News Releases

A report to update the City of Saskatoon’s Noise Bylaw, 2003 to align with the Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) Vehicle Noise Policy will be presented to the Standing Policy Committee on Transportation on October 3, 2023.  

The proposed update to the Bylaw will enhance enforcement procedures and reduce ambiguity in compliance assessments, extending the ability of police officers to order sound testing of both motorcycles and other motor vehicles, which is an objective method to measure noise levels rather than determining subjectively when noise from motor vehicles is unreasonably loud or excessive. 

The proposed update will also include a noise level limit for motor vehicles while placing the noise level limit for motorcycles to the same standard. If approved by City Council, these changes would take effect on January 1, 2024. 

“This bylaw alignment with SGI’s policy addresses a longstanding challenge in enforcing noise bylaws, striving to reduce vehicle noise disruptions across our community,” said Nathalie Baudais, Transportation Engineering Manager. 

“This initiative reflects our efforts to improve the quality of life and health for people in our community.” 

Similar to the SGI Vehicle Noise Policy, police officers would have the ability to issue vehicle inspection tickets, requiring vehicle owners to take their vehicle for inspection to an SGI-certified vehicle inspection station, and complete all necessary repairs as part of SGI’s Unsafe Vehicle Program. 

All light vehicles in Saskatchewan, including passenger cars, pickup trucks, minivans, SUVs and motorcycles, must be equal to or quieter than 101.3 dB when tested, based on stationary measurements of exhaust noise. This noise test and policy is consistent with the Society of Automotive Engineers. 

For more information on the City of Saskatoon’s Noise Bylaw, visit www.saskatoon.ca/noise-bylaw 

It's almost here! Don't miss out on the chance to take part in the 2023 Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation on the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, Saturday, Sept. 30. Everyone is welcome; it's a family-friendly, no cost event. Wear an orange shirt or “rock your roots” by wearing traditional clothing representing your cultural heritage.

Along the walk route, participants will see cultural performances by: Ashong Family Drummers, Confucius Institute, Magic City Chorus, and Martial Arts Academy. In Victoria Park (where the walk ends), there will be traditional Indigenous dancers and drummers and the Northern Prairie Dancers doing Métis jigging. 

Event Details:
Saturday, Sept 30, 2023
10 to 11:30 a.m.

• Walk begins at CUMFI (315 Ave M S)
• Walk ends at Reconciliation Circle in Victoria Park, near the "Where Our Paths Cross" art installation (across the road from 422 Spadina Cres W)
• Following the walk, there will be short program followed by games in the park

Organizers suggest people plan to arrive early as the event site is expected to be busy. There is an optional pre-walk pancake breakfast outside CUMFI beginning at 8 a.m.

Rock Your Roots is put on by City co-chaired Reconciliation Saskatoon. The intent of this event is to answer the TRC Calls to Action by demonstrating a commitment to Reconciliation, honouring Residential School Survivors, and continuing work towards an inclusive community. The walk has been an annual one in Saskatoon since 2016.
 

Cynthia Block, Ward 6 Councillor says: “The chapter we’re writing now will be our legacy. I feel like we’re at the precipice of change in our community—I hope so. Rock Your Roots is about healing, building trust, and recommitting to reconciliation.”

Carrie Catherine, Coordinator of Reconciliation Saskatoon says: “The walk is an opportunity to honour Survivors and experience a future where Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples hold a shared understanding of our history, celebrate vibrant cultures and worldviews, have equitable systems that benefit us all, and build authentic relationships. We must listen to the truth of the past to build a better way forward.”

Melissa Cote, City of Saskatoon Director of Indigenous Initiatives says: “It’s not about surviving anymore, it’s about thriving—for our remaining Survivors and everyone affected by the residential school system. On September 30, we’ll walk together to honour all Survivors.”

Shirley Isbister, CUMFI President says: “There’s nothing better than seeing the orange shirts: it shows we’re taking a stand to make sure a new generation has a different life. We must continue to teach young people about our history, so it doesn’t repeat itself.”

Kathie Pruden Nansel, Regional Director, MN-S Western Region 2A says: “I honour all the Survivors and the way they’ve shared their truths. We need to make a commitment to them that we’ll continue making things better for all the future generations.”

Between October 1 and October 31, the City of Saskatoon is pleased to offer its residents the opportunity to dispose of elm wood at the Landfill at no cost. This initiative aims to encourage the prompt removal and proper disposal of elm wood, reducing the risk of disease transmission to healthy elm trees.

“Elm trees hold a special place in our urban landscape, providing shade, enhancing aesthetics, and supporting local biodiversity. However, they face a serious threat from diseases like Dutch Elm Disease. To help manage this issue effectively and limit the spread, it is crucial to ensure proper disposal of all elm wood,” says Konrad Andre, Parks Operations Manager.

This one-month pilot project means that residents may dispose of Elm wood, including branches, logs and other elm debris, at the Landfill during regular operating hours through October at no cost. The Saskatoon Regional Waste Management Centre (Landfill) is located along Valley Road, south of 11^th Street.

“By taking advantage of this free elm wood disposal pilot program, residents and businesses can play an active role in protecting our urban canopy and preserving the natural beauty of our community,” says Andre. “Timely disposal of elm wood can significantly reduce the risk of Dutch elm disease and support the health of our elm tree population.”

What is DED?

DED is a serious fungal disease that impacts an elm tree’s water and nutrient conducting system, which eventually causes the tree to die. In Saskatoon, elms make up 25% of the public urban forest.

How is DED spread?

In Saskatchewan, the disease is spread by several species of elm bark beetles. These beetles can fly farther than two kilometres in search of elm trees and are attracted to the scent of pruned or damaged trees and firewood. The DED fungus has tiny spores that stick to the bodies of bark beetles and they can carry these spores and infect other elm trees. The fungus can also be spread by infected pruning tools.

You can help prevent DED by:

• Never storing elm wood or branches. Don’t buy or take elm wood from anyone and don’t burn it.  Elm firewood is the best habitat for bark beetles.
• Disposing of elm wood at the Saskatoon Regional Waste Management Centre (Landfill). Do not take elm to the compost depot or put it in your green bin. Dispose of it immediately, even if it is during the provincial ban.
• Reporting dead or dying elm trees or branches to the city or to a professional arborist.   

How to identify and report unhealthy elm trees and firewood

American elm trees with DED may start showing symptoms as early as June. Typically, the leaves will start to wilt and turn yellow, then curl and turn brown. If you suspect an unhealthy elm tree or are unsure of what type of firewood you have, take a photo and complete the online form at saskatoon.ca/dutchelmdisease or call Urban Forestry at 306-975-2890.

For more information on DED, visit saskatoon.ca/dutchelmdisease.

Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) is pleased to celebrate the grand opening of the new Fire Station No. 5 at 1075 Preston Avenue North. The new station will replace the 56-year-old Fire Station No. 5 at 421 Central Avenue in Sutherland.

The relocation comes as a result of a review of SFD’s operations in 2014 that led to the development of a new service model to improve the fire service’s response times across the city. The model aims to ensure SFD’s delivery of services is done in the most effective and efficient way possible as the City looks to the future and how to provide emergency response service to a city of 500,000 residents.

The new fire station features 10,000 square feet on two storeys and is equipped with two bays that will house one frontline engine and reserve apparatus. The station will be staffed with four firefighter-paramedics and one officer, 24 hours per day. Fire Inspectors will also use the new station’s office space during daytime hours.

A highlight of the building is the dedicated cultural space. The room’s design intentionally includes a central tiled circle and is equipped with ventilation to accommodate smudging ceremonies. The perimeter of the room will highlight artwork created by students from Oskāyak High School, which will be regularly updated throughout the year. The shared space is intended for use by SFD and the University of Saskatchewan. When available, the room will be open for public bookings by residents and community groups.

“This new fire station serves as a demonstration of collaboration for the betterment of the community. The partnership we've experienced with the University of Saskatchewan has been instrumental in the endeavor of relocating Station No. 5,” says Fire Chief Morgan Hackl. "The station offers a newer facility design for our crews that is centered around our commitment to truth and reconciliation, while at the same time delivering improved response coverage to the north-east part of the city. The relocation of Station No. 5 is a welcomed addition to our network of infrastructure and will support the community for generations to come.”

“The new Fire Hall No. 5, built in partnership with the University of Saskatchewan, is a great collaboration that will re-organize the fire service to provide better response times to neighbourhoods as the City grows. It is important that all of our neighbourhoods, both existing and new, have access to immediate fire and safety services when they need them. It will also save millions of dollars a year by reducing the need for another station in the area. I want to thank all partners who have worked together to help improve the services in our city,” says Mayor Charlie Clark.

“The establishment of the new fire station is the latest development in our long-standing relationship with the City of Saskatoon,” said University of Saskatchewan (USask) President Peter Stoicheff. “We are proud to play a role in supporting this vital project and furthering our commitment to the vibrant community that we all serve. We are also pleased to see the inclusion of a shared cultural space on this site spotlighting the work of Oskāyak High School

students, as we recognize that this new fire station is located on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis.” says University of Saskatchewan President Peter Stoicheff.

To commemorate the completion of construction, a ceremonial grand opening event took place at the new station on Tuesday, August 29, 2023. Station No. 5 is scheduled to be fully operational in mid-September once all Life Safety tests are complete. The former Station No. 5 on Central Avenue will be decommissioned and options will be explored to determine the future of the building.

For additional information, visit saskatoon.ca/FireStation5.

Road construction in Saskatoon is moving along on schedule and on budget this summer. The City of Saskatoon earmarked $67.17 million for 2023 road and bridge maintenance and construction. 

• Construction on the westbound side of the Circle Drive North bridge wrapped up in July and crews continue to work on the eastbound side. The bridge rehabilitation began in February and is expected to fully reopen in October. Work on the 40-year-old bridge includes new asphalt and barriers, improvements to drainage and concrete, and repairs to the piers and abutments.
• Several road resurfacing projects on some of the city’s busiest roads are complete, including Circle Drive North (westbound lanes) between Alberta Avenue and Millar Avenue. Sections of Preston Avenue between 8^th Street and Preston Crossing and Wanuskewin Road from 71^st Street to Penner Road have also been resurfaced.
• Water main replacement projects continue throughout various parts of the city, including Downtown and in sections of River Heights, 33^rd Street West, and Varsity View. Road and sidewalk upgrades in the Saskatoon Transit Downtown Terminal are complete.

“The weather this summer has been good for construction and over the past several years, we’ve improved and coordinated road and sidewalk work to happen at the same time as water main replacements,” says Terry Schmidt, General Manager of Transportation and Construction. “All of this results in efficiency and cost savings while reducing prolonged impacts to residents.”

The City has been busy with electrical infrastructure upgrades as well. Saskatoon Light and Power has finished improvements to the underground electrical vault Downtown on 2^nd Avenue between 21^st Street and 22^nd Street. Over the next few months, electricians will work on recommissioning the vault, but no additional road or sidewalk disruptions are expected.

More information about major construction projects can be found at saskatoon.ca/construction. The page includes links to the Road Restrictions and Construction Projects Map as well as how to sign up to receive the Daily Road Report.

We thank residents for their pave-tience during construction. We know it can be a real ‘pain in the asphalt.’