News Releases

The Saskatoon Fire Department would like to remind everyone to follow safe practices when purchasing, enjoying, and disposing of fireworks. Bylaw No. 7990 prohibits the discharge of fireworks except on Victoria Day, Canada Day, Labour Day and New Year’s Eve. This Labour Day, Monday, September 3^rd, low-hazard fireworks can only be discharged on private property between the hours of dusk and 11:00 p.m.

Residents and visitors need to familiarize themselves with the risks and obligations associated with fireworks:

• Carefully read and follow the manufacturer instructions,
• Exercise increased caution when handling and discharging any type of firework,
• Choose your location wisely, noting that fireworks can only be discharged on private property,
• Ensure your location is free of overhead obstructions, is clear side-to-side, and is a safe distance from combustible materials,
• Familiarize yourself with the space requirements for each type of firework being discharged,
• Be sure to properly stabilize the firework according to manufacturer directions, and
• Keep in mind that you are solely responsible for any debris that may land on your spectators or adjacent property.

After dusk, when you are ready to discharge the fireworks, ensure that weather conditions are favourable, and always light the fuse of the firework at its tip. Never light or hold a lit firework in your hand. Remember to be extremely careful when discharging fireworks; the debris or smoldering embers could cause injuries, property damage, and/or fires. Always keep a water supply close by.

Wait at least 30 minutes before beginning the clean-up process. Used fireworks and debris should be disposed of in a pail of water. Never try to relight or fix the fuse on fireworks that didn’t go off.

If choosing to enjoy the fireworks display from the South Saskatchewan River, be sure to exercise proper river etiquette by:

• Ensuring your craft is equipped with appropriate markers and lighting after dark,
• Operating your human- or motor-powered craft in a safe manner,
• Maintaining a respectful distance from other river users,
• Not operating any type of craft while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and
• Caring for the environment by properly launching, fueling, starting, and loading your craft.

It is important to remember that you may not be the only craft on the waterway, and to always be aware of your surroundings; this includes monitoring the actions of other river users.

Currently, there is no fire ban in effect for Saskatoon. It is always recommended that residents and visitors celebrate safely at public firework displays that are hosted by a trusted organization. If you choose to observe the fireworks from the South Saskatchewan River, the Saskatoon Fire Department emphasizes the importance of always exercising proper river etiquette. If you choose to celebrate Labour Day by sending off your own fireworks, be sure to follow all safe practices, and only send them off between dusk and 11:00 p.m.

The Saskatoon Fire Department wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable Labour Day.

 In an emergency, call 911 immediately.

The 2018 Building Better Roads construction season is about two thirds of the way complete, and the City is on schedule and even ahead of schedule in some areas. Near perfect construction weather and few unexpected issues have contributed to a smooth season so far.

“We’re really pleased that our road and sidewalk work is already about 90 per cent complete,” says Celene Anger, Director of Construction and Design. “If the weather continues to cooperate, we do expect to complete about 20 per cent more sidewalk work than we projected—we’re very happy about that.”

Another project that benefitted from the favourable construction conditions was the Circle Drive over 33^rd Street northbound overpass which was completed five weeks ahead of schedule. This project’s early finish was attributed to a combination of nice weather and contractor efforts.

Anger says it’s too soon to say whether the City will be able to accelerate other projects or complete additional work.

“In deciding whether we can proceed with additional work, there are a lot of things that need to be considered,” says Anger. “Budget is the primary consideration and only certain types of work can be started at end of season and carried over into the next year.”

Following is an update on some key areas of City construction and maintenance:

• Potholes & utility cuts: City crews have filled the equivalent (based on an average sized pothole with a 12” diameter and 4” depth) of 99,100 potholes with asphalt. Infrared pothole patching, a new technique for the City of Saskatoon, is ongoing on Circle Drive. Crews have repaired 1,690 utility cuts to date.
• Back lanes: Back lane grading is 95% complete and back lane reconstruction will begin September 10^th.
• Line painting: Lines on roadways and crosswalks (1,035 across the city) have received their first coat of paint and the application of the second and final coat is in progress. A total of 420 km of white paint, 235 km of yellow paint, and 5.6 km of Durable Line Markings have been applied so far.
• Water & sewer: Water and sewer replacement and rehabilitation work is about 70% complete across the city. A total of 17,885 metres of water and sewer line has been restored or replaced as well as 341 underground connections. The work on Idylwyld Drive and at Avenue J/29^th Street is complete and the work in City Park and in Forest Grove is ongoing.
• Roadways: Of the City’s planned 206 lane km of roadway improvements, 183 km are now complete.
• Sidewalks: The City has completed 19 km of sidewalk replacement. An additional 3,892 sidewalk panels have received maintenance and preservation treatments.
• Intersections: The road and sidewalk work at the intersection of Taylor & Arlington has completed; some short duration finishing/clean-up work (i.e. irrigation, light post lines, medians) will be scheduled in the weeks to come.
  Interchanges: The McOrmond interchange remains in progress with a target of opening in October 2018. The Boychuk interchange is on schedule to open in summer 2019.
• Overpass structures: Major rehabilitation and repair work on the Circle Drive over 33^rd Street northbound overpass completed in early August. The 2018 washing and sealing program has also completed on city overpass and bridge structures.
• Bridges: Both the new Traffic Bridge and the Chief Mistawasis Bridge (North Commuter Parkway) are on schedule to open in October 2018.

More information about the 2018 Building Better Roads plan is available at saskatoon.ca/BetterRoads. You can also access Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/ServiceAlerts or follow @YXEServiceAlert on Twitter.

*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.

NEW

AVE L S NB, SB & WB LANES CLOSED AT 18TH ST W
(Water main tie-in)
Start: August 27, 7:00 a.m. End: August 31, 5:00 p.m.

TAYLOR ST E EB MEDIAN & LEFT TURN LANES CLOSED. WB LEFT TURN LANE CLOSED. AT WEYAKWIN DR
(Manhole repairs)
Start: August 27, 9:00 a.m. End: August 27, 12:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DR W SB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM AIRPORT DR TO 33RD ST W
(Pothole patching)
Start: August 27, 10:30 a.m. End: August 27, 4:00 p.m.

ONGOING

LORNE AVE NB & SB LANES CLOSED FROM JASPER AVE TO EXHIBITION GROUNDS RD
(Water main connection)
Start: August 21, 7:00 a.m. End: August 27, 7:00 p.m.

21ST ST E WB ROAD CLOSED FROM 2ND AVE S TO 1ST AVE S
(Fibre installation)
Start: August 23, 7:00 a.m. End: August 28, 5:00 p.m.

2ND AVE S NB ROAD CLOSED FROM SPADINA CRES E TO 19TH ST E
(Catch basin installation)
Start: August 24, 12:00 p.m. End: August 28, 5:00 p.m.

NEAULT RD NB & SB SPEED REDUCTION FROM 33RD ST W & KENSINGTON GATE W
(water main installation)
Start: August 15, 7:00 a.m. END: October 15, 5:00 p.m.

115TH ST E EB & WB LANES CLOSED FROM SPRUCE DR TO INNES CRT
(Water main rehab)
Start: July 19, 9:00 a.m. End: August 29, 4:00 p.m.

TAYLOR ST E EB CURB LANE CLOSED AT ARLINGTON AVE
(Intersection improvements)
Start: August 13, 7:00 a.m. End: August 31, 5:00 p.m.

MCCLOCKLIN RD NB & SB LANES CLOSED FROM RICHARDSON RD TO CLAYPOOL DR
(Roadway removal, underground utilities & roadway construction)
Start: August 14, 9:00 a.m. End: August 31, 6:00 p.m.

RUSHOLME RD CLOSED AT AVE J S
(Water main replacement)
Start: August 17, 7:00 a.m. End: August 31, 7:00 p.m.

LOUISE AVE NB & SB LANES CLOSED FROM TAYLOR ST E TO 3RD ST E
(Road resurfacing)
Start: August 25, 7:00 a.m. End: September 1, 5:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD CRES NB & SB LANES CLOSED FROM 11TH ST E TO IDYLWYLD DR S
(Sewer rehab)
Start: August 7, 7:00 a.m. End: September 4, 6:00 p.m.

4TH AVE N NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 22ND ST E TO 23RD ST E
(Exterior finishing)
NB traffic maintained with realignment
Start: July 8, 7:00 a.m. End: September 10, 5:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DR E SB CURB & CENTER LANES CLOSED AT 8TH ST E
(Water main maintenance)
Start: July 30, 9:00 a.m. End: September 14, 5:00 p.m.

COLLEGE DR FROM CENTRAL AVE TO CIRCLE DR E
(Ditch excavation)
Start: July 26, 9:00 a.m. End: September 14, 6:00 p.m.

115TH ST E EB & WB LANES CLOSED FROM BRADWELL AVE TO SPRUCE DR
(Water main replacement)
Start: August 26, 8:00 a.m. End: September 22, 4:00 p.m.

CENTRAL AVE SB LANES CLOSED FROM KONIHOWSKI RD TO FEDORUK DR
(Roadway construction)
Two-way traffic will be accommodated in the NB lanes.
Start: November 6, 7:00 a.m. End: October 1, 5:00 p.m.
 

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.

NEW

22ND ST E EB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED AT IDYLWYLD DR S
(Gas valve maintenance)
Start: August 26, 6:00 a.m. End: August 26, 7:00 a.m.

COLLEGE DR EB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM SPADINA CRES E TO SASKATCHEWAN CRES E
(Minor bridge repair)
Start: August 25, 7:00 a.m. End: August 25, 5:30 p.m.

NEAULT RD NB & SB LANES CLOSED FROM 22ND ST W TO 33RD ST W
(Roadway patching)
Start: August 26, 7:00 a.m. End: August 26, 4:00 p.m.

LOUISE AVE NB & SB LANES CLOSED FROM TAYLOR ST E TO 3RD ST E
(Road resurfacing)
Start: August 25, 7:00 a.m. End: September 1, 5:00 p.m.

5TH AVE N NB & SB LANES CLOSED FROM QUEEN ST TO 26TH ST E
(Rooftop crane setup)
Start: August 26, 8:00 a.m. End: August 26, 1:00 p.m.

115TH ST E EB & WB LANES CLOSED FROM BRADWELL AVE TO SPRUCE DR
(Water main replacement)
Start: August 26, 8:00 a.m. End: September 22, 4:00 p.m.

NIGHT WORK

115TH ST E EB & WB LANES CLOSED FROM BRADWELL AVE TO SPRUCE DR
(Sewer lining)
Start: August 24, 7:00 p.m. End: August 25, 7:00 a.m.


ONGOING

LORNE AVE NB & SB LANES CLOSED FROM JASPER AVE TO EXHIBITION GROUNDS RD
(Water main connection)
Start: August 21, 7:00 a.m. End: August 27, 7:00 p.m.

2ND AVE S NB ROAD CLOSED FROM SPADINA CRES E TO 19TH ST E
(Catch basin installation)
Start: August 24, 12:00 p.m. End: August 28, 5:00 p.m.

21ST ST E WB ROAD CLOSED FROM 2ND AVE S TO 1ST AVE S
(Fibre installation)
Start: August 23, 7:00 a.m. End: August 28, 5:00 p.m.

115TH ST E EB & WB LANES CLOSED FROM SPRUCE DR TO INNES CRT
(Water main rehab)
Start: July 19, 9:00 a.m. End: August 29, 4:00 p.m.

TAYLOR ST E EB CURB LANE CLOSED AT ARLINGTON AVE
(Intersection improvements)
Start: August 13, 7:00 a.m. End: August 31, 5:00 p.m.

MCCLOCKLIN RD NB & SB CLOSED FROM RICHARDSON RD TO CLAYPOOL DR
(Roadway removal, underground utilities & roadway construction)
Start: August 14, 9:00 a.m. End: August 31, 6:00 p.m.

RUSHOLME RD ALL LANES CLOSED AT AVE J S
(Water main replacement)
Start: August 17, 7:00 a.m. End: August 31, 7:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD CRES NB & SB LANES CLOSED FROM 11TH ST E TO IDYLWYLD DR S
(Sewer rehab)
Start: August 7, 7:00 a.m. End: September 4, 6:00 p.m.

4TH AVE N NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 22ND ST E TO 23RD ST E
(Exterior finishing)
NB traffic maintained with realignment
Start: July 8, 7:00 a.m. End: September 10, 5:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DR E SB CURB & CENTER LANES CLOSED AT 8TH ST E
(Water main maintenance)
Start: July 30, 9:00 a.m. End: September 14, 5:00 p.m.

COLLEGE DR CLOSED FROM CENTRAL AVE TO CIRCLE DR E
(Ditch excavation)
Start: July 26, 9:00 a.m. End: September 14, 6:00 p.m.

CENTRAL AVE SB LANES CLOSED FROM KONIHOWSKI RD TO FEDORUK DR
(Roadway construction)
Two-way traffic will be accommodated in the NB lanes.
Start: November 6, 7:00 a.m. End: October 1, 5:00 p.m.
 

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

With the approval of the Water Security Agency, the City of Saskatoon has lifted the Do Not Use water advisory for the Rosewood Commercial Area, including Meadows Market. The area has been under an advisory since May 11, 2018 after potential hydrocarbon contamination was discovered in a few area hydrants.

“This type of contaminant was something we had no experience with so we needed time to conduct comprehensive testing and formulate a careful approach to remediation,” says Angela Gardiner, Acting General Manager of Transportation & Utilities. “The process to lift the water advisory wasn’t a quick one but it was thorough which means we can feel confident in lifting the advisory and returning the area to full use of the permanent underground water supply.”

“Initially, all that was understood was that a black substance was identified in certain hydrants that potentially contained hydrocarbon properties,” says Chris Mathies, Principal & Sector Leader with Environmental Services at Stantec—a global engineering firm contracted to lead remediation. “We now know that the water quality in the Rosewood Commercial Area was not compromised. As a precautionary measure, remediation activities were carried out to thoroughly clean and test the water infrastructure.”

Inspections and remediation activities conducted in June-July 2018 included:
•      Camera inspections of water distribution system with a high definition camera to assess conditions before and after remediation.
•      High pressure flushing and regular flushing.
•      Scrubbing, also known as pigging.

Since the completion of inspection and remediation activities, confirmatory testing has been ongoing to verify that the water continues to meet all drinking water standards. Properties located within the Rosewood Commercial Area, including Meadows Market, received notification that the advisory had been lifted earlier today.