News Releases

On September 1, 1972, the City of Saskatoon completed a $160,000 renovation to expand the Sutherland Forest Nursery Station to include an animal park. Since then, a wide variety of exotic species and western Canadian animals have called the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo home.

“It’s pretty amazing to look back and reflect on all of the animals that have become part of the Zoo family over the past 50 years,” says Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager. “We have had some amazing animal ambassadors over the years, including grizzly bears Mistaya and Koda who have called the Zoo home for more than 15 years”.

Since opening the expanded facility in 1972, the Zoo has become home to several species of animals. Some animals have incredible stories of survival like Sammis the pronghorn who was delivered via c-section by a conservation officer after his mother was hit by a car. Sammis was brought to the zoo where he was bottle fed and is now thriving as part of the pronghorn herd. Many other zoo residents like the red-tailed hawk, snowy owls and bald eagles sustained injuries preventing them from being able to survive in the wild, and several other species like the snow leopard and Goeldi’s monkeys participate in important conservation research and education programs to ensure the survival of their species.

To celebrate the milestone, the Zoo will be organizing a variety of enrichment activities for the animals at the Zoo and will be offering a special 50^th anniversary daily admission rate on Thursday, September 1, 2022. Daily admission rates will be $5 for adults (18+), $5 for youth (6-18) and $10 for families (a group of up to seven individuals with a maximum of 2 adults). Children under 6 always receive FREE admission to the Zoo. Parking fees will remain in effect at $4 per vehicle.

“Our animals will be very excited to see what our team has in store for them to mark the occasion,” says Mitchell. “Our zookeepers have been working on a variety of enrichment activities that will promote mental and physical stimulation and also provide an opportunity for the animals to participate in the celebrations. We encourage everyone to come out and visit our species ambassadors and see some of the fun activities we have in store for them.”

The Zoo is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Visit saskatoon.ca/zoo to plan your visit.

Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo Background

Established in 1913, the Sutherland Forest Nursery Station researched and produced trees adapted for growth in the prairie climate. For over 50 years, millions of seedlings were grown and shipped to farms throughout the Prairie Provinces, helping to ensure the success of prairie farming by providing protection from harsh weather and beautification of the landscape. The Nursery Station was closed in 1965 and was purchased by the City of Saskatoon and re-opened in 1972 as the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo. Today, the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo is a National Historic Site boasting restored heritage buildings, carefully-crafted garden spaces and Saskatchewan’s only CAZA accredited zoo.

The Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation has been rescheduled for September 30, following the cancellation on June 21 due to extreme weather. The event will take place on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30) between 10:00 and 11:30 a.m. The walk will begin at Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI) and end at the “Where our Paths Cross” Reconciliation Circle art installation in Victoria Park (across the road from 422 Spadina Cres W).

“The significance of a walk can be attributed to the Sunday walks in residential schools; this was often the only time when siblings and cousins of different genders might be reunited,” says Judy Pelly, a Residential School Survivor and member of the Rock Your Roots Walk organizing committee. “It’s meaningful to see Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples come together in this way.”

Rock Your Roots is put on by Reconciliation Saskatoon, which the City of Saskatoon co-chairs along with the Office of the Treaty Commissioner. The event, which has seen attendance in the thousands in past years, was first held in 2016. The intent of this event is to answer the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action by demonstrating a commitment to Reconciliation, honouring Residential School Survivors, and continuing work towards an inclusive community.

“This walk is an opportunity to learn about and honour First Nation and Métis residential school survivors,” says Shirley Isbister, President of Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI). “It’s an inclusive event that welcomes everyone to come out and participate. We look forward to being together.”

Individuals of all ages are invited to attend—alone or as part of a group. Workplaces and other organizations are encouraged to send a team and invited to come outfitted with banners showcasing their organization’s support for Reconciliation. Many schools will be closed for the day in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation which presents an opportunity for parents to bring their children and partake in this powerful Reconciliation event together. Cultural performers will 'rock their roots' to start and end the walk, sharing their culture and showcasing Saskatoon's incredible diversity.

“Rock Your Roots is an opportunity to bring our community together to understand and be educated on residential schools and how they have negatively impacted Indigenous peoples,” says Saskatoon Tribal Chief Mark Arcand. “This walk is a symbol of Reconciliation and a commitment to change for the better, so that all people can have a good quality of life.”

“Rock Your Roots represents an acknowledgment of the multi-generational impacts of residential schools and a commitment to Reconciliation,” says Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark. “It’s a public demonstration of support for residential school attendees and those lost. It’s a promise to work towards a future that affords every member of our community equal opportunity.”

This event is open to all and there is no charge for participating. Walk participants are invited to wear their cultural dress or symbols, an EveryChildMatters shirt, or any other orange shirt. For the latest event information, follow the Rock Your Roots Facebook Event.

Members of City Council’s Standing Policy Committee on Finance will review options for setting the indicative rate for the 2022 and 2023 budget at a special meeting on August 31 at 1 p.m.

At the June 21, 2021, Governance and Priorities Committee (GPC) meeting, members asked for a deferral to set the indicative rates for 2022 and 2023 to a later date, in order to further explore options to address the property tax pressure residents and businesses face in this unprecedented year, and to recognize the funds required to maintain quality services and address strategic priorities of City Council.

Setting the indicative rate is not to finalize the property tax rates. It is the starting point in the budget building process and for 2022 and 2023, whereby the estimated rates presented are for a status quo budget. The estimated property tax rates presented at the June 21 GPC meeting of 5.96% in 2022 and 5.42% in 2023 are the rates required to keep all City services and service levels the same as what residents have been receiving. 

Input from residents and the business community is being welcomed as part of this review of the proposed indicative rates. Those wishing to participate or share their input on the 2022 and 2023 indicative rate may submit their intent in the following ways:

• Online through the Submit a Letter/Request to Speak to Council and Committees form
• By post or in person to: Office of the City Clerk, 222 - 3rd Avenue North, Saskatoon, SK S7K 0J5
• By fax to 306-975-2784

Interested residents and businesses are encouraged to contact the City Clerk's Office at 306-975-3240 to clarify the requirements for sharing input at this Special Meeting.

The indicative rate guides the Administration in preparing the multi-year budget to allocate resources to the services, programs and initiatives within Council’s priority areas outlined in its 2022-2025 Strategic Plan, which will be released in early fall. 

Visit saskatoon.ca/budget for more information on the City’s 2022/2023 Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget process.

On Monday, August 23, the Administration will present two information reports to the Governance and Priorities Committee (GPC). This is in response to the requests made by GPC at its June 21 meeting, that the Administration report back on the following:

• Implications for the funding and operations of waste programs, including the organics program, if funding for the organics program moved to a utility model.
• The option to outsource collections with an affordability threshold, including triple bottom line analysis, that reflects as many factors as possible to ensure that we achieve the best overall organics collection with price and service.

“We are thoroughly assessing all options as we implement this new service for residents, both financially and operationally, but also with our sustainability commitments in mind,” says Brendan Lemke, Director of Water and Waste Operations. “We welcome the opportunity to conduct further review, where necessary, and provide City Council with the information required to ensure the success of this program. After an unprecedented and challenging year, it is important that we ensure the decisions made in 2019 reflect and compliment the environment we are in today.”

The City established a contract with Green Prairie Environmental Ltd. in August 2020 to manage organics processing, while a decision on collections has yet to be made. The city-wide curbside residential organics program is expected to launch in spring 2023.

Administrative Reports & Attachments:

• Curbside Organics Collection: Affordability Threshold and Triple Bottom Line Approach to Tendering Collections
• Solid Waste Program Funding Models: Implications and Considerations for Change

Progress updates and a decision history can be found at saskatoon.ca/curbsideorganics.

The City of Saskatoon (City) and the University of Saskatchewan (USask) have developed a Climate Commitment and Call to Action with an aim to speed up the transition to a green community.

To formalize this pledge—which progresses the goals of a first-of-its-kind 2017 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between a Canadian university and municipality—the Climate Commitment and Call to Action has been presented to the City’s Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services (EUCS) on Monday morning, Aug. 9, 2021.

“There are many co-benefits that can result from this strong partnership and project collaboration. The City, USask, Saskatoon residents and students can expect to benefit from lowered emissions and pollution and environmental protection which make the world around us healthier,” says Jeanna South, Director of Sustainability. “Equity and reconciliation are top priorities throughout this commitment, thus we also expect to see improvements in our relationships and quality of life.”

While both the City and USask have their own climate action plans, this additional commitment will provide common ground between the institution and municipality in order to make way for easier collaboration.

“We are excited to be taking this important step to further develop our relationship with the City on this urgent and accelerating policy challenge,” says Julian Demkiw, Senior Strategist for USask.

If approved by City Council, the first steps will involve sharing information on climate baselines and expanding student engagement. Further work will explore collaboration opportunities around equitable climate action on topics such as energy efficiency and biodiversity conservation.

Visit research.usask.ca/research-junction for more information on collaborations between the City of Saskatoon and the University of Saskatchewan.

In early March, the animal care staff observed Malcolm having difficulty walking and jumping. A physical exam was performed and arthritis was seen in his joints. Veterinarians had been treating his symptoms with medication to help ease the pain; however, this week his well-being declined significantly and the difficult decision was made to humanely euthanize him.

Malcom, who was considered geriatric, arrived at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo in 2009 and made his permanent home at the Nutrien Ark.

“Malcolm was an amazing ambassador for his species,” said Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager. “In his 12 years at the Zoo, many people had the opportunity to learn more about cougars and we know everyone who had a chance to see him, cared about him as much as we did”.

Cougars have a life expectancy of 9-13 years and range from the north Yukon down to the Andes Mountains in South America. They are classified as Least Concern on the endangered species list but are considered endangered in several provinces in Canada.

The City of Saskatoon has a responsibility to provide clean drinking water to a growing population through an efficient and reliable water treatment and distribution system. Since it was established in 1906, Saskatoon’s Water Treatment Plant has been expanded to a treatment capacity of 250 million litres per day (MLD). The plant, along with reservoirs and pump stations, serve the city and several surrounding municipal and rural customers.

“We will continue to utilize and upgrade our current Water Treatment Plant and infrastructure for years to come, but we need to begin planning the development of a second plant to increase treatment capacity,” says Pamela Hamoline, Interim Director of Saskatoon Water. “A second plant would eventually bring our total treatment capacity to 450 ML per day, which is necessary for an expected population of 500,000 in the coming years.”

On Monday, the Water Treatment Long Term Capital Strategy will go before the City’s Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services. The report highlights the current and future steps needed to increase treatment capacity.

“Despite many successful water conservation efforts, as well as maintenance and upgrades over the years, it is unrealistic to depend on our 116-year-old Water Treatment Plant to keep up with future demand,” says Hamoline.

Hamoline says an internal Decision Quality Team is committed to ensuring the alignment of the City’s Strategic Goals in determining a treatment plant expansion strategy, including the goal of Environmental Leadership to reduce the City’s environmental footprint and promoting responsible use of resources.

“The team still has a lot of work to do and is currently exploring funding strategies so it can report the findings to City Council. That work will include looking into opportunities and partnerships with Federal and Provincial funding programs.”

The City has a draft Engagement Plan in the works as well, focusing on identifying major stakeholders and opportunities for proactive public communication.

For more information about the Water Treatment Plant, history, distribution system, and treatment process, visit saskatoon.ca/water.

With the concept and site design approved by City Council, construction is in full swing on Recovery Park. The facility, next to the landfill, will be Saskatoon’s one-stop point for easy, efficient, and cost-effective waste diversion.

“This project has been years in the making so it’s great to be at the stage where work is now happening on the site,” says Bryan Zerebeski, Senior Project Management Engineer, Technical Services. “The site has been cleaned up and cleared and soon we’ll get started on new weigh scales and new administrative and equipment storage buildings. The site will be landscaped and when Recovery Park opens in 2023, Saskatoon will experience a very easy and well-organized facility for waste and recycling.”

A new road into the Recovery Park site has already been built and will open on August 9, 2021. Visitors will still access the landfill off Valley Road but will be directed onto the new road while the existing one is decommissioned.

Recovery Park was designed to improve recycling options at the landfill and provide space to develop future diversion opportunities. The materials being considered for acceptance include:

• mixed metals
• appliances
• construction and demolition waste
• rigid plastics
• household hazardous waste
• bicycles
• used oil and antifreeze
• elm wood

Right now, the City diverts 24 per cent of its garbage from the landfill. With Recovery Park, curbside organics and the Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Regulation all launching in 2023, the waste diversion rate is projected to increase to 41-54 per cent.

Under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, the Government of Canada will fund up to $7.8 million toward the Recovery Park project and the Government of Saskatchewan will contribute up to $6,499,350. The City of Saskatoon will fund the remainder of the $37.5 million project and any additional costs.

For more information on Recovery Park and to see the facility layout, visit saskatoon.ca/recoverypark. 

Residents of Saskatoon will soon be able to request public transit service using the Saskatoon Transit OnDemand app from designated stops to the nearest transit hub and vice-versa. The OnDemand Transit (ODT) service will connect the new neighbourhoods of Brighton/Rosewood, North Kensington and Blairmore with fixed route service, to fill service gaps in those areas.

“This is all about service,” says Tracey Davis, Interim Director, Saskatoon Transit.

“We want to provide people with as much flexibility as possible - especially in developing neighbourhoods where full public transit options don’t yet exist. Our OnDemand Transit service is just the thing to meet this challenge head on.”

The new ODT service will begin August 2 and will be fully integrated with the current fixed-route transit system. OnDemand will also be available in Transit, Saskatoon Transit’s all-in-one app to plan, track and pay for rides. Thanks to this integration, riders can, for the first-time plan trips that combine Saskatoon's OnDemand and fixed-route services. Passengers can plan a trip in Transit to their destination using a combination of OnDemand and fixed-route service, then link directly to the Saskatoon OnDemand app to request their ride. Trips can be requested in multiple ways: the Saskatoon Transit OnDemand mobile app, website, or phone (306-975-3100).

To make this all work in a coordinated effort is new AI technology paired with an app that allows trips to be booked in real time, or up to two weeks before riding. Spots can also be reserved for wheelchairs and bikes.

“The software is brilliant,” says Davis. “We’re able to connect buses directly to our customers when they need it, and to route the bus efficiently from rider pickup to drop-off.”

The new service to launch August 2, 2022, will connect Brighton/Rosewood, North Kensington and Blairmore to transit hubs Monday to Friday, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

SASKATOON, SK — Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for affordable housing and led to rising levels of homelessness. The Government of Canada created a national strategy to build hundreds of thousands of units and provide affordable housing to people across the country. By continuing to make investments in affordable housing, the government is building stronger communities, creating jobs, and growing our middle class, while fighting homelessness and helping vulnerable Canadians.

Adam Vaughan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and Charlie Clark, Mayor of Saskatoon, today announced $7.6 million to create an estimated 36 new affordable homes for individuals and families in Saskatoon through the Cities Stream under expanded Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI). These housing units will support Canadians who are in uncertain housing situations, experiencing or at risk of homelessness, or living in temporary shelters because of the pandemic.

This is in addition to the Government of Canada’s previous investment of $17 million through the first phase of the Rapid Housing Initiative under the Projects Stream to support the creation of 84 affordable homes for First Nations in Saskatchewan.

In its initial round, with funding of $1 billion announced in October 2020, the RHI exceeded its original target of 3,000 permanent affordable housing units and achieved 4,700 units nationally. Due to this success, an additional $1.5 billion for the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) was recently announced to create 4,500 new units of permanent affordable housing across the country. Thanks to this expansion, this initiative will now create over 9,200 affordable homes for the most vulnerable Canadians across the country.

This new investment will create thousands of good jobs in the housing and construction sector, grow the middle class, and build back stronger communities, while getting us closer to our goal of eliminating chronic homelessness in Canada

Quotes:

“Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Today's funding through the Rapid Housing Initiative will go a long way to support those who need it most by quickly providing nearly 36 new affordable homes for vulnerable individuals and families in Saskatoon to keep them safe. This is one of the ways our National Housing Strategy continues to ensure no one is left behind.” – The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

“Everyone deserves a roof over their head and a safe place to call home. Today’s announcement of additional funding through the Rapid Housing Initiative will have a huge impact on our most vulnerable citizens. These new affordable homes will make a difference in addressing the increasing risk of homelessness. Here in Saskatoon, the City will be giving priority to Indigenous-led projects as we recognize the importance of providing housing and supports that is grounded in the culture and identity of the people needing help and healing.  I would like to thank the federal government for their ongoing commitment to creating affordable housing for our most vulnerable individuals and families.” – Charlie Clark, Mayor of Saskatoon

Quick facts:

• The RHI is delivered by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), under the National Housing Strategy (NHS). 
• Canada’s NHS is an ambitious, 10-year plan that will invest over $72 billion to give more Canadians a place to call home. Launched in 2017, the NHS will build and repair thousands of housing units, and help households with affordability support. 
• The RHI is a $1 billion program launched in October 2020 to help address urgent housing needs of vulnerable Canadians, especially in the context of COVID-19, through the rapid construction of affordable housing.
• Due to this success, an additional $1.5 billion for the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) was recently announced through Budget 2021 with $500 million in funding under the Cities Stream being allocated to the following municipalities: Burnaby, Calgary, Capital Regional District, Durham, Edmonton, Gatineau, Greater Sudbury, Halifax, Hamilton, Iqaluit, Kingston, Laval, London, Longueil, Montreal, Niagara, Ottawa, Peel, Quebec, Regina, Saskatoon, Surrey, St. John’s, Toronto, Vancouver, Waterloo, Whitehorse, Windsor, Winnipeg, and Yellowknife.
• Under the Projects Stream: $1 billion will be allocated to eligible applications submitted during the RHI’s initial application period last fall and having not yet received funding.
• Based on feedback from stakeholders, CMHC has introduced new flexibilities to the RHI:
  • Program applicants will be eligible to receive funding for additional forms of new construction beyond modular, if units can be built within 12 months.
  • Non-profits will now have an opportunity to demonstrate that they have the financial capacity to support the viability of units without government subsidy (self-funded). 
  • Cities will have a longer time to submit projects (60 days instead of 30).
  • Project delivery timelines have been adjusted for projects located in the North and special access communities.
• At least 25 per cent of this new funding will go toward women-focused housing projects. The units will be built within 12 months of when funding is provided to program applicants.
• The RHI will continue to prioritize proposals that target units serving Indigenous peoples and other vulnerable groups. It will also continue to provide flexibilities on timelines to Indigenous governing bodies or organizations as needed.
• Due to the considerable response during the first round of the Projects Stream, many eligible applications remain unfunded. Applicants with eligible proposals from the first round of RHI that have not yet received funding will be contacted directly with further details.
• The RHI takes a human rights-based approach to housing, serving people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and other vulnerable people under the NHS, including: women and children fleeing domestic violence, seniors, young adults, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, people experiencing mental health and addiction issues, veterans, LGBTQ2 individuals, racialized and Black Canadians, and recent immigrants or refugees.
• CMHC supports the government’s efforts to improve the well-being of Canadians facing housing and homelessness challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Associated links:

• Rapid Housing Initiative  
• National Housing Strategy 
• New Rapid Housing Initiative to create up to 3,000 new homes for Canadians 
• Rapid Housing Initiative will exceed targets by creating more than 4,700 new homes for Canadians 
• Budget 2021: A Recovery Plan for Jobs, Growth, and Resilience 

As Canada’s authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to all levels of Canadian government, consumers and the housing industry. CMHC’s aim is that by 2030, everyone in Canada has a home they can afford, and that meets their needs. For more information, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Fire Chief Morgan Hackl and other fire officials will welcome the newest group of firefighter-paramedics to the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) at a private graduation ceremony this afternoon. The ceremony will recognize the successful completion of comprehensive training programs where 15 recruits will be presented with their badges and battalion assignments.

All 15 firefighter-paramedics have completed basic training in firefighting, technical rescue, hazardous material mitigation and fire inspections. They are also certified to the level of Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) and are licensed through the Saskatchewan College of Paramedics. Their training and experience have prepared them for operating effectively on high-hazard emergency scenes.    

"We hold a high standard of training at SFD. Our team of Fire Service Instructors has worked with these recruits over the past four weeks to review their firefighter and paramedic skills, and educate them on how they will apply these in their new role at the SFD,” says Anthony Tataryn, Assistant Chief of Staff Development and Safety. “Our fire department strives to be a leader in training as we recognize the vital importance that it plays in the safety of both our staff and residents.”

EMS incidents make up over 40 percent of SFD's response, making the recruits’ PCP certification a valuable asset to the fire service.

"When we seek new recruits, we look for individuals who will contribute to the overall success of our team," says Chief Hackl. "With the growing number of EMS calls in our city, it's important for our crews to be equipped with paramedic training. Having the added PCP certification means our firefighters can effectively respond to EMS incidents that occur in high-hazard situations.”

These firefighter-paramedics demonstrate the Saskatoon Fire Department’s commitment towards enhanced front-line emergency care and the investment that City Council continues to make in emergency services.

Chief Hackl adds, “We commend the hard work each recruit has put forward to reach this milestone and we’re thrilled to welcome these 15 individuals to the Saskatoon Fire Department.”

The new firefighter-paramedics will start their first shifts beginning Monday, July 25.

The City’s 2020 Report on Service, Savings and Sustainability (SSS Report) highlights how teams worked together, and apart, in 2020 to find new and improved ways to deliver services to residents during the pandemic while focusing on finding savings and reducing our impact on the environment.

“I am very proud of our City employees,” says Celene Anger, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer. “Despite last year’s extraordinary circumstances, including a work-from-home directive impacting about 1,000 staff, they continued to find innovative ways to continue the safe delivery of essential core services to residents, maximize value for taxpayer dollars and minimize costs for the Corporation.”

“Even with the challenges of 2020, the City moved forward on several major projects including the approval of our Official Community Plan and nationally recognized Green Infrastructure Strategy,” Anger adds. “From making the switch to LED streetlights, adding GPS to our City fleet of vehicles, or the innovative ways found to administer the civic election during the pandemic - every efficiency gained and savings achieved are especially important within a year where COVID-19 greatly impacted our civic finances.”

 2020 SSS Report financial highlights include:

• An estimated $850K in operational savings were identified through a combination of one-time overall and annual savings.
• Saskatoon Land generated $43.7 million in sales and leasing revenues. Financial returns from Land Development operations stay in Saskatoon and are allocated for use in capital projects that would otherwise be funded through property taxes or borrowing.
• Grant funding approvals totaled $69.8 million through a combination of federal and provincial programs.

The annual SSS Report provides highlights to City Council and the community at large on the City’s previous year’s accomplishments related to our Strategic Goal of Continuous Improvement through improved service, increased savings and found efficiencies, and successful sustainability initiatives across civic operations.

The 2020 Report on Service, Savings and Sustainability report will be presented to the Governance and Priorities Committee of City Council today, Monday July 19.

A report directed by City Council to explore supports for Indigenous women and girls and two spirit people (IWG2S) recommends establishing an Independent Office of the Representative Matriarchs who will work with other matriarchs on creating an IWG2S Centre. The Matriarch or “Auntie” will assist IWG2S.

“She would act as aunties do,” says Melissa Cote, Director of Indigenous Initiatives. “Indigenous women, girls and two spirit people know they can go to an auntie with anything and an auntie will provide advice; they will advocate for them within the systems and challenge the system itself. They do their best to protect them and keep them safe.”

This work follows a July 29, 2019 resolution of City Council that the Administration review the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and identify options for how the City of Saskatoon can respond to the Report’s Calls for Justice that are within the City’s jurisdiction, in a fashion similar to the existing review that has been undertaken for the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

In November 2020, the City created a Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two Spirit (MMIWG2S) Advisory Group comprised of an Elder and a number of organizations:

• Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan
• Iskwewuk Ewichiwitochik (Women Walking Together)
• Les Filles de Madelaine/CUMFI
• OUTSaskatoon
• Saskatoon Public Schools
• Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools
• Saskatoon Tribal Council
• Saskatchewan Health Authority
• Sixties Scoop Indigenous Society of Saskatchewan Inc.
• Saskatoon Police Service
• Saskatoon Public Library
• Saskatoon Fire Department
• Royal Canadian Mounted Police

The purpose of the Advisory Group was to assist in the selection of a consultant; share information and collaborate; and provide guidance and advice in the development of the report.

If approved by City Council, Cote says the Office of the Representative of the Matriarchs will ensure that IWG2S are connected to services that they need to be connected to, be there for IWG2S who are in trouble and provide guidance.

“But most of all, the Auntie will be there to let them know that they are loved and that they matter.”

Cote says the City will work with the Advisory Group and partners to determine the process for selecting a representative of the Aunties.

The report entitled “IWG2S Coming Home” was prepared by Hope Restored Canada; these consultants believe it is critical to acknowledge the role that Indigenous women have played in the past and that their experiences and knowledge be brought to the forefront for present and future actions. To capture this, they have chosen and used the term “matriarch” in this report. In Indigenous families, aunties often serve as an extra parent who provides advice and emotional support to relatives.

“So, these are the empowered leaders for families and community. They are the Indigenous women and two spirit people that are already advising all over the City on Indigenous issues – the ones that people go to for advice as counsellors, advisors, leaders and confidants.”

The Administration will present the study to the Governance and Priorities Committee of City Council on Monday July 19.

Based on an initial review, Administration will then bring forward options for operational and capital funding in the 2022-23 Business Plan and Budget to implement the recommendation and actions in the Final Report.

If implemented, the Centre will work with non-profit organizations, federal and provincial governments to coordinate services. The report offers possibilities such as:

• Coordination of services that work in tandem with City departments and other agencies offering services to IWG2S
• Indigenous search and rescue unit
• Centralized knowledge base and referrals
• Ceremony / Elders/ Matriarchs

Next steps will include an analysis of the Final Report submitted by Hope Restored Canada; a debrief with the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two Spirit Advisory Group and Hope Restored Canada.  Following this, a communications, public education, and engagement plan will be developed.

“This report stresses we need to listen to the Aunties,” Cote says. “At a very basic level, every Indigenous woman, girl and two-spirited person needs safe spaces: a place to sleep; a bathroom to use in privacy; a kitchen in which to feed themselves and family. These are basic needs; a human right and an action people can get behind.”

Every year, the City of Saskatoon produces its Service, Savings and Sustainability (SSS) Report. The report focuses on the preceding calendar year and highlights the ways City employees worked to capture savings, enhance services for residents, and make improvements in the area of sustainability.

“The theme of the 2021 report is 2021: Resilience & Readiness,” says Celene Anger, the City’s Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer. “We wanted to tell the story of how we worked together to continue delivering and improving programs and services in the second year of a global pandemic, all while working to keep residents and staff safe.”

Initiatives featured in the 2021 report include:

• Doubling minor sidewalk repairs
• City Hall Lobby reconfigured to prioritize customer experience
• Improvements to Saskatoon.ca to make it more mobile friendly
• Reintroduction of prescribed fires to help ecological health
• LED street light upgrade completed
• Solid Waste Reduction & Diversion Plan unveiled
• Facility improvements to increase energy efficiency
• Use of recycled asphalt
• ePermitting improvements for building and development permits

The 2021 Service, Savings and Sustainability (SSS) Report reflects the City’s year-over-year commitment to find savings, explore and take on new challenges, and find practical, forward-thinking solutions to meet the changing needs of the community.

“At the City of Saskatoon, we have a strong commitment to continuous improvement and are always looking for new ways to improve performance and deliver value for taxpayer dollars,” says Anger.

The 2021 SSS Report will be presented as an information item at the Governance and Priorities Committee meeting on Monday, July 18. The report is available now at saskatoon.ca/SSSreport.

The City is pleased to announce that the City’s Public Art Advisory Committee has received a sculpture on temporary loan from Saskatoon artist Douglas Bentham.   

“We are always grateful for an opportunity to enhance our public art program,” says Community Development Manager Kevin Kitchen.  “Public art transforms public spaces and engage with audiences to promote an appreciation for contemporary art practices.  

Titled “Perfect World” the 12m-tall (40 foot) stainless-steel sculpture will be on display near the intersection of Idylwyld Drive and 20^th Street East until June 30, 2025.  

“The sculpture is a tribute to Mother Nature,” Bentham says. “The subject matter speaks for itself: a gleaming sphere held aloft on a man-made column.”  

Bentham is a practitioner of abstract, constructivist sculpture for over forty years.

Other Bentham sculptures on exhibit in Saskatoon include: 

• Unfurled at Spadina Crescent and 25^th Street; and  
• Gentle Rain (on-loan from Remai Modern) in Hyde Park. 

To learn more about the City’s public art collection, visit saskatoon.ca/publicart. 

All aboard! The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo) is excited to announce the return of guided train tours with the addition of a new electric, trackless train the Kinsmen Express II.

“Visitors have been anxiously awaiting the return of guided train tours at the Zoo,” says Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager. “We are so thankful to the Kinsmen Club of Saskatoon and the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation for their continued partnership and contributions that led to the return of this much-loved attraction at the Zoo.”

The Kinsmen Express II is equipped with a ramp and wheelchair accessible car and will provide a fun way to learn more about the many magnificent animals that call the Zoo home. Train tours are FREE with your Zoo admission and will be guided by the Saskatoon Zoo Society from May until Labour Day each year. Tours will run continuously from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, with extended hours on weekends throughout July and August.

Zoo-goers will have their first opportunity to ride the Kinsmen Express II on July 1, 2022. The Zoo is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Visit saskatoon.ca/zoo to plan your next visit.

The new dry storm pond in W.W. Ashley District performed exceptionally well when approximately 65 millimetres of rain fell (Aden Bowman Collegiate rain gauge) during the afternoon of Monday, June 20, 2022. The pond, which was completed last fall, was designed to handle a 1-in-10-year rain event but accommodated a storm closer to a 1-in-25-year rain event, preventing water damage to approximately 37 neighbourhood homes that typically experience flooding during intense rainfall.

“Flash flooding, especially in neighbourhoods developed prior to storm water infrastructure standard improvements in 1989, can be devastating which is why we have been working to protect as many people and properties as we can through our Flood Control Strategy,” says Angela Gardiner, General Manager of Utilities and Environment. “Monday’s rain was an ideal test. We are very impressed as we have not received any reports of flooded homes adjacent to the new pond and the infrastructure handled more water than anticipated. The pond had completely drained by 8 o’clock that evening.”

Dry storm ponds hold water that would otherwise cause nearby flooding during intense rainfalls. The water flows into storm drains and through pipes into the dry storm pond, then slowly drains into the storm sewer before it drains into the South Saskatchewan River. Whenever dry, it is used as park space. When it fills with storm water, it is deep and dangerous, and residents should stay away.

The W.W. Ashley Park Dry Storm Pond will open to the public this fall after the landscaping has fully rooted. Residents are asked to stay out of the enclosed area until then.

Construction on a dry storm pond in Churchill Park is underway right now and will be completed later this year. Plans are in the works for a dry storm pond in Weaver Park in 2023 and more flood mitigation projects will be built between 2024 and 2027.

“Once these flood control projects are completed, we anticipate seeing a substantial decrease in the amount of neighbourhood flooding in the top 10 highest risk areas of the city.” says Gardiner.

On Monday, storm water and debris infiltrated the sewer system and ended up at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. As a result, the city’s lift stations were operating at capacity and there was a minor sewage spill into the South Saskatchewan River.

“This is an extremely rare occurrence. Due to the small volume, the sewage quickly diluted, and downstream lab sampling did not detect any harmful impacts. The spill was reported to the Water Security Agency and there was no risk to the public.”

A report on the City’s June 20, 2022 Rain Event Response will be presented to City Council on Monday, June 27, 2022.

The prairie dogs have a new habitat to explore and start digging their complex tunnel systems in at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo).

“We are so excited to have the prairie dogs in their new home,” says Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager.  “The exhibit was designed to feature a naturalistic habitat and is over nine feet deep allowing them to exhibit their natural behaviours of digging and exploring”.

The new habitat also provides visitors the opportunity to get an up-close look at the prairie dogs with over 40 feet of glass around the new exhibit.

Building the new exhibit was made possible through the generous support of the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation who raises funds for capital projects and improvements within the Zoo. The Foundation secured the required funding to bring the new prairie dog exhibit to life thanks to the generous support of Rempel Brothers Construction, Dynamic Glass and Door, Richter Fencing, York Windows and Doors, One Mouse Graphic Design, LB Signs and the Forster Families. 

“The Saskatoon Zoo Foundation is very excited to have been able to contribute to the new Prairie Dog Exhibit and are very thankful for all of our partners and donors,” says Dawn Woroniuk, Executive Director, Saskatoon Zoo Foundation. “We couldn’t contribute to the Zoo without our supporters and because of them we can continue to connect citizens to nature so they can all enjoy this wonderful gem.”

The new prairie dog exhibit also features original artwork created by the Saskatoon Community Youth Arts Program. “We were so excited to work with the Saskatoon Community Youth Arts Program,” says Mitchell. “The piece really brings the space to life and makes this exhibit extra special and feel like you are out in a Southern Saskatchewan Prairie.”

Prairie dogs live in tight-knit family groups called coteries and communicate using squeaky calls. While their squeaky calls may sound simple and repetitive to the human ear, prairie dogs’ vocabulary is thought to be more advanced than any other animal language that has been decoded.

Residents are encouraged to come and experience the cuteness for themselves. The Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. until the end of June and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. starting in July.  Additional information can be found at saskatoon.ca/zoo.

With the Government of Saskatchewan’s recent announcement that Step 3 of the Re-Opening Roadmap will begin on July 11, the City continues the process of planning and preparing for a gradual and full resumption of the remaining impacted programs and services.  

The City’s approach to recovery will be phased and methodical to keep employees safe so they can continue to deliver programs and services to residents. Important work is well underway within many City departments as there are many programs and services that are being reviewed prior to full resumption. 

Return of Staff to the Workplace 

Preparations include the return of staff to the workplace who have been working at home since the onset of the pandemic, by September 1. As staff return, the City will be following the direction from the Government of Saskatchewan and Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety to meet our duty under the Occupational Health & Safety Act. 

Masks and Physical Distancing – Civic Facilities and Public Outdoor Spaces 

Masking and physical distancing requirements during the transition period will be guided by applicable Government of Saskatchewan directives at the time. Masks are always welcome to be worn, with a reminder they must be removed when participating in aquatic activities in Leisure Centres.  

Until July 11, when visiting an indoor civic facility such as a Leisure Centre, City Hall, Transit Customer Service, and while riding a bus, protocols must still be followed by all staff and customers including those who have received a COVID-19 vaccination. This includes wearing a mask and maintaining physical distance. 

Throughout the summer, any remaining outdoor and facility signage indicating mask wearing and/or physical distancing will be addressed by City crews.  

Saskatoon Transit  

Saskatoon Transit is reviewing all options and consulting various regulations and practices across Canada. Information will be shared on saskatoontransit.ca as it becomes available. Operator vinyl barriers will remain on buses and the number of riders will be monitored as we transition to full standing loads in July. 

City Hall  

The Payment Centre, Customer Service & Collections counters located in the lobby of City Hall continue to be open for in-person transactions. Additional customer services, previously available on other floors of City Hall, may be available from the lobby starting September 1. Access to the remainder of City Hall will be reviewed along with cafeteria services on the fourth floor.  

Residents and customers are still encouraged to continue to use convenient online services.   

Announced earlier, City Council meetings will resume in Chambers this September. Watch for more details on upcoming in-person meetings as they are announced. 

Leisure Facilities & Programs 

Leisure Centres and seasonal facilities and attractions will be preparing to increase regular programming in the Fall. Details will be available on the City’s website and social media channels, and in the seasonal Leisure Guide, available starting Friday, August 6 on saskatoon.ca/leisureguide or to pick up at any at leisure facility, library or over 120 retail locations where the StarPhoenix is sold. 

Watch for more information and announcements regarding programs and services at saskatoon.ca. 

After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Saskatoon Transit was pleased to unveil two pieces of art on the side of transit buses today. This is the third time a student art contest has been run by Saskatoon Transit and this year the contest was open to Grade 3 and Grade 7 students across the city.

“It is such an exciting opportunity for Saskatoon Transit to partner with the elementary schools on this project. These students should feel very proud and honoured when they see their artwork driving past on the side of a bus this summer,” says Tracey Davis, Acting Director, Saskatoon Transit. 

Grade 7 students Nuala, Neha, Radinsa and Marlee from Lakeridge School and Grade 3 students Reem, Ayan and Seth from Ecole Alvin Buckwold put their creativity to the test and were selected as this year’s best of show winners.

The winning pieces were chosen through a collaboration with the Remai Modern. Learning Program Coordinator Wendy Paterson judged the submissions based on how well they reflected the “Active Transportation” theme.

“Submissions clearly indicated students had reflected thoughtfully and imaginatively on the many ways people get around Saskatoon,” says Paterson. “Their collaborative depictions of communities that are themselves collaborative projects, were fittingly brimming with activity and colour, just like this community!”

The winning artwork will be displayed on the side of ten Saskatoon Transit buses traveling across Saskatoon throughout the summer.

“Congratulations to these students for showcasing the benefits of active transportation and exhibiting what it means to be environmentally responsible citizens,” says Superintendent Nicola Bishop-Yong with Saskatoon Public Schools. “Through our ‘Move to Grow’ initiative, our school division encourages students to pursue active transportation and make mindful choices that support their well-being, community, and world. I am proud of all the students who took part in this contest and expressed the importance of being community-minded stewards of the environment.”

“This partnership with the Remai, the Saskatoon Public School Board, and the Greater Saskatoon Catholic School Board helps support and promote art, especially local art, alongside how active transportation plays a critical part of public transit,” concludes Davis.

At today’s Governance and Priorities Committee (GPC) meeting, members asked for a deferral to set the indicative rates for 2022 and 2023 at a later date. 

Special meetings are to be arranged with the Standing Policy Committee on Finance to undertake a deeper review of the proposed 2022 and 2023 estimated indicative rates and report back to GPC.

The purpose of the review will be to further explore options to address the property tax pressure residents and businesses face in this unprecedented year, and to recognize the funds required to maintain quality services and address strategic priorities of City Council. There will be opportunities for planned stakeholder engagement as part of this process.

GPC also asked the Administration to report back on the implications for the funding and operations of waste programs, including the city-wide organics program, specifically the proposal of possibly funding the organics program as a utility model. City Council previously decided to phase-in the cost of the city-wide organics program. The phased-in approach has a financial impact of 0.87% on the City’s mill rate in 2022 and 0.87% again in 2023.

Setting the indicative rate is not to finalize the property tax rates. It is the starting point in the budget building process and for 2022 and 2023, whereby the estimated rates presented are for a status quo budget – the property tax rates presented to GPC of 5.96% in 2022 and 5.42% in 2023 are the rates required to keep all City services and service levels the same as what residents have been receiving. 

City Council will make all final decisions on the City’s service delivery and service levels on November 29, 30 and December 1, 2021, at its budget review for 2022 and 2023.

The indicative rate guides the Administration in preparing the multi-year budget to allocate resources to the services, programs and initiatives within Council’s priority areas outlined in its 2022-2025 Strategic Plan, which will be released in early fall. 

Visit saskatoon.ca/budget for more information on the City’s 2022/2023 Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget process.

The City of Saskatoon is preparing its first multi-year budget during a global pandemic. Despite the uncertainty as to when restrictions are lifted and people respond to a post-pandemic environment, the City Administration is recommending that the Governance and Priorities Committee (GPC) of City Council set the 2022 and 2023 indicative rates at their next meeting, Monday, June 21. Setting the indicative rate guides the Administration in preparing the budget by allocating resources to the services, programs and initiatives that help achieve Council’s strategic priorities.  

Driven by growth and inflationary pressures, the Administration is estimating an indicative rate for each of the next two years that covers the increasing costs of service delivery. To that end, the Administration is proposing annual average operating expenditure increases of three percent, the lowest in several years.

“The City’s expenditure increases are driven primarily by growth, and inflation,” says Tarasoff. “Administration has made efforts to limit the increase in budgetary expenditures with the aim to lessen the potential property tax increase while maintaining existing service delivery levels.

“Through the Administrative budgeting process, the Administration already cut $7.5 million from the initial indicative budget for 2022. These adjustments reduced the potential indicative property tax rate by approximately three percentage points.”

Addressing inflationary and growth pressures while delivering existing services and maintaining service levels has proven to be challenging for the Administration as non-tax revenues fail to keep pace.

Although the Administration estimates revenue increases of $3.15 million in 2022 and $5.06 million in 2023, for the indicative rate, these increases are well below what the City would need in order to keep pace with changes in the economy.

Growth in user fees and government operating transfers are below population changes and inflation. This revenue gap causes significant pressure on our starting point, the indicative rate. 

“Preparing the 2022-2023 indicative rates produced many challenges. This is because there are many financial pressures from declining non-tax revenues and longer-term challenges to increase that revenue due largely to the impacts of COVID-19,” says Kerry Tarasoff, Chief Financial Officer. “The tough job is to strike the right balance between delivering on City Council priorities, service levels, budget realities and the long-term financial stability for the City.”

The Administration will require the Committee’s direction on setting a property tax target for preparing the 2022-2023 budget for deliberation later this fall. The options are:

• to set the property tax rate equal to the indicative rate;
• add to the property tax rate above the indicative rate, which provides the ability to consider implementation of some of the budget options that will be presented in August; or
• decrease the property tax rate below the indicative rate, which would require reductions to the budget that could change existing service levels. 

The estimated indicative rate increase is 5.96% in 2022 and 5.42% in 2023. These indicative rates do not include the expected short-term impacts from COVID-19. 

The City estimates the fiscal impact from the COVID-19 pandemic to be $16.8 million in 2022 and $10 million in 2023. To address this impact, the City will require spending restrictions and a fiscal transfer from either the federal or provincial government (or a combination of both) like the Safe Restart Program funding that was provided in 2021.

Setting the indicative municipal property tax rate is an important first building block in the development of the City’s multi-year business plan and budget. It is important to remember this first step is not the final property tax rate. City Council will finalize its decisions at the 2022-2023 budget deliberations set for November 2021.

Visit saskatoon.ca/budget for the Administrative Report to GPC andmore information on the City's 2022  2023 Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget process.

On Monday, June 21, the administration will present a report to the Governance and Priorities Committee recommending that the City in-source collections service for the city-wide curbside organics program slated to begin in spring 2023. On October 22, 2018, City Council approved the establishment of a new waste management service level of bi-weekly year-round waste and organics collection for all curbside residential households.

The options being presented are as follows:

• Option 1 ($3.0–3.3 million annually): In-source city-wide collection of organic waste.
• Option 2 ($3.0–4.5 million annually): Out-source city-wide organic waste collection to a third party for a fixed term.
• Option 3 ($4.2–5.65 million annually): In-source organic waste collection for a portion of the City and out-source the balance to a third party for a fixed term.

“Multiple factors were considered before arriving at this recommendation,” says Brendan Lemke, Director of Water & Waste Operations. “We are making a recommendation that puts us in the best position to operate this new program most efficiently and with the least impact on our existing resources.”

Decision factors included cost, cost stability, life cycle cost, span of control and labour relations implications. The recommended Option 1 was most favourable in all categories, as it would:

• utilize existing City resources to maximum efficiency, including collections equipment and customer service infrastructure to ensure successful implementation;
• provide the greatest span of control to adjust routing and service levels;
• minimize risks associated with a third-party provider, including disruption to service and ability to maintain a high level of customer service and public relations;
• minimize overall life cycle cost when considering both waste and organics programs and provides the highest level of certainty of costs over the long term; and
• minimize impact to current workforce engaged in organics collections.

Review the full admin report and attachments.

Progress updates and a decision history can be found on the Curbside Organics Program webpage.

After a year of COVID-imposed hiatus, the Reconciliation Saskatoon Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation is back for 2021. In adherence with ongoing public gathering restrictions, the event will look a bit different than in past years. Pre-COVID, this annual event attracted thousands of people to Saskatoon’s riverbank to walk together.

The Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation represents the commitment of our community to acknowledge the past in order to forge a stronger future. It’s a public demonstration of support for residential school attendees, and an opportunity for people to consider how they are fulfilling the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action in their lives and work. The walk takes place in conjunction with National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21), an important moment to consider what Indigenous peoples have contributed to the founding of Canada.

Melissa Cote, Director of Indigenous Initiatives at the City of Saskatoon, says: “This is an opportunity to either make or reconfirm a commitment to reconciliation. As you’re walking, consider what you’re doing to address racism and discrimination in our community. Think about residential school survivors and how you’ll honour them this year through your engagement in reconciliation. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate.”

Eugene Arcand, a residential school survivor and member of the Saskatoon Survivors Circle, says: “I attended a residential school from 1958 to 1969. I remember the separation of our families as soon as we got there. It wasn’t until somewhere between Grades 3 and 6 where we got to take Sunday walks altogether in the springtime. This was the only time where we could mix with the girls, talk to our relatives and friends. I’ve talked to various students from different schools and they all had a similar experience of going for a walk on Sunday afternoons. That walk meant a lot to all of us no matter what residential school we went to. And now we have a walk called Rock Your Roots in honour of these survivors; we really sincerely thank everyone who takes part.”

Shirley Isbister, president of the Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI), says: “The Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation is an opportunity to honour First Nation, Métis and Inuit residential school survivors. It is a day to celebrate cultural diversity and a day to remember that Truth must come before reconciliation. Please join us in rocking our roots!”

In order to keep everyone safe, residents are invited to plan to walk individually or in small groups. Participants may choose to wear their cultural regalia or the reconciliation colours of yellow, blue, and red during their walk. This dress demonstrates the diversity and inclusivity of our community. People can further showcase their support by sharing a photo to social media with the hashtag #RockYourRoots.

Reconciliation Saskatoon, which the City co-chairs, will also hold a Live Virtual Event on June 21st featuring stories, entertainment and messages from residential school survivors. The video will be available anytime on June 21st at beaconnectr.com/june21. You can also join the event page at facebook.com/ReconciliationSaskatoon or change your Facebook Profile Picture Frame to increase awareness – visit facebook.com/profilepicframes and search Rock Your Roots by Bang Up Productions. 

Today, the City of Saskatoon announced that work is now completed on the Digester and Heating Upgrades project at the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP).

The 3-year, $48.2 million project is funded by the Government of Canada ($9.5 million) and Government of Saskatchewan ($9.5 million) through their New Building Canada Fund, with a $29.2 million investment by the City of Saskatoon.

“Investments in modernizing wastewater infrastructure address communities’ needs and help protect the environment. By partnering with Saskatchewan to upgrade Saskatoon’s Wastewater Treatment Plant, our Government is supporting the local economy while ensuring residents benefit from improved water quality and healthier local ecosystems,” said the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities.

“Reliable local water systems are important to position Saskatchewan communities for growth and attract new business,” Saskatoon Riversdale MLA Marv Friesen said on behalf of Don McMorris, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Government Relations. “The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to invest $9.5 million toward this important wastewater infrastructure project in Saskatoon, which will benefit the local economy, residents and environment.”

“As our city continues to grow, it’s important to maintain our high standards and stewardship in protecting people and property downstream from Saskatoon,” said Mayor Charlie Clark. “The investments in a new digester and heating upgrades at the Wastewater Treatment Plant will help us meet demand by improving capacity, sustainability, as well as maintaining our high-quality standards into the future. The expansion includes an exciting sustainable energy recovery process that will recycle biogas to be used as fuel in boilers and solid matter as nutrients for local and nearby crops.”

The new digester is the Wastewater Treatment Plant’s fourth and will improve capacity to allow the plant to maintain Water Security Agency processing standards whenever another digester is taken out of service for maintenance. The digesters are large circular tanks that hold the solids removed during the wastewater treatment process. The solids are deprived of oxygen to allow bacteria to form and break the solids down, and methane biogas is produced during the process. The methane biogas helps heat the WWTP, which in turn, reduces reliance on the use of natural gas for heating. Boiler upgrades and the installation of a methane biogas treatment filter were also a part of the project.

To learn more about the Digester and Heating Upgrades project, visit saskatoon.ca/digester.

Summary of Facts

• Construction on the fourth digester and Heating and Gas Scrubbing Building began in 2019 and was completed in 2021, ahead of schedule and under budget.
• Digesters are the last stage in the wastewater treatment process. The solids removed during the treatment process are held in an oxygen deprived environment to allow bacteria to form and break the solids down.
• The digesters produce two types of renewable resources; biogas (energy) and biosolids (soil nutrient).
• This expansion includes a new sustainable energy recovery process that will condition biogas to be used as fuel in the boilers while the solid matter is used as nutrient for local crops.
• Construction of a fourth digester tank improves capacity and allows the City to maintain Water Security Agency processing standards when another digester is taken out of service for maintenance purposes.
• Upgrades to boilers were also made to accommodate the additional heat that will be required to run all four digesters.
• Now that construction is complete, residents can no longer see an open flame at the Wastewater Treatment Plant as the flare has been replaced with two enclosed flares.

After a two year pause due to COVID, the Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation is back in-person for the community to gather together and celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21) at 10:00 a.m.

Rock Your Roots is put on by Reconciliation Saskatoon, which the City of Saskatoon co-chairs along with the Office of the Treaty Commissioner. The event, attended by thousands in past years, was first held in 2016 with attendance growing each year. The intent is to answer the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action by demonstrating a commitment to Reconciliation, honouring Residential School Survivors, and working towards an inclusive community.

“The significance of a walk can be attributed to the Sunday walks in residential schools; this was often the only time when siblings and cousins of different genders might be reunited,” says Judy Pelly, a Residential School Survivor and member of the Rock Your Roots Walk organizing committee. “It’s meaningful for organizers to see Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples come together in this way.”

Individuals of all ages are invited to attend, including groups representing organizations, workplaces, and schools. Cultural performers from across the city have been invited to ‘rock their roots’ along the walk route by sharing a piece of their culture and showcasing Saskatoon’s incredible diversity.

“This walk is an opportunity to learn about and honour Indigenous history as well as celebrate the cultural mosaic that is our community,” says Shirley Isbister, President of the Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI). “It’s an inclusive event that welcomes everyone to participate; I’m really hoping that we’ll see a great turnout.”

“Rock Your Roots is an opportunity to bring our community together to understand and be educated on residential schools that have negatively impacted Indigenous peoples,” says Saskatoon Tribal Chief Mark Arcand. “This walk is a sign of Reconciliation and a commitment to change for the better, so that all people can have a quality of life.”

Walk participants are invited to wear their cultural regalia, an EveryChildMatters shirt, or any other orange shirt. Rock Your Roots t-shirts – with all proceeds directed to programming and activities for Rock Your Roots – can be ordered by emailing RockYourRootstshirts@gmail.com.

“Rock Your Roots represents an acknowledgment of the multi-generational impacts of residential schools and a commitment to Reconciliation,” says Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark. “It’s a public demonstration of support for residential school attendees and those lost. It’s a promise to work towards a future that affords every member of our community equal opportunity.”

The Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation event takes place on National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21) in Victoria Park between 10:00 and 11:30 a.m. The start location is in Victoria Park near Legion Branch 63 on Spadina Crescent West. All are welcome. More information is available at saskatoon.ca/Indigenous.

At 8:50 a.m. today, Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received multiple 911 calls reporting a house on fire on Kirkpatrick Crescent. Dispatched to the scene were three engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit and a Battalion Chief. On arrival, fire crews found a house with an attached garage with significant fire and smoke showing. Crews began an aggressive attack with multiple large lines to knock the fire down. There was significant fire damage to the house including the loss of the roof structure. Preliminary indication is the fire started on the exterior of the house and spread to the whole structure.

There were no injuries as a result of this fire.

The fire is under investigation and further information will be provided when available.

The City is pleased to announce the approval of $750,000 in Government of Canada funding through PrairiesCan under the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) for the interior renovations of the Farmers’ Market Building at River Landing.

“Our government is pleased to support infrastructure projects through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund that provide Canadians with opportunities to connect and explore their communities,” said the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan. “The renovated Saskatoon Farmers’ Market Building will continue to be an important hub of social activity and a favourite source for fresh produce and locally produced goods.”

The City is currently working with consultants Henry Downing Architects and Stantec Consulting to complete the interior design, plan mechanical and other infrastructure upgrades, and manage the construction project. The renovation project will upgrade the washroom facilities and mechanical systems, as well as prepare permanent tenant spaces for the building’s intended use as a public market with a dedicated seasonal outdoor farmers’ market. Construction on the project is estimated to begin fall 2022.

“This important investment will help to revitalize the Farmers’ Market Building and bring even more activity to River Landing,” said Mayor Charlie Clark. “This exciting renovation project will give residents and visitors a world class experience when they buy goods and produce from our local producers and artisans.” 

To achieve the goal of establishing a fully animated Farmers’ Market Building, the renewal project is estimated to cost $1.65M. Funding of $400,000 has been allocated from the City’s Civic Building Comprehensive Maintenance reserve, $1.1M in capital funding was secured through the 2022/2023 budget deliberations and $150,000 was supported as a post-budget request in 2021 to hire the Design Consultant.

The City is working to complete a lease agreement with Ideas Inc. to operate the new public market at River Landing a minimum of six days a week and provide a vibrant community destination and gathering place that will focus on Saskatchewan produce and content.

Street Stall Saturdays, an outdoor market, has returned to Market Square in River Landing for the 2022 growing season.

For more information on the Farmers’ Market Building at River Landing, visit saskatoon.ca/farmersmarket.

About the Canada Community Revitalization Fund
The Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) helps communities rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic. The fund assists non-profit organizations, municipalities, community groups, and Indigenous communities across Canada to build and improve community infrastructure projects. The CCRF is a two-year, $500 million national infrastructure program to revitalize communities across Canada.

The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo) is entering the final phase of development for the Prairie Butterfly House. The new exhibit at the Zoo will be home to several species of butterflies as well as a variety of plants and flowers. The Prairie Butterfly House will provide an opportunity for guests to learn more about pollinators and the important role they play in our ecosystem. Depending on the season, guests will be able to spot a variety of butterflies including:

• Buckeye
• Julia
• Monarch
• Zebra Longwing
• Black Swallowtail
• Giant Swallowtail
• Palamedes
• Polydamas

“Pollinators (butterflies) are some of the most important animals on the planet,” says Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager. “The Prairie Butterfly House will cultivate an exceptional learning environment where visitors can develop an understanding and passion for what pollinators do and how important they are to our environment.”

Several organizations played a role in the development of the Prairie Butterfly House. Through PrairiesCan, funding of $177,320 under the Tourism Relief Fund was provided for the construction of the Prairie Butterfly House from the Government of Canada.

“Canada’s prairie landscape is rich in flora and fauna, and the new Prairie Butterfly House will highlight some of the smallest creatures that contribute a lot to our ecosystem. Our government is proud to invest in this facility at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo through the Tourism Relief Fund. Residents and visitors to Saskatoon will be able to see the beauty and environmental impact of butterflies for years to come,” said the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister responsible for PrairiesCan. 

PrairiesCan funding under the Tourism Relief Fund supports tourism operators through contribution agreements. The Tourism Relief Fund empowers tourism businesses to create new or to enhance existing tourism experiences and products to attract local and domestic visitors. Tourism Relief Funding focuses on projects that position communities to take advantage of post-pandemic opportunities, as well as supporting destination development prospects in line with objectives set out in the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy.

A special thank you to the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation and all the Prairie Butterfly House sponsors who contributed to the development of the new exhibit.

• PrairiesCan
• Norplex Business Centre
• Hunter Family
• Duval Family
• Ultravision Construction
• one-mouse graphic design
• Dutch Growers
• ADA Architects
• Laser Impressions
• ASL Paving
• ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems Canada
• Saskatoon Zoo Foundation

“The Prairie Butterfly House will further enrich the guest experience at the Saskatoon Zoo,” says Saskatoon Zoo Foundation Executive Director, Dawn Woroniuk. “This exhibit was made possible thanks to a number of donors and contributors, we are especially grateful to the Government of Canada, Norplex Business Centre and the Hunter and Duval Families. By supporting the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation, we can continue to connect citizens to nature through education, research and conservation while building for the future for this much-loved tourist attraction.”

Residents will have their first opportunity to preview the space on Saturday, June 11, with the official opening to take place later this summer. The Zoo is open daily from 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. visit saskatoon.ca/zoo to plan your next visit.

June is Parks and Recreation Month in Saskatchewan – it’s a time to recognize how parks and recreational opportunities make Saskatoon a great place to live, work, and play.

“Our park space and recreational facilities, attractions and program opportunities enhance our quality of life in Saskatoon,” says Andrew Roberts, Director of Recreation and Community Development. “It’s timely to celebrate Parks and Recreation month. As provincial restrictions lift, our City can begin offering more opportunities for residents to enjoy.”

“Parks and Recreation month marks a time to celebrate the opportunities our seasonal facilities provide to citizens and visitors to the city”, says Roberts. Many are now in full swing including the City’s municipal golf courses, Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo, Nutrien Playland at Kinsmen Park, skateboard sites, tennis and pickleball courts, spray pads and Gordon Howe Campground. Outdoor Pools begin opening next week and Play Programs and Youth Centres will follow at the beginning of July.

“Let’s not forget to recognize the importance of our indoor Leisure Centres and arenas. Rain or shine, they provide a place to get out and stay active all year long,” Roberts adds.

The Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA), along with the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA) and other Provincial/Territorial Parks and Recreation Associations across Canada, celebrates the month of June as Parks and Recreation Month.

The month provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of parks and recreation and the role it plays in the quality of life for all Canadians. To find out more, visit spra.sk.ca.

For more information on parks and recreation opportunities in Saskatoon, visit saskatoon.ca/recreation.

The speed limits on residential streets are under review in Saskatoon, following comments from residents concerned about safety during neighbourhood traffic reviews throughout the city. Results from this spring’s surveys will be presented to City Council’s Standing Policy Committee on Transportation on June 7 along with collision statistics and current speed limits in other Canadian cities. 

Today marks the first day of National Indigenous History Month; a time to honour the history, heritage, and diversity of Indigenous people as well as to recognize the strength of present-day Indigenous people and their communities. The month arrives at a time when so many are dealing with the shock, anger, and sadness over the recent discovery at a former residential school in Kamloops.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada says that, in order to establish and maintain a mutually respectful relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, “there has to be awareness of the past, an acknowledgement of the harm that has been inflicted, atonement for the causes, and action to change behaviour.”

A number of events will be held this month in Saskatoon that will provide residents with this opportunity for learning, reflection, and demonstrating their support for Reconciliation. A calendar of some of these events can be found at saskatoon.ca/Indigenous. The Reconciliation Saskatoon flag has also been raised in Civic Square (behind City Hall; 23rd Street, between 3rd and 4th avenues), where it will remain on display until June 4^th.

Saskatoon Mayor, Charlie Clark says: “Saskatoon is in an important time of reckoning with Truth and Reconciliation. I am very grateful to the Elders and Survivors who have provided such patient leadership and guidance to our city and the many organizations and businesses who are walking this path. I am also grateful for all of the community leaders who have stepped forward with humility, to be part of the change to a healthier and more equitable Treaty relationship. This is a time to move from words to action – as a city, in our schools, in our workplaces, in our neighbourhoods. We all have a part to play.”

Saskatoon Tribal Council’s Tribal Chief, Mark Arcand says: “As a First Nations organization serving many members in Saskatoon, we have been very pleased with the outcomes and results of past and current initiatives with the City of Saskatoon. Most notable in recent years, the City of Saskatoon has acknowledged the work of Elders and planning committees with the Reconciliation Flag Raising as an event that will continue to leave a lasting impression as a result of the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action.”

President of the Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI), Shirley Isbister says: “Indigenous History Month provides the opportunity for everyone to learn about, share, and celebrate Indigenous cultures. We are peoples with varying cultures, customs, and languages. We are all a part of a shared history with common goals and aspirations.”

The City of Saskatoon co-chairs Reconciliation Saskatoon. Reconciliation Saskatoon is a community of over 115 organizations, non-profits, businesses, and partners who have come together towards one mission: to initiate a citywide conversation about Reconciliation and provide opportunities for everyone to engage in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Learn more about Reconciliation Saskatoon.

Reconciliation Saskatoon flag raising ceremony held May 28th, 2021 in Civic Square

June is Parks and Recreation Month in Saskatchewan. The initiative is a reminder of the of the many opportunities parks and recreation bring to our community.

“The City of Saskatoon is proud to provide top-quality recreational facilities, attractions and leisure program opportunities that make the city a great place to live, work and play,” says Andrew Roberts, Director of Recreation and Community Development. 

“Saskatoon parks connect citizens to nature and improve their quality of life with amenities such as sport fields, ski trails, walking trails and picnic tables”, says Darren Crilly, Director of Parks. “We are committed to maintaining the vitality of Saskatoon’s park space”, Crilly adds. This involves planning and designing parks for new neighbourhoods, as well as providing necessary maintenance services and refurbishment of park amenities throughout the City.  

“This month is a time to show appreciation for recreation and park maintenance workers, administrators and volunteers who contribute to the diverse quality of life available to residents and visitors,” says Roberts.    

The City’s golf courses, Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo, Nutrien Playland at Kinsmen Park, skateboard sites, tennis and pickleball courts, spray pads and Gordon Howe Campground have recently opened for the season. Outdoor Pools begin opening next week and Play Programs and Youth Centres will follow at the beginning of July. 

The indoor Leisure Centres operate year-round and provide a place to get out and get active not matter the weather.  

The Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA), along with the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA) and other Provincial/Territorial Parks and Recreation Associations across Canada, celebrates the month of June as Parks and Recreation Month.

The month provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of parks and recreation and the role it plays in the quality of life for all Canadians. To find out more, visit spra.sk.ca.

For more information on parks and recreation opportunities in Saskatoon, visit saskatoon.ca/recreation.

June is recognized annually as National Indigenous History Month. This is a time to honour the history, heritage, and diversity of Indigenous people as well as to recognize the strength of present-day Indigenous people and their communities.

Saskatoon Mayor, Charlie Clark says: “More and more people in our community are moving from words to action when it comes to the work of Truth and Reconciliation. There are new partnerships forming and in many sectors of our community. I see First Nations and Métis people and organizations walking the path together with non-Indigenous counterparts, valuing each other’s ways of knowing and building on each other’s strengths. This is the work of building right relationships. I am grateful for all of these efforts, because there is still much work to do.”

To honour the occasion and to increase awareness, the Reconciliation Flag has been raised in Civic Square (behind City Hall off 23rd Street, between 3rd and 4th Avenues). Residents are invited to visit the flag and take a moment to reflect on the significance of Reconciliation – the process of building bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. The flag will remain raised until June 3.

Saskatoon Tribal Council’s Tribal Chief, Mark Arcand says: “As a First Nations organization serving many members in Saskatoon, we have been very pleased with the outcomes and results of past and current initiatives with the City of Saskatoon. Most notable in recent years, the City of Saskatoon has acknowledged the work of Elders and planning committees with the Reconciliation Flag Raising as an event that will continue to leave a lasting impression as a result of the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action. In the spirit of Reconciliation, we must continue to work together as we are all Treaty People; so we all can have a quality of life.”

President of the Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI), Shirley Isbister says: “Indigenous History Month provides the opportunity for everyone to learn about, share, and celebrate Indigenous cultures. We are peoples with varying cultures, customs, and languages. We are all a part of a shared history with common goals and aspirations. Now is time for Truth.” 

Métis Nation—Saskatchewan Western Region 2A Regional Director, Kathie Pruden-Nansel says: “As we acknowledge June as Indigenous History Month, Métis citizens across our Homeland will also be gathering to recognize our Métis citizens and survivors impacted by residential schools. Our Métis people continue to work towards Reconciliation, as we share our many cultures, journeys and visions of inclusion, and Reconciliation; our Métis Truths as well.”

There are a number of activities happening around Saskatoon during the month of June that present opportunities to learn and get involved. A listing of just some of these is available at saskatoon.ca/Indigenous.

The City of Saskatoon Co-Chairs Reconciliation Saskatoon. Reconciliation Saskatoon is a community of over 115 non-profits, businesses, and other organizations who have come together towards one mission: to initiate a citywide conversation about Reconciliation and provide opportunities for everyone to engage in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.

To recognize and honour the memory of 215 children whose remains have been found buried at the site of a former Kamloops residential school in Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation Territory, flags at all City-owned facilities, including the Reconciliation Flag, will lower to half-mast beginning today. Flags will remain half-mast until Thursday, June 3.

“We are lowering our flags to honour these children and also the thousands of other children who died at residential schools across Canada, many right here in Saskatchewan,” says Mayor Charlie Clark. “The impact of residential schools on generations of Indigenous people, Survivors and their families continues to be felt across the entire country. We must all come together in the spirit of reconciliation, action and hope.”

City Council will also observe one minute of silence to honour all residential school victims at its meeting Monday, May 31.

To honour those children lost in Kamloops, the 4,000 children who are still missing and their families, the City encourages Saskatoon residents, along with City Council and all City employees, to wear Orange on Monday, May 31 because every child matters.

The condominium fire in the 300 block of 108th Street West has been fully extinguished with no serious injuries resulting.

The fire was reported to Saskatoon Fire just before 11:30 p.m. on Friday, May 27, 2022. Crews were on scene in 2.5 minutes from the time this call was received via Dispatch. It took crews 7 hours to get the blaze under control, and another 7.5 hours to fully extinguish the site.

“This was a large-scale fire and a difficult one to get under control,” says Fire Chief Morgan Hackl. “The fire spread very quickly, and it required close to 80 staff rotating through the scene before it all over.”

The cause of the fire was the improper disposal of smoking material in an exterior receptable at the northeast corner of the property. The condo unit contained 24 units and damages are estimated at $5 million.

Hackl says: “I’m extremely proud of our Department’s response. Firefighters performed amazing rescue efforts during the course of this incident which presented extreme challenges. The assistance of emergency services – including Police and Ambulance – ensure a coordinated approach to mitigate incidents such as these. And, when rehousing is required, the Salvation Army and Ministry of Social Services also play an important role.”

While Hackl acknowledges the early 911 call as a key factor, he did express serious concern that the fire alarm in the condo building had not been activated.

“I want to remind the public today that, while calling 911 is a critical step, it’s equally important to pull those internal fire alarms at the first detection of smoke or fire. Without these alarms sounding, there will be people inside the building that still aren’t aware they need to get out immediately.”

The Fire Department wishes to share these important safety reminders on the heels of this incident:

• Always ensure you’re properly disposing of smoking materials
• At first fire/smoke detection, activate the fire alarm and yell “fire”
• Call 911
• Use the nearest exit
• Test the smoke alarm monthly and replace batteries annually
• Stay well clear of an active fire scene to allow fire crews to safely do their job

More information on fire safety is available at saskatoon.ca/fire. More information on the proper disposal of smoking materials is available here.

ATTACHED: rescue clip video file
(SOURCE: Facebook video - used with permission)

Saskatoon residents are invited to participate in this year’s Arbor Week, May 28 to June 6, through a number of activities organized by SOS Trees. The week’s activities, which comply with all COVID-19 restrictions will provide the opportunity for individuals, students, and families to learn the how-to’s of planting trees, the benefits of trees, and experience the joy that comes from spending time around trees.  

This year’s theme “resurgence” is best explained by SOS Trees Coalition organizer, Linda Moskalyk, “After many months facing a pandemic, the theme is meant to inspire renewal, hope, and a fresh start. We wish to celebrate a resurgence of life and health through our relationship with trees.” 

SOS Trees Coalition was awarded a City of Saskatoon Environmental Cash Grant for 2021 and has also received City funding through the Healthy Yards program.

Sustainability Manager, Katie Burns, explains the importance of sponsoring and partnering with the community, “Sustainability is the responsibility of everyone and has a much greater chance of being achieved when we work together. It’s important that we are engaged with our community and by strengthening our relationships through partnerships and sponsorships, we are able to stay connected, better understand the community’s wants, needs, and concerns, and support excellent events like this one.”

The City hopes residents take a moment each and every day to appreciate the many benefits trees contribute to our quality of life in Saskatoon. It’s easy to take our urban forest for granted, and events like Arbor Week remind us of how important it is to sustain and support the continued growth of our urban forest. 

To see a full list of Arbor Week activities, please visit www.sostrees.ca/arborweek.html

The City of Saskatoon has again received a Canadian award for excellence in financial reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA). The recognition comes for the City's Annual Report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019. This is the 13^th consecutive year the City’s Annual Report has received the prestigious award.

“Receiving this award is a significant accomplishment for the City and its financial Administration,” says Kari Smith, Director of Finance. “We are committed to financial transparency and openly communicating to the citizens of Saskatoon with full disclosure in our annual reporting. Our goal is to be a leader in producing high-quality financial reports year after year.”

The Canadian Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting Program (CanFR) was established to encourage municipal governments across Canada to publish high-quality financial reports and to provide peer recognition and technical guidance for officials preparing these reports.

The City’s 2019 Annual Report has been judged by impartial Canadian Review Committee members to meet the high standards of the program, including demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” designed to clearly communicate the municipality’s financial story and to motivate potential users and user groups to read the report.   

Visit saskatoon.ca to view additional financial reports from the City of Saskatoon.

Major improvements are in store for some of Saskatoon’s most travelled roadways during the 2022 construction season. This year, the City has earmarked approximately $65.16 million for road and bridge construction and maintenance. One of the most significant construction zones will be set up in a few weeks on Circle Drive North between Alberta Avenue and Millar Avenue.

“More than 56,000 vehicles of all sizes travel over this section of Circle Drive every day and it certainly shows,” says Terry Schmidt, General Manager of Transportation and Construction.  “The east bound lanes will be resurfaced and there will be concrete improvements on the medians and curbs. We will return next year to resurface the west bound lanes to avoid major traffic disruptions on both sides at the same time.”

Attridge Drive over Circle Drive will be another high traffic road under construction. Beginning in July, the 22-year-old overpass that approximately 64,000 vehicles travel on daily, will undergo preventative maintenance, like repaving, to make sure it lasts for years to come. The Spadina Crescent Bridge, between Queen Street and 25^th Street, is proof that preventative maintenance over the years contributes to the longevity of City assets. The 90-year-old bridge, that about 16,000 vehicles travel over every day, will be fully closed for approximately one month beginning next week as the bridge deck, asphalt, concrete, and security fencing underneath are rehabilitated or replaced.

“Other high-profile road construction locations include resurfacing on Warman Road over Circle Drive, and intersection improvements at Warman Road and 33^rd Street. Plans include adding a new turning lane to better accommodate south bound traffic on Warman Road turning right onto 33^rd Street,” says Schmidt.

Road and sidewalk improvements will be noticeable in some of Saskatoon’s most established residential neighbourhoods too, like King George, Nutana, and North Downtown. Those improvements are completed at the same time as water main and lead service line connection replacements. The City’s goal is to have all lead service line connections replaced by 2027.

Annual street maintenance such as pothole and utility cut repairs, line painting and street sweeping are also underway.

“There will be traffic delays and detours throughout Saskatoon all summer as we work to improve and clean up hundreds of kilometers of roads within a relatively short period of time. We thank residents for their patience and encourage drivers to please slow down and respect work zones.”

For more information on current and future construction, please visit saskatoon.ca/construction.

Substantial improvements have been made to Saskatoon’s road network in recent years and remain a focus for the City. Ensuring the infrastructure underneath the roads continues to last for years to come, is just as high on the priority list. In this construction season, the City will continue to push forward on replacing Saskatoon’s oldest water mains.

“We’ll be in several neighbourhoods to replace water mains that, in many cases, are more than 100 years old and have lead water service connections,” says Terry Schmidt, General Manager of Transportation and Construction. “Our goal is to replace all outdated service connections in the city by 2026.”

For efficiency, water mains and service connections are replaced at the same time. The road is then completely resurfaced and repaved curb-to-curb and sidewalks are rehabilitated wherever necessary. Sections of Nutana East, Nutana West, Caswell Hill, 20th Street West, Montgomery, Riversdale and Ruth Street East are among the areas where this type of work will take place. Approximately 23 kilometers of water and sewer mains will be replaced or rehabilitated this year and 820 water and sewer service connections are being replaced.

Annual street maintenance activities such as pothole repair, line painting and street sweeping are underway, and the City has 165 lane kilometers of road construction on the 2021 schedule. Major projects will include resurfacing the east bound lanes of College Drive from Central Avenue to the City limits, rehabilitating the overpass at Circle Drive and 8th Street, and resurfacing 8th Street from Broadway Avenue to Lorne Avenue.

“We’re making great strides, thanks to City Council’s investment of approximately $63.5 million to make our streets, bridges and sidewalks smoother, safer and longer lasting,” says Schmidt. “We are also thankful for Gas Tax Fund dollars for water, stormwater and wastewater projects as well as Municipal Economic Enhancement Program funds for road safety improvements, road rehabilitation, neighbourhood traffic safety upgrades and sidewalk rehabilitation.”

With safety always at the forefront, the City is ensuring employees and contractors continue to adhere to COVID-19 protocols at all construction sites.

To stay informed and learn more about construction projects throughout Saskatoon this year, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.