News Releases

For Immediate Release: June13, 2014
 

Spring cleaning, yard work and renovation season is upon us and Saskatoon residents can bring their waste to the Saskatoon Landfill.  For the safety of drivers, and to prevent litter along the road, the Waste Bylaw requires that all truck boxes and trailer loads are covered, or properly secured to prevent loose debris from blowing out.  Tarps, nets, rope and bungee cords are all acceptable ways of securing material, provided they are attached correctly. 

Beginning Saturday, June 14, officials will be inspecting all loads at the entrance to the Landfill, looking for properly secured covers and educating customers about acceptable materials.  Warnings will be issued until mid-July, when fines may be applicable for uncovered loads.

The Landfill is open 7 days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.  For rates and a full list of acceptable and non-acceptable materials, please visit Saskatoon.ca and click on “L” for Landfill.

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.

Road construction and repairs are underway on various streets across the city, with new projects starting up every day. This summer, 178 lane kilometres of road will undergo a form of construction, rehabilation or maintenance. In comparison, that’s the distance from Saskatoon to Kindersley.

This year, projects on high-traffic streets will be done in the evening only or on 24-hour cycles, where economical and feasible. “Evening work will reduce the impact to drivers and surrounding business and 24-hour cycles will allow the work to be completed quickly and efficiently, reducing the overall impact from associated road closures and detours,” says Chris Hallam, Director of Construction and Design.

This week, repaving work has been happening 24 hours a day on College Drive from McKercher Drive to Circle Drive. This work is now complete. Scheduled to begin this evening, Circle Drive northbound from College Drive to the Circle Drive North Bridge will be paved at night only.  Scheduled for Sunday is the rehabilitation of 51st Street between Faithfull Avenue and Wanuskewin Drive over three weeks in the evening only.

“By combining large projects into our road reconstruction contracts this year, our industry partners are able to provide workers for overnight shifts for projects on high-traffic streets, like Circle Drive and 51st Street,” says Hallam. “At times the work zones may not appear active or the work may look complete, but barriers will stay in place where there are roadside hazards or where fresh pavement or concrete needs to set to ensure the safety of drivers.”

To avoid delays plan your route around road work by subscribing to our Traffic Detour Service Alerts or check saskatoon.ca and click on Building Better Roads. Alerts are also posted to our social media sites; you can follow us on Twitter @cityofsaskatoon and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

 “The safety of our crews, and everyone approaching or passing work zones, remains our top priority,” says Hallam. “Obeying signs and respecting work zones will allow the crews to focus on the task and complete the work safely and efficiently.”

A list of the city’s 2014 construction projects is available at Saskatoon.ca by clicking “Building Better Roads”.

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 Release: Thursday, June 12, 2014
 

In a report to the June 17 meeting of Planning and Operations Committee (P&O), City Administration is recommending the development and implementation of an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system for Saskatoon Light & Power (SL&P) and Saskatoon Water. The recommendation comes after a study, which began last fall, was conducted to determine the feasibility and cost of an AMI system in Saskatoon.

An AMI system uses “smart” electricity and water meters that measure and record actual power and water usage by time intervals throughout the day. The information is then transmitted wirelessly over a secure network to a central database, which allows for remote meter reading.

"Our investigation has confirmed an AMI system offers many benefits for our customers and the City,” says Trevor Bell, Director of Saskatoon Light & Power. “Customers would receive monthly bills based on the actual amount of electricity and water they use.  This would eliminate reliance on estimated usage between meter readings, and help residents manage their electricity and water use and detect unusual consumption patterns which could impact their bill.”

An AMI system means the City will benefit from more precise metering and reduced revenue losses caused by meter failure. Greenhouse gas emissions and labour costs tied to manual meter reading would also be reduced. It is estimated that 35 tonnes of CO₂e tied to vehicle use would be reduced each year, and reductions from decreased water use are estimated at 3,300 tonnes CO₂e - the equivalent of removing over 685 vehicles from Saskatoon roads each year.

A Business Case has been prepared to measure the project costs and savings over a 20-year period. Total capital costs are estimated at $24.31 million and system operation costs are estimated at $22.1 million. Over a 20-year period, the total projected savings are estimated to be $76.1 million. The project is expected to pay for itself within 11.43 years with an internal rate of return of 11 per cent.

If the recommendations are approved, customers who have already received their new smart meters will have their meters read electronically and will begin receiving monthly bills based on actual, not estimate, usage by the end of 2015. As the deployment of smart meters continues, the balance of customers will be converted to the AMI system.

SaskPower and SaskEnergy have already begun the process of replacing over 500,000 electricity meters and the upgrading of 370,000 natural gas meters in Saskatchewan with new metering technology as part of a Joint AMI program.

 

The City of Saskatoon’s (City) Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon project is pleased to present two reports for information to City Council’s Planning and Operations Committee on June 17, 2014, which outline work-to-date on the City’s Growth Plan to Half a Million (Growth Plan). 

The first report is the Growth Plan Summary Report #1:  Taking Stock & Visioning.  This report outlines work that Saskatoon has done to date to promote growth and development,  identifies and explains key areas that will need to be addressed in the Growth Plan, and sets the stage for public discussion about detailed Growth Plan options in October 2014. 
A summer information series called “Spotlight On” will be launched in the coming weeks and will highlight information contained in the summary report in the areas of core bridges, transit, rapid transit, and growth near major corridors. 
The second report is the Winter 2014 Engagement Summary.  This report shares what was heard during the Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon public engagement from February 25 to March 21, 2014. 
Both reports are available on the project website at www.growingfwd.ca and represent the completion of Phase 2 of the five-phase Growth Plan development process. 
Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon is a public planning initiative that is designed to plan for our future and navigate challenges associated with rapid population growth.  A major outcome of Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon will be the Growth Plan, which will help guide civic infrastructure investments as Saskatoon grows to half a million people over the next 30 to 40 years. 
Public consultation will be ongoing throughout the Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon process. Watch for more public engagement opportunities coming in October 2014.  Those interested can also sign up for project update notifications at www.growingfwd.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.

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For Immediate Release: June 11, 2014
 

Beginning at 6:45 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, the following lane restrictions will be in place overnight on Circle Drive while crews pave the road.

Thursday night, June 12

- Circle Drive northbound median (inside) lane will be closed from College Drive to the train bridge

Friday night, June 13

- Circle Drive northbound curb (outside) lane will be closed from before 108th Street to Attridge Drive on ramp
- Circle Drive off ramp to Attridge Drive/Preston Avenue will be closed
- 108th Street on ramp to Circle Drive northbound will be closed

Saturday & Sunday night, June 14-15

- Circle Drive westbound curb (outside) and centre lane will be closed from Attridge Drive on ramp to Circle Drive Bridge
- Attridge Drive on ramp to Circle Drive westbound will be closed

Monday night, June 16

- Circle Drive northbound median (inside) lane will be closed from the train bridge to Circle Drive Bridge

To minimize disruption to traffic the work is scheduled to take place overnight from 6:45 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. The restrictions will be lifted as indicated weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

The Zipper Merge will be in effect at this location. As drivers approach the “lane closed ahead” sign and traffic starts to back up, stay in your current lane up to the point of merge. Then take turns in "zipper" fashion with other drivers to safely and smoothly ease into the remaining lane. Drivers in the through lane must take turns merging.

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 (City), in partnership with the Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC) and Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI), wishes to meet with Aboriginal residents and governments, First Nation land holders, and other interested citizens to provide an overview of the Aboriginal programs and services currently offered, and to seek input to ensure they best meet the needs of the community as Saskatoon is home to an increasing Aboriginal population.  Topics will include areas such as affordable housing, economic development, urban reserves, recreation, Aboriginal employment, and future city development.  Key staff will be at the meeting to introduce themselves, answer questions, and gather feedback.

Urban Aboriginal Community Gathering
Thursday, June 12, 2014
5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Saskatoon Inn
2002 Airport Drive, Saskatoon

Free bus service will be provided from Cosmo Civic Centre (3130 Laurier Drive) to the Saskatoon Inn leaving at 5:00 p.m., with a return departure from the Saskatoon Inn to Cosmo Civic Centre at 8:45 p.m.

Please R.S.V.P. to urbanaboriginalcommunity@saskatoon.ca or call 306-975-8066.  Meeting information is also available at 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.

Over the next three weeks, the following road restrictions will be in place on 51st Street while crews repair underground water and sewer infrastructure and perform roadway improvements.

June 12-16 - 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (road will remain closed for duration of work)
Starting on June 12, 51st Street eastbound lanes will be closed from Wentz Avenue to Millar Avenue while crews work on water and sewer connections in these lanes.  Eastbound traffic will be detoured by way of 50th Street. Access to businesses facing 51st Street will be restricted, but will be maintained on side and back entrances.

When the repair is complete, the area will be paved.  It will later be removed during the reconstruction process, but the layer of asphalt is required for properly removing the top layer of roadway.

June 15-28 – 7:00 p.m.–6:00 a.m. (overnight restrictions)
Starting on June 15, 2014, there will be lane restrictions on 51st Street and Faithfull Avenue while crews resurface the road.  

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 6:00 a.m. each night. All lanes will be open during the day.

The work will be done in the following phases:

Phase 1 - Faithfull Avenue from 50th Street to 51st Street and the intersection of Faithfull Avenue and 51st Street (Approximate duration: 2 nights)
Beginning June 15

- Faithfull Avenue will be closed from 50th Street to 51st Street, access for local traffic maintained.
- Left turns at the intersection from 51st Street onto Faithfull Avenue will not be permitted.

Phase 2 - 51st Street from Faithfull Avenue to Wanuskewin Road (eastbound)
(Approximate duration 4 nights)
Expected start: June 17

- Curb (outside) and centre lanes will be closed. Traffic merges to median (inside) lanes in both directions.
- Traffic in the direction of construction will be diverted to alternate routes. Left turns will be restricted as required.

Phase 3 - 51st Street from Wanuskewin Road to Faithfull Avenue (westbound)
(Approximate duration 4 nights)
Expected start: June 21

- Curb (outside) and centre lanes will be closed. Traffic merges to median (inside) lanes in both directions.
- Traffic in the direction of construction will be diverted to alternate routes. Left turns will be restricted as required.

Phase 4 - 51st Street left turn lane from Faithfull Avenue to Wanuskewin Road (Approximate duration: 3-4 nights)
Expected start: June 25

- Left turn lane will be closed in both directions.

Residents are advised that, depending on circumstances and road condition, this work may progress faster or slower than anticipated which could affect the start date of the next phase. 

It is expected the work will be completed on Saturday, June 28, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

The City would like to thank everyone for their patience.

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.

Make a splash this summer!  Lathey Pool, Riversdale Pool, and the Play Village at Kinsmen Park, which includes a supervised paddling pool and accessible playground, will open for the season on Saturday, June 14.  George Ward Pool and Mayfair Pool will open on Monday, June 16.

General admission to the outdoor pools provides access to a variety of aquatic drop-in activities (i.e. public, lane, Parent and Tot swims, and Aquafitness classes) for people of all ages.  Children five years and under are admitted free to outdoor pools when accompanied by a parent or guardian.  There is no admission charge to the Kinsmen Play Village. 
Also available for the summer are special outdoor pool bulk tickets.  Buy in bulk and save.  Purchasing a pack of 10 outdoor pool passes provides a 20% discount off regular general admission rates.  Get them while it’s HOT!
Swimming lessons are offered for all ages and abilities at each of the outdoor pools, except Kinsmen Play Village.  Please refer to the City of Saskatoon’s Summer Leisure Mini Guide (www.saskatoon.ca/go/leisureguide) for more details.

A reminder that outdoor pools will be cleared immediately if lightning occurs and will close during steady rain conditions or if temperatures are 14 degrees or lower.  Check Drop-in Online (www.saskatoon.ca/go/dropinonline), and sign up for Service Alerts for updates.

To find an outdoor pool location near you, please visit www.saskatoon.ca and look under “O” for Outdoor Pools.

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 (City) reminds residents to keep basic water conservation tips in mind when watering lawns and gardens this summer.

 “Being water wise helps the environment,” says Brenda Wallace, Director of Environmental & Corporate Initiatives.  “Rainwater and treated water from excess watering of lawns and gardens both end up in the storm sewer system, and eventually the South Saskatchewan River.  Ensuring lawns and gardens are not overwatered can lessen the amount of water entering our storm sewers.”

Being water wise also saves energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.  Energy is required to treat water and wastewater and emissions from water use by residents in 2013 are estimated at 24,690 tonnes CO₂e or the equivalent of the emissions generated by 5,140 passenger vehicles each year.

Conserving water also preserves the City’s water systems.  During periods of high water demand, the treatment plants and distribution systems are in high use so conserving water will extend the life of our water and wastewater treatment plants.

In 2013, Saskatoon residents consumed 234 litres of water per capita per day (LCD).  The median water use for Canadian municipalities is 231 LCD.  In the summertime, water use for irrigation makes up the majority of the total demand for water in Saskatoon.

The City of Saskatoon is committed to being a leader in water conservation and uses low-maintenance and low-watering gardening practices throughout the summer.  The City also collects and uses rainwater to supplement watering resulting in cost, energy, and GHG emissions savings by not using treated water from the water treatment plant.  For instance, Saskatoon Transit is capturing rainwater to wash busses at the Access Transit Storage Garage.  As well, raw water from the river is used for irrigation at several City golf courses.

For more information on how to “Be Water Wise”, visit www.saskatoon.ca and click on “W” for Water Conservation.  Check out “The Importance of Water” video on this site for more information on how the City works to ensure a safe water supply for residents.

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 9, 2014

UPDATE: COLLEGE DRIVE & CIRCLE DRIVE, JUNE 10-11

Starting at 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 10, the following restrictions on the College Drive westbound on ramp to Circle Drive will be in place while crews pave the road.

- College Drive eastbound and westbound turn lanes and on ramps to Circle Drive will be closed.
- Circle Drive northbound curb (outside) lane between College Drive and 108th Street will be closed.

The Zipper Merge will be used at this location. As drivers approach the “lane closed ahead” sign and traffic starts to back up, stay in your current lane up to the point of merge. Then take turns in "zipper" fashion with other drivers to safely and smoothly ease into the remaining lane. Drivers in the through lane must take turns merging.

The road is expected to reopen by 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 11.

1ST AVENUE ON RAMP TO IDYLWYLD DRIVE, JUNE 10-11

Beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 10, the following restrictions will be in place on 1st Avenue and 19th Street while crews work on the road.

- 1st Avenue southbound on ramp to Idylwyld Drive will be closed from 20th Street.
- Access to Midtown Plaza parking lot will be maintained.
- The left turn bays from 19th Street and 20th Street westbound onto 1st Avenue southbound will be closed. 

The work is expected to take 2 days.

33RD STREET, JUNE 10-12

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 10, 33rd Street will be closed between Avenue P and Edmonton Avenue while crews work on water and sewer connections. A detour will be in place.

The work is expected to take 3 days.

51ST STREET WESTBOUND AT WENTZ AVENUE, JUNE 10-11

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 10, 51st Street curb (outside) and centre lanes will be closed at Wentz Avenue while crews replace a storm sewer manhole and a hydrant. Wentz Avenue will also be closed between 51st Street and 50th Street.

The work is expected to last 2 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.