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Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
Saskatoon Fire Department recommended to take on Community Support Program in city centre BIDs
June 2, 2023 - 10:15am
City Administration recommends oversight of the Community Support Program (CSP) be transferred to the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) to provide better coordination and integration to address community safety and well-being.
“Much has changed since the Community Support Program rolled out,” says Assistant Chief Yvonne Raymer. “That is why we are recommending a whole-community team approach to deal with safety and well-being in our city core and elsewhere. With this approach, we will be able to maintain the current level of support in the core business districts and enhance our response with Transit support workers and partnerships with specially trained police officers.”
For several years, the Downtown Saskatoon Business Improvement District (BID) has administrated the CSP, which provides uniform patrols within the boundaries of the three city centre BIDs of Downtown, Riversdale, and Broadway.
An information report will be presented to City Council’s Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services at its June 7 regular meeting. The report notes that with the current agreement with the Downtown BID set to expire, SFD recognized that greater capacity and collaboration with other public safety initiatives already underway is required to address the needs of those requiring supports in Saskatoon. Such an arrangement would also allow for better information or data sharing so the teams can develop evidence-based responses and solutions for social distress in our community.
Assistant Chief Raymer notes the SFD – through various initiatives – has already worked to gain trust and build relationships with the most vulnerable in Saskatoon.
“Through discussions with the BIDs, it was identified that transitioning operations of the CSP to the SFD, beginning in 2024, may be a suitable option, particularly given that SFD plays a significant role in response and outreach for those in need. In line with this view, we very recently began a pilot Task Force of Saskatoon Police Service Alternative Response Officers (ARO) and SFD Fire Inspectors, which we believe has the team approach that we think will be an effective community safety model.”
Administration will continue to explore the transition of the oversight of the CSP to the SFD, which will include engagement with community partners such as the Saskatoon Police Service, the Street Activity Subcommittee and the Downtown Saskatoon, Riversdale, and Broadway BIDs.
The review will also include participation from Saskatoon Transit. At its regular meeting on May 31, City Council approved a recommendation to explore a transit support workers program using a “One City” approach to address the need identified for targeted safety support services.
A subsequent report on the transition of the CSP will be brought forward in advance of the 2024-2025 Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget.
Ruth Street intersection closed at Clarence Avenue on Sunday
June 2, 2023 - 10:00am
The intersection at Ruth Street and Clarence Avenue will be closed on Sunday, June 4, at 9:00 a.m. for storm lead replacement work. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone. This project is expected to take one day to complete, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.
Saskatoon Transit may be affected by these detours. Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit on desktop.
For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.
33rd Street exit ramp to Circle Drive northbound closed on Sunday
June 2, 2023 - 9:00am
The 33rd Street exit ramp to Circle Drive northbound will be closed on Sunday, June 4, at 7:00 a.m. for streetlight pole replacement work. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around this work. This project is expected to take five hours to complete, barring unforeseen circumstances or weather delays.
Saskatoon Transit may be affected by these detours. Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit on desktop.
For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.
Cumberland Avenue closed between Adelaide and Isabella streets starting Monday
June 2, 2023 - 8:00am
Cumberland Avenue will be closed between Adelaide and Isabella streets starting Monday, June 5, at 8:00 a.m. for service connections work. The intersection at Cumberland Avenue and Hilliard Street will remain open at this project. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone. This project is expected to take 14 days to complete, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.
Saskatoon Transit may be affected by these detours. Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit on desktop.
For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.
22nd Street westbound exit ramp to Circle Drive northbound closed on Sunday
June 2, 2023 - 7:00am
The 22nd Street westbound exit ramp to Circle Drive northbound will be closed on Sunday, June 4, at 6:00 a.m. for streetlight pole replacement work. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around this work. This project is expected to take five hours to complete, barring unforeseen circumstances or weather delays.
Saskatoon Transit may be affected by these detours. Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit on desktop.
For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.