News Releases

The City of Saskatoon has released an updated strategic plan to reflect the priorities of City Council. The revised plan places the focus on achieving important outcomes during the 2018-2021 period.

“The refreshed Strategic Plan incorporates a new and innovative leadership model of City Council to address the challenges and opportunities of a changing world,” says Mayor Charlie Clark. “By empowering all members of City Council in 10 priority areas, we can work through some complex, sticky issues by working with stakeholders and making progress for the benefits of the citizens of Saskatoon. This leadership model is a bold change for the City and offers another opportunity to truly unlock the full potential of our community.”

In 2012, City Council adopted a 10-year Strategic Plan that reflected the visionary ambitions of people in Saskatoon through the community visioning process Saskatoon Speaks. The updated plan still includes public input from that initiative, but also incorporates the sentiment from the January 2017, Let’s Talk 2020 engagement initiative where citizens shared their thoughts on what the City’s priorities should be over the next four years.

“The foundation of the strategic plan remains intact, but we have gained a better understanding of what its seven Strategic Goals mean to our city,” says City Manager, Jeff Jorgenson. “This improved awareness offers an opportunity to refine the plan and establish well-defined outcomes for each Strategic Goal that reflect the current City Council.”

Other enhancements include measures to monitor progress that correspond to each outcome and specific actions Administration will take to make progress. It sets things in a way that ensures that the City’s programs and services will address the needs of the community while keeping within our financial means. The updates are timely as this plan will help guide the City’s first ever multi-year business plan and budget process starting in 2020.

“The timeframe of this plan reflects the term of City Council,” says Jorgenson. “It is good governance to revisit the plan at regular intervals to keep us on track for realizing our vision for the future to make Saskatoon a great place to live, work, learn and play.”

The plan will go into action once it is formally approved by City Council.

The major rehabilitation and repair work of the Circle Drive over 33^rd Street northbound overpass has been completed five weeks ahead of schedule. Barring weather issues or unforeseen complications, the traffic restrictions will be removed and the road reopened to regular vehicle traffic this weekend.

“We are extremely pleased to have this work completed, and a return to normal traffic use, sooner than expected,” says Todd Grabowski, Manager of Asset Preservation for Bridges. “The near perfect weather and the fact that we encountered no major issues allowed us to accelerate our schedule and move ahead of where we expected to be at this point in the project.”

The work got underway on July 3, 2018 and was expected to take until mid-September to complete. The rehabilitation work included asphalt removal and replacement, concrete repairs, application of waterproofing membrane, and the removal and replacement of expansion joints. Based on the Bridges and Structures Inspection and Deck Testing Program, the Circle Drive southbound overpass did not require rehabilitation at this time.

“We want to thank road users for their patience and cooperation while we carried out this necessary construction,” says Grabowski. “This proactive work will ensure the bridge structure continues to serve drivers for many years to come.”

Every day, approximately 20,000 vehicles pass over the Circle Drive over 33^rd Street northbound overpass.

The City is set to begin major improvement work on Taylor Street eastbound, just after the intersection with Arlington Avenue. This section of roadway has been identified as an area prone to congestion. The aim of this construction work is to improve the flow of traffic through the intersection and to alleviate the congestion on Taylor Street eastbound.

“This is a pinch point that has been on our radar for some time, and I think the work we’re set to undertake is really going to improve the safety and flow of the entire Taylor-Arlington intersection,” says Tim Bushman, Engineering Manager with the Construction & Design Division. “We expect this work will reduce delays for Taylor Street road users headed eastbound. It should also improve the safety and ease of turning right onto Taylor from Arlington where we’ve observed the bus bay being used as a merging lane.”

The main improvements to be made include:

• Widening of Taylor Street eastbound, after the Arlington Avenue intersection.
• Realignment of Taylor Street, after the Arlington Avenue intersection, to create a continuous two-lane eastbound section of roadway.
• Reconfiguration of sidewalks, concrete medians and light posts to match the realignment.

While construction is in progress, two-way traffic will be maintained on Taylor Street, but road users can expect to encounter lane restrictions and delays. Some short term turning restrictions at Taylor Street and Arlington Avenue may also be required while lane and median construction is underway. Construction will be active on the weekends as well.

To avoid conflicting with school-bound traffic come fall, the contract terms stipulate that the work at this location must be complete by August 31, barring heavy rain or unforeseen complications. Work is expected to get underway on Monday (August 13).

More information about the 2018 Building Better Roads plan is available at saskatoon.ca/betterroads. You can also access Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/servicealerts or follow @YXEServiceAlert on Twitter.

The Saskatoon Fire Department acknowledges that residents and visitors are looking for a place to cool down in the summer’s heat and might choose the river. If that is the case, we would like to stress the importance of doing so safely. The Saskatoon Fire Department cautions the community of the dangers associated with using the South Saskatchewan River.

As per City of Saskatoon Bylaw No. 4433, swimming in the South Saskatchewan River is prohibited within City limits. Wading, which is the act of walking through a body of water, is permitted unless otherwise posted.

Any large body of water offers an inviting environment to cool down in the summer; however, the underlying functions of the South Saskatchewan River, including strong currents and barriers to alter the flow of water, can result in a potentially dangerous situation. It’s important to remember that the South Saskatchewan River is unpredictable, and that the shore’s edge and riverbed are considered extremely unstable. Obstacles and discarded debris pose an additional threat to those choosing to use the river for recreational purposes.

Engaging in the consumption of drugs and/or alcohol when in or around the river presents an increased risk to one’s safety. These substances are capable of influencing your ability to function, and can therefore increase the likelihood of a water-related emergency.

The South Saskatchewan River can pose a significant danger when a lack of care and consideration is given to following safe practices around the river. Remember to always be cautious near larger bodies of water.

In an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Saskatoon continues to make strides in re-developing the environmental landscape throughout the city.

In an effort to increase local green innovation, climate change resiliency and infrastructure planning, the City has been approved for environmental funding amounting to roughly $500,000 from the Government of Canada, delivered through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

“Our city is at a pivotal time in how we grow and develop,” says Brenda Wallace, Director of Environmental and Corporate Initiatives“We have many opportunities to work with nature and leverage environmental initiatives for more sustainable prosperity. It’s important that these projects are not postponed for future generations; rather, we have the opportunity to act now while there are choices and options.“Through the funding received, we are able to shift toward an optimistic vision for a sustainable community.”

As growth continues, the City needs to be mindful of how old infrastructure is replaced, as well as how density is increased in established areas, and the way we interact with our environment.

“As Saskatoon continues on a course for growth, we need to be mindful of both new development areas and also abandoned, derelict, underutilized properties,” says Lesley Anderson, Director of Planning & Development. “The funding received for the Brownfield Renewal Strategy will support this major Plan for Growth initiative as we aim to assess and prioritize these types of sites along the City’s major corridors for revitalization.”

Funding from two infrastructure initiatives, the Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program (MCIP) and the Green Municipal Fund (GMF), were received for five of the City’s projects. These initiatives are about helping municipalities prepare for, and adapt to, climate change, while providing knowledge services to support sustainable community development, all with the target to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and improve the environment.

In January of this year, the City also received $125,000 for Climate Change Mitigation.

To learn more about Saskatoon’s environmental initiatives, visit saskatoon.ca/environment and for the Brownfield Renewal Strategy, visit saskatoon.ca/brownfield-renewal-strategy.

Plan for Growth projects are funded in part under the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund (PTIF) from the Government of Canada. The Government of Saskatchewan administers federal PTIF funding in the province. The City is funding the remainder of the Plan.

The Saskatoon Police Service is investigating an incident where a truck narrowly missed a roadways worker and damaged specialized patching equipment.

“Fortunately no one was injured; however, one person was in the work zone at the time and three others were on their way from another site – each of them with families to get home to,” says Brandon Harris, Director of Roadways & Operations.

“With advance warning signs and plenty of pylons, there is absolutely no reason for any vehicle to be in that work zone and put lives at risk.”

It happened Sunday, July 15 at Circle Drive and Avenue C. A semi-truck and trailer knocked over two metal construction signs, drove over multiple orange pylons and for about six metres dragged the City’s new infrared pothole patching machine – which was loaded with propane tanks.

The worker who was at risk of being hurt was also attempting to alert the truck driver.

Drivers are required to slow to 60 km/h or the posted speed limit when they enter a work zone, and follow the directions of all signs in the area. City and contract workers are encouraged to report license plate numbers to the Saskatoon Police Service, which will follow up with the vehicle owner.

“My message for drivers is: unless you are part of that crew in that moment, you must not touch the pylons, signs or any other barriers,” says Harris. “These are in place to protect the people who are at work.”

The roadways crew was on day four of a pilot project that was testing the effectiveness of the infrared patching technology on restoring cracked asphalt before it developed into a pothole or more serious crack. The cost of restoring the damage to the one-of-a kind patcher is unknown as repairs and troubleshooting are ongoing.

Firefighters will today begin protecting the southeast end of the City from the newly built Fire Station No. 3, at 2613 Clarence Ave South. The station, relocated from the corner of Taylor Street and York Avenue, is now in commission.

“This was a strategic choice to help strengthen neighbourhood amenities while providing improved service to the community at large,” says Fire Chief Morgan Hackl.

“We hope Fire Station No. 3 will become part of the neighbourhood and act as a community partner.”

Chief Hackl points out the new station includes community rooms with bookable space for the public meetings. The space can also accommodate opportunities for health and wellness clinics, such as car seat check clinics. 

Mayor Charlie Clark explains as the City grows, gaps and overlaps in emergency response service requires re-evaluating station locations. 

“As our community continues to grow, the City of Saskatoon has to rise to the challenge and ensure that we are delivering the services that citizens rely on while making sure that the money the City spends has the largest impact possible,” says Mayor Charlie Clark. “This relocation of Fire Station No. 3 is an investment that does just this: it helps us deliver a crucial service in a way that does not compromise on quality while saving us money in the long term.”

By following this approach, a previously identified new station will not be required in the neighbourhood of Stonebridge which results in a savings of $6 million in capital costs and $2 million in annual operating costs. 

Residents can watch for an invitation to attend an open house at Fire Station No. 3 during Fire Prevention Week this fall.

The relocation of Fire Station No, 3 supports the Strategic Goal of Quality of Life and the four-year priority to ensure that emergency response times for the Saskatoon Fire Department meet the needs of our citizens. 

There is a risk of a severe thunderstorm late this evening. Environment Canada has been monitoring rapidly changing conditions and says the City of Saskatoon could be on the edge of a severe storm cell.

Environment Canada says Saskatoon and area could experience wind gusts up to 40 km/h, hail and heavy rainfall late this evening and overnight.

The City reminds everyone heavy downpours may cause flash floods; water pooling on roads, and flooding in low-lying areas are possible.

Anyone should avoid driving or wading through flooded areas.  There are many hidden dangers such as open manholes or downed power lines that pose an obvious hazard to people and property.  

Known intersections to avoid include:

• Confederation Drive/ Laurier Drive
• Idylwyld Drive under the Circle Drive overpass

Please report flooded streets and manhole cover issues to the 24-hour Customer Service Centre at 306-975-2476.

To reduce the risk of damage to property, we recommend cleaning out eaves troughs and checking they drain into downspouts that are extended at least two metres (six feet) from the home foundation.

For information about possible disruptions to City services due to potential heavy rain, including leisure services, detours, and closures, citizens are encouraged to monitor saskatoon.ca/service-alerts or follow @YXESrviceAlert on Twitter.

To register for a home flood assessment or find more tips to reduce the risk of basement flooding, visit homefloodprotect.ca.

The Saskatoon Fire Department is collaborating with Saskatoon Police Service arson and major crimes detectives as they investigate a suspicious death following an early morning house fire.

“With all fire deaths, we proceed with the assumption of some level of suspicion until it can be disproved,” says Acting Fire Chief Anthony Tataryn. “Our fire investigators work closely with the police arson investigators and they’re the ones who determine who needs to be involved and at what point.”

At 2:31 a.m. fire crews were called to reports of smoke in the area of Avenue F North and Bedford Road. A single engine from Station No. 1 was dispatched to further investigate the reports. After a search in the neighbourhood, the responding fire crew discovered smoke coming from the rear of 229 Avenue F North.

More crews were called immediately – upgrading the response with two more engines, an aerial ladder truck and a rescue truck from stations No. 1, No. 2 and No. 4.

Fire crews made a quick interior fire attack from the rear of the structure. They had the flames under control in 12 minutes.

“The damage was fairly extensive,” Tataryn says. “Based on the interior and the charring in the structure, the fire was likely burning in a closed environment for a length of time prior to us getting the call – but that will be determined by the investigators.”

Fire crews searched the home and found an adult body. The deceased person was left in place and the Saskatoon Police Service was notified.

The arrival of warmer temperatures has allowed the City to get an early start on its microsurfacing work. Microsurfacing is a road surfacing treatment that preserves the roadway without the cost and inconvenience of full road replacement. It’s applied to weathered or worn surfaces that are structurally sound.

“Microsurfacing is one of those treatments that many residents don’t really like the look of when it’s first applied,” says Celene Anger, Director of Construction & Design. “It appears kind of rough and pebbly immediately after application. But, over time, it wears into a smooth and structurally sound surface that road users can appreciate.”

The City is undertaking microsurfacing at approximately 70 locations in 2018. Many of these locations are residential but there are some higher traffic routes that will also be treated including sections of the Sid Buckwold Bridge, Idylwyld Drive, and 51^st Street.  The work will be undertaken at night at those locations where the noise won’t be disruptive to area residents.

Microsurfacing is fast moving work that poses little interruption. In most locations, if weather cooperates and there are no unforeseen issues, contractors can be in and out of a location within a day or less.

More information about the 2018 Building Better Roads plan is available at saskatoon.ca/betterroads. You can also access Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/servicealerts or follow @YXEServiceAlert on Twitter.