News Releases

For Release: Wednesday, May 21, 2014


The Water Security Agency (WSA) will be increasing outflows over the next few days from 800 cubic metres per second (m³/s) to 1000 m³/s. This will result in the current water level on the South Saskatchewan River downstream of Gardiner Dam rising by approximately 0.25 to 0.4 m.  It’s anticipated that the higher river flows will remain in place for the remainder of May and into June.

This increase in outflow is a proactive release in response to the above normal snowpack in the mountains, above average lake level for this time of year and recent rainfall events in Alberta. No out-of-bank flooding is expected to occur as a result of this operation.

With this planned release and forecasted inflow over the next two weeks, WSA expects to lower the Lake Diefenbaker reservoir to provide additional flood storage in the event of above normal rainfall in late May and June.

The 10-day forecast for stream flows and any other relevant updates will be posted to the WSA’s website at wsask.ca.

Saskatoon Fire Department advises residents to exercise extreme care and caution around the river throughout this period of elevated water levels.  

In an emergency, call 9-1-1.

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

For Immediate Release - May 21, 2014

New facility will reduce GHG emissions by 45,000 tonnes and produce enough energy to power 1,300 homes  

The efficiency of Saskatoon’s new Landfill Gas Collection Facility was on display today, as representatives from the federal, provincial, and municipal governments gathered at the landfill to celebrate its recent completion.

The landfill is now equipped to produce large amounts of electricity, enough to power 1,300 homes a year. It uses a process that involves capturing methane-rich gas, which is produced in the landfill. This gas is then used to fuel internal combustion engines linked to electrical generators that produce power. Saskatoon will be able to sell the power generated by the facility to SaskPower.

Other benefits of this initiative include reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 45,000 tonnes per year and improving air quality and reducing odours at the landfill.

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada and the City of Saskatoon provided joint funding of $15 million to cover the total costs of this initiative.
• This is the first power generation facility to be built by the City of Saskatoon in over 100 years.

Quotes

“Our Government is proud to invest in infrastructure initiatives that contribute to a cleaner environment and a better quality of life for Saskatoon residents. I’m pleased that the power generated by this facility will also generate over $1 million in annual revenues for the City every year to support other municipal priorities. We will continue to support projects that play an important role in developing our communities, creating jobs and strengthening our economy.”

Kelly Block
Member of Parliament for Saskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar

“The Government of Saskatchewan recognizes the importance of maintaining and investing in new infrastructure in our growing communities and we thank the Government of Canada for partnering with the City of Saskatoon to make this project possible.”

Corey Tochor
Member of the Legislative Assembly for Saskatoon Eastview on behalf of the Honourable Jim Reiter, Saskatchewan Minister of Government Relations

“From the first power houses built in Saskatoon in 1907 and 1912, to the one we now have here today, we’re extremely proud of everyone who has been involved in the building of this facility. The result of our co-operative efforts demonstrates our city’s commitment to the environment, to finding ways to help sustain and maintain our precious assets into the future, and to ensuring the best possible quality of life for our residents.” 

His Worship Donald Atchison
Mayor of Saskatoon

Beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Thursday May 22, the 19th Street eastbound curb lane will be closed between 1st Avenue and 2nd Avenue as crews resurface the roadway. The right turn from 19th Street onto 2nd Avenue southbound will be maintained.

The work is expected to take three days, and the roadway is expected to re-open by 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Drivers are reminded to allow extra time when travelling through the orange zone, watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.
Know before you go! Find traffic detour information on our website at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic. You can also follow us on Twitter @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

Drivers should this week prepare themselves for possible traffic delays on 51st Street as crews repair a sinkhole and concrete curbs.

Lane restrictions between Cleveland Avenue and Millar Avenue on 51st Street eastbound will continue while crews repair a sink hole.

Further restrictions will begin Wednesday, May 21, 2014 in the eastbound curb lane of 51st Street at 9:00 a.m. as crews repair concrete curbs between Faithfull and 1st Avenues.

Wednesday, May 21

- 51st Street eastbound curb lane will be closed between Faithfull Avenue and 1st Avenue from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Please Note: 51st Street eastbound lanes between Cleveland Avenue and Millar Avenue will remain closed until 6:00 p.m. Two-way traffic will be accommodated in the westbound lanes of 51st Street. This updates information released earlier today.

Thursday, May 22

- 51st Street eastbound curb lane will be closed between 1st Avenue North and Wentz Avenue from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Friday, May 23

- 51st Street eastbound curb lane will be closed between Wentz Avenue and Millar Avenue from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The lanes are expected to reopen as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Drivers are reminded to allow extra time when travelling through the orange zone, watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Find traffic detour information on our website at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic. You can also follow us on Twitter @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday May 21, 2014, the northbound lanes of Diefenbaker Drive will be closed between 22nd Street West and Fairlight Drive while crews pave a utility cut. Two-way traffic will be accommodated in the southbound lanes of Diefenbaker Drive.

The restrictions will be lifted by 6:00 p.m. the same day, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Drivers are reminded to allow extra time when travelling through the orange zone, watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Find traffic detour information on our website at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic. You can also follow us on Twitter @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.