News Releases

Today, the City of Saskatoon officially started community engagement for the implementation of its Plan for Growth with Mayor Charlie Clark launching the first of a series of videos entitled Let’s Talk Growth.  As the City heads into implementation for its Plan for Growth, this video series emphasizes the importance of continuing a city-wide conversation about the implementation of the Plan for Growth and what it will take to welcome an additional 250,000 people to Saskatoon in the coming decades.

Mayor Clark acknowledged the importance of this infrastructure investment for Saskatoon’s future, noting that the City and the Government of Canada will share in a total contribution of $7.65 million towards the current Plan for Growth projects through the Public Transportation Infrastructure Fund (PTIF).

Following the Mayor’s remarks, the City provided updates on its current plan for growth initiatives.  As part of this update, Director of Planning & Development, Lesley Anderson, noted that the City and its partners are currently planning monthly engagement opportunities for residents and stakeholders that will begin in November leading up to a major public engagement event in March 2018.

The City and the Government of Canada will share in a total contribution of $7.65 million towards the current Plan for Growth projects through the Public Transportation Infrastructure Fund (PTIF).

Quotations:

“The Government of Canada recognizes how important it is for transit infrastructure to keep pace with community development. By investing in Saskatoon’s public transportation, we are helping create sustainable solutions for future growth that meet citizens’ needs for years to come.” – The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities.

“Everybody loves ideas when they’re at a 40,000 foot level, but when it actually starts to have an impact on a street, on a neighbourhood, on a block that’s when people really start to take an interest.  We’re there now as a City, which is why we’re taking the process of talking to and engaging with people very seriously.  We’re working to find the right balance, while recognizing that neighbourhoods and the City must change over time to stay financially, and environmentally sustainable.  Working together, I truly believe we have a chance to be known as the city that got it right, and that’s exciting for all of us!” – His Worship Charlie Clark, Mayor, City of Saskatoon

Video Link:

Watch the Let’s Talk Growth: October Conversation video on the City of Saskatoon’s YouTube Channel

Background:

At its April 25, 2016 meeting, Saskatoon City Council approved in principle the Growth Plan to Half a Million which includes plans for a re-envisioned transit system based around Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and infill at strategic locations in the city including downtown, the university endowment lands and along major transportation corridors.  Following this approval, the City created a Ten Year Action Plan to advance a number of the core initiatives identified in the Growth Plan to Half a Million.

The City and the Government of Canada will share in a total contribution of $7.65 million through the Public Transportation Infrastructure Fund for a number of the Plan for Growth projects including:

• Bus Rapid Transit / Transit Plan Implementation
• Corridor Growth
  • Transit Villages Concept Plans
  • Corridor Planning Program
  • Brownfield Renewal Strategy

The City is undertaking work to improve Transit shelters and bus stops along with significant upgrades to the sidewalks that connect people to Transit. The work is being partially funded by the federal government, who contributed $1.5 million through the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund. One of the objectives of the fund, which is administered by the province, is to improve the active transportation network of municipalities across the country.

“Getting people where they need to go safely, quickly and comfortably is essential to creating liveable and inclusive communities. I am pleased that work is underway on these important projects that will contribute to a safer and more accessible transit system in Saskatoon,” said the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities.

“The Public Transit Infrastructure Fund will help Saskatoon make their local transportation network better for their citizens and visitors. The provincial government is pleased to administer the PTIF program and appreciates the support of the City of Saskatoon and the federal government for their funding contribution. The provincial government values this program being available to municipalities to improve the lives of Saskatchewan citizens,” said Government Relations Minister Larry Doke.

“Undertaking improvements to Transit stops and the sidewalks that lead to them, can mean the difference between choosing to use Transit or not,” says Jim McDonald, Director of Transit. “When we’re improving bus stops and shelters, and making the sidewalks smoother and easier to navigate, we’re improving the overall Transit experience.”

With input from the public via its recent Bus Stop Blues campaign, Saskatoon Transit received over 40 location submissions on areas that would benefit from improvements. A listing of the improvements that are being implemented can be found at SaskatoonTransit.ca.

Sidewalks are being upgraded or installed at 20 locations around the city and a complete listing of these locations can be found at saskatoon.ca/BetterRoads (under Related Documents). An additional 247 sidewalk ramps – which connect sidewalk to roadway – are being installed at 124 locations across the city. The locations for sidewalk improvements were identified based on connectivity to Transit. Additional considerations included public input, Neighbourhood Traffic Review recommendations, and locations where there are no sidewalks on either side of the road (versus on one side).

The total investment in these improvements, including the Government of Canada and City contributions, is $3.03 million. 

The City is undertaking work to improve Transit shelters and bus stops along with significant upgrades to the sidewalks that connect people to Transit. The work is being partially funded by the federal government, who contributed $1.5 million through the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund. One of the objectives of the fund, which is administered by the province, is to improve the active transportation network of municipalities across the country.

“Getting people where they need to go safely, quickly and comfortably is essential to creating liveable and inclusive communities. I am pleased that work is underway on these important projects that will contribute to a safer and more accessible transit system in Saskatoon,” said the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities.

“The Public Transit Infrastructure Fund will help Saskatoon make their local transportation network better for their citizens and visitors. The provincial government is pleased to administer the PTIF program and appreciates the support of the City of Saskatoon and the federal government for their funding contribution. The provincial government values this program being available to municipalities to improve the lives of Saskatchewan citizens,” said Government Relations Minister Larry Doke.

“Undertaking improvements to Transit stops and the sidewalks that lead to them, can mean the difference between choosing to use Transit or not,” says Jim McDonald, Director of Transit. “When we’re improving bus stops and shelters, and making the sidewalks smoother and easier to navigate, we’re improving the overall Transit experience.”

With input from the public via its recent Bus Stop Blues campaign, Saskatoon Transit received over 40 location submissions on areas that would benefit from improvements. A listing of the improvements that are being implemented can be found at SaskatoonTransit.ca.

Sidewalks are being upgraded or installed at 20 locations around the city and a complete listing of these locations can be found at saskatoon.ca/BetterRoads (under Related Documents). An additional 247 sidewalk ramps – which connect sidewalk to roadway – are being installed at 124 locations across the city. The locations for sidewalk improvements were identified based on connectivity to Transit. Additional considerations included public input, Neighbourhood Traffic Review recommendations, and locations where there are no sidewalks on either side of the road (versus on one side).

The total investment in these improvements, including the Government of Canada and City contributions, is $3.03 million.

From the October 16, 2017 Meeting

7.2.1 2018 Preliminary Business Plan and Budget

Decision

*The Committee decided;

1. That the information be received and referred to City Council’s 2018 Preliminary Business Plan and Budget meeting for consideration; and
2. That the Governance and Priorities Committee recommend to City Council:

a) That the meeting agendas for the Standing Policy Committees leading up to City Council’s Budget Deliberations include “2018 Preliminary Business Plan and Budget” as a standing agenda item to allow for discussion and comment; and

b) That the Administration report back on the current tax agreement with the Saskatoon Airport Authority and other potential options, including information on other municipalities.

Background

*At its September 18, 2017 meeting, the Governance and Priorities Committee considered the 2018 Business Plan and Budget Update report which outlined a projected property tax increase of 4.96% for 2018.

9.1 Capital Project to Support City Council’s 10 Strategic Priority Areas

Decision

*The Committee decided that a report be submitted to City Council recommending:

1.       That a capital project for $50,000 be created to support the leadership of members of City Council in their assigned priority areas for consideration during the 2018 Business Plan and Budget Deliberations;

2.        That the recommended funding for this project be the Reserve for Capital Expenditures; and

3.       That City Council delegate to the Governance and Priorities Committee the authority to approve the spending requests from this project made by members of Council.

Background

*City Council, at its meeting held on April 24, 2017 resolved, in part, “3. That Council Member Leads be empowered to take a leadership role in citizen and stakeholder engagement in the 10 priority areas.” Additionally, in this report presented to City Council for its meeting on April 24, 2017, it was stated that the Mayor’s Office would consult with Councillors and Administration to develop a budget to support the leadership initiative of City Council and the work of the members of City Council within their assigned priority area.

9.2 Strategic Areas and Priorities Update: Environmental Sustainability – Councillors Gersher and Loewen

Decision

*The Committee agreed with the recommendation that the information be received.

Background

*On April 24, 2017, City Council formally adopted a new leadership model in which each member took on a leadership role for one of ten strategic areas: Community Safety and Wellness, Core Services, Downtown Development, Economic Development, Environmental Sustainability, Information Technology, Reconciliation, Inclusion and Diversity, Recreation, Culture and Leisure, Regional Planning, and Transportation.

Weather

Environment Canada ended a wind warning for Saskatoon early this morning.

A very intense low pressure system continues to move through central Saskatchewan today.

For the rest of the day, we can expect westerly winds at 40 km/h and gusts to 60 km/h this afternoon, diminishing to 30 km/h with gusts to 50 km/h before finally tapering off to 20 km/h overnight.

Parks & Urban Forestry

Parks received five calls last night. Two were urgent with trees down over roadways.

Parks crews have not reported any extensive damage and are confident they can handle the damage being reported so far.

Parks & Urban Forestry has 11 Arborists available to be assigned on a priority basis.

There are also three crews assisting with inspections as needed and collecting branches.

Pest Management staff will also assist with inspections along the MVA trail and Horticulture Technicians are checking pathways and play areas in parks for tree damage.

Post-event priorities include: assessing reported damage and responding to City trees that have failed and are presenting potential danger to the public and clearing trees blocking access to roadways and sidewalks.

Tree branches that have failed and are on the ground are less of a risk as compared to trees that are hanging over roadways and sidewalks.

Parks technicians assessing tree damage will be attaching bright orange “Storm Damage Assessment Notice” signs to trees that they have inspected.

These signs also say, “A Forestry Inspector has assessed this tree. Required work will be performed on a priority basis as staff and equipment become available.”

As usual, everyone is advised to be cautious near trees in parks and around the city.

To report damage to City-owned trees that have failed and are blocking roadways and sidewalks, please call 306-975-2890 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

After hours tree damage can be reported to the Saskatoon Customer Service line at 306-975-2476.

Trees on private property are the responsibility of the property owner and brush that is cleared as a result of private trees obstructing public sidewalks or roadways will be left on the adjacent private property for the owner to clean up.

Any elm branches must be disposed of at the Saskatoon landfill.

Saskatoon Light & Power

SL&P crews were kept busy through the night as a result of the wind.

The City power company had outages in Sutherland, Arbor Creek, Erindale,

Evergreen, Forest Grove and the Airport Industrial Area.

Tree contacts caused stress on lines, several wood power poles broke and street light poles were knocked over.

Power in the residential areas went out around 11:30 p.m. and was restored around 1:30 a.m... Two customers were still out of power this morning. 

SL&P has the necessary resources to handle any isolated calls of downed tree limbs or other issues arising out of the windstorm.

To report a tree limb contacting or threatening a Saskatoon Light & Power service line, please call 306-975-2621.

For a SaskPower service line please call 306-310-2220.

Service Alerts with regular updates will be issued if outages occur. As always, they will provide information about the cause of the outage and the anticipated time for restoration. 

Fire Department

Firefighters responded to a grass and brush fire in the RM of Corman Park.  This incident occurred and escalated as a direct result of the strong wind gusts.  Two engine companies, two brush trucks and one water tender were used to put down the flames.

Subsequently though, three crews had to be recalled to back-fill for the absence of three crews inside city limits.

There were a total of five incidents involving electrical hazards as a result of downed power lines.

Police

The Saskatoon Police Service had an increase in alarm calls as a result of the wind event. Police handled 24 alarm calls between 8 p.m. Tuesday and 7 a.m. Wednesday.

Typically during this same time period for the month of October, police handle 6 to 7 alarm calls on a Tuesday night into the Wednesday morning hours.

Roadways & Operations

R&O will have crews available for debris pick up on roads. As usual, the Customer Service Center is available to receive calls and dispatch work around-the-clock at 306-975-2476.