News Releases

After months of planning and preparation, the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (the Zoo) and fRI Research, a non-profit research corporation based in Hinton, Alberta, have formalized a five-year agreement for the Zoo and the fRI Research Grizzly Bear Program to collaboratively carry out research on grizzly bear conservation and health.

“We are beyond excited to partner with the fRI Research on this amazing grizzly bear conservation and health research program,” says Zoo Manager, Tim Sinclair-Smith.

“This program will provide an opportunity for the Zoo to actively engage in conservation research, allow us to link research initiatives at the Zoo to those happening in the wild and support the conservation of grizzly bears in Canada.”

Over the next nine months, the research program will focus on the following:

• genetic identification of Zoo grizzly bears Mistaya and Koda by hair-based DNA analysis;
• effect of berry consumption on fecal based DNA analysis;
• planning and development of a naturalistic enclosure for grizzly bears at the Zoo which will utilize research findings on grizzly bear habitat and behaviour;
• communication of research activities and findings in the areas of grizzly bear health and conservation; and
• securing financial support for a Conservation Research and Wildlife Health Department at the Zoo, which will include the development and operation of a permanent Wildlife Health Centre.

The program will be coordinated by Dr. Marc Cattet, a wildlife health researcher and veterinarian for the fRI Research Grizzly Bear Program.  Dr. Cattet will work closely with Gordon Stenhouse, Research Scientist, and fRI Grizzly Bear Program Leader, on all aspects of this important new partnership.

“We are very pleased to be moving forward with this important new collaboration with the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo,” Stenhouse says.  “This partnership will allow us to communicate conservation research findings with Zoo visitors and to work with captive bears to answer scientific questions which we hope will ultimately result in the long-term conservation of this species.”

Mistaya is the sole surviving cub from Bear 66, a well-known female grizzly, who was killed in 2005 on the CP Rail tracks through Banff National Park.  He stayed in the wild until it became clear that he could not survive without intervention.

Koda was found orphaned that same year in the Grand Prairie region.  He was rescued and nurtured by zookeepers at the Edmonton Valley Zoo.  The cubs were paired at the Calgary Zoo and later transferred to their permanent home in Saskatoon.

For more information on the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo, visit saskatoon.ca/zoo.

As we approach the midpoint of summer, Saskatoon residents are seeing widespread evidence of the investment in the City’s roads and road network infrastructure. Construction projects are underway across the city that will result in improved road and sidewalk surfaces, reduced delays at major intersections, and new infrastructure including significant water and sewer upgrades.

“The volume of construction we’re undertaking this year is unprecedented, and there will be a very noticeable improvement at the end of this construction season,” says Celene Anger, Director of Construction and Design. “Since 2013, residents have been telling us through our annual Civic Services Survey that the condition of our roads is the single biggest issue facing Saskatoon. We’re working to answer that call and have made tremendous progress since we started the Building Better Roads program.”

Intersection Improvements

• Complete – 22^nd Street & Diefenbaker Drive
• On schedule – 51^st Street & Warman Road; Taylor Street & Preston Avenue  

This work will result in reduced delays, easier movements, and increased safety at each of these high traffic intersections.

Resurfacing

Beginning tonight, resurfacing work will begin on stretches of Airport Drive, Circle Drive and Idylwyld Drive. Resurfacing means removing a layer of deteriorated pavement and replacing it with a new layer of asphalt, leaving a smooth and stable driving surface. This work will be undertaken overnight (7 p.m. to 7 a.m.) to minimize traffic impacts.

Microsurfacing

Beginning this weekend, the City will start microsurfacing which needs warmer temperatures for successful application. Microsurfacing is a preservation surface treatment that leaves the road in ‘like-new’ condition. It’s applied to weathered or worn surfaces that are structurally sound.

Other Progress

• Close to 4,000 sidewalks panels have been replaced; an additional 765 panels have received a maintenance treatment
• Close to 700 km of roadway and crosswalk lines have been painted
• Sealing of city bridges is taking place throughout July and August
• Grading of gravel back lanes is taking place in more than 40 neighbourhoods
• Pothole repair crews are working seven days a week to fill potholes with hot-mix asphalt
• Significant water and sewer upgrades are underway in neighbourhoods across the city which includes the replacement of dated underground infrastructure and approximately 900 lead water service pipes to homes and businesses
• Work continues to progress on the construction of the new Traffic Bridge and North Commuter Parkway, as well as the construction of new interchanges at Boychuk Drive & Highway 16 and McOrmond Drive & College Drive

“With so many active construction projects underway around the city, we know what a pain it can be for people trying to navigate the roads,” says Anger. “We plan our 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.”

For 2017, City Council invested more than $61 million on the construction and maintenance of roads, sidewalks, back lanes, plus water and sewer infrastructure. This is roughly $2 million more than last year, and around $8 million more than in 2015. 

As part of an overall commitment to better roads in Saskatoon, City crews are busy repairing and grading a network of more than 400 kilometres of gravel back lanes. The annual work improves surface drainage and provides better access for residents and service vehicles.

“Gravel back lanes were assessed in the spring, so right now we are tackling lanes that were identified as being deteriorated due to weather and vehicle traffic,” says Brandon Harris, Director of Roadways and Operations. “In addition to improving surface drainage, back lane maintenance also includes rut and pothole repair.”

Although ponding water is normal after it rains, pools of water in gravel lanes over several weeks can speed up the formation of potholes. Back lane maintenance is both reactive and proactive as it repairs the surface while reducing future deterioration.

Residents can help prevent flooding in back lanes by keeping drainage routes clear of debris and trimming back tree branches that block sunlight in back lanes. Overhanging branches can prevent gravel back lanes from drying properly and also interfere with equipment.  

“Our crews operate large equipment, often in tight surroundings in these gravel back lanes,” says Harris. “We ask that while crews are working everyone stays clear of back lanes so our workers can get the job done safely and efficiently.”   

For everyone’s safety, please respect work zones, and for more information please visit saskatoon.ca/backlanes for the back lane maintenance schedule.

Weather

From now until 8 p.m. tonight there is a chance of showers as well as risk of thunderstorms. The likelihood of precipitation is medium with winds gusting from the east up to 50km/h until 5 p.m. then tapering off to a light easterly wind. The skies will clear to partly cloudy overnight.

Saskatoon experienced a thunderstorm last night with City rain gauges measuring accumulations ranging from 4.4mm in Silverwood Heights to 45 mm in Stonebridge, the rain gauge at the Shaw centre captured 23 mm.  Intensities were even more dramatic in the south and west areas of the city.

Water and Waste Stream

No storm related issues at the Water Treatment Plant.  The generators were put into “storm mode” when lightning started.

Last night two flusher crews were out checking/solving problem areas.

Today crews will perform inspections with Closed Circuit TV cameras in all low lying areas.  Catch basin crews are responding to calls of blocked street drains as needed.

Roadways & Operations

Roadway crews responded to approximately 20 popped manhole covers following last night’s storm.  One manhole cover was unable to be located and has been replaced.  Over the course of the night crews were able to re-open all sections of road except a closure on Melville Street; they are currently working to bring it back into service and expect it will be open sometime this morning.

Transportation

All traffic signals are operating fully except for 22nd Street and Hart Road which is operating in flash mode. Crews are troubleshooting and working to restore regular function.

Saskatoon Light & Power

The four major outages were restored before 10:00 p.m. last night. 

• Haultain, Adelaide/Churchill and Nutana Park. The outage was caused by a lightning strike damaging 3 poles. Power was restored at 9:36 p.m.
• Industrial neighbourhood. The outage was also caused by lightning damaging a capacitor bank. Power was restored at 9:38 p.m.
• Riversdale neighbourhood. The outage was caused by tree contacts. Power was restored at 8:29 p.m.
• Station 20 West. The outage was caused by damaged equipment from the storm. Power was restored at 9:20 p.m.

The smaller outages to single homes were restored by 12:30 this morning.  There were approximately 4650 customers affected.

For lingering impacts, SL&P has some tree trimming clean-up to finish this morning and 3 poles that will need to be replaced. These were the ones that started on fire due to the lightning strikes.   

Transit

Transit was back on schedule by 9:00pm.  There were some minor detours due to localized flooding.

Parks & Urban Forestry

Four reports of tree limb failures were made to dispatch last night and attended to or coned off for follow up response today. There have been an additional four tree damage calls that have been directed to Urban Forestry this morning. We have five Urban Forestry crews that will be responding to tree damage calls on a priority basis today.

Saskatoon Fire Department

Between 6 and 9 p.m. the SFD responded to 25 incidents; of those four involved tree contact or a downed power line which started fires; nine incidents were the result of fire alarms sounding. 

The Fire Department cautions the public against wading into storm water as there may be unseen hazards in the water such as missing manhole covers and dangerous debris. 

Standing water could also be extremely dangerous if there are downed power lines or if it became energized by a lightning strike.

Beginning this Thursday, July 6, the City is undertaking major work to improve the safety and functionality of the intersection at Taylor Street and Preston Avenue. Based on a set of pre-defined criteria that includes collision history and average delays, this intersection was one identified as in need of improvements in 2017. The work is expected to take eight weeks.

“We’re very aware of how disruptive construction work at a major intersection like this can be, and we’ve planned the project in order to minimize the impacts as much as possible,” says Celene Anger, Director of Construction and Design. “We waited until school was out for construction to start, and we’re also undertaking the work in phases so we can keep one lane of traffic open in all directions at all times.”

The planned improvements to the intersection include:

• Construction of a dedicated left turning lane from Preston southbound onto Taylor to improve traffic flow and reduce delays.
• Construction of dedicated right turning lane from Taylor westbound onto Preston to improve traffic flow and reduce delays.
• Moving the island between the intersection and right turning lane from Preston southbound onto Taylor to create a bus bay. This will allow buses to pull out of the flow of traffic to pick up and drop off passengers.
• Improving the alignment of crosswalks for the ease and safety of pedestrians.
• Painting lane lines to improve safety and the road user experience.

Some of the other major intersections undergoing improvements this summer include 22nd Street and Diefenbaker Drive (now complete) and 51st Street and Warman Road. For more information about 2017 construction projects, visit saskatoon.ca/betterroads. 

City staff now have a new tool available to assist in building successful partnerships with First Nations, Métis, and other Aboriginal organizations with the launch of “ayisīnowak [a/ee/see/ni/wak, the people]:  A Communications Guide [kâ-isi-pîkiskwâtoyahk, are communicating]” (Guide).

“The journey of Reconciliation will take time, open hearts, and open minds,” says His Worship Mayor Charlie Clark.  “We all have different norms and practices for building relationships and conducting affairs.  If we are open to learning and respecting each other's protocols and practices, we will grow stronger as individuals and as a community.  This Guide is an important step in our Reconciliation journey.”

Mayor Clark, together with collaborating partners, Chief Bobby Cameron, Chair of the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre Board of Governors; and Harry Lafond, Executive Director of the Office of the Treaty Commissioner, announced the initiative today.

The Guide provides City staff with a basic outline of Aboriginal protocol and governance systems and is designed to facilitate relationship building by increasing understanding, respect, and awareness of Aboriginal culture.  The Guide is intended to be an adaptive and living document that will continue to develop as relationships and understanding grow. 

“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.  Through this Guide, the City of Saskatoon is furthering their leadership role by encouraging civic Administration to practice an appreciation of the Indigenous cultures of the region (Treaty 6 Territory),” says Chief Bobby Cameron.

The City collaborated with the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre and the Office of the Treaty Commissioner to develop the First Edition of the Guide as part of its commitment to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action #57.  The Guide also assists in meeting the City’s Strategic Goal of enhancing relations with Aboriginal organizations through the development of educational opportunities.  

“The Guide will be a valuable asset for organizations and City Administration as the community journeys in the spirit of Reconciliation.  Make this Guide part of the personal action plan for the way forward,” says Harry Lafond.

The development of the Guide was made possible, in part, through a summer employment partnership opportunity between the City and the Saskatoon Tribal Council.

For more information and to download a digital copy of the Guide, please visit saskatoon.ca/aboriginalrelations.

City Council approved Victoria Park as the location for the “Where Our Paths Cross” reconciliation commemorative artwork.  The endorsement came at the June 26, 2017 City Council meeting.

“Where Our Paths Cross” was commissioned by the Saskatoon Tribal Council and the City of Saskatoon, with funding from the Government of Canada.  Its creation is in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action No. 79:  Educating and creating a sense of shared awakening.

“The ‘Where Our Paths Cross’ project is not just the Saskatoon Tribal Council’s call to action, it’s our partners’ too.  Together we are collaborating to create something that reflects Reconciliation Saskatoon for our entire community,” says Tribal Chief Felix Thomas, Saskatoon Tribal Council.

A concept by accomplished Canadian artist, Gordon Reeve, was unanimously selected by a committee for “Where Our Paths Cross” following extensive community engagement.  Reeve has works on public display across Canada and his experience in Aboriginal art and engagement includes the Chatham, Ontario sculpture “A Place of Many Grasses” that is a tribute to the Shawnee Chief, Tecumseh.

Reeve’s concept for “Where Our Paths Cross” is a burnished, stainless steel sculpture that will reflect the sun and the moon.  It is designed to reach 35 feet high at its highest point, 27 feet to the top of the arch, and 20 feet wide at inside ground level.  A longer pole, pointing north, symbolically represents the First Nations long history.  A shorter pole, pointing south, symbolically represents Métis history.  Both are anchored in the earth.  The crossing of the poles signifies the crossing of their paths high above all, as in the distant past.

“I am excited about the installation of the ‘Where Our Paths Cross’ sculpture in Victoria Park.  This sculpture will be both a gathering place and a statement about reconciliation in the heart of the Meewasin Valley,” says Mayor Charlie Clark.  “It will convey the roots of our community in the First Nations and Métis culture, intersecting with all who have moved here since.  ‘Where our Paths Cross’ is a testament to our shared history and our shared future.  Thank you to Gordon Reeve for this vision and to all of the partners who helped bring this sculpture forward to our community.” 

The sculpture will be located in Victoria Park, north of the festival site and east of Spadina Crescent West.  While a number of sites were considered, Victoria Park was identified by First Nations and Métis Elders as having particular significance because it has been the site of two Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada events, is large enough to accommodate community gatherings, and has a view of the South Saskatchewan River.

The sculpture will be installed by the spring of 2018.

Since 2015, the City has been working with the Saskatoon Tribal Council, Central Urban Métis Federation Inc., Office of the Treaty Commissioner, and other community groups, leaders, and institutions in Saskatchewan to promote reconciliation.

Saskatoon’s new Traffic Bridge is ready for its first concrete deck pour. Graham Commuter Partners (GCP) will complete the first pour for the new deck during the evening of Sunday, June 25, 2017, meaning activity at the site will extend beyond typical working hours, weather permitting.

“Nighttime is the best time to complete large pours like this because the temperatures are cooler and humidity is lower,” says Dan Willems, Special Projects Manager, Major Projects and Preservation. “This will be the first of three concrete pours for the new bridge deck.”

Willems says the City’s contract with GCP contains an after-hours clause stating that generally, all work at the Traffic Bridge is to be completed between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. on weekdays and 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. on weekends.

“Outside of these hours, GCP is allowed to undertake certain critical construction activities provided the City has received and reviewed plans showing all details of the work to be completed, along with start and end dates, and that all lighting and other safety requirements to complete night work are met.”

The City would like to thank nearby residents for their understanding and patience during construction of the Traffic Bridge, which is part of the Bridging to Tomorrow Project. The project also includes construction of the North Commuter Parkway. Both bridges remain on schedule for completion in October of 2018.

For Bridging to Tomorrow updates, please visit saskatoon.ca/bridging.

The City continues to take a more strategic approach toward improving and maintaining the condition of hundreds of kilometres of sidewalks in Saskatoon. $7.9 million is going into preservation and maintenance programs this year.

“This is a budget that helps us work toward our goal to decrease the sidewalk repair and maintenance backlog,” says Rob Frank, Engineering Manager, Asset Preservation. “We continue to combine two approaches when it comes to ensuring our sidewalks are well maintained and free from immediate safety concerns – the Sidewalk Maintenance Program and the Sidewalk Preservation Program.”

The Sidewalk Maintenance Program is about extending the life of an existing sidewalk by managing safety hazards such as large cracks, broken concrete, and tripping hazards. Sidewalks are prioritized according to condition and pedestrian use and are maintained until they are determined as being in an unacceptable condition.

“We have a criteria to determine actions taken when it comes to regular maintenance, but we also consider feedback from residents who report sidewalks with immediate safety hazards. When we hear from a resident, we put it on the list for inspection and then, if necessary, prioritize it for maintenance,” says Frank.

The Sidewalk Preservation Program is a planned program that focuses on repairing sidewalks next to roadways already in the queue for a treatment under the three-year Road Preservation Program. It also addresses worst condition sidewalk segments in the highest pedestrian traffic locations. Then, as those sidewalks continue to improve, the work progresses to lower pedestrian traffic locations. This cost-effective approach ranges from repairing panels, to replacing panels, to replacing entire sidewalk segments.

The City has approximately 1,524 kilometres of sidewalks. Using current maintenance and replacement criteria, it will take approximately 15 years to address the sidewalk backlog over the entire sidewalk network.

For more information about sidewalk repair, maintenance and replacement criteria, and how to report immediate safety concerns, please visit saskatoon.ca/sidewalks. 

People of all ages, classes, cultures and abilities, are invited to celebrate National Aboriginal Day and the second annual “Rock Your Roots” Walk for Reconciliation today in Victoria Park.

The “Rock Your Roots” Walk begins at 10:00 a.m. and is part of many National Aboriginal Day activities being held throughout the day, beginning with a Pipe Ceremony at 7:30 a.m. Participants and groups are encouraged to celebrate their unique cultural heritage by holding or wearing traditional symbols of their culture or organizations during the “Rock Your Roots” Walk for Reconciliation.

National Aboriginal Day activities and entertainment in the park will include:

• 7:30 a.m. Pipe Ceremony – open to all.
• 9:30 a.m. Gather at start line for “Rock You Roots” Walk for Reconciliation.
• 10:00 a.m. “Rock Your Roots” Walk for Reconciliation begins. Along the way, Magic City Chorus, Max Laplant, Many Nations Dancers with Wild Horse, John Arcand and the Creeland Square Dancers will perform.
• 11:30 a.m. Grand Entry of dignitaries and special guests.
• 12:30 – 4:00 p.m. Public lunch, activities and family fun including learning activities in tipis, partner exhibit booths, and an entertainment stage.

The “Rock Your Roots” Walk follows a month-long series of events launched by Reconciliation Saskatoon on May 17 to promote Reconciliation in Saskatoon. The events educate and inspire citizens on the process of Canadian reconciliation and to answer the calls.

Reconciliation Saskatoon’s theme for the Walk this year is answering the calls. Leading by example, Reconciliation Saskatoon shared videos and testimonials highlighting ways members responded to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action.

Reconciliation Saskatoon is a 58 member initiative of 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.

For more information, visit saskatoon.ca/reconciliation, www.OTC.ca or phone the Office of the Treaty Commissioner at 306-244-2100.

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 Aboriginal well-being and participation in our community.

The City is pleased to announce the launch of the “I am the Bridge” anti-racism campaign. 

“Building a city where all people can succeed starts with building relationships and a shared understanding,” says Mayor Charlie Clark.  “The ‘I am the Bridge’ campaign helps to do this by telling stories and sharing the insights of Saskatoon residents on their lived realities with racism.  These conversations are crucial to collectively build an inclusive community.”

Over the past year, residents were invited to submit videos sharing their experiences with racism in Saskatoon and their ideas on how to eliminate it.  From these submissions, the most powerful quotes were selected to produce a thought-provoking ad campaign that includes a video compilation, mix of outdoor advertising, and social media. 

“By shining a light on individual experiences, we hope this campaign will increase awareness and recognition of racism in our community and help generate ideas of inclusion among residents,” says Lynne Lacroix, Director of Recreation and Community Development. 

Racism is a global issue, not unique to Saskatoon.  It takes many forms and is influenced by a range of historical, social, political, and economic factors. 

“An understanding of the nature of racism is essential in order to recognize and address it successfully,” says Lacroix.

Everyone can be the bridge to ending racism in Saskatoon.  To learn more about anti-racism education and watch the “I am the Bridge” video, visit saskatoon.ca/iamthebridge.    

With the summer construction season in full swing, the City of Saskatoon reminds drivers, people on bikes and pedestrians about work zone safety. Now in its fourth year, the Respect Work Zones campaign focuses on respecting work zones and workers.

“We’re continually doing our best to make sure that our work zones and workers are always safe,” says Angela Gardiner, Acting General Manager of Transportation & Utilities. “We rely on the participation of residents to obey signage, watch for workers and always pay attention.”

Gardiner says as the City completes night work to limit disruption to commuters, drivers are asked to watch for speed reductions around work zones.

“Be aware of work happening at night,” she says. “Drivers can expect night work to happen on priority streets from seven o’clock at night to seven o’ clock in the morning throughout the summer and should watch for reflective cones, delineator posts and flashing lights.”

The most common type of work zones are those around construction and roadway projects, but there are other work zones such as mobile work zones for line painting, parks maintenance and even drop-off zones at the landfill.

“Respecting our different types of work zones also means respecting our workers at their place of business – these locations are their offices,” says Gardiner. “We want to keep our message of respect in the workplace front and centre.”

Gardiner stresses at times, construction work may appear halted or complete, but construction signs and barriers are kept in place where work zones are potentially hazardous to residents, or to protect construction work and materials while they set or cure. It’s imperative to never enter a work zone or move past signage even if it appears complete or inactive. There are serious safety risks in doing so, as well as the risk of vehicle damage.

The Respect Work Zones campaign supports the City Council Strategic Priority (2016-2020 Term) of Transportation. This year, through the Building Better Roads program, City Council invested $61 million to build, maintain and repair sidewalks and roadways in local neighbourhoods in addition to other projects around the city. 

Road crews will start paving work on some priority roadways this week, but many motorists won’t notice the construction until it’s complete and they are driving on smooth, new roadways.

“Our goal is to keep traffic moving during the day, so we’re scheduling more work at night,” says Matt Jurkiewicz, Engineering Manager, Technical Services, Construction and Design.  “Resurfacing is a reasonably fast moving paving project that is ideally suited for night work.  Sections of roads can be milled one night and paved the next.  We can open the roadway for daytime traffic.”

Resurfacing is a roadway treatment that replaces surface pavement and makes the road surface smooth again. A milling machine removes a top layer of existing deteriorated pavement, then a paving machine lays new, hot mix asphalt.

“This type of road work does not usually require full road closures,” Jurkiewicz says. “It relies more on lane restrictions so even at night traffic can keep moving, just at a slightly reduced speed.” 

Jurkiewicz says other types of roadway preservation work can’t be done at night, like reconstruction projects that involve open pit work and microsurfacing, which works best in the hottest days of summer.

“Crews started resurfacing work Monday night on Marquis Drive and expect to be there for about a week.  Then they’ll move on to other priority roadways including Airport Drive and Idylwyld Drive,” says Jurkiewicz.

For a complete, list of construction projects, visit the city’s online interactive maps.

The 2017 budget for roadway preservation $32 million.

Today, 21 high school students will graduate from the Fire Introduction Recruitment Experience (FIRE) Cadet Program offered through a partnership with Saskatoon Fire, the Saskatoon Public Schools and Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools.

The FIRE Cadet Program is part of the Career Education curriculum at Bedford Road Collegiate, Mount Royal Collegiate, Tommy Douglas Collegiate, E.D. Feehan Catholic High School and Bethlehem Catholic High School. Each graduating student demonstrated responsibility, respect, teamwork, community involvement, pride and leadership to ensure their personal success throughout the eight week program.

“We have seen phenomenal growth in the comradery and teamwork shown by the FIRE Cadets. The students came from different schools and different backgrounds but very quickly jelled as a group,” says Doug Wegren, a firefighter leading the program.“It was exciting to see the student’s transition from being individuals to working together to tackle multiple tasks and challenges.”

Throughout the eight week program students learned to operate fire hoses, hydrants, fire trucks and an aerial ladder. They gained technical rope, ladder, extrication, dangerous goods, firefighter self-rescue and water rescue skills. Cadets also completed the Red Cross CPR Level C training course and acquired valuable experience leading fire safety presentations.

Brandon Bishop with the Saskatoon Fire Department states, “The support we have received from our community has been instrumental in the success of our students and the FIRE Cadet Program. I want to especially acknowledge Don Flaman from Flaman Sales who provided us with a trailer for the program, and SGI who offered us cars so our students could practice their extrication skills.”

It is the hoped that this program will encourage a strong desire in the graduates to consider a future career path serving the community with the Saskatoon Fire Department.

Congratulations to each student who is graduating from the FIRE Cadet Program today. 

Visit saskatoon.ca to learn more about the Saskatoon Fire Department.

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, June 9, 2017 — Investing in public infrastructure supports efficient, affordable and sustainable transit services that help Canadians and their families get to work, school and essential services on time and back home safely at the end of a long day. The Government of Canada is making investments that will help create well-paying jobs and grow the middle class now while building a strong foundation for a sustainable economic future.

Today, the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; the Honourable Donna Harpauer, Minister of Government Relations; and James McDonald, Director of Saskatoon Transit; have announced that 11 new fully accessible buses have been added to Saskatoon Transit’s fleet. Funding was provided through the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund (PTIF) from the Government of Canada and the City of Saskatoon. The Government of Saskatchewan administers federal PTIF funding in the province.

This transit service improvement falls under Saskatoon City Council’s Strategic Goal of Moving Around, which aims to make it easier for citizens to use Saskatoon Transit by providing safe, convenient, reliable and affordable service. These buses are the first of 52 that have been ordered (40 conventional and 12 fully accessible buses) by Saskatoon Transit as part of their PTIF project. 

This project is also part of the bilateral agreement between Canada and Saskatchewan and was announced on September 16, 2016, as part of more than $27.3 million in federal funding for 12 public transit projects. In addition, more than $1.4 million in federal funding was announced on January 11, 2017, for two additional projects under PTIF.

Quotes

“Investing in public transit infrastructure helps people get around quickly, reduces pollution, and creates good jobs today while laying the foundation for economic growth tomorrow. These new buses will help Saskatoon to renew its fleet and provide reliable transit services, allowing residents to spend less time on the road and more time with their families.”

The Honourable Ralph Goodale,
Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,
On behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

“The Government of Saskatchewan appreciates this program being available to our province’s municipal partners to make their communities stronger. The Public Transit Infrastructure Fund will help Saskatoon improve their local transportation system for the benefit of citizens who work, live and raise families in Saskatchewan’s largest city.”

The Honourable Donna Harpauer,
Minister of Government Relations

“Adding these buses to our fleet reduces the average age of our buses which helps us to enhance our service level and reduce maintenance costs. These new buses are fully accessible, have wider aisles and bike racks which will result in more convenient trips for customers. They also come equipped from the factory with our automated stop announcement system and will help us lower our greenhouse gas emissions.”

James McDonald,
Director of Saskatoon Transit

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada will contribute $12 million toward the renewal and upgrade of Saskatoon’s Transit fleet. The City of Saskatoon will also be investing $12 million.
• The purchase price for the 11 Nova 40 foot low floor diesel buses was $5.8 million.
• Saskatoon Transit’s asset management strategy will see changes to transit over the next eight years as the department:
  • Reduces its average bus age from 11.9 to 7.3 years, thereby reducing maintenance costs and the number of ‘spares’ required;
  • Provides full accessibility on every bus, along every route; and
  • Offers air conditioning and other improved amenities on every bus.
• The Government of Canada will provide more than $180 billion in infrastructure funding over 12 years for public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, transportation that supports trade, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
• To support public transit, Budget 2017 proposes $25.3 billion. This amount includes $5 billion that will be available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.

Associated Links

Government of Canada’s $180-billion+ infrastructure plan in Budget 2017: http://www.budget.gc.ca/2017/docs/plan/chap-02-en.html#Toc477707375

Federal infrastructure investments in Saskatchewan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/sk-eng.html

CWWF and PTIF projects in Saskatchewan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/pt-sp/pt-sp-sk-eng.html

The Public Transit Infrastructure Fund: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/ptif-fitc-eng.php

Saskatoon Transit: www.saskatoontransit.ca

City Council’s decision whether to designate Third Avenue United Church as a Municipal Heritage Property remains on hold, pending an imminent recommendation from the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation’s Review and Appeals Committee.

“Regardless of what the Provincial  committee decides, the City Administration remains firm in its view the property warrants designation as one of the most prominent heritage structures in the City, as well as its historical value and current use as a major cultural centre,” says Randy Grauer, Community Services General Manager.

In the meantime, the property is on the City’s Heritage Holding Bylaw, which prohibits demolition, without the specific permission of City Council. 

In addition, because of a dispute between two parties with a financial interest in the Third Avenue United Church property, a Queen’s Bench justice has issued an order that in effect protects the historic building from sudden demolition.

Grauer says it is an unusually complex legal situation.

“The court order essentially says the property must be maintained in the same condition it was when it was purchased by the Third Avenue Christian Centre in the fall of 2013. We would not want to see a scenario where a party with an interest on the property begins an unauthorized demolition just to reap whatever value the lot may have.”

Right now, the mortgage is in arrears. The court order allows for a judicial sale of the property no sooner than August 30, 2017. Until such time, the property is protected by the terms of the order and must remain in the same condition as it currently exists.  

It is the City’s hope that the matter will be back before City Council within the next two months.  The City Administration remains vigilant in monitoring the site, and any attempt at demolition would be met with a quick and appropriate response.

Saskatoon’s new Traffic Bridge and North Commuter Parkway are literally taking shape. The Bridging to Tomorrow project began a year and a half ago and both bridges remain on schedule to be complete in October 2018.

The six-lane North Commuter Parkway will connect Saskatoon’s Marquis Industrial Area to neighbourhoods on the east-side. It will also accommodate pedestrians and cyclists.

“At the North Commuter Parkway, the structural steel for the west half of the bridge is in place and work is ongoing on the final in-river pier,” says Dan Willems, Special Projects Manager for Major Projects and Preservation. “Once the final pier is finished, the structural steel for the east half of the bridge will be installed. Crews are also installing deck panels on the west half of the bridge.” 

Before the North Commuter Parkway can open, new roads and upgrades to existing ones are also necessary. The twinning of Central Avenue continues, and the McOrmond Drive extension is well underway.

The new Traffic Bridge looks similar to the old traffic bridge but is four spans and is slightly wider and taller in order to accommodate wider traffic lanes, wider pathways on both sides, and overhead clearance for emergency vehicles. Once complete, it will once again serve as a convenient link for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists crossing the South Saskatchewan River.

“All of the structural steel is now in place on the Traffic Bridge and work is ongoing to install the deck panels which create the ‘subfloor’ of the new bridge. By the end of summer, all of the deck panels will be installed.  The asphalt driving surface and adjacent landscaping will be completed in the summer of 2018,” says Willems.

Bridging to Tomorrow project updates, including detailed monthly summaries, links to live cameras at each bridge site, and quarterly video updates, are available at saskatoon.ca/bridging.

In person, anyone can watch Traffic Bridge progress at the River Landing viewing area. North Commuter Parkway construction can be viewed from the Meewasin Trail just east of the cul-de-sac at the north end of Kinnear Avenue (north of Silverwood Golf Course). 

The Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth (P4G) is pleased to announce the draft P4G Regional Plan (Plan) is complete.

“The goal of the Plan is to ensure each of the five partnering municipalities can benefit from growth opportunities, increase efficiencies, and reduce costs by working together,” says Alex Fallon, Independent Chair of the P4G Regional Oversight Committee and President and CEO of Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA).

The draft Plan recommends a series of guiding principles and policies around land use, transportation, servicing, and implementation, as well as proposes new governance and administrative structures for the region.

The P4G invites residents in the Rural Municipality of Corman Park; the Cities of Saskatoon, Warman, and Martensville; and the Town of Osler to an Information Session for the draft Plan.

“The draft Regional Plan is a significant milestone in our efforts to plan for long-term growth across our region.  I encourage the public to attend to understand how the Regional Plan will work and the next steps,” Fallon says.

PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSION:  P4G Regional Plan
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
Open House – 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Public Presentation 6:30 p.m. followed by a moderated Question and Answer Session
North Ridge Centennial Community Centre
901 3^rd Street North, Martensville

The public is encouraged to submit, in advance, any questions or comments to be addressed during the Moderated Question and Answer Session on the P4G website at partnershipforgrowth.ca.  Answers will be posted on the website in a Frequently Asked Questions document after June 27, 2017.

The Consultant, O2 Planning + Design, and representatives from the partner municipalities and SREDA will be in attendance.

To view the draft Plan, Servicing Strategy, and the Governance and Implementation Strategy, as well as to submit questions for the Moderated Question and Answer Session, please visit the P4G website at partnershipforgrowth.ca.

The City has partnered with the Downtown Saskatoon Business Improvement District on a pilot project that will use new technology to keep sidewalks clean.

“We’re continuously looking for better and more affordable ways to improve how we deliver services, and we want to help our citizens do the same thing," says Brandon Harris, Director of Roadways and Operations.  "In this case, using new partnerships and new technology will hopefully improve the way BID sweep their sidewalks, and provide a cost savings for the City at the same time."

“In the city centre, sidewalks are swept by the Downtown Saskatoon BID, but catch basins, gutters, and bike lanes are kept free of debris by the city.  By combining these two jobs, cost savings can be achieved by both the BID and the City.”

This spring, summer and fall, a pilot study will be done to determine the long-term feasibility of this partnership.  The City will provide the equipment and training, and the BID will supply the staff to operate the machinery.

A new piece of sweeping equipment called a Micro Air Street Sweeper will be used for the study. The Air Sweeper is designed for narrow and congested locations such as sidewalks, gutters and bike lanes. It also utilizes different technology than traditional sweepers to control dust in high population areas, helping to keep the area cleaner. 

“A clean and safe district is our top priority,” says Brent Penner, Executive Director of Downtown Saskatoon’s Business Improvement District.

“Downtown Saskatoon’s “Clean Team” is responsible for keeping the public right-of-way looking clean and pristine. Our staff is looking forward to utilizing this new piece of equipment with its broad capabilities as it will allow us to operate more efficiently in cleaning our district.  We’re excited to be partnering with the City on this pilot project.”

The pilot study will be evaluated at the end of the season to identify lessons learned and the feasibility of continuing and expanding a similar model to the other Business Improvement Districts.  The partnership is expected to save the city approximately $20,000 in 2017.

Once again, the City is inviting residents to participate and “Have Your Say!” through the 2018 Citizen Budget at saskatoon.ca/financialfuture. The 2018 Citizen Budget goes live today, and will be open for public feedback until June 25, 2017.

 “This online tool provides an opportunity for citizens to share their priorities and preferences, by telling us what matters most when it comes to the service levels the City provides,” says Carla Blumers, Director of Communications. “Last year we had over 800 people participate and we hope this year even more residents will weigh in.”  

In its third year, Citizen Budget is educational and interactive.  It provides a great opportunity for residents to be heard - and to get involved in the City’s annual budget process. There are 12 categories where participants can decide how they would adjust property tax funding.

“The online tool has investment sliders which residents can select to either maintain the City’s current service levels, increase or decrease them for each service or program,” Blumers says. “As you make your choices, your property tax dollar amount will change in real time so you can see the impact of your funding choices on an individual tax bill.”

Blumers says each year City Council and Administration must make difficult decisions when balancing the trade-offs that need to be considered when increasing, decreasing or providing the same service levels.

“Citizen Budget allows you to see the impact that investment changes in service levels can have on your property taxes.”

For residents who may prefer to submit written comments and feedback on the 2018 Budget, Citizen Budget comment sheets are available at the Info Desk in the lobby of City Hall.

Importantly, the public feedback gathered through Citizen Budget will again be considered by City Council and Administration prior to the budget review in October. City Council also considers other factors for annual budgetary decision making including inflation, the city’s growing population, Council priorities, service level changes and the City’s performance measures.

To participate in the 2018 Citizen Budget, and to also view the City’s informative Budget video series, visit saskatoon.ca/financialfuture. 

Major upgrades to local infrastructure have started in several locations throughout Saskatoon thanks to support from federal and provincial governments as part of the 2017 Water Main, Sanitary Lining and Lead Water Pipe Replacement Initiative.

 “Modern, efficient water, wastewater and storm water management infrastructure is essential to the well-being of Canadian families and creates economic growth and middle-class jobs,” said the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “We are pleased to invest in these improvements in Saskatoon to improve the reliability of its systems while protecting the environment.”

This year, close to 1,000 properties in five neighbourhoods in Saskatoon will see extensive water main replacement and sewer lining work, including the replacement of over 900 lead water service pipes to homes and businesses.

“The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to play a role in improving Saskatoon’s water infrastructure by investing up to $7.9 million toward this initiative and working with our federal and municipal partners to improve service for our citizens,” said the Honourable Donna Harpauer, Minister of Government Relations.

This coordinated approach to managing underground and road renewal at the same time lessens the impact to residents and lowers the cost. 

“We always look for ways to be more efficient and minimize inconvenience to citizens,” says Celene Anger, Director of Construction and Design.  “By combining water main replacement and water and sewer main lining, then replacing road surfaces and sidewalks, we save money and we save the amount of time we’re in a neighbourhood.”

The intent of this initiative is to accelerate short-term municipal investments while supporting the rehabilitation of water and wastewater infrastructure to meet immediate priorities for clean water and healthier environments for communities.

Through the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund, the Government of Canada is contributing up to $15.8 million and the Government of Saskatchewan is contributing up to $7.9 million toward this overall City of Saskatoon initiative worth a total of $43.3 million.

City Council updated its Building Bylaw and repealed its 25-year-old predecessor at its Tuesday, May 23 meeting.

“It’s business as usual, just better,” says Director of Building Standards, Kara Fagnou.  “We have consolidated and improved our information to capture all key aspects of the building process into the bylaw.”

Building Bylaw No. 9455 (Bylaw) will replace Building Bylaw No. 7306.

“The intent of the Bylaw is to better reflect current practices and provide tools to better administer our programs,” Fagnou says.  “The updates will also clarify the requirements and conditions for building permit applicants and what people or companies can expect when building in Saskatoon.”

The Bylaw updates will enhance program transparency by clarifying what the application requirements and permitting conditions are.  Some of these conditions include:

• defining permit expiry dates;
• outlining the process for requesting a permit extension; and
• clarifying site conditions and construction signage requirements.

Importantly, key industry stakeholders were involved in improving the way life-safety systems are addressed throughout the building process.  These partners helped incorporate new requirements for on-site life-safety system reviews to make sure installations are done in accordance with the approved engineered design; this was previously outside the scope of the program.

The updated Bylaw will contain new administration fees to support the sustainability of the Building Inspection and Plan Review Programs.  The administration fees will apply only to customers who request to:

• extend the term of their building permit;
• reinstate a building permit; or
• cancel a building permit.

Full enforcement of the Bylaw provisions is proposed for January 1, 2018.  The City’s Building Standards Division will work with industry and civic departments over the next six months to develop an implementation plan to support the rollout of the updated Bylaw.

“Overall, the updated Bylaw provides a platform to communicate building permit requirements and conditions in a clear and consistent manner,” Fagnou says.  “It helps promote good neighbour practices through transparent building permit program administration, and it supports the City’s Strategic Goals by balancing growth with accountability and public safety.”

For more information on the updated Bylaw, please visit saskatoon.ca/buildingstandards or contact Building Standards at 306-975-2645.

Mayor Charlie Clark has requested all flags at City of Saskatoon facilities fly at half-mast to pay tribute to victims of the bombing in Manchester, United Kingdom.

“We would like to offer our deep condolences to the community and people of Manchester,” Mayor Clark says. “This affects us all, and especially the many residents in Saskatoon who have friends and family living in England.”

A Saskatoon Transit bus was this morning involved in a multi-vehicle collision near the intersection of 2nd Avenue and Queen Street. 

Passengers on the southbound bus were not injured, but the operator reported some discomfort to an arm. While at least four other vehicles were involved, no other injuries were reported.

Drugs or alcohol are not suspected. In addition to cooperating with police, Transit officials are also conducting the routine internal investigation.

The City of Saskatoon, Office of the Treaty Commissioner, Saskatoon Tribal Council, Central Urban Metis Federation Inc., along with 54 supporting organizations, have launched a month-long series of activities to promote Reconciliation in Saskatoon.

The 58 member initiative, known as Reconciliation Saskatoon, joined together to further a citywide conversation about the process of Canadian reconciliation, provide opportunities for transformative experiences at events, and inspire citizens to engage in calls to action.

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.

This year’s month-long schedule of activities will give Saskatoon residents an opportunity to explore the meaning of reconciliation and answer the calls.

The schedule will culminate in the second annual “Rock Your Roots” Walk for Reconciliation in Victoria Park on June 21, National Aboriginal Day. Everyone is invited to celebrate with our Indigenous community and display their own unique cultural heritage. Food and entertainment will be provided.

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

Quotations:

• Felix Thomas, Chief, Saskatoon Tribal Council

“The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s calls to action called on all of us - First Nations, leadership, organizations, everyone - to step up. Reconciliation is a heavy task and it takes more than a village to make it happen. The organizations and people that are part of Reconciliation Saskatoon prove that working together helps us move forward. Let’s keep this momentum up and one day Reconciliation won’t just be a goal, but an achievement.”

• Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark

I see tremendous work underway in our community toward Reconciliation. People from many walks of life are reaching out to one another, making commitments to learn more about the impact of Residential schools and our colonial history, and to building stronger relationships toward the future. Reconciliation is a journey that we can each take. It recognizes that our diversity gives us the strength we need to for a sustainable and prosperous future. I hope to see you at the many great events planned to bring us together as part of Reconciliation.”

• Shirley Isbister, President of the Central Urban Metis Federation Inc.

“Reconciliation and answering the calls to reconciliation is about building community, building relationships and committing ourselves to making a better world for our children, grandchildren and those to come, to feel safe and respected. We invite everyone to join us June 21, 2017 as we walk to show our solidarity in answering the calls to action.”

• Harry Lafond, Executive Director, Office of the Treaty Commissioner

“Reconciliation is at the heart of the Treaty relationship in Saskatchewan. At the Office of the Treaty Commissioner we work to create space where people can come together and learn about our collective story of Treaty, ask questions and create relationships. The month of events and the Walk for Reconciliation are a chance for each of us to take another step on our journeys of reconciliation, to celebrate our diversity and get to know each other as community.”

In a recent Readers’ Choice Survey, held by RV West, a recreational vehicle (RV) publication reaching Western Canada, the City’s Gordon Howe Campground was awarded Gold for Favourite RV Park or Campground in Saskatchewan.

“We are very honoured to hear Gordon Howe Campground was voted one of Saskatchewan’s favourites,” says Andrew Roberts, Manager of Special Use Facilities and Capital Planning.  “This recognition reflects the pride our staff takes in beatifying the campground and the high quality of service that customers can expect 24/7.”

RV West readers are surveyed annually and asked to indicate their favourite destinations, events, attractions, accommodations, and dealerships in Canada and the United States.  A complete list of 2017 recipients can be found at rvwest.com/readerschoice/2017.

“Right in the heart of Saskatoon, our campground is over 55 years old with a mature canopy of trees and shrubs, paved well-lit streets, onsite facilities, and 135 serviced sites to accommodate every traveler, whether you are tenting or in a larger motorhome,” says Roberts.

Gordon Howe Campground is located at 1640 Avenue P South and open mid‑April to mid-October annually.  For more information, visit saskatoon.ca/camp.

The downtown Protected Bike Lane Demonstration Project is now entering its final summer season and the City would like feedback to determine if its project goals are being met.

“As a part of our evaluation of our downtown protected bike lanes we will be including input from citizens across Saskatoon,” says Angela Gardiner, Director of Transportation.

The Protected Bike Lane Demonstration Project’s goal is to increase accessibility for all ages and abilities to the downtown. It wants to achieve this by making the Central Business District a more attractive and vibrant destination to the benefit of the entire city. The project is also a step towards implementation of the City’s Active Transportation Plan, making it easier and more secure to get into and around downtown.

“We want to make sure that we get the balance right in our city between people driving, taking the bus, walking, or using their bike,” says Gardiner. “Protected bike lanes have been adopted permanently in other city centres but every city is unique. We need to find the right transportation mix for Saskatoon.”

Preliminary data indicates protected bike lane use is in line with what other cities such as Calgary and Vancouver have experienced during their demonstration projects. An average of more than 300 people per day are using the separate bike lanes to safely navigate downtown streets while limiting impacts to vehicles and pedestrians.

The City’s Protected Bike Lane Demonstration Project was approved in March of 2015 with a lane opening on 23rd Street later that year. The 4th Avenue lane was opened in May of 2016. In response to some preliminary feedback from downtown businesses and people who bike downtown, the City is planning some alterations to both lanes in the coming weeks.

The protected bike lanes support City Council’s Strategic Priorities for 2016 to 2020 of improved downtown development and environmental sustainability while meeting transportation needs of a growing city. A report and a recommendation on the future of the project will be prepared for City Council in fall 2017.   

Find more information at saskatoon.ca/bikelanes and share your feedback on the Shaping Saskatoon website.

After more than 1,000 online votes, the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo (Zoo) is pleased to announce that the infant Goeldi monkey has been named Evy.

“We wanted to extend a huge thank you to everyone that participated in selecting the name Evy for the newest member of the Goeldi troop,” said Tim Sinclair-Smith, Zoo Manager.

Evy was selected by popular vote after the Zoo narrowed down the selection to four potential names, including Evy, Laka, Zoila, and Elena.

“The name couldn’t be more fitting for this wonderful little animal, and she is settling into it well,” says Sinclair-Smith.

Citizens can see Evy and her parents in the monkey enclosure at the Kinsmen Children’s Zoo exhibit year-round.  The Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.  Additional information can be found online at saskatoon.ca/zoo.

Travel-planning website Expedia has named downtown Saskatoon as one of the “coolest” in North America.

“This recognition demonstrates the attention City Council pays to sustainable growth,” says Lesley Anderson, Director of Planning and Development.

“Our Urban Design program aims to keep the city core vibrant, help it attract people there and make it a great place to live, work and enjoy.”

Travel writer Kohleun Adamson highlights the list on the website’s travel blog Viewfinder which is based on, “…one-of-a-kind dining options, local arts venues, unique shopping experiences, fascinating historical sites, and access to urban greenspace.” 

Saskatoon shares company with cities such as: Boston, Massachusetts; Boca Raton, Florida; Pasadena, California and Cancun, Mexico.

The article and list of North America’s coolest downtowns can be found here.

This week's notifynow TEST message sent by the City of Saskatoon's Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) on Tuesday, May 9 was once again a success, based on feedback from residents and program delivery results.

“Residents that called in after the TEST message wanted to learn more about how to sign-up to customize their notifynow profile,” says Eron McCormick, Emergency Measures Coordinator. “In a city-wide or community emergency, you might prefer a text message - and an email in addition to receiving a voice message to your land line. Or maybe you want to make sure your children receive a text message. That’s what’s great about notifynow emergency notifications in Saskatoon. You can customize your profile, and tell us how to best to reach you - and your family members.”

To date, 21,213 residents have signed up to customize their preferred communication method. With the twice-yearly testing of the notifynow system, and by creating ongoing awareness for the program, the City and Emergency Measures Organization hope to continue to grow this number. The next TEST message will be sent in December of this year.

“Testing the system helps familiarize residents with what a notifynow message will sound like, and how it will be displayed on their phones or on the other preferred methods of communication they’ve let us know about by signing up,” says McCormick. “Test messages help residents realize that in the event of an emergency, they can trust receiving a timely and targeted notifynow message that tells them what to do, what to expect, or where to go.”

The EMO continues to encourage everyone to sign-up for notifynow. Make notifynow messages an important part of your personal emergency preparedness plan, and also for those you care about.

To sign-up for notifynow and to tell us how to best to reach you with timely, targeted and trusted notifynow messages in an emergency situation, visit saskatoon.ca/notifynow or call 306-975-3210 for more information.

Pothole work in Saskatoon neighbourhoods will be coordinated to start right after street sweeping work is complete.

“Pothole patching and utility cut repairs are year round activities for us,” says Brandon Harris, Director of Roadways and Operations.  “Now that neighbourhoods are being swept we are ramping up our road repair resources to follow the sweepers and repair roads when the streets are the cleanest.

With priority road pothole work wrapping up, crews are moving into neighbourhoods to complete pothole repairs that have been reported by city crews and on the City’s Report-A-Pothole interactive map.  Already 628 potholes have been reported using the interactive map.  Since the application was launched in 2014, over 10,000 people have logged on to use this application.

“It seems the community is really getting the hang of online reporting,” says Harris.  “The information we’re getting from everyone is very valuable, especially as we head into neighbourhoods.  We are able to make sure that larger repairs are planned for because residents are being so diligent about reporting potholes in their communities.  Planning work in advance improves our efficiency so we can get more repairs completed.”

The Neighbourhood Pothole Blitz starts with three days of filling the larger potholes that have the most impact on drivers and cyclists. After this work is done, crews coordinate with the neighbourhood sweeping schedule to focus on smaller potholes and utility cuts.

If you identify a gravel utility cut that has sunk and needs fill, or is rough to drive over, please inform our Customer Service Centre at 306-975-2476.  You can check the status of repairs online through our Utility Cuts and Repair Schedules map.
 

Neighbourhood street sweeping is scheduled to start this Monday, May 8, and one of the City’s target goals is to issue fewer parking tickets.

“Citizens want streets swept as soon as the snow is gone,” says Brandon Harris, Director of Roadways and Operations.  “We’ve been working on ways to speed up our process and that means working toward fewer parked vehicles on the road during street sweeping.”

Earlier this year, select priority roads received an early curb-to-curb sweep in April. With these streets now clean, residents can use them for on-street parking while residential areas are being swept.     

“We want to be in-and-out of your neighbourhood faster, more economically, with fewer tickets and vehicle relocations,” Harris says.  “We’ve freed up different roadways for parking, so when residents see those ‘No Parking’ signs, we encourage them to look to the clean priority streets for available parking spaces.” 

School zones are also part of the City’s improved approach to sweeping.  In the past, school zones were swept at night and were often not completed until much later in the year. By using a combination of city and private contractors, daytime school zone sweeping is now completed in a safe and controlled manner, at the same time as the residential sweeping.

With this approach, school zones are finished earlier in the year and with significant cost-savings.  Sweepers will avoid drop-off and pick-up times to minimize interaction with students and limit disruption to traffic.

City Council is investing more than $61 million this year to build better roads and sidewalks.  Efficient and effective street sweeping supports the City’s long-term goal for moving around, ensuring roads and streets are kept in good repair.  Cleaning our residential neighbourhoods not only looks better, it reduces dust, improves the safety of our roads and improves and reduces localized water pooling which can damage roads.

With the city’s Street Sweeping Spring Blitz well underway, workers will be shifting to neighbourhood street sweeping starting May 8.  Residents have a few different ways to find out when sweeping will take place in their neighbourhoods.

The familiar yellow No Parking signs will be posted on streets up to three days before sweeping starts. For more advance notice, the full Residential Street Sweeping schedule is on the city website at Saskatoon.ca/sweeping and on the interactive Street Sweeping Map.

Youth in Saskatoon are taking action to improve our environment. Approximately 300 grade 5-8 students, and 50 grade 11 students, from across the city have spent the last four months working on sustainability-focused projects in the areas of waste, water, food, transportation, biodiversity and energy.

“I am very proud of this partnership between the City, Schools Divisions, Environmental Society and the University,” says Mayor Charlie Clark. “Building the next generation of students who are informed and engaged on issues of sustainability is so important for the future. I have been very impressed at the quality of the student work in previous showcases and their passion in sharing them. I can’t think of a better way to build knowledge and citizenship than challenging these teams of students to take on real local problems with the support of community experts.”

School board trustees, superintendents, government representatives, family members, community organizations, and other stakeholders were invited to view over 40 projects at the Student Action for a Sustainable Future year-end student showcase, held at the Western Development Museum today.

“Congratulations to the participants of the Student Action for a Sustainable Future program on another successful year,” says Amber Weckworth, Manager of Education and Environmental Performance. “The year-end showcase provided an opportunity for students to tell their environmental success stories and demonstrate what’s possible in terms of taking action in our schools, homes, and community to improve our environment.”

In 2017, the program received international recognition as a feature case study by the Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP), a global partnership committed to advancing environmental literacy to create a more just and sustainable future through the power of education.  The program has also been locally recognized through three awards: a Regional Centre for Expertise Award for Education for Sustainable Development; the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council’s 2013 Waste Minimization Award for Youth/Schools; and St. Anne School (SASF 2015/16) received the Rob Dumont Youth Award. 

First developed in 2013, the Student Action for a Sustainable Future program is a partnership between the City of Saskatoon, Saskatoon Public School Division, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools, the Saskatchewan Environmental Society, the Sustainability Education Research Institute, and a number of educational consultants and community organizations. Over the last four years the program has involved 50 Saskatoon teachers, 36 schools, and approximately 1250 students. Awareness initiatives have reached over 17,000 students via school displays, assemblies, and newsletters.

The City of Saskatoon’s commitment to community environmental programs supports City’s Strategic Goal of “Environmental Leadership”, where Saskatoon strives to thrive in harmony with our natural environment, conserve resources, reduce our impacts, and promote environmental stewardship.

For more information, visit Saskatoon.ca/StudentAction.

From the April 4, 2017 Meeting

7.2.4 Victoria Avenue Corridor Transportation Improvements

Decision

*The Committee recommended to City Council that the proposed plan for Victoria Avenue between 8^th Street and 11^th Street be approved; That the amount of $295,000 be approved for Capital Project #2270 – Paved Roads and Sidewalk Preservation from the Transportation Infrastructure Expansion Reserve; and; That the amount of $30,000 be approved for Capital Project #2270 – Paved Roads and Sidewalk Preservation from the Active Transportation Reserve.

Background

*The Victoria Avenue Corridor Review resulted in a plan to address the combination of motor vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists anticipated after the Traffic Bridge is reopened.
*The proposed plan will reduce the number of lanes in the southbound direction from two to one and introduces a cycle track adjacent to the sidewalk on both sides.
*The proposed modifications will proceed in conjunction with water main replacement and road rehabilitation of Victoria Avenue in 2017.

7.2.6 2017 Annual Street Sweeping Work Plan

Decision

*The Committee recommended to City Council that the Administration be directed to implement the pilot program in the seven neighbourhoods outlined in the report; and 2. That following the pilot, the Administration report back on the overall effectiveness of the pilot including, but not limited to, citizen feedback and operational impacts.

Background

*Street sweeping is a core function of the City. Each component of the program is executed to enable mobility, preserve air and water quality, maintain surface drainage, and improve aesthetics of City streets and adjacent infrastructure.
*The annual sweeping program is divided into four main program groupings: 1) pre-sweeping winter debris pickup, 2) spring sweeping, 3) summer sweeping, and 4) fall leaf and debris removal.
*The City is piloting a new spring sweeping approach to improve efficiency, reduce costs and alleviate parking concerns in seven neighbourhoods.
*Factors such as a growing street network; balancing program efficiency with safety and parking convenience for citizens; and an intensive sign/ticket/tow approach continue to put pressure on the sweeping schedule and operating budget.

From the April 10, 2017 Meeting

5.1 City Council Strategic Priorities for 2016-2020

Decision

*The committee recommended to City Council: that the 10 year priority areas be set; that each priority area have a Council Member Lead; that Council Member Leads be empowered to take leadership role in citizen and stakeholder engagement in the 10 priority areas; that Administration be directed to prepare a draft policy that sets the parameters for Council Member Leads that includes the following: role and limits of authority for the Council Member Lead, requirements to report back to City Council, and the possibility of special working groups including make-up and mandate.

Additional Information

*The goal is to be the best run city in Canada – a city that punches above its weight class – a place that people are proud of and want to move to.
*Full report available here.

8.2.1 Inquiry – Councillor R.Donauer (July 21, 2016) – Whistleblower Policy

Decision

*The committee recommends to City Council that the City solicitor be directed to draft a Whistleblower Policy.

Additional Information

*Currently, there is limited whistleblower protection for municipal employees.
*The Province has identified options for offering whistleblower protection in Saskatchewan for municipal employees.
*Other Canadian jurisdictions have developed whistleblower bylaws and policies to offer protection to municipal employees.
*The City of Saskatoon can have a Whistleblower Policy that offers protection similar to other jurisdictions.

April 24, 2017 Meeting

8.1.5 Partnership Agreement – Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo and Foothills Research Institute – Grizzly Bear Program

Decision

*City Council approved the recommendations.

Additional Information

*The report recommends:
*Approval of a partnership.
*The intent of this new partnership is to provide an opportunity for the SFFP&Z to be directly linked to, and engaged in, conservation research on grizzly bears and other native species at the zoo.
*The new partnership will provide the SFFP&Z and the fRIGBP with a unique opportunity for scientific research findings to be communicated directly with zoo visitors, and for the grizzly bears currently housed at the SFFP&Z to actively contribute to conservation and research onsite.
*The partnership agreement between the SFFP&Z and the fRIGBP would be for a five-year term, with an option for an additional five-year renewal.

8.3.4 Victoria Avenue Corridor Transportation Improvements

Decision

*City Council approved the proposed plan for Victoria Avenue between 8th Street and 11th Street; approved the amount of $295,000 for Capital Project #2270 – Paved Roads and Sidewalk Preservation from the Transportation Infrastructure Expansion Reserve; and; approved the amount of $30,000 for Capital Project #2270 – Paved Roads and Sidewalk Preservation from the Active Transportation Reserve.

Additional Information

*The Victoria Avenue Corridor Review resulted in a plan to address the combination of motor vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists anticipated after the Traffic Bridge is reopened.
*The proposed plan will reduce the number of lanes in the southbound direction from two to one and introduces a cycle track adjacent to the sidewalk on both sides.
*The proposed modifications will proceed in conjunction with water main replacement and road rehabilitation of Victoria Avenue in 2017.

8.3.6 2017 Annual Street Sweeping Work Plan

Decision

*City Council approved the recommendation to direct Administration to implement the pilot program in the seven neighbourhoods outlined in the report; and 2. That following the pilot, the Administration report back on the overall effectiveness of the pilot including, but not limited to, citizen feedback and operational impacts.

Additional Information

*Street sweeping is a core function of the City. Each component of the program is executed to enable mobility, preserve air and water quality, maintain surface drainage, and improve aesthetics of City streets and adjacent infrastructure.
*The annual sweeping program is divided into four main program groupings: 1) pre-sweeping winter debris pickup, 2) spring sweeping, 3) summer sweeping, and 4) fall leaf and debris removal.
*The City is piloting a new spring sweeping approach to improve efficiency, reduce costs and alleviate parking concerns in seven neighbourhoods.
*Factors such as a growing street network; balancing program efficiency with safety and parking convenience for citizens; and an intensive sign/ticket/tow approach continue to put pressure on the sweeping schedule and operating budget.

8.4.5 Service Saskatoon Progress Report

Decision

*City Council received the report as information.

Additional Information

*Significant work is underway to prepare for a centralized one-stop shop for citizens to access our services.
*A process is underway to transition into a primary call centre.
*Service Saskatoon has been engaging and talking with citizens receiving in person service at City Hall. The information has helped in the planning for some citizen service improvements in 2017. 
*In 2017, there will be moderate changes introduced to the City Hall front entrance service/foyer area involving new informational signage for services and re-design of the Information Desk.
*A list of functional requirements for an enterprise Customer Relationship Management system is currently being finalized. An RFP is expected to be issued in 2017.
*Service Saskatoon is conducting community engagement to receive input for developing plans for moving the corporate open data initiative forward.

9.1.1 Revised On-Street Mobile food Truck Policy

Decision

*City Council approved the following recommendations:
-That proposed amendments to the parking meter hooding fees for on-street mobile food trucks.
-That mobile food trucks be allowed to operate adjacent to neighbourhood parks for the 2017 season.
-That the Administration provide a report to the Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services following the 2017 pilot with respect to allowing mobile food trucks to operate adjacent to neighbourhood parks, for review prior to the 2018 budget deliberations.

Additional Information

*Review of On-Street Mobile Food Truck Policy following four years of program operation has identified updates that will enhance the On-Street Mobile Food Truck Program, facilitate vendors, and address safety-related concerns.
*Amendments to allow a food truck to operate from a single location for up to six hours, instead of the current five, will accommodate the set-up and cool-down time requirements for food trucks.
*Amendments to reduce the minimum length of time that parking permits may be purchased will increase flexibility for vendors.
*Amendments to allow for parking of a support vehicle in conjunction with an overlength food truck may reduce vendors’ parking costs.
*Amendments to require proof of annual provincial gas inspection as a condition of licensing will ensure public health and safety.
*Changes to the parking meter hooding fee schedule for on-street food trucks will reduce parking expenses for vendors and align more closely with actual on-street parking fees.

From the April 4, 2017 Meeting

7.2.1 Service Saskatoon Progress Report and 2017 Plan

Decision

*The Committee forwarded the report to City Council for information.

Background

*Significant work is underway to prepare for a centralized one-stop shop for citizens to access our services.
*A process is underway to transition into a primary call centre.
*Service Saskatoon has been engaging and talking with citizens receiving in person service at City Hall. The information has helped in the planning for some citizen service improvements in 2017. 
*In 2017, there will be moderate changes introduced to the City Hall front entrance service/foyer area involving new informational signage for services and re-design of the Information Desk.
*A list of functional requirements for an enterprise Customer Relationship Management system is currently being finalized. An RFP is expected to be issued in 2017.
*Service Saskatoon is conducting community engagement to receive input for developing plans for moving the corporate open data initiative forward.

7.2.3 Storm and Sanitary Sewer Flow Monitoring Along Major Corridors – Sole Source

Decision

*The Committee recommending to City Council that administration prepare a sole source to Avensys Solutions Inc. for the supply of ISCO flow monitoring equipment for the total cost of $124,551 (including GST)

Background

*Storm and sanitary flow monitoring is essential for building and calibrating system models. These models are fundamental for cost effective planning, design, and operation of the storm and sanitary systems, while considering the environmental implications in existing and new neighbourhoods.
*The purchase of 17 new ISCO flow monitors is required for the Secondary Plan Process & Corridor Redevelopment component of the Growth Plan.
*In March of 2015, City Council approved the use of ISCO flow monitors as the City standard until December 31, 2018.

From the April 3, 2017 Meeting

7.1.3 Canadian Award for Financial Reporting

Decision

*The Committee received the information.

Background

*The City has been awarded a 2015 Canadian Award for Financial Reporting for its ability to present financial information in a clear, concise and informative manner.

7.2.6 Boychuk Interchange Land Acquisition  

Decision

*The committee forwarded the report to City Council

Background

*City Council approval is needed to purchase a 0.14 acre portion of land from George Brent Reddekopp for the Boychuk Interchange Project.
*Previous purchases for the Boychuk Interchange include the following land acquisitions; 7.51 acres from Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam (Ontario) Inc. in 2012, 0.09 acres from Larix Holdings Ltd. in 2016, and 0.50 acres from 101204822 Saskatchewan Ltd. In 2016.

From the April 3, 2017 Meeting

7.1.4 Growth Plan to Half a Million – Corridor Planning Program

Decision

*The report was received as information.

Background

*The intent of the Corridor Planning Program is to implement the Corridor Growth Core Initiative to enable the balanced approach to growth outlined in the Growth Plan.
*The Corridor Planning Program will be established through a framework of objectives and policies, intended to guide future detailed land use planning activities along the City of Saskatoon’s major transportation corridors.
*Corridor growth will provide opportunities to transform portions of the City’s major road network into vibrant urban corridors that support the use of Bus Rapid Transit and active transportation options in a connected and integrated system.

7.2.3 Partnership Agreement – Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo and Foothills Research Institute – Grizzly Bear Program

Decision

*The report was forwarded to City Council.

Background

*The report recommends:
-Approval of a partnership.
-The intent of this new partnership is to provide an opportunity for the SFFP&Z to be directly linked to, and engaged in, conservation research on grizzly bears and other native species at the zoo.
-The new partnership will provide the SFFP&Z and the fRIGBP with a unique opportunity for scientific research findings to be communicated directly with zoo visitors, and for the grizzly bears currently housed at the SFFP&Z to actively contribute to conservation and research onsite.
-The partnership agreement between the SFFP&Z and the fRIGBP would be for a five-year term, with an option for an additional five-year renewal.

7.2.6 Revised On-Street Mobile Food Truck Policy

Decision

*The Committee is recommending City Council approve amendments.

Background

*Review of On-Street Mobile Food Truck Policy following four years of program operation has identified updates that will enhance the On-Street Mobile Food Truck Program, facilitate vendors, and address safety-related concerns.
*Amendments to allow a food truck to operate from a single location for up to six hours, instead of the current five, will accommodate the set-up and cool-down time requirements for food trucks.
*Amendments to reduce the minimum length of time that parking permits may be purchased will increase flexibility for vendors.
*Amendments to allow for parking of a support vehicle in conjunction with an over length food truck may reduce vendors’ parking costs.
*Amendments to require proof of annual provincial gas inspection as a condition of licensing will ensure public health and safety.
*Changes to the parking meter hooding fee schedule for on-street food trucks will reduce parking expenses for vendors and align more closely with actual on-street parking fees.

From the March 27, 2017 Regular Meeting of City Council

8.1.2 Policy Review for Special Street Naming Requests

Decision

*City Council approved amendments to Naming of Civic Property and Development Areas.

Additional Information

*Special street naming involves assigning a name to an existing roadway that is symbolic and does not replace the legal street name.
*A review of the practice of special or temporary street naming in other Canadian municipalities was undertaken.
*Special street naming differs from standard street renaming in that the legal requirements and costs of a formal renaming are eliminated.
*Special street naming requests can be integrated into existing Naming of Civic Property and Development Areas Policy No. C09-008 (Naming Policy).

8.1.3 Saskatoon North Partnership Growth 2016 Annual Report

Decision

*City Council received the report as information.

Additional Information

*The report indicates the latest projections show the Saskatoon region nearing a population of 500,000 in the next 20 years. Given the economic climate, the group anticipates the region could reach a population of one million in the next 60 years.

8.1.10 Innovative Housing Incentives – Mortgage Flexibilities Support Program – Financing Update – Applications for Three New Projects

Decision

*City Council approved the recommendation.

Additional Information

*The recommendation was:

*That 59 additional affordable housing units at 720 Baltzan Boulevard, 250 Akhtar Bend, and 620 Cornish Road be designated under the Mortgage Flexibilities Support Program contingent upon them being fully approved for mortgage loan insurance flexibilities by Genworth Canada and/or the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
*That 42 affordable housing units to be built on Parcel KK at the corner of Baltzan Boulevard and Akhtar Bend under the Mortgage Flexibilities Support Program contingent upon this housing project being fully approved for mortgage loan insurance flexibilities by Genworth Canada and/or the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
*That 14 affordable housing units to be built at 250 Palliser Court be designated under the Mortgage Flexibilities Support Program contingent upon this housing project being fully approved for mortgage loan insurance flexibilities by Genworth Canada and/or the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

8.1.13 Process For Privately Sponsored Refugees Qualifying for the Leisure Access Program and Discounted Bus Pass Program

Decision

*City Council received the report as information.

Additional Information

*In response to the Syrian refugee crisis, the City of Saskatoon (City) implemented a process to include privately sponsored refugees in the Leisure Access Program and the Discounted Bus Pass Program.
*During the Syrian refugee crisis of 2015, it became evident that not all refugees qualified for the Leisure Access and Discounted Bus Pass Programs. While Government-Assisted Refugees were provided with documentation that verified level of income and a stipend to purchase a bus pass, other categories of refugees were provided neither.

8.1.14 City and Saskatoon CensusMetro Area Population Projection 2015-2035

Decision

*City Council received the report as information.

Additional Information

*Saskatoon is projected to reach a population of 312,772 by 2025, and 380,650 by 2035, assuming a Medium Growth Scenario annual growth rate of 2.0%. This growth rate is similar to what Saskatoon experienced over the 2006 to 2015 period.
*The projected population growth in the Medium Growth Scenario will require the equivalent of six neighbourhoods and 24,000 dwelling units by 2025. An additional six neighbourhoods and 26,000 dwelling units may be required by 2035.
*The Saskatoon CMA could reach a population of 366,155 by 2025, and 448,985 by the year 2035, assuming Saskatoon grows at the Medium Growth Scenario annual rate of 2.0% and surrounding municipalities grow at an annual rate of 3.0%.
*In the Medium Growth Scenario, the population of the surrounding municipalities will grow from 41,703 in 2015, to 53,383 in 2025, and 68,335 in 2035, assuming an annual growth rate of 3.0%. This is equivalent to adding approximately three communities the size of Warman or Martensville by 2035.

9.11.2 Yellow Quill Urban reserve Designation

Decision

*City Council approved the Municipal Services and Compatibility Agreement.

Additional Information

*Yellow Quill First Nation owns the office building located at 224 Fourth Avenue South in Saskatoon, as well as the parking lot which is immediately adjacent to the south. Yellow Quill First Nation requested the building be designated as an Urban Reserve. The parking lot was designated as Urban Reserve in 2014.

From the March 20, 2017 Meeting

7.2 Multi-year Business Plan and Budget Framework

Decision

*The committee received the information.

Additional Information

*The purpose of the report was to outline the various components of a Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget (MYB) Framework that need to be developed and receive approval of the Framework in principle.
*A Framework will form the basic structure and guiding principles for multi-year planning and budgeting.
*A policy sets the groundwork for an MYB process by establishing guidelines, responsibilities and direction.
*A defined process will increase the transparency of the process as well as ensure a seamless delivery of the MYB.
*A new document will be developed for the delivery and presentation of multiyear plans and budgets with increased emphasis on targets, outcomes and service levels.
*The implementation plan has a significant focus on change management within the corporation and includes the formation of an internal project team to ensure the successful implementation of this initiative.

From the March 6, 2017 Meeting

7.1.2 Transfer of Unpaid Utilities to Property Tax

Decision

*The Committee received the information.

Background

*The Cities Act allows Saskatchewan cities to transfer a tenant’s unpaid utilities (excluding electricity) to the property owner’s tax roll.
*Other cities, governed under the same legislation, have already implemented this ability or are contemplating doing so.
*The City of Saskatoon offers a Landlord/Tenant Agreement that helps mitigate the cost of service disruptions. 
*As requested by landlords, information is provided to landlords as early in the process as possible.

7.2.1 Corporate Risk Annual Report 2016

Decision

*The committee forwarded the report to City Council for information.

Background

*The Administration has successfully reduced the risk severity of 11 (48%) of its key strategic risks from high to medium, although continued effort will be required to achieve targets.
*The Risk Based Management program sets a positive and proactive risk management culture for the corporation through the adoption of a systematic, practical and ongoing process for understanding and managing risk.

The City is looking for your help to name the infant monkey at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo (Zoo)! Proud parents, Diego and Leah, welcomed an infant female Goeldi monkey on February 6, 2017, weighing in at approximately 56 grams.

“It is always exciting to welcome a new addition to the Zoo,” said Tim Sinclair-Smith, Zoo Manager.  “Both baby and mother are doing well, and now it is time to select a name for the newest member of the troop.”

The Zoo has narrowed the selection down to four potential names, including Evy, Laka, Zoila, and Elena.

“We want our citizens to have a special connection with this monkey and watch her grow throughout the years.  We are inviting the public to choose the final name by voting from the potential options,” says Sinclair-Smith.

To submit your vote, visit saskatoon.ca/zoo from Friday, April 28, to Thursday, May 11.  The winning selection will be publicly announced on Friday, May 12.

The Goeldi and her parents are located in the monkey enclosure in the Kinsmen Children’s Zoo exhibit.  Citizens are encouraged to come and experience the cuteness for themselves.  The Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until the end of April, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. beginning in May.  Additional information regarding the Zoo can be found online at saskatoon.ca/zoo.

This past winter, the City of Saskatoon conducted a number of public engagement activities to gather ideas about how we can improve our lived experience of winter in Saskatoon. A total of 770 people and 48 groups representing various sectors of the community provided feedback.

“We found from our engagement that people are very interested in making Saskatoon a great winter city, and we truly did receive a “blizzard” of ideas on how we can bring more energy to the winter season,” says Brenda Wallace, Director of Environmental & Corporate Initiatives. “So our next step is to review the engagement results with members of the community, see what is realistic in terms of actions, and begin the process of creating a Winter City Strategy that will benefit our economy, our residents and visitors to Saskatoon.”

Now the City is inviting the public to attend a community workshop to help shape the creation of a Winter City Strategy. The workshop will share the public engagement results. It will also include a discussion of priorities and ways everyone can work together to support new and existing winter initiatives. The session will also feature presentations by City-sponsored delegates who attended the Edmonton Winter City Shake-Up Conference in February.

The workshop will take place on Thursday, April 27 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion Saskatoon Branch 63 located at 606 Spadina Crescent West.

For more information on the Winter City Strategy, visit Saskatoon.ca/wintercityyxe.

From beginning to mid-May, the City will take action to control cottony ash psyllid.  As outlined in a report to City Council late last year, the pest is affecting trees in Saskatoon’s downtown area, business improvement districts, and surrounding neighbourhoods.

“Large numbers of psyllids were detected in trees planted within concrete cut-outs in our central business areas, which have been particularly susceptible,” says Michelle Chartier, Superintendent of Urban Forestry and Pest Management.

Cottony ash psyllid is a non-native yellow/green pest first identified in Saskatoon, in 2006, on black and mancana ash trees.  Native to central Europe, the insect has made several appearances in North America, including recent infestations in North Dakota, Minnesota, and Alberta.

“Cottony ash psyllids are most easily recognized by the damage they create, such as browning, yellowing, and curling around leaflets, and the presence of white cotton within the leaflet,” Chartier says.  “Heavily infested trees will often lose leaves, with the remaining leaves twisted into a corkscrew shape.”

Chartier says City-owned trees have been examined and marked with colour codes to signify the action that will be taken to lessen the infestation of psyllids and preserve the natural beauty of the business districts.

• White-marked trees will receive injections of an insecticide to try to prevent further damage and spread.
• Green-marked trees will be removed and replaced with a different species not susceptible to psyllids, including:  52 trees downtown, 14 in the Broadway area, 10 in Riversdale, and 29 along 22^nd Street.  Short-term parking restrictions will be in place in the work area.

“Cleanup, including stump removal and backfilling of topsoil, will be coordinated after tree removal.  During this time, safety measures will be placed around the tree stump area to avoid any possible tripping hazards,” Chartier says.

At home, the best approach to avoid cottony ash psyllid is to keep your ash trees in good health.  Water between rainfalls, protect your trees from root or trunk damage, and avoid the use of herbicides or excessive salts in the soil near trees.

For more information, please visit saskatoon.ca/cottonyashpsyllid or call 306-975-3300.

The Bridging to Tomorrow project, which includes the construction of the North Commuter Parkway and new Traffic Bridge, is halfway complete. At the North Commuter Parkway, all girders, which support the bridge structure, are in place on the west half. Now that they’re set, the berm can be moved from the west side of the river to the east side, where construction of the third and final pier and girder installation on the two remaining east spans can begin.  

“Everything is moving ahead as planned as we reach the halfway point of our three year construction schedule,” says Dan Willems, Special Projects Manager, Major Projects & Preservation. “With the early spring weather, roadway construction for the twinning of Central Avenue north of Attridge Drive will resume next week and so will construction of the new median, sound walls and landscaping.”

At the Traffic Bridge site, structural steel installation of three of four bridge spans is now complete. Willems says work on the trusses for the final span will be completed over the next couple of months.

“The Traffic Bridge is right on track and work is also continuing on the south side of the river where the Victoria Avenue retaining wall and other retaining walls around Rotary Park will be built throughout spring and summer.”

The North Commuter Parkway will support the transportation needs of northeast Saskatoon residents who work in the Marquis and North Industrial Areas. The Traffic Bridge will support the growing city centre by allowing drivers, pedestrians and cyclists to cross the South Saskatchewan River. It will resemble the original bridge, but will be wider to accommodate larger vehicles like fire trucks and Transit buses.

Both bridges remain on track to open in October of 2018.

Bridging to Tomorrow project updates, including detailed monthly summaries, links to live cameras at each bridge site, and quarterly video updates, are available at saskatoon.ca/bridging.

In person, anyone can watch Traffic Bridge progress at the River Landing viewing area. North Commuter Parkway construction can be viewed from the Meewasin Trail just east of the cul-de-sac at the north end of Kinnear Avenue (north of Silverwood Golf Course). 

The City of Saskatoon is launching an opportunity for interested citizens, schools and businesses to participate in the development of an open data sharing program.

“The City collects a vast quantity of high-quality information and data as part of its ordinary working activities,” says Pat Hyde, Director of Service Saskatoon. “As part of a growing city committed to open governance and transparency, we believe there are huge potential benefits by making this information and data open and accessible to the public.”

Community engagement will help to determine what the community’s priorities are for the program.

Starting today, a survey is available online to allow interested citizens, schools and business to provide input for the program design.

“Information from the survey will be used to develop in-person engagement sessions that will help determine program priorities and resource requirements to manage the open data,” Hyde says.

More details about improvements to the open data sharing program will be announced as Service Saskatoon incorporates the results of the citizen input engagement processes being launched today. For more information, visit https://goo.gl/XE6V0j.

Service Saskatoon and the Open Data initiative support the City’s goal of Continuous Improvement. It will leverage technology and emerging trends to reach our goal to provide great citizen experiences at every level.

The Governance and Priorities Committee (GPC) today approved a wide-ranging plan to address a sudden multi-million dollar hole left by the recent provincial budget cuts.  The committee today approved a tax increase of 0.93% added to the existing 1.62% increase (following the March tax policy decision) which delivers an overall 2.55% municipal tax increase.  That means for an average house it amounts to $43.80 per year or $3.65 per month over the 2016 City property tax bill.

“In the longer term, we’re looking for ways to both find further cost savings and looking for further revenues,” says Mayor Charlie Clark. “We want to really engage in an ongoing negotiation with the provincial government about what the future’s going to look like.”

With reassessment and the City’s recently shifted its tax policy, the overall tax impact on residential property owners would have been 1.62%. But because the province abruptly ended its Grants in Lieu of Taxes for SaskPower, SaskEnergy and TransGas property on city land, the City was required to find ways to address this budget cut.

Committee approved recommendations on principles that included:

• Keeping any property tax increases to a minimum and service levels up; maintaining jobs; City Hall salaries are frozen and the snow and ice levy won’t be collected this year.
• Adjusting all options – how we spend, and the cash collected in fines and fees; more money will go to taxpayers from the City-owned water and waste water utilities.  Parking ticket fines will go from $20 to $30.
• Back-filling the provincial budget hole without dipping into reserves.

The GPC today also received information which outlined Provincial downloading and transfer payments on the City.

Several City Councillors want clear answers on the role and use of reserves and more detail on the perception that City reserves have been built on the back of provincial government revenue sharing.

“Revenue sharing goes to support everyday operations,” says City Manager Murray Totland. “Those are the direct services to citizens such as snow clearing, road maintenance, police and fire service.”

Totland stresses the provincial cut is not a one-year shortfall – it is a permanent operating budget adjustment that requires back-filling by ongoing funds. Taking funds from a reserve would be a one-time solution which would have to back-filled in 2018 and future years to come.

“The reserves are not to cover our day-to-day operating expenses,” Totland says. “Pulling money out of our reserves just transfers this problem down the line and leaves us to deal with unexpected situations out of our operating budget.”

The City has about $140 million in the reserve, of which $21 million is used each year in capital and operating budgets.  If the City was to only use the reserve funds to deal with the ongoing impacts of the recent provincial budget, all of the reserves would be depleted in seven years.

“So at the end of seven years, we wouldn’t have the reserves to pay for all the major projects that they currently fund,” Totland says. “And in seven years, we still would not have a long term solution to pay for the provincial budget shortfall.

“We wouldn’t have anything in our savings account to pay for projects that keep our roads, leisure centres, outdoor swimming pools, or parks in good working condition.”

Find more on the provincial budget funding impact on our website.

From the March 13, 2017 Meeting

7.1.2 North Commuter Parkway and Traffic Bridge Construction Update

Decision

*The Committee received the report as information.

Background

*At the Traffic Bridge, Graham Commuter Partners has completed demolition of the final components of the original bridge and has now completed all of the new piers, both abutments, and erection of Span 4, the southernmost span of the bridge.
*At the North Commuter Parkway, construction of Pier 1 and Pier 2, the west and centre in-river piers, is complete. Erection of the girders for Span 2, the west-centre span, is underway.

7.1.3 Highway 16/Boychuk Drive and McOrmond Drive/College Drive Construction Update

Decision

*The Committee received the report as information.

Background

*The design for both interchanges has been progressing well and PCL Construction Management Inc. has started doing preliminary site work at both locations.
*The construction of detour roads will begin in April 2017 and the detours are anticipated to be in effect for June 2017.
*The street lighting along College Drive is scheduled to be in place before June 2017.
*The Administration is developing transportation plans for each location to minimize impacts to commuters and communicate transportation alternatives.

From the March 13, 2017 Meeting

6.1.2 2017 Goals and Objectives – Saskatoon Environmental Committee

Decision

*The Committee received a memo pertaining to goals and objectives of the Saskatoon Environmental Advisory Committee as information.

Background

*The 2017 Goals and Objectives of the Saskatoon Environmental Advisory Committee are outlined in this memo.

7.2.2 Diversity and Inclusion Annual Report 2016

Decision

*The Committee forwarded the report to City Council for information.

Background

*The City continues to work toward closing the gap between the workforce population statistics and the goals set by the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission for all four equity groups including Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities, Visible Minorities, and Women in Underrepresented Occupations.
*The Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan priorities for 2017 have been identified and grouped using the “Diversity and Inclusion Solutions Framework” developed by LaRoche & Yang (2014). This framework enables us to categorize specific action plans using the common links between them to support the City’s Strategic Plan.

7.2.5 Hydropower Joint Ownership Project With Saskatoon Tribal Council

Decision

*The Committee recommended to City Council:
-That the Administration be directed to prepare a Memorandum of Understanding with the Saskatoon Tribal Council that outlines a joint ownership model to begin a feasibility study for a hydropower station in Saskatoon.
-That the Memorandum of Understanding be brought forward to the Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services, and City Council for City approval.
-That the report of the General Manager, Transportation & Utilities, dated March 13, 2017, be forwarded to the Saskatoon Environmental Advisory Committee for information.

Background

*Saskatoon Light & Power has explored the feasibility of a hydropower station at the Saskatoon weir.
*Joint ownership of the project between the City and the Saskatoon Tribal Council will bolster all aspects of the project and benefit both parties. A partnership will strengthen applications to senior governments for rates and capital contributions, and the combined resources of both agencies result in a stronger project team during the investigatory and construction phases, should the project proceed to construction.
*The project provides an opportunity for the Saskatoon Region and the Saskatoon Tribal Council to realize economic and social benefits.
*Earlier stakeholder and community engagement shows support for a green power project at the weir that maintains its visual beauty, serenity and natural ecology. Continued engagement is planned as part of a new feasibility study.