunities for all modes of transportation;
4. create a range of enhanced transit services over time to meet a variety of needs;
5. implement rapid transit facilities and services along the city’s major corridors as demand grows to support projected ridership;
6. use a range of operational methods to enhance the speed and reliability of transit services, including traffic management interventions where necessary;
7. acknowledge the need for future additional river crossing capacity within Circle Drive to serve anticipated travel demand and consider this alongside methods to increase the “people-carrying capacity” of all bridges; and
8. recognize that the supporting initiatives of the Financing Growth Strategy, the Employment Areas Study, and the Active Transportation Plan are also important components to achieving this vision.

“Without the Growth Plan, economic and community impacts of continuing the current growth patterns are expected to include increased traffic congestion, reduced levels of transit service, longer commutes, and higher infrastructure costs,” said Wallace.

If the Growth Plan is approved in principle, a ten-year action plan will be created to guide the implementation of the Growth Plan, which will be brought to City Council for approval in early 2017.

Comments and requests to speak at the Governance and Priorities Committee may be submitted, in advance, via the City’s website at www.saskatoon.ca/writetocouncil.

For more information on the Growth Plan, including the final technical and summary reports, please visit the project website at www.growingfwd.ca.

The City of Saskatoon (City) Fall Leisure Guide will be delivered to every home in Saskatoon on Wednesday, August 12, 2015, and can also be picked up at any Leisure Centre, Saskatoon Public Library location, or City Hall.  The guide will be available on www.saskatoon.ca/leisureguide beginning Monday, August 10, 2015.

The Leisure Guide contains everything you need to know about Saskatoon’s Leisure Centres and is the go-to source for fitness programs, recreational activities, and arts and culture opportunities for all ages and abilities.  Stay active throughout the fall (September 1 to December 31) with the many options provided by the City.

Highlights include:

• Public skating schedules for the four indoor arenas.
• Birthday party skating packages at Cosmo Civic Centre and birthday party swimming packages at Lakewood Civic Centre and Shaw Centre.
• Public, parent and tot, family, and lane swimming opportunities at the indoor pools.
• Red Cross swim schedules for Shaw Centre, Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre, and Lakewood and Lawson Civic Centres.
• A variety of new cooking classes for adults such as:  Pies and Crusts; Muffins, Biscuits, and Quick Breads; Back to School Breakfasts and Soups; and Stews and Stocks.
• Preschool and children’s recreational registered programs such as:  Sport & Splash Camp; Jungle Gym Safari; and Snakes, Snails, and Puppy Dog Tails.
• Adult, teen, beginner (Smart Start), advanced, and Fit Over 50 drop-in exercise classes, personal training, and registered fitness programs at the six indoor Leisure Centres.
• Group fitness training for youth and adults at Shaw Centre, Saskatoon Field House, and Lakewood Civic Centre.
• A map of the seven dog parks in Saskatoon - spend time outdoors with your furry friend!
• A list of the programs offered by the 47 Community Associations in Saskatoon.
• Information about new Leisure Centre admission rates and options for you and your family.
• And much, much more, including many arts, culture, and recreational services offered by other organizations in Saskatoon.

Registration for programs begins Sunday, August 16, 2015, at 6 p.m. by phoning 306‑975‑2800, or register online at leisureonline.saskatoon.ca.

Starting Monday, August 17, 2015, at 6:30 a.m., Cosmo, Lakewood, and Lawson Civic Centres, Saskatoon Field House, and Shaw Centre will be accepting mail or walk-in registrations; phone registration begins at 8:00 a.m.  Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre is closed for annual maintenance and will not be open for registrations until Monday, August 31, 2015.  (Please note that walk-in registrations will not be accepted at any Leisure Centre on the first night of registration).

Registered programs are very popular and fill up fast!  Many people will be registering Sunday evening, and the City sincerely thanks our citizens for their patience.  While additional online and telephone resources are in place to make the process go as smoothly as possible, there are still thousands of people registering at once, so here are some tips to help you be prepared:

• You will require a client ID number and family PIN to register online.  To set one up or if you forgot yours, phone any Leisure Centre before Sunday, August 16, 2015.
• Consider other Leisure Centres if your nearest location isn't available – just a short distance away!
• Have a list of second and third program choices, just in case you do not get into your first choice.
• Join the waiting list.  Every full program has an online waiting list, and new classes may be created if there is enough demand.
• Ensure your major web browser (Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox, Google Chrome) is up to date.

Get the Guide!  Keep the Guide!

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

The City of Saskatoon invites residents to participate in the second round of public engagement for the city’s first Active Transportation Plan (ATP).  Starting Friday, November 20, through Wednesday, December 9, 2015, there will be multiple opportunities to learn more and provide feedback on the recommendations being considered in the draft long-term plan for active transportation.

ATP Come-and-Go Public Events
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Station 20 West, 1120 20^th Street West
11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Cosmo Civic Centre, 3130 Laurier Drive
4:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Cosmopolitan Senior Centre, 614 11^th Street East
4:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

ATP Online Survey
Friday, November 20 to Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Review the draft plan and provide feedback online at www.growingfwd.ca/activetransportation.

The ATP is part of the City’s Growth Plan to Half a Million and will provide a 30-year roadmap to increase opportunities for walking, biking, and other forms of active transportation in Saskatoon.  The plan is scheduled to be completed by Spring 2016 and will shape changes to infrastructure and support programs to encourage all of us to use active transportation more often – whether for work, pleasure, shopping, visiting friends and family, or running errands.

For more information on the ATP, or to sign up for project update notifications, please visit www.growingfwd.ca/activetransportation.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours, and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

As the City of Saskatoon (City) finalizes the rollout of the FlexParking program, the final 13 pay stations will be activated on Wednesday, September 30, in the Sutherland area.

Important tips and reminders:

1.         Have your licence plate number handy; you’ll need it at every transaction.

2.         Don’t forget to note the maximum allowable time where you’re parking; you can only park as long as the sign indicates, regardless of how much time you buy.

3.         You don’t need to display a dashboard ticket; your plate provides proof of payment.

4.         Balances on your parking purchase can be carried forward to any space that’s been switched over to the new system; balances cannot be applied to coin-metered spaces.

5.         You can buy additional parking time up to the posted maximum allowable time.

The City’s Disability and Veteran Parking Permit Program remains unchanged, and drivers are still required to display their placards.

For more information, including a map of where the new FlexParking pay stations are installed, as well as frequently asked questions, please visit saskatoon.ca/flexparking or call 306-975-2548.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit saskatoon.ca or connect with the City on Twitter and Facebook.

Active Like a Girl is a free annual one-day sports event for girls ages 10 to 14 that will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2015, from 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the SaskTel Sports Centre (150 Nelson Road).

Girls are invited to experience soccer, floor hockey, and wheelchair basketball with world class Olympians and 2015 Parapan American athletes:

Colleen Sostorics, Olympian (Women’s Ice Hockey)

Played extensively for Canada at the international level with achievements including three Olympic gold medals, three gold and three silver medals at the Women’s World Championships, and five gold medals and one silver medal at the 4 Nations Cup.

Deidra Dionne, Olympian (Freestyle Aerial Ski)

A bronze medalist at the 2002 Winter Olympics in freestyle aerial ski.  She also won bronze medals at the 2001 and 2003 FIS World Freestyle Ski Championships.

Erica Gavel, Parapan American Silver Medalist (Wheelchair Basketball)

After playing basketball for the University of Saskatchewan, her career was cut short by a knee injury, until she discovered the same passion for wheelchair basketball.  Since taking up the sport in 2012, she has earned an athletic scholarship to the University of Alabama, a gold medal at the 2014 Canadian Junior National Wheelchair Basketball Championships, and a silver medal at the 2015 Parapan Games.

Active Like a Girl is hosted by the City of Saskatoon’s Community Development Division, in partnership with Canadian Sport Centre Saskatchewan, Sask Sport Inc., and Women in Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation.

Register by September 10, 2015, by calling 306-975-3378.  Transportation services are available; please inquire when registering.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, Visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

Brown bears, Koda and Mistaya, are turning 10!  Join us as we celebrate their birthday on Friday, August 28, 2015, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the brown bear enclosure in the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo.

Zookeepers have planned a special picnic lunch for the bears on their big day and there will be "cub" cakes provided to children (first-come, first-served).

The Saskatoon Zoo Society will also be hosting “investigation stations” to learn more about these animals along with face painting and a photo booth for children, so bring your camera!

The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo and the Saskatoon Zoo Society welcome everyone to enjoy the birthday celebration, free with the purchase of regular Zoo admission.

Donations will be accepted and put toward the purchase of equipment that will enhance the bears’ enclosure.  Also, for every $40 of brown bear “Adopt-a-Critter” purchased on August 28, 2015, $10 will be donated toward new equipment.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

The City of Saskatoon (City) invites the public to view the new neighbourhood mural in Nutana, under the east end of the Broadway Bridge, and meet the artist who created it.

Entitled “Community Garden,” the artwork is a wheat paste mural created by local artist, Laura Hosaluk, in collaboration with Nutana residents, the Nutana Community Association, and the Broadway Business Improvement District.  As described by the artist, the mural represents the vibrant growth that the Nutana neighbourhood inspires.

MEET THE ARTIST:  Nutana Wheat Paste Mural
Saturday, September 5, 2015
11 a.m. to 12 p.m. – “Come and Go”
Under the east end of the Broadway Bridge
(best access is from the 600 block of Saskatchewan Crescent East)

"Community Garden” is the result of recommendations from two City-led initiatives:

• The Nutana Safety Audit Final Report recommended adding mural artwork created by local artists to foster a long-term community and a cooperative approach to safety and security, to discourage graffiti vandalism; and
• The Nutana Local Area Plan (LAP) included reducing the physical opportunity of crime using Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design principals.

For more information on the Nutana LAP, please visit www.saskatoon.ca/lap.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

The City of Saskatoon invites residents to participate in the closing round of public engagement for the Growth Plan to Half a Million (Growth Plan).

Join the conversation, either in person or online, to provide feedback on the proposed long-term plans and implementation priorities for a new transit system with Bus Rapid Transit (BRT); redevelopment along major corridors like 8^th Street, 22^nd Street, Preston Avenue, and College Drive; and a new river crossing connecting 33^rd Street to Preston Avenue, combined with dedicated BRT lanes on the University Bridge.

Detailed project information and an online survey will be available at www.growingfwd.ca until Sunday, November 8, 2015.

In addition to online engagement, two public open houses are being held for residents to learn more and provide feedback on the Growth Plan.

Growth Plan Come-and-Go Public Events
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Mayfair United Church, 902 33^rd Street West
4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, October 22, 2015
Saskatoon Field House, 2020 College Drive
4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Growth Plan Online Survey
October 14 to November 8, 2015
Review the final draft plan and provide feedback online at www.growingfwd.ca.

This will be the fourth and final round of public engagement for the Growth Plan.  Once complete, the Growth Plan will help guide future infrastructure investments and land-use decisions so residents will have more choices for how they live and move around the city as Saskatoon grows to half a million people over the next 30 to 40 years.

For more information on the Growth Plan or to sign up for project update notifications, visit www.growingfwd.ca.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours, and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

City of Saskatoon (City) crews have begun annual winterization of the 409 irrigation systems in Saskatoon parks.  Winterization is an important maintenance procedure to help ensure the longevity of the City’s irrigation infrastructure.

Irrigation system winterization involves the use of large compressors that force air through the irrigation pipes, removing any residual water so it will not freeze in the pipes.  The City requests that the public respect and follow all signage at worksites.  The force of the air through the pipes shoots water out from the sprinkler heads at a high pressure and may pick up debris during this process.

To ensure public safety, residents are asked to please stay clear of all sprinkler heads and related winterization equipment during maintenance.

The winterization process is expected to take six weeks.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

The City of Saskatoon (City) is pleased to announce PotashCorp Playland at Kinsmen Park will open on Wednesday, August 5, 2015, at 10 a.m.

“We are very excited that families are now having fun at the brand new PotashCorp Playland at Kinsmen Park,” says Jochen Tilk, President and Chief Executive Officer of PotashCorp.  “We are so happy to see the wonderful new vision for the park brought to life and we’re sure the community will enjoy it for many years to come.”

PotashCorp provided $7.5 million of the total cost of $9.5 million to develop PotashCorp Playland, which includes a Ferris wheel, carousel, and train ride, along with a variety of play areas. The new train, sponsored by Canpotex Limited and Canadian Pacific, is one of the most anticipated new attractions.

“This is a significant milestone - Phase One of the Kinsmen Park Master Plan is now complete,” says the City’s Recreation and Sport Director, Cary Humphrey. “Thanks to our sponsors, PotashCorp, Canpotex, and Canadian Pacific; this facility is a first-class attraction that will draw visitors from near and far.”

Kinsmen Park is Saskatoon’s oldest park development.  It is located on land first purchased in 1903 and was an early home of the Saskatoon Fair and horse race track.  This beloved park will continue to turn moments into memories and will be a true Canadian treasure thanks to its three-star attractions.

“In addition to the new rides, PotashCorp Playland will feature many free-of-charge activities including a children’s play area with water spray features, sand play, and climbing elements, as well as an open park space with picnic tables,” says Humphrey.  “There is also a plaza with a concession on site.”

Parking is available in the larger lot north of the YWCA (off Kinsmen Avenue), in a smaller lot beside PotashCorp Playland at Kinsmen Park, and across the street (next to Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan and the Mendel building).

Attraction Features

Rides Garden:  Admission is $2 for a single ticket and $20 for a Play Pack (12 tickets).  One ticket per ride is required for the Ferris wheel, carousel, and Canpotex Train.

• Ferris Wheel:  Visitors will be able to enjoy a whole new view of Saskatoon’s cityscape from the exciting 19 m high ride.
• Carousel:  The antique carousel will bring the park alive with its brightly painted vintage animals, which are newly restored.
• Canpotex Train:  This replica of a Canadian Pacific train, complete with a one-third scale locomotive and caboose, has spacious seating for 44 adults or 66 children.  It will travel at approximately 8 km/h along the new 626 m loop (176 m longer than the old one), completing a full circuit in roughly six minutes.

Play Area:  The children’s play area is free to enjoy and includes water spray features, sand play, and a climbing area.

• Sand Play:
  • Double cable ride
  • Log climber
  • Dome mountain
  • Concrete stepping stones
• Water Play:
  • Water engineering table
  • Long-handled pump
  • Forest fountain spray feature
  • Water scale
  • Jets
  • Climbing Area:
• Hill slide
• Dutch discs
• Pyramid tower with tunnel slide
• Spinner bowls
• Double saucer swing

Hours of operation for the season will be:

• Monday to Saturday:  10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Sundays and Statutory Holidays:  12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

A Grand Opening Ceremony for PotashCorp Playland at Kinsmen Park will be held Wednesday, August 12, 2015, at 10 a.m. to recognize the generous support of PotashCorp, Canpotex Limited, and Canadian Pacific.  Following the ceremony, PotashCorp will provide free rides, community activities and entertainment from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information on the attractions or the Grand Opening, please visit Saskatoon.ca/potashcorpplayland.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.