News Releases

Beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Thursday May 22, the 19th Street eastbound curb lane will be closed between 1st Avenue and 2nd Avenue as crews resurface the roadway. The right turn from 19th Street onto 2nd Avenue southbound will be maintained.

The work is expected to take three days, and the roadway is expected to re-open by 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Drivers are reminded to allow extra time when travelling through the orange zone, 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 - May 21, 2014

New facility will reduce GHG emissions by 45,000 tonnes and produce enough energy to power 1,300 homes  

The efficiency of Saskatoon’s new Landfill Gas Collection Facility was on display today, as representatives from the federal, provincial, and municipal governments gathered at the landfill to celebrate its recent completion.

The landfill is now equipped to produce large amounts of electricity, enough to power 1,300 homes a year. It uses a process that involves capturing methane-rich gas, which is produced in the landfill. This gas is then used to fuel internal combustion engines linked to electrical generators that produce power. Saskatoon will be able to sell the power generated by the facility to SaskPower.

Other benefits of this initiative include reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 45,000 tonnes per year and improving air quality and reducing odours at the landfill.

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada and the City of Saskatoon provided joint funding of $15 million to cover the total costs of this initiative.
• This is the first power generation facility to be built by the City of Saskatoon in over 100 years.

Quotes

“Our Government is proud to invest in infrastructure initiatives that contribute to a cleaner environment and a better quality of life for Saskatoon residents. I’m pleased that the power generated by this facility will also generate over $1 million in annual revenues for the City every year to support other municipal priorities. We will continue to support projects that play an important role in developing our communities, creating jobs and strengthening our economy.”

Kelly Block
Member of Parliament for Saskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar

“The Government of Saskatchewan recognizes the importance of maintaining and investing in new infrastructure in our growing communities and we thank the Government of Canada for partnering with the City of Saskatoon to make this project possible.”

Corey Tochor
Member of the Legislative Assembly for Saskatoon Eastview on behalf of the Honourable Jim Reiter, Saskatchewan Minister of Government Relations

“From the first power houses built in Saskatoon in 1907 and 1912, to the one we now have here today, we’re extremely proud of everyone who has been involved in the building of this facility. The result of our co-operative efforts demonstrates our city’s commitment to the environment, to finding ways to help sustain and maintain our precious assets into the future, and to ensuring the best possible quality of life for our residents.” 

His Worship Donald Atchison
Mayor of Saskatoon

Drivers should this week prepare themselves for possible traffic delays on 51st Street as crews repair a sinkhole and concrete curbs.

Lane restrictions between Cleveland Avenue and Millar Avenue on 51st Street eastbound will continue while crews repair a sink hole.

Further restrictions will begin Wednesday, May 21, 2014 in the eastbound curb lane of 51st Street at 9:00 a.m. as crews repair concrete curbs between Faithfull and 1st Avenues.

Wednesday, May 21

- 51st Street eastbound curb lane will be closed between Faithfull Avenue and 1st Avenue from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Please Note: 51st Street eastbound lanes between Cleveland Avenue and Millar Avenue will remain closed until 6:00 p.m. Two-way traffic will be accommodated in the westbound lanes of 51st Street. This updates information released earlier today.

Thursday, May 22

- 51st Street eastbound curb lane will be closed between 1st Avenue North and Wentz Avenue from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Friday, May 23

- 51st Street eastbound curb lane will be closed between Wentz Avenue and Millar Avenue from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The lanes are expected to reopen as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Drivers are reminded to allow extra time when travelling through the orange zone, 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.

51st Street eastbound is closed between Cleveland Avenue and Millar Avenue. The 51st Street centre and median lanes are already closed while crews repair existing manholes and flush sanitary sewer lines. The remaining curb lane has now also been closed due to the development of a sink hole.

Two-way traffic will be accommodated in the westbound lanes of 51st Street.

The 51st Street centre and median lanes are due to reopen by 6:00 p.m. today. The 51st Street curb lane between Cleveland Avenue and Millar Avenue will remain closed until 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21, 2014, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Drivers are reminded to allow extra time when travelling through the orange zone, 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.

Officials from the City of Saskatoon, PotashCorp, Saskatoon Zoo Foundation, and Saskatoon Zoo Society took part in the opening of the PotashCorp Ark Phase II enclosure at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo today.  Participating in the ceremony were His Worship Mayor Donald Atchison; Rhonda Speiss, Corporate Philanthropy for PotashCorp; Ivan Bergerman, Saskatoon Zoo Foundation President; and Claire Bullaro, Saskatoon Zoo Society President.

The PotashCorp Ark, located within the Zoo near the Affinity Learning Centre, was designed to feature animals never before seen in Saskatchewan.  Phase I opened in 2004 and has since housed snow leopards, a Bengal tiger, a pair of white Bengal tigers, lions, cougars, and lemurs.  Phase II is adjoined to the first phase to allow for the ability to create one large exhibit or two independent exhibits.

Funding to complete Phase II was made possible by the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation, and PotashCorp with a $150,000 donation and many gifts in kind from local businesses.

“The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo always has amazing displays and activities, and the completion of this new phase will allow the Zoo continue to showcase animals unique to our city and continue to put Saskatoon on the map,” said Mayor Donald Atchison. “We thank the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation, local business and PotashCorp for bringing this final phase to life.”

Made possible by the addition of Phase II, the Zoo is pleased to welcome Phoenix, a red panda, who will be a permanent guest.  Over the past few months Phoenix has become acquainted and familiar with his new home. Phoenix was born on June 13, 2011, at the Assiniboine Zoo in Winnipeg.  His twin brother, Billy, lives at the San Diego Zoo in California.  Phoenix is on public display joining his cougar friends Jethro and Malcolm living in Phase I.

Red pandas, known for their resemblance to racoons, have been classified as vulnerable due to habitat loss and poaching.  Slightly larger than a domestic cat, red pandas are recognizable with their reddish-brown fur and shaggy tail.  Most of their time is spent in solitude; however, young pandas develop slowly and often stay with their mothers for over a year.

The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo offers all generations opportunities to explore a beautiful park landscape.  Approximately 270,000 visitors come annually to discover intimate gardens, historic buildings, and a variety of western Canadian animals and exotic species at Saskatchewan’s only zoo.  This distinctly Saskatchewan experience provides scenic surroundings and the unique story of plants, animals, and prairie history in one place.

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.

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday May 21, 2014, the northbound lanes of Diefenbaker Drive will be closed between 22nd Street West and Fairlight Drive while crews pave a utility cut. Two-way traffic will be accommodated in the southbound lanes of Diefenbaker Drive.

The restrictions will be lifted by 6:00 p.m. the same day, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Drivers are reminded to allow extra time when travelling through the orange zone, 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 Release: Friday, May 16, 2014

Usually Victoria Day long weekend is when family and friends start to spend more time outside and the Saskatoon Fire Department would like to take this time to remind everyone of the regulations for residential fire pits.

Every use of a fire pit within city limits is subject to six conditions:

• Fire must be contained within a non-combustible fire box constructed of material such as cement, brick or metal and covered with a heavy gauge metal screen. SFD recommends that fire pits be situated at least three metres from any combustible materials (ie. fences or buildings).
• The size of the fire box of any outdoor burning facility shall not exceed .61 cubic metres.
• Only cut, seasoned wood or charcoal shall be used to fuel outdoor fires. Burning tree branches and garden refuse in a fire pit is not permitted.
• All outdoor fires shall have responsible supervision at all times.
• No person shall light an outdoor fire when the weather conditions are conducive to creating a running fire or allowing the smoke from the fire to be a nuisance to another person (smoke drift).
• If smoke from an open-air fire causes an unreasonable interference with the use and enjoyment of another person’s property, the fire shall be extinguished immediately.

The following items are not permitted to be burned in fire pits within Saskatoon city limits:

• Rubbish
• Garden refuse
• Manure, livestock or animal carcasses
• Any material that is classified as a dangerous good
• Any material that will create dense black smoke when burned
• Any material that will create a foul odour when burned.

A video with information on fire pits can be viewed at http://tinyurl.com/azucomb

The use of fire pits in Saskatoon is regulated by Fire and Protective Services Bylaw No. 7990. Please note: SFD will extinguish any fires that do not comply with the Bylaw.

Residents who would like to report a fire or fire pit should call 306-975-3030.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

For Release: Friday, May 16, 2014

Saskatoon Fire Department reminds the residents of Saskatoon that on Victoria Day low-hazard fireworks can only be detonated on private property between the hours of dusk to 11:00pm.

Low-hazard fireworks are designed for public recreational use and include some roman candles, sparklers, fountains, wheels, volcanoes, mines and snakes that do not travel above 60 feet. 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 choose your location wisely. 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.

Carefully read and follow all the instructions on the fireworks.

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 before beginning the clean up process. At that time, it is a good idea 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 go off.

Always be extremely careful when shooting fireworks. Their debris or smoldering embers could cause injuries, property damage or even fires.

Discharge of low hazard fireworks are only permitted during the following times:

-    between the hours of dusk and 11:00 p.m. on Victoria Day, Canada Day, or Labour Day.

-    between the hours of dusk on New Year’s Eve to 00:15 a.m. on New Year’s Day.

Please report unauthorized use or discharge of fireworks to the Saskatoon Fire Department by contacting the emergency number at 306-975-3030.

It is an offence to contravene Sections 39 and 44 of the Fire and Protective Services Bylaw No. 7990. Should a contravention occur, the person responsible for the contravention is guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction by a fine.

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 David Faulkner at 306-975-2520 or visit www.saskatoon.ca for additional fireworks information.

 For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

Beginning at 7.30 a.m. on Saturday May 17th, 2014, 1st Avenue North will be closed between 23rd Street East and 24th Street East for the Bikers Against Child Abuse 100 Mile Ride and Block Party. The road is expected to re-open by 6.00 p.m. the same day.

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

Beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday May 18, 2014, the following lane restrictions will be required as Saskatoon Light & Power crews work on poles:

Sunday May 18
- Idylwyld Drive southbound onramp to Circle Drive westbound will be closed from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
- Idylwyld Drive northbound curb (outside) lane will be closed just north of Kilburn Park between Taylor Street and 8th Street from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Monday May 19
- Idylwyld Drive southbound curb (outside) lane will be closed between the Sid Buckwold Bridge and 20th Street from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- 1st Avenue northbound curb (outside) lane will be closed between the Sid Buckwold Bridge and 20th Street from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The lanes are expected to re-open as indicated weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Drivers are reminded to allow extra time when travelling through the orange zone, watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

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