News Releases

The City of Saskatoon (City), in partnership with Innovative Residential Inc., is pleased to announce the pilot of a new, exciting project to demonstrate attainable, accessible housing options in Saskatoon.
“It is a priority of the City’s Housing Business Plan to include accessible units in attainable housing projects,” says the City’s Director of Planning and Development, Alan Wallace.  “Any opportunity to assist in developing housing options to meet the needs of citizens of all abilities, while working with a local developer that strives to provide a wide array of affordable housing, is a good fit for the City to improve the quality of life in Saskatoon.”
Innovative Residential Inc., a Saskatchewan provider of affordable and entry-level housing, submitted a proposal under the City’s Mortgage Flexibilities Program.  The company wants to designate 26 units in the Poplar Grove Development in Hampton Village to meet the funding requirements of the program.
Recognizing a unique opportunity, the City began discussions with Innovative Residential Inc. on the possibility of including two accessible or barrier-free demonstration units within the new development.  To make the project possible, the builder will receive 10% in capital support per unit (up to a maximum of $20,000/unit) from the City to offset the higher cost of design and construction, allowing these units to be offered at affordable price points.  The units will demonstrate varying levels of accessibility, including one fully wheelchair accessible unit and one moderately accessible barrier-free unit.  It will mean potential buyers can now view an accessible unit before purchasing.  This hasn’t been possible in the past because specialized units had to be ordered in advance. 
“We are pleased for the opportunity to work with the City in this unique project,” says Stacie Beever, Community Development Officer for Innovative Residential Inc.  “By being able to demonstrate the units, we will be able to gather public feedback firsthand on the design and features of the units to make further improvements and to help assess the demand for affordable, entry-level accessible housing in Saskatoon.”
Innovative Residential Inc. is hosting open houses to show the two-bedroom, barrier-free unit at Poplar Grove, located at 1303 Richardson Road, on Saturdays and Sundays from 2 - 4 p.m., until the end of August.  During this time, Innovative Residential Inc. and the City will be surveying visitors regarding the design and demand for these accessible units.
Following the demonstration period, Innovative Residential Inc. will sell the units to qualified buyers with financial support, which includes a 5% Mortgage Flexibilities Support Program Down Payment Grant to eligible purchasers with an income below the Maximum Income Limits being contributed both from the City and Innovative Residential Inc. 
The City hopes that the demonstration units will encourage the builders of future projects under the Mortgage Flexibilities Support Program to include accessible units in their projects. 
For more information on the demonstration units and open houses, visit www.innovativeresidential.ca.
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.

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Starting Sunday, June 29, 2014, routes will be adjusted to better serve our customers.

This year, we have made several significant updates to our routes to improve the service we offer. Feedback from our customers is important to us and is reflected in the routes updates.

All Transit customers are encouraged to learn about the route adjustments before the changes take effect on June 29.  Information is available in information guides on each bus and distributed by Transit Ambassadors on routes and at major terminals. Information is also available online at www.saskatoon.ca or by phoning the Transit Customer Service Centre at 306-975-3100.

Over the next few weeks, Transit staff will be updating affected bus stop signs with new route numbers that take effect on June 29. Saskatoon Transit appreciates customers’ patience during this time and apologizes for any inconvenience that may be caused.

As part of the route adjustments, starting September 2, Saskatoon Transit is also introducing four new university transit routes! New LIMITED-STOP EXPRESS ROUTES will offer service to residents in Fairhaven, Parkridge, Arbor Creek, Erindale and Willowgrove. Also new on September 2, is a full stop route with additional service to Market Mall for customers along Clarence Avenue and in Stonebridge.

For more information visit www.saskatoon.ca or phone Saskatoon Transit at 306-975-3100.

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’s seven bridges, 47 overpasses and 21 pedestrian crossings are pressure washed each spring, following the completion of the spring street sweeping blitz.  Annual washing removes the road dirt and salt that collects along the sides throughout the year to prevent corrosion and deterioration, extending the life of the structure.  Once clean, a sealant is applied to the concrete for added protection against sand and salt.  The process involves routine maintenance, and pressure washing the inside and outside walls and the bearings and expansion joints, located underneath where large amounts of dirt collects.  

Structure washing occurs overnight Monday through Thursday, from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.; one to three locations will be cleaned each night.  For the safety of workers and drivers, and to provide access for equipment, lane restrictions will be in place during washing.  In most instances, traffic will merge to the centre lanes to accommodate the washing activities, but drivers are reminded please obey signs and pylons, and watch for City vehicles and workers. 

Tonight, drivers should watch for restrictions on the University Bridge, beginning at 8:00 p.m. Daily road restriction PSAs and Traffic Detour service alerts will advise drivers of the locations and restrictions.  

Bridge and overpass washing is expected to be completed by the middle of August, barring any unforeseen circumstances and weather permitting. 

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 like Saskatoon City News on Facebook. 

Due to the forecast of rain this week, paving on the following roads has been postponed:

- Faithfull Avenue from 50th Street to 51st Street and the intersection of Faithfull Avenue and 51st Street

- 51st Street from Faithfull Avenue to Wanuskewin Road (eastbound) curb and centre lanes

The lanes were scheduled to be closed overnight from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. All lanes will now be open to traffic and a new Public Service Announcement will be issued when the work resumes.

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.

The street lights on Idylwyld Drive north of 71st Street have experienced a power outage due to technical issues. SL&P crews are working to repair the lighting. Power is expected to be restored by the evening of Wednesday, June 18.

Lane restrictions may be in place in the southbound curb lane. Please watch for signage.

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.