News Releases

Each year, water enthusiasts head out to the many lakes and rivers across the country to indulge in water sports and activities. This can be an excellent way to spend some time enjoying the outdoors with friends and family, but only when done safely and responsibly. The Saskatoon Fire Department would like to emphasize the importance of having and maintaining the proper flotation equipment so that it is ready to use.

Lifejackets and personal flotation devices (PFDs) are an integral element of staying safe when in or around larger bodies of water. Slight variations between the function and purpose of lifejackets and PFDs exist; however, both act as a life-saving flotation device.

Start by selecting the appropriate flotation device for your desired purpose. Be sure that the flotation device is Transport Canada approved, and that it is the proper fit relative to your weight and body type.

Remember that if the activity you are participating in involves a human- or motor-powered watercraft, you are required by law to have a Transport Canada approved lifejacket or PFD for each person on board the craft.

Never use your flotation device for purposes that it was not intended for; this could cause damage and wear that will affect the functionality of the flotation device. If the flotation device is expired, altered, ripped, or otherwise misshapen, it is no longer effective and must be replaced.

When finished with your flotation device, make sure it is stored properly in a dry and airy location. If the flotation device is wet, allow ample time for drying, keeping in mind that it should be out of direct sunlight and never be dried using a direct source of heat, such as radiators or dryers.

Always exercise safe practices when in or around larger bodies of water. Wear your Transport Canada approved lifejacket or PFD. 

In an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Saskatoon Transit is asking residents to nominate bus stops for improvements or shelter replacement.

The Bus Stop Blues campaign kicks-off today on Saskatoon Transit Twitter, City of Saskatoon Twitter and the City of Saskatoon’s Facebook page. Over the next four weeks, using the hashtag #BusStopBluesYXE, Saskatoon Transit is asking residents to post a photo and the location of the bus stop where they would like to see improvements. 

“We started the Bus Stop Blues campaign last fall and found people really responded to it, so we are once again asking residents where they would like to see improvements made,” says Jim McDonald, Director of Saskatoon Transit.

McDonald says Saskatoon Transit has been focusing on improving the Transit customer experience and bus stops and shelters play a big part in that. “Saskatoon Transit is listening and reacting to customer feedback. This is an opportunity for the public to help shape the future of Saskatoon Transit in our city.”

Following the campaign, bus shelters and stops will be classified to see what improvements can be made this year and what improvements may have to wait until the spring.

Saskatoon Transit has allocated funds to improve approximately 23 bus stops throughout the City of Saskatoon.

As we progress through the summer months, the Saskatoon Fire Department would like to remind residents and visitors of the responsibilities and expectations when operating a human- or motor-powered craft on the South Saskatchewan River.

Watercraft are permitted on the South Saskatchewan River where posted, and require proof of competency. Watercraft operators are required by law to have a lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD) on board for each person; this includes both human- and motor-powered crafts. Please ensure that the watercraft is in good condition, that you have made an emergency plan, left a travel plan, and consistently monitor weather conditions. Be sure to learn and obey all laws and regulations of the local jurisdiction.

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. River users should maintain proper river etiquette, and be considerate of others on the waterway. You do so by:

• Operating your craft at a safe speed,

• Maintaining a respectful distance from other river users,

• Not operating a craft while under the influence of drugs or alcohol,

• Ensuring your craft is equipped with appropriate markers and lighting, and

• Caring for the environment by properly launching, fueling, starting, and loading your craft

Obstacles and discarded debris can pose a threat to watercrafts, as well as passengers; Operators should be aware of the potential and marked hazards, and use knowledge and good judgment when approaching them.

The South Saskatchewan River can pose a significant danger when a lack of care and consideration is given to following the rules and regulations of the waterway. Remember to always be cautious whether in or around larger bodies of water, and to exercise respectful river etiquette if using the river for recreation or leisure purposes. The Transport Canada guide to safe boating on Canada’s waterways can be found here. 

In an emergency, call 911 immediately.

The City of Saskatoon has released an updated strategic plan to reflect the priorities of City Council. The revised plan places the focus on achieving important outcomes during the 2018-2021 period.

“The refreshed Strategic Plan incorporates a new and innovative leadership model of City Council to address the challenges and opportunities of a changing world,” says Mayor Charlie Clark. “By empowering all members of City Council in 10 priority areas, we can work through some complex, sticky issues by working with stakeholders and making progress for the benefits of the citizens of Saskatoon. This leadership model is a bold change for the City and offers another opportunity to truly unlock the full potential of our community.”

In 2012, City Council adopted a 10-year Strategic Plan that reflected the visionary ambitions of people in Saskatoon through the community visioning process Saskatoon Speaks. The updated plan still includes public input from that initiative, but also incorporates the sentiment from the January 2017, Let’s Talk 2020 engagement initiative where citizens shared their thoughts on what the City’s priorities should be over the next four years.

“The foundation of the strategic plan remains intact, but we have gained a better understanding of what its seven Strategic Goals mean to our city,” says City Manager, Jeff Jorgenson. “This improved awareness offers an opportunity to refine the plan and establish well-defined outcomes for each Strategic Goal that reflect the current City Council.”

Other enhancements include measures to monitor progress that correspond to each outcome and specific actions Administration will take to make progress. It sets things in a way that ensures that the City’s programs and services will address the needs of the community while keeping within our financial means. The updates are timely as this plan will help guide the City’s first ever multi-year business plan and budget process starting in 2020.

“The timeframe of this plan reflects the term of City Council,” says Jorgenson. “It is good governance to revisit the plan at regular intervals to keep us on track for realizing our vision for the future to make Saskatoon a great place to live, work, learn and play.”

The plan will go into action once it is formally approved by City Council.

The major rehabilitation and repair work of the Circle Drive over 33^rd Street northbound overpass has been completed five weeks ahead of schedule. Barring weather issues or unforeseen complications, the traffic restrictions will be removed and the road reopened to regular vehicle traffic this weekend.

“We are extremely pleased to have this work completed, and a return to normal traffic use, sooner than expected,” says Todd Grabowski, Manager of Asset Preservation for Bridges. “The near perfect weather and the fact that we encountered no major issues allowed us to accelerate our schedule and move ahead of where we expected to be at this point in the project.”

The work got underway on July 3, 2018 and was expected to take until mid-September to complete. The rehabilitation work included asphalt removal and replacement, concrete repairs, application of waterproofing membrane, and the removal and replacement of expansion joints. Based on the Bridges and Structures Inspection and Deck Testing Program, the Circle Drive southbound overpass did not require rehabilitation at this time.

“We want to thank road users for their patience and cooperation while we carried out this necessary construction,” says Grabowski. “This proactive work will ensure the bridge structure continues to serve drivers for many years to come.”

Every day, approximately 20,000 vehicles pass over the Circle Drive over 33^rd Street northbound overpass.