News Releases

Late Monday afternoon Saskatoon experienced an unusual rain event for this time of May; between 15 and 20 mm of rain fell across the city between 5:00 and 5:30 p.m.  Peak intensities of 100 mm per hour were recorded which statistically makes the storm greater than a one-in-ten year event.

“In comparison, a similar amount fell early in the morning Monday but was spread over a longer period of time which is why there was no flooding then,” says Andrew Hildebrandt, Senior Storm Water Engineer.

Most of the issues from yesterday’s storm were related to surface flooding.  Newer neighbourhoods are designed so that the pipe, pond, and surface drainage systems can handle severe storms, but older neighbourhoods were not designed in this manner.

“We know there continues to be storm water problem areas in a handful of locations around Saskatoon, and the flooding in those instances is usually confined to the roadway,” Hildebrandt says. 

“We discovered some of the ponding was the result of debris covering catch basins and in most cases, as soon as Public Works crews cleared the blockages, the basins drained as the water made its way to storm retention ponds and to the river.

The high water volume caused some manhole covers to come off which is also an anticipated occurrence of the planned design.  This is why the City advises caution and – if possible – to avoid flooded streets as they could be hiding an open manhole.”

Sanitary Sewer System

The city’s storm sewer system handles rainwater drainage, while the sanitary sewer system handles domestic sewage.

Over the past number of years, the City has constructed a number of infrastructure projects in order to protect homes from flooding due to sanitary sewage backups. 

“The City’s focus has been on protecting private property from sanitary sewer flooding,” Hildebrandt says.

Super-pipes and new lift stations have been installed to reduce the risk of the sanitary sewer flooding. In prior years, heavy rain events allowed storm water to get into the sanitary system, causing back-ups and property damage.

No reports of sanitary sewage flooding have been reported due to yesterday’s storm.

Additional information

- Extra Public Works staff was called in to respond to reports of flooding.

- Crews responded to reported locations and replaced manhole covers that were displaced last night.

- The majority of the basins drained within a short period, as designed.  Crews inspected locations reported flooded, some catch basins were covered with debris which was cleared away. 

- Inspections continue today for locations that were not attended to last night. 

- Public Works received 73 calls for flooded catch basins or other drainage issues (The City has approximately 12,000 catch basins)

- Public Works received 37 reports of displaced manhole covers (The City has 8,800 storm sewer manholes).

- Compost Depots were closed due to weather around 5:00 p.m. last night.  Both locations have been open today.

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.

The heavy, super charged rain storm early Monday evening left many city streets and intersections flooded and looking like flowing rivers. 

Water on our city streets does not always indicate something is wrong, but actually is all part of a functional and cost effective storm water management system.  The City’s storm water system is designed to carry water along the streets and gutters during significant rain storms as what was experienced on Monday

When flowing water occurs along the road surface we ask that residents avoid these areas.  Flooded streets can hide popped manhole covers and create a dangerous situation.  Try to avoid entering a flooded street. Water in the streets will often drain very quickly following a heavy rain so we ask residents to be patient. 

If your property is next to a street that is used for storm water in a significant rain event, consider protecting low lying areas such as windows and doors that may be at risk of flooding.

If you see manhole covers that have popped off during a rain storm, please call our Customer Service Dispatch 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.

The City of Saskatoon and in motion are pleased to announce a partnership with local fitness providers to offer free outdoor fitness classes this summer in the downtown area.  These fitness classes will be offered in Kiwanis Park North on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:05 p.m. to 12:50 p.m., June through August.  Visit www.in-motion.ca for more information. 

Participating fitness providers include:

• How to Run (June 3, 5, 10, and 12) provided by Craven S.P.O.R.T. Services – Registration begins May 15 by emailing css@cravensportservices.ca
• Pilates Core Fusion (June 17, 19, 24, and 26) provided by Lead Pilates – Registration begins May 30 by calling 306-382-7447
• Running/Walking Group (July 1, 3, 8, and 10) provided by Motion Fitness – Registration begins June 15 by emailing events@motionfitness.ca
• Bridge City Boot Camp (July 15, 17, 22, and 24) provided by Bridge City Fitness – Registration begins June 30 by emailing carla@bridgecityfitness.com
• Yoga (July 29 and 31; August 5 and 7) provided by Namaskar Yoga – Registration begins July 15 by emailing bobbi.nordal@gmail.com
• Urban Poling (August 12, 14, 19, and 21) provided by City of Saskatoon Recreation and Sport – Registration begins July 30 by calling 306-975-3354

Residents, visitors, and those working downtown are also encouraged to meet friends and co-workers at the many great locations along the Meewasin Valley trails, and stay “in motion” throughout the summer.

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.

The heavy rain storm early Monday evening will not impact the drinking water in the city. Storm water and drinking water systems are two totally different sets of pipes – they are not interconnected.

If residents have any water concerns, please call our Customer Service Dispatch 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.

51ST STREET LANE RESTRICTIONS, MAY 27

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 27, the following restriction will be in place on 51st Street while crews perform maintenance work on the roadway in preparation for resurfacing.

- 51st Street eastbound median and centre lanes will be closed between Millar Avenue and Warman Road.
- 51st Street westbound median lane will be closed between Warman Road and Millar Avenue.
- Left turning into Co-op entrance from 51st Street eastbound will be restricted.

The work is expected to last one day.

20TH STREET EAST EASTBOUND RESTRICTIONS, MAY 27 

Starting at 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 27, 20th Street East eastbound will be closed between 2nd Avenue and 3rd Avenue while crews move a crane. The road is expected to reopen by 1:00 p.m.

COLLEGE DRIVE WESTBOUND RESTRICTIONS, MAY 27-30 

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 27, College Drive westbound curb (outside) lane will be closed at St Thomas More College to accommodate construction work.

The lane will reopen at 5:30 p.m. the same day. The restrictions will be reset at the same time each day. 

BROADWAY AVENUE CURB LANE RESTRICTIONS, MAY 27-30

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 27, Broadway Avenue northbound and southbound curb lanes will be closed between 12th Street and Saskatchewan Crescent while SaskEnergy works in the area.  

The road will reopen by 3:00 p.m. the same day. The restrictions will be reset each day to accommodate rush hour traffic.

All restrictions will be lifted 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.