News Releases

City Council updated its Building Bylaw and repealed its 25-year-old predecessor at its Tuesday, May 23 meeting.

“It’s business as usual, just better,” says Director of Building Standards, Kara Fagnou.  “We have consolidated and improved our information to capture all key aspects of the building process into the bylaw.”

Building Bylaw No. 9455 (Bylaw) will replace Building Bylaw No. 7306.

“The intent of the Bylaw is to better reflect current practices and provide tools to better administer our programs,” Fagnou says.  “The updates will also clarify the requirements and conditions for building permit applicants and what people or companies can expect when building in Saskatoon.”

The Bylaw updates will enhance program transparency by clarifying what the application requirements and permitting conditions are.  Some of these conditions include:

• defining permit expiry dates;
• outlining the process for requesting a permit extension; and
• clarifying site conditions and construction signage requirements.

Importantly, key industry stakeholders were involved in improving the way life-safety systems are addressed throughout the building process.  These partners helped incorporate new requirements for on-site life-safety system reviews to make sure installations are done in accordance with the approved engineered design; this was previously outside the scope of the program.

The updated Bylaw will contain new administration fees to support the sustainability of the Building Inspection and Plan Review Programs.  The administration fees will apply only to customers who request to:

• extend the term of their building permit;
• reinstate a building permit; or
• cancel a building permit.

Full enforcement of the Bylaw provisions is proposed for January 1, 2018.  The City’s Building Standards Division will work with industry and civic departments over the next six months to develop an implementation plan to support the rollout of the updated Bylaw.

“Overall, the updated Bylaw provides a platform to communicate building permit requirements and conditions in a clear and consistent manner,” Fagnou says.  “It helps promote good neighbour practices through transparent building permit program administration, and it supports the City’s Strategic Goals by balancing growth with accountability and public safety.”

For more information on the updated Bylaw, please visit saskatoon.ca/buildingstandards or contact Building Standards at 306-975-2645.

Mayor Charlie Clark has requested all flags at City of Saskatoon facilities fly at half-mast to pay tribute to victims of the bombing in Manchester, United Kingdom.

“We would like to offer our deep condolences to the community and people of Manchester,” Mayor Clark says. “This affects us all, and especially the many residents in Saskatoon who have friends and family living in England.”

A Saskatoon Transit bus was this morning involved in a multi-vehicle collision near the intersection of 2nd Avenue and Queen Street. 

Passengers on the southbound bus were not injured, but the operator reported some discomfort to an arm. While at least four other vehicles were involved, no other injuries were reported.

Drugs or alcohol are not suspected. In addition to cooperating with police, Transit officials are also conducting the routine internal investigation.

The City of Saskatoon, Office of the Treaty Commissioner, Saskatoon Tribal Council, Central Urban Metis Federation Inc., along with 54 supporting organizations, have launched a month-long series of activities to promote Reconciliation in Saskatoon.

The 58 member initiative, known as Reconciliation Saskatoon, joined together to further a citywide conversation about the process of Canadian reconciliation, provide opportunities for transformative experiences at events, and inspire citizens to engage in calls to action.

In 2015, Saskatoon committed to responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s calls to action, with a proclamation by City Council on June 22, declaring 2015-16 the Year of Reconciliation. In addition, the City committed to working with the Office of the Treaty Commissioner and other community groups, leaders and institutions in Saskatchewan, to promote reconciliation in our province.

This year’s month-long schedule of activities will give Saskatoon residents an opportunity to explore the meaning of reconciliation and answer the calls.

The schedule will culminate in the second annual “Rock Your Roots” Walk for Reconciliation in Victoria Park on June 21, National Aboriginal Day. Everyone is invited to celebrate with our Indigenous community and display their own unique cultural heritage. Food and entertainment will be provided.

For more information on events, or to have your Reconciliation event added to the calendar, please visit OTC.ca.

Quotations:

• Felix Thomas, Chief, Saskatoon Tribal Council

“The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s calls to action called on all of us - First Nations, leadership, organizations, everyone - to step up. Reconciliation is a heavy task and it takes more than a village to make it happen. The organizations and people that are part of Reconciliation Saskatoon prove that working together helps us move forward. Let’s keep this momentum up and one day Reconciliation won’t just be a goal, but an achievement.”

• Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark

I see tremendous work underway in our community toward Reconciliation. People from many walks of life are reaching out to one another, making commitments to learn more about the impact of Residential schools and our colonial history, and to building stronger relationships toward the future. Reconciliation is a journey that we can each take. It recognizes that our diversity gives us the strength we need to for a sustainable and prosperous future. I hope to see you at the many great events planned to bring us together as part of Reconciliation.”

• Shirley Isbister, President of the Central Urban Metis Federation Inc.

“Reconciliation and answering the calls to reconciliation is about building community, building relationships and committing ourselves to making a better world for our children, grandchildren and those to come, to feel safe and respected. We invite everyone to join us June 21, 2017 as we walk to show our solidarity in answering the calls to action.”

• Harry Lafond, Executive Director, Office of the Treaty Commissioner

“Reconciliation is at the heart of the Treaty relationship in Saskatchewan. At the Office of the Treaty Commissioner we work to create space where people can come together and learn about our collective story of Treaty, ask questions and create relationships. The month of events and the Walk for Reconciliation are a chance for each of us to take another step on our journeys of reconciliation, to celebrate our diversity and get to know each other as community.”

In a recent Readers’ Choice Survey, held by RV West, a recreational vehicle (RV) publication reaching Western Canada, the City’s Gordon Howe Campground was awarded Gold for Favourite RV Park or Campground in Saskatchewan.

“We are very honoured to hear Gordon Howe Campground was voted one of Saskatchewan’s favourites,” says Andrew Roberts, Manager of Special Use Facilities and Capital Planning.  “This recognition reflects the pride our staff takes in beatifying the campground and the high quality of service that customers can expect 24/7.”

RV West readers are surveyed annually and asked to indicate their favourite destinations, events, attractions, accommodations, and dealerships in Canada and the United States.  A complete list of 2017 recipients can be found at rvwest.com/readerschoice/2017.

“Right in the heart of Saskatoon, our campground is over 55 years old with a mature canopy of trees and shrubs, paved well-lit streets, onsite facilities, and 135 serviced sites to accommodate every traveler, whether you are tenting or in a larger motorhome,” says Roberts.

Gordon Howe Campground is located at 1640 Avenue P South and open mid‑April to mid-October annually.  For more information, visit saskatoon.ca/camp.