News Releases

The City is set to begin major improvement work on Taylor Street eastbound, just after the intersection with Arlington Avenue. This section of roadway has been identified as an area prone to congestion. The aim of this construction work is to improve the flow of traffic through the intersection and to alleviate the congestion on Taylor Street eastbound.

“This is a pinch point that has been on our radar for some time, and I think the work we’re set to undertake is really going to improve the safety and flow of the entire Taylor-Arlington intersection,” says Tim Bushman, Engineering Manager with the Construction & Design Division. “We expect this work will reduce delays for Taylor Street road users headed eastbound. It should also improve the safety and ease of turning right onto Taylor from Arlington where we’ve observed the bus bay being used as a merging lane.”

The main improvements to be made include:

• Widening of Taylor Street eastbound, after the Arlington Avenue intersection.
• Realignment of Taylor Street, after the Arlington Avenue intersection, to create a continuous two-lane eastbound section of roadway.
• Reconfiguration of sidewalks, concrete medians and light posts to match the realignment.

While construction is in progress, two-way traffic will be maintained on Taylor Street, but road users can expect to encounter lane restrictions and delays. Some short term turning restrictions at Taylor Street and Arlington Avenue may also be required while lane and median construction is underway. Construction will be active on the weekends as well.

To avoid conflicting with school-bound traffic come fall, the contract terms stipulate that the work at this location must be complete by August 31, barring heavy rain or unforeseen complications. Work is expected to get underway on Monday (August 13).

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.

The Saskatoon Fire Department acknowledges that residents and visitors are looking for a place to cool down in the summer’s heat and might choose the river. If that is the case, we would like to stress the importance of doing so safely. The Saskatoon Fire Department cautions the community of the dangers associated with using the South Saskatchewan River.

As per City of Saskatoon Bylaw No. 4433, swimming in the South Saskatchewan River is prohibited within City limits. Wading, which is the act of walking through a body of water, is permitted unless otherwise posted.

Any large body of water offers an inviting environment to cool down in the summer; however, the underlying functions of the South Saskatchewan River, including strong currents and barriers to alter the flow of water, can result in a potentially dangerous situation. It’s important to remember that the South Saskatchewan River is unpredictable, and that the shore’s edge and riverbed are considered extremely unstable. Obstacles and discarded debris pose an additional threat to those choosing to use the river for recreational purposes.

Engaging in the consumption of drugs and/or alcohol when in or around the river presents an increased risk to one’s safety. These substances are capable of influencing your ability to function, and can therefore increase the likelihood of a water-related emergency.

The South Saskatchewan River can pose a significant danger when a lack of care and consideration is given to following safe practices around the river. Remember to always be cautious near larger bodies of water.

In an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Saskatoon continues to make strides in re-developing the environmental landscape throughout the city.

In an effort to increase local green innovation, climate change resiliency and infrastructure planning, the City has been approved for environmental funding amounting to roughly $500,000 from the Government of Canada, delivered through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

“Our city is at a pivotal time in how we grow and develop,” says Brenda Wallace, Director of Environmental and Corporate Initiatives“We have many opportunities to work with nature and leverage environmental initiatives for more sustainable prosperity. It’s important that these projects are not postponed for future generations; rather, we have the opportunity to act now while there are choices and options.“Through the funding received, we are able to shift toward an optimistic vision for a sustainable community.”

As growth continues, the City needs to be mindful of how old infrastructure is replaced, as well as how density is increased in established areas, and the way we interact with our environment.

“As Saskatoon continues on a course for growth, we need to be mindful of both new development areas and also abandoned, derelict, underutilized properties,” says Lesley Anderson, Director of Planning & Development. “The funding received for the Brownfield Renewal Strategy will support this major Plan for Growth initiative as we aim to assess and prioritize these types of sites along the City’s major corridors for revitalization.”

Funding from two infrastructure initiatives, the Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program (MCIP) and the Green Municipal Fund (GMF), were received for five of the City’s projects. These initiatives are about helping municipalities prepare for, and adapt to, climate change, while providing knowledge services to support sustainable community development, all with the target to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and improve the environment.

In January of this year, the City also received $125,000 for Climate Change Mitigation.

To learn more about Saskatoon’s environmental initiatives, visit saskatoon.ca/environment and for the Brownfield Renewal Strategy, visit saskatoon.ca/brownfield-renewal-strategy.

Plan for Growth projects are funded in part under the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund (PTIF) from the Government of Canada. The Government of Saskatchewan administers federal PTIF funding in the province. The City is funding the remainder of the Plan.

Visits to the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo) are about to get even more fun with the unveiling of the new Orano Fun Zone playground!  A state-of-the-art accessible playground, the Orano Fun Zone playground is an attraction of its own, certain to delight children of all ages.

The new playground features a variety of accessible components, including a nature-inspired themed PlayBoosterR Treehouse, OodlerR Swing, Talk Tubes, and much more!

“The new playground is an excellent addition to the Zoo,” says Tim Sinclair-Smith, Zoo Manager.  “We couldn’t be more grateful for the work of the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation and the generous contribution from Orano Canada.”

The playground replaces an older wooden play structure and is located in a new, more accessible area next to the orchard in the Zoo.  The major upgrade was made possible thanks to the efforts and dedication of the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation, which raises funds for capital projects and improvements within the Zoo.

“The Saskatoon Zoo Foundation could not be more excited for this playground.  Working closely with Orano and our other playtime partners to build an accessible playground inside the Zoo is a true testament of community spirit.  For a better tomorrow, we want our children to play today, and everyone involved is absolutely thrilled to see the playground’s addition to the wonderful experience the Zoo has to offer,” says Dawn Woroniuk, Executive Director, Saskatoon Zoo Foundation.

Through the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation, the project received a generous donation from Orano Canada Inc. as part of its commitment to invest in community initiatives in the regions where its employees reside.  Orano Canada Inc. has been exploring for uranium, developing uranium mines, and producing uranium concentrate in Saskatchewan for over 50 years.

“We are proud to invest in our community and to support a facility such as the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo that serves so many in Saskatoon, in our province, and many visitors from beyond our borders.  Despite the difficult times for our industry, Orano Canada has been planning for this contribution for some time and we are particularly pleased to have been able to contribute to the construction of this new, accessible playground as it allows all children to have the opportunity to play together,” says Tammy Van Lambalgen, Vice President Corporate Affairs & General Counsel of Orano Canada Inc.  “The Orano Fun Zone provides a space within the Zoo for young children to learn and develop many skills while they play.  It is an area that will be a fun stop for many families visiting the Zoo, including our own employees and their children.”

The Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.  Additional information, such as admission rates and details on the recently launched Season Pass, can be found at saskatoon.ca/zoo.

After more than 900 votes, the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo (Zoo) is pleased to announce that the infant Goeldi monkey has been named Calli.

“We wanted to extend a huge thank you to everyone that participated in selecting the name Calli for the newest member of the Goeldi troop,” said Tim Sinclair-Smith, Zoo Manager.

Calli was selected by popular vote after the Zoo narrowed down the selection to four potential names, including Calli, Maku, Tupi, and Sofia.

Citizens can see Calli and the rest of the Goeldi troop in the monkey enclosure at the Kinsmen Children’s Zoo exhibit year-round.

The Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.  Additional information, such as admission rates and details on the recently launched Season Pass, can be found online at saskatoon.ca/zoo.