News Releases

A regularly scheduled quarterly status update regarding the 2014 Corporate Business Plan and Budget projects a deficit of $1.947 million to year-end. 

“With the harsh winter we had last year we made some adjustments to our snow and ice budget for this year,” says Director of Finance, Kerry Tarasoff.  “As the season progressed we had to further enhance snow removal and a good portion of the deficit can be traced to those necessary costs.”

Civic departments have identified continuous improvement initiatives and have embarked on process improvements that are expected to be completed in 2014.  These initiatives are expected to improve the efficiency and increase the effectiveness of civic operations resulting in improved customer service and savings of $1.4 million in 2014.

Following a recent policy change, quarterly reports are prepared to make sure City Council and the Administration are aware of challenges or emerging business plan and budget issues so they can react accordingly.

“Whenever we see deficits in our projections the Administration begins looking for ways to save or for lessening the impact of a shortfall,” Tarasoff says.  “That is why the City moved to quarterly reports; it gives us time to work on eliminating a deficit so it doesn’t have to be passed on to taxpayers at budget time.”

The following is a summary of the main items contributing to the projected variance:

Snow Removal: An estimated $1.1 million deficit is being projected as a result intensified snow removal operations.  Significantly more resources were spent on removal than in typical years, due in part to a reassignment of crews following the formation of ice pack on residential streets and removing snow against freeway barriers.  A $489,000 reserve balance would exist at year-end to help cover a portion of the deficit leaving a net impact of $580,000.  The Administration will strive to reduce this impact through deferral of purchases, deferral of discretionary spending and reduced contract costs in late 2014.

Fleet Services: Pricing on unleaded fuel is about $1.20 per litre compared to budget of $1.08, causing an over-expenditure of $215,000.  However, the Fuel Stabilization Reserve has a $1 million balance and will cover this deficit at year-end for a net zero impact.

Waste Handling Service: Increased equipment rentals for the landfill, as well as lower revenues, are contributing to a projected $382,000 deficit. 

Property Levy: Assessment growth was $486,000 higher than the anticipated amount of $5 million due to increased construction activity.

The report also provides highlights of key projects (by March 31, 2014) as they relate to City Council’s Strategic Goals:

Continuous Improvement

Three Civic Service Reviews (CSR) will be completed in 2014; Roadways, Parks and Waste Management.  CSRs for Roadways and Parks started in March and the Waste Management is scheduled to start in the second quarter.

Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives are underway throughout the corporation.  Process reviews were undertaken in Purchasing, Business Licensing and at the Water Treatment Plant.

The pilot project for Service Saskatoon, Report a Pothole, was launched in March 2014, allowing citizens to make service requests online and also allowing civic staff to report back when the work is complete.

Asset and Financial Sustainability

Twelve civic facilities now have energy and water monitoring systems.  The information gathered by these systems will lead to utility reductions and productivity improvements within building operations.  Results will be reported in December.  Combined Heat and Power units will be installed by early 2015.

A snow storage facility is part of the COC.  This P3 project is in the Request for Proposals phase.  Development of a facility for the South East quadrant of the City continues in conjunction with other future growth initiatives.

Quality of Life

The Age Friendly Saskatoon Phase 2 report was presented to City Council in January.  The report contains a series of recommendations for how to make Saskatoon more age friendly.

The Atoske Alumni group was formed and is working on enhanced training opportunities for Aboriginal youth.

As a benchmarking exercise, Saskatoon was one of seven mid-sized Canadian cities to participate in the measurement of its cultural investments between 2009 and 2012.  Over the four-year study period, Saskatoon ranked first in operating, second in overall investment, fourth in capital investments and sixth in grants.

Environmental Leadership

Through membership in Municipal Collaboration for Sustainable Purchasing, a ten-step action plan has been drafted and includes the identification of pilot purchases that will use environmental criteria for decision making.  The next steps will be to develop tools such as training for staff and templates for purchasing documents.

The Landfill Gas Collection project was commissioned in March 2014 and operation of the Power Generation Facility also began in March.

Sustainable Growth

The Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth (P4G) held its kickoff meeting which was attended by elected officials in February 2014.  Staff from the five partnering municipalities have been working on a Draft Terms of Reference, Work Plan, Communications and Engagement Strategy, and Budget for a Regional Plan.

The Intermediate Strategy for infill development will be prepared as part of the Growing Forward! project through the corridor identification and densification opportunities.

Moving Around

A comprehensive approach to transit market research has been incorporated into the Growing Forward! Initiative.  A complete market study and functional design for an updated transit system has been included in this work.  In the interim, route enhancements will be made to make sure the existing service adapts to changing transit patterns and city growth.

Economic Diversity and Prosperity    

Building permit numbers are slightly ahead of permits than in the first quarter of 2013 by 4.9%.  The value of construction associated with those permits in the first quarter of 2014 is slightly behind the numbers achieved at the end of the first quarter in 2013 by 23.9%.

Building permits issued to the end of March 2014 represent the creation of 665 new residential units, compared to 401 for the same time period in 2013.

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.

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan                      Department of Finance

On behalf of Finance Minister Joe Oliver, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Member of Parliament for Battlefords–Lloydminster Gerry Ritz today announced the Government of Canada will help fund the North Commuter Parkway and Traffic Bridge Replacement project in Saskatoon.

Through the P3 Canada Fund the federal government will provide an investment of up to $66 million to the project while the Province of Saskatchewan will contribute $50 million.  The Minister was joined at the event by Brad Wall, Premier of Saskatchewan, and Donald J. Atchison, Mayor of Saskatoon.

The project involves the replacement of the 107-year-old Traffic Bridge in the City’s downtown core, the development of a new bridge crossing in the City’s north end, as well as connecting roadways. Once the Parkway and the two bridges are opened traffic congestion will be reduced and travel times will be shorter for vehicles and public transit, resulting in reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality.

Quick Facts

- This will be the fourth P3 Canada Fund project in the Province of Saskatchewan.

- A Request for Qualifications will be issued in the coming weeks by the City of Saskatoon to identify private sector proponent teams interested in bidding on the project.  The contractor, once selected, will design, build, finance, operate and maintain the project over a 30-year period.

- Construction of the Parkway and traffic bridge is anticipated to take three construction seasons, and the P3 model is expected to deliver the project on time and on budget.

- The $1.2 billion P3 Canada Fund is managed by PPP Canada, a Crown corporation responsible for advancing Canadian P3s through the provision of expert advice and support to all levels of government.

Quotes

“Our Government recognizes the advantages P3s can provide to build public infrastructure for better value while creating jobs and growth.  The North Commuter Parkway and Traffic Bridge Replacement project is a great example of how our Government is working with the City of Saskatoon and the private sector to reduce procurement and overhead costs to the benefit of all taxpayers in Saskatchewan.”

Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

“Our government is pleased to work with the City of Saskatoon and the Government of Canada on an innovative project that demonstrates the value of P3 partnerships.  Saskatoon is one of the fastest growing cities in Canada and the North Commuter Parkway Bridge will help sustain that growth by connecting residential neighbourhoods to the expanding industrial area in the City’s north end.”

Brad Wall, Premier of Saskatchewan

”Our continuing strong partnership with the federal government and provincial government is once again benefitting the people of Saskatoon.  This bundled bridge project is the first of its kind in Canada. It will shorten commutes, cut fuel costs, grow the economy and improve our quality of life.  It fits perfectly with the City’s strategic goals, and supports our Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon planning initiative.”

Donald J. Atchison, Mayor of Saskatoon

Additional Links:

www.p3canada.ca

The curb and centre lanes on College Drive westbound are closed from Preston Avenue to Campus Drive (southeast entrance to University of Saskatchewan), including the right turning lane from Preston Avenue southbound to College Drive westbound.  Traffic is merging to the median lane at Preston Avenue.

Drivers are encouraged to use an alternate route if possible, as this is a high-traffic route for morning commuters heading into downtown.  Please allow extra time to get to your destination if travelling in this area.

Crews repaired a primary water main on College Drive westbound over the weekend, just west of Preston Avenue.  The repair was successful, but the work zone remains in place for paving to occur on Monday.  The road is expected to reopen by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 9, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

The City thanks everyone for their patience.

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! 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.

Aiming to reduce speeding and improve pedestrian safety, the City of Saskatoon is piloting a project to install flashing lights in school zones. Starting on June 9, flashing lights will be installed on the school zone signs on Clarence Avenue between 3rd Street and 5th Street.

“Evidence has shown that flashing lights along with reduced speed limits are effective in improving safety in school zones,” says Angela Gardiner, Director of Transportation. “This pilot project is another step to alert drivers to reduce their speed and slow down.”
The maximum speed limit in school zones is 30 kilometres per hour. Reduced speed limits will continue to be in effect in elementary and secondary school zones from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, September 1 to June 30. No exceptions are made for statutory holidays or school breaks. The penalty for exceeding the school zone speed limit is a fine and SGI demerit points

The work is expected to be completed by June 20, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.
Drivers are reminded to watch for pedestrians as they travel through school zones.

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.

SATURDAY

2ND AVENUE NORTHBOUND FROM 25TH STREET TO 26TH STREET, JUNE 7  

Beginning at 7.45 a.m. on Saturday, June 7, 2nd Avenue northbound lanes between 25th Street and 26th Street will be closed to accommodate a crane. Two-way traffic will be set in the southbound lanes.

The road is expected to reopen by 2:00 p.m. the same day.

SPADINA CRESCENT AND 19TH STREET, JUNE 7-8

Beginning at 12:00 p.m. noon on Saturday, June 7, the following road restrictions will be in place on Spadina Crescent and 19th Street to accommodate the Walmart Walk for Miracles event.

- Spadina Crescent will be closed from 3rd Avenue to 20th Street

- 19th Street eastbound curb (outside) lane will be closed from the Broadway Bridge to 3rd Avenue

The restrictions will be lifted by 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 8.

SUNDAY

VARIOUS LANE RESTRICTIONS FOR LIGHT POLE WORK,  JUNE 8

Beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 8, the following restrictions will be in place while Saskatoon Light & Power crews work on light poles.

- Circle Drive southbound curb (outside) lane will be closed south of the Taylor Street on ramp.

- Circle Drive northbound and southbound median (inside) lanes will be closed between 33rd Street and Airport Drive.

- Warman Road southbound curb (outside) lane closed between 7th Avenue and Cavers Street.

The restrictions are expected to be lifted by 12:30 p.m. the same day.

VARIOUS RESTRICTIONS FOR BRIDGE CITY BOOGIE, JUNE 8

Starting at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 8, various road restrictions will be in place to accommodate the Bridge City Boogie. The main road restrictions will include:

- Broadway Bridge SB curb (outside) lane will be closed from 19th Street to Saskatchewan Crescent

- Spadina Crescent will be closed from 2nd Avenue to 20th Street and northbound from Dundonald Avenue to the Water Treatment Plant

- 3rd Avenue will be closed between 2nd Avenue and 19th Street  and 3rd Avenue southbound will be closed at 19th Street

- St. Henry Ave will be closed from Taylor Street to Ruth Street

- Taylor Street will be closed from St. Henry Avenue to Saskatchewan Crescent

The restrictions will be lifted by 11:00 a.m. the same day. Drivers are encouraged to avoid the area during the event and watch for participants and officials.  

COLLEGE DRIVE WEST OF PRESTON, JUNE 8

Starting on Sunday, June 8, the College Drive westbound curb (outside) and middle lanes will be closed west of Preston Avenue while crews work on a water main. The restrictions will be lifted by evening the same day.

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! 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.