News Releases

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

The options being presented are as follows:

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

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

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

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

Review the full admin report and attachments.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Summary of Facts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There were no injuries as a result of this fire.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The City of Saskatoon has a responsibility to conserve water and, along with the community, has identified it as an important measure to reduce greenhouse gases, care for the environment, and lower water utility bills.

The Water Conservation Strategy, which has been in the works for two years and informed by public engagement, encourages conservation through a variety of methods. The report will go before the City’s Environment, Utilities, and Corporate Services Committee on Monday.

“The Strategy is a roadmap of actions to help residents and City operations achieve many benefits from water conservation, like managing water costs, improving resiliency, and limiting environmental impacts”, says Jeanna South, Director of Sustainability. “Some of these actions include reducing peak summer use to ease demand on infrastructure, reducing water used in the City’s own operations to save costs, and showing residents and businesses ways that they can change their water use to reduce their utility bills.”

Water reduction targets were established in the Low Emissions Community Plan to reduce future water infrastructure expansion costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Although per capita water use in Saskatoon has been on a downward trend as residents have realized the benefits of conservation, recent data shows more efforts in all parts of the community and in the City’s own operations are necessary. 

“The intent of this strategy is to prioritize the initiatives, develop programs based on priorities, implement those initiatives as funding becomes available, and monitor progress and refine assumptions to keep the Water Conservation Strategy current,” says South.

Some water conservation initiatives underway include improving City water use in parks and other areas of operations, residential water use education, and the Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) building energy and efficiency retrofit program.

For more information, please visit saskatoon.ca/waterconservation.

The City of Saskatoon has a responsibility to conserve water and, along with the community, has identified it as an important measure to reduce greenhouse gases, care for the environment, and lower water utility bills.

The Water Conservation Strategy, which has been in the works for two years and informed by public engagement, encourages conservation through a variety of methods. The report will go before the City’s Environment, Utilities, and Corporate Services Committee on Monday.

“The Strategy is a roadmap of actions to help residents and City operations achieve many benefits from water conservation, like managing water costs, improving resiliency, and limiting environmental impacts”, says Jeanna South, Director of Sustainability. “Some of these actions include reducing peak summer use to ease demand on infrastructure, reducing water used in the City’s own operations to save costs, and showing residents and businesses ways that they can change their water use to reduce their utility bills.”

Water reduction targets were established in the Low Emissions Community Plan to reduce future water infrastructure expansion costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Although per capita water use in Saskatoon has been on a downward trend as residents have realized the benefits of conservation, recent data shows more efforts in all parts of the community and in the City’s own operations are necessary. 

“The intent of this strategy is to prioritize the initiatives, develop programs based on priorities, implement those initiatives as funding becomes available, and monitor progress and refine assumptions to keep the Water Conservation Strategy current,” says South.

Some water conservation initiatives underway include improving City water use in parks and other areas of operations, residential water use education, and the Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) building energy and efficiency retrofit program.

For more information, please visit saskatoon.ca/waterconservation.

A Vancouver-based developer has approached the City with a proposal to open a full-service grocery store, with a restaurant, and take-out at the Midtown Plaza. The Standing Policy Committee on Transportation will consider the request from Arbutus Properties when the committee meets on Monday, May 2, 2022.

The grocery store is proposed for the space in Midtown Plaza that was initially developed for another business but has remained vacant.

The Administration report recommends installing a full traffic signal at the intersection of Auditorium Avenue and Idylwyld Drive, removing the median on Idylwyld Drive between Auditorium Avenue and 22nd Street, and installing a traffic island at the intersection of 21st Street and Idylwyld Drive. These changes were all previously identified in the Imagine Idylwyld project plan.

The report recommends that the City completes these changes once the grocery store reaches a certain build-out point. The cost of the infrastructure changes is $220 thousand.

A requested tax abatement for the grocery store is not recommended, as the available space at Midtown Plaza has already been approved for a tax abatement.

If approved, the next steps will be in the developer’s hands.

The City is pleased to announce the installation of new bike racks along Saskatoon’s historic 21^st Street that honour First Nations and Métis peoples’ histories and cultures.

The bike racks were created in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action No. 79:  Participate in a strategy to commemorate the contributions and history of Aboriginal peoples to Canada. 

Saskatoon is located on Treaty 6 Territory and Homeland of the Métis. As a way to honour this history, the City worked together with First Nations Elder, Harry Lafond, and Métis Elder, Senator Nora Cummings, to feature Treaty 6 Territory and Homeland of the Métis medals on bike racks along 21^st Street. These medals were chosen as meaningful symbols that could demonstrate respect for Saskatoon’s Indigenous histories on one of the city’s major historic streets.

“Thank you so much to Elders Senator Nora Cummings and Harry Lafond as well as the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre and Gabriel Dumont Institute for partnering with the City of Saskatoon on this project. Our streets have a story to tell. Saskatoon’s story is about being a gathering place where First Nations, Métis and non-Indigenous people have come together over generations,” says Mayor Charlie Clark. “Bike racks can also be sculptures on our streets. This is a great way to use those sculptures to reveal a deeper history for our own residents and visitors to our city, right in the heart of the Downtown, here in Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis.”

“Saskatoon is a beautiful walking and cycling city. The new bike racks reflect the aesthetics of the city while expressing the reconciliation spirit of who we want to be as a community,” says First Nations Elder Harry Lafond. “The Truth and Reconciliation Commission has brought us to a place in our history to recognize thousands of years of settlement on the banks of the Saskatchewan River. We are experiencing the beauty of an intensifying diversity and with it the challenge to physically express our recognition of this gift throughout our growing city. The bike racks not only reflect the beauty of 21^st Street, but more importantly the spirit and beauty of who we want to become.”

"As Métis people, especially in the city, our history and our experiences have often been overlooked. We have never had a medal before, so for me it is exciting to see the City using this medal to honour our rich history and culture,” says Métis Senator Nora Cummings. “The medal includes symbols that are important to us as Métis people. By having these medals on the bike racks, it helps to educate others about our experiences here and to encourage pride amongst ourselves and especially amongst our young people. It’s important that they have pride in themselves, their history and their identity.”

The Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre and Gabriel Dumont Institute provided important historical information to explain the significance of the bike rack medals and the history of First Nations and Métis peoples in Saskatoon and surrounding area. 

With the support of the Downtown Saskatoon Business Improvement District, this information is posted in the directories along 21^st Street.  

“Downtown Saskatoon is proud that historic 21^st Street was chosen for this project and that needed infrastructure was constructed in such a way to commemorate the many contributions of Indigenous peoples to Canada,” says Brent Penner, Executive Director of Downtown Saskatoon. “Downtown Saskatoon is a connected community, offering a #PlaceToBelong to all our neighbours.”

For more information on the Treaty 6 Territory and Homeland of the Métis bike rack project and to learn more about the history of First Nations and Métis peoples in Saskatoon and surrounding area, visit saskatoon.ca/medals.

The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo) is excited to introduce the newest members of the Zoo family – bobcats Sherlock and Watson! These two brothers were born in 2021 at the Zoo Sauvage de Saint Felicien and are just under one year old.

“We are very fortunate to have Sherlock and Watson join the Zoo family,” says Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager. “The pair arrived safely at the Zoo this morning and will be introduced to their new temporary home in the vacant eagle exhibit before transferring to their permanent home later this summer.”

Bobcats get their name from their short, bobbed tail and are found mostly in North America in mountainous forest regions. They weigh anywhere from 6.5 to 18 kilograms and can jump over 3 metres high. Their diet consists mainly of rodents, birds and fish and are known as ambush predators that stalk and hunt their prey with an element of surprise.  

Preparations for the bobcats’ arrival started this spring with renovations to the previous lynx exhibit. The former lynx exhibit is being transformed into a new space for the bobcats that will feature a new house and dedicated play area for the bobcats to enjoy. For now, Sherlock and Watson will get to enjoy exploring the caves and terrain in the vacant eagle exhibit until the renovations to their permanent home are completed this summer.

Visitors to the Zoo will notice a perimeter buffer surrounding the temporary bobcat exhibit. This buffer helps to maintain physical distance between the public and the bobcats as cat species such as bobcats and lynx are susceptible to COVID-19. 

“Taking precautionary measures like maintaining a safe physical distance is an important part of keeping our animals safe,” says Jeff Mitchell. “The level of risk among species varies, and we take every necessary step to ensure the health and safety of the animals in our care.”

The Zoo is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visit saskatoon.ca/zoo to plan your next visit or learn more about the Zoo Season Pass.

The City's Naming Committee has selected what is thought to be the first Michif street name in Saskatoon. The name "Shakamohtaa" (shaa-KAM'-moh-TAHH') was assigned to a street in the southeast quadrant of Brighton. “Shakamohtaa” is the Michif word for “connect” and symbolizes the importance of coming together and building relationships.

The Métis in Saskatchewan speak three Michif languages. The most widely known Michif is a Cree-French mixed language composed of Plains Cree (nêhiyawêwin) with some Plains Ojibway (nakawēmowin) verbs/verb phrases and French (with some English) nouns/noun phrases. A world-renowned language, Michif is spoken in all three prairie provinces and into Montana and North Dakota. Michif-French—which is a French-based language blended with an Algonquian syntax—is spoken by the Métis in Batoche/St. Louis, Saskatchewan and in St. Laurent and St. Eustache, Manitoba. Northern Michif—a Cree-based language with a small amount of French word (noun) borrowings—is spoken in the northwest corner of Saskatchewan, with most speakers living in or near Ile-à-la Crosse, Buffalo Narrows, Beauval, and Green Lake. (SOURCE: Gabriel Dumont Institute)

“The Michif language is an integral language to this land,” says Mayor Clark. “While it is long overdue, I am glad we will see the Michif language reflected on this street in Brighton. Imagine the impact for kids growing up in this neighbourhood, living on or near Shakamohtaa Street. They will feel a greater connection to these roots and the beauty of the Michif language.”

Harriet St. Pierre, a Métis Elder who has spent most of her life living in Saskatoon, says: “I am happy that the City of Saskatoon is using our Métis language. It is our Michif language that gives us a community, culture, nation, and sense of belonging – all of which makes us Métis. This makes me very proud to have a street named in our language Michif; it will make a lot of Métis Elders and Nations very happy. It’s a good start to learning more about and understanding our Métis people and culture; I look forward to seeing more like this in the future.”

The Civic Naming Committee is comprised of three members of Council and non-voting administrators who provide support and information. The Committee’s mandate is to review all requests and suggestions for naming municipally-owned or controlled facilities, streets, developments, neighbourhoods and parks. The Naming Committee works with the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee to ensure there is representation from all segments of our population.

Since street names are selected during the neighbourhood planning stage, the physical street does not yet exist anywhere other than on planning maps. It’s expected that the road will be in place along with its accompanying street sign in about two years’ time. Please see the below map to see where Shakamohtaa Street will be located.

Over the next week, the City of Saskatoon will be mailing out Amended Assessment Notices to commercial property owners where an update to the assessed value of their property is required for a full year.

“We’ve had several longstanding commercial assessment appeal decisions ruled on by the Court of Appeal and these also affected the Board of Revision in 2021,” says Bryce Trew, City Assessor. “This has led to implications for retail, warehouse and office buildings greater than 5800 square feet.”

Property owners who receive an Amended Assessment Notice will have a 30-Day Assessment Review and Appeal period from the date an Amended or Supplementary Notice is mailed to them in which to file a formal appeal on their property's assessment. 

“It's important to note that not all commercial property assessments changed as a result of the recently finalized appeal decisions,” adds Trew. “If an assessment changed in 2022, it could be because of physical alterations to the property such as new builds, additions, renovations, or demolitions, changes in tax status or ownership, and/or a Board of Revision decision.”

Currently, there are Board of Revision appeals from 2021 that are with the Saskatchewan Municipal Board. Appeals filed in 2022 are with the Board of Revision. If decisions from these appeals require further changes to assessment models, property owners will be issued amended notices.

Following the provincially legislated reassessment year in 2021, property owners who since January 1, 2021, had a change in the assessment, tax status, or ownership of their property would have received a 2022 Assessment Notice earlier this year. The 2022 Assessment Roll was open until February 4, 2022, also the deadline to file a commercial or residential 2022 appeal with the Board of Revision. The Province is on a four-year assessment cycle with current property assessments in place from 2021 to 2024.

Visit saskatoon.ca/assessment for more information or contact 306-975-3227 for assessment-related questions. We’re here to help.

We all know last – and this – year, has been challenging, ever-changing and unprecedented for everyone as we continue to help each other as one community. Many people have spent many days working and even living apart from family, friends and neighbours to protect each other’s health and safety.

The City of Saskatoon is proud to have kept delivering the civic services, programs and communication that residents rely on every day; we are fortunate to have kept service disruptions to a minimum during the pandemic while following guidelines set by the provincial Public Health Orders.

So now -- more than ever – over the course of two surveys we'd like to hear the thoughts and opinions of Saskatoon residents on a wide variety of topics including how we are delivering services, programs, and communication.

• How satisfied are you living in Saskatoon?
• How satisfied are you with the quality of the services provided by the City?
• What is your perception of quality of life in Saskatoon?
• What do you believe is the most important issue facing the City?
• Your opinions on the City’s performance in various areas such as communications, engagement, online services, community safety, mobility and growth
• Opinions on how the City is doing on delivering 29 different services
• Feedback on civic service priorities
• Preferences on level of service in 12 different areas

The City is conducting two public surveys in the first half of 2021: 

• Civic Satisfaction & Performance Survey #1 open April 19- May 23
• Civic Services Survey #2: Performance, Priorities & Preferences

These civic surveys are one way the City can check in with residents to gather input and better understand the needs and perceptions of community members. Your survey responses help us identify priority areas, areas where we can continue to improve, and much more.            

Both surveys will be conducted through telephone and a professional online panel to collect survey data that is reliable, valid and representative of our community.  In addition, the survey is open for public feedback on saskatoon.ca/engage for all interested residents over the age of 18 to participate.  The Civic Satisfaction & Performance survey opens today and the survey takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. 

Saskatoon residents: if you are 18 years old or more you may be contacted over the telephone by a research firm interviewer asking you to complete the Civic Satisfaction & Performance Survey.

The City’s civic surveys were last conducted in 2018. The surveys were scheduled to be conducted in summer 2020 however due to the City's pause on public engagement in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the surveys had to be delayed until 2021.

Results from the 2021 surveys will be compared to past surveys to determine trends. Review the results of the 2018 Civic Surveys. 

Visit saskatoon.ca/engage to complete your 2021 Civic Satisfaction & Performance Survey. Phone inquiries please call 306-975-2476.

Canadians everywhere have felt the impact of COVID-19 on their families, their livelihoods, and their way of life. Canada and Saskatchewan have worked together to ensure health and safety, support families and businesses, and sustain local economies.  Investments in infrastructure for the Saskatoon area during this extraordinary time provide an opportunity to make public facilities and utility networks more sustainable, improve the environment and quality of life, and create jobs at a time when they are needed most.

Today, Jim Carr, the Government of Canada's Special Representative for the Prairies, on behalf of Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Saskatchewan's Government Relations Minister Don McMorris, and City of Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark, announced more than $102 million in joint funding for 11 green infrastructure and COVID-19 resilience projects.

The green infrastructure projects include upgrades to drinking water and wastewater systems, improvements to solid waste management, sidewalk expansion, and a new solar power plant.  Several of those projects will help provide long-term reliable services to local communities while also contributing to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Three projects are receiving funding under the new COVID-19 Resilience Stream.  Among those, the Meewasin Trail Enhancements project will increase the capacity and accessibility of the Meewasin trail network, which has seen an important increase in usage since the start of the pandemic.  The Kinsmen Riverfront, Downtown Core, Southwest and River Heights sectors will all be expanded, and new equipment will be added to increase visitor safety and comfort.

Providing communities with reliable, ecofriendly, and sustainable infrastructure is a shared priority for both governments.  The Government of Canada is investing more than $41.1 million in these 11 projects through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.  For the projects requiring consultations with Indigenous groups, funding is conditional on all consultation requirements being met. The Government of Saskatchewan is investing more than $34.3 million toward these projects.  The City of Saskatoon is providing $25.8 million to support seven of these projects.

"Through our collaboration with our provincial and municipal partners, we are funding important infrastructure projects in Saskatoon," said Carr.  "With the COVID-19 Resilience Stream, we are also responding to the impacts of the pandemic through flexible and accelerated investments in key infrastructure upgrades as quickly as possible.  The funding announced today will help communities build back better, create jobs, and build cleaner, more inclusive communities."

"The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to be directly investing more than $34.3 million into the City of Saskatoon and the surrounding area," McMorris said.  "Infrastructure projects like these, not only protect the local economy as it recovers from the affects of the COVID-19 pandemic, but also helps build a strong and growing province."

"These investments of more than $100 million come at a crucial time for helping drive economic recovery and helping position the Saskatoon region for a strong future," Clark said.  "Our community is very grateful for this support from both the Federal and Provincial Governments.  These projects will improve our core infrastructure and ability to provide services, help make Saskatoon build toward a more sustainable lower-carbon future, and promote more health and activity for families."

"On behalf of Meewasin's board, staff and the broader community, we want to thank the Provincial and Federal governments for making investments into important trail infrastructure," Meewasin Board of Directors Chair Colin Tennent said.  "The Meewasin Trail network is built with goals for the lowest possible environmental impact and highest standards for safety and accessibility.  Meewasin recorded almost two million visits in 2020, seeing increased demand during the pandemic.  The planned enhancements are invaluable outdoor spaces where community members and future visitors can stay active, learn about the environment, and experience nature that supports physical and mental wellbeing."

Quick facts:

• Through the Investing in Canada plan, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
• In Saskatchewan, the Government of Canada has invested more than $773 million in more than 450 infrastructure projects since 2015 under the Investing in Canada Plan.

Backgrounder:

Project List https://www.canada.ca/en/office-infrastructure/news/2021/04/backgrounder-residents-of-saskatoon-area-to-benefit-from-upgrades-to-water-wastewater-and-solid-waste-infrastructure-and-other-community-and-green-.html

Associated links:

• Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html
• Investing in Canada Plan Project Map http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map
• Federal infrastructure investments in Saskatchewan https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/prog-proj-sk-eng.html

As the City continues to finalize its vision of a vibrant Downtown into the future, some key components are clear and will require:

• A new entertainment facility/arena
• A convention centre
• A high functioning transit system (including Bus Rapid Transit)

Other Downtown priorities include upgrades to roadway, walking and cycling infrastructure, Fire Hall #1 replacement, advancement of the outdoor festival sites along the riverbank, and reducing homelessness.

Achieving this vision of enhanced vibrancy Downtown is fundamental to the City’s future success.  We have been and continue to be a destination city because of the vision and amenities put in place by our predecessors. Approximately 50 years ago, the train station became Midtown Plaza, Sid Buckwold Bridge opened, and the Meewasin vision became a reality. This is a similar moment in the City’s life, planning for a Downtown that will meet the needs of the future. To maintain our competitive advantage and position, we must continue to provide world class amenities that support our quality of life and our economic foundation.

In a report for the Governance and Priorities Committee, three main projects -- an arena, a convention centre, and the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system -- are outlined as key priorities with the potential to transform Downtown, boost our economy, and further increase our attractiveness and improve our quality of life.

“Sasktel Centre and TCU Place are both nearing the end of their useful service lives and, without substantial renovations, cannot maintain market competitiveness in their current state,” says Lesley Anderson, Director of Planning and Development.

“Locating a new arena Downtown would have many mutual benefits for other major facilities such as the convention centre, and existing Downtown attractions including dining, hotels, and retail – creating the conditions for a fully-animated event and entertainment district.”

“A Bus Rapid Transit system, which has already received City Council approval to proceed, is an integral piece of building a successful and thriving entertainment district in Downtown Saskatoon,” notes Dan Willems, Director of Technical Services.

“Advancing a plan to provide core entertainment amenities located in Downtown which are supported by a rapid, reliable transit system will strengthen our position as a destination city.”

Construction of these types of amenities has been accomplished in many other jurisdictions through use of multiple funding streams, many of which have not been used before in Saskatoon.  Examples of funding tools used elsewhere for similar projects include taxes on hotel room and other short-term accommodation rentals, motor vehicle rental charges, and tax increment financing, to name a few.  Exploration and implementation of non-traditional funding sources will be key to achieving the vision of Saskatoon’s future in a way that minimizes reliance on property tax.

The Administration estimates that over a 25 year-period, there will be the potential for significant revenue generated to offset the need to rely on property taxes for these projects. These sources include a combination of new possible revenue streams and existing funding, such as the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program contributions expected from all three levels of government.  This combination of funding would be more than enough to cover the estimated costs of a new downtown arena, upgraded convention centre, and BRT.

“The aim of this funding/financing strategy is to minimize contributions from property taxes to pay for the bundle of sub-projects within this transformational project. It also attempts to improve fairness by generating revenues from those who benefit from the amenities, particularly, non-residents who tend to benefit from tourism-based infrastructure,” says Mike Jordan, Chief Public Policy and Government Relations Officer.

“However, achieving this outcome requires a substantial long-term investment and a partnership between the City, other orders of government, and industry.” 

The report will be presented to GPC at its April 19 meeting.

After more than two years, Saskatoon City Council and its Committees will resume in-person meetings in April and will reopen Council Chamber to the public. Meetings have been conducted virtually online since shortly after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“With COVID-19 restrictions lifting, it’s exciting to welcome back Council members and members of the public to attend City Council proceedings in Council Chamber or to other public committee meetings,” says Adam Tittemore, City Clerk. “While there are no COVID-related restrictions or a capacity limit in Chambers at present, public visitors may still choose to physically distance themselves and or wear an optional face-covering.”

Meeting participants and the public will have the option to attend upcoming meetings in person or virtually from another location. City Council proceedings will continue to be made available for public viewing via a live stream video link.

To add greater accessibility to City Council’s live-streamed video of public meetings, the City has added a closed captioning service whereby people with impaired hearing can toggle the “cc” icon on or off to make text appear on the screen below the video. Closed captioning may at times convey inaccurate spellings or words interpreted incorrectly due to the technology or speaker. “The City is committed to providing an open municipal government and this includes adding accessibility supports to best serve all members of the community,” adds Tittemore.

Visitor Screening Procedures introduced pre-pandemic will also be in place, including the visual bag inspection, for the public attending Council Chambers for City Council or Committee meetings. This safety measure is the City’s commitment to making Council Chamber as open, accessible and secure as possible for all visitors and City employees.

Helpful Links

Interacting with City Council & Committees

Watch live-streamed video of public City Council meetings

Agendas, minutes, past videos

Email City Clerks

Contact City Clerk’s Office

Visit saskatoon.ca .

With the help of careful spending and provincial and federal financial support, the City will be able to cover a $701,813 deficit with a transfer from the Fiscal Stabilization Reserve.

Details of the financial strategy’s outcome are in a report for the City’s Standing Policy Committee on Finance April 12 meeting. The report outlines the 2020 fiscal year-end subject to the confirmation of the external audit.  

“Without a doubt, 2020 was a challenging year for the City,” says Kari Smith, Director of Finance. “The COVID-19 pandemic, a major blizzard, implementation of our new FUSION Enterprise Resource Planning system and the 2020 civic election all presented significant financial impacts on our operations and organization.”

“Through the assistance of the provincial and federal governments and the results of our discretionary hiring and spending restrictions throughout most of 2020, the Administration made some astute fiscal projections given the information we had on hand at the beginning of the pandemic.”

2020 Preliminary Year-End Financials at a Glance

The deficit remaining for the year ended December 31, 2020, is $701,813, which the Administration recommends being funded from the Fiscal Stabilization Reserve. Included in this deficit is the $15 million reduction in the transfer to the Paved Roadways Infrastructure Reserve by using the Municipal Economic Enhancement Program (MEEP) funding to replace the reduction of the reserve contribution for the Paved Roadways program. This also assumes that the following recommended items will be approved by City Council:

• The transfer from the Snow and Ice Management Contingency Reserve as per Council Policy No. C03-003 in the amount of $3,453,144; and

• Waiving the transfer to the Internal Audit Program Reserve for $316,740.

“We view the 2020 Preliminary Year-End Financials as having a successful overall result, considering the extensive costs incurred due to cleanup of the 2020 blizzard, which resulted in the Snow and Ice Program being more than $10 million overspent, all included as part of the 2020 year-end figures,” Smith says.

The Administration recommends the City’s Fiscal Stabilization Reserve be used to cover the remaining $701,813 deficit leaving just over $4 million in that reserve. 

The transfer of funds to the Fiscal Stabilization Reserve is an annual process based on Council Policy. It helps offset any tax-supported operating deficits incurred in a year.

“Several of the challenges presented to the City proved difficult to predict, given we had no previous historical data to rely on. We will continue our prudent fiscal management, accountability, and transparency, which will allow for the strengthening of this important Reserve as we navigate 2021 and the ongoing economic impacts of the pandemic,” adds Smith.

City utilities posted surpluses and the Saskatoon Police Service was under budget by $914,000.  All three of the controlled corporations (SaskTel Centre, TCU Place, and Remai Modern) were able to cover their deficits through their own means, having no impact on the City’s year-end results.   

View Preliminary Year-End Results Year Ending December 31, 2020

View all surpluses and variances within the Detailed Overview of Preliminary Year-End Financial Results

Visit saskatoon.ca

Following continuous public safety concerns from illegal dumping, scavenging, nuisance and criminal behaviour, the City Administration recommends a permanent closure of the Meadowgreen Recycling Depot located at 22^nd Street & Whitney Avenue. The proposal is presented in a report going to the Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services on Monday, April 12.

The Meadowgreen Local Area Plan (LAP) approved by City Council in June 2017 included 25 recommendations as a result of input from over 90 residents, stakeholders and 50 members of City Administration. One of these recommendations addressed the north back lane of the 2700, 2800 and 2900 blocks of 21^st Street West (adjacent to the Meadowgreen Recycling Depot) as an area that experienced nuisance conditions and criminal activity; many of which are related to the depot.

As a temporary measure, the City recently reduced operating hours, installed fencing around the site, and implemented 24/7 security surveillance.

“We regret that it has come to this, but ongoing issues have left us with no choice but to recommend permanent closure,” says Lynne Lacroix, General Manager Community Services. “The actions of some individuals have led to the possibility of removing a public facility that allows well-intentioned residents to responsibly divert their recycling from the City landfill.”

“Unfortunately, we can no longer commit the resources required to maintain the site, keep residents safe, and uphold the appearance of the lanes adjacent to the depot; nor do we wish to enable nuisance or criminal activity in any way,” says Lacroix.

The closure and partial remediation of the site are estimated at $8,000 and could be carried out immediately following a final decision by City Council on Monday, April 26.

“We fully expect that the positive social implications of this closure for the Meadowgreen area and its residents will far outweigh the financial and environmental implications,” says Angela Gardiner, General Manager Utilities & Environment.

Review the Meadowgreen Recycling Depot Closure report and attachments here. Updates will be shared as they become available.

Residents are encouraged to make use of the other 24/7 recycling depots throughout the city in addition to their residential curbside and multi-unit recycling bins. Alternate recycling depots are listed at saskatoon.ca/recyclingdepots.

For the 14^th consecutive year, the City of Saskatoon has won the Canadian Award for Financial Reporting (CAnFR) from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada.

The CAnFR award, presented for the City’s 2020 Annual Report, represents a significant accomplishment for municipal government and its financial management. The award recognizes the City’s commitment to high standards and excellence in financial transparency and accountability.

“We are committed to financial transparency and openly communicating to the citizens of Saskatoon with full disclosure in our annual reporting,” says Kari Smith, Director of Finance. “We are proud to receive this award and proud of our employees who are dedicated to making the City of Saskatoon a leader in producing high-quality financial reports year after year.”

The City’s 2020 Annual Report has been judged by impartial Canadian Review Committee members to meet the high standards of the program, including demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” designed to clearly communicate the municipality’s financial story and to motivate potential users and user groups to read the report.   

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

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

The vendor of the City’s current pay parking application (app), WayToPark, will be releasing a new app in June called Parkedin. Beginning July 1, Parkedin will officially replace WayToPark as the City’s app-based parking payment service.  

The Parkedin app will be available for public download and use starting June 1. Both WayToPark and Parkedin will be available in tandem during a transition period from June 1 to June 30, 2022.

The new Parkedin app will operate and function similar to the WayToPark app, with some additional features such as the ability to pay for parking by scanning a QR code on the nearest pay station as well as support for debit payments. 

“Our Parking Services team is looking forward to the implementation of the new app to provide an improved offering for customers and to ensure that there is no service disruption.” says Matt Grazier, Director of Community Standards. 

A report on proposed amendments to the Traffic Bylaw to facilitate usage of the new app will be presented to the Standing Policy Committee on Transportation on Monday, April 11. 
For more information on Pay Parking, visit saskatoon.ca/payparking.

The City of Saskatoon has released its 2021 preliminary year-end financials showing a $6.54 million deficit in the civic operating programs and a $12.25 million surplus in the utility programs, before year-end audit confirmation.

Although last year brought ongoing change and uncertainty, the City remained dedicated to the delivery of core services residents rely on while continuing to find corporate-wide savings and reduce overall spending. Through the saving strategy, the City reduced training budgets and carefully examined discretionary spending to help make up for reduced revenue and other budget pressures arising from the pandemic. Fuel savings also helped reduce the deficit.

Under provincial law, municipalities are not allowed to operate with a deficit. On April 12, 2022, the City Administration will present a report to the Standing Policy Committee on Finance (7.2.4) that sets out the City’s financial strategy to offset this deficit.

“The preliminary $6.54 million deficit represents a variance of just over one per cent from the City’s overall Civic Operating Budget of $546.6 million,” says Director of Finance, Kari Smith. “Our shortfall is largely the result of snow & ice removal costs resulting from the November 2020 blizzard, higher than anticipated Information Technology costs, and lower than budgeted operating revenues. I’m confident in the well-laid financial plan and strategy Administration is recommending to address the preliminary deficit, and importantly, it won’t impact our future service delivery to residents.”

The Administration is recommending the deficit of $6.54 million be funded by:

• $3.71 million from the reallocation of Canada Community Building Funds originally put into contingency for this specific purpose;
• $1.72 million through a one-time increase from the Water Utility Return on Investment (ROI); and
• $1.11 million to be transferred from the Fiscal Stabilization Reserve. 

“While the City has continued to face significant non-tax revenue challenges in user fees and our other forms of revenue have remained flat or decreased year over year, it is important to recognize that several of our businesses also achieved surpluses in 2022 including Saskatoon Light & Power and Saskatoon Water,” Smith says.

2021 Preliminary Year-end Yields Surplus Utility-Related Results

• Saskatoon Light & Power (SL&P) reported a surplus of $4.49 million. 
• Saskatoon Water reported a year-end surplus of $3.63 million. 
• Wastewater Utility reported a year-end surplus of $2.74 million.
• Storm Water Management Utility reported a year-end surplus of $345,485.
• Waste Services Utility reported a year-end surplus of $1.04 million.

In addition to the utility posted surpluses:

• the Police Board was under budget by $860,000, this is included in the preliminary year-end deficit.
• SaskTel Centre and TCU Place posted preliminary deficits of $3.96 million and $3.37 million respectively, to be balanced through contributions from their facility and capital reserves. 
• Remai Modern posted a preliminary surplus of $310,526.

The City’s Financial Position Remains Future Healthy

The City’s overall and future financial standing continues to be strong and sound, having its ‘AAA’/Stable credit rating reaffirmed by S&P Global in January 2022. In planning for a bright and sustainable future, the City is committed to finding year-over-year increased operational efficiencies, creating greater savings across the organization and recovering from the financial impact of COVID-19.

The external audit of the 2021 financial statements is expected to be completed in June 2022. Following the external audit, the audited financial statements will be presented to City Council for approval.  At that time, the year-end financial results will be confirmed or adjusted based on the recommendations of the external audit and presented in the 2021 Annual Report later this year.

City Council continues to guide the City of Saskatoon’s response to COVID-19 in the community to protect the health and safety of residents and customers, following the provincial government's previous decision to lift provincial Public Health Orders.

At its meeting today, City Council considered a monthly COVID-19 update on masking in City facilities and Saskatoon Transit. Council approved a transition from a mandatory to discretionary approach for masking in City facilities. As noted in the February 8, 2022 City Council resolution, the City extended the masking requirement in City facilities beyond the expiration of the Public Health Order as a temporary measure to help transition the community to a new COVID-19 environment.

As of Monday, April 4, people accessing City facilities, including City Hall, Leisure Centres, indoor arenas, golf course buildings, indoor spaces at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo and the downtown Saskatoon Transit Customer Service Centre are no longer required to wear a face mask. Masks are welcome and will be available upon request.

Masks will continue to be required when travelling on Saskatoon Transit vehicles. Mask education will continue with riders through signage and interior and exterior audible announcements on each bus. Masks will continue to be made available to Transit customers.

The Saskatoon Emergency Management Organization continues to monitor the COVID-19 impacts on City staff and services in accordance with the COVID-19 Response Levels. A monthly update will be presented at the next meeting of City Council in April.

For the latest updates, visit saskatoon.ca/covid-19. 

The City of Saskatoon will be introducing new measures at the Meadowgreen Recycling Depot (22^nd Street & Whitney Avenue) in hopes of mitigating the ongoing public safety concerns and illegal dumping. Beginning Friday, March 26 the depot will be operating under reduced hours from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, with gates locked after hours to prevent entry. The depot will also be under security surveillance at all times.

“It’s unfortunate that it’s come to this, but ongoing issues have left us with no choice but to take these measures,” says Angela Gardiner, General Manager Utilities & Environment. “While we recognize that many residents make use of this depot with the good intention of diverting their waste, the ongoing behaviour by some residents has resulted in unfavourable site conditions. We take the health and safety of residents and our crews very seriously and will continue to monitor the depot to assess whether additional long-term measures are necessary.”

The City reminds residents that Waste Operations crews visit the recycling depots several times per week to conduct collections and site clean-up.

Residents are encouraged to also make use of other 24/7 recycling depots throughout the city, including:

• Lawson Heights (Primrose Drive by the Lawson Civic Centre)
• University Heights (Lowe Road behind Fire Station #9)
• Lakewood (McKercher Drive by the Lakewood Civic Centre)
• Cosmopolitan Industries (1300 block Ontario Ave.)
• Loraas Recycle (1902 1st Ave. North)

Administration will deliver a formal report to City Council in April to discuss this matter.

Future updates on the Meadowgreen Recycling Depot will be made available at saskatoon.ca/recyclingdepots.

The City Solicitor today outlined Prairieland Park is not operated by the City nor does City Council direct or control the business decisions of Saskatoon Prairieland Park Corporation (Prairieland). At the regular business meeting of Council Monday afternoon, Cindy Yelland further explained Prairieland is a non-profit and external third-party corporation not created by the City of Saskatoon.

Yelland was responding to an inquiry from Coun. Bev Dubois during the question period portion of the agenda.

“Saskatoon Prairieland Park Corporation is an external corporation and is not created by the City of Saskatoon, and as such, the City has no say with respect to the operation of the facility at Prairieland Park including Marquis Downs. What the City does have is a lease for the land at Prairieland Park and there is a wide range of uses that are available to Prairieland Park under that lease and everything we’ve seen to date, Prairieland Park is in compliance with the in terms of their lease,” Yelland said.

Ever since Prairieland announced horse racing would end at Marquis Downs in favour of pursuing a professional soccer team in the Canadian Premier League, Coun. Dubois said many in the community had questions about the operation of Prairieland Park Corporation.

Other key points:

• The City has a long-term lease with Prairieland Park for land, and until the lease expires the City cannot unilaterally make changes to the lease terms.
   
• The 50-year lease is $100 per year until April 30, 2045, but Prairieland Park has the option to renew the lease until April 30, 2065.
   
• The City purchased the current site of Prairieland Park in 1908 and while the name has changed over the years, Prairieland Park has continuously occupied the site since that time.
   
• The lease allows for a wide range of uses and the City believes that Prairieland Park is in compliance with the terms of the lease.
   
• The lease requires Prairieland Park to obtain the written approval of Council prior to the construction of additional development on the land. This provision does not give the City the ability to make business decisions at Prairieland Park.
   
• Council only approves the construction of additional development on the land.
   
• Saskatoon Prairieland Park Corporation is exempt from taxation.
   
• Any tax exemption granted to Prairieland Park is the result of a specific exemption in provincial law –The Cities Act. The City of Saskatoon is required to follow the provisions of the provincial legislation.
   
• Under Bylaw No. 7978, the Amusement Tax Bylaw, Prairieland collects amusement tax as part of the admission to the annual exhibition at Prairieland. In 2019 this amount was $71,000.00.  The City then pays that back to Prairieland to allow the corporation to make capital improvements to the property that Prairieland owns.
   
• Currently, the bylaws of Prairieland allow for the City of Saskatoon to appoint one person to the Board. Historically, Council has appointed a member of Council to sit on the Board. 
   
• Appointments by Council are a matter of public record. At all times material to this discussion the members of Council on the Prairieland board were appointed as representatives of Council.  
   
• The Cities Act contains conflict of interest provisions. The Act specifically states that a member of Council does not have a financial interest so as to create a conflict of interest in the following situations:
  • By reason of being appointed as the representative of the Council on another body; or 
  • That the member may have by being a director of a non-profit organization. 
     
• The City has not identified any Zoning Bylaw contraventions at Prairieland Park and does not intend to take further action under The Zoning Bylaw. 

Canada Water Week (March 21-27, 2022) is a national celebration of water that is held annually to coincide with World Water Day on March 22.

“Saskatoon has a lot to celebrate and be proud of when it comes to our water,” says Pam Hamoline, Interim Director of Saskatoon Water. “Not only does our city have one of the highest quality water supplies in North America, but right now we have several projects in motion to ensure we continue to deliver a high quality and safe drinking water product.”

During Canada Water Week, the City is featuring some of those initiatives in a social media campaign, like the new McOrmond Drive Reservoir and Pump Station, Transfer Pumping and Electrical Upgrades project and Spadina Lift Station project, while also educating about our water source and how it gets into and out of our homes.

“Every day, we turn on our taps and flush our toilets without always thinking about where the water is coming from, how it reaches our homes and what happens to it when we’re done with it.”

The theme for World Water Day on Tuesday, March 22 is Groundwater. While Saskatoon’s drinking water is sourced from the South Saskatchewan River, Hamoline says protecting this important underground water resource is vital.

“What we as residents do above ground, matters underground. For example, we should be mindful of what we put on our lawns and gardens and what may be draining down the city’s storm sewers.”

Keep an eye on the City of Saskatoon’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram this week to learn more about Saskatoon’s water system, our groundwater resource, and some of the big water and waste water projects underway.

The play structure in Meadowlark Park was destroyed Thursday, March 18 by a deliberately set fire. 

Just after 7 o’clock that morning, firefighters went to the playground which is near the south end of Clarence Avenue along Calder Crescent.  When they arrived, they discovered the structure in flames.

After it was out, a Fire Inspector was later called to investigate.  The incident has also been reported to the Saskatoon Police Service arson unit.

There is evidence of flames over 2 metres high and the use of an accelerant such as gasoline or diesel. Further evidence shows the fire was kept burning with accelerants as plastic components that contain fire retardant have been completely melted.

The damage is so extensive the entire structure is not safe. City Facilities staff will immediately take steps today and tomorrow (Saturday) to remove the entire structure.

The area will be made safe and leveled until a plan for replacement structures can be finalized.

Replacement options are currently being investigated and the community will be updated as these plans are developed.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call the Saskatoon Police Service, or the Saskatoon Fire Department.

The City Clerk Hiring Committee recommends Adam Tittemore be appointed City Clerk. Council will receive the official recommendation at the March 22, 2021 City Council Meeting.

“We want to congratulate Mr. Tittemore on being selected as the candidate the Hiring Committee is recommending to City Council as our City Clerk” says Councillor Bev Dubois, committee Chairperson.

Coun. Dubois collaborated with City Clerk Hiring Committee members Mayor Charlie Clark, Coun. Randy Donauer and City Manager Jeff Jorgenson.

“We were impressed with his experience in municipal government, his proven leadership qualities, and his governance expertise,” Dubois says.

Following graduation from the University of Saskatchewan with a degree in Public Administration, Mr. Tittemore moved to Alberta where he worked in municipal government with the County of Wetaskiwin in various roles, prior to moving back to Saskatchewan in January 2013.  Since then, he has held the position as the Administrator (CAO) for the R.M. of Corman Park, which surrounds the City of Saskatoon. In his role with Corman Park, Mr. Tittemore has been involved with the City in many respects through our regional relationship.

“Mr. Tittemore has demonstrated great leadership as a builder of teams and partnerships, while also driving innovation. These are invaluable qualities in the rapidly changing municipal sector. He has demonstrated his ability to build the confidence of the public as well as his previous staff and Council, which is also essential in the role as City Clerk. I know he will be a great addition to the team at the City of Saskatoon,” says Mayor Charlie Clark.

The City started its Canada-wide recruitment process in November. The City received 18 applications; after further selection, five candidates were asked for interviews, with a second round of interviews resulting in Mr. Tittemore’s recommendation.

Dubois adds Council wanted to find someone that had a wide range of skills and experience to lead such a key position at City Hall.

“We need to ensure Council continues to have expertise to draw on, so it can provide our community with the best possible decisions.”

The City Clerk oversees and administers the City's legislative process including elections, Council and Committee meetings, maintenance of the public record, and City archives.

“I am very excited to join the City of Saskatoon in the City Clerk role to help build on the positive momentum of the organization.” says Adam Tittemore, City Clerk designate. “I look forward to working with Council and the city leadership team to provide continued good governance and to carry on with the high level of service that everyone is accustomed to.”

Following approval, Mr. Tittemore will manage a staff of 24; his first day as City Clerk will be April 15, 2021.

The flags at Saskatoon civic buildings have been lowered today to mark one year since the first case of COVID-19 was identified in Saskatchewan. Flags will remain at half-mast through the weekend.

“The impact of COVID-19 on our community has been profound. Our lives have all changed dramatically in this past year, since the first case was found in our province on March 12,” says Mayor Charlie Clark.

“Since then, 401 Saskatchewan lives have been lost and this has had a tremendous toll on families. Essential services workers have stepped up heroically to keep our city running and worked tirelessly to keep us safe.

“Today, and over the weekend, is a chance for us all to remember those whose lives have been lost and to show gratitude for all of the sacrifice and service through this very challenging year.”