News Releases

The Saskatoon Fire Department has noted a significant increase in the number of outside fires that were started by improperly disposing of smoking materials. There were 23 fires in the last 18 months attributed to this.

In 2013, 16 fires were caused by improperly disposing smoking materials such as cigarettes and cigars. The damage totaled more than $4 million. This year, seven fires were started by improper disposal of smoking materials. The average estimated damage was more than $100,000.

With changing social norms, it is now common for people to smoke outside in areas that contain flammable materials. A fire can develop if:

• smoking materials are not entirely extinguished
• if cigarette butts are allowed to accumulate in a container
• if peat moss, dry leaves or decking materials have butts dropped on them

Typically, the person who was smoking has already gone inside the home and the fire grows unnoticed. The fire often starts close to a house, ignites the exterior walls, then travels up to the roof and attic putting everyone inside the house at risk. In the early stages the fire may already be threatening the home, but there is often no smoke inside the house and smoke detectors cannot detect it. Many times it is a neighbour or people walking who notice the fire – if anyone happens to be there.

To prevent outdoor fires caused by smoking materials, the Saskatoon Fire Department recommends that you:

• have a metal or ceramic pot with a lid to dispose of your smoking materials
• leave a container outside for guests to use, even if you don’t smoke
• be aware that ashes are a fire safety hazard
• never extinguish smoking materials in planters – the peat moss in planters can smolder for hours before suddenly bursting into flames
• never throw burning cigarettes out your car window and onto the street
• always make sure your smoking materials are completely extinguished and that there is nothing in the vicinity that could catch fire like dry grass or cedar trees.

City crews will begin back lane rehabilitation and maintenance on July 14, starting with Ward 8 and moving through to Ward 1, which is the reverse of last year’s program.  Saskatoon’s network of more than 400 kilometres of gravel back lanes will be improved this summer following inspections and ratings this past Spring.

“Annual grading of back lanes levels off low areas, repairs ruts and potholes, and prevents deterioration,” says Pat Hyde, Director of Public Works.  “In order to prevent damage to private property and for the safety of residents and our crews, we kindly ask residents to remove all obstructions and debris from the back lane.” Residents with back lane collection are also asked to move garbage and recycling containers back onto their property after their collection date.

Improvements will consist of almost 13 kilometres of gravel back lanes undergoing enhanced rehabilitation treatments, which include preventative measures such as trimming of trees overhanging into the lanes. Overhanging trees can cause poor drainage and excessive wet spots, leading to the formation of ruts. All other lanes will be graded and packed as appropriate to improve the condition.

While crews are working in your back lane, access to lanes will be restricted, and for their safety, children and pets must stay at least 15 metres away from equipment. 

Residents affected by a back lane rehabilitation will be notified in advance with more information about what to expect. 

A schedule for back lane maintenance and rehabilitation will be posted on the City’s website early next week.  Rain may cause delays to the program and the schedule may fluctuate as a result. 

For more information, visit saskatoon.ca and click on Building Better Roads, or contact the Public Works Customer Service Centre at public.works@saskatoon.ca or 306-975-2476.

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.

For Immediate Release: July 3, 2014

8TH STREET & CLARENCE AVENUE INTERSECTION, JULY 4-5 

Beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, July 4, the following restrictions will be in place at the intersection of 8th Street and Clarence Avenue while crews repair a water main:

- 8th Street eastbound curb (outside) lane will be closed approaching Clarence Avenue
- 8th Street westbound left turn bay to 8th Street eastbound will be closed
- Clarence Avenue southbound will be closed from 7th Street to 8th Street (no southbound through traffic)
- Clarence Avenue northbound  median (inside) lane will be closed approaching 8th Street

The work is expected to last 2 days.

24TH STREET BETWEEN 3RD AVENUE & 5TH AVENUE, JULY 4-6

Beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Friday, July 4, 24th Street will be closed between 3rd Avenue and 5th Avenue while crews pave the road. The 4th Avenue intersection will remain open.

The work is expected to take 2 to 3 days.

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! 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.

For Immediate Release: July 2, 2014
 

Starting Monday, July 7, the pedestrian walkway under the new Circle Drive South Bridge will be closed. This closure will be in effect until Saturday, July 19.

Crews will be adjusting the bearings that allow for movement to prevent wear and tear. 

Pedestrians and cyclists are encouraged to find an alternative route for the two weeks of work.

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 #betterroads and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

For Immediate Release: July 2, 2014
                                           

SPADINA CRESCENT BETWEEN DUKE STREET AND QUEEN STREET, JULY 3

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 3, Spadina Crescent will be closed between Duke Street and Queen Street while crews work on water and sewer connections.

Access to local traffic will be maintained. The road is expected to reopen by 3:00 p.m. the same day.

25TH STREET AND 1ST AVENUE INTERSECTION, JULY 3

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 3, the following restrictions will be in place at 25th Street and 1st Avenue intersection while crews work on the road:

- 25th Street left turn lane to 1st Avenue southbound will be closed
- 25th Street westbound median (inside) lane will be closed approaching 1st Avenue

The roads are expected to reopen by 1:00 p.m. the same day.

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! 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.