News Releases

The City of Saskatoon has recovered roughly $380 thousand in funds that earlier this month were directed to a fraudster’s bank account through a fraud scheme. The vast majority of the remainder of the stolen money remains frozen by court order.

“Recovery of these funds continues to be a top priority and we’re encouraged to have over a third of the stolen money returned this early in the process,” says Interim Chief Financial Officer Clae Hack.

City Manager Jeff Jorgenson has committed to keep the public updated on recovery progress and to provide a formal public report once recovery efforts come to a close.

The City continues to actively work on the recovery of funds with banking institutions, the Saskatoon Police Service and the legal team based in Toronto where most Canadian banks are headquartered.

On August 16, 2019, an Ontario Superior Court judge ordered the City funds to be frozen. The vast majority of the $1.04 million obtained in the fraud scheme has been identified, traced and locked down by the Court.

View related news releases on this matter on saskatoon.ca.

Today, the City, along with more than a dozen community partners made up of First Nation, Métis and non-Indigenous employers, employment, education and training institutions, business associations and community organizations, launched the Indigenous Engagement Employer Handbook. A resource for small and medium sized businesses, the Handbook aims to provide guidance and practical options for employers seeking to improve their Indigenous workforce recruitment and retention outcomes.

“Indigenous people are the fastest growing labour resource in our province. It only makes sense that we make the effort to engage in a meaningful way to ensure that we connect opportunities with Indigenous communities and people,” says Lisa Mooney, Nutrien Global Lead, Sustainability and Strategic Inclusion. “Nutrien has led the way in Indigenous engagement by going a step further in offering the Aboriginal Content Playbook. Tools like this, and the Indigenous Engagement Handbook offer resources and connections that remove barriers and support the successful outcomes of these valuable connections.”

The result of a series of workshops and consultations held in early 2019, the Handbook will serve as a valuable tool for companies looking to foster resiliency, enhance competitiveness and become an employer of choice for Saskatchewan’s Indigenous workforce.

“Businesses are at different stages in their Indigenous engagement process and will need distinct strategies and capacities to reach their goals,” says Gilles Dorval, Director of Indigenous Initiatives, City of Saskatoon. “While not every suggestion in this handbook will be relevant for every organization, we hope that many of the suggestions will resonate with most employers.”

“SREDA’s goal is to promote effective Indigenous economic development strategies to encourage and support economic inclusion and growth in the Saskatoon Region,” added Alex Fallon, CEO of the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority. “This handbook will serve as an important tool to help employers better engage with Indigenous employees and partners, to the benefit of the entire community.”

As new ideas and technologies change the way people do business, Indigenous people are connecting with these changes and looking for opportunities to participate and lead.

“Starting with Affinity was a life-changing, amazing experience. They helped me try to find what I needed to do. I went in there with no experience, I didn’t even know what type of behaviour I needed to get through. The HR Advisor at the time asked, ‘what types of resources do you need to help you’,” says Chantel Buffalo, Affinity Credit Union. “She was open and honest with me and talked with me lots. It was very helpful to have a support system to get me through training.”

The Handbook is made possible through the support of community investors Nutrien, Affinity Credit Union and the Saskatoon Community Foundation. For more information and to download a digital copy of the Indigenous Engagement Employer Handbook, visit www.sacap.ca.

The Indigenous Engagement Employer Handbook responds to Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action #92 calling on the corporate sector to engage in meaningful consultation and develop respectful relationships with Indigenous communities and businesses as well as provide equitable access to jobs, training and educational opportunities to Indigenous peoples.

The City of Saskatoon’s commitment to the TRC’s Calls to Action supports the City’s Corporate Strategic Goal of Quality of Life by identifying actions for supporting a diverse, resilient, and growing economy and enhancing well-being and participation of Indigenous peoples in our community.

The City of Saskatoon again received a positive endorsement from S&P Global Rating Services, which today reconfirmed the City’s ‘AAA’ credit rating.

“Of course we’re very encouraged with this rating,” says Clae Hack, Interim Chief Financial Officer. “The rating agency points to a ‘strong and diversified’ economy in our city, the fact we’ve kept debt ‘minimal’ and are able to pass budgets before the start of the fiscal year as benefits.”

Highlighting “sound financial management,” S&P today affirmed ‘AAA’ long-term issuer credit and senior unsecured debt ratings on the City with a “stable” outlook.

Key points within the August 26, 2019, S&P report are:

• Saskatoon is expected to “maintain a strong budgetary position over the next two years”
• Saskatoon’s creditworthiness reflects strong financial management
• Saskatoon’s “…management accountability is strong and financial policies are prudent.”

“As is always the case, the 'AAA' rating is important,” Hack says.  “It provides that certainty for anyone looking to invest and create jobs in Saskatoon and it allows us at City Hall to plan for the growth that happens as a result.”

The City’s mid-year ‘AAA’/Stable credit rating affirmation comes as a result of S&P publishing updated methodology on July 15, 2019, for assigning ratings to local and regional governments outside of the United States. The intent of the changes is to:

• Better capture country and entity-specific nuances while continuing to reflect global calibration and comparisons;
• Streamline and simplify the criteria while maintaining its analytical robustness; and
• Allow analysts to tell a better credit story through the application of more flexible criteria while ensuring a consistent criteria application.

The mid-year ‘AAA’/Stable rating for the City report was reissued based on a cursory review using the new criteria as well as the most current information as of the date of the reissued report. 

For more information, the report entitled “City of Saskatoon Ratings Affirmed at ‘AAA’; Outlook Remains Stable” is available on the City’s website saskatoon.ca.

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Following an extensive veterinary examination, the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo has made a difficult decision to next week say goodbye to Ma the Capuchin Monkey.

“We don’t take a decision like this lightly,” says Zoo manager Tim Sinclair-Smith. “We know announcing this makes many of us uncomfortable about the animals we love and care for however Ma’s health and quality of life continues to decline and we have made the medical and humane decision to let her go.”

Ma has been in palliative care at the Zoo and has needed prescribed pain and anti-inflammatory medication.

“We have been managing Ma’s pain associated with aging for over a year but despite our best attempts, her quality of life has diminished and we are no longer able to control her pain,” says Dr. Dennilyn Parker an expert in Zoo, Exotic and Wildlife Medicine at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine.

A Capuchin Monkey’s average life expectancy can be as much as 25 years in the wild and up to 40 years in captivity.

Ma arrived at the Zoo in 1974 from the U of S when she was about two-years-old – which makes her about 47 or older.

“With dedicated support, love and care here at the Zoo, Ma well surpassed the typical lifespan of her species,” Sinclair-Smith says.

“We are going to miss her and while we know this will have a deep effect on our staff and anyone who’s come to see her since the mid-1970s, it’s the compassionate thing to do.”

In a given year, the City cleans out between 3,000 and 4,000 service lines connecting residential properties to the City’s sanitary sewer system. The sanitary sewer system is like a giant funnel with over 75,000 connections all directed to the Wastewater Treatment Plant. When individuals put harmful things down the drain it can quickly become a significant problem in the sewer system.

To shift behaviors, the City has developed an education campaign that is targeted towards residential users of the sanitary sewer. The goal behind Prevent Irritable Sewer Syndrome is to build awareness of what is and is not to be flushed down toilets and rinsed down sinks, and to reduce the number of blockages experienced throughout the community.

“Most drain clogs occur when materials do not dissolve or break apart in water. The common culprit for clogged drains in our community is grease and flushable wipes”, says Russ Munro, Director of Water & Waste Operations. “Increased understanding of how certain materials impact the sewer system and how to properly dispose of these items will help decrease the amount of sewer backups residents experience, which can be extremely costly and very inconvenient.”

What can residents do to help?

• Wipe fats, oils and grease off dishes before washing.
• Compost organic waste (food scraps, coffee grounds and paper towel).
• Return pharmaceuticals to pharmacy.
• Dispose of wipes, diapers, personal hygiene products, and family planning products in the garbage.
• Unload hazardous products at the household hazardous waste drop-off site.

To learn more on how to protect your pipes and Prevent Irritable Sewer Syndrome, visit: saskatoon.ca/irritable-sewer-syndrome.

The City of Saskatoon continues to make progress on recovering $1.04 million in funds that earlier this month were directed to a fraudster’s bank account through a fraud scheme.

“While it is early in the investigation, we’re pleased to say most of the funds have been identified or traced and have been locked-down by Court order,” says City Manager Jeff Jorgenson.

Jorgenson says the City is chasing down every lead and working with banking institutions and the Saskatoon Police Service.

“Recovery of the remaining funds, further fortifying our controls, and gathering all of the facts continues to be the City’s number-one priority,” he says. “This is a very good start and we are cautiously optimistic about recovering more funds.”

A fraudster electronically impersonated the Chief Financial Officer of Allan Construction, asking for a change of banking information. The City complied, and as a result, the next contract payment intended to go to that company, was directed to the fraudster’s bank account. The fraud was identified on August 12, 2019.

“It’s very disconcerting that the perpetrator used my name and our company name to commit this crime,” says Allan Construction’s CFO Blaine Dubreuil. “We have done a security assessment and are confident that our systems were not hacked or compromised. We’ll be working closely with the City of Saskatoon and the Saskatoon Police Service as the investigation continues.”

The City has issued a claim with its insurer. To protect the integrity of the police investigation the City and Allan Construction are not at liberty to disclose further details.

Clarence Avenue and 14th Street now has an illuminated crossing that accommodates both pedestrians and cyclists, thanks to a grant from the provincial Traffic Safety Fund, derived from photo speed enforcement fine revenue. Earlier this year, the City received a $45,000 grant to install signage, special illumination and amber flashing beacons at the intersection. It is the first pedestrian-cyclist actuated signal in Saskatoon.

“Initially, only a pedestrian signal was to be installed,” says Jay Magus, Director of Transportation. “However, it made sense to add the cyclist signal as well because 14th Street is a shared-use on-road cycling lane.”

The crossing operates as any other illuminated crossing in the city, but includes a cyclist push button that is easily accessible to those who simply ride up next to it. Tips on how to use the new pedestrian and cyclist crossing are available at Saskatoon.ca/bike.

Residents of Nutana and Varsity View had identified Clarence Avenue and 14th Street as a necessary location for pedestrian safety improvements through the City’s neighbourhood traffic review process. In choosing recipients, the Photo Speed Enforcement committee looked at criteria focused on priority areas including intersection safety, aggressive driving, speeding and vulnerable road users.  

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

The City of Saskatoon has been affected by a fraud scheme, where a fraudster electronically impersonated the CFO of a construction company and asked for a change of banking information.  The City complied, and as a result, the next contract payment intended to go to that company, $1.04 million, was directed to the fraudster’s bank account.  The fraud was identified on August 12, 2019.

Upon discovering the fraudulent activity, the City notified its internal auditor, the Saskatoon Police Service and other authorities including banking institutions.

“Our focus at this time is on recovery of the funds.  We have experts engaged from our internal auditor, the banks affected, and the Saskatoon Police Service.  Additionally we have external and internal experts pouring over financial transactions and processes to do everything reasonably possible to protect the City from any further attacks”, City Manager, Jeff Jorgenson says.

“This incident is a serious criminal matter, and the City is working hard to recover these funds, minimize the opportunities for this to occur in the future, and to cooperate with the police in this investigation,” says Mayor Charlie Clark

“As this is an ongoing investigation, the City cannot disclose further details about the fraud at this time.  The City is now notifying the media and the public in an effort to be transparent and also to warn other corporations.  The City will continue to work with and fully cooperate with law enforcement”, says Jorgenson.

From major infrastructure rehabilitation to general road maintenance, the 2019 construction season is progressing as planned and on schedule in Saskatoon. City Council invested over $61 million in 2019 to make more of Saskatoon’s streets, bridges and sidewalks, smoother, safer and longer-lasting.

“With so many active projects underway, we know navigating around Saskatoon can be inconvenient,” says Matt Jurkiewicz, Interim Director, Construction & Design. “We plan our short construction season to lessen these impacts as much as possible, but of course it’s not possible to avoid traffic delays altogether. We’re asking everyone to remember the work is necessary and will be worth it in the long run.”

• The interchanges at Boychuk Drive and Highway 16 and McOrmond Drive and College Drive are complete and open.
   
• Phase 1 of the Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge rehabilitation project has reached the mid-way point and remains on track for completion in October. In 2020, Phase 2 will require the lanes heading into downtown to be closed.
   
• Water main/connection replacements will improve water service for 387 properties in City Park (2018-2020) and Riversdale (2019-2020). City Park remains on schedule and Riversdale is ahead of schedule. Completion of the current phases is anticipated in early fall.  
   
• Other water main replacement locations include 14^th Street East and Bates Crescent, Acadia Drive between Leddy Crescent and Harrington Street, and 12^th Street East between Broadway Avenue and Eastlake Avenue.
   
• Completed road improvements: resurfacing of Circle Drive from Millar Avenue to the Circle Drive North Bridge; and sections of Taylor Street, Boychuk Drive and Kenderdine Road. The twinning of Wanuskewin Road north of 71^st Street is scheduled for completion in October.

• Upcoming road construction: resurfacing the westbound lanes on College Drive from the city limits to the Canadian Pacific Rail overpass, resurfacing Idylwyld Drive northbound lanes from 25^th Street to 31^st Street, and resurfacing Preston Avenue northbound lanes from Taylor Street to 8^th Street.
   
• Road and sidewalk maintenance: spring street sweeping was completed through all neighbourhoods in 7 weeks, back lane grading started in July and runs through to October, and sidewalk, pothole and utility cut repairs occur daily across the entire city.

Along with better project coordination, such as sidewalk and roadway overhauls being done at the same time and continuing construction overnight when possible, the City has also adopted a new purchasing policy that allows for the hiring of the best company for the job based on experience, qualifications and construction plan, not just the lowest bid.

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

The City, along with collaborating partners Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre (SICC) and Office of the Treaty Commissioner (OTC), is pleased to share the second edition of “ayisiyiniwak [a/yi/see/ni/wak, Cree for ‘the people’]: A Communications Guide” (ayisiyiniwak). 

Originally developed in 2017 as an educational resource for City employees to enhance their understanding of Indigenous culture and practices, copies of the guide have since been requested by organizations across Canada including government agencies, other municipalities, educational institutions and community groups. 

“The creation of ayisiyiniwak has helped us to build understanding and forge a path of partnership with the Indigenous community,” said Mayor Charlie Clark.  “The leadership shown from our staff in partnership with the OTC and SICC is something to be truly proud of.  Now I have civic leaders from across the country asking me for these guides.”

The second edition of ayisiyiniwak has been updated with:

• a chapter devoted to Métis culture and local history;
• a new Inuit chapter; 
• revised Cree translations (including the title) as reviewed by nêhiyawak or Cree speaking linguists;
• new sections within the First Nations chapter including 60s Scoop, Elder’s Helper, Syllabics, Flag Etiquette, Anthems/Honour Songs, The Grand Entry, Blanketing and Two-Spirit People; 
• several new terms and suggested resources.

“The Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre is pleased to be part of this handbook. On behalf of the Board of Governors, the Elders Council, and the staff we would like to commend the City of Saskatoon and the Office of the Treaty Commissioner for their commitment and dedication to developing this second edition. Education comes in many forms and this handbook provides a platform for, not only City employees, but for everyone to enjoy and begin to learn a little about Indigenous culture. Reconciliation begins with understanding. Understanding begins with openness, respectfulness, compassion, and willingness. Understanding isn’t always easy or beautiful, it takes time and is very personal. Be patient and open to learn and become more mindful and respectful of Indigenous ways of being,” said Wanda Wilson, President, Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre.      

ayisiyiniwak is part of the City’s commitment to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation of Canada’s Call to Action #57, which specifically calls upon governments to: “provide education to public servants on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal-Crown relations.” 

“The Office of the Treaty Commissioner is committed to engaging in public information and awareness to advance the Treaty goal of good relations. The ayisiyiniwak communications guide continues to grow and support the work of reconciliation,” said Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan, Mary Culbertson. “Being able to understand each other results in building positive, trusting relationships.”

During the development of the second edition, the project team was privileged to have the guidance of a Cree linguist, several First Nation and Métis Elders, as well as the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami [ITK]. 

The project team also wishes to acknowledge the support of Gabriel Dumont Institute and the Saskatoon Tribal Council, who through a summer employment partnership opportunity helped make the second edition of ayisiyiniwak possible. 

The first edition of the guide recently won a National Planning Excellence Award of Merit from the Canadian Institute of Planners in the category of Planning for Reconciliation. 

For more information and to download and digital copy of ayisiyiniwak, visit saskatoon.ca/ayisiyiniwak.

Hard copies of ayisiyiniwak can be purchased from SICC’s Online Store at https://store.sicc.sk.ca/ or by emailing Tiffany.Carrier@sicc.sk.ca. 

Saskatoon’s new interchange at Boychuk Drive and Highway 16 is now officially complete.

The interchange opened to vehicles in late 2018. Surrounding work was just finished earlier this week to finalize the infrastructure project, which was funded by the Government of Canada, Government of Saskatchewan, and City of Saskatoon.

“This important traffic improvement project for Saskatoon is a great example of how the Government of Canada is making smart investments that contribute to economic growth and improve quality of life in order to foster a thriving middle class,” said the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “This new interchange is making daily commutes easier and safer for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians and keeping commercial traffic flowing across the region.”

“The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to play a key role by contributing more than $10.9 million toward the Boychuk Drive and Highway 16 Interchange Project. Investments in key infrastructure like this contributes to more efficient travel for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians who live, work and play in Saskatoon,” said the Honourable Warren Kaeding, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Government Relations.

“This new interchange is a sign of a growing Saskatoon and it is an important step in creating a more connected community,” said His Worship Charlie Clark, Mayor of the City of Saskatoon. “It is already having a significant impact for those travelling in and through the south-east part of our city by improving safety, traffic flow, and the quality of life in our community. I would like to thank our federal and provincial partners for investing in this project.”

Construction began in April of 2017 on the project, which eliminated the eastbound left turn lane on Highway 16 at Boychuk Drive to resolve safety and traffic flow issues.

“There has been a substantial improvement in traffic flow, which had become heavier and backed up as Rosewood and other east side neighbourhoods developed and became populated,” said Terry Schmidt, General Manager of Transportation & Construction with the City of Saskatoon.

Through the New Building Canada Fund – Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component – National and Regional Projects, the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan each contributed $10,960,885 toward the Boychuk Drive and Highway 16 Interchange Project. The City was responsible for the remaining investment.

Another new interchange at McOrmond Drive and College Drive officially opened earlier this year. Adjacent developers paid 100 per cent of its cost.

The two interchanges were simultaneously built by PCL Construction Management Inc., and both also include walkways and paths to make the areas safer for cyclists and pedestrians.

Both interchanges were constructed for a total investment of $56,694,600.

The intersection at Idylwyld and 22^nd Street is expected to be closed until tomorrow afternoon, Wednesday July 31^st to allow for an emergency natural gas line repair.

In the meantime, drivers are advised to avoid 22^nd Street and consider east-west travel along 19^th Street, 20^th Street or 33^rd Street. Expect delays, plan ahead and re-route your commute.

This emergency work is necessary because on Monday evening July 29^th, firefighters closed the intersection after discovering a noticeable odour and high concentration of natural gas in the area.  SaskEnergy arrived and determined the gas was leaking from an underground valve.  The gas line workers were able to seal the leak but it now needs a more permanent fix.

Once the gas line is repaired the excavation site will be paved and the intersection will re-open. The paving work cannot be scheduled until the morning of Wednesday, July 31^st.  

Thank you for your patience and cooperation while this necessary emergency work is completed.

Transit riders can follow Transit service alerts, real-time bus locations, and arrivals are available on third party apps like Transit and Google Transit on desktop.

For updates on construction projects anytime, refer to the Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Road users are reminded to reduce speeds, stay alert and mind posted signage and barriers when encountering a construction zone.

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After reviewing nine budget options brought forward by Administration, City Council at its regular meeting on July 29, 2019, selected six options to help achieve lower municipal property tax target increases of 3.94% for 2020 and 4.17% for 2021, as earlier directed by the City’s Governance and Priorities Committee.

“The options City Council approved result in lower property tax targets of 3.23% for 2020 and 3.54% for 2021,” says Kerry Tarasoff, Chief Financial Officer. “It’s important to emphasize these targets serve as a starting point. This early direction from City Council is not final, as they’ll have an opportunity for further debate through the City’s preliminary budget release this October.”

Administration was asked to report back on a list of prioritized projects with result to Gas Tax funding, options to reduce the number of print publications the City produces, and options for reducing the frequency of black cart pick-up in summer months.

City Council approved the following budget options: 

• Option 3 – a one-time Gas Tax allocation to the organics program (reduction to property tax phase-in from reduced debt by 0.13% in each of the years 2020 and 2021);
• Option 4 – utilize Multi-Material Stewardship Western funding towards the Waste deficit (reduction of 0.19% in each of the years 2020 and 2021);
• Option 5 – defer all bylaw/policy required inflationary allocations (reduction of 0.15% in 2020 and 0.17% in 2021);
• Option 6 – phase-in the Remai Civic Buildings Comprehensive Maintenance Reserve requirement over a longer period (reduction of 0.08% in 2020 and 0.04% in 2021);
• Option 7 – defer the Recovery Park funding phase-in until 2023 (reduction of 0.10% in 2021); and
• Option 8 – adjust the Major Transportation Funding/Bus Rapid Transit funding plan (reduction of 0.10% in each of the years 2020 and 2021).

The following budget option was defeated:

• Option 9 – changes to the Waste program deficit and city-wide organics phase-in (reduction of 0.21% in each of the years 2020 and 2021).

The following budget options did not have enough movers to move forward, thus they were received as information.

• Option 1 – reduce the inflation and growth increase allocated to the Building Better Roads Program (reduction of 0.8% in each of the years 2020 and 2021); and
• Option 2 – provision for civic services subsidized fee for service (reduction of 0.03% in 2020)

“In the months to come as we lead up to the release of our first preliminary Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget, City Council will consider other information they’ve requested, along with additional options on capital projects, Asset Management Plans, service level changes and options to help accelerate achieving City Council’s strategic priorities,” adds Tarasoff.

The Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget will provide greater certainty for residents about the future direction of property taxes, better alignment of the City’s longer-term goals, and improved financial stability, transparency and accountability.

City Council will set the final budget and associated municipal property tax rate through the 2020/2021 Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget Deliberations at the end of November 2019.

For more information on the City’s Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget, visit saskatoon.ca/budget.

The Low Emissions Community (LEC) Plan is a thirty-year roadmap to help Saskatoon reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The LEC Plan – prepared by national consultants, Sustainability Solutions Group, and City Administration – identifies possible actions to mitigate community and corporate emissions as a way to slow the effects of climate change, leading to a decreased need for adaptive actions. The plan will be presented to the Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services, on August 6.

“Climate change is an extremely complex global issue that is facing Saskatoon and Canada” says Jeanna South, Director of Sustainability. “The Low Emissions Community Plan is a roadmap of 40 actions which models how Saskatoon can achieve established greenhouse gas reduction targets over the next thirty years, through investments in policy changes, partnerships, programs and projects.”

As Saskatoon prepares for growth, the 40 actions to reduce emissions established in the LEC Plan will result in social and economic benefits for the community. Improved health; additional jobs; reduced expenses for residents, businesses and the municipality; and improved quality of life, are ways the Low Emissions Community Plan incentivizes a more diverse and resilient economy.

In 2015, Saskatoon signed the Covenant of Mayors, which highlighted the importance of early climate actions, instead of postponing action for future generations. Saskatoon committed to 80% GHG emissions reduction. From our 2014 baseline, that means drawing down from 3.85 million tonnes CO₂e per year to 780,000 tonnes CO₂e per year by 2050.

The Low Emissions Community Plan is the companion piece to the Local Actions Adaptation Strategy, which focuses on how the City can respond to climate change through infrastructure improvement projects and emergency response programs and was presented to Council earlier this year.

To learn more about Saskatoon’s Climate Action Plan visit saskatoon.ca/climatechange.

The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) has reached an agreement with the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) for the relocation of Fire Station No. 5 to the northeast corner of Preston Avenue and 108th Street. The move comes as a result of a review of SFD operations leading to the development of a new service model to make response times even better for the entire city. A report seeking approval for the execution of a long-term land lease agreement with the U of S goes to City Council on Monday, July 29.

“By using Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping, we’d previously identified that moving Station No. 5 to Preston Avenue north will provide a more optimal response model for the U of S and Varsity View, and at the same time, maintain responsive coverage to Sutherland,” says Morgan Hackl, Fire Chief.

The first phase of the new service model was the relocation of Fire Station No. 3. The second phase, the relocation of Fire Station No. 5, continues the establishment of an effective baseline for the delivery of emergency service to the community while keeping safety of the citizens and response personnel in the forefront. The model aims to ensure the delivery of services to citizens is done in the most effective and efficient way possible as the City looks to the future and how to provide emergency response service to a city of 500,000 residents.

Upon final approval by City Council and the Ministry of Advanced Education, a tender will be issued for the design of the new facility, followed by a construction tender and a contract award.  The anticipated start of construction is in the spring of 2020 with completion in spring of 2021. 

For more information, visit saskatoon.ca/NewServiceModel.

Saskatoon Fire Department’s new service model furthers the City’s Strategic Goal of Quality of Life for Citizens in prioritizing the safety of the entire community.

The Governance & Priorities Committee (GPC), at its June 17, 2019 meeting, resolved that the Administration bring back options for a municipal property tax target of less than the 3.94% for 2020 and 4.17% for 2021. The property tax targets presented at the June meeting would maintain existing services, correct the Waste Service budget shortfall, and begin the funding phase-in for a city-wide organics program.

The City’s Administration is proposing several options to reduce the municipal property tax targets for 2020 and 2021, based on:

• the ability to implement;
• having a positive impact on the mill rate; and
• not having a significant long term negative impact to service levels.

“At the July 29 City Council meeting, the Administration will present a number of options to help reduce the property tax in 2020 and 2021. These options will include opportunities to phase-in funding over a longer period, defer certain initiatives or take on slightly increased risk within the budget,” says Jeff Jorgenson, City Manager. “Setting these early property tax targets gives City Council an opportunity to start to plan for the priorities it wants to invest in at our first Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget Deliberation this November.”

City Council will be presented with nine options to consider, each aimed at reducing the property tax target increases earlier directed by GPC.

It is important to note that there have been some changes to the Administration’s original assumptions, including new SaskPower electricity rate information which negatively impacts taxes, which is partially offset by a lower budget estimate from the Saskatoon Police Service.  The net result of these changes is a negative impact of $455,600 to the City’s previously presented forecast equivalent to a 0.19% property tax increase.  However, as the Administration continues to work through finalizing the 2020/ 2021 Business Plan and Budget, every effort will be made to offset this impact.

“There will likely be other minor adjustments to the property tax estimates for 2020 and 2021 as more information becomes available, for example, as the Boards of the City’s Controlled Corporations and the Board of Police Commissioners finalize their budgets, and as more becomes known about federal pollution rebates,” adds Jorgenson. “The Administration will release its preliminary Multi-Year Budget in October 2019.”

Administration is recommending the following options to City Council, which provide a starting point for consideration: 

• Option 2 – implement a subsidized fee for civic services associated with special events;
• Option 4 – utilize Multi-Material Stewardship Western funding towards the Waste deficit;
• Option 6 – phase-in the Remai Civic Buildings Comprehensive Maintenance Reserve requirement over a longer period;
• Option 7 – defer the Recovery Park funding phase-in until 2023; and
• Option 8 – adjust the Major Transportation Funding/Bus Rapid Transit funding plan.

The Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget will provide greater certainty for residents about the future direction of property taxes, better alignment of the City’s longer-term goals, and improved financial stability, transparency and accountability.

City Council will set the final budget and associated municipal property tax rate through the 2020/2021 Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget Deliberations at the end of November 2019.

For more information on the City’s multi-year budget, visit saskatoon.ca/budget.

The City of Saskatoon's 2018 Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2018, is now available online.

The 2018 Annual Report provides an overview of:

• The City’s Audited Consolidated Financial Statements;
• Financial Discussion & Analysis of the City’s financial performance and forecasts;
• Updates on Major Projects and Initiatives by Business Line;
• Financial and statistical information about the City and related entities; and
• Updated Performance Measures.

Visit saskatoon.ca.

After travelling over 14,000 kilometers from Australia, the newest members of the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo) have arrived and are getting ready to settle into their new permanent home.

“The addition of the dingoes provides a great opportunity for us to bring some exciting new animals to Saskatoon, allowing visitors of all ages to meet dingoes, most likely for the first time.  This is a great way to enhance our conservation, research and education opportunities at the Zoo,” says Tim Sinclair-Smith, Zoo Manager.

The Zoo has teamed up with the Australian Dingo Foundation and the Oakvale Wildlife Park in Australia to bring these animals to Saskatoon for the first time.

“The Dingo has kept the fragile balance of biodiversity unseen and unsung for around 16,000 years,” says Lyn Watson, Founder of the Australian Dingo Foundation.  “We are so heartened after a lifetime of work with them, to know that Canadians will now be able to observe Canis dingo in live form at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo.”

The dingoes will be taking over the previous wolf enclosure at the Zoo once they complete a 30-day Canadian Food and Inspection Agency (CFIA) quarantine.  The new exhibit is set to officially open to the public on Friday, August 9, 2019.

The Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. until August 18, and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. starting August 19.  Additional information regarding the Zoo can be found at saskatoon.ca/zoo.

The City of Saskatoon is resurfacing several high traffic roadways this summer. Resurfacing helps the roads last longer, improves drainage, and makes surfaces look brand new.

“Resurfacing is a road restoration technique in which a new layer of asphalt is laid over the existing road surface,” says Tim Bushman, Engineering Manager, Construction & Design. “Roads are preserved without having to do a full replacement.”

2019 resurfacing locations include:

• Circle Drive and Millar Avenue intersection
• Circle Drive east bound lanes from Millar Avenue to the Circle Drive North Bridge
• College Drive west bound lanes from Highway 41 to the CP Rail overpass
• Idylwyld Drive north bound lanes from 25^th Street to 31^st Street
• Preston Avenue north bound lanes from Taylor Street to 8^th Street
• 33^rd Street from Confederation Drive to Junor Avenue
• Taylor Street from Boychuk Drive to Brudell Road

Crews will work at night at locations where the noise won’t be disruptive to residents.

“We understand construction and the delays and detours that sometimes occur can be an inconvenience, but we do our best to avoid a lot of work in one area at the same time,” says Bushman. “To see where significant 2019 road construction projects are happening and when, residents can keep an eye on the Daily Road Report at Saskatoon.ca.”

City Council has invested over $61 million in 2019 for rehabilitation, maintenance and operations to make more Saskatoon streets, bridges and sidewalks, smoother, safer and longer-lasting.  

We appreciate everyone’s patience during construction. We know it can be a real ‘pain in the asphalt.’ 

The City has lowered flags in civic facilities in honour of Saskatchewan’s 22^nd Lieutenant-Governor, W. Thomas Molloy, who passed away on July 2 following a battle with cancer.

“I had the real privilege of sharing many meals and stages with Lieutenant-Governor Tom Molloy over the last several months,” said Mayor Clark. “He used every speech as a chance to enlighten, to challenge, and to bring us together, to be stronger as a province. He did this throughout his career, right across the country. I thank him for always working to bring out the best in us.”

Flags in civic facilities will fly at half-mast until sunset on the day of Lieutenant-Governor Molloy’s funeral. For members of the public who wish to express their condolences, a condolence book will be available in the lobby of City Hall during regular business hours.

The City of Saskatoon and the Saskatoon Police Service remind drivers to slow down when passing work zones and obey posted signs. To reduce speeding in work zones, City crews will start using temporary speed signs slowing people to 30 km/hr within the work zone on some roads where the speed limit is normally 50 km/hr.

“Even with bright clothing, barricades and signs, drivers continue to risk the lives of our road workers when they drive into equipment, between signs, and speed past without care and attention,” said General Manager Angela Gardiner. “By identifying and posting a temporary speed, it makes the expectation to slow down pretty clear.”

Hundreds of men and women work hard every day to provide Saskatoon residents with services that matter: from drinking water and sewer services, to smooth roads, clean and maintained parks and utility services. But at what cost? Too many drivers continue to ignore work zone signs and put lives at risk.

“It’s not only the law, but the responsibility of every driver to obey work zone signs,” said Saskatoon Police Service Traffic Unit Staff Sergeant Patrick Barbar. “The Traffic Unit will be patrolling work zones, reminding people to slow down, and charging drivers who insist on putting lives in danger by speeding.”

The new 30 km/hr construction zone signs will be rolled out over the next few months for City crews working on local streets. Regardless of whether a temporary speed sign is posted, drivers can be fined by Police for speeding or entering a work zone. Police have asked City workers to report these incidents.

The City’s annual Respect Work Zones public awareness campaign started today, in partnership with the Saskatoon Police Service, stressing that drivers must slow down in a work zone and obey signs. Advertisements include testimonials from real workers talking about their close calls s with drivers in City work zones.

Learn more at saskatoon.ca/respectworkzones.ca.

City Council has directed the Administration not to accelerate the Solair Neighbourhood project into the Holmwood Suburban Development Area.

Currently the proposed development lands are mostly outside Saskatoon City Limits and not in the development stream for any immediate city development.

Angela Gardiner, General Manager of Transportation and Construction, says the Civic Administration works hard to support developers and to create a business-friendly community.

“We completely respect and appreciate the goals of such a business and these companies need to make money on their developments; however, that cannot be done on the backs of taxpayers, or at the expense of other developers,” Gardiner says.  “We have an obligation to ensure Saskatoon develops in a fair and predictable manner for all developers.

“We also need to make sure the multi-million-dollar underground services – water, sewer, storm water, power, and communications – work properly and are constructed in a cost-effective way.”

Arbutus Properties has proposed a development of lands that are outside city limits southeast of Saskatoon that it says could be a future neighborhood.

The proposal has concepts that support many of the City’s environmental and development goals, but the civic Administration suggests the developer try a different approach.

“We would be very interested to see Arbutus implement some of the eco-friendly concepts it has proposed within the extensive undeveloped lands they own in Rosewood.”

Gardiner says there are multiple billion-dollar private developments already underway in Saskatoon.

“Adding another development will not attract additional housing demand in the City: it will simply take away demand from areas where City Council has already made significant investments.”

Council has also asked the Administration to report back on any possible ways to expand oversight or regulation around environmental features of new neighbourhood development.

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Encouraging individuals, businesses, and communities to keep the fire burning to spark change in our lives and city, the theme for the fourth annual Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation is Re-igniting the Fire.

“The Rock Your Roots Walk is an incredible example of coming together with the common cause of creating a better future for the generations yet to come,” said Mayor Charlie Clark. “The theme this year of Re-igniting the Fire is a reminder that we all have a role to play in this journey. As we seek the best for our community, we have to look inwards for answers and for action. We have so much potential in all of us, in our city, to help lead the way in living in right relationship and seeing strength in one another.”

The Walk honours survivors and answers the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action.

"The Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation, honours residential school survivors, 60's scoop survivors, day school survivors and Murdered Missing Indigenous Women and Girls,” says Shirley Isbister, President, Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. “The walk is a day to promote diversity as we all walk together to support reconciliation in our community. We all need to re-ignite the fire of answering the calls to action."

Along the walk route, participants experienced live music, dance and entertainment - from traditional Indigenous performances to the Filipino Heritage School to Dance Egypt. The Walk joins with National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations hosted by the Saskatoon Indian and Métis Friendship Centre. Celebrations include free lunch, special guest speakers, live entertainment and fun for the whole family.

“I am very proud to be part of Rock Your Roots Walk in the spirit of Reconciliation,” says Mark Arcand, Tribal Chief, Saskatoon Tribal Council. “As we are all Treaty people we need to continue working together to promote partnerships and relationships so we can all have a quality of life.”

The “Rock Your Roots” Walk for Reconciliation is one of a number of events organized by Reconciliation Saskatoon, an initiative of 98 organizations, non-profits, businesses and partners who have come together towards one mission: to initiate a citywide conversation about reconciliation and provide opportunities for everyone to engage in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.

“The significance of the Walk goes back to the days we were children -- when on Sundays we were allowed to go for a walk,” says a residential school survivor who wishes to remain anonymous. “This was the only time we got to mingle with the girls and a short time that we were able to see our sisters, cousins, and brothers. We could go on this one mile walk as long as we were finished all our duties or if we weren’t in trouble.

When the TRC came together, we thought of ‘how can we start this journey?’ That is with a Survivors Walk -- a walk with our family -- a walk to remember all the children who are now gone, who are missing, who are still here: a Walk for Reconciliation.”

Since 2016, the Walk for Reconciliation has grown, drawing almost 5,000 people to Victoria Park to recognize the sacrifices and resilience of Residential School and Day School Survivors, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and 60s Scoop Survivors. The event is made possible through the generosity of community investors, including the Saskatoon Community Foundation and Nutrien.

For more information, visit facebook.com/ReconciliationSaskatoon or www.otc.ca. 

The City of Saskatoon’s commitment to the TRC’s Calls to Action supports the City’s Corporate Strategic Goal of Quality of Life by identifying actions for enhancing well-being and participation of Indigenous peoples in our community.

As one of the initial steps in developing the City’s first multi-year business plan and budget, the City’s Governance and Priorities Committee (GPC) today set the indicative municipal property rate target less than 3.94% for 2020, and 4.17% for 2021 previously presented to maintain services.

Administration presented three property tax options for the GPC Committee to consider.  The Committee resolved that Administration report back in August for options to produce a budget less than the current estimated costs to maintain existing services and implement the city-wide organics program phase-in.

“With the indicative municipal property tax rates set today, our teams will now spend the next few weeks focusing on where we can shift resources within the budget,” says Kerry Tarasoff, Chief Financial Officer. “Committee directed Administration to bring back options for them to consider.”

The report to Committee outlined a targeted municipal property tax increase equal to 3.94% in 2020 and 4.17% in 2021, which includes an additional 1.0% towards the city-wide organics program and the waste operations/landfill operating deficit and funding shortfall.

“This process provides the Administration with a guideline to prepare the budget in advance of final deliberations in late November,” Tarasoff says. “When considering the phase-in of the organics program and the deficit in waste operations, we’ll be looking at the options available to us to reduce the impact on property tax rates and related service-level impacts.”

Setting the indicative municipal property tax rate for two years provides greater certainty for residents about the future direction of property taxes. The process gives Administration direction to further refine the budget including service level changes and initiatives aimed at achieving City Council’s Strategic Priorities.

The indicative property tax rate acts as a starting point or baseline. City Council can change it as it makes final decisions on the budget priorities it wants to invest in. The City’s final budget, and related municipal property tax rates, for 2020 and 2021 will be made at budget deliberations set for the end of November 2019.

The new multi-year business plan and budget process supports better alignment of the City’s longer-term goals and objectives, and delivers improved financial stability, transparency and accountability.

For more information on the City’s multi-year budget, visit saskatoon.ca/budget.

The City’s commitments to explore new ways to improve service to residents, increase savings for the corporation and grow Saskatoon in a sustainable way are highlighted in the 2018 Saskatoon Strides Report on Service, Savings & Sustainability.

“The annual Strides report showcases the progress our City’s teams’ continue to make, and how our culture of continuous improvement is embedded into everything we do,” says Dan Willems, Interim Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer. “I’m very proud of our employees and the work they accomplished in 2018. Our teams continued to look at finding new ways of doing business to avoid future costs, and to create new efficiencies in our everyday work – their efforts lower our costs, save us time, and allow us to better deliver our services to citizens.”

2018 Strides Report Highlights:

• Through continuous improvement initiatives, the City realized $1.82 million in savings, with federal grant funding approved for $1.84 million.
• Saskatoon Land delivered $21.3 million in total financial returns, with $2.5 million contributed to the City’s General Revenue.
• Sustainability programs diverted over 28,400 tonnes of waste from the landfill.
• The City received numerous local and national awards and recognition, notably another ‘AAA’/Stable credit rating from S & P Global Rating Services, and a Gold Infrastructure Award for the Bridging to Tomorrow Project.
• The City hosted and participated in a wide variety of Indigenous initiatives in response to the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC’s) Calls to Action, and was awarded the Peacemaker Award for an ongoing commitment to mediation and conflict resolution within our community.
• Service Saskatoon continued to instill a culture of high-quality, citizen-focused service, improving how the City delivers front-line service and promptly connects citizens to the answers and information they need.

“We will continue to improve our processes to deliver excellent customer service. Our teams’ remain committed to finding additional efficiencies through creative solutions and new corporate-wide initiatives,” adds Willems.

The report also includes kudos from residents, Saskatoon Transit’s service improvements and Indigenous initiatives the City undertook in response to the TRC’s Calls to Action.

Find the full report and details on the financial savings and project initiatives on saskatoon.ca. The Strides report will be presented to the Governance and Priorities Committee Monday, June 17, 2019.

Saskatoon’s “Rock Your Roots” Walk for Reconciliation is back for its fourth year in Victoria Park on National Indigenous Peoples Day - Friday, June 21, 2019 at 9:30 a.m.

We invite people of all ages, cultural backgrounds and abilities to come together and learn about reconciliation, honour survivors, and to celebrate the strength and vibrancy of our diverse community.

The theme for this year is Re-igniting the Fire - a reminder that we cannot delegate reconciliation. We must commit as individuals, businesses, and communities to listen, learn, show up and share. We must keep the fire burning to spark change in our lives and city.

WALK WITH US: Organize your friend’s, your family, your community! We invite individuals, businesses, non-profits, faith communities, school groups and more to join the walk as a group. Show your support! Here are some ideas we’ve seen from our incredible walkers over the years:
- Carry your company/organization banner
- Get t-shirts made
- Wear the traditional/cultural dress of your heritage to “Rock Your Roots”
- Create handheld signs to carry with you and/or your group

The Walk joins up with National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations hosted by the Saskatoon Indian and Métis Friendship Centre. Celebrations include free lunch, special guest speakers, live entertainment and fun for the whole family.

Everyone is encouraged (but not required) to “Rock Your Roots” by holding or wearing traditional symbols of your culture to show and share the diversity within our community.

FULL SCHEDULE:

7:00 a.m. Pipe Ceremony – open to all. *Information on Pipe Ceremony protocol can be found on page 24 of the ayisīnowak guide on Saskatoon.ca/ayisīnowak.

9:00 a.m. Grand Entry of dignitaries and special guests

9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation. Gather at the start line for a group warm up exercise! Victoria Park (Avenue F south & Spadina Crescent)

11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations. Free lunch, cultural entertainment, special guest speakers and family fun as hosted by Saskatoon Indian and Métis Friendship Centre.

Celebrations are free and open to all. Golf carts will be available for those unable to walk.

For more information, follow on Reconciliation Saskatoon on Facebook or visit saskatoon.ca/reconciliation or otc.ca.

The City continues to roll-out steps in planning for the first multi-year budget for 2020 and 2021. The multi-year budget will provide greater certainty for residents about the future direction of property taxes, better alignment of the City’s longer-term goals and objectives, and improved financial stability, transparency and accountability.

Setting the municipal indicative property tax rate is a guideline and an important early step in the development of a business plan and budget. Setting an indicative rate gives City Council an opportunity to discuss budget priorities it wants to invest in.

“Prior to budget deliberations this fall, we’re now presenting a number of options to the Governance and Priorities Committee (GPC) on setting an appropriate indicative rate for this 2020/2021 budget cycle,” says Kerry Tarasoff, Chief Financial Officer. “Not only will this provide increased transparency surrounding the City’s budget process to residents, but it will give Administration the direction we need to further refine the budget including service level changes and initiatives aimed at achieving City Council’s Strategic Priorities.”

While the Administration is tabling this information with GPC at its meeting on Monday, June 17, 2019, detailed work will continue to refine the budget right up until budget deliberations at the end of November. 

Administration has prepared three property tax options for consideration by Committee, each with benefits and risks for City programs and services. Administration is currently projecting a 2.94% and 3.17% property tax increase required in 2020 and 2021 in order to maintain current service levels.

Option 1:

• Target a property tax less than 3.94% and 4.17% for 2020 and 2021, which includes an additional 1.0% towards the city-wide organics program and the waste operations/landfill operating deficit and funding shortfall.
• This option would require the Administration to reproduce a budget less than the current estimated cost to maintain existing services and implement the city-wide organics program phase-in.

Option 2:

• The Administration is recommending a targeted property tax increase equal to 3.94% and 4.17% in 2020 and 2021 which includes an additional 1.0% towards the city-wide organics program and the waste operations/landfill operating deficit and funding shortfall.
• This option would require the Administration to proceed with the current estimated costs to maintain existing services as well as continued implementation of the city-wide organics program phase-in. 

Option 3:

• Target a property tax higher than 3.94% and 4.17% for 2020 and 2021, which includes an additional 1.0% towards the city-wide organics program and the waste operations/landfill operating deficit and funding shortfall.
• This option would provide sufficient funding to maintain existing service levels, continue the phase-in of the city-wide organics program and leave funding for the implementation of other initiatives to achieve other City Council Strategic Priorities.

“Balancing property taxes, service level changes, our Strategic Goals and City Council’s Strategic Priorities is always difficult, however, we believe we’ve provided Committee with a full picture of the City’s financial projections and their available options for 2020 and 2021,” Tarasoff says.

Report Highlights:

• Administration anticipates a total revenue increase of $22.66 million for 2020/2021, mainly comprised of user fees, internal and external revenues and property tax growth.
• The City’s 2020/2021 budget forecasts increased expenditures of approximately $28.70 million, or 7.08% over 2019.
• Saskatoon Police Service currently estimates a total of $8.86 million in growth and inflationary pressures for 2020/2021.
• For the purposes of the 2020/2021 Indicative Budget Report and associated options, a 1.00% property tax change has been estimated to be equivalent to $2.44 million.

The indicative rate decision is a guideline for the rest of the year. City Council has the opportunity to set the final budget and associated municipal property tax rate through the 2020/2021 multi-year budget deliberations at the end of November 2019.

For more information on the City’s multi-year budget, visit saskatoon.ca/budget.

The City continues to replace the water and sewer lines in two of Saskatoon’s oldest neighbourhoods. This year, the priority is the City Park and Riversdale neighbourhoods where work has been underway for a few weeks.

“The water and sewer lines in these neighbourhoods are about 100 years old,” says Matt Jurkiewicz (yurr-KEV’-ich), Interim Director, Construction and Design. “The replacement projects include upgrading the pipes and also replacing the lead connections to homes that are also outdated.”

Work began in the City Park neighbourhood during the 2018 construction season. In Riversdale, this is the first of a two-year water and sewer upgrade. Phasing the work over a few construction seasons ensures the work is not spread across the entire neighbourhood at once, containing most of the construction to one area at a time.

“We appreciate the cooperation and patience of residents affected by the work, which once complete, will have several benefits,” Jurkiewicz says “They’ll experience improved water pressure once the new lines are in and water main breaks will be less likely during the winter.”

Other benefits include the restoration of streets where work is taking place, resulting in new driving surfaces and in some locations, new or rehabilitated sidewalks.

Earlier this year, the City’s Construction and Design team held open houses in both neighbourhoods and regularly distributes project updates to affected residents to outline the latest project details and timelines. Information is also available online at Saskatoon.ca/watermain.

The 2019 portion of water and sewer infrastructure upgrades in City Park and Riversdale is expected to wrap up by the end of October or before the first significant snowfall.

At its meeting today, City Council approved Bylaw No. 9572, The Traffic Amendment Bylaw, 2019 that increases the city-wide on-street parking limit from 36 hours to 72 hours, except as otherwise indicated by a sign or provided for in the bylaw.

This Amendment does not change the requirements for recreational vehicles or parking restrictions for street maintenance.  Recreational vehicles will continue to have a 36-hour restriction and then must not park on a city street for at least 48 hours.

Parking restrictions for street maintenance will continue to be marked with signs posted 36 hours in advance of street sweeping, construction, snow clearing and other similar activities. 

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

Investing in local water and wastewater systems is key to improving people’s quality of life, protecting waterways and positioning communities for growth.

Today, Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, on behalf of François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Saskatoon Westview MLA David Buckingham on behalf of Saskatchewan Government Relations Minister Warren Kaeding, announced funding for three new water and wastewater projects in the province.

In Saskatoon, drinking water storage capacity will be increased and a wastewater treatment plant will be upgraded.  In west-central Saskatchewan, a water distribution system will be created in the Rural Municipality (RM) of Snipe Lake and the RM of Newcombe, which includes upgrading the water treatment plant in Eston.

The Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan are each contributing more than $30.4 million to the three projects through the New Building Canada Fund.  Recipients are responsible for remaining costs.

“Modern efficient water and wastewater infrastructure is essential to safeguarding the well-being of our families and building the Canada we want for tomorrow,” said Goodale.  “By investing in projects such as these in Saskatchewan, we are helping close the gaps in services and ensuring everyone has access to safe reliable drinking water for years to come.”

“The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to be investing more than $30.4 million toward these three projects in our province,” Buckingham said.  “These will help position these communities for growth, enhance their key infrastructure, and improve the quality of life.”

“We’re investing in critical infrastructure we need to serve new communities and continue to provide reliable and safe water and wastewater services,” City of Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark said.  “Thank you to our federal and provincial partners for investing with us for a sustainable future.”

“We are very appreciative of the support this project has received from the federal and provincial governments,” RM of Snipe Lake Reeve and Chair of the Rural 44 Water Pipeline Utility Bill Owens said.  “Their contributions allow us to provide a safe, secure and sustainable water supply for rural and urban residents.”

Quick facts:

• Budget 2019, Investing in the middle class, is the Government of Canada’s plan to create more good well-paying jobs, put homeownership within reach of more Canadians, help working people get the training they need to succeed, support seniors, and lay the foundation for national pharmacare.
• Announcements in Budget 2019 build on the government’s Investing in Canada Plan, under which the government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years to build infrastructure in communities across the country.
• $26.9 billion of this funding is supporting green infrastructure projects, including $5 billion available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
• Since 2016, the Government of Canada has approved close to 180 new water and wastewater projects across Saskatchewan.
• With many municipalities across Canada facing serious infrastructure deficits, Budget 2019 proposes a one-time transfer of $2.2 billion through the federal Gas Tax Fund to address short-term priorities in municipalities and First Nations communities.

Associated links:

• Budget 2019: https://www.budget.gc.ca/2019/home-accueil-en.html 
• Investing in Canada Plan Project Map: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map 
• Federal infrastructure investments in Saskatchewan: https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/investments-2002-investissements/sk-eng.html 
• Investing in Canada: Canada’s Long-Term Infrastructure Plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html

The City of Saskatoon, Métis Nation - Saskatchewan and Saskatoon Tribal Council, along with the 98 business and community organization members of Reconciliation Saskatoon gathered in Civic Square outside City Hall today to raise the Reconciliation flag. In honour of the warriors who endured the residential school era, the ceremony also remembers all those affected by the Sixties Scoop, Day Schools, and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

“This year’s theme is Re-Igniting the Fire. We celebrate diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation as we move towards the future,” said Glen McCallum, President, Métis Nation – Saskatchewan. “This is our opportunity, Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, to come together, walk together and our commitment to making change and having a better quality of life for our children.”

The Reconciliation Saskatoon movement has grown to 98 member organizations since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada issued 94 Calls to Action in June 2015. The aim of the group is to support a community conversation about the process of Canadian reconciliation and to educate residents to engage in calls to action.

“I am willing to stand with anybody that wants to make a difference in people’s lives,” says Mark Arcand, Tribal Chief, Saskatoon Tribal Council. “As we are all Treaty people we must continue to work together to build partnerships and relationships to benefit all people of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and across the country so all people can have a quality of life.”

“With the guidance of Elders and Survivors and the commitment of a hundred different non-profits, businesses, and institutions, Saskatoon is charting a path forward toward reconciliation,” said Mayor Charlie Clark. “This is important work that we need to do in order to live up to the spirit of Treaty and the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and it is remarkable to witness and be a part of the progress we are collectively making. Ultimately, we are a stronger community because of the relationships that are being built and the groundwork that is being laid for the future of our city.”

Upcoming reconciliation events in Saskatoon include The Two Twenty: Lunch 'n Learn on INDIGENOUS PARTNERSHIPS, Wednesday, June 12 (Carrie: 306-241-6297 for more information) and the fourth annual “Rock Your Roots” Walk for Reconciliation along with National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations on Friday, June 21. Events are made possible through the generosity of community partners, including Saskatoon Community Foundation and Nutrien.

In 2015, Saskatoon committed to responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s calls to action, with a proclamation by City Council on June 22, declaring 2015-16 the Year of Reconciliation. In addition, the City committed to working with the Office of the Treaty Commissioner and other community groups, leaders and institutions in Saskatchewan, to promote reconciliation in our province.

For more information on events, or to have your reconciliation event added to the calendar, please visit OTC.ca.

The City of Saskatoon, in partnership with the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre and the Office of the Treaty Commissioner, has received a National Planning Excellence Award of Merit from the Canadian Institute of Planners in the category of Planning for Reconciliation for ayisīnowak: A Communications Guide.

The Awards for Planning Excellence Jury, comprised of planning professionals from across the country, states “ayisīnowak: A Communications Guide intends to provide City staff with a better understanding of the City’s relationship with Indigenous partners and aid in developing positive relationships with these partners. The jury commends the City as a non-Indigenous organization for this step on its path towards reconciliation. This user-friendly document may be useful as a starting point for other communities to develop their own communications guide.” 

Originally developed for City staff in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action #57, to provide education on the history of Indigenous people, ayisīnowak: A Communications Guide has also become a useful resource for other community organizations in Saskatoon and across Canada.  

“It’s an honour to receive this award from the Canadian Institute of Planners,” says Lesley Anderson, Director of Planning and Development.  “On our path to reconciliation, we recognize the need to increase understanding of the City’s relationship with Indigenous partners.  This guide is a tool to help City staff, and hopefully many others, increase their understanding and apply it in their work and day to day lives.”

“The City of Saskatoon has long played a leading role in supporting and enhancing relationships with First Nations peoples in a wide range of areas,” says Wanda Wilson, President of the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre.  “Through this guide, the City of Saskatoon is furthering their leadership role by encouraging civic administration to develop a deeper understanding about the ancestral values that have filled this place called Saskatoon for countless generations.” 

“The Office of the Treaty Commissioner is committed to engaging in public information and awareness to educate and advance the Treaty goal of Good Relations,” says Treaty Commissioner Mary Culbertson.  “Learning about history and the treaty relationship, and sharing culture is where true reconciliation lies.  We hope this guide will be a tool which will assist in the journey of reconciliation.”

The project partners also wishes to acknowledge the support of the Saskatoon Tribal Council, who through a summer employment partnership opportunity helped make ayisīnowak: A Communications Guide possible. 

Recipients of the 2019 Awards for Planning Excellence will be formally recognized at the 2019 Canadian Institute of Planners National Conference in Ottawa, July 3-6, 2019.   The annual awards honour projects deemed as exemplary resources to the planning profession.  For more information on the awards, please visit the Canadian Institute of Planners website. 

A second edition of the guide is currently underway, with the launch expected in the coming weeks.      

For more information on ayisīnowak: A Communications Guide, please visit saskatoon.ca/ayisinowak.

The City of Saskatoon is getting provincial funding to create a more visible pedestrian crossing at Clarence Avenue and 14^th Street. The $45,000 grant, funded through photo speed enforcement proceeds, will go toward pavement markings, signage, special illumination and pedestrian-activated amber flashing beacons. 

“The illuminated crossing will significantly improve pedestrian safety at Clarence Avenue and 14^th Street,” says Jay Magus, Director of Transportation. “Right now, this pedestrian crossing has pavement markings, but no special illumination or flashing beacons to alert drivers of pedestrians crossing at this intersection. Now, pedestrians will be a lot more visible to drivers.”

Residents of Nutana and Varsity View had identified Clarence Avenue and 14^th Street as a necessary location for pedestrian safety improvements through the City’s neighbourhood traffic review process. In choosing recipients, the Photo Speed Enforcement Committee looked at criteria focused on priority areas including intersection safety, aggressive driving, speeding and vulnerable road users.

The improved pedestrian crossing is expected to be operational by this fall.

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

There were fewer complaints about fire pits following last year’s bylaw change, a City report says.

“Overall, the past year has gone as expected with the rate of complaints dropping off slightly; we’re effectively using the tools available to us for enforcement action,” says Fire Chief Morgan Hackl. “Because of the increased enforcement, we have had a reduction in the number of repeated complaints to the same locations.”

The Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services will consider the report at its regular meeting Monday, May 13.

The report highlights the progress of the awareness campaign and bylaw enforcement in the first year of additional regulations. Council passed regulations in April 2018 prohibiting fires outside the hours of 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily.

Following the passing of the bylaw, an awareness campaign was launched to make residents aware of the requirements for the proper use and construction of open-air fires, including permitted hours of use.

In 2018, the Saskatoon Fire Department responded to 215 complaints compared to 236 in 2017 and 205 in 2016.  There were 127 enforcement actions taken; of those the majority of violations were for illegal containers (46%), followed by burning improper materials (33%), for burning outside of permitted hours (13%), and burning unattended (8%).

“With more discussion in the community, we’re hoping more people are aware of the rules so as not to be a nuisance for their neighbours,” Chief Hackl says. “As usual, we’ll continue to get the message out about the regulations and encourage residents to be good neighbours by enjoying fires responsibly and respectfully.”

Complaints related to open-air fires make up a small percentage (1.5%) of all incidents the Saskatoon Fire Department responds to each year.

To find out more, or to read Bylaw No. 9484 The Fire and Protective Services Amendment Bylaw, 2018, visit saskatoon.ca/bylaws.

The City of Saskatoon’s Emergency Management Organization (EMO) reports that yesterday’s city-wide notifynow test message sent to Saskatoon residents was successful.

The purpose of all emergency drills, tests, and full scale-exercises is to identify any issues that could impact an emergency response.  During last night’s exercise, an issue was identified that impacted the timing of the notifynow test message; the test was sent at 7:41 p.m.  The test successfully identified an issue in the data source that has been addressed.  Testing of the notifynow emergency messaging system ensures that in a real event, this issue will not impact this essential communication with citizens.

“Saskatoon’s population is now over 270,000 and growing. So far, we’ve had just over 24,000 residents customize their notifynow profile,” says Pamela Goulden-McLeod, Director of Emergency Planning. “We are pleased that this number continues to grow, but we would really like to see more residents customize their profile. It’s important to remember that notifynow can’t reach you and your family if you have incomplete or out-of-date contact information in the notifynow system.”   

Did you receive your notifynow test message last evening? Have you taken steps to be prepared, connected and informed in the event of a citywide emergency or one affecting only your neighbourhood? Trusted notifynow messages can help you feel less vulnerable.

“If you have a phone number that is publicly available, you may be in the notifynow system,” adds Goulden-McLeod. “However, we encourage residents to visit the City’s website to indicate how they want to receive their notifynow emergency notification messages. Many residents now prefer cell phone, text or email, or maybe all of these options, and you can also register for up to other five addresses.”

It’s easy to customize your notifynow profile and your communication preferences. Help notifynow reach you - and more Saskatoon residents with timely, trusted and targeted emergency notification messages.

“Notifynow messages should play an important part in your family’s emergency preparedness plan,” adds Goulden-McLeod. “These emergency safety messages can tell you what to do, what to expect, or even where to go in an emergency situation, and this greatly helps to reduce stress for you and those you care about.”

Visit saskatoon.ca/notifynow today to customize your communication preferences or call 306-975-3210 for more information.

The City is joining thousands of North American employers to celebrate a commitment to building a safe and healthy workplace during Safety and Health Week May 5-11. Safety is a core value at the City of Saskatoon and its part of who we are.

“Throughout the week work groups will gather to recognize our accomplishments and reinforce our commitment to employee health, safety and wellness,” says Sarah Cameron, Chief Human Resource Officer. “Occupational Health & Safety committees across the corporation are planning events and information sessions to promote a safe and health workplace and home life.”

The goal during Safety and Health Week is to focus employers, employees, partners and the public on the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace, at home and in the community. NAOSH Week was renamed Safety and Health Week in January 2019.

City Council proclaimed May 5-11 as NAOSH Week, as requested by the local Canadian Society of Safety Engineering, and a flag is flying in Civic Square.

City Council will put into practice a new Code of Ethics following recommendations from the Saskatoon Municipal Review Commission (MRC) and a series of Council discussions.  Council approved Bylaw 9537, The Code of Ethical Conduct for Members of City Council Bylaw, 2019 (Code) at its regular business meeting April 29, 2019.

The Code unites the 2012 Code of Conduct, the 2017 Code of Ethics Bylaw, and the recommendations of the MRC’s Municipal Code of Conduct Committee Report, dated February 11, 2016.

New! Integrity Commissioner

The addition of an independent Integrity Commissioner is established in the Code, as are complaint and investigation processes.

More clarity around gifts & benefits received

Members of City Council may only accept gifts or benefits that are permitted by the list of exceptions in the Code. The Code stipulates disclosure of gifts over $100 for individual gifts or cumulative gifts received from one source during the calendar year. Food or beverages consumed at receptions, meetings, sporting events, or other similar activities are excluded from disclosure in the Code.

Outside activities, what’s allowed

Council Members may continue to support community and charitable organizations, however, members must not directly manage or control any monies received relating to community or charitable organization fundraising unless they are an employee of the organization. The Code permits members to hold board director roles in charitable or non-profit organizations that hold community events in the city.

The Code of Ethical Conduct for Members of City Council Bylaw supports the Strategic Goals of Continuous Improvement and Quality of Life by promoting transparency of municipal government and supporting City Council in providing good governance to citizens of Saskatoon.

To find out more, or to read Bylaw 9537 in full, visit saskatoon.ca.

The City is pleased to announce Artists in Place: The Bunkhouse Project (The Bunkhouse Project), an artist-in-residence pilot program taking place in the historic Bunkhouse at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo. 

Sponsored by the City of Saskatoon, with a grant from the Saskatchewan Arts Board’s Artists in Communities program, several local artists were selected to set up studios in the Bunkhouse for a year-long residency. 

“We are pleased to support The Bunkhouse Project through our Artists in Communities grant program. Residencies like these facilitate collaborations between professional artists and members of the public. They make art more accessible to everyone,” says Michael Jones, CEO of the Saskatchewan Arts Board. The Artists in Communities program is supported by funding from SaskCulture, through the Saskatchewan Lotteries Trust Fund for Sport, Culture and Recreation.

The artists in residence at the Bunkhouse include Danica Lorer (professional storyteller), Lenore Maier (sound artist, musician, filmmaker), Muveddet Al-Katib (visual artist), Wendy Sharpe (painter, fibre artist, filmmaker) and Marcel Petit (producer, filmmaker, actor, photographer, playwright). 

“The Bunkhouse Project furthers one of the key directions of the City’s Culture Plan, which is to Foster Creative Placemaking,” says Kevin Kitchen, the City’s Manager of Community Development.  “By partnering with the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo to renovate and reimagine the Bunkhouse as artist studio space, we are able to provide a platform to host artists and engage the community through public art projects.”

Over the course of their residencies, these artists will be working on a variety of different interactive projects including story creation workshops; monthly sohbets (conversations) where participants will explore the symbols of their culture and create small paintings; a stop-motion animation workshop; and, opportunities to spin wool into yarn. In addition to their community engagement projects, each artist will provide an artist talk about their art practice. 

“It is very exciting to have the artists here at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo, bringing new life to the Bunkhouse and engaging with the public,” says Tim Sinclair-Smith, Manager of the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo.  “The renovations to the building are impressive.  Many people have worked hard to restore the building from what had become a storage facility to the beautiful space it is today.”

For more information on The Bunkhouse Project, including a schedule of activities, please visit saskatoon.ca/bunkhouse.

Bus Rapid Transit — or BRT — routes will travel down 1st Avenue downtown and Broadway Avenue in Nutana.  City Council made the decision at its regular business meeting Monday, April 29. 

Council opted for BRT dedicated lanes on 1st Avenue downtown and in mixed traffic for Broadway. 

The downtown north-south BRT route would run in dedicated transit lanes constructed in the centre of 1st Avenue with two centre median stations. One station is proposed to be constructed at the intersection of 1st Avenue and 21st Street and the other at the intersection of 1st Avenue and 23rd Street.

On Broadway, the mixed traffic plan is to construct two pairs of BRT stations on either side of Broadway Avenue at 12th Street and at 9th Street.

Under this option, there are no dedicated BRT lanes along Broadway Avenue, but Transit Signal Priority measures would be installed in traffic signals. The proposed BRT would mix with motor vehicle traffic that typically travels along Broadway Avenue, as well as vehicles entering and leaving on-street parking spaces.

BRT construction is not expected to begin until 2023 with a planned completion in 2025 and an estimated cost of $7.3 million for the Downtown and Nutana portions, subject to approval of funding. 

Downtown Active Transportation Network
Council endorsed a Downtown Active Transportation Network but wants more engagement on the design of sidewalk and cycling infrastructure along approved corridors. 

Fourth Avenue bike lanes to be removed 
City Council also approved a motion to remove the temporary bike lane demonstration on Fourth Avenue by the end of June.

The detailed reports and relevant attachments can be found here. 

Regina and Saskatoon are collaborating to find technology solutions that will improve mobility around their cities. The Civic Innovation Challenge, made possible through the support of Innovation Saskatchewan, seeks new approaches or innovative technology solutions that will reduce reliance on personal vehicles and enable better movement around the two cities.

“Saskatoon is home to so many innovative tech start-ups and companies and we have one of the fasting growing tech sectors in the country,” said Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark. “This partnership with the City of Regina and Innovation Saskatchewan can help to leverage this talent and expertise that our community and province has to address the challenges we are facing in creating a connected, accessible community for all.”

Saskatchewan and Canada’s best and brightest innovators and technology start-ups are invited to propose solutions that could help address the urban transportation challenge.

“This is a unique opportunity to work with Saskatoon to explore and pursue innovative solutions to transportation challenges facing both cities,” said Regina Mayor Michael Fougere. “We are interested in hearing diverse solutions and perspectives, while pursuing and incorporating modern, innovative technology.”

Participants offering solutions are invited to submit their proposals for consideration by May 13.  A winner will be selected through a competitive process and announced in the summer of 2019.

Companies interested in participating the challenge can become involved by visiting Communitech.ca/collisiondays.

City Council will soon have the opportunity to consider detailed information about what routes a rapid bus service and active transportation network could look like for Nutana and the city centre.

Following more than three years of technical work and public engagement, Saskatoon City Council will receive reports with recommendations on possible routes for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and the Downtown Active Transportation (AT) Network.

“The BRT system and Downtown AT Network are about more than transit, cycling and walking,” says Jay Magus, Director of Transportation. “They are about making a transportation system that works for everybody as the city grows and more people need to safely and efficiently move around the same amount of space.”

The BRT system and Downtown AT Network are key components of the City’s Plan for Growth, supporting corridor growth and economic development by improving the mobility of current and future residents. They enable viable options to automobile travel, helping the City with sustainability, climate and population growth challenges that are becoming increasingly important to address.

A number of network options have been evaluated in both the Downtown and Nutana areas for the BRT, and Downtown for the AT Network. The City Administration has considered the implications for each of the options and has made its recommendations. While there are recommended and preferred options based on the technical criteria for each system (BRT and AT), it must be stressed that any of the routing options evaluated will work and are supported by the Administration.

Magus says an intensive public engagement campaign was conducted that covered all areas of the city and offered many opportunities for input. “As our neighbourhoods and population continue to grow, by undertaking such a concerted engagement effort – for both the BRT and Downtown AT Network – we were able to look at how our technical recommendations can best work with what the citizens of Saskatoon see as important for the future of moving around our city.”

Report information, including technical recommendations and engagement results, are available on the City of Saskatoon website at saskatoon.ca/transit-plan (for BRT) and saskatoon.ca/moving-around/cycling/cycling-plans-projects (for Downtown AT Network). The official Agenda for the April 29^th City Council meeting will be available April 24^th at 4:00 p.m. at saskatoon.ca/city-hall.

With warming temperatures, median and street sweeping shifts into full gear this week. Simultaneously, pothole patching crews get started with hot mix asphalt for permanent repairs.

“We’re officially in spring cleaning mode with sweepers moving through high-traffic priority streets and crews filling broken pavement with hot-mix asphalt,” says Brodie Thompson, Acting Director of Roadways, Fleet & Support.

Over the next four weeks, citizens will notice sweeping on the driving lanes along priority streets, business improvement districts, and on medians and boulevards. The goal of this phase is to pick-up debris collected through winter and reduce dust. Curb-to-curb cleaning will occur as part of residential street sweeping beginning May 6.

“Thinking about potholes, the great news this spring is that roads are overall pretty smooth thanks to all the road rehabilitation the City’s been investing in,” says Thompson. “This summer, we will focus more of our energy on proactive treatments such as crack sealing to prevent potholes and deterioration of our roads.”

Sweeping
To allow for sweeping the entire road, a few neighbourhoods will see the yellow “No Parking” signs pop up in April. These roads will be swept ahead so they are available for parking when the residential street sweeping starts in those areas.

City-wide residential street sweeping will begin May 6, weather permitting. Bright yellow “No Parking” signs will be posted in neighbourhoods 36-48 hours in advance of street sweeping, followed up with ticketing and relocation towing. City crews will follow a similar schedule for permanently repairing potholes with a hot mix asphalt through neighbourhoods.  

Utility Cut Repairs
In addition to sweeping and pothole repairs, the City is maintaining more than 1,000 road cuts due to underground utility work. Permanent repairs of these road cuts will start next week.

Citizens can report dangerous locations to our Customer Care Centre, and continue to report pesky potholes on our Report-a-Pothole app to help the City prioritize repairs.

Visit saskatoon.ca/betterroads to report a pothole and for street sweeping schedules and information on spring road maintenance programs.

The future is bright in Saskatoon! As part of the Student Action for a Sustainable Future (SASF) Student Showcase, held on April 9 at the Western Development Museum, 320 grade 4-8 students from across the city displayed their environmental initiative results from work conducted over the past 6 months. The topics they explored ranged from water and energy conservation; waste reduction; active transportation; local food production; biodiversity protection; and reductions to greenhouse-gas emissions. Some of these innovative projects included:

• Initiatives to decrease the use of single-use plastics, such as garbage-free lunches and finding alternatives to single-serving yogurt containers.
• Waste audits and education to reduce garbage production. In one school, this reduced garbage by 18%.
• An assessment of the food-production potential for aquaponics (plants and fish sharing a common, pumped water supply and exchanging nutrients).
• Reduction of vehicle idling through education and presentations to school board members.
• Saving energy by switching out old light bulbs with energy-efficient LED’s.

“With the support and success of the SASF program, teachers and students are undertaking projects with real results that show what we can do to make our communities more sustainable now and for the future”, said Amber Weckworth, Manager of Education and Environmental Performance.

The SASF program was developed in 2013 as a partnership between the City, Saskatoon Public Schools, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools, Saskatchewan Environmental Society, Sustainability Education Research Institute, and community organizations. Since its inception, the program has involved 72 teachers, 49 schools, and approximately 2,000 students.

To learn more about the SASF project, visit: saskatoon.ca/studentaction.

Today, Saskatoon Transit marks a milestone on their journey to provide a fully-accessible public transit system.

Thanks to recent investments, the City’s fleet of various types of buses are now 100% accessible, allowing those with reduced mobility the freedom and independence of using conventional transit.

Starting in 2018 under the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund (PTIF) program, the Government of Canada and the City of Saskatoon each invested $12 million for a total of $24 million toward the purchase of 41 accessible low-floor conventional buses that can either kneel and/or have a ramp, along with nine specialized buses with wheelchair lifts for Access Transit. Within the same time frame, the Government of Saskatchewan’s Transit Assistance for People with Disabilities (TAPD) program also contributed $220,000 toward four additional specialized buses for Access Transit. A total of 54 new buses have been purchased for the City’s fleet, making it completely accessible.

This milestone allows Saskatoon Transit to connect more people to their destinations than ever by using a “Family of Services” approach. This means, Access Transit customers now have more transportation flexibility and spontaneity using conventional transit. The City encourages Access customers to use Transit’s conventional service for all or part of their trips. Transit Travel Training is available for those who may be new or unsure about taking conventional transit.

“Our investments in public transit are allowing people to spend less time commuting and more precious time with their families,” said the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “I’m proud to see that Saskatoon has transitioned to a fleet of 100% accessible buses, providing barrier-free transit services to ensure that everyone can get where they need to go safely and comfortably.”

“The Government of Saskatchewan commends the City of Saskatoon for reaching this destination. Our government is proud to have played a supportive role on this journey. That was done by contributing $220,000 in provincial funding between 2018 and 2019 toward four additional specialized buses for Access Transit under our Transit Assistance for People with Disabilities program,” said Government Relations Minister Warren Kaeding. “In our new provincial budget, we also increased capital funding for Transit Assistance for People with Disabilities by $250,000. This is a 45% increase from last years’ budget, bringing the program total for 2019-20 to $3.8 million to support eligible applicants across Saskatchewan.”

“We are continually working to improve our service and are extremely proud of reaching this milestone as we work towards a fully accessible transit service. We want all of our customers to have safe, convenient, and affordable transit options,” said Jim McDonald, Director of Saskatoon Transit.

“The Commission commends the City of Saskatoon on the leadership it has provided in making this initiative possible. We will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure the people of Saskatoon have effective and accessible transit,” said David Arnot, Commissioner of the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission. “Accessible transportation is a building block for a fair, inclusive, and equitable society. By removing barriers to transportation, we enable access to education and employment, as well as, to the services, opportunities, and benefits of living in a thriving multicultural and pluralistic city like Saskatoon.”

Experience Transit, Saskatoon Transit’s travel training program began as a pilot in mid-2017. The program is personalized, 60-minute training to introduce people to transit and teach them how to use conventional transit services independently. Training is customized to fit an individual’s lifestyle, travel needs and abilities. The program includes:

• Trip planning
• Wayfinding and navigation
• Fares
• Boarding and exiting
• Requesting accessible features
• Problem solving tips for when unexpected challenges occur

Over the past several years, Saskatoon Transit has implemented internal and external stop announcements as part of their commitment to providing accessible service. A complete bus stop audit will be conducted this summer to review all locations and their accessibility. 

The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo) is working with the Australian Dingo Foundation and the Oakvale Wildlife Park in Australia to bring two dingo pups to the Zoo this spring.

“We are just making the final arrangements before these pups start their journey to Canada,” says Tim Sinclair-Smith, Zoo Manager. “This is a great opportunity for us to bring some exciting new animals to Saskatoon, allowing visitors of all ages to meet dingoes, most likely for the first time.  It is also a great way to enhance our conservation, research, and education opportunities at the Zoo.”

Known as Australia’s wild dog, dingoes roam great distances and communicate with wolf-like howls.  They can live a solitary life or be part of a pack.  Truly pure dingoes are extremely rare due to interbreeding with domestic and feral dogs that were brought to Australia by European settlers.  The majority of their diet is wallaby and kangaroo, but they will also pursue small game such as rabbits and rodents and eat fruits and plants. Dingoes are naturally lean animals weighing approximately 14 kg and their coats are commonly a golden yellow with white markings on their chest, feet and tail tip.

The dingoes will be taking over the previous wolf enclosure across from the Meerkat House at the Zoo. Renovations for the new Dingo Habitat are expected to start in April with new habitat opening this spring.

The Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until the end of April, and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. starting in May.  Additional information regarding the Zoo can be found at saskatoon.ca/zoo.