News Releases

THE NEXT Household Hazardous Waste  DAY IS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18

Household hazardous waste requires proper disposal to reduce risks to humans and animals, and prevent pollution of our land, water, and air.  These materials should not be placed in the garbage or recycling, poured down the drain or toilet, or released into the environment.

To ensure household hazardous materials are safely disposed of or recycled, the City coordinates regular Household Hazardous Waste Days for residents to drop-off these materials.  On October 18, and the days listed below, a temporary site is set up at SaskTel Centre parking lot (101 - 3515 Thatcher Avenue) from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

2014 Household Hazardous Waste Days:

October 18
November 15
December 20

Accepted Materials include:

Pesticides, automotive oil, prescription medicine, batteries, aerosols, poisons, propane cylinders, household cleaners, mercury-containing items, Electronics (accepted by the Electronic Producer Recycling Association).

Leftover paint and empty paint cans are accepted without charge at all SARCAN recycling depots in Saskatoon.  Please do not bring paint to Household Hazardous Waste Day unless it is not accepted through the SARCAN program.  Find out what is accepted through SARCAN’s paint program at www.sarcan.ca/pages/paint.

For a complete list of accepted and non-acceptable materials, visit Saskatoon.ca and click on “H” for Household Hazardous Waste Days.

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.

UPDATE: PRESTON AVE NB & CORNISH RD/HUNTER RD INTERSECTION RESTRICTIONS
(Intersection reconstruction)
Access to Stonebridge via Preston Ave will be maintained:
Preston Ave SB to Cornish Rd WB will be maintained. NB traffic will be detoured via the new Willis Cres which now joins Preston Ave.
*Please note – due to traffic congestion Hunter Rd WB to Preston Ave NB will remain open for morning rush hour, the restriction will be in place from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. each day.
Start: October 14, 11:00 a.m. End: October 18, 8:00 p.m.

NEW

8TH ST EB & WB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED BETWEEN MELROSE AVE & EASTLAKE AVE
(Sanitary Lining)
Victoria Ave SB median (inside) lane closed from 9th St to 8th St
Start: October 16, 9:00 a.m. End: October 16, 3:00 p.m.

22ND ST WB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN AVE E & AVE D
(Curb repairs)
Start: October 16, 9:00 a.m. End: October 16, 3:00 p.m.
CIRCLE DR SB OFF RAMP TO 8TH ST ROLLING CLOSURE
(Crack sealing)
Speed limit reduced to 60km/h
Start: October 16, 9:00 a.m. End: October 16, 10:30 a.m.

CIRCLE DR SB FROM 8TH ST OVERPASS TO TAYLOR ST OVERPASS ROLLING CLOSURE
(Crack sealing)
Speed limit reduced to 60km/h
Start: October 16, 10:30 a.m. End: October 16, 12:00 p.m.
CIRCLE DR NB FROM 14TH ST OVERPASS TO COLLEGE DR ON RAMP ROLLING CLOSURE
(Crack sealing)
Speed limit reduced to 60km/h
Start: October 16, 12:00 p.m. End: October 16, 1:30 p.m.

CIRLCE DR NB FROM AIRPORT DR TO 33RD ST ON RAMP ROLLING CLOSURE
(Crack sealing)
Speed limit reduced to 60km/h
Start: October 16, 1:30 p.m. End: October 16, 3:00 p.m.

ONGOING
SPADINA CRES E SB CLOSED FROM RAVINE DR TO PINEHOUSE DR
(Road resurfacing)
Once SB lanes are paved, the closure will be flipped to accommodate NB traffic in the SB curb (outside) lane
Start: October 14, 9:00 a.m. End: October 16, 6:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DR NB & SB LANES WEST OF ATTRIDGE DR SPEED RESTRICTED TO 60KM/H
(Fence repairs)
Start: October 14, 10:30 a.m. End: October 16, 4:00 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’s (City) Planning and Development Division is proposing changes to the Zoning Bylaw to ensure infill development in established residential areas is more compatible with existing neighbourhood development. 
The changes have been recommended as part of the City’s Neighbourhood Level Infill Strategy, which was approved by Council in December 2013.  The strategy recommends amending the development standards contained in the Zoning Bylaw for primary dwellings (one-unit, two-unit, and semi-detached).
Residents are invited to attend an open house to learn more about the proposed bylaw amendments, including development standards, design guidelines, and the approval process.  Presentations will be made at 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.  Civic staff will be in attendance to provide information, answer questions, and gather feedback.
Open House for the Proposed Regulations for Primary Dwellings
Thursday, October 30, 2014
5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Presentations will occur at 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Mayfair Library 
306 - 33rd Street West
Following the open house, event materials will be available on www.saskatoon.ca (click on “I” for Infill Development Strategy).
The Neighbourhood Level Infill Strategy is one component of “Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon”, a public planning initiative to help guide civic infrastructure investments as Saskatoon grows to half a million people over the next 30 to 40 years. 

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 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: October 14, 2014

The City is confident the Labour Relations Board (LRB) heard and understood its main arguments that the current lockout of Transit Workers is legal.

“I think we got a fair hearing and so now we just wait to see what the board has to say,” City Solicitor Patricia Warwick says.

The Transit union wants the LRB to find that the City was not in a legal position to lockout transit workers on September 20.  The Union argues a workplace complaint was “pending before the board” which bars any job action such as a strike or a lockout.  The City disagrees.  Warwick’s case outlines two main points:

First, the workplace complaint was not pending because the complaint had not yet been heard at a formally constituted meeting of the LRB and therefore, not “pending before the board.”

“That concept is settled law,” Warwick says.  “That’s been decided in Saskatchewan and that’s pretty clear.

There is no matter pending, there was no matter pending…and therefore the lifting of the lockout now would be a moot action because the very thing they are complaining about is now cured and is complete and over,” Warwick says.

Second, Warwick says the LRB should consider that the purpose of the law in question is to ensure the LRB only hears workplace complaints relevant to contract negotiations and the lockout.  She says the union’s complaint was related to a workplace discipline matter and not applicable.

Warwick says the City is still pursuing a collective agreement with the Amalgamated Transit Union, 615 (ATU).

“That is our goal; that is what the City wants.” she says.  “We want the ATU to have an agreement, we want the members to be operating under that agreement and we want to get transit service back on the road.”

Warwick expects a quick decision due to the lockout of transit workers.

Eight of the nine unions/associations in the General Pension Plan have accepted a 10% deal over four years as well as increased contributions and changes to the General Pension Plan.  This is the same offer presented to the ATU, 615.

On September 20, 2014 the Transit union proposed a 22.25 % increase over five years; Friday October 10, 2014 city negotiators heard a 19% wage proposal over four years from ATU.

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
PRESTON AVE & CORNISH RD/HUNTER RD INTERSECTION CLOSED
(Intersection construction)
Preston Ave SB to Cornish Rd WB will be maintained. Preston Ave NB traffic will be detoured via the new Willis Cres.
Start: October 14, 11:00 a.m. End: October 18, 6:00 p.m.
PACIFIC AVE NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE TO 23RD ST EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED
(Manhole maintenance)
Start: October 15, 9:00 a.m. End: October 15, 3:00 p.m.
ONGOING

SPADINA CRES E SB CLOSED FROM RAVINE DR TO PINEHOUSE DR
(Road resurfacing)
Once SB lanes are paved, the closure will be flipped to accommodate NB traffic in the SB curb (outside) lane
Start: October 14, 9:00 a.m. End: October 16, 6:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DR NB & SB LANES WEST OF ATTRIDGE DR SPEED RESTRICTED TO 60KM/H
(Fence repairs)
Start: October 14, 10:30 a.m. End: October 16, 4:00 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.

This year marks the 25th anniversary since the inception of the Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Committee and the City of Saskatoon’s (City) continued commitment to citizens to create an inclusive community where everyone is welcomed, respected, and can live without facing racism or discrimination.

In 1989, understanding that “the participation and contribution of all citizens in the development of a community is vital to meeting the challenges of the future,” City Council adopted a recommendation to establish a Race Relations Committee to advise on the many different facets of creating bridges between Aboriginal, newcomer, and settler populations through recreation, culture, and business.

The City and the Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Committee would like to invite the public and all past members of the committee to partake in the 25th anniversary celebrations on Saturday, October 25, 2014, at Prairieland Park. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m. with the program and supper to follow at 6:30 p.m. There will be a multicultural showcase to follow coordinated by Dr. David Kaplan.

Tickets are $50 and can be purchased by calling 306-975-3378 or emailing becky.kuffner@saskatoon.ca by October 17, 2014. 

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 -

 

 

ONGOING
33RD ST EB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE Y TO AVE W
(Water main lining)
Two-way traffic accommodated in the WB lanes
Start: August 22, 9:00 a.m. End: October 17, 6:00 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.

To try and bring the lockout to an end, the City has taken the bold step of offering a plan to the Transit union.  We remain far apart in our contract talks with the Transit union; ATU’s last proposal is for a 19% wage increase over four years.

“Even with an experienced mediator like Vince Ready taking part, the parties are still nowhere near a proposal that the City would consider fair to our other unions, citizens and taxpayers,” says Jeff Jorgenson, General Manager of Transportation & Utilities.

So, in an effort to reduce the impact of the current labour dispute, the City offered the transit union three requirements to lift the lockout:

1. The City and the Amalgamated Transit Union, 615 both agree to no further lock out or strike action until there is a contract.
2. The Transit union must agree with the pension changes that they already agreed to in December 2013 and recently enacted by City Council.
3. It must withdraw the Labour Relations Board application which challenges the legality of the lockout.

“Instead, the ATU leadership did not respond to the City’s olive branch; we expected a response,” Jorgenson says. “It was a serious offer to resolve the current situation and there was silence.”

“People want their bus service back: this is a way to do that,” he says.  “It’s time to move forward,  time to get past arguing technicalities, time to get Transit workers back on the job and get Saskatoon moving again.”

Jorgenson says after all its options to reach a contract had run out, the City chose to lock out to put pressure on Transit while the weather was still reasonable.

 “Union leadership had a green light to strike; we were concerned the union would walk off the job in the dead of winter,” Jorgenson says.  “Now with the union leadership rejecting this solution, it means more of the same for transit riders who want bus service and transit staff who want to go back to work.”

Jorgenson says despite another offer and setback, his team will continue to work with union leadership to get our Transit workers back in the shop and on the road with a wage and pension package that is fair for all.  “We saw this as a great opportunity to clean the slate and start a new beginning for Saskatoon Transit,” he says.  “We remain committed to finding a deal that gets everyone on board.”

Eight of the nine unions/associations in the General Pension Plan have accepted a 10% deal over four years as well as increased contributions and changes to the General Pension Plan.  This is the same offer presented to the ATU, 615.

On September 20, 2014 the Transit union proposed a 22.25 % increase over five years.

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.

Winter hours at the Saskatoon Waste Management Centre (Landfill) will begin on Tuesday, October 14, 2014.  The facility, located off of Valley Road, south of 11th Street, will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. seven days a week, excluding Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Residents and commercial customers are reminded to follow all signs and/or instructions from Landfill staff.

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.