News Releases
Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
Home Sweet Home – Prairie Dogs settle in to new habitat at Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo
June 24, 2021 - 8:07am
The prairie dogs have a new habitat to explore and start digging their complex tunnel systems in at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo).
“We are so excited to have the prairie dogs in their new home,” says Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager. “The exhibit was designed to feature a naturalistic habitat and is over nine feet deep allowing them to exhibit their natural behaviours of digging and exploring”.
The new habitat also provides visitors the opportunity to get an up-close look at the prairie dogs with over 40 feet of glass around the new exhibit.
Building the new exhibit was made possible through the generous support of the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation who raises funds for capital projects and improvements within the Zoo. The Foundation secured the required funding to bring the new prairie dog exhibit to life thanks to the generous support of Rempel Brothers Construction, Dynamic Glass and Door, Richter Fencing, York Windows and Doors, One Mouse Graphic Design, LB Signs and the Forster Families.
“The Saskatoon Zoo Foundation is very excited to have been able to contribute to the new Prairie Dog Exhibit and are very thankful for all of our partners and donors,” says Dawn Woroniuk, Executive Director, Saskatoon Zoo Foundation. “We couldn’t contribute to the Zoo without our supporters and because of them we can continue to connect citizens to nature so they can all enjoy this wonderful gem.”
The new prairie dog exhibit also features original artwork created by the Saskatoon Community Youth Arts Program. “We were so excited to work with the Saskatoon Community Youth Arts Program,” says Mitchell. “The piece really brings the space to life and makes this exhibit extra special and feel like you are out in a Southern Saskatchewan Prairie.”
Prairie dogs live in tight-knit family groups called coteries and communicate using squeaky calls. While their squeaky calls may sound simple and repetitive to the human ear, prairie dogs’ vocabulary is thought to be more advanced than any other animal language that has been decoded.
Residents are encouraged to come and experience the cuteness for themselves. The Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. until the end of June and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. starting in July. Additional information can be found at saskatoon.ca/zoo.
City prepares gradual response to Saskatchewan Re-Opening Roadmap, Step 3
June 24, 2021 - 2:15am
With the Government of Saskatchewan’s recent announcement that Step 3 of the Re-Opening Roadmap will begin on July 11, the City continues the process of planning and preparing for a gradual and full resumption of the remaining impacted programs and services.
The City’s approach to recovery will be phased and methodical to keep employees safe so they can continue to deliver programs and services to residents. Important work is well underway within many City departments as there are many programs and services that are being reviewed prior to full resumption.
Return of Staff to the Workplace
Preparations include the return of staff to the workplace who have been working at home since the onset of the pandemic, by September 1. As staff return, the City will be following the direction from the Government of Saskatchewan and Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety to meet our duty under the Occupational Health & Safety Act.
Masks and Physical Distancing – Civic Facilities and Public Outdoor Spaces
Masking and physical distancing requirements during the transition period will be guided by applicable Government of Saskatchewan directives at the time. Masks are always welcome to be worn, with a reminder they must be removed when participating in aquatic activities in Leisure Centres.
Until July 11, when visiting an indoor civic facility such as a Leisure Centre, City Hall, Transit Customer Service, and while riding a bus, protocols must still be followed by all staff and customers including those who have received a COVID-19 vaccination. This includes wearing a mask and maintaining physical distance.
Throughout the summer, any remaining outdoor and facility signage indicating mask wearing and/or physical distancing will be addressed by City crews.
Saskatoon Transit
Saskatoon Transit is reviewing all options and consulting various regulations and practices across Canada. Information will be shared on saskatoontransit.ca as it becomes available. Operator vinyl barriers will remain on buses and the number of riders will be monitored as we transition to full standing loads in July.
City Hall
The Payment Centre, Customer Service & Collections counters located in the lobby of City Hall continue to be open for in-person transactions. Additional customer services, previously available on other floors of City Hall, may be available from the lobby starting September 1. Access to the remainder of City Hall will be reviewed along with cafeteria services on the fourth floor.
Residents and customers are still encouraged to continue to use convenient online services.
Announced earlier, City Council meetings will resume in Chambers this September. Watch for more details on upcoming in-person meetings as they are announced.
Leisure Facilities & Programs
Leisure Centres and seasonal facilities and attractions will be preparing to increase regular programming in the Fall. Details will be available on the City’s website and social media channels, and in the seasonal Leisure Guide, available starting Friday, August 6 on saskatoon.ca/leisureguide or to pick up at any at leisure facility, library or over 120 retail locations where the StarPhoenix is sold.
Watch for more information and announcements regarding programs and services at saskatoon.ca.
Local students to have art displayed on buses
June 23, 2022 - 12:30pm
After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Saskatoon Transit was pleased to unveil two pieces of art on the side of transit buses today. This is the third time a student art contest has been run by Saskatoon Transit and this year the contest was open to Grade 3 and Grade 7 students across the city.
“It is such an exciting opportunity for Saskatoon Transit to partner with the elementary schools on this project. These students should feel very proud and honoured when they see their artwork driving past on the side of a bus this summer,” says Tracey Davis, Acting Director, Saskatoon Transit.
Grade 7 students Nuala, Neha, Radinsa and Marlee from Lakeridge School and Grade 3 students Reem, Ayan and Seth from Ecole Alvin Buckwold put their creativity to the test and were selected as this year’s best of show winners.
The winning pieces were chosen through a collaboration with the Remai Modern. Learning Program Coordinator Wendy Paterson judged the submissions based on how well they reflected the “Active Transportation” theme.
“Submissions clearly indicated students had reflected thoughtfully and imaginatively on the many ways people get around Saskatoon,” says Paterson. “Their collaborative depictions of communities that are themselves collaborative projects, were fittingly brimming with activity and colour, just like this community!”
The winning artwork will be displayed on the side of ten Saskatoon Transit buses traveling across Saskatoon throughout the summer.
“Congratulations to these students for showcasing the benefits of active transportation and exhibiting what it means to be environmentally responsible citizens,” says Superintendent Nicola Bishop-Yong with Saskatoon Public Schools. “Through our ‘Move to Grow’ initiative, our school division encourages students to pursue active transportation and make mindful choices that support their well-being, community, and world. I am proud of all the students who took part in this contest and expressed the importance of being community-minded stewards of the environment.”
“This partnership with the Remai, the Saskatoon Public School Board, and the Greater Saskatoon Catholic School Board helps support and promote art, especially local art, alongside how active transportation plays a critical part of public transit,” concludes Davis.
Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action inspire new Transit shelter
June 22, 2021 - 6:26am
Saskatoon Transit and students from the E.D. Feehan Newcomer Youth Engagement Program (NYEP) and the miyo mâcihowin program met with Métis Elder Nora Cummings, First Nations Elder Harry Lafond, and Newcomer Community Leader, Senos Timon to create and design a bus shelter on the north side of Rusholme Road, west of Avenue M by their school.
“There are many ways we can respond as a city to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action.” says Mayor Charlie Clark. “This project built a partnership between Saskatoon Transit, E.D. Feehan students and staff, and Indigenous elders and newcomer community leaders in creating this beautiful new bus shelter for the Westmount Neighbourhood. Thank you to everyone involved for the extra effort you put in through COVID to get the project done, congratulations!”
Following the success of the collaborations with students at Aden Bowman Collegiate on a Métis inspired bus shelter, and students at Nutana Collegiate on a First Nations inspired shelter, Saskatoon Transit wanted to work on another Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action, #93. This call-to-action calls to revise the information kit for newcomers to Canada to reflect a more inclusive history of the diverse Aboriginal people of Canada.
The students from the NYEP and miyo mâcihowin program reflected on Elder Cummings and Lafond’s teachings with inspiration from Newcomer Community Leader Senos Timon to create this piece of art. One of the themes that continued to pop up was the idea that we are all different and should be proud of that, and remember who we are and reach out to one another.
“This shelter is yet another example of building bridges of cross-cultural awareness,” says Jim McDonald, Director of Saskatoon Transit. “It is and will remain a physical reminder of the commitment the City has made on answering the Calls to Action.”
The student’s artwork, inspired by First Nations and Métis Elders and Newcomer Community Leader were put together by Muveddet Al-Katib, an immigrant artist working with the NYEP as an art educator and was then laser cut by Metal Shapes Manufacturing.
“I want to congratulate these young people on this project. It is a legacy they will leave not only for themselves, but for generations to come.” Cummings says. “This project helped to unify our youth, showed them how to work together. They did a wonderful job and will look back on this experience and remember the friendships made working together.”
“The Creator gives to each of us the creative spirit to create beauty through the lens of our cultures,” Lafond says. “The bus stop at E.D. Feehan High School captures the spirit of many cultures to show the growing diversity of our beautiful city. I hope this helps us understand the importance of these projects to our identity as a community of many peoples.”
“Arts bring people together; it inspires and unifies our communities regardless of age, race, and ethnicity, and it gives hope and reminds us that we are not alone,” says Senos Timon. “This project is a perfect example of how arts can be a vehicle to build bridges.”
"Students really benefited from meeting with and talking to the elders,” says Mike Stone, NYEP teacher. “It reinforced for students the value of listening to and learning from the stories of those that came before us. The process also helped illustrate to the students that even across differing cultures, there are more similarities than differences that exist between us."
The idea behind Saskatoon Transit’s Bus Shelter Art Project is to comply with the Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action #79; calling upon the government, Aboriginal organizations and the arts community, to develop a reconciliation framework for Canadian heritage and commemoration, including integrating Indigenous history, heritage values and memory practices into Canada’s history.
TRC Calls to Action inspire new piece of Indigenous art
June 22, 2022 - 3:16am
- In front of Aden Bowman Collegiate (1904 Clarence Ave S)
- 12th Street and Broadway Avenue
- E.D. Feehan on the north side of Rusholme Road, west of Avenue M
To coincide with Indigenous History Month and Indigenous Peoples Day, Saskatoon Transit has unveiled its fourth bus shelter displaying Indigenous artwork. These shelters reaffirm Saskatoon Transit’s commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #79.
This year’s shelter was created through a collaboration between the Saskatoon Survivors Circle and Indigenous artist, Justine "Tini" Stilborn. Stilborn worked to capture the reflections of the Survivors using visual art. She sought to tell the story of their past including the atrocities of residential schools, the Sixties Scoop, and those resulting from the child welfare and foster care system. But the artwork is also intended to capture the Survivors’ hopes for the future.
Stilborn created her designs using Procreate and Adobe Illustrator which were then cut out of metal sheets by MetalShapes for installation at 885 Confederation Drive.
“The meetings between the Survivors and Justine were open and emotional conversations about what we wanted to communicate through this piece of art” says Survivor Frank Badger.
“We hope this will become a place and symbol of reconciliation, healing, and unity for all Indigenous people” says Survivor Barb Badger.
The artwork’s storytelling begins on the left panel, with the Sixties Scoop depicting young Indigenous children being taken from their homes and families. This panel was done in red to convey the stereotype of the red skin of Indigenous people and the bloodshed and pain experienced.
The back panels illustrate Indigenous children’s involuntary assimilation to euro-western culture shown by the cutting of their hair. These panels also show Indigenous children being removed from their homes in more contemporary times, bridged by shoes that represent the unmarked graves of residential school children. The hands at the top reflect the broken connection between Indigenous generations and the yearning to reconnect. These panels were done in orange to align with orange shirt day and the Every Child Matters movement.
The right panel is designed to elicit a sense of freedom as Indigenous people return to their cultural practices and reconnect with their ancestors. This panel is yellow to represent hope and joy.
For the first time, art was also added to the ceiling of a bus shelter. “This piece depicts the dawn of a new day where Indigenous persons can celebrate their babies again without the fear of having them taken,” says Stilborn. “There are little faces in the clouds, drawn from the ultrasounds of my two daughters.”
“Saskatoon Transit’s work with the Saskatoon Survivors Circle continues to advance reconciliation in Saskatoon,” says Mayor Charlie Clark. “The stories of the Survivors are the truth we must understand that leads us towards meaningful reconciliation. The beautiful work of art by this Indigenous artist is now a visual representation of the Survivors stories. Thank you to the Survivors Circle, to Justine, and to Saskatoon Transit for all being part of our shared journey towards reconciliation.”
“Following the location of unmarked residential school graves, Saskatoon Transit was inspired to reach out to the Saskatoon Survivors Circle,” says Tracey Davis, Acting Director of Saskatoon Transit. “Truth and reconciliation go hand in hand, and this year was our opportunity to help tell those truths through this shelter installation.”
“Art brings people together; it creates conversations, inspires and unifies our communities, and gives hope for the future,” says Melissa Cote, the City’s Director of Indigenous Initiatives. “This project is a perfect example of how art can be healing as well as an opportunity for learning.”
The other three Saskatoon Transit bus shelters displaying Indigenous artwork are located at the following locations: