News Releases

For Release: Friday, June 27, 2014

As of this morning, Friday, June 27, 2014, the Saskatoon Fire Department has reopened the Public Boat Launch. River levels are once again going down, reducing the risk associated with using the river for boating activities. Current river levels are 1000 cubic metres per second (m³/s) and are expected to continue to go down.

Saskatoon Fire Department advises residents to exercise extreme care and caution around the river throughout this period of elevated water levels.  

The 10-day forecast for stream flows and any other relevant updates are posted to the Water Security Agency’s (WSA) website at wsask.ca.

In an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Canada Day is a great time to celebrate our nation’s birthday and often fireworks are a part of that celebration. The Saskatoon Fire Department understands this and wants residents to know that the ban on detonating fireworks is lifted for Canada Day between the hours of dusk and 11:00 p.m. It is important to understand that during those hours only low-hazard or family fireworks can be detonated and then ONLY on private property.

Low-hazard or family fireworks are designed for public recreational use and include some roman candles, sparklers, fountains, wheels, volcanoes, mines and snakes that do not travel above 18m (60ft.). High-hazard fireworks are designed for professionals and can only be purchased by persons holding a valid Fireworks Supervisor – Level I or Level II card issued by Natural Resources Canada.

Before setting off fireworks on your private property choose your location wisely and carefully follow all of the instructions on the fireworks. You will need a wide clear site with no overhead obstructions. For example, a roman candle needs an area of about 30m (100ft) by 30m (100ft) with enough room for spectators around the perimeter. Keep in mind that you are responsible for any debris that may land on your spectators or another person’s property. 

After dusk, when you are ready to fire, make sure that it is not windy, that everyone under 18 is supervised by an adult and that you always carefully light the fuse at its tip. Other than sparklers, never light or hold a lit firework in your hand.  

Wait at least 30 minutes for the fireworks to cool before beginning the clean-up process. It is safest to dispose of used fireworks and debris in a pail of water. Never try to relight or fix the fuse on fireworks that didn’t ignite.

Detonating low-hazard fireworks outside of the specified timeframe or on public property is prohibited in the Fire and Protective Services Bylaw No. 7990. Please report unauthorized use or discharge of fireworks to the Saskatoon Fire Department by calling 306-975-3030.

Persons wanting to have a fireworks display that includes high-hazard fireworks, detonating low-hazard fireworks on public property, or any fireworks display outside of the designated times, must first obtain a Fireworks Permit. For information on Fireworks Permits, please contact Acting Fire Marshal Luc Durand at 306-975-2520 or visit www.saskatoon.ca.

The City of Saskatoon’s (City) Recreation & Sport Division reminds residents that the last day to take advantage of the special Family Fun Pack promotion is Monday, June 30, 2014. 
Family Fun Packs provide more than 25% off family admissions to the City’s most popular attractions, including:
• three Leisure Centre passes; 
• three outdoor pool passes;
• one Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo pass; and
• two indoor rink passes.
Family Fun Packs are available for purchase for the discounted price of $100, plus GST, ($137 value) at any of the six indoor Leisure Centres (Cosmo Civic Centre, Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre, Lakewood Civic Centre, Lawson Civic Centre, Saskatoon Field House and Shaw Centre).
For more information on Family Fun Packs and more, please visit www.saskatoon.ca/go/leisure.
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.

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SPADINA CRESCENT NORTHBOUND FROM AVENUE G TO AVENUE C, JUNE 28

Starting at 7:15 a.m. on Saturday, June 28, the Spadina Crescent northbound lanes between Avenue G and Avenue C will be closed for the Kids of Steel Triathlon. The restrictions are expected to be lifted by 1:00 p.m. that day.

VARIOUS RESTRICTIONS ALONG VALLEY ROAD AND CIRCLE DRIVE FOR SUBARU TRIATHLON, JUNE 29

Starting at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 29, the following road restrictions will be in place for the Subaru Triathlon event:

- Valley Road northbound median lane at Dundonald Avenue will be closed

- Valley Road to Circle Drive northbound loop will be closed

- Circle Drive westbound curb lane approaching Valley Road to 11th Street West will be closed

- 11th Street eastbound curb lane from Circle Drive to Dawes Avenue will be closed

Additional road restrictions will be in place along the triathlon route including Spadina Crescent and near the downtown area. 
The landfill entrance will not be affected. Motorists exiting the landfill and wanting to access Circle Drive northbound will be detoured across the river, turning around at Lorne Avenue. All restrictions are expected to be lifted by 12:00 p.m noon that day.
REMINDER: PRESTON AVENUE NORTHBOUND FROM 3RD STREET TO 8TH STREET, JUNE 27-JULY 2

Preston Avenue northbound lanes between 3rd Street and 8th Street continue to be closed for sanitary sewer upgrades. Two-way traffic will be accommodated in the southbound lanes. All restrictions are expected to be lifted by 6:00 p.m on July 2.
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 City of Saskatoon’s (City) summer playground programs begin opening on Wednesday, July 2, 2014 with all 45 neighbourhood locations open by Friday, July 4, 2014.  The last day of the program will be Wednesday, August 27, 2014.
Designed for 2 to 12 year olds, these free drop-in programs include water play, sports, crafts, games, music, and much more.  Playground programs operate rain or shine Mondays to Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Fridays from 12:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The same great activities that are offered during the week are also offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 16 locations around Saskatoon!  Weekend playground program hours are 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. beginning Saturday, July 5 and closing Sunday, August 17, 2014.
Please note that children under the age of six must be supervised by an adult or a responsible youth at all times during playground program and paddling pool hours.
As a reminder, the City’s 17 spray pads operate from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. every day, up to and including, Monday, September 1, 2014. Paddling pool hours are the same as the playground hours. Visit the interactive map at www.saskatoon.ca/go/playgrounds for more information on dates and times paddling pools are open or call 306-975-3378.
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.

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The City of Saskatoon today unveiled a new interactive map to help drivers plan in advance to avoid road restrictions and traffic delays this road construction season. The map enables users to pinpoint the exact location of work zones using GPS technology and get the latest information, schedules and timelines for each project.

“A better commute is just a click away,” says Colleen McKee, Transportation and Utilities Communications and Marketing Manager for the City of Saskatoon. “This interactive online tool for desktop and mobile devices should make it easier for motorists to map their commutes ahead of time, making the trip easier and less frustrating.” Find the map on Saskatoon.ca under Check This Out! or click on the Building Better Roads link for the latest updates.

McKee says the new map is one in a series of initiatives the City has undertaken to help drivers navigate this year’s extensive and wide-ranging road construction. For the latest information on road closures and restrictions, motorists can visit Saskatoon.ca and subscribe for Traffic Detour Service Alerts, connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter (#betterroadsYXE) and Facebook (Saskatoon City News) and view the latest public service announcements posted on the City’s website.

“With over $50 million being invested in road-related work this season, road restrictions, closures and detours will be the norm,” McKee says. “We are committed to finding new ways of helping residents and visitors move through our city safely and as efficiently as possible.”

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.

OVERNIGHT ROAD RESTRICTIONS ON 51ST STREET, JUNE 26-27

To minimize the impact to traffic and inconvenience to businesses in the area the work has been scheduled to take place between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Tonight the following restrictions will be in place for road resurfacing:

- 51st Street westbound curb and centre lanes from Millar Avenue to Miners Avenue will be closed.

- 51st Street eastbound curb and centre lanes from the 1st Avenue intersection to Millar Avenue will be closed.

The restrictions are expected to be lifted by 7:00 a.m. on Friday, June 27.  All lanes will be open during the day.

REMINDER: IDYLWYLD DRIVE BETWEEN CIRCLE DRIVE SOUTH OVERPASS AND RUTH STREET, JUNE 26-28

Idylwyld Drive northbound will continue to be restricted to one lane from the Circle Drive South overpass to Ruth Street until 9:00 a.m. on Friday, June 27. Idylwyld Drive southbound will be restricted to one lane from Ruth Street to the Circle Drive South overpass from 9:00 a.m. June 27 until 9:00 a.m. on June 28.

Crews are working around-the-clock to minimize the impact on traffic.

REMINDER: IDYLWYLD DRIVE SOUTHBOUND, JUNE 26-27

The Idylwyld Drive southbound curb (outside) lane from 25th Street to 24th Street continues to be closed while crews carry out streetscaping work. One lane will remain open to traffic. The road is expected to reopen by 6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 27.

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 City of Saskatoon’s Summer Youth Centres open for the season on Friday, July 4, 2014. The last day of programs will be August 20, 2014.  Youth ages 12 to 16 are invited to drop in for sports and games, listen to music, participate in special events, or just hang out with friends in a friendly environment supervised by fun and qualified leaders.
Hours of operation, unless otherwise stated, are Monday to Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Friday 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (closed Monday, August 4, 2014).
Youth Centre Locations:
• Brownell School  (274 Russell Road)
• St. Voldymyr School (302 Kellough Road)
• Pope John Paul II School (3035 Arlington Avenue)
• St. Peter School (202 Sumner Crescent)
Arts Only Location:
• Albert Community Centre (610 Clarence Avenue South) 
  Monday to Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Mè Ta Wè Tàn Youth Centre Locations:
• Westmount School (411 Avenue J North)
• St. Mary Wellness & Education Centre (327 Avenue N South)
• St. John School (1205 Avenue N South)
Sports Only Youth Centre Locations:
• Cosmo Civic Centre (3130 Laurier Drive) 
  Monday to Thursday 1:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Friday 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Lakewood Civic Centre (1635 McKercher Drive)
  Monday to Thursday 1:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Friday 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Youth are also invited to practise their boarding with our skilled skateboard leaders who travel to different sites each day. Equipment is provided or you can bring your own deck. Program runs from July 4 to August 20, 2014.
Skateboard Leaders are at the following locations at these hours:
• Lions Skate Park (Victoria Park - beside Riversdale Pool)
  Monday and Wednesday 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Charlottetown Park  (behind Cosmo Civic Centre)
  Tuesday 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Morris T. Chernesky Park (beside Shaw Civic Centre)
  Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Umea Park (behind Lawson Civic Centre off Pinehouse Drive)
  Thursday 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• W.W. Ashley Park (beside Lathey Pool)
  Friday 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Skateboard sites are open daily 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.  For more information, please call 306-975-3378 or visit www.saskatoon.ca/go/teens.

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The City of Saskatoon’s (City) Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon initiative has launched the “Spotlight On” Summer Information Series to keep residents informed and engaged on the development of the City’s Growth Plan to Half a Million (Growth Plan). 
“Growing Forward’s information series will break down each of the key elements being explored in the Growth Plan,” says Angela Gardiner, Director of Transportation.  “Throughout the summer we will post information on www.growingfwd.ca about the work being done for future core area bridges, transit, bus rapid transit, and growth near major corridors.” 

The first “Spotlight On” topic has been posted to the Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon website www.growingfwd.ca, (look under Shaping Bridges), and focuses on Saskatoon’s future core area bridges, or those located within Circle Drive. 

“Demands for travel across the river to and from our city’s core will continue to increase as Saskatoon’s population grows,” Gardiner says.  “Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon is looking ahead for the next 30 to 40 years and exploring options for our city’s core area bridges to accommodate this growth.”

For more information on the “Spotlight On . . .Core Bridges”, future “Spotlight On” topics, or to sign up for project update notifications, visit www.growingfwd.ca.

Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon is 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.  A major outcome of this initiative will be the Growth Plan that focuses on sustainable growth and transportation choice. 

Public consultation will be ongoing throughout the Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon process. Watch for more public engagement opportunities coming in October 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.

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The Saskatoon Fire Department has closed the Public Boat Launch until further notice because the increased water flow has created a serious safety concern for everyone using the river.

As of this morning, Wednesday, June 25, 2014, the Water Security Agency (WSA) increased the outflows from the Gardiner Dam to over 1100 cubic metres per second (m³/s) and rising. Normal outflow is approximately 350m³/s. Although outflow levels have increased significantly, they are not expected to rise to the 2013 high of approximately 2000m³/s.

“We understand the desire of the public to use the river, especially during the long weekend,” Assistant Chief Morgan Hackl says. “However, public safety remains our primary concern. The river becomes unpredictable and dangerous when flows increase. At times like this, water activities are best done in surrounding area lakes rather than the river.”

The 10-day forecast for stream flows and any other relevant updates will be posted to the WSA’s website at wsask.ca.

In an emergency, call 9-1-1.