News Releases

Earlier this year, City Council requested a Market Sounding be initiated by the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) to determine what conditions are required to attract a grocery store to locate in the Downtown.

“It was important to Council to determine both the level of interest and the barriers that exist to establish a grocery store in downtown Saskatoon," says Councillor Cynthia Block.  "Getting feedback from grocers, food cooperatives, and developers who would be interested in owning/operating a grocery store will help Council determine next steps."

Now complete, SREDA’s Market Sounding report reveals key challenges expressed by industry partners, such as the current population density, cost of land, rent, construction, and establishing a site in an appropriate location with the desired building size and adequate parking.  Grocers who participated in the Market Sounding were asked whether or not they were currently interested in locating in Downtown Saskatoon.  Most indicated they had no desire as the current population is not sufficient to support a store.

"SREDA's research concluded that industry continues to be interested in the Saskatoon market; however, currently there is insufficient population to support a downtown grocery store.  That being said, if the downtown population continues to grow, and we develop the right mix of incentives and business conditions, we are hopeful that it's a case of when, and not if, a grocer will invest in our downtown," says Alex Fallon, President and Chief Executive Officer of SREDA.

Given the findings, the Administration is recommending to City Council that efforts be focused on increasing the number of residents in the Downtown, particularly in the north end where there is already a large concentration of residential buildings.

Current incentives in place for residential development in the Downtown, such as Vacant Lot and Adaptive Reuse Incentive Program Policy No. C09-035, are being recommended for review with the goal of making them more accessible, comprehensive, and effective in attracting developments.  These incentives may also target specific locations in the Downtown as a means to address population density.

“A robust suite of incentives aimed at prospective grocery stores will be prepared for Council’s consideration so that when a grocer comes forward, development of a grocery store can be expedited,” says Randy Grauer, General Manager, Community Services Department.

For a copy of the Market Sounding report, please visit saskatoon.ca/citycentre, or contact the Planning and Development Division at 306-975-7697.

Saskatoon was under a severe thunderstorm warning on Tuesday afternoon. A heavy rainfall warning quickly followed just after 1:20 p.m. The rain system was the most intense in east-central neighbourhoods, knocking out power in Avalon, Nutana, Adelaide/Churchill and Holliston. These areas experienced localized intensity from the storm system, washing out a number of roads. Although intense for the areas with the heaviest rainfall, this storm is considered to be between a one in two year, and one in five year event.

“This is the second time in less than a month that we have been hit with a system so intense that our storm sewer system simply can’t keep up – the systems in older neighbourhoods are not designed to take on so much water within a very short period of time,” said Galen Heinrichs, Water and Sewer Engineering Manager, Transportation and Utilities. “City rain gauges measured accumulations ranging from 25 mm in the southeast around Avalon and Churchill to between 1 mm and 3 mm in areas of the northwest.”

City crews were kept busy closing roads where water wasn’t receding, clearing grates, ensuring manhole covers were in place and cleaning up debris. Outdoor swimming pools closed and Saskatoon Transit routes were affected due to the heavy rain. The storm also forced the closure of PotashCorp Playland, the landfill and the compost depot at 11th Street West and Highway 7. The City has also received calls about some downed trees and branches due to wind gusts during the storm.

The Saskatoon Police Service and Saskatoon Fire Department were also kept busy responding to storm related calls. 

Major upgrades to local infrastructure are well underway in several locations throughout Saskatoon thanks to support from federal and provincial governments as part of the 2017 Water Main, Sanitary Lining and Lead Water Pipe Replacement Initiative.

“I am pleased to see work progressing so quickly 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. “Modern, efficient water infrastructure is essential to the well-being of Canadian families and the sustainable development of our communities. These projects will improve the reliability of Saskatoon’s water and wastewater systems while protecting the local environment.”

Warm, dry weather this summer has allowed for work on the initiative’s first five neighbourhoods to progress quickly, with few interruptions.  Work at the final three project locations starts this month, keeping the initiative on schedule.  So far this year, over 15,000 properties in Saskatoon have benefitted from extensive water main replacement, sanitary replacement/rehabilitation or sewer main inspection work including 464 lead water service pipes replacements.

As underground infrastructure work is completed, street reconstruction is being done to improve the quality of neighbourhood roadways. Currently 8 lane kilometres of roadways have been paved.

“The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to be working with its federal and municipal partners by investing up to $7.9 million toward this important Initiative which will improve these Saskatoon neighbourhoods, enhance the quality of life for the citizens who live in them, and contribute to strengthening the overall infrastructure of this great province,” said the Honourable Donna Harpauer, Minister of Government Relations.

The intent of this initiative is to accelerate short-term municipal investments while supporting the rehabilitation of water and wastewater infrastructure to meet immediate priorities for clean water and healthier environments for communities.

“Our residents have expressed a desire to have lead lines replaced and water and sewer infrastructure improved as soon as possible,” says Celene Anger, Director of Construction and Design. “These funding dollars have allowed us to accelerate our timeline and get the work done at a rate they can be happy with.  Fewer watermain breaks, smoother roadways, and access to clean water all add up to a better quality of life. ”

Through the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund, the Government of Canada is contributing up to $15.8 million, the Government of Saskatchewan is contributing up to $7.9 million, and the City of Saskatoon is contributing $7.9 million toward this initiative worth a total of $31.6 million.

The City is also contributing an additional $11.7 million to water and sewer replacement projects as part of its annual programs.

City Council Decisions In Brief

From the July 26, 2017 Regular Meeting of City Council

9.7.1 Award of Contract - Bus Rapid and Conventional Transit Planning, Design, and Engineering Services Request for Proposals

Decision

*Council approved the award of contract to HDR Corporation for planning, design, and engineering services for a total contract amount of $3,052,726.44 (including taxes).

Background

*Enhancements to the current transit system, and the implementation of the Bus Rapid Transit system, have been identified in the Growth Plan as a high priority moving forward. Effective September 15, 2016, several Growth Plan projects received approval for federal funding support through Phase 1 of the Infrastructure Fund. The combination of City and federal funding brings the total amount of the City’s eligible Infrastructure Fund projects dedicated to infrastructure design to $7.6 million.

9.7.2 Rotary Clubs’ Gazebo Project - Rotary Park  

Decision

*Council approved the request by five Rotary Clubs of Saskatoon to design, construct, and donate a gazebo for installation in Rotary Park, subject to administrative conditions.

 Background

*The Rotary Clubs submitted a letter of intent to the City on July 6, 2017, making the proposal as a way to commemorate the 100^th Anniversary of Rotary Clubs in Saskatoon.

9.11.2 Provincial Disaster Assistance Program

Decision

*Council agreed to apply to the Ministry of Government Relations of the Province of Saskatchewan to be designated as an Eligible Assistance Area under the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program, as a result of excessive rain which occurred on July 10, 2017.

Background

* It is the Administration’s understanding that damage caused by excessive amounts of rain would qualify under Saskatchewan’s Provincial Disaster Assistance Program. The minimum criterion for a declaration is one claim of $5,000 or several smaller claims totaling $25,000. Based on calls received to date, Saskatoon has met the requirements.

*In order for individual citizens to receive assistance under the provincial program, the City of Saskatoon must be designated an Eligible Assistance Area.

*Update as of Friday July 28, 2017, the Province of Saskatchewan approved the City of Saskatoon’s application to be designated as an Eligible Assistance Area, making residents eligible for assistance under the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program (PDAP).

With the full impacts of the construction season upon us, it’s more important than ever that Saskatoon drivers are remaining patient, alert and cautious when navigating work zones. It’s easy to grow frustrated when encountering construction delays and detours, but the City of Saskatoon and Saskatoon Police Service are sending a message that any driver behaviour that disrespects workers or compromises safety will not be tolerated.

“This is the time of year that we usually start to see growing impatience on the roads in response to our heavy volume of active roadwork,” says Angela Gardiner, Acting General Manager of Transportation & Utilities. “Which is why this is the perfect time in the construction season to remind drivers that disrespecting workers or work zone signage isn’t an option. Our workers have the full support of the City and the Saskatoon Police Service in protecting work zones and this is for their safety as well as the safety of all road users.”

Drivers are required to slow to 60 km/hr when posted. Regular fines triple in construction zones, with tickets starting at $300 and the possibility of vehicle impoundment or license suspension. Drivers are also required to obey flag people; disregarding their signals can result in a ticket or a criminal code charge such as dangerous driving.

“Since May 1, we’ve issued close to 200 work zones tickets,” says SPS Acting Sergeant, Pat Foster. “Our Traffic Unit conducts regular enforcement of work zones and we also act on reports and surveillance footage provided by construction workers. One of the most expensive tickets we’ve issued so far this construction season was for $764 when a driver was clocked at 116 km/hr in a 60 km/hr work zone.”

Saskatoon drivers are reminded to allow a little extra time when using the roads at this time of year. As well, the City hosts helpful trip planning tools at saskatoon.ca/betterroads that can help drivers reroute their commute around active construction.

The Respect Work Zones campaign supports the City Council Strategic Priority (2016-2020 Term) of Transportation. This year, through the Building Better Roads program, City Council is investing $61 million to build, maintain and repair sidewalks and roadways in local neighbourhoods in addition to other projects around the city.