News Releases

On Monday, August 24, the Governance & Priorities Committee will consider a report that addresses the use of non-medical face coverings by the public.

“COVID-19 is still a public emergency and according to public health experts, it will continue to impact City services and the community for months to come,” says Pamela Goulden-McLeod, Director of Emergency Management Organization. “At a local level, we continue to follow recommendations from the Government of Canada and the Provincial Government to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission using the hierarchy of controls. The hierarchy suggests that non-medical face coverings should be used when other controls such as staying at home, physical distancing, installing barriers, and altering services cannot be achieved.”

City Administration is recommending to Council that non-medical face masks be required when traveling on Saskatoon Transit beginning September 1 to allow Saskatoon Transit to safely operate full-seated loads and meet demand on all fixed route and Access Transit buses. The Administration is also recommending to Council that non-medical face masks are recommended, but not required, when accessing indoor City-operated facilities and services to protect the health and safety of residents and employees. Additionally, the report outlines implications and considerations in respect to a community-wide non-medical face masks bylaw.

“The health and well-being of our employees and residents continues to be our priority in putting these recommendations forward,” adds Goulden-McLeod. “By following the recommended safety precautions, and wearing a non-medical face mask indoors, we can continue to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community and protect the health of our family, friends and neighbours.”

If at any point in the future the Province provides direction related to mask use by the public the City would follow the Provincial lead. 

If approved, the City will focus on educating and informing the public of COVID-19 safety precautions and the use of non-medical face coverings as an additional safety precaution, rather than enforcement. 

Residents can expect additional City facilities to open in the days and weeks ahead. For the latest updates on City services including a list of convenient online services, visit saskatoon.ca/covid-19. 

The City of Saskatoon continues to undertake workforce planning in light of COVID-19. The City’s priority has been to maintain services and jobs wherever possible while keeping the health of employees and residents top of mind. Core services are being maintained throughout the pandemic. 

“Given that such a large percentage of our workforce needs to be working in the community or interfacing with residents, we have definitely had to pivot during this time,” says David Smith, Acting Chief Human Resources Officer. “We’ve had to adjust operations in a number of ways to follow Government of Saskatchewan’s public health orders.”

Some of these changes have included: mandatory masks for employees that are unable to physically distance, reorganization of work spaces to enable more distance and add barriers, operational adjustments to allow more time for sanitization of work and public spaces. In accordance with provincial health orders and the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan, other employees have been working from home where they can do so effectively using digital technologies.

“In preparation for a potential increase of COVID-19 cases this fall, the City is continuing to apply a high degree of caution to our workforce planning,” says Smith. “For example, we’ve recently directed those employees that can effectively work from home to continue doing so until January.”

The City is working to bring more services online and to increase its customer service capacity via phone, email and other virtual platforms. In addition to these ongoing adjustments, a formal review of operations will take place in November to consider and reassess workforce planning measures.
 

The City of Saskatoon’s 2019 Annual Report is now available online.

The Financial Statements continue to show prudent financial management and responsible governance by the Administration and City Council.

The City continues to enjoy a strong and steadily growing economy, which can be seen by the City’s 2019 ending surplus of $0.518 million compared to a deficit of $3.02 million in 2018, a healthy Statement of Financial Position along with a AAA/Stable credit rating from S&P Global.

The Annual Report provides an overview of:

• The City’s Audited Consolidated Financial Statements;
• Financial Discussion & Analysis on the City’s Financial performance and forecasts;
• Updates on Major Projects and Initiatives; and
• Updated Performance Measures made against goals outlined in the City’s 2018 – 2021 Strategic Plan.

The City's fiscal year runs from January 1 to December 31.

View other performance and finance-related reports at saskatoon.ca.

The 2020 Civic Election is November 9, 2020.  Eligible voters in Saskatoon will cast their ballot for Mayor, City Councillors and School Board Trustees. Voting safely is our priority. The City’s Election Office will ensure public safety measures are in place for voters and election workers. The Civic Election team will respond accordingly to all current public health orders and COVID-19 directives as issued by the Province.  

In an effort to provide a greater number of voting opportunities, encourage voter turnout, and ensure voting safely during the COVID-19 pandemic, additional voting opportunities will be available to Saskatoon residents this fall.

At its special meeting today, City Council received an information report that advises of an increase to the number of advance polling stations, and approved an amendment to The Election Bylaw, 2012 to expand accessibility to mail-in ballots.

“We’re pleased to be able to provide eligible voters with a number of options to cast their ballots in this fall’s Civic Election, whether it’s by mail-in ballot, advanced poll or in-person on election day November 9,” says Scott Bastian, Returning Officer.

Meeting highlights:

• Changes to The Election Bylaw, 2012:
  • All eligible voters will be able to request a mail-in ballot, regardless of circumstances.
  • The requirements for the mail-in ballot application witnesses criteria has been expanded to anyone who is an eligible voter in the municipal election.
• The election team is currently finalizing plans to implement the City’s first ever drive thru advance poll voting option, located in the north-end of Saskatoon.
• Advanced polls will be increased over the 2016 election with a total of 11 advanced poll locations available between October 30 and November 5.
• Sixty-six polling stations will be open (one in each neighbourhood as reasonably practical) on election day November 9.

Eligible voters can apply online for a mail-in ballot by visiting saskatoon.ca/mailballot. Mail-in ballots must be received at the election office on November 9 by 8:00 p.m.

For more information and the latest election updates, visit saskatoon.ca/election2020 or follow the City on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Saskatoon’s Bicycle Bylaw has been updated to bring cycling rules and regulations in line with national best practices. The changes, proposed by the Administration following input from various community organizations, Business Improvement Districts and City Advisory Committees, have been adopted by City Council.

“Reviewing and updating the Bicycle Bylaw was one of 80 action items within our Active Transportation Plan,” says Jay Magus, Director of Transportation. “The feedback we have received over the past two years regarding ways to improve safety and encourage respectful shared road and pathway etiquette, has been imperative in helping us bring it up to date.”

Revisions made to the Bicycle Bylaw include:

• Children under the age of 14 are allowed to ride bikes on the sidewalk; 
• People riding bikes on shared pathways must ride at a moderate rate of speed and proceed with reasonable consideration for all pedestrians and other path users.

The following revision has also been made to the Traffic Bylaw:

• Drivers must pass people riding bikes on the road with a minimum one-metre buffer on streets with only one driving lane in the direction of travel.

“These changes affect all of us whether we’re walking, biking, or driving. We hope the Bicycle Bylaw and the changes we have made will help reinforce safe and respectful traveling behaviour among all road and pathway users,” says Magus.

To enforce all aspects of the revised Bicycle Bylaw, both Saskatoon Police and Community Support Officers have the ability to issue tickets. The revised Bicycle Bylaw is officially in effect.

For more information on the revised Bicycle Bylaw and for cycling tips, where to ride and how to safely bike around town, please visit Saskatoon.ca/byxe. 

The re-location team has completed the first phase of the support for residents of the City Centre Inn and Suites.

As of Thursday evening, July 23, 120 individuals were provided the opportunity for temporary housing and re-location to local shelters and local hotels. Several residents were provided longer-term housing options.

“An amazing team came together and performed incredible work here,” says Assistant Chief Yvonne Raymer. “Re-housing this many people in such a short time – and under these circumstances – is an accomplishment practically unheard of."

“Emergency Management Organization’s leadership in bringing together all the government and community-based partners, and the willingness of those organizations to problem-solve together, responding to every changing circumstance, speaks to the heart and care of our city.”

Today, Friday, July 24 the Ministry of Social Services and AIDS Saskatoon staff will be connecting with the residents to:

• Confirm they are at the re-location site
• Provide clothing vouchers
• Follow-up with requests for additional supports

The Salvation Army will be providing food for residents over the weekend at their re-location site.

The re-housing team will meet Monday to determine additional actions to support residents with longer-term housing placements.

More information:

Update: Fire Department & community partners move to house residents of unsafe motel

A full summary of City Centre Inn & Suites Order of Closure can be found here.

The plan to provide housing for residents displaced as a result of the Fire Department ordering the closure of the City Centre Inn and Suites, continues to move forward.  As of 1 p.m. residents began to move to alternate housing. That process is still underway.

The Ministry of Social Services offered the option of temporary housing at local shelters.  Residents with medical or unique personal needs were offered the option of temporary housing in local hotels.

A full summary of City Centre Inn & Suites Order of Closure can be found here.

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The Saskatoon Fire Department with the support of many community partner organizations will today take action to house approximately 150 residents of the City Centre Inn and Suites.

The Fire Department has taken the unusual but necessary steps ordering a closure of the entire City Centre Inn and Suites because of unsafe and unsanitary living conditions; the notice remains pending and will be in effect at 3 p.m. today, Thursday, July 23.

“The Department is limited in its legal authority to enter and inspect what are essentially people’s homes,” says Assistant Chief Yvonne Raymer.  “Once we were alerted by an anonymous complaint, we moved forward with the inspection process.  When it became clear there were immediate hazards because of unsafe and unclean living conditions, we quickly moved to close the entire facility.”

Approximately seven teams will conduct door-to-door visits to each room at the City Center Inn and Suites to support relocation of the residents.

The circulating teams will be comprised of:

• One health professional to conduct COVID-19 screening and swab testing
• Two or more outreach workers to assess needs and determine appropriate housing options

Approximately 40 staff resources from the following agencies will be on site to support this process:

• 10 – 12  members from the Saskatoon Tribal Council
• Seven Ministry of Social Services members plus one supervisor
• Five members from the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA)
• Five members from The Salvation Army
• Three members from AIDS Saskatoon
• Three members from Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership
• Two members from Saskatchewan Housing Authority
• Two members from the City of Saskatoon Emergency Management Organization
• One member from Public Health

The SHA Health Bus is one on site until 4:30 p.m.

Saskatoon Transit is providing transportation to the new locations for the residents. 

Canada Post is supporting the residents with change of address.

Meals, water and coffee for staff and displaced residents is being provided by the Salvation Army today.

The Saskatoon SPCA and Okihtcitawak Patrol Group were also on hand to lend assistance to the residents.

Single adults will go either to a shelter, hotel or stay with family or friends for short term housing needs. 

The Saskatchewan Housing Authority is also on site to provide case management for longer term housing options.

Four families have already been relocated.

“The Fire Department is so grateful for the collaboration and support of our government and community based partners to make this happen in roughly 48 hours,” Raymer says.

Assistant Chief Raymer says the most recent visit to 610 Idylwyld Drive North which involved four Fire Inspectors revealed an immediate hazard with issues such as:

• unsafe and unsanitary conditions
• locked exit doors
• stairs at risk of collapse
• combustible material too close to buildings
• inaccessible fire extinguishers
• too few and un-inspected extinguishers
• improper smoke alarm records
• failure to maintain fire alarm systems

The owner of the City Centre Inn and Suites has been ordered to remedy 34 deficiencies under the Property Maintenance and Nuisance Abatement Bylaw; and 27 deficiencies under the National Fire Code of Canada.

The closure notice – which is pending – is expected to be in effect by 3 p.m. today, Thursday, July 23.

The Saskatoon Fire Department with the support of many community partner organizations will today take action to house approximately 150 residents of the City Centre Inn and Suites.

The Fire Department has taken the unusual but necessary steps ordering a closure of the entire City Centre Inn and Suites because of unsafe and unsanitary living conditions; the notice remains pending and will be in effect at 3 p.m. today, Thursday, July 23.

“The Department is limited in its legal authority to enter and inspect what are essentially people’s homes,” says Assistant Chief Yvonne Raymer.  “Once we were alerted by an anonymous complaint, we moved forward with the inspection process.  When it became clear there were immediate hazards because of unsafe and unclean living conditions, we quickly moved to close the entire facility.”

Approximately seven teams will conduct door-to-door visits to each room at the City Center Inn and Suites to support relocation of the residents.

The circulating teams will be comprised of:

• One health professional to conduct COVID screening and swab testing
• Two or more outreach workers to assess needs and determine appropriate housing options

Over 50 staff resources from the following agencies will be on site to support this process:

• 10 – 12  members from the Saskatoon Tribal Council
• Seven Ministry of Social Services members plus one supervisor
• Five members from the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA)
• Five members from The Salvation Army
• Three members from AIDS Saskatoon
• Three members from Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership
• Two members from Saskatchewan Housing Authority
• Two members from the City of Saskatoon Emergency Management Organization
• One member from Public Health

The SHA Health Bus is one on site until 4:30 p.m.

Saskatoon Transit is providing transportation to the new locations for the residents. 

Canada Post is supporting the residents with change of address.

Meals, water and coffee for staff and displaced residents is being provided by the Salvation Army today.

Single adults will go either to a shelter, hotel or stay with family or friends for short term housing needs. 

The Saskatchewan Housing Authority is also on site to provide case management for longer term housing options.

Four families have already been relocated.

“The Fire Department is so grateful for the collaboration and support of our government and community based partners to make this happen in roughly 48 hours,” Raymer says.

Assistant Chief Raymer says the most recent visit to 610 Idylwyld Drive North which involved four Fire Inspectors revealed an immediate hazard with issues such as:

• unsafe and unsanitary conditions
• locked exit doors
• stairs at risk of collapse
• combustible material too close to buildings
• inaccessible fire extinguishers
• too few and uninspected extinguishers
• improper smoke alarm records
• failure to maintain fire alarm systems

The owner of the City Centre Inn and Suites has been ordered to remedy 34 deficiencies under the Property Maintenance and Nuisance Abatement Bylaw; and 27 deficiencies under the National Fire Code of Canada.

The closure notice – which is pending – is expected to be in effect by 3 p.m. today, Thursday, July 23.

Construction is moving along on schedule in all areas of the city this summer. In 2020, City Council invested over $61 million to rehabilitate and preserve road, water and sewer infrastructure to improve the safety and lifespan of the assets residents rely on every day.  

Key construction projects this year include:

• The replacement of aging water mains on 8^th Street. Work is on schedule and will wrap up in early fall. The project also includes sidewalk rehabilitation and road resurfacing. Other water main replacement projects are currently underway on Cumberland Avenue, Clarence Avenue, Avenue J North and Avenue C North.
• The second and final phase of the Sid Buckwold Bridge Rehabilitation project has reached the mid-way point and remains on track for completion in October. Once complete, it will have a wider walkway with taller barriers, improved drainage, and the bridge deck and ramps will be completely resurfaced.
• Road resurfacing on sections of College Drive, Taylor Street, and Boychuk Drive is complete. Crews are currently resurfacing on Circle Drive from the College Drive overpass to 14^th Street. This work is being done at night to minimize impacts to motorists.

The City has also invested $53 million toward the development of new infrastructure needed to support developing neighbourhoods. 2020 development projects include:

• The installation of a primary water main under Garvie Road that will service the Evergreen and Aspen Ridge neighbourhoods. This project wrapped up ahead of schedule and also included road resurfacing.
• The Taylor Street extension from Rosewood Gate North to Wess Road is expected to be complete and open to traffic in October.  
• The installation of sewer trunks to service the Brighton neighbourhood. This two year project began in the spring and will be finished in 2021.

“We started this construction season with an edited ‘to-do’ list in order to ensure the safety of workers and residents during the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Matt Jurkiewicz, Director of Construction & Design. “For example, we opted to put non-emergent lead line replacements that require workers to enter homes on hold this year, but the effects of the pandemic have not slowed down or interrupted all other planned work.”

The City continues to evaluate all projects as they proceed while continuing to follow the provincial Public Health Orders and recommendations of the Public Health Agency of Canada.

More information about 2020 construction projects is available at Saskatoon.ca/construction.

We thank you for your pave-tience during construction. We know it can be a real ‘pain in the asphalt.’

Now available online: the City’s annual Report on Service, Savings and Sustainability highlighting how City teams worked together to maximize value, minimize costs and find innovative ways to deliver better service to citizens in 2019.

“The report highlights our many achievements in 2019 and showcases the innovative projects, initiatives and partnerships City teams undertook last year,” says Celene Anger, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer. “I am proud of our City employees, they continue to move the organization towards becoming the best-managed city in Canada and show their commitment to our Strategic Goal of Continuous Improvement every day.”

Featured stories include numerous service improvements and enhancements focused on delivering quality and reliable front-line civic services, such as the achievement of Saskatoon Transit in converting all buses to fully accessible status through investments from all three levels of government.

Savings stories outline more than $1.1 Million in operational efficiencies through one-time and recurring annual savings. Sustainability accomplishments celebrate ongoing efforts to ensure Saskatoon grows in harmony with nature and plans for a sustainable future. Many initiatives featured helped to reduce the City’s environmental footprint and mitigate the risks posed by climate change. Other projects moved the City forward to create a more equitable and socially responsible community.

The report proudly presents the City’s ongoing commitment to Indigenous Initiatives and Reconciliation. Notable achievements in 2019 included:

• Establishing the Indigenous Technical Advisory Group (ITAG) to engage in meaningful dialogues on issues that impact Indigenous peoples in Saskatoon
• Creation of a new Indigenous Engagement  Employer Handbook to provide guidance and options for employers seeking to improve their recruitment outcomes
• Highest ever attendance at the 5^th Annual Wîcihitowin Conference
• Kahkewistahaw Signing Ceremony
• Publishing the 2^nd Edition of ayisiyiniwak: A Communications Guide

The 2019 Report on Service, Savings and Sustainability will be presented to the Governance and Priorities Committee on July 20, 2020.

View the full report here.

City Council yesterday approved at its Public Hearing a new Official Community Plan (OCP) for Saskatoon.

“The Official Community Plan is the collective long-term vision for Saskatoon that guides the physical, environmental, economic, social and cultural development of our community,” says Jeff Jorgenson, City Manager. “It provides both inspiration and direction to ensure the community’s vision for Saskatoon is integrated into all aspects of planning, decision-making and priority-setting for the City.”

The direction and goals outlined in the OCP are entrenched in law and recognized under the authority of the Planning and Development Act, 2007. The OCP works in conjunction with the City’s Strategic Plan and Multi-Year Business Plan and Budgeting process to create a strategic framework for how priorities are set and how the City achieves its goals.

The development of the new OCP was guided by the priorities of City Council, as established in the City’s Strategic Plan 2018-2021.

Lesley Anderson, the City’s Director of Planning and Development explains the new OCP consolidates and entrenches the direction provided in over fifty civic plans and policies that City Council has approved over the last several years including: the Growth Plan to Half a Million, Saskatoon Speaks – Community Vision, City Centre Plan, Culture Plan, Active Transportation Plan, Green Infrastructure Strategy, Recreation and Parks Master Plan and the Heritage Plan.

“The Official Community Plan acts as a connection point for the work of all City staff and this latest revision brings it up to date with the current direction of the City, reflecting where we are right now, what our vision is for the future, and how we will achieve that vision,” Anderson says.

As per the requirements laid out in the Planning and Development Act, 2007, the new OCP bylaw will be submitted to the Ministry of Government Relations for their review and approval.

For more information and to view a copy of the new OCP, visit saskatoon.ca/ocp.

The City Administration will be issuing tax credits and /or refunds for an overbilling related to the Library portion of the Property Tax bill for 2020.  City Council has the ability to issue credits to property owners, which for the average assessed home, is roughly two dollars for the year.

“With full transparency, City Administration wants to notify Saskatoon taxpayers of an overbilling of the 2020 property taxes for the Saskatoon Public Library totalling $270,914.25,” says Kerry Tarasoff, Chief Financial Officer.”

Each year, the Saskatoon Public Library (SPL) tax rate used for the City’s annual Property Tax Notice is calculated by multiplying the mill rate by the mill rate factors for each class of property.  The finalized mill rate is then determined by dividing the approved property levy budget by the City’s total taxable assessment.

The 2020 SPL tax rate included the combined budgets for the property levy and supplemental property levy - when only the property levy was to be billed.  Usually, the supplemental property levy amount is realized and collected throughout the year from separate billings as new construction is completed and that is why it is excluded from the regular tax billing process.

“It should be noted that City Administration has taken steps to improve the tax billing process to avoid a reoccurrence,” Tarasoff adds. “Once launched, our new enterprise resource planning initiative, Fusion, will also assist in avoiding this issue by streamlining efficiencies into the many manual processes currently in place at the City.”

The Chief Financial Officer will present City Council with a report at its meeting June 29, 2020.  It will detail options that, if approved, would clear the way for credits and/or refunds to residential and commercial property tax payers as follows:

1. For refunds under $10, customers would be able to choose whether to leave the credit on their property tax account until they receive their 2021 Property Tax Notice, or have the credit transferred to their utility account.

1. In certain cases, where the refund amount is greater than $10, a refund cheque would be issued.

View the full Administration Report here.

The City of Saskatoon invites residents to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21) by accepting the ConnectR Reconciliation Challenge. This initiative is replacing this year’s Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation and events at Reconciliation Circle in Victoria Park, which have been cancelled in keeping with COVID-19 provincial health orders.

“We’re hoping individuals and organizations will see this ConnectR challenge as an opportunity to explore, learn, and take up their own Calls to Action” says Warren Isbister-Bear, the City’s Acting Director of Indigenous Initiatives. “There are many people that want to be a part of the Reconciliation journey but they aren’t sure how or where to start – this is the perfect place.”

What is the ConnectR Reconciliation Challenge?

Beginning June 21, visit BeAConnectR.org every week for eight weeks to choose a new commitment under the categories of Spirit, Head, Body, or Heart. Commitments include things such as:

• Attend an Indigenous cultural event
• Authentically engage with an Elder
• Learn more about a First Nations community near you
• Try an Indigenous recipe
• Watch an Indigenous film

Organizations and individuals can also join the ConnectR Challenge Facebook Group to share experiences and receive updates to help guide and support their journey. This group will provide the link to several scheduled video calls with Indigenous Elders, leaders, and youth for discussions to facilitate learning and reflection on Indigenous issues. Those not on Facebook can email beaconnectr@gmail.com to be added to a mailing list.

The ConnectR Reconciliation Challenge is an initiative of Reconciliation Saskatoon – 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. The City of Saskatoon co-chairs Reconciliation Saskatoon.

City Council at its May meeting deferred consideration of the new proposed Official Community Plan (OCP) Bylaw to its June Public Hearing scheduled for Monday, June 29, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. The deferment was recommended by Administration to allow for additional discussions with stakeholders prior to the opening of the Public Hearing.

The OCP is the collective long-term vision for Saskatoon, guiding the physical, environmental, economic, social and cultural development of the community. It provides both inspiration and direction through a comprehensive policy framework to ensure the community’s vision for Saskatoon is integrated into all aspects of planning, decision-making and priority-setting for the City. It brings focus and purpose to more detailed plans, including growth plans, financial plans and strategic action plans.

“The new proposed OCP provides the framework for the implementation of major priorities that have been endorsed by City Council through initiatives like the Growth Plan, the Strategic Plan, the Green Infrastructure Strategy, the Culture Plan and the Heritage Plan,” says Lesley Anderson, Director of Planning and Development.

“These and more than fifty other civic plans and policies have informed the content of the new proposed OCP. As a result, we’ve often called this project an exercise in consolidation and communication. It’s not intended to introduce new direction, but to entrench the directions that City Council has approved in recent years and ensure this direction is communicated in a way that is clear and engaging.”

City Council will consider all submissions related to the proposed OCP at its Public Hearing on Monday, June 29, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. To submit a letter or request to speak to City Council regarding the proposed OCP, visit saskatoon.ca/writetocouncil for more information.

The Public Hearing will be broadcast live on SHAW TV – Channel 10, Shaw BlueSky – Channel 105 and video-streamed on the City’s website at saskatoon.ca/meetings.

For more information and to view a copy of the new proposed OCP online, visit saskatoon.ca/ocp.

• Riversdale & George Ward Pools – targeting opening for the first week of July, dates and hours will be announced on saskatoon.ca/outdoorpools
• Lathey & Mayfair Pools - TBD

• Lakewood Civic Centre – pending announcement of Phase 4.2
• Shaw Centre – pending announcement of Phase 4.2
• Remaining Leisure Centres - TBD

Starting June 15 and in line with Phase 3 of the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan, the City of Saskatoon is set to resume some front counter services for the Corporate Revenue Customer Service and Bill Payment Centre located in the lobby of City Hall. The City will offer in-person service in the lobby 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, closed Holidays. City staff will dedicate the first hour of each day from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. for assisting seniors, vulnerable persons and persons with a disability, however no one will be turned away during the first hour. Residents are still encouraged to use the City’s convenient online services to help limit lineups of people physically accessing City Hall.

“Like many other municipalities, we continue to follow the orders and advice of public health officials and continually reassess our services through each phase of the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan to ensure we're meeting the expectations of our staff and citizens. With new safety protocols and procedures in place, we appreciate everyone's patience as we carefully open the City Hall lobby for citizens to access our Payment Centre, Customer Service and Collections counters starting next week,” says Mike Voth, Director of Corporate Revenue.

As City Hall operations are guided by the requirements of the current Provincial Health Order, physical distancing, enhanced sanitization protocols and limits of 15 people inside the City Hall lobby will be in place. The use of a non-medical face mask is encouraged if you are visiting City Hall. Please help all of us stay safe, do not enter City Hall if you have COVID-19 related symptoms or have been in contact with an ill individual.

Visitors to the City Hall lobby will notice it has been slightly modified with:

• New in-person safety measures that include a hand-sanitizing station before entry;
• Physical distancing and directional traffic signage reminders; and
• Physical plexiglass barriers installed at service counters to allow for the protection of our City employees and safer interaction with our customers.

In keeping with public health guidelines, member of the public entering the City Hall lobby should avoid touching shared surfaces in the building like handrails, garbage cans and benches, and also refrain from putting personal items onto the Corporate Revenue Customer Service counters.

The only public entrance to services in the lobby will be via City Hall’s main entrance doors located off 3^rd Avenue North. All customers will be greeted by a Customer Service Ambassador or Security staff member who will provide assistance and direction. With the lobby’s current limited capacity, customers may be asked to line-up physically distanced outside of the entrance doors until they can be safely accommodated. 

"We are entering Phase 3 keeping the health, safety and well-being of our employees and citizens our top priority," adds Voth. "City Hall hasn't been the same without the comings and goings of citizens since closing March 19, 2020. While our employees have been working hard providing great customer service online and by phone, especially on property tax-related questions, starting next week we’ll be ready to assist those customers who absolutely need to meet with us face-to-face.”

Some examples of in-person transactions offered at the Payment Centre include property tax and utility bill payments, and bylaw and parking ticket payments. Payment methods include cash, cheque or debit; credit cards are not accepted. The public will be kept updated as additional in-person services become available, visit saskatoon.ca for latest updates.

With the busy property tax payment season ahead, citizens may pay their 2020 Property Tax at their financial institution or use City Hall’s front entrance drop box to deliver a cheque. Whenever possible, the public is encouraged to email revenue@saskatoon.ca or contact a customer service representative at 306-975-2400 with property tax-related or other inquiries. Visit saskatoon.ca/propertytax for information on payment deadlines.

At this time, City Council meetings continue to be held via teleconference and streamed live at saskatoon.ca/live-meeting. A new online meeting platform enables the opportunity for continued public participation. 

Residents can expect information regarding the re-opening of additional City facilities in the days and weeks ahead. 

For the latest updates on City services including a list of convenient online services, please visit saskatoon.ca/covid-19. 

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

“Parks, open spaces and recreational opportunities are key to our quality of life in Saskatoon,” says Andrew Roberts, Director of Recreation and Community Development. “As a community we’ve seen the benefits most recently from being able to get out and spread out in over 200 parks. It’s timely to celebrate Parks and Recreation Month as more recreation spaces re-open throughout Saskatoon.”

Already, the City’s municipal golf courses, tennis and pickleball courts and Gordon Howe Campground are open for everyone to enjoy.

Now, following the guidelines announced by the Government of Saskatchewan on Monday, June 8, City playground structures will open starting Friday, June 12.

Crews are working to remove the existing closed signage and tape at over 250 playgrounds throughout Saskatoon.

While many of the City’s recreational facilities cannot reopen until Phase 4 of the Province’s Re-Open Saskatchewan plan, you can keep up-to-date on re-openings at saskatoon.ca/reopensaskatoon

Residents are reminded that public health orders are still in place, practice good hand hygiene, and to maintain a minimum distance of two metres between others outside your extended household.

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.

City Council officially approved at its special meeting today the reinstatement of public pay parking and other parking enforcement measures, including parking time limits and the Residential Parking Program (RPP), starting Monday, May 25, 2020.

While the City continues to do its part to flatten the curve of COVID-19 cases in Saskatoon, it also wants to help boost the economy and support business in our community. So, with the return of retail commercial activity as part of the Province’s Re-Open Saskatchewan plan, the reinstatement of public pay parking requirements and enforcement will help ensure parking space turnover for customers and businesses in high-demand pay parking zones.

The City encourages customers to use the WayToPark app as a no-touch way to pay for parking. If the app is not an option and you must use a FlexParking station for payment, please ensure you follow public health guidelines when touching shared surfaces in public, such as using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or washing your hands as soon as you are able.

The reinstatement of other parking restrictions, including the on-street parking time limit of 72 hours and the RPP, will also take effect starting Monday, May 25, 2020.

Residents in RPP zones are asked to use their recently expired permits until new permits are available for sale. Those without an existing permit are invited to contact Customer Service at revenue@saskatoon.ca or 306-975-2400. All eligibility requirements remain in effect and proof of residency, as well as vehicle and license information will be required when requesting RPP permits. Residents will receive notification once 2020-2021 RPP permits are available for purchase.

The City will continue to honour expired Parking Permits for People with a Disability (hologram stickers). These permits are used in conjunction with a valid SaskAbilities permit to allow holders to park in pay parking zones without further payment. Those without an existing permit are invited to contact Customer Service at revenue@saskatoon.ca or 306-975-2400 to arrange for a temporary permit. Eligibility requirements remain in effect and proof of a valid SaskAbilities permit will be required.

For more information on parking in Saskatoon, visit saskatoon.ca/parking.

As gardening season gets into full swing, the City of Saskatoon and Meewasin want to remind everyone of the importance of caring for our river system by helping to monitor the materials that end up in our storm sewers.

Everything that either runs off the road or is deposited in storm drain catch basins ends up back in the South Saskatchewan River. It is everyone's responsibility to make sure that only clean water and rain water re-enter the watershed.

The City, Meewasin and the South Saskatchewan Watershed Stewards are also working on a number of storm water projects to help clean water before it drains into the river. Near the Northeast Swale, for example, there are a number of natural vegetation floating islands that filter pollutants with the help of plants.

The City will also check the riverbank for any possible contaminants.  Twice this spring, most recently last week, the City investigated concerns of a potential river spill. Nothing was identified which indicated petroleum hydrocarbons.

However, if you discover a shiny film on the water surface, it may be naturally-occurring. A bacterial film can be caused by bacteria reacting with minerals in the water. The smell and look of a substance can also help in distinguishing between bacteria and petroleum hydrocarbons.

The City investigates all reports of potential spills.

Please help protect our South Saskatchewan River system by reporting any spills or discharges to the river. Please note that any spills that are not drifting and do not pose any threat to life, should be reported to the City’s Customer Service Centre at 306-975-2476.

For situations involving unidentifiable substances, drifting substances, or if the spill is part of a major accident or poses a threat to life, please call 911.

City Council’s Governance and Priorities Committee (GPC) endorsed at its meeting today recommendations to reinstate public pay parking and other parking enforcement measures starting Monday, May 25, 2020. A special meeting of City Council will be called for later this week to formally approve these recommendations.

While the City is doing its part to flatten the curve of COVID-19 cases in Saskatoon, it also wants to do what it can to boost the economy and support business in our community. With the return of retail commercial activity as part of the Government of Saskatchewan’s Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan, a report to GPC recommended that pay parking requirements and enforcement including parking time limits be reinstated to help ensure parking turnover for customers and businesses in high-demand pay parking zones.

The report also recommended other parking enforcement measures be reinstated, such as the on-street parking time limit of 72 hours in residential areas, to help manage parking turnover, maintain traffic flow and allow for emergency access.

GPC approved an additional recommendation to reinstate parking restrictions and enforcement in Residential Parking Program (RPP) zones effective May 25, 2020. The City will honour expired RPP Permits until a process is put in place for renewals.

The City will continue to honour expired hologram stickers used in conjunction with SaskAbilities parking permits to allow those with a valid SaskAbilities permit to park in pay parking zones without further payment.

Following extensive consultations with veterinarians and our animal care team, the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo) had the sad responsibility of euthanizing one of the grey wolves named Zeppelin on Thursday.

“It is always difficult to make a decision like this when it comes to the animals that we care for,” says Zoo Manager Jeff Mitchell. “Zeppelin had an amazing life here at the Zoo and will be remembered for his spunkiness and adventurous nature”.

Over the past few years, Zeppelin had been facing some serious arthritis issues that were being managed under veterinarian care. In recent months, his condition continued to deteriorate and his ability to cope with the arthritis under medication was no longer effective at keeping him pain-free.

The average life expectancy of a grey wolf is six to eight years in the wild and up to 15 years in zoological facilities. Buddy, Zeppelin’s long-time companion, is the same age and showing similar age related issues.

“We know that this will be an especially tough time for Buddy,” says Mitchell. “We are going to do everything we can to help him adjust to being a lone wolf. Our animal care team has developed a plan to give Buddy as much attention and enrichment as he needs”.

Zeppelin and Buddy first met after joining the Zoo family in 2007. Although the pair were not litter mates, Buddy and Zeppelin quickly bonded and became life-long companions.  

City Council will consider a new proposed Official Community Plan (OCP) for Saskatoon at its Public Hearing on Monday, May 25, 2020, at 6:00 p.m.

The OCP is the collective long-term vision for Saskatoon, guiding the physical, environmental, economic, social and cultural development of the community. It provides both inspiration and direction through a comprehensive policy framework to ensure the community’s vision for Saskatoon is integrated into all aspects of planning, decision-making and priority-setting for the City. It brings focus and purpose to more detailed plans, including growth plans, financial plans and strategic action plans.

The development of the proposed OCP was guided by the priorities of City Council, as established in the City’s Strategic Plan 2018-2021. The proposed OCP, Bylaw No. 9700 updates the current OCP, Bylaw No. 8769 to reflect direction provided in guiding documents that City Council has approved over the last several years. These guiding documents include, but are not limited to, the Growth Plan to Half a Million, Saskatoon Speaks – Community Vision, City Centre Plan, Culture Plan, Active Transportation Plan, Green Infrastructure Strategy, Recreation and Parks Master Plan and the Heritage Plan.

A copy of the proposed OCP can be viewed online at saskatoon.ca/ocp.

To submit a letter or request to speak to City Council regarding the proposed OCP, please visit saskatoon.ca/writetocouncil for more information. All submissions received by the City Clerk by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 25, 2020, will be forwarded to City Council for consideration.

Members of the public are able to view the Public Hearing broadcast live on SHAW TV – Channel 10, Shaw BlueSky – Channel 105 and video-streamed on the City’s website at saskatoon.ca/meetings starting at 6:00 p.m. on the scheduled day.

For more information and to subscribe to updates, visit saskatoon.ca/ocp.

The City has received provincial funding for a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) on 25^th Street near Pacific Avenue. The RRFB is being installed today.

“This is an existing crossing on a busy street that did not have flashing lights to alert drivers that a pedestrian is crossing or ready to cross,” says Jay Magus, Director of Transportation. “The beacons are mounted on posts at the side of a street and a ground-mounted push button activates the lights.”

RRFBs are installed under a solar panel at the top of the post that provides power. They have proven to be effective in getting the attention of Saskatoon drivers.

The 25^th Street beacon is similar to the one at Spadina Crescent and 33^rd Street. The City plans to install more at several other locations.

Provincial Traffic Safety Fund grants are awarded twice annually. The City plans to continue submitting funding applications to improve safety at other intersections and school zones throughout Saskatoon.

The City is proceeding with several key construction projects this summer while making the health and safety of employees, contractors and residents its top priority during the COVID-19 pandemic. City Council has endorsed a revised 2020 Capital Construction Program, so that Saskatoon continues to have a safe and reliable network of roads and utility infrastructure.

“After re-evaluating all planned projects for this year and by making adjustments to typical safety procedures, we have determined that we can move forward with the majority of those projects," says Terry Schmidt, General Manager of Transportation and Construction. “We will be evaluating all projects as they proceed while continuing to follow provincial public health orders and recommendations of the Public Health Agency of Canada.”

Approximately 4,611 metres of new water main will be installed in areas where the current infrastructure is in immediate need of replacement. On 8th Street, water mains will be replaced under the east bound lanes between Sommerfeld Avenue and Arlington Avenue. Water main replacements are also planned on sections of Clarence Avenue between College Drive and 8th Street. Under Garvie Road, a new primary water main will be installed that will service the neighbourhoods of Evergreen and Aspen Ridge.

In addition to annual street maintenance programs such as pothole repair, line painting and street sweeping, the City is planning 185 lane kilometers of road construction. Work includes reconstruction following all water main replacements, but also resurfacing and micro surfacing throughout the city. Locations include:

• College Drive/Highway 5 westbound from Highway 41 to the CP Rail overpass (resurfacing)
• Taylor Street from Heritage Crescent to McKercher Drive (resurfacing)
• Boychuk Drive north bound from Briarwood Road to 8th Street (resurfacing)
• Central Avenue from College Drive to 107th Street (resurfacing)
• Circle Drive from College Drive overpass to 14th Street (resurfacing)   
• Circle Drive west bound from Avenue C to Laurier Drive (micro surfacing)

The second and final phase of the Sid Buckwold Bridge rehabilitation resumed in March and will be complete this fall. Improvements include a wider walkway with taller barriers, a new drainage system and new asphalt.

“Roads really matter to the people of Saskatoon. Construction projects result in sound infrastructure and they help boost the economy by providing jobs,” Schmidt says. “In this unprecedented time, we are adjusting and will re-adjust our practices as necessary to get this important work done. We are working with our employees and our contractors to ensure they are implementing and following protocols at construction sites to protect everyone’s safety.”

City Council is investing more than $61 million for road rehabilitation and maintenance to make Saskatoon’s streets, bridges and sidewalks, smoother, safer and longer-lasting.

The City of Saskatoon appreciates everyone’s patience during construction. We know it can be a real “pain in the asphalt.”

More information about 2020 construction projects is available at Saskatoon.ca/betterroads.

With the economy slowly re-opening, City, health and community leaders are concerned too many people are gathering in public places – actions that risk spreading COVID-19 in our community.

“We have seen too many people not following the Public Health Orders and beginning to gather in groups in parks and open spaces. This risks us losing the progress we have made in saving lives and keeping the community safe,” says Mayor Charlie Clark.

“Even though the weather is warm and the first phase of re-opening is ahead, the risk of outbreaks remains very real.”

Mayor Clark says Saskatoon and Saskatchewan have collectively shown tremendous leadership in containing the spread of COVID-19.  

“Our continued success hinges on everyone working together. We must all be smart and safe about physical distancing measures.”

A community health expert suggests everyone must keep the Public Health Orders top of mind.

“As the plan to re-open our province and our city unfolds, we need to maintain the changes we have made to how we work, play, live and learn,” says Dr. Jasmine Hasselback Medical Health Officer for the Saskatchewan Health Authority. “We are just starting to enter the next round of this fight against COVID-19, which means we need to be more vigilant than ever.”

Dr. Hasselback reminds everyone must continue routinely washing their hands for 20 seconds, not touch the nose, mouth or eyes; avoid interactions with those outside their own households, stay home when ill and call HealthLine 811 or their doctor as appropriate.

“It also means that even though the weather is nicer and you may want to be outside, we still have to maintain physical distancing – stay two meters away from anyone who is not a member of your own household or your virtual household to keep yourself and others safe.”

As Director of Saskatoon Emergency Measures Organization, Pamela Goulden-McLeod has been helping guide the City’s COVID-19 response since January.  She warns too many people are quickly placing their family and neighbours’ health in jeopardy.

“If we begin to let down our guard thinking everything is back to normal we could erase all the good work we’ve done as a community,” she says.

“We cannot gather in large numbers and we have to spread out. This is the very best way to stop infections. It will protect our front-line health and essential service providers – the people who keep our community running.”

Starting next week, to help everyone enjoy the more than 200 parks in Saskatoon, Recreation Staff will be redeployed as Physical Distancing Ambassadors to eight areas of the city.  They will make sure signage and barriers are in place at approximately 250 playgrounds, and replace supplies as needed. Each week, every playground and adjacent park area will get checked.

While out in the parks and sports fields, the Ambassadors will also be promoting and providing public education on the importance of physical distancing while using Saskatoon’s outdoor public places, and to remind everyone that organized sports or games with groups of people are still not permitted.

Meewasin, which oversees the river valley including some of Saskatoon’s most popular trail and natural areas inside and outside the city also stresses the importance of physical distancing.

“We are so happy that the community has the opportunity to use our rural and urban sites for hiking and accessing the river but it is imperative that everyone adheres to restrictions on group sizes and only attends with members of their household. Safety is the top priority,” explains CEO Andrea Lafond.

“Meewasin’s goal is to work with community and government to continue to flatten the curve for COVID-19 and do everything we can to support healthy use of outdoor spaces.”

While public safety is at the forefront for the Saskatoon Police Service, it has a community reminder.

“Our officers are responsible for ensuring members of the public are adhering to the restrictions outlined in the Public Health Orders,” says Supt. Randy Huisman.  “With the arrival of warmer weather we are responding to increasing reports of violations and paying special attention to gathering sizes and social distancing.  Failing to meet the public health guidelines can result in sizable fines.”

Please visit saskatoon.ca/covid19 for timely updates from the City of Saskatoon on everything you need to know to stay safe. For more on the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan please click here.

City Council has endorsed a plan to maintain core services while responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We will be using a combination of spending reductions and utilization of the City’s stabilization reserves to offset a significant portion of the deficit” says City Manager Jeff Jorgenson. “The strategy does not rely on a further tax increase to address this deficit. We will continue discussions with other orders of government on possible assistance.”

If there is a remaining deficit that is not covered by relief packages, the City will consider making adjustments to the 2021 operating and capital budgets.

One key service that will be delivered in typical fashion is the street sweeping program. This year, due to a late start to the program because of a late spring melt and different operating processes due to COVID-19, the program will take a little longer – into July to finish rather than the usual June end date.

Additionally, the 2020 budgeted construction projects will go forward this year.

However, most water projects with lead line replacements will be deferred until later this year or to 2021 says Terry Schmidt, General Manager, Transportation and Construction.

“We will take a look later this summer to see how people may be adjusting to the pandemic, and make a determination of whether it makes sense to proceed with the lead line replacement program,” Schmidt says. “If it’s not possible, we will defer until next year.”

Council supported the overall recommendation to continue with budgeted construction projects for the 2020 season.

“We need to keep City assets in shape,” says Mayor Charlie Clark. “We’re looking at some $390 million in financial activity to keep the economy going and businesses being able to hire people.”

In compliance of the Public Health Order, the City continues to work with its partners in the construction industry to ensure appropriate physical distancing and other appropriate safety measures are in place at such work sites.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had wide and deep effects on City work and finances; as a result, the Administration has developed a comprehensive strategy to mitigate the impacts.

“The pandemic has been like nothing most of us have ever experienced in our lifetimes,” says City Manager, Jeff Jorgenson.

“The impacts of the pandemic have had a profound impact on the City’s finances. While sobering, we feel the situation is manageable, thanks to the prudent financial management practices in place. The proposed strategy the Administration is presenting to City Council on Monday includes a balance of:

• maintaining civic services;
• reducing expenditures;
• utilizing fiscal stabilization reserves; and
• continuing to work with other orders of government on solutions.

“The strategy we are recommending will need to be gradual and will take time. If the financial response is too severe, our diverse economy and citizens will be negatively affected. By maintaining services as much as possible, we can continue providing citizens with the quality of life they deserve and expect.”

Jorgenson says the City plays an important role in our local economy with our capital programs, which are essential to maintenance of the City’s assets like streets, roads, and underground utilities. 

“Deferral of these important capital works would only result in the City falling behind in infrastructure renewal. Through proposed continuation of our capital programs, the City will continue to serve an important role in keeping our community working and continue the important investments in our infrastructure.”

The financial details are outlined in a report set for discussion at the meeting of City Council Monday, April 27.

In the wake of the provincial government’s plan to re-open the Saskatchewan economy, the report looks at three financial impact scenarios of when physical distancing restrictions could be lifted and services reopen.

The total estimated negative impacts of COVID-19 on the City of Saskatoon for the three scenarios are:

• Restrictions End June 30 – approximately $32.2 million
• Restrictions End September 30 – approximately $52.7 million
• Restrictions End December 31 – approximately $68.6 million

However, there are offsetting savings attributable to item such as fuel cost reduction, reduced workforce, reduced bulk power charges, and utility stabilization reserves. With these savings included, the preliminary projected preliminary deficits would be:

• Restrictions End June 30 – Deficit of approximately $20.2 million
• Restrictions End September 30 – Deficit of approximately $32.0 million
• Restrictions End December 31 – Deficit of approximately $43.0 million

Through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the federal government is being asked to consider a relief program for the municipal sector, but the outcome of the request is uncertain.

However, the Administration has proposed several options to manage the remaining COVID-19 shortfall, including:

• Hiring freeze;
• Non-essential spending freeze;
• Travel and training reductions;
• Cost reductions for park maintenance due to reduced staffing levels; and
• Use $2.8M of fiscal stabilization reserve in 2020; hold remaining $2M for 2021.

Factoring in these savings totalling $9.5 million for 2020, the remaining projected deficit would be reduced to:

• Restrictions End June 30 – approximately $10.1 million
• Restrictions End September 30 – approximately $22.0 million
• Restrictions End December 31 – approximately $32.9 million

If the Administration’s recommended strategy is approved, the City will have offset the majority of the negative impacts of COVID-19.  For example, for the September 30 Scenario, savings of $32.7 in total will offset the $52.7 million of negative COVID-19 impacts, resulting in a net projected deficit of $22.0 million.

As the situation continues to evolve, the Administration will be able to update financial projections. Additionally, ongoing discussions with other orders of government on possible assistance are occurring.  Considering this, the Administration is not recommending substantive changes to infrastructure renewal or service delivery strategies other than those outlined in this report.

If there is a remaining deficit that is not covered by relief packages, the Administration recommends City Council consider making adjustments to the 2021 operating and capital budgets.

“Taking this approach will allow the City to adapt to the ever-changing landscape in front of us, and will allow us to provide an economic stimulus role – this year – in 2020 – with construction and other capital projects already in the budget,” Jorgenson points out. “We’ll then be able to continue working with the other orders of government on relief solutions.”

Read the full report here. 

The City supports the provincial government’s Re-open Saskatchewan plan with a reminder that we all need to keep physical distancing and established protective health measures in place while it slowly unfolds.

“The whole country will be watching us. Our success will rely on everyone taking this virus very seriously and following all of the precautions. We want Saskatchewan to succeed in this careful and phased re-opening,” says Mayor Charlie Clark.

“Between now and May 4, I believe there are three key areas of risk that we will need to work with the Province on: ensuring and supporting businesses that re-open to be able to follow the rules and have the equipment necessary to remain safe; greater clarity around the rules for social gatherings; and fixing ongoing gaps in the vulnerable population strategy that is continues to see too many people remaining unsafely on the streets.”

Released a day ago, Thursday, April 23 the Re-open Saskatchewan plan is a five-phase plan aimed at slowly lifting restrictions so more businesses can re-open and more employees can go back to work.

City Manager Jeff Jorgenson says the City has done many things to flatten the curve of COVID-19 cases in Saskatoon.

“We’ve made many staffing and service changes so that our employees can safely deliver services to our community, and will continue to be vigilant. The province has not changed its direction to citizens and employers with respect to social distancing, so nothing has changed in that regard,” he says. “With the provincial plan now launched we are working on plans and options for opening our golf courses and campground.”

Emergency planners will continue to play a central part as the Re-open plan rolls out, says the Director of Emergency Management Organization.

“The bottom-line is: we are all continuing to live under a State of Emergency and a Public Health Order,” says Pamela Goulden-McLeod. “We have to keep practicing physical distancing measures so that all the hard work we’ve done as a community is not put as risk while we slowly re-open the economy.”

A package of administrative reports focused on the pandemic response will be later today placed on the City Council Agenda for its meeting Monday, April 27.

The City will move to weekly garbage collection as soon as operationally possible.  Following a decision at a special meeting Wednesday, City Council has directed the Administration to change an earlier decision to extend bi-weekly garbage pick-up.

For the time being, bi-weekly garbage (black cart) collections will stay in place, with the expectation to move to weekly collections by mid-May.

The earlier decision to maintain bi-weekly collections was designed to minimize COVID-19 transmission risk as new workers came on.  With the direction from Council, solutions will be found to provide weekly garbage collection and guard the health of the City’s core workforce with the following considerations:

• The health and safety of our staff and residents are a priority. Waste Operations will continue to implement enhanced physical distancing and sanitation procedures to guard the health and safety of our staff and of Saskatoon residents.
• We recognize with many residents now working from home, there will inevitably be an increased accumulation of household waste. Tonnages are being monitored. 
• We are taking all the necessary precautions to prepare for what is to come and will adapt as the situation continues to evolve. 

The Green Cart (Yard & Food Waste) Program will proceed as planned, with seasonal operations beginning on Monday, May 4.

We will be opening of the City Compost Depots at the same time as the Green Cart Program - ensuring physical distancing and sanitization procedures.

We will monitor the residential garbage collection program as it begins operations to ensure that the health and safety priorities are being met.

Updates will be provided should any adjustments to the program be deemed necessary.

Saskatoon Transit is cooperating with a police investigation following a stabbing incident in and around a Transit bus last night.

“We applaud the quick actions of our Operator and grateful that they are safe,” says Director of Saskatoon Transit, Jim McDonald. “Fortunately, incidents like this involving a Transit bus are very rare and our service remains a very safe way to get around.”

Two people, male and female were already on the bus when another male and female got on at Appleby Drive. The four riders were the only passengers on the bus.

A short time later at Avenue T and 20th Street, a fight broke out between the two groups. The Operator called emergency; stopped the bus and opened the rear doors allowing the passengers to get out. A man appeared to have been stabbed to his chest area and a woman was cut on the face. 

The injured people got back on the bus until paramedics arrived. Ambulance staff took a man and woman to hospital for further treatment.

“We again ask everyone to please only take Transit when necessary – that is, to go to work, get groceries, medicine or for medical appointments not related to COVID-19 symptoms,” McDonald says. “Our buses are running to get medical staff, first responders and other essential workers where they need to go so they can help the rest of us.” 

McDonald adds that avoiding unneeded trips provides Operators and necessary travellers the physical space they need for a safe ride.

The Operator was not involved and is safe; anytime following a serious incident, employees are removed from their shifts and offered counselling and other supports.

Once police were finished their investigation on the bus, it was sent for an established deep cleaning procedure any time bodily fluids are present on a bus.

Police have requested the on-board security video. There is no word on arrests, Public Health Order violations or criminal charges.

The City is taking further steps to adjust its workforce to respond to the impacts COVID-19 has had on its employees and certain services.

“How we deliver our work has changed for every single employee,” says City Manager Jeff Jorgenson.  “The primary focus of the City has been the safety of staff and our community.  It is now time to focus also on the difficult issue of adjusting staffing levels to meet work demands.”

The Community Services department is affected the most, as all Leisure Centres are shut down likely until at least mid-summer. Further, to comply with the need to keep as many people home as possible, the City will not be staffing-up as usual this summer.

Services in many areas will be adjusted so that seasonal staffing levels can be lowered and meet physical distancing requirements for those who are still at work.

“In order to achieve this, we have developed a strategy that is intended to reduce or possibly eliminate the need for involuntary layoffs of permanent employees most affected by the Leisure Centre and civic building closures,” Jorgenson says.

Here is an explanation of the City’s approach:

A voluntary layoff program will be rolled out this week starting with CUPE 59 members.

“We have heard that employees throughout the City are interested in a temporary layoff, because they have family or personal needs, and at this time would like to be out of the workforce.  We are starting with CUPE 59 because they are most affected by the Leisure Centre closures,” he says. 

Staff from anywhere within CUPE 59 and interested in participating will be able to request a temporary layoff, and it will be accommodated if possible. As important services must continue, not all requests will be granted. Division Directors will have discretion, however it’s hoped this will free up positions – some of which can be filled by CUPE 59 members who currently have no work due to Leisure Centre and civic building closures. These are people who work in the Leisure Centres or were in-person customer service representatives. 

Yesterday 54 members of CUPE 59 received telephone calls to advise them they would be receiving layoff notices. Again, over the next four weeks, it’s hoped virtually all those affected will be offered alternate work opportunities such as:

• positions vacated by people choosing to take voluntary layoff,
• seasonal opportunities in the Parks Division,
• non-traditional work such as “Physical Distancing Ambassadors” throughout the City to encourage citizens to follow social/physical distancing in parks and on pathways, and to keep an eye on play structures to make sure safety tape and signing remains in place,
• possible administrative support to some local service providers who are working furiously to support Saskatoon’s most vulnerable citizens.

“While I can’t guarantee that everyone will be re-deployed, we are doing our best to create opportunities for employment.  We need to be fiscally responsible as well as a compassionate and responsible employer.”

In the coming weeks Jorgenson adds, the City will be expanding the voluntary layoff program to other areas of the City and will work with the various unions and staff associations. 

“We must continue providing our important civic services, but we are balancing that with our desire to support staff through this unprecedented pandemic situation.”

*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.
*The COVID-19 vaccination site at Prairieland Park is ongoing. For access directions see the site map. Be prepared for slower moving traffic in the area and remain patient. Traffic will be monitored; routes and traffic signals will be adjusted as needed. 

NEW

22ND ST W EB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE V S TO AVE W S
(Water main repair)
Start: April 7, 8:00 a.m. End: April 8, 5:00 p.m.

22ND ST W WB CURB & LEFT TURN BAY CLOSED AT AVE W S
(Water main repair)
Start: April 7, 8:00 a.m. End: April 8, 5:00 p.m.

22ND ST W EB & WB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM AVE T N TO AVE Q N
(Streetlight replacement)
Start: April 7, 9:30 a.m. End: April 7, 3:30 p.m.

ATTRIDGE DR EB & WB VARIOUS LANES CLOSED FROM INNOVATION BLVD TO CENTRAL AVE
(Streetlight work)
Start: April 7, 1:00 p.m. End: April 7, 3:00 p.m.


ONGOING

RUTH ST W EXPECTED DELAYS AT ST HENRY AVE
(Vaccine drive thru)
Start: April 5, 6:00 a.m. End: Ongoing
 

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.

The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo lost a long-time member of its pack on Sunday April 6, 2020. Eleven-year-old Jethro the cougar died from hypertrophic cardiac disease. Jethro had been a resident of the Zoo since 2009.

“We are all heartbroken by this unexpected news,” says Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager.  “Jethro was a beloved member of the Zoo and an amazing ambassador to Saskatoon and the visitors at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo. Our thoughts are with everyone who loved Jethro, particularly his keepers and those who visited him at the Zoo, who are sure to feel his loss deeply.” 

Jethro was found Sunday morning unresponsive. Upon examination, he had passed overnight. Jethro's necropsy (animal autopsy) performed by veterinarians of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan revealed hypertrophic cardiac disease. It’s a thickening of the heart muscles that is hereditary, usually shows no signs or symptoms but can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. It will take several weeks to get the full testing and necropsy reports back.

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.

Preliminary year-end financial results for the 2019 fiscal year yield a surplus of $518,343, a favourable variance of 0.10% from the overall 2019 budget of $510.36 million, pending City Council approval. The Administration is recommending that this surplus be transferred to the Fiscal Stabilization Reserve.

“The transfer of funds to the Fiscal Stabilization Reserve is an annual process based on Council Policy, which offsets any tax-supported operating deficits incurred in a year,” says Kerry Tarasoff, Chief Financial Officer. “With continued fiscal management, accountability, and transparency, we are pleased to be in a surplus position, which allows for the strengthening of this important Reserve, especially as we start to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020.  With a solid financial position, City Administration will look to support core services, and continue to make important financial decisions throughout 2020.”

To reach a corporate surplus of $518,343, the Administration is recommending a transfer from the Snow and Ice Management Contingency Reserve be applied to the 2019 Snow and Ice Program deficit of $646,610. This would mitigate any mill rate impact and reinforce the City’s Fiscal Stabilization Reserve to a balance of $4,775,438, as at December 31, 2019. This transfer would create a 2019 year-end balance of $2,965,154 in the Snow and Ice Management Reserve.

“Last year, we had several variables in terms of weather extremes, which increased the need for more fleet vehicles on the roads, and overtime hours to keep roads safe and maintained for all residents,” says Tarasoff.

A report to the Standing Policy Committee on Finance details a 0.33%, or $1,708,242, favourable variance for revenue, while expenditures were overspent by 0.23% or $1,189,899, both marginally higher than budget resulting in the overall 0.10% surplus.

A summary of significant variances include:

Surpluses:

• Municipal Revenue Sharing Grants: $1.6 million surplus due to the revision of the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) formula that the Province of Saskatchewan tabled in its March 2019 Budget.
• General Revenues: $766,100 from higher than anticipated interest earnings, lease revenues, commission revenues, and returns on investments.

Deficits:

• Waste Handling Services: $1.3 million deficit due to a shortfall in Landfill revenue and increased expenditures in the Green Cart and Compost Depot programs.
• Parking Ticket Revenue: $802,500 deficit, mainly related to increased compliance, due to the ease of parking application technology.
• Snow and Ice Management: $646,610 deficit due to the number of extreme winter/icy conditions in early 2019, resulting in increased street sanding.
• Facilities Management: $459,900 deficit resulting from salary-related expenditure increases to standby and after-hours emergency response pay.
• Leisure Centres: $531,100 deficit as paid admissions experienced a decline in sales revenue partially due to temporary Leisure Centre closures.

Saskatoon Utility Results:

The following Utility surpluses and deficits have been transferred to or funded by the applicable stabilization reserve, as stipulated in Council Policy No. C03-003, Reserve for Future Expenditures:

• Saskatoon Light & Power - $1,071,307 million surplus
• Storm Water Management Utility - $747,250 surplus
• Waste Water Utility - $480,305 surplus
• Water Utility - $3,295,737 million deficit
• Waste Services Utility - $612,440 deficit

Saskatoon’s Boards Results:

The City’s Boards, including the Saskatoon Police Service (SPS), all posted surpluses in 2019 with the exception of Remai Modern.

• SPS posted a surplus of $305,333 which is incorporated within the civic year-end results.
• SaskTel Centre has a preliminary surplus of $1,356,154 million.
• TCU Place has a preliminary surplus of $1,198,528 million.
• Remai Modern reported a $259,462 deficit. This amount has been included as part of the City’s year-end results within the Arts, Culture and Event Venues Business Line.

Both TCU Place and SaskTel Centre surpluses are held within their respective organizations and applied to their own stabilization reserves. These are not included within the City’s final year-end results.

Visit saskatoon.ca/budget for additional information and finance-related reports.

Spring is a time for new beginnings, especially at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo). On March 21, 2020 the Zoo grew by eight hooves as it welcomed two baby Mouflon Sheep; one male and one female. The lambs have had their first checks and the mother is taking great care of them.

Mouflon Sheep are from the Middle East and found around eastern Iraq, Armenia and the Caucasus. They are listed as vulnerable, which means these two will help to conserve and promote the conservation of this important species.

To add to the celebrations, the Zoo has welcomed Jeffrey Mitchell as the new Zoo Manager.

“I’m so excited to be here at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo. I’m looking forward to helping the zoo grow and reach its potential,” says Mitchell. “The conservation and education that the zoo provides is second to none in Saskatoon and I am so excited to help show the community the amazing things we are accomplishing.”

Mitchell has over 20 years of experience in the zoo industry, including serving on several committees with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. Jeff comes to the Zoo from the Henson Robinson Zoo in Springfield, Illinois where he was serving in the role of Director. Mitchell previously worked at the Cincinnati Zoo, Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium, and Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo.

We are constantly reassessing developments to ensure the safety and well-being of staff and citizens, and how the City delivers public services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Saskatoon Transit updates

As an added level of safety, mid-route bus cleaning has started during the day in the downtown terminal. Passengers will be required to exit the bus while all hard surfaces are wiped down.

Starting Thursday, April 2, Saskatoon Transit will not be entering the University of Saskatchewan campus until further notice. This applies to the transit stop in front of Place Riel. Visit saskatoontransit.ca for up-to-date information on off-campus routes, and pickup and drop-off locations around College Drive.

Residents are reminded to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and avoid non-essential travel. To avoid crowded buses, please consider travelling during off-peak times. Always maintain about a two-arms-length or 2-metre distance from other riders.

Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge Walkway Closed; University Bridge Walkways Open to One-way Pedestrian Traffic

In addition to the changes previously announced to the Traffic Bridge walkways and the CP Pedestrian Bridge, the Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge walkway is now closed and the University Bridge walkways are now for one-way pedestrian traffic (one-side westbound and one-side eastbound). This will allow the practice of social/physical distancing of at least 2-metres (six feet) from others.

The City continues to review other bridge walkway and pedestrian overpasses, underpasses and tunnels. Crews will be posting signage on many of the pathways to remind people to respect social/physical distancing.

Zoo Season Pass Sales Temporarily Suspended

All 2020 Season Pass sales are temporarily suspended until further notice. Season Pass rates for 2020 will be re-evaluated once an opening date is determined. Refunds/credits will be available to customers who have already purchased a 2020 Zoo Season Pass. Details on the refund process will be available soon.

Thank you, Saskatoon for doing your part and maintaining physical distance to keep everyone safe.

Updates will continue to be provided at saskatoon.ca/covid-19

The City continues to make changes with its work plan so that it can deliver core services and keep other municipal business moving forward.

“We are into week three of our lives being transformed as we work to protect our community from the COVID-19 virus.  I want to thank everyone for your efforts as we each take this on together,” says Mayor Charlie Clark.

“It is so important right now to continue being vigilant in our physical distancing efforts. We also need to make sure we are all doing what we can to support our local economy and ensuring we have the right programs and processes in place to protect the most vulnerable in our community. This will keep everyone safe.”

City Manager Jeff Jorgenson says the pandemic has flipped everyday-life on its head.

“We have not experienced anything like the COVID-19 pandemic in our lifetimes. The past weeks have been a steep learning curve. COVID-19 has tested nations, governments, companies and organizations in every sector around the world.”

One of the biggest challenges for the City Jorgenson says, has been adjusting many of its employees to work from home and implementing new safety precautions in work environments where people need to be on location offering core services to our community.

“Our core services like water, sewer, fire protection, and electrical services are in great shape and we have layers of redundancy and employee protection in place to ensure our staff remain safe,” he says. “The City plays a critical role in providing many core services to the citizens of Saskatoon and we are very fortunate to have terrific people working throughout our organization.”

A great example of dedicated civic staff Jorgenson says, is the team at Roadways, Fleet & Support who are out today responding to the freezing rain and snow. The freezing rain started around 4 a.m. and with proactive planning to ensure a good start, the team had twelve sanders out when the rain began.

“This was a great response as always, while simultaneously following new physical distancing and equipment cleaning procedures,” Jorgenson adds. “This is yet another example of the dedication and professionalism that we see daily from City staff, including those who provide critical equipment maintenance and repair services.”

The Director of Emergency Management Organization says she continues to plan with many community partners about who needs information to stay healthy. Pamela Goulden-McLeod says youth, in particular, are a key focus.

“We will all have to work together across all age and social groups to tackle the virus. As the details of cases in our city and province have shown, COVID-19 can affect anyone at any age.”

Jorgenson acknowledges it hasn’t been an easy process also recognizing Saskatoon residents are balancing the changes happening within and beyond their homes as well.   

“I want to thank the citizens of Saskatoon for their understanding and patience. To all the people who work for the City, I again want to say how pleased and proud I am of their dedication to keep our core services running smoothly through the worst of what may lay ahead.”

We are constantly reassessing developments to ensure the safety and well-being of staff and citizens and how the City delivers public services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020 Property Tax

The City is committed to providing increased flexibility and immediate short-term relief for your 2020 Property Tax payment.  On your notice, your 2020 Property Tax due date will still show as June 30, 2020.

However:

• The City is extending a three-month grace period to provide you with additional time to pay your 2020 Property Tax.
• You will not incur any late payment penalties on your 2020 Property Tax if you pay the full amount due by September 30, 2020.

TIPPS Customers

• If you are a TIPPS customer currently paying your 2020 Property Tax over 12-equal monthly installments, you may request to be removed from TIPPS at any time should you require immediate, short-term financial relief without incurring a penalty. Your full property tax amount will then be due by September 30, 2020. 

To cancel your participation in TIPPS:  Please contact us via email with your property roll#, address and ownership name and your request to be removed from TIPPS.

We would like to answer your property tax-related questions; we understand and will work with you. If you have further property tax-related questions, our Corporate Revenue Customer Service Representatives can assist you at 306-975-2400. 

Utility Services & Payments

The City will continue to bill for utility services as normal. However, to best serve customers in these extraordinary times, the City has made the following changes to current utility collections activities:

1. Utility disconnections due to arrears will be suspended until September 30, 2020;
2. Late payment charges will be suspended on all utility accounts until September 30, 2020; and
3. We will continue to generate utility bill reminders and other related notices for customers who are in arrears to keep them informed of their current situation.

These measures are aimed at providing financial relief for customers who may not be able to afford to pay their bills on time.  By suspending late payment charges, utility customers will have the option to delay bill payments without putting themselves in additional financial hardship. 

City staff will continue to work with utility customers about payment arrangements, so customers are not left in a difficult future financial situation. Delaying disconnections will help ensure that all homes have access to water, allowing for proper hand-washing and personal hygiene.
Have other utility-related questions? Please call our Revenue Customer Service Representatives at 306-975-2400. We understand and will work with you.

Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo

The Zoo will remain closed until further notice. During this closure, the Zoo Keepers will be on-site to ensure the health of our animals.

The park remains open, but the play structure is closed. Visitors must maintain a safe, two-metre (six feet) physical distance away from others in the park. Consider outings by yourself or with just one other person at the appropriate distance.

As a CAZA accredited Zoo, the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo will be reviewing all funding support options.

Updates will continue to be provided at saskatoon.ca/covid-19

We are constantly reassessing pandemic developments to ensure the safety and well-being of staff and citizens. We have also continued to reassess the way we deliver public services following the decision to close City Hall and civic facilities.

“We have made the difficult decision to lay off a number of casual staff,” says City Manager Jeff Jorgenson. “Going forward there will be no scheduled hours. From our perspective, layoffs are an important step to enable staff, without any scheduled hours, the ability to access options such as employment insurance benefits as soon as possible.

“It gives the people affected some certainty as opposed to waiting indefinitely for us to be able to return to normal operations.”

Casual staff refers to employees whose hours are typically scheduled on a weekly to monthly basis, based on work need. Examples include lifeguards, cashier-receptionists, activity leaders and recreation technicians.

“For permanent staff, we are not looking at significant layoffs in the coming weeks.”

Jorgenson says citizens need City work to continue in the core services.

“Our people matter, and we must be financially responsible, especially now as many citizens and businesses are hurting and are directly affected by the pandemic.”

Jorgenson says the City’s approach is to continue with strategies that are, and will, keep the economy and as many services going as possible so that when we start returning to a more normal operating environment, the City is as far ahead as it possibly can be.

“Re-starting our economy on the other side of this pandemic will be paramount, and the City will play a major role in the coming months,” he says.

Residents asked to use Transit for essential travel only

To increase social distancing measures, Transit riders are asked to use the bus service only for essential travel.

When possible, those in a wheelchair are asked to use the rear facing wheelchair station and to buckle themselves in to ensure social distance from operators.

These changes are in addition to transit service reductions and the closure of many public facilities including schools.

Details on Transit’s reduced schedule can be found on Saskatoon Transit’s homepage.

Household Glass Program with SARCAN Temporarily Suspended 

SARCAN has made the decision to close locations across Saskatchewan indefinitely. This means the Household Glass Program will be suspend until locations re-open. During this time, residents are asked to avoid overfilling their Blue Cart/Bin and to hang on to their clean and dry recyclables until their next collection day.

Gordon Howe Campground Delays Opening

The City will temporarily suspend all visitor services at Gordon Howe Campground and will stop taking new reservations until May 1, 2020. The campground reopening will be subject to an assessment of the COVID-19 status. Further updates will be provided as they become available.

Building Permit Inspections

Building Permit Inspections have resumed and are now available, along with Plumbing Permit Inspections, via FaceTime and Skype video calls.

AMI Water Meters
Meter upgrade appointments are suspended until further notice. Learn more about the project at www.saskatoon.ca/watermeter.    

2020 Property Tax Financial Relief & Flexibility - Update
For citizens experiencing the effects of the economic impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City is committed to providing increased flexibility and immediate short-term relief for your 2020 Property Tax payment.

The City is extending a three-month grace period to provide additional time to pay your 2020 Property Tax. You will not incur any late payment penalties on your 2020 Property Tax if you pay the full amount due by September 30, 2020.

Also, for TIPPS customers currently paying their 2020 Property Tax over 12-equal monthly installments, you may request to be removed from TIPPS at any time should you require immediate, short-term financial relief without incurring a penalty. Your full property tax amount will then be due September 30, 2020.

Updates will continue to be provided at saskatoon.ca/covid-19 and at saskatoonpolice.ca

As the City of Saskatoon continues to keep up to date on the COVID-19 pandemic, City leaders have made the decision to close leisure facilities effective Monday, March 16.

“This was a difficult decision to make,” says Pamela Goulden-McLeod, Director of the Emergency Management Organization. “We want to remind everyone there is no evidence of community transmission.”

“We want to make sure we can maintain essential services and one of the ways we can do this is to limit non-essential contacts in the community, including for our staff,” Goulden-McLeod says.

Affected leisure facilities and co-located libraries

Until further notice, the following leisure facilities will close tomorrow:

•    Leisure Centres

o    Cosmo Civic Centre (and Caryle King Public Library)

o    Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre

o    Lakewood Civic Centre (Cliff Wright Public Library)

o    Lawson Civic Centre (Rusty MacDonald Public Library)

o    Saskatoon Field House

o    Shaw Centre

•    Indoor Rinks

o    ACT Arena

o    Archibald Arena

o    Cosmo Arena

o    Gordie Howe Kinsmen Arena

o    Lions Arena

•    Outdoor Rink Buildings (Warm-up Shacks)
•    Golf Courses (for pre-season sales)

o    Holiday Park Golf Course

o    Silverwood Golf Course

o    Wildwood Golf Course

•    Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo

In collaboration with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, we are actively monitoring the situation and will continue to evaluate when the facilities may reopen.

The City will be determining how to compensate all those affected by leisure facility closures and those details will be provided soon.

If outside organizations have identified these facilities for evacuation centres they will no longer be available until further notice.

City proceeds with Spring/Summer 2020 program registration

Program registration for Spring/Summer 2020 (April 1 to August 31, 2020) will continue as planned. Registration begins tonight, Sunday, March 15, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. by calling 306-975-2800 or by logging into leisureonline.saskatoon.ca. Walk-in registrations will not take place at the Leisure Centres due to facility closures.

Communicating with City staff

Saskatoon EMO has also helped coordinate internal messages for City employees who may have questions about how the pandemic response may change their workplace.

Online self-assessment

The City is also making available the Health Ministry's tool to guide citizens on how to continue with daily life and whether they need to be tested for COVID-19.

Goulden-McLeod says people should continue with their daily routines, but they should pay attention to personal hygiene and appropriate social distancing.

On this point, City Manager Jeff Jorgenson, who is out of the country on vacation, will lead by example and self-isolate for 14 days when he returns.  While he has no symptoms, he will follow the recommendations of the Chief Medical Health Officer as he does not want to jeopardize the health of City staff or the public.

Four new presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Saskatchewan, bringing the total number of cases in the province to six.  None of the new cases is in Saskatoon. 

The provincial health ministry encourages everyone to be mindful of good hand hygiene, cough etiquette and social distancing. For those who have risk factors such as old age, or underlying health issues, medical experts encourage those people to stay away from crowded areas.

Updates will continue to be provided at saskatoon.ca/covid-19. 

To help share reliable and accurate information for our community, the City has created a webpage dedicated to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) information.

“Everyone can find facts on how to protect yourself and family from COVID-19, answers to the questions we’re being asked the most, news releases and links to trusted health-related information,” says Pamela Goulden-McLeod, Director of Emergency Management.

In terms of action, the City has activated its Emergency Operations Centre to coordinate its planning efforts.

Since January, the City has been monitoring and actively engaged in assessing the impact of COVID-19 and continues to be in close contact with provincial and federal health agencies.

 “Our top priorities are protecting the health, safety, plus overall well-being of everyone in our community – as well as maintaining essential services to our citizens,” Goulden-McLeod says.

Goulden-McLeod reminds everyone it is important to keep up to date with the current risk level in Saskatchewan.

“This needs to be a team effort – responding most effectively will take a whole community approach,” she says. “Every group, business and person can play a role to help keep us all healthy and safe. This will not come down to be one organization’s or one person’s job to solve.”

As it becomes available in a rapidly changing environment, the City will continue to provide more information on the webpage and through social media platforms.

During this heightened awareness related to COVID-19, the City of Saskatoon is following the lead of Saskatchewan Heath Authority.  The City assures citizens it is in constant contact with our key stakeholders to coordinate all efforts to communicate important information, and to make any necessary adaptations to our plan to respond to the situation as it continues to change. 

“It is not about just one organization but this requires a team effort - a coordinated response of multiple organizations working together with our citizens to protect the health of our community”, says Pamela Goulden-McLeod, Director of Emergency Management, Saskatoon Fire Department.

EMO has been closely tracking the progress of the COVID-19 virus since January and actively preparing and assessing the impact and plans as the situation develops.  

In response to the news that there is a confirmed case in Saskatchewan, Saskatoon's Emergency Management Organization has raised its Emergency Operations Centre status to a level two. This means a regular teleconference with our key stakeholders, keeping our plan active, dynamic, and adjustable to respond in the best interest of public health and safety.

At a civic level, our plan includes continuing to share information with staff and patrons provided by Saskatchewan Health Authority, and taking appropriate precautions as needed which may include additional cleaning requirements, assessment of programs and provision of services.  

While the risk of acquiring COVID-19 in Saskatoon continues to be low, it is critical that residents be reminded to follow all of the recommendations from Saskatchewan Health Authority to take precautions to protect themselves.  Wash your hands frequently, practice good cough and sneeze hygiene and stay home if you are sick. Updated information on COVID-19, including questions and answers for the public are available on www.saskatchewan.ca/coronavirus.

As mentioned in an earlier news release, Saskatoon Fire Department currently has four staff members in self-isolation as a precaution. At 10:02 p.m. on March 11, 2020, one fire engine from Fire Station No. 4 responded to a medical call for a patient experiencing shortness of breath. It became known that the patient was to be tested for COVID-19. The self-isolation of the four attending members is a precautionary response. 

“SFD staff are following precautions based on a SFD Infectious Control Policy,” says Saskatoon Fire Chief, Morgan Hackl. “We continue to respond to emergency calls.”

“We would like to take the opportunity to remind citizens of Saskatoon to sign up for notifynow at saskatoon.ca/notifynow,” says Pamela Goulden-McLeod, “so that if our emergency planning area needs to get public safety messages out in a timely, trusted, and targeted manner, our citizens are receiving those messages in whichever way is going to reach them right away.”

“You can choose how to receive those messages when you sign up via a voice message to your home, work, or cell phone, by email, or a text message,” adds Goulden-McLeod, “and just as important, you can also add family member’s addresses, such as your child’s school or parents’ home, through the customization tools.”

We know there are a lot of questions from Saskatoon citizens, but we are focused on where we are now, which is still at a low risk with one confirmed case in Saskatchewan who is self-isolated at home. We are committed to providing information and updates to the citizens of Saskatoon when we have new information to share.

We appreciate your cooperation, and diligence with caring for yourselves and the health of our community, as this is a team effort.

Joint Statement Regarding JUNO Week 2020

Through our collaborative discussions and with input and guidance and the full support of our trusted partners, including the Province of Saskatchewan, the City of Saskatoon,Tourism Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Health Authority and Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, it is with an incredibly heavy heart that we collectively confirm the cancellation of the 49th Annual JUNO Awards and JUNO Week activities in Saskatoon due to concerns surrounding COVID-19. 

We are devastated to cancel this national celebration of music, but at this time of global uncertainty, the health, safety and well-being of all Canadians must stand at the forefront of any decisions that impact our communities. We know this is the right decision based on the information we currently have and are continuing to receive. The situation surrounding COVID-19 continues to evolve rapidly and we urge everyone to follow the guidelines and protocols put forth by public health officials.

We salute and appreciate all the 2020 nominees. CARAS will continue to explore options to coordinate an alternative way to honour this year’s JUNO Award winners and Special Award Recipients and support the creators and participants that so greatly benefit from the work done by CARAS and the JUNOS.

For additional information, please contact:

Victoria Gormley, rock-it promotions, victoria@rockitpromo.com

Tonisha Bath, rock-it promotions, tonisha@rockitpromo.com