News Releases

For Immediate Release: July 3, 2014

8TH STREET & CLARENCE AVENUE INTERSECTION, JULY 4-5 

Beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, July 4, the following restrictions will be in place at the intersection of 8th Street and Clarence Avenue while crews repair a water main:

- 8th Street eastbound curb (outside) lane will be closed approaching Clarence Avenue
- 8th Street westbound left turn bay to 8th Street eastbound will be closed
- Clarence Avenue southbound will be closed from 7th Street to 8th Street (no southbound through traffic)
- Clarence Avenue northbound  median (inside) lane will be closed approaching 8th Street

The work is expected to last 2 days.

24TH STREET BETWEEN 3RD AVENUE & 5TH AVENUE, JULY 4-6

Beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Friday, July 4, 24th Street will be closed between 3rd Avenue and 5th Avenue while crews pave the road. The 4th Avenue intersection will remain open.

The work is expected to take 2 to 3 days.

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! Find traffic detour information on our website at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic. You can also follow us on Twitter @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

The Saskatoon Fire Department has noted a significant increase in the number of outside fires that were started by improperly disposing of smoking materials. There were 23 fires in the last 18 months attributed to this.

In 2013, 16 fires were caused by improperly disposing smoking materials such as cigarettes and cigars. The damage totaled more than $4 million. This year, seven fires were started by improper disposal of smoking materials. The average estimated damage was more than $100,000.

With changing social norms, it is now common for people to smoke outside in areas that contain flammable materials. A fire can develop if:

• smoking materials are not entirely extinguished
• if cigarette butts are allowed to accumulate in a container
• if peat moss, dry leaves or decking materials have butts dropped on them

Typically, the person who was smoking has already gone inside the home and the fire grows unnoticed. The fire often starts close to a house, ignites the exterior walls, then travels up to the roof and attic putting everyone inside the house at risk. In the early stages the fire may already be threatening the home, but there is often no smoke inside the house and smoke detectors cannot detect it. Many times it is a neighbour or people walking who notice the fire – if anyone happens to be there.

To prevent outdoor fires caused by smoking materials, the Saskatoon Fire Department recommends that you:

• have a metal or ceramic pot with a lid to dispose of your smoking materials
• leave a container outside for guests to use, even if you don’t smoke
• be aware that ashes are a fire safety hazard
• never extinguish smoking materials in planters – the peat moss in planters can smolder for hours before suddenly bursting into flames
• never throw burning cigarettes out your car window and onto the street
• always make sure your smoking materials are completely extinguished and that there is nothing in the vicinity that could catch fire like dry grass or cedar trees.

City crews will begin back lane rehabilitation and maintenance on July 14, starting with Ward 8 and moving through to Ward 1, which is the reverse of last year’s program.  Saskatoon’s network of more than 400 kilometres of gravel back lanes will be improved this summer following inspections and ratings this past Spring.

“Annual grading of back lanes levels off low areas, repairs ruts and potholes, and prevents deterioration,” says Pat Hyde, Director of Public Works.  “In order to prevent damage to private property and for the safety of residents and our crews, we kindly ask residents to remove all obstructions and debris from the back lane.” Residents with back lane collection are also asked to move garbage and recycling containers back onto their property after their collection date.

Improvements will consist of almost 13 kilometres of gravel back lanes undergoing enhanced rehabilitation treatments, which include preventative measures such as trimming of trees overhanging into the lanes. Overhanging trees can cause poor drainage and excessive wet spots, leading to the formation of ruts. All other lanes will be graded and packed as appropriate to improve the condition.

While crews are working in your back lane, access to lanes will be restricted, and for their safety, children and pets must stay at least 15 metres away from equipment. 

Residents affected by a back lane rehabilitation will be notified in advance with more information about what to expect. 

A schedule for back lane maintenance and rehabilitation will be posted on the City’s website early next week.  Rain may cause delays to the program and the schedule may fluctuate as a result. 

For more information, visit saskatoon.ca and click on Building Better Roads, or contact the Public Works Customer Service Centre at public.works@saskatoon.ca or 306-975-2476.

Know before you go! Find traffic detour information on our website at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic. You can also follow us on Twitter @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

For Immediate Release: July 2, 2014
                                           

SPADINA CRESCENT BETWEEN DUKE STREET AND QUEEN STREET, JULY 3

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 3, Spadina Crescent will be closed between Duke Street and Queen Street while crews work on water and sewer connections.

Access to local traffic will be maintained. The road is expected to reopen by 3:00 p.m. the same day.

25TH STREET AND 1ST AVENUE INTERSECTION, JULY 3

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 3, the following restrictions will be in place at 25th Street and 1st Avenue intersection while crews work on the road:

- 25th Street left turn lane to 1st Avenue southbound will be closed
- 25th Street westbound median (inside) lane will be closed approaching 1st Avenue

The roads are expected to reopen by 1:00 p.m. the same day.

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! Find traffic detour information on our website at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic. You can also follow us on Twitter @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

For Immediate Release: July 2, 2014
 

Starting Monday, July 7, the pedestrian walkway under the new Circle Drive South Bridge will be closed. This closure will be in effect until Saturday, July 19.

Crews will be adjusting the bearings that allow for movement to prevent wear and tear. 

Pedestrians and cyclists are encouraged to find an alternative route for the two weeks of work.

Know before you go! Find traffic detour information on our website at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic. You can also follow us on Twitter @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroads and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

For Immediate Release:  June 30, 2014

Travel on Saskatoon Transit for fast, convenient service to and from the Canada Day celebrations at Diefenbaker Park on Tuesday, July 1, 2014.  Customers are reminded that adjustments to routes and schedules began on June 29, and that Routes 1 and 17 will be running in the vicinity of Diefenbaker Park on their regular Sunday/Holiday service until 9:00 p.m.  Normal fares apply.

After the fireworks, catch a free ride from Diefenbaker Park with Saskatoon Transit. 

Saskatoon Transit is pleased to provide special night service free-of-charge from Diefenbaker Park to the four quadrants of Saskatoon following the fireworks show on July 1.  Four special routes will leave Diefenbaker Park (St. Henry Avenue) approximately 15 minutes after the fireworks show is over.  Buses will follow a designated route and will stop on request at bus stops or locations where it is safe to stop.

Bus #1 – will travel to the Downtown Terminal, then continue on 2^nd Avenue and Warman Road and will end at the Lawson Terminal

Bus #2 – will travel to the Downtown Terminal, then continue on 22^nd Street and will end at the Confederation Terminal

Bus #3 – will travel via Ruth Street to the Market Mall Terminal, then continue on Taylor Street and Acadia Drive and will end at the Centre Mall Terminal

Bus #4 – will travel via 8^th Street to the Centre Mall Terminal, then continue on to Central Avenue and 115^th Street and will end at the bus stop at Berini Drive and 115^th Street

For more information call Customer Service at 306-975-3100.

Access Transit will also provide additional service until midnight on Canada Day, July 1, for the fireworks at Diefenbaker Park.  Trips must be booked in advance as per normal booking procedures.  Access Transit customers are reminded that subscriptions do not apply on statutory holidays.

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.

CP14-141

The following are the hours of civic services and facilities for Canada Day on Tuesday, July 1, 2014:

City Hall will be closed.

Parking meters will not require payment.  Motorists are required to move their vehicles within the time period shown on parking meters, allowing for a constant turnover of parking availability.

Municipal Impound Lot will not be releasing vehicles to the public.

Saskatoon Landfill will be open with regular summer hours of 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Compost Depots will be open with regular hours of 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Garbage, Recycling and Leaves & Grass collection will take place as scheduled.

All Saskatoon Public Library locations will be closed.

Mendel Art Gallery and Saskatoon Civic Conservatory will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.  Admission is free.

TRANSIT SERVICES

Saskatoon Transit will operate with regular Sunday/Holiday Service.

Access Transit will operate with regular Holiday Service from 8:15 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.  Trips must be booked in advance as per normal procedures.  Customers are reminded that subscriptions do not apply on Statutory Holidays.

Transit Customer Service Centre will be closed.

Transit Customer Service phone lines will be available from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

RECREATION & SPORT

Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo:  Regular hours of operation.

Golf Courses: Regular hours of operation (dawn to dusk) for Holiday Park, Wildwood and Silverwood.

Lions SkatePark and Satellite SkateSites: Regular hours of operation (8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.).

Leisure Centres

Cosmo Civic Centre: CLOSED

Fitness Circuit & Terry Fox Track (in the SaskTel Sports Centre): CLOSED

Lakewood Civic Centre: Open 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
All fitness classes and child minding CANCELLED.

Lawson Civic Centre: Open 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
All fitness classes and swim lessons CANCELLED.

Saskatoon Field House: Open 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Special holiday fitness class from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
All fitness classes and child minding CANCELLED.

Shaw Centre: Open 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
All fitness classes and child minding CANCELLED.

Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre:  Open 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
All fitness classes and swim lessons CANCELLED.

For modified Lane, Public and Parent & Tot Swim times, please visit Drop-in Online at www.saskatoon.ca/go/dropinonline.  For more information on operating hours and programs, please contact the Leisure Centres or facilities.

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 Immediate Release: June 30, 2014
   

11TH STREET & FAIRLIGHT DRIVE, JULY 2-3 

Beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 2, 11th Street will be closed from Chappell Drive to Crescent Boulevard and Fairlight Drive northbound will be closed from 11th Street to Pendygrasse Road while crews pave the road.

The work is expected to last 2 days.

20TH STREET EASTBOUND FROM AVENUE F TO AVENUE G, JULY 2 – 30

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 2, 20th Street eastbound lanes will be closed from Avenue F to Avenue G as the city commences phase 1 of the 20th Street West Streetscape Improvement Project. Two way traffic will be accommodated in the westbound lanes.

Avenue G will also be closed south of the 20th Street intersection for one block. The work is expected to last 4 weeks.

33RD STREET WEST EASTBOUND

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 2, 33rd Street West eastbound lanes will be closed between Edmonton Avenue and Avenue P while SaskEnergy works on the road. Two way traffic will be accommodated in the westbound lanes.

The restrictions are expected to be lifted by 2:00 p.m. the same day.

SPADINA CRESCENT FROM 2ND AVENUE TO 3RD AVENUE

Starting at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 2, Spadina Crescent will be closed between 2nd Avenue and 3rd Avenue to accommodate the Drive the River golfing event.

The road is expected to reopen by 1:00 p.m. the same day.

OVERNIGHT RESTRICTIONS ATTRIDGE DRIVE/PRESTON AVENUE ON RAMP TO CIRCLE DRIVE WESTBOUND, JULY 2

Beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2, the Attridge Drive/Preston Avenue on ramp to Circle Drive westbound will be closed while crews repair a SaskTel manhole.

The road is expected to reopen by 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 3.

OVERNIGHT RESTRICTIONS ON 51ST STREET, JULY 2

Beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2, the following restrictions will be in place on 51st Street while crews resurface the road.

- 51st Street eastbound median (inside) lane from Wentz Avenue to Millar Avenue will be closed
- 51st Street westbound left turn lane to Wentz Avenue southbound and Cleveland Avenue southbound will be closed
- 51st Street westbound curb (outside) and centre lanes from Millar Avenue to Miners Avenue will be closed.

To minimize the impact to traffic and inconvenience to businesses in the area the work has been scheduled to take place overnight between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

The restrictions will last one night. All lanes will be open during the day.

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! Find traffic detour information on our website at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic. You can also follow us on Twitter @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

For Immediate Release: June 30, 2014
                                           

SPADINA CRESCENT 

Beginning at 12:00 p.m. Noon on Tuesday, July 1, Spadina Crescent will be closed from 20th Street to 3rd Avenue to accommodate the Canada Day Arts and Cultural Festival. The road is expected to reopen by 9:00 p.m. the same day.

CIRCLE DRIVE SOUTH BRIDGE

Starting at 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 1, the speed limit approaching the Circle Drive South Bridge will be reduced to 60 km/h in both directions for the duration of the Canada Day fireworks display at Diefenbaker Park. Vehicles are not permitted to stop on the bridge. The speed restrictions are expected to be lifted by 11:30 p.m.

Know before you go! Find up-to-date traffic detour information at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.