News Releases

Road repairs and construction projects have been in full swing since mid-May, with several large projects nearing completion. August marks an increase in city-wide street improvement work which includes blade leveling work on back lane maintenance and microsurfacing are reaching peak activity this week.

“August is traditionally the month this all shifts into high gear,” says Rob Frank, Engineering Manager of Asset Preservation. “Microsurfacing is one procedure we use for roads that are in need of minor repairs. It’s much faster than other processes,” Frank says. “It has minimum impact on the community, and we can cover a large area very quickly.”

Locations receiving a micro surface treatment require a significant amount of preparation work such as any underlying road repairs and sidewalk panel replacement work which allow the final surfacing program to move quickly throughout the City.

“Similar to sealing your deck, microsurfacing adds a thin protective layer of asphalt blended with finely crushed stone to the road surface,” he says. “This provides an extra layer of wear, seals underlying asphalt and extends the life of the roadway.”

When first applied, the microsurfacing has a rough and grainy texture and is brownish in colour. However, within a short period of time, as vehicles drive on the road, it quickly wears smooth and the colour fades to blend in with the existing roadway.

“Microsurfacing projects give the roadways a noticeable improvement that also extends their service life,” says Frank. “You’ll see the final surface start and finish, sometimes in the same day. Larger projects may take a little longer, but microsurfacing gives maximum results in a minimum amount of time.”

This year the City’s completing 87 lane-kilometres of microsurfacing which is a 24 per cent increase over last year.

“That’s significant. Things are going more quickly in part because of the new orange and black ‘No Parking’ sandwich boards we’re using. They stand out and help everyone identify the dates for upcoming work zones which can also help the work progress quicker.”

The City is projecting 230 lane kilometres of roadway will be rehabilitated in 2016, ranging from high traffic roads to residential streets. That’s roughly the same distance as from City Hall to Moose Jaw.

The City is also grading Saskatoon’s network of more than 400 kilometres of gravel back lanes to improve drainage, and provide better access for residents and service vehicles. Grading occurs by neighbourhood, followed by reconstruction in specific lanes that qualify. 

Other construction work in the city that has been going on since mid-April includes water and sewer main work, new road construction and reconfiguration and major road repairs. 

For road rehabilitation progress maps and more information on city-wide road rehabilitation work, please visit saskatoon.ca/betterroads. The Projected 2016-2018 Roadway Preservation Plan PDF is available by clicking this link.

The 2016 PotashCorp Fringe Theatre and Street Festival starts today, and the City urges attendees to consider Saskatoon Transit as their transportation option to and from the festival.

“The construction on and around Broadway Avenue means there will be even fewer parking options for festival-goers than usual,” says Jim McDonald, Director of Saskatoon Transit. “So, avoid the hassle, come down to the Fringe, enjoy everything the festival has to offer and leave the driving to us.”

The attached map indicates the direct transit routes that will get you closest to the festival, including the high frequency Route 8, which leaves Centre Mall and travels to the corner of Broadway Avenue and 8th Street.

“We think this is a great opportunity for people to see first-hand our commitment to renew Saskatoon Transit and to get a feel for how the high-frequency service works,” McDonald says. “Riders will be able to hop on several of our buses and get off at the festival site.”

Other direct routes include:

• Route 1 Exhibition: Downtown to Broadway Avenue    
• Route 1 City Centre: Sunnyside to Broadway Avenue
• Route 6 Broadway: Travels from City Centre to Broadway Avenue
• Route 6 City Centre: Market Mall to Broadway Avenue
• Route 8 City Centre: Centre Mall to the corner of Broadway Avenue and 8th Street
• Route 8 Centre Mall: City Centre to the corner of Broadway Avenue and 8th Street
• Route 13 (only available during peak periods)

The Festival is a ten day community celebration on Broadway Avenue that features several independent theatre shows, street entertainers, street vendors and food vendors. Attendance is estimated at around 55,000 people throughout the ten days with activities happening throughout the day and into the evenings.

For more information on the transit routes above please visit saskatoontransit.ca or plan your trip to the 2016 PotashCorp Fringe Theatre and Street Festival using Google Transit.      

After seven weeks of water main rehabilitation and streetscaping, Broadway Avenue from 11th Street to Main Street is scheduled to reopen this week for visitors and upcoming events. The roadway and sidewalks will be fully accessible Thursday, July 28 and, as usual, road restrictions are expected to be in place for the Fringe Festival. 

“Area business people and residents have a fresh look along Broadway to enjoy,” says Celene Anger, Director of Construction and Design. “Whether folks are visiting for a meal, shopping or a show, they will see continuous new pavement, new sections of sidewalk and upgraded streetscaping – literally on top of a more reliable and longer-lasting water main system.” 

Water main infrastructure in the area was approaching 100 years old and had been identified as one of the areas in the City requiring the most urgent attention. The replacement work required extensive excavation, traffic restriction and detours.

“So, the remaining work on Broadway Avenue south of Main Street will be completed over the next few weeks, with water main and road rehabilitation on adjacent streets occurring up until late September,” Anger says. “During this period, crews may be doing some touch-up work at night to limit further impact to the community.” 

The City is providing alternate parking for affected residents wherever possible, and visitors are asked to please obey temporary parking signage.

The Broadway Avenue Improvement Project was scheduled in phases to minimize the length of time access to businesses was impacted. Learn more at saskatoon.ca/broadway.  

8.1.3 Arena Partnership – Terms of the Contribution Agreement for Capital Funding Toward the U of S Proposed Twin Pad Ice Facility

Decision

*City Council approved the proposed terms of the Contribution Agreement for the 1 Million capital contribution to a twin pad ice facility on the University of Saskatchewan property.

Additional Information

*The proposed terms and conditions of the Contribution Agreement with the University of Saskatchewan are centered on ongoing community access, community engagement in the early stages of planning and scheduling, and a requirement for annual reporting back on community usage statistics.
*This supports the long-term strategies of supporting community-building through direct investment and ensuring existing and future leisure centres and other recreational facilities are accessible, physically and financially, and meet community needs.

8.3.2 Building Better Transit: An Asset Management Plan for Transit and Access Transit Fleet

Decision

*Administration will prepare and submit an application for funding under the Government of Canada’s Public Transit Infrastructure Fund for the purchase of new buses.
*Administration has been directed to proceed with an initial purchase of up to 15 low-floor buses and up to 5 Access Transit buses for a total cost of $8.6M using a cash-on-hand as an interim funding source.

Additional Information

*The replacement value of the City’s Transit bus fleet is $81.91M, and the replacement value of the Access Transit fleet is $3.38M.
*The funding plan to be used for the purchase of Transit and Access Transit buses includes funding from the federal programs and utility dividends. Cash on hand will be used in the interim, until program funding and approval is certain.

8.4.1 Solar Power Demonstration Project with Saskatchewan Polytechnic Memorandum of Agreement

Decision

*The City Solicitor will prepare a Memorandum of Agreement with Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

Additional Information

*At its meeting on July 23, 2015, City Council resolved that Administration prepare an MOA with the Saskatchewan Polytechnic for the development of a solar PV tracking system. Both parties have worked collaboratively to develop the MOA.
*The solar PV tracking system will be part of a long-term demonstration site of PV technologies and the evaluation of their associated cost and performance that will direct future deployment.

9.2.1 Inquiry – Costs to Deliver Meewasin Valley Authority Services

Decision

*City Council received the report (a response to a Council inquiry) as information.

Additional Information

*Meewasin is apparently under review by the Province. Due to uncertainty around the terms of this review, and how it may unfold, it is assumed that the legislation and the basic governance structure of Meewasin remain unchanged for the purposes of the report.
*Operating expenditures and capital investments are organized based on the core business areas of Meewasin, including administration, facilities, development review, planning and conservation, public programs, special projects, capital projects, and fundraising costs.
*There are some potential cost savings if the City and Province were to take over the duties or mandate of Meewasin, but much of these savings would be negated by losing the fundraising capability that an independent conservation agency currently enjoys. See the full report here. 

9.5.1 City of Saskatoon Municipal Manual 2016

Decision

*City Council received the manual.

Additional Information

*The 2016 Municipal Manual is available electronically here.
*The Municipal Manual is compiled by the City Clerk’s Office from numerous sources.
*The first Municipal Manual was published in 1913.
*The manual provides factual information, both historical and current, including a snapshot of the City’s political and administrative structure, as well as information regarding Civic boards, educational institutions, the health region and other organizations. The statistical information in the 2016 manual is current to the end of 2015.

11.1 Councillor D. Hill – Truth and Reconcilliation Commission Calls to Action Report

Decision

*Approved Motion: With respect to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action report, would the administration report back on how to engage the community as a whole to name the pending new North Commuter Parkway in recognition of the TRC. This report will be in response to the TRC calls to action and specifically #79 which is…”Participate in a strategy to commemorate Aboriginal peoples’ history and contributions to Canada.”  The administration should keep the guidelines and intent of the naming advisory policy in mind while preparing the report.”

7.1.1 Request for Encroachment Agreement – 650 Broadway Avenue

Decision

*The Committee resolved the proposed encroachment at 650 Broadway Avenue be recognized and an encroachment agreement be prepared.

Background

*The report asks for approval for a future encroachment for the portions of the building foundation located at 650 Broadway Avenue.
*The proposed new building foundation and underground parking garage will encroach onto the 11th Street East sidewalk by up to 3.05 metres and onto Broadway Avenue by up to 3.06 metres.

7.2.2 Intersection Improvement Project Selection Process Policy

Decision

*The Committee recommended to City Council that the policy pertaining to the prioritization of intersections requiring traffic reviews be approved at the August 18 meeting.

Background

*The report is seeking approval of the policy to define the criteria and process used to select and prioritize intersections that require a traffic review for improvements to road safety conditions and/or operating conditions.
*A formal process has been developed to select and prioritize intersections requiring reviews based on crash rates, capacity of the intersection, and coordination with other initiatives.

7.2.4 Corridor Study Selection Process Policy

Decision

*The Committee recommends to City Council that the policy pertaining to the selection of corridors requiring transportation functional planning studies be approved at its meeting on August 18, 2016.

Background

*The report seeks approval of the policy to define the criteria and process used to select and prioritize arterial road corridors requiring transportation functional planning studies.
*A formal process has been developed to select and prioritize arterial road corridors for transportation functional planning studies based on crash rates, capacity of the corridor, and coordination with other initiatives.

7.2.7 Building Better Transit: an Asset management Plan for Transit and Access Transit Fleet

Decision

*The committee recommended to City Council:
-That Administration prepare and submit an application for funding under the Government of Canada’s Public Transit Infrastructure Fund for the purchase of new buses.
-That Administration be directed to proceed with an initial purchase of up to 15 low-floor buses and up to 5 Access Transit buses for a total cost of $8.6M using a cash-on-hand as an interim funding source as outlined in this report.

Background

*The replacement value of the City’s Transit bus fleet is $81.91M, and the replacement value of the Access Transit fleet is $3.38M.
*The funding plan to be used for the purchase of Transit and Access Transit buses includes funding from the federal programs and utility dividends. Cash on hand will be used in the interim, until program funding and approval is certain.

7.2.1 2017 Business Plan and Budget Process

Decision

*There were two reports under this item – 2016 Civic Services Survey and Public Engagement Results. The Committee referred both to the 2017 Business Plan and Budget deliberations.

Additional Information

*The 2016 Civic Services Survey and public engagement activities help shape the City’s 2017 Business Plan and Budget.
*This year’s Civic Services Survey shows overall satisfaction with the level of services provided by the City remains high and is significantly higher than in 2013. Since 2013, overall satisfaction increased by 5% for telephone respondents and 10% for online respondents.
*When the results of all engagement initiatives are combined, citizens generally support increases in service levels or an increase in spending on road maintenance. Besides road maintenance, there is also support for increases for affordable housing, transit, snow and ice management, and traffic management. 

The summer road building program will be moving forward with more night-time construction work.

“Night work is a major contributor to the progress we’ve made so far this season,” says Celene Anger, Director of Construction and Design. “It allows us to complete large projects quickly, with minimal disruption to commuters.”

This season, 229 lane kilometres will undergo road reconstruction, repaving or microsurfacing to extend the life of roadways.

“Construction season is going very well with crews completing approximately 36 lane kilometres of road rehabilitation to date,” Anger says. “This will increase significantly throughout July and August when our microsurfacing programs start.”

Night work is typically scheduled between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on high traffic streets in areas where construction noise will not disrupt residents.

Drivers can expect to see night work at these locations:

• Circle Drive northbound and southbound between 33rd Street and Avenue C
• Idylwyld Drive southbound from the Avenue C and 51st Street on-ramp to 39th Street
• Circle Drive and Idylwyld Drive overpass and ramps

“We’re very lucky we’re able to complete so many projects when there’s less traffic,” she says. “We tackle street sweeping, bridge washing, sewer projects and utility cut maintenance on high traffic streets at night, which is great for drivers.”

As always, safety is a priority with the City. We remind everyone to slow down, pay attention to signs, and respect work zones - day and night.

For more information and a full list of 2016 construction projects visit saskatoon.ca/betterroads.

City Council today approved the application for funding for the purchase of up to 15 low-floor buses and up to 5 Access Transit buses under the Government of Canada’s Public Transit Infrastructure Fund.

“Purchasing these buses allows Saskatoon Transit to continue our improvements in our fleet reliability and age,” says Clae Hack, Director of Finance. “Leveraging federal funding programs for the purchase of new buses helps Saskatoon Transit deliver high-quality, comfortable service riders expect and deserve.”

The purchase of up to 15 low-floor buses is an estimated total cost of $7.95 million and up to 5 Access Transit buses is an estimated total cost of $650,000. The new buses will be funded initially with cash-on-hand until the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund application is approved and received.

“This investment enables Transit to continue towards the goal of reducing the fleet’s average age from 11.9 years to 7.3 years,” Hack says. “Reducing the average age also results in lower maintenance costs and a smaller fleet size, because fewer spare buses are required.”

The new buses, expected to arrive in 2017, will provide riders with modern transportation solutions and a better overall riding experience.

7.1.1 Saskatchewan Crescent and 16th Street Slope Remediation – Update

Decision

*The Committee received the report as information.

Background

*In May 2014, tension cracks were noticed along the lower Meewasin Trail northeast of the 16th Street intersection, and in June 2014, a tension crack developed on the upper Meewasin Trail along Saskatchewan Crescent. In 2015, cracks appeared on the sidewalk and Saskatchewan Crescent. The slope continued to show signs of movement in April 2016 and Saskatchewan Crescent was closed to traffic on April 11.
*Based on geotechnical analysis and modelling, the installation of a retaining wall with “soldier piles and lagging” is the best option to remediate the Project Site and achieve an acceptable factor of safety.
*The next step is to complete the tender process for qualified companies. Construction is expected to begin in mid-August.

7.2.1 Solar Power Demonstration Project with Saskatchewan Polytechnic – Memorandum of Agreement

Decision

*The City Solicitor will prepare a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) in accordance with the terms set out in the report with Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

Background

*At its meeting on July 23, 2015, City Council resolved that Administration prepare an MOA with the Saskatchewan Polytechnic for the development of a solar PV tracking system. Both parties have worked collaboratively to develop the MOA.
*The solar PV tracking system will be part of a long-term demonstration site of PV technologies and the evaluation of their associated cost and performance that will direct future deployment.

7.2.4 Request for Proposal for the Provision of Absence Management and Disability Assistance Services

Decision

*The matter has been deferred and Administration will report at the appropriate time (one to two quarters into the pilot project), including comparative data within the project scope and current pilot project.

Background

*The City entered into a one year pilot program with Bridges Health for the facilitation of absence management and disability assistance services at Saskatoon Transit. The first quarter results have been received and are showing positive results. The Administration was recommending the issuance of a Request for Proposal seeking a service provider to provide ongoing absence management and disability assistance services for a three year period.

6.2.1 Meewasin Valley Authority Financial Statements

Decision

*The Committee received the Financial Statements as information and have forwarded them to the August 18, 2016 City Council meeting.

Background

*Section 80(2) of the MVA Act states a copy of the annual audit shall be furnished to each participating party and elected officials of the City of Saskatoon.
*The Financial Statements are available here: http://owl.li/VSJj302oYvN

7.2.6 Design and Construction Agreement for Repair and Renovation of the Mendel Building

Decision

*The Committee is forwarding a report to the July 21, 2016 City Council meeting in support of the recommendations.

Background

*Capital replacements and repairs are planned for the Mendel Building when it is vacated. High-priority items include remediation of asbestos, a new boiler, new sprinklers, replacement of the fire alarm system, and accessibility improvements.
*The Mendel Building requires capital replacements and repairs by the City prior to the commencement of operations by the Museum of their tenant area.
*The City and Museum have identified that there is an opportunity to achieve efficiencies by combining responsibilities under a single design and construction agreement.
*The committee is recommending to City Council that the City enter into a design and construction agreement to repair and renovate the Mendel Building with the Children’s Discovery Museum on the Saskatchewan Inc. based on the key terms set out in this report.
*That the City endorse submission of this combined project by the Children’s Discovery Museum to the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund.