News Releases

For Immediate Release:  October 23, 2014

Today, the Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth (P4G), comprised of political leaders and administrators from the Cities of Saskatoon, Martensville, and Warman, the Town of Osler, and the Rural Municipality (RM) of Corman Park, as well as an advisory representative from the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) announced that they have selected consulting firm O2 Planning + Design Inc. (O2) to develop a Regional Plan for the Saskatoon area.

O2 is a Calgary-based global practice with extensive urban and regional planning expertise. The firm will work closely with a recently hired project manager for the development of the P4G Regional Plan.

“I am confident O2 has the experience and capability to deliver a Regional Plan that sets out a long-term, sustainable vision for land use, infrastructure, and economic development in the Saskatoon Region,” says Alex Fallon, Independent Chair of the P4G Regional Oversight Committee and President and CEO of SREDA. “The decision by P4G to award the contract to O2 is an important step in continuing to build on the Saskatoon Region’s economic momentum and plan for future growth.”

The goal of the P4G Regional Plan is to ensure each of the five partnering municipalities can benefit from growth opportunities, increase efficiencies, and reduce costs by working together. The P4G Regional Plan will focus on creating strong partnerships, and a prosperous future; and prosperity and exceptional quality of life for everyone in the region.

“Today’s announcement is a major step in working with our partners toward a prosperous future for our Region,” says Judy Harwood, Reeve of the RM of Corman Park. “The development of this Regional Plan will provide for continued, healthy, and planned growth and prosperity while respecting the needs of all of the P4G partners. We want to ensure that the RM of Corman Park, as well as all of our partners can enjoy and benefit from balanced and fair economic growth.”

The Plan, which is expected to be completed by mid-2016, will consist of plans for land use, transportation, and servicing. It will also outline the funding strategies needed for implementation and proposed new governance and administrative structures for the region.

Stakeholder and community engagement will be a key part of the P4G Regional Plan process. In the coming months, P4G will announce how citizens and stakeholders can become involved.  

“Growing as fast as we have over the past five years has created a lot of great opportunities for Warman and the surrounding area,” says Sheryl Spence, Mayor of the City of Warman. “We recognized early on the value in partnerships that allows us to get the best product in a reasonable amount of time. As we continue to grow, partnerships such as this one with P4G, will be integral to achieving our residents’ vision of sustainable growth for Warman.”

"The City of Martensville is a strong supporter of regional planning and we are very excited to see the process move to this next stage,” says Kent Muench, Mayor of the City of Martensville. “I am hopeful that having an experienced and innovative consultant to lead us through a process that engages the community will produce a Regional Plan where everyone benefits."

“Planning for growth encourages all partners to grow their space in a collaborative, effective manner,” says Ben Buhler, Mayor of the Town of Osler. “As we share our intents, not only with our neighbours but the entire region, there will be a solid ongoing connection between municipal governments. The Town of Osler looks forward to working with the region in a positive and practical way while keeping community in mind.”

The budget for the P4G Regional Plan Project is $926,000, including the cost of the O2 contract and a dedicated project manager. Each of the partnering municipalities will be contributing to the cost of the project.

“I am pleased to offer my support to this landmark regional partnership,” says His Worship Donald Atchison, Mayor of the City of Saskatoon. “Our goal is to create a region that offers all partners the opportunity to benefit from economic expansion. In doing so, we will provide a better quality of life for families for generations to come.”

The Saskatoon area is one of the fastest-growing regions in Canada. Recent estimates indicate it grew by approximately 4% over the past year and could reach a population of 500,000 within 20 years.

Saskatoon City Council will be asked to award the contract to O2 at its meeting on October 27, 2014, on behalf of the P4G partnering municipalities.

 For more information, visit www.saskatoon.ca and look under “R” for “Regional Plan.”

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.

-30-

NEW
TAYLOR ST CLOSED FROM MCKINNON AVE S TO MUNROE AVE S
(Road Paving)
Start: October 24, 8:00 a.m. End: October 25, 6:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR SB CURB (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED APPROACHING CIRCLE DR S
(Guardrail repair)
Start: October 24, 9:00 a.m. End: October 24, 6:00 p.m.
21ST ST E FROM SPADINA CRES E TO 3RD AVE S/4TH AVE CLOSED BETWEEN 20TH ST & 22ND ST
(Hometown Hockey event)
Start: October 24, 3:00 p.m. End: October 27, 6:00 a.m.
OVERNIGHT: 22ND ST & 3RD AVE INTERSECTION RESTRICTIONS
(Sanitary lining)
Start: October 24, 7:00 p.m. End: October 25, 7:00 a.m.
ONGOING

21ST ST CLOSED FROM 3RD AVE TO SPADINA CRES
(Hometown Hockey event)
4th Ave through traffic maintained at 21st St intersection
Start: October 23, 6:00 a.m. End: October 24, 3:00 p.m.

AIRPORT DR NB & SB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED BETWEEN CLAYPOOL DR & THE AIRPORT
(Median widening)
45th Street W closed from Koyl Avenue to Airport Drive
Start: October 22, 7:00 a.m. End: November 7, 6:00 p.m.

22ND ST W WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT KENSINGTON BLVD
(New intersection)
Through traffic will be maintained in the median (inside) lane
Start: October 22, 10:30 a.m. End: October 25, 6:00 p.m.

SASKATCHEWAN CRES WB CLOSED FROM MCPHERSON AVE TO IDYLWYLD CRES
(Rotary Park Construction)
Start: October 20, 10:30 a.m. End: November 3, 3:00 p.m.

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information on our saskatoon.ca homepage or subscribe to our Traffic Detour Service Alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

NEW
21ST ST CLOSED FROM 3RD AVE TO SPADINA CRES
(Hometown Hockey event)
4th Ave through traffic maintained at 21st St intersection
Start: October 23, 6:00 a.m. End: October 24, 3:00 p.m.

33RD ST EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN NORTHUMBERLAND AVE & AVE Y
(Curb box repair)
Start: October 23, 7:00 a.m. End: October 23, 6:00 p.m.
CIRCLE DR NB RAMP CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE TO 11TH ST W CLOSED
(Manhole maintenance)
Speed limit reduced to 60km/h
Start: October 23, 9:00 a.m. End: October 23, 4:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR N NB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 35TH ST W TO GREY PL
(Median Repair)
Start: October 23, 9:00 a.m. End: October 23, 4:00 p.m.
3RD AVE NB LANES CLOSED FROM 21ST ST E TO 22ND ST E
(SL&P vault work)
Start: October 23, 9:00 a.m. End: October 23, 12:00 p.m.

OVERNIGHT: 1ST AVE/2ND AVE & 22ND STREET INTERSECTIONS RESTRICTIONS
(Sanitary lining)
Start: October 23, 7:00 p.m. End: October 24, 7:00 a.m.
ONGOING

AIRPORT DR NB & SB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED BETWEEN CLAYPOOL DR & THE AIRPORT
(Median widening)
45th Street W closed from Koyl Avenue to Airport Drive
Start: October 22, 7:00 a.m. End: November 7, 6:00 p.m.

22ND ST W WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT KENSINGTON BLVD
(New intersection)
Through traffic will be maintained in the median (inside) lane
Start: October 22, 10:30 a.m. End: October 25, 6:00 p.m.

SASKATCHEWAN CRES WB CLOSED FROM MCPHERSON AVE TO IDYLWYLD CRES
(Rotary Park Construction)
Start: October 20, 10:30 a.m. End: November 3, 3:00 p.m.

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information on our saskatoon.ca homepage or subscribe to our Traffic Detour Service Alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

 

In honour of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty today in Ottawa, the City of Saskatoon will lower the flags to half-mast.  

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Cpl. Cirillo’s family and to everyone in the Nation’s Capital. 

-30-

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or our City Blog. Click on the links at www.saskatoon.ca. 

NEW
UPDATE: AIRPORT DR NB & SB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED BETWEEN CLAYPOOL DR & THE AIRPORT
(Median widening)
45th Street W closed from Koyl Avenue to Airport Drive
Start: October 22, 7:00 a.m. End: November 7, 6:00 p.m.
3RD AVE NB LANES CLOSED FROM 21ST ST E TO 22ND ST E
(SL&P vault work)
Start: October 22, 9:00 a.m. End: October 22, 12:00 p.m.
CIRCLE DR SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 8TH ST TO TAYLOR ST INCLUDING 8TH ST RAMP
(Crack sealing)
Start: October 22, 9:00 a.m. End: October 22, 3:00 p.m.
22ND ST W WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT KENSINGTON BLVD
(New intersection)
Through traffic will be maintained in the median (inside) lane
Start: October 22, 10:30 a.m. End: October 25, 6:00 p.m.

OVERNIGHT: 22ND ST E EB & WB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM 3RD AVE N TO 5TH AVE N
(Sanitary lining)
Start: October 22, 7:00 p.m. End: October 23, 7:00 a.m.
OVERNIGHT: SPADINA CRES NB & SB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED FROM 21ST ST TO 22ND ST
(Sanitary lining)
Start: October 22, 7:00 p.m. End: October 23, 7:00 a.m.
OVERNIGHT: 25TH ST & 2ND AVE INTERSECTION MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE RESTRICTIONS
(Sanitary lining)
Start: October 22, 7:30 p.m. End: October 23, 7:00 a.m.
ONGOING
IDYLWYLD DR SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN 25TH ST & 24TH ST
(Streetscaping)
Start: October 21, 9:00 a.m. End: October 22, 6:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR N NB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM STANLEY PL TO MINTO PL
(Median Repair)
Restrictions reset daily
Start: October 21, 9:00 a.m. End: October 22, 4:00 p.m.
SASKATCHEWAN CRES WB CLOSED FROM MCPHERSON AVE TO IDYLWYLD CRES
(Rotary Park Construction)
Start: October 20, 10:30 a.m. End: November 3, 3:00 p.m.

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information on our saskatoon.ca homepage or subscribe to our Traffic Detour Service Alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) Report has just released their seventh annual ranking of Top Entrepreneurial Communities, and Saskatoon continues to possess the favourable entrepreneurial characteristics the CFIB scores that make a city stand out for their “business presence, policy, and perspective.”

Using fourteen specific indicators, the CFIB report assesses the degree to which cities (grouped by size) enable entrepreneurs and small businesses to start, grow and prosper their ventures.  High ranking entrepreneurial cities typically “have the presence of a high concentration of entrepreneurs, high business start-up rate, high level of optimism and success, and supportive local government tax and regulatory policies.”

Among centres with population of 150,000 or more, Saskatoon ranked third in Canada as an Overall Top-Ranked Entrepreneurial Major City in 2014, just behind Calgary and Edmonton.  Saskatoon was also ranked the number one city for Entrepreneurial Perspective – those cities that had the most upbeat business owners.  St. John’s and Regina ranked second and third.

Saskatoon also ranked third in the category of Entrepreneurial Policy, meaning these cities “tend to have the least distorted property tax systems measured by comparing the relative equity of commercial and residential property tax rates.”

According to Les Smith, City Assessor, these rankings align with the City’s strategic goal of Economic Diversity and Prosperity.

“We continue to create and support a business-friendly environment in Saskatoon, one that maintains fair and competitive tax rates for residential and business property taxes,” says Smith.  “Saskatoon’s tax regime has solid, clear and reasonable public policies.”

Large and small companies view Saskatoon as a great place to do business.  With a young population and median age of 35, strong manufacturing growth, a resource based economy and overall solid job growth, Saskatoon attracts entrepreneurs that want to start, grow, maintain and prosper their new venture.

“We are a city that celebrates and embraces an entrepreneurial spirit,” says Randy Grauer, General Manager of Community Services.  “To support this, we continue to create a business-friendly environment that focuses on our city and region’s competitive strengths; this is a key long-term strategy for the City.  We will continue to invest in the infrastructure needed to attract and support new businesses and skilled workers to the city.”

People from across the province, Canada and the world are drawn to Saskatoon for its quality of life, limitless opportunities and highly-skilled and educated workforce.  The City of Saskatoon works in partnership with economic development authorities, local businesses and educational institutions to promote and ensure Saskatoon is a great place to live, work and play.

At a special meeting held today, City Council approved that there will be no charge for using transit for all citizens until October 31 and that all long-term pass holders will receive a refund or extension for the month of October. 

“For those customers with longer term transit passes, you will either receive a one-month extension or a refund depending on the type of pass you hold,” says Catherine Gryba, General Manager of Corporate Performance.  “Because there are a number of different kinds of long-term passes and different options depending on the pass you hold, we are asking pass holders to contact Saskatoon Transit,” says Gryba.

Longer term transit pass holders can call a Saskatoon Transit representative at (306) 975-3100, or visit the Customer Service Centre located at the Downtown Terminal on 23^rd Street to find out which option is available to them.

Transit pass holders who did not receive a refund for their September pass can now receive a one-month extension on their card.  Customers will need to visit the Customer Service Centre, located at the Downtown Terminal on 23^rd Street to get their card activated for the one-month extension.

“Everyone can ride the bus with no charge until October 31 to give you enough time to get your extension for the month of November or re-purchase your pass if you received a refund,” says Gryba.

U-Pass and Eco Pass holders should contact the administrators of their programs to learn about extensions or reimbursements.

“We invite all citizens to try out Transit with no charge until October 31, 2014,” says Gryba.  “We welcome back transit riders and look forward to getting Saskatoon on the move again.”

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.

NEW
33RD ST EB CLOSED FROM NORTHUMBERLAND AVE TO AVE Y
(Curb box repairs)
Two-way traffic accommodated in westbound lanes
Start: October 21, 7:00 a.m. End: October 21, 6:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DR E SB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 8TH ST ON-RAMP TO TAYLOR ST OVERPASS
(Crack Sealing)
Speed limit reduced to 60 km/h
Start: October 21, 9:00 a.m. End: October 21, 1:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR N NB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM STANLEY PL TO MINTO PL
(Median Repair)
One lane traffic
Start: October 21, 9:00 a.m. End: October 21, 4:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DR E SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 8TH ST OFF-RAMP TO 8TH ST ON-RAMP
(Crack Sealing)
Speed limit reduced to 60 km/h
Start: October 21, 1:00 p.m. End: October 21, 3:00 p.m.
OVERNIGHT: 22ND ST INTERSECTION RESTRICTIONS BETWEEN 1ST AVE & 4TH AVE
(Manhole maintenance)
Start: October 21, 7:00 p.m. End: October 22, 7:00 a.m.
ONGOING
SASKATCHEWAN CRES WB CLOSED FROM MCPHERSON AVE TO IDYLWYLD CRES
(Rotary Park Construction)
Start: October 20, 10:30 a.m. End: November 3, 3:00 p.m.
AIRPORT DR NB LANES CLOSED FROM GATEWAY BLVD TO THE AIRPORT
(Roadway improvements)
Two-way traffic accommodated in SB lanes. 45th St W closed from Airport Dr to Koyl Ave
Start: August 20, 1:00 p.m. End: October 29, 6:00 p.m.

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information on our saskatoon.ca homepage or subscribe to our Traffic Detour Service Alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

The City of Saskatoon has identified the need to improve cycling as part of a larger strategy to increase the attractiveness of and access to the downtown for residents, visitors, businesses, employers, and their employees.  A Protected Bike Lane Demonstration Project has been planned to achieve this goal.

The business community and general public are invited to attend and learn more about the 18-month downtown Protected Bike Lane Demonstration Project scheduled to begin May 2015, view detailed drawings, and have an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback.  There are two opportunities to participate, and both will be facilitated by Doug Fast, Principal of Fast Consulting.

Downtown Protected Bike Lane Demonstration Project – Open House:
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
2 p.m. to 4 p.m. - Presentation and Open House for Businesses
5 p.m. to 8 p.m. - Presentation and Open House for the General Public
Le Relais Community Centre
103 - 308 4th Avenue North

More detailed information is available on www.shapingsaskatoon.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.

 

For Release: Sunday, October 19, 2014

Full Transit services will begin running again on regularly scheduled times on Monday, October 20, 2014.

 “We have met with ATU Executive and worked out a back to work agreement.  This is a normal process which ensures everything is done orderly,” says Jeff Jorgenson, General Manager of Transportation and Utilities.

It makes sense to offer free Transit for the rest of October and ensure it is convenient for customers to get moving again as quickly as possible.

Transit customers may ride the bus for free until Friday, October 31 to provide appropriate time to repurchase a monthly pass or activate an extension for those who did not receive a refund for their September 2014 transit pass. More information on pass extensions will provided on Monday, October 20.

Regular transit fees will be in place starting Saturday, November 1.

There will be a number of ways available for residents to find information on bus routes:

• Transit Click & Go - Visit www.saskatoon.ca and search for route options using Transit Click & Go. 
• Customer Service Representative – Call 306-975-3100 to speak with a Customer Service Representative or visit our Saskatoon Transit Customer Centre, located at the Downtown Terminal on 23^rd Street. Visit www.saskatoon.ca for hours of operation.
• Phone & Go will be operating by 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 19, 2014. Phone & Go, a trip planning service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. By following phone prompts, you will be able to plan your Transit trip using the most up-to-date information, or find the next buses servicing a stop.

TRANSIT CUSTOMERS

• Saskatoon Transit will offer free transit service for the rest of October to provide enough time to repurchase a monthly pass or activate your one month pass extension for those who had a valid September 2014 transit pass and did not receive a refund.
• For those customers with longer term transit passes, you will either receive a one month extension or a refund depending on the type of pass you hold. Please contact a Customer Service Representative for more information.
• UPass and EcoPass holders should contact the Administrators of their programs to learn about extensions or reimbursements.

We welcome back Transit riders and look forward to getting Saskatoon on the move again. We invite all citizens to try out Transit for free until October 31.