News Releases

This weekend, temperatures dropped to minus 50 degrees Celsius with the wind chill overnight, causing the ground frost to move even deeper.  The ground frost level is deeper than normal, and the colder the temperature is, the more pressure it puts on the underground pipes, causing them to shift.  If there is already a weak spot in the pipe, caused by age, corrosion or previous work, it can break.

A high number of water main breaks occurred this past weekend, keeping staff extremely busy.  From Friday evening at 9:00 p.m. until Sunday evening at 9:00 p.m., 15 water main breaks occurred.  In addition, a break occurred on the connection pipe at Brevoort Park School, requiring a private contractor for the repair.  This activity is well above the average of one-two per day for this time of year. 

Be prepared
This elevated rate of water main breaks is anticipated to level off this week, but will still remain higher than normal for this time of year.  Residents in areas where water main breaks have occurred in the past few years, including neighbourhoods adjacent to current water main breaks, are encouraged to be prepared by having extra drinking water stored as a precaution.  The recommended supply of water to have on hand for a 72-hour period is 3.8 litres (one gallon) per person or pet per day.

Frozen water connections
Home owners are also reporting frozen water connections, where there is a blockage on the water connection from the City’s water main to the private home.  If your water does not turn on, it may be an issue with the private portion of your water connection.  If there is an issue on the City portion, we will come out and use specialized equipment to defrost the line from your home.  To help prevent this, we recommend making sure the pipes are well-insulated, including the portion at the outside walls of your home.

Current water main breaks
All available staff and contractors are focussed on isolating the location of the breaks, preparing the sites for excavation (identifying any underground utilities or hazards), and repairing the pipes.  Different expertise is required at each stage of repairing a water main break, so even if no workers are present, each location is scheduled and will be repaired as quickly as possible. 

Water service is currently off at the following locations:
•  74 Phillips Crescent (water trailer on-site)
•  2421 Ewart Avenue (water trailer on-site)
•  500 block of 6th Street East (water trailer on-site)
•  1300 7th Avenue North (water trailer on-site)
•  2903 Ferguson Avenue
•  Diefenbaker Drive between Fairlight Drive and 22nd Street West
•  300 Bate Crescent
•  1326 Ave Y North
•  3225 11th Street West
•  141 Pacific Avenue
•  21 Bow Court

Residents and businesses in affected areas can access drinking water from an emergency water supply trailer located nearby until the service is restored.  Instructions for use are located near the spout.  The City operates four water trailers; once the water is restored to an area, the trailer is relocated as required.  We make every effort to make a water trailer available within eight hours of the water being shut off.  However, with the number of water main breaks we are currently experiencing, this time will be extended.

We want to thank everyone for their cooperation and understanding.  We will do our best to restore water service within 48 hours of turning it off, but the extreme cold can affect equipment and the amount of time that workers can be outside.  If you are affected by a water outage and have any questions, or to report a water main break, please call the Public Works customer service call centre 24/7 at 306-975-2476.  For information about the Precautionary Drinking Water Advisory that is in effect when the water is turned back on, visit saskatoon.ca and select W for Water Advisory.

Emergency preparedness information is available on the Government of Canada’s public safety website getprepared.gc.ca, including further recommendations for an emergency water supply.

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 from the links at saskatoon.ca.

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This weekend, eleven water main breaks occurred in a 26-hour period, breaking a record set last weekend with seven in the same time period.  So far this weekend, thirteen water main breaks occurred between Friday evening and the time of this announcement.  This is well above the average of one-two per day for this time of year. 

This rate of water main breaks is anticipated to slow down as the temperatures increase this week.  Still, residents in areas where water main breaks have occurred in the past few years, including neighbourhoods adjacent to current water main breaks, are encouraged to be prepared by having extra drinking water stored as a precaution.  The recommended supply of water to have on hand for a 72-hour period is 3.8 litres (one gallon) per person or pet per day.

All available staff and contractors are focussed on isolating the location of the breaks, preparing the sites for excavation (identifying any underground utilities or hazards), and repairing the pipes.  Different expertise is required at each stage of repairing a water main break, so even if no workers are present, each location is scheduled and will be repaired as quickly as possible.  In this extreme cold, workers must take frequent breaks to warm up and prevent injuries caused from exposure to the elements. 

Water service is currently off at the following locations:
•  74 Phillips Crescent (water trailer on-site)
•  2421 Ewart Avenue (water trailer on-site)
•  500 block of 6th Street East (water trailer on-site)
•  1300 7th Avenue North (water trailer on-site)
•  2903 Ferguson Avenue
•  Diefenbaker Drive between Fairlight Drive and 22nd Street West
•  300 Bate Crescent
•  1326 Ave Y North
•  3225 11th Street West
•  141 Pacific Avenue

Residents and businesses in affected areas can access drinking water from an emergency water supply trailer located nearby until the service is restored.  Instructions for use are located near the spout.  The City operates four water trailers; once the water is restored to a location, it is relocated as required. We make every effort to make a water trailer available within eight hours of the water being shut off.  However, with the number of water main breaks we are currently experiencing, this time will be extended.

We want to thank everyone for their cooperation and understanding.  We will do our best to restore water service within 48 hours of turning it off, but the extreme cold can affect equipment and the amount of time that workers can be outside.  If you are affected by a water outage and have any questions, or to report a water main break, please call the Public Works customer service call centre 24/7 at 306-975-2476.  For information about the Precautionary Drinking Water Advisory that is in effect when the water is turned back on, visit saskatoon.ca and select W for Water Advisory.

Emergency preparedness information is available on the Canadian Red Cross website, including further recommendations for an emergency water supply.

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 from the links at saskatoon.ca.

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Similar to what was experienced last weekend in Saskatoon when the temperature dropped significantly, eight water main breaks occurred beginning at 9:00 p.m. Friday, February 28 and the release of this announcement.  This is well above the average of one-two per day for this time of year.  In January and February Saskatoon experienced 85 water main breaks, compared to 69 during the same period in 2013.

All available staff and contractors are focussed on isolating the location of the breaks, preparing the sites for excavation (identifying any underground utilities or hazards), and repairing the pipes.  Different expertise is required at each stage of repairing a water main break, so even if no workers are present, each location is scheduled and will be repaired as quickly as possible.  In this extreme cold, workers must take frequent breaks to warm up and prevent injuries caused from exposure to the elements. 

Water service is currently off at the following locations:

• 623 Main Street (water trailer on-site)
• 74 Phillips Crescent (water trailer on-site)
• 2421 Ewart Avenue (water trailer on-site)
• 628 10th Street East (water trailer on-site)
• 3366 Fairlight Drive on Diefenbaker Drive
• 2903 Ferguson Avenue
• 500 block of 6th Street East

Residents and businesses in affected areas can access drinking water from emergency water supply trailers located nearby until the service is restored.  Instructions for use are located near the spout.  Once the water is restored to a location, the water trailer is relocated as required. We make every effort to make a water trailer available within eight hours of the water being shut off.  However, with the number of water main breaks we are currently experiencing, affected areas may anticipate this time to be extended.

We want to thank everyone for their cooperation and understanding.  We will do our best to restore water service within 48 hours of turning it off, but the extreme cold can affect equipment and the amount of time that workers can be outside.  If you are affected by a water outage and have any questions or to report a water main break, please call the Public Works customer service call centre 24/7 at 306-975-2476.

Emergency preparedness information is available on the Canadian Red Cross website, including recommendations for an emergency water supply.

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 (City) is pleased to announce that the final city-owned condo in the Pleasant Hill Village Project has been purchased by new homeowners, as part of an affordable housing initiative.

The Pleasant Hill Village Project includes two separate developments with a total of 36 units.  As part of an agreement to attract developers to participate, the City agreed to purchase any unsold units.  By December 1, 2010, the City had purchased 18 units, all ground-level townhouses designed for families.  Four market sales occurred between December 2010 and May 2012.  The units were sold through two realtors, and ranged in price from $189,922 to $241,034.

During its May 28, 2012 meeting, City Council adopted a new 9.99 Percent Sales Incentive  Grant funded from the Affordable Housing Reserve and a five-year property tax abatement for the project.  The adopted sales incentive grant and the property tax abatement have been instrumental in closing sales of 14 units since June 2012.

Since the Pleasant Hill Village project started in 2006, a main objective was to offer home ownership opportunities in a neighbourhood where rental occupancy rates were high.  Pleasant Hill Village is intended to attract families who want to live in a new home, in a community with a new school and wellness centre, daycare, and surrounded by a new park space, playgrounds, soccer fields, and a new seniors’ residence. 

The Pleasant Hill Village Redevelopment Project will continue in 2014, with the release of three more sites for development.  The entire project is expected to be completed in 2015.

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.

While spring is on its way, Environment Canada is forecasting extremely cold temperatures over the weekend of February 28 to March 2, 2014.  This is an update of City services and operations for the weekend and what to expect with the cold.  For 24/7 updates on service interruptions for Saskatoon Light & Power, Saskatoon Transit, Landfill and Garbage Collection service, click on Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca, or connect with the City on Twitter or Facebook.  

Be safe
We hope that everyone stays warm and safe as temperatures continue to drop.  According to Environment Canada, temperatures of -40 C or lower put individuals at a high or very high risk of frostbite.  If you are heading outside you should cover all skin, dress in warm layers with a wind-resistant outer layer, stay dry and keep active.  At temperatures of -55 C or colder, the Saskatoon Fire Department recommends that people stay indoors.          

We would also like to remind you that these cold temperatures can be painful for your four-legged friends and that you should limit their time outdoors.  

Driving conditions in extreme cold temperatures
Roadway crews will be working continuously to provide safe driving conditions with sanding as required.  Extreme cold can create icy conditions on sidewalks and roads, especially on bridges and overpasses.  In addition:  
- The very cold road conditions combine with ice crystals in the air settle and cause roadways to be more slippery than usual winter driving conditions.  Condensation, which drifts from vehicle exhaust when stopped or in rush hour traffic near intersections, may also contribute to more frost on the road.
- In very cold weather, sand does not stick to the roadway in the high speed traffic paths as long as it would under warmer temperatures. Salt is ineffective below -16 C.
- We take extra precautionary measures in extreme weather conditions: All bridge decks are checked and sanded every two hours.  Bridge decks are usually sanded just before rush hour because it’s very difficult to sand during peak times.  

City Crews will be doing their best to keep roads sanded, so please watch for equipment on the road.  The large machines used are equipped with flashing amber lights, move slowly in teams of two or more and can be found on the road at any time of day or night.  By keeping a safe distance from the equipment and approaching slowly, we can all be safe on the road.  

For those who are making trips outside of City Limits, please remember to pack a cold weather emergency kit and keep it handy in your vehicle.  This kit should include: Shovel, matches/survival candle, flashlight, road maps, extra clothing / footwear, sand or kitty litter, emergency food pack, first aid kit, an ice scraper and a blanket.  

Water main repairs in extreme cold temperatures Water main breaks have levelled off, but a significant drop in temperature can cause frost to move deeper into the ground.  Frost movement in the ground is what causes the pipes to shift and can damage weak points. Please call the Public Works customer service call centre 24/7 at 306-975-2476 to report a break or for more information.
- Water & Sewer crews are available over the weekend to attend to any issues with the water and sewer mains, but may require frequent breaks to warm up during the extreme cold. 
- The safety of workers is very important and they are encouraged to take the time to warm up and will not be working outside at temperatures with the wind chill below -55 C.
- Water trailers will provide temporary service for residents and businesses without water service.  They are insulated and propane-heated, so extreme cold should not affect their function. 

Saskatoon Transit in extreme cold temperatures
Saskatoon Transit is preparing to adjust internal workflows to help ensure buses remain on the road and on schedule during the colder temperatures. Please remember that the kneeling or ramp features do not work in temperatures below -25 C.
Saskatoon Transit will be operating the warming area at the downtown bus mall on extended hours throughout the weekend:

- Friday, February 28, 2014 – Closing at 10:30 p.m.
- Saturday, March 1, 2014 – Open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- Sunday, March 2, 2014 – Open at 9:00 a.m. and extending hours as required. 
Please note that these hours are extended for the warming area only - customers will not be able to purchase passes during the extended hours.  To stay up-to-date about the Transit service, customers can phone 306-975-3100 for information or sign up for the new Transit Service Alert at saskatoon.ca.

We are always prepared
While the City of Saskatoon is always prepared to handle any emergency that may arise throughout the year, we are hyper aware of how extreme cold can be a defining characteristic of an emergency in the winter months.  Our Emergency Measures Organization personnel are ready to respond appropriately, if required, to provide residents with necessary assistance.
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.

 
                
On Sunday, March 2 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. the following road closures will be in place to accommodate the Brainfreeze running event:

- Eastlake Avenue between 10th Street and Saskatchewan Crescent,
- 19th Street eastbound curb lane approaching the Broadway Bridge,
- Broadway Bridge southbound curb lane (leaving downtown),
- Saskatchewan Crescent between Eastlake Avenue and the Broadway Bridge
Drivers are reminded to allow extra time when passing event participants, watch for pedestrians and spectators, 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.

Diefenbaker Drive is reduced to single lane traffic in each direction between Fairlight Drive and 22nd Street for emergency water main repairs beginning today, February 27. Two-way traffic will be accommodated in the southbound lanes as crews work in the northbound lanes. 
The work should be completed and restrictions lifted by 7:00 a.m. on Friday morning, 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.

The Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval will be wrapping up for the season on Sunday, March 2, 2014. 

The City of Saskatoon thanks citizens for their patronage. Public skating at the indoor municipal rinks will be available until Thursday, March 20, 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.

The Neighbourhood Level Infill Development Strategy recommended new forms of residential infill be permitted, such as the development of garden and garage suites.  Garden and garage suites are small residences built as part of a detached garage or as an accessory structure.
Residents are invited to attend a “come and go” open house to learn more about the proposed regulations for garden and garage suites, including development standards, design guidelines, building code regulations, and the approval process.  Staff will be in attendance to answer questions and gather feedback.  Details are as follows:
Proposed Garden and Garage Suite Regulations Open House
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Frances Morrison Library (Room 3 – Lower Level)
For more information and project updates on the Neighbourhood Level Infill Development Strategy, including garden and garage suites, visit www.saskatoon.ca and look under “I” for Infill Development Strategy.  Materials and information presented at the open house will be posted on the website following the public meeting, along with opportunity for residents to submit comments online.

The Neighbourhood Level Infill Development Strategy is one component of the overall “Growing Forward!  Shaping Saskatoon” project to help guide investments to accommodate Saskatoon’s growth to half a million people.
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:  February 26, 2014

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

The Opening Ceremony for Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Month will be on Monday, March 3, 2014, at 1:30 p.m. in Council Chambers, City Hall (222 - 3rd Avenue North). Everyone is welcome to attend.  The ceremony will include greetings from Senator Lillian Dyck; His Worship Mayor Donald Atchison; and Saskatchewan Human Rights Chief Commissioner, Judge David M. Arnot.  A flag-raising in Civic Square (beside City Hall off 23rd Street), will follow the ceremony.

In 1990, City Council proclaimed March as Race Relations Month, marking the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination which falls on March 21 annually.  The date commemorates the 1960 Sharpeville massacre in South Africa where peaceful demonstrators against apartheid were killed by police officers.

In recognition, during the month of March, a number of activities are initiated by a diverse cross-section of the community ranging from elementary school children to community group representatives. The Living in Harmony Awards Ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 21, 2014, at Centennial Collegiate (160 Nelson Road), celebrating the positive initiatives taking place within Saskatoon. 

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.