News Releases

The City of Saskatoon is getting provincial funding to create a more visible pedestrian crossing at Clarence Avenue and 14^th Street. The $45,000 grant, funded through photo speed enforcement proceeds, will go toward pavement markings, signage, special illumination and pedestrian-activated amber flashing beacons. 

“The illuminated crossing will significantly improve pedestrian safety at Clarence Avenue and 14^th Street,” says Jay Magus, Director of Transportation. “Right now, this pedestrian crossing has pavement markings, but no special illumination or flashing beacons to alert drivers of pedestrians crossing at this intersection. Now, pedestrians will be a lot more visible to drivers.”

Residents of Nutana and Varsity View had identified Clarence Avenue and 14^th Street as a necessary location for pedestrian safety improvements through the City’s neighbourhood traffic review process. In choosing recipients, the Photo Speed Enforcement Committee looked at criteria focused on priority areas including intersection safety, aggressive driving, speeding and vulnerable road users.

The improved pedestrian crossing is expected to be operational by this fall.

Provincial Traffic Safety Fund grants will be awarded twice annually. The City plans to continue submitting funding applications to improve safety at other intersections and school zones throughout Saskatoon.

There were fewer complaints about fire pits following last year’s bylaw change, a City report says.

“Overall, the past year has gone as expected with the rate of complaints dropping off slightly; we’re effectively using the tools available to us for enforcement action,” says Fire Chief Morgan Hackl. “Because of the increased enforcement, we have had a reduction in the number of repeated complaints to the same locations.”

The Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services will consider the report at its regular meeting Monday, May 13.

The report highlights the progress of the awareness campaign and bylaw enforcement in the first year of additional regulations. Council passed regulations in April 2018 prohibiting fires outside the hours of 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily.

Following the passing of the bylaw, an awareness campaign was launched to make residents aware of the requirements for the proper use and construction of open-air fires, including permitted hours of use.

In 2018, the Saskatoon Fire Department responded to 215 complaints compared to 236 in 2017 and 205 in 2016.  There were 127 enforcement actions taken; of those the majority of violations were for illegal containers (46%), followed by burning improper materials (33%), for burning outside of permitted hours (13%), and burning unattended (8%).

“With more discussion in the community, we’re hoping more people are aware of the rules so as not to be a nuisance for their neighbours,” Chief Hackl says. “As usual, we’ll continue to get the message out about the regulations and encourage residents to be good neighbours by enjoying fires responsibly and respectfully.”

Complaints related to open-air fires make up a small percentage (1.5%) of all incidents the Saskatoon Fire Department responds to each year.

To find out more, or to read Bylaw No. 9484 The Fire and Protective Services Amendment Bylaw, 2018, visit saskatoon.ca/bylaws.

The City of Saskatoon’s Emergency Management Organization (EMO) reports that yesterday’s city-wide notifynow test message sent to Saskatoon residents was successful.

The purpose of all emergency drills, tests, and full scale-exercises is to identify any issues that could impact an emergency response.  During last night’s exercise, an issue was identified that impacted the timing of the notifynow test message; the test was sent at 7:41 p.m.  The test successfully identified an issue in the data source that has been addressed.  Testing of the notifynow emergency messaging system ensures that in a real event, this issue will not impact this essential communication with citizens.

“Saskatoon’s population is now over 270,000 and growing. So far, we’ve had just over 24,000 residents customize their notifynow profile,” says Pamela Goulden-McLeod, Director of Emergency Planning. “We are pleased that this number continues to grow, but we would really like to see more residents customize their profile. It’s important to remember that notifynow can’t reach you and your family if you have incomplete or out-of-date contact information in the notifynow system.”   

Did you receive your notifynow test message last evening? Have you taken steps to be prepared, connected and informed in the event of a citywide emergency or one affecting only your neighbourhood? Trusted notifynow messages can help you feel less vulnerable.

“If you have a phone number that is publicly available, you may be in the notifynow system,” adds Goulden-McLeod. “However, we encourage residents to visit the City’s website to indicate how they want to receive their notifynow emergency notification messages. Many residents now prefer cell phone, text or email, or maybe all of these options, and you can also register for up to other five addresses.”

It’s easy to customize your notifynow profile and your communication preferences. Help notifynow reach you - and more Saskatoon residents with timely, trusted and targeted emergency notification messages.

“Notifynow messages should play an important part in your family’s emergency preparedness plan,” adds Goulden-McLeod. “These emergency safety messages can tell you what to do, what to expect, or even where to go in an emergency situation, and this greatly helps to reduce stress for you and those you care about.”

Visit saskatoon.ca/notifynow today to customize your communication preferences or call 306-975-3210 for more information.

The City is joining thousands of North American employers to celebrate a commitment to building a safe and healthy workplace during Safety and Health Week May 5-11. Safety is a core value at the City of Saskatoon and its part of who we are.

“Throughout the week work groups will gather to recognize our accomplishments and reinforce our commitment to employee health, safety and wellness,” says Sarah Cameron, Chief Human Resource Officer. “Occupational Health & Safety committees across the corporation are planning events and information sessions to promote a safe and health workplace and home life.”

The goal during Safety and Health Week is to focus employers, employees, partners and the public on the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace, at home and in the community. NAOSH Week was renamed Safety and Health Week in January 2019.

City Council proclaimed May 5-11 as NAOSH Week, as requested by the local Canadian Society of Safety Engineering, and a flag is flying in Civic Square.

City Council will put into practice a new Code of Ethics following recommendations from the Saskatoon Municipal Review Commission (MRC) and a series of Council discussions.  Council approved Bylaw 9537, The Code of Ethical Conduct for Members of City Council Bylaw, 2019 (Code) at its regular business meeting April 29, 2019.

The Code unites the 2012 Code of Conduct, the 2017 Code of Ethics Bylaw, and the recommendations of the MRC’s Municipal Code of Conduct Committee Report, dated February 11, 2016.

New! Integrity Commissioner

The addition of an independent Integrity Commissioner is established in the Code, as are complaint and investigation processes.

More clarity around gifts & benefits received

Members of City Council may only accept gifts or benefits that are permitted by the list of exceptions in the Code. The Code stipulates disclosure of gifts over $100 for individual gifts or cumulative gifts received from one source during the calendar year. Food or beverages consumed at receptions, meetings, sporting events, or other similar activities are excluded from disclosure in the Code.

Outside activities, what’s allowed

Council Members may continue to support community and charitable organizations, however, members must not directly manage or control any monies received relating to community or charitable organization fundraising unless they are an employee of the organization. The Code permits members to hold board director roles in charitable or non-profit organizations that hold community events in the city.

The Code of Ethical Conduct for Members of City Council Bylaw supports the Strategic Goals of Continuous Improvement and Quality of Life by promoting transparency of municipal government and supporting City Council in providing good governance to citizens of Saskatoon.

To find out more, or to read Bylaw 9537 in full, visit saskatoon.ca.