News Releases

The City’s new Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system was activated in July for Saskatoon Light & Power and Saskatoon Water customers that have been connected. Meter replacements and water module installations are still underway; however, approximately 42,000 electricity customers and 4,500 water customers are now being charged using actual consumption on their monthly utility bill.

“Our customers can now use this timely, real data to understand how much electricity and water they use,” says Kevin Hudson, Manager of Metering and Sustainable Electricity for Saskatoon Light & Power. “As they make changes to reduce electricity and water consumption, customers can track the usage on their utility bills and save money.”                                                                                                          

The benefits of the new metering system:

• Opportunity to track and understand how much electricity and water is being used so changes can be made to save money;
• Early warning signs of an issue with an appliance or leaking plumbing when irregular usage is recorded; and
• No requirements to provide access to their property for regular meter reading and tenancy changes, or submit actual meter-reads because they will be done remotely.

The City’s new model of citizen service – called Service Saskatoon – is a City-wide shift in how we will deliver front line service, respond to requests and improve services into the future. As part of our Service Saskatoon model, the transition from manual meter-reading to AMI allows us to improve the quality of service to our customers now and into the future.

“In the years ahead, we will be able to use data transmitted by the meters to see where power issues or outages are occurring, which will result in faster response and restoration times,” says Hudson. “And, more importantly, better electrical and water service for residents.”

The City has been installing smart electricity meters since 2008 and is expecting to have all customers converted to the new system by the end of 2017. Water meter and communications module installations started in May 2016, by neighbourhood. Over the next three years, water customers will receive a letter from Saskatoon Water, advising when they can go online to book their appointment.

Learn more about the AMI system for both electricity and water customers at saskatoon.ca.

Starting Monday, September 19, the City will close Spadina Crescent West between Avenues A and D to conduct water main lining work. The work is expected to take about 10 days, weather permitting, and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

“A full closure of Spadina Crescent West within this area is necessary because we need to dig access pits at the intersections of Avenues A, B and C,” says Rob Frank, Engineering Manager of Asset Preservation. “We are piloting a new product to line the water main to a ‘like new’ condition while continuing to maintain the quality of water that citizens expect.”

The piloted water main liner leverages a new technology and may be used on future projects around the city. “The technique we are using is intended to be faster and economical, allowing us to rehabilitate specific types of water mains more efficiently,” says Frank. “This will help extend the service life of this water main in a less disruptive more cost effective way to residents, area businesses, and drivers.”

The water main lining work will not impact water service to residents or businesses in the area; there won’t be any temporary water lines nor water advisories in effect

Farmers’ Market parking lots will remain accessible throughout the work period, although at times there may be some minor parking restrictions. Drivers are encouraged to use 19th Street to access Avenues A, B and C between 19th Street and Spadina Crescent West.

As always, drivers are reminded to slow down, pay attention and obey signage around work zones at all times. For more information, please visit saskatoon.ca/betterroads. 

Imagine you are a Cree hunter and you discover you can no longer track Bison because a railroad is being built. Then, the government says you have to stay put and try to feed your family; this is the experience the Wîcihitowin “blanket exercise” wants to create for participants.

“We’re hoping to teach community and business leaders more about our shared history, which continues to touch our current times,” says Gilles Dorval, Director of Aboriginal Relations with the City of Saskatoon. “Education creates more understanding and compassion. In Saskatoon, we’ve made a lot of positive change for the inclusion of our indigenous community, but as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission demonstrated, we still have a ways to go.”

Covering more than 500 years of Indigenous peoples’ history, 40 participants took part in the interactive learning experience at the Frances Morrison Library today. Part of the Wîcihitowin (wee-CHEE-toh-win) Speaker Series, the event brings together people from Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations from in and around Saskatoon to gain greater understanding of historic and contemporary Indigenous issues.

This Wîcihitowin Speaker Series event takes place in advance of the Wîcihitowin Aboriginal Engagement Conference, October 12-13, in Saskatoon.

“Our organizing committee hopes to continue spreading the message and realizing the meaning of Wîcihitowin,” says Neal Kewistep, Manager, Our Neighbourhood Health Centre & Building Health Equity for the Saskatoon Health Region. “That means learning from one another to build a better community and assisting organizations in responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action.”

The October conference is presented in partnership with the United Way of Saskatoon, Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon Health Region, and the City of Saskatoon

“Wîcihitowin was created on the premise that by working together, we can achieve more and create a community where everyone thrives,” says Warren Isbister-Bear, Director of Aboriginal Relations for the United Way of Saskatoon. “The Reconciliation component is the participation from organizations and individuals within our community to gain an understanding of our shared history and make efforts of reconciliation.”

Follow the conversation on Facebook and Twitter using #Wicihitowin2016.

Wîcihitowin supports the City’s Strategic Goal of “Quality of Life” by identifying actions for enhancing Aboriginal well-being and participation in our community. For more information, visit Saskatoon.ca/aboriginalrelations.

September 7, 2016 Meeting

7.2.1 High School Bus Passes – Tammy Jensen

Decision

* The Committee recommended to City Council:
-That the age limit of 21 for eligibility to purchase High School Student fares, rides (tickets) and passes be eliminated.
-That the change be effective September 1, 2016.
-That the City Solicitor be directed to amend The Transit Fares Amendment Bylaw No. 9078 as outlined in the report.

Background

*A speaker at the November 9, 2015 SPC on Transportation meeting requested that the current age limit of 21 for eligibility to purchase the high school bus pass be removed.
*Saskatoon Transit Administration met with the School Boards on the matter.

7.2.2 Inquiry – Councillor Hill (April 25, 2016) Transit and the Saskatoon School Divisions

Decision

*The Committee recommended the report be forwarded to City Council as information.

Background

*The report provides an update on the possibility of increasing ridership while at the same time providing support for school divisions to decrease operating costs.
*Administration and both Saskatoon School Boards have met to consult about the various suggestions in the original inquiries.
*The School Boards were interested in some of the suggestions and have agreed to work with Saskatoon Transit to develop proposals.

September 7, 2016 Meeting

7.2.1 Inquiry – Councillor Jeffries (January 25, 2016) Options for Assistance – Front Street Garbage and Recycling on Streets with Significant Parking

Decision

*The Committee recommended to City Council:
-That the information be received.
-That the Administration be directed to report back to City Council in December 2017 with updated information once a full study has been completed.
-That the Administration consider a two-person collection crew on select collection routes.

Background

*The following inquiry was made by Councillor Jeffries: “Residents on some streets have trouble setting out their garbage and recycling bins because there are no areas available with sufficient distance from parked vehicles to guarantee bin pick-up. Could Administration please report back on options to help residents with the problem of front-street garbage and recycling pick-up on streets with significant use of on-street parking."
*Administration is studying multiple options to address collection on streets with significant parking.
*Administration will prepare a recommendation following evaluation of all options with a complete life cycle value analysis.
*When a more comprehensive report is submitted in December, Administration will seek City Council’s direction on whether or not to proceed further with this initiative, which will involve significant citizen engagement.