News Releases

As unseasonally mild temperatures cause snow to melt quickly crews are working 24/7 to address slushy conditions on priority one and two streets. Crews are currently proactively salting and grading priority roads to soften packed snow and reduce slush.  The Circle Drive Snow Train will be removing the remaining stored snow from along guardrails.

 

Snow on residential streets is also melting quickly and while snow is going to be very soft, it’s not deep enough to cause severe ruts. We are monitoring the situation and investigating reports from residents of trouble areas.  Drivers are encouraged to be cautious and drive appropriately for slushy conditions.

As required, crews are clearing and opening catch basins to deal with the melt. The snow piled into windrows will allow the snow to melt slowly, reducing the risk of flooding. Crews are also addressing potholes as they arise, filling them with cold mix asphalt.

With mild conditions forecast overnight there is less concern about the slush turning to hard ice. However, the grading being carried out on priority streets, removing clumps and ruts, will help to prevent severe icing when temperatures do eventually drop.  Drivers should use extra caution when approaching plows and graders; and avoid passing. Beware of reduced visibility. Clearing of wet, slushy roads and shoulders can throw moisture onto your windshield leading to a sudden loss of visibility.  Always drive defensively and leave enough space to minimize snow spray.

Residents may consider the following tips to reduce the risk of snowmelt flooding around their homes:

• Remove snow from around your foundation. Pay particular attention to the areas around window wells.
• Most lots drain along the outside edges. Remove snow from these areas.
• Keep the snow in your yard; do not place it on the road or in the alley.
• Help keep catch basins clear. Where possible, safely clear snow, ice and debris from the catch basins in your area.

When shovelling, please exercise caution and care, especially when lifting wet, heavy snow. Consider doing a bit at a time.

Residents can report problem areas by calling Public Works Customer Service at 306-975-2476.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

For Release: December 9, 2014

The City will lower flags to half-mast to honour the memory of former Mayor Clifford E. Wright.

“It is with deep sadness that I’ve learned of former Mayor Cliff Wright’s passing,” says City Manager Murray Totland.  “On behalf of the City, I extend all of our heartfelt condolences to the Wright family at this difficult time.”

“Mayor Wright was a visionary and he guided Saskatoon through periods of both significant growth and economic strain,” Totland says.  “Cliff Wright’s leadership was characterized not just by his keen business and political ability, but his magnetic and down-to-earth personality.”

“He had a great understanding of people and could always speak to them with ease and empathy.”

The City Manager may order the lowering of flags to commemorate one or several people.  Mr. Totland has directed flags at Civic facilities to be flown at half-mast until a funeral is held for former Mayor Cliff Wright.

Cliff Wright served the people of Saskatoon for over 20 years: first as an Alderman from 1967 to 1976 and then as Mayor from 1976 to 1988.

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ONGOING
3RD AVE NB & SB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED AT 21ST ST
(Water Main Repair)
Start: December 8, 9:00 a.m. End: December 11, 6:00 p.m.

 

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information on our saskatoon.ca homepage or subscribe to our Traffic Detour Service Alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

NEW
8TH ST E WB MEDIAN (INSIDE) & CENTER LANE CLOSED FROM BOYCHUK DR TO MCKERCHER DR
(Manhole repair)
Start: December 9, 9:30 a.m. End: December 9, 11:30 a.m.
3RD AVE N SB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT 21ST ST INTERSECTION
(Water Main Repair)
Start: December 9, 7:00 a.m. End: December 11, 6:00 p.m.

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information on our saskatoon.ca homepage or subscribe to our Traffic Detour Service Alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

Recently the Saskatoon Fire Department has seen a significant increase in garage fires. Since October we have gone to seven garage fires. The total damage estimate for those fires was $549,000. In 2013 we went to four garage fires from October to the end of December with the damage estimated at $145,000.

The causes of the recent garage fires varied from welding to even cooking. Any activity that involves heat can lead to a garage fire.

Fire requires fuel (any flammable material), oxygen and a heat source. Garages generally have flammable material stored in them and oxygen is plentiful. All we need is a heat source and the potential for a devastating fire is there.

Most of the recent garage fires started after a resident used their garage and then left. In many cases a tiny fire grew into a large fire before anyone noticed it. Often garages do not have a smoke detector that could have given an early warning.

As the last few months have shown, there are many potential heat sources out there but the result is the same – a garage and its contents destroyed by fire. If you have a garage fire, do not open the garage door since that gives the fire more oxygen, and call 9-1-1 immediately. 

The Saskatoon Fire Department encourages residents to be extra careful when they use their garage. Be conscious of potential heat sources that you have used and make sure that there is no possibility that a fire could start.