News Releases

Officials from the City of Saskatoon, PotashCorp, Saskatoon Zoo Foundation, and Saskatoon Zoo Society took part in the opening of the PotashCorp Ark Phase II enclosure at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo today.  Participating in the ceremony were His Worship Mayor Donald Atchison; Rhonda Speiss, Corporate Philanthropy for PotashCorp; Ivan Bergerman, Saskatoon Zoo Foundation President; and Claire Bullaro, Saskatoon Zoo Society President.

The PotashCorp Ark, located within the Zoo near the Affinity Learning Centre, was designed to feature animals never before seen in Saskatchewan.  Phase I opened in 2004 and has since housed snow leopards, a Bengal tiger, a pair of white Bengal tigers, lions, cougars, and lemurs.  Phase II is adjoined to the first phase to allow for the ability to create one large exhibit or two independent exhibits.

Funding to complete Phase II was made possible by the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation, and PotashCorp with a $150,000 donation and many gifts in kind from local businesses.

“The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo always has amazing displays and activities, and the completion of this new phase will allow the Zoo continue to showcase animals unique to our city and continue to put Saskatoon on the map,” said Mayor Donald Atchison. “We thank the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation, local business and PotashCorp for bringing this final phase to life.”

Made possible by the addition of Phase II, the Zoo is pleased to welcome Phoenix, a red panda, who will be a permanent guest.  Over the past few months Phoenix has become acquainted and familiar with his new home. Phoenix was born on June 13, 2011, at the Assiniboine Zoo in Winnipeg.  His twin brother, Billy, lives at the San Diego Zoo in California.  Phoenix is on public display joining his cougar friends Jethro and Malcolm living in Phase I.

Red pandas, known for their resemblance to racoons, have been classified as vulnerable due to habitat loss and poaching.  Slightly larger than a domestic cat, red pandas are recognizable with their reddish-brown fur and shaggy tail.  Most of their time is spent in solitude; however, young pandas develop slowly and often stay with their mothers for over a year.

The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo offers all generations opportunities to explore a beautiful park landscape.  Approximately 270,000 visitors come annually to discover intimate gardens, historic buildings, and a variety of western Canadian animals and exotic species at Saskatchewan’s only zoo.  This distinctly Saskatchewan experience provides scenic surroundings and the unique story of plants, animals, and prairie history in one place.

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.

51st Street eastbound is closed between Cleveland Avenue and Millar Avenue. The 51st Street centre and median lanes are already closed while crews repair existing manholes and flush sanitary sewer lines. The remaining curb lane has now also been closed due to the development of a sink hole.

Two-way traffic will be accommodated in the westbound lanes of 51st Street.

The 51st Street centre and median lanes are due to reopen by 6:00 p.m. today. The 51st Street curb lane between Cleveland Avenue and Millar Avenue will remain closed until 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21, 2014, 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.

Usually Victoria Day long weekend is when family and friends start to spend more time outside and the Saskatoon Fire Department would like to take this time to remind everyone of the regulations for residential fire pits.

Every use of a fire pit within city limits is subject to six conditions:

• Fire must be contained within a non-combustible fire box constructed of material such as cement, brick or metal and covered with a heavy gauge metal screen. SFD recommends that fire pits be situated at least three metres from any combustible materials (ie. fences or buildings).
• The size of the fire box of any outdoor burning facility shall not exceed .61 cubic metres.
• Only cut, seasoned wood or charcoal shall be used to fuel outdoor fires. Burning tree branches and garden refuse in a fire pit is not permitted.
• All outdoor fires shall have responsible supervision at all times.
• No person shall light an outdoor fire when the weather conditions are conducive to creating a running fire or allowing the smoke from the fire to be a nuisance to another person (smoke drift).
• If smoke from an open-air fire causes an unreasonable interference with the use and enjoyment of another person’s property, the fire shall be extinguished immediately.

The following items are not permitted to be burned in fire pits within Saskatoon city limits:

• Rubbish
• Garden refuse
• Manure, livestock or animal carcasses
• Any material that is classified as a dangerous good
• Any material that will create dense black smoke when burned
• Any material that will create a foul odour when burned.

A video with information on fire pits can be viewed at http://tinyurl.com/azucomb

The use of fire pits in Saskatoon is regulated by Fire and Protective Services Bylaw No. 7990. Please note: SFD will extinguish any fires that do not comply with the Bylaw.

Residents who would like to report a fire or fire pit should call 306-975-3030.

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.

Beginning at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday May 17, 2014, lane restrictions will be required on Spadina Crescent and Whiteswan Drive to accommodate the Bikes on Broadway event.

Saturday May 17, 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Spadina Crescent/Whiteswan Drive northbound lanes will be closed between 21st Street East and Silverwood Road, including the northbound exit from University Bridge.

Monday May 19, 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Broadway Avenue northbound will be closed between Main Street and 11th Street East
- 11th Street East will be closed between Broadway Avenue and Dufferin Avenue
- Dufferin Avenue southbound will be closed between 11th Street East and Main Street
- Main St westbound will be closed between Dufferin Avenue and Broadway Avenue
- A four-way stop will be in effect at the intersection of Dufferin Avenue and 12th Street East.

Beginning at 7.30 a.m. on Saturday May 17th, 2014, 1st Avenue North will be closed between 23rd Street East and 24th Street East for the Bikers Against Child Abuse 100 Mile Ride and Block Party. The road is expected to re-open by 6.00 p.m. the same day.

Know before you go! Find up-to-date traffic detour information at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.