News Releases

NEW

WANUSKEWIN RD SB LANES CLOSED BETWEEN 71ST ST & MARQUIS DR
(Gasline Maintenance)
71st St EB closed at Arthur Rose Ave
Start: May 9, 7:00 a.m. End: May 9, 11:00 a.m.

ONGOING

UNIVERSITY BRIDGE CLOSED BETWEEN SPADINA CRES & COLLEGE DR
(Bridge Repairs)
Start: May 3, 7:00 a.m. End: August 31, 6:00 p.m.

RESTRICTIONS EXTENDED: CIRCLE DR/HWY 16 EB & WB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED APPROACHING OVERPASS
(New bypass construction)
Start: April 30, 9:00 a.m. End: May 15, 5:00 p.m.

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

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information and subscribe to Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, May 11, Central Avenue between Garvie Road and Somers Road will be closed while crews install a sewer main. The work is expected to last approximately 6 to 8 weeks, weather permitting.

Traffic will be detoured via Kristjanson Road. Access to the Regional Psychiatric Centre will be maintained at all times.

The work will improve the efficiency of the sewer system and ensure uninterrupted service into the future. The City thanks drivers for their patience as this necessary work is carried out.

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information and subscribe to Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

The YMCA of Saskatoon, City of Saskatoon, and Saskatoon Tribal Council have partnered together to explore the potential of a new joint recreation facility in Saskatoon’s city centre.  The goal of a joint recreation facility is to be able to share in the available resources and improve the quality of and access to recreation in the community.

Working together with the Saskatoon office of MNP LLP (MNP), a national Assurance and Advisory Firm, the recreation facility partners will be seeking feedback from the community to determine the feasibility of such a facility.  This includes fully understanding what program needs are not being filled by existing facilities in the city centre area and the possibility of long-term success for a new facility.

The community is invited to participate in an open house and/or online survey to assist in understanding:

• the types of programs that could be available at a new facility;
• if people would go to a new facility; and
• what would make the facility the most successful.

OPEN HOUSE
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. – “Come and Go” Open House
White Buffalo Youth Lodge, Multi-Purpose Room – 602 20^th Street West

MNP consultants and representatives from each partner organization will be in attendance to collect comments.

ONLINE SURVEY
As another convenient option, a short online survey is available to the public until the end of the day, Friday May 15, 2015:
http://take-survey.com/SKMNP/psccrfsurvey.htm

If you have questions about the survey, please contact MNP at 306-664-8302 or email stephanie.bell@mnp.ca.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

The YMCA of Saskatoon, City of Saskatoon, and Saskatoon Tribal Council have partnered together to explore the potential of a new joint recreation facility in Saskatoon’s city centre.  The goal of a joint recreation facility is to be able to share in the available resources and improve the quality of and access to recreation in the community.

Working together with the Saskatoon office of MNP LLP (MNP), a national Assurance and Advisory Firm, the recreation facility partners will be seeking feedback from the community to determine the feasibility of such a facility.  This includes fully understanding what program needs are not being filled by existing facilities in the city centre area and the possibility of long-term success for a new facility.

The community is invited to participate in an open house and/or online survey to assist in understanding:

• the types of programs that could be available at a new facility;
• if people would go to a new facility; and
• what would make the facility the most successful.

OPEN HOUSE
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. – “Come and Go” Open House
White Buffalo Youth Lodge, Multi-Purpose Room – 602 20^th Street West

MNP consultants and representatives from each partner organization will be in attendance to collect comments.

ONLINE SURVEY
As another convenient option, a short online survey is available to the public until the end of the day, Friday May 15, 2015:
http://take-survey.com/SKMNP/psccrfsurvey.htm

If you have questions about the survey, please contact MNP at 306-664-8302 or email stephanie.bell@mnp.ca.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

ONGOING

UNIVERSITY BRIDGE CLOSED BETWEEN SPADINA CRES & COLLEGE DR
(Bridge Repairs)
Start: May 3, 7:00 a.m. End: August 31, 6:00 p.m.

*EXPECT DELAYS* CIRCLE DR/HWY 16 EB & WB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED APPROACHING OVERPASS
(New bypass construction)
Start: April 30, 9:00 a.m. End: May 11, 5:00 p.m.

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

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information and subscribe to Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

The City has started mailing the 2015 Property Tax Notice to 91,000 properties in Saskatoon. Property owners should expect their tax notices to arrive over the next two weeks. If you do not receive your tax notice by May 31, 2015, please call 306-975-2400.

Property Taxes for 2015 are due June 30, 2015. 

Included with your 2015 Property Tax Notice is an informative brochure that explains the information you will find on your tax notice, and contact information should you have any other tax related questions. The tax brochure also highlights how you can get involved in shaping the City of Saskatoon’s financial future, through upcoming opportunities to participate and have your say in shaping the City’s annual budget for 2016. Watch for updates under City Hall>Budget& Finances>Shaping Saskatoon’s Financial Future.

Property owners are also encouraged to visit saskatoon.ca and look under >Popular Services for Residents>Look Up My Property Assessment to use the Property Assessment & Tax Tool. This helpful and easy to use tool allows the user to look up any Saskatoon property by address to see assessment information, related market area information, property tax information, and details on how the City distributes the current year’s municipal portion of property taxes to civic services.

Visit saskatoon.ca/propertytax for additional information. Or contact a Customer Service Representative at 306-975-2400, we are pleased to answer any tax related questions you may have. 

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours, and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

The City of Saskatoon will continue to expand the use of durable markings on major roadways and high speed freeways this year. Durable markings are more visible and last 7 to 10 years longer than regular road paint.

“Winter operations, including sanding and snow clearing, as well as high traffic volumes tend to wear off road paint faster,” says Angela Gardiner, Director of Transportation. “With increased funding in recent years we’ve been able to expand the use of durable markings, which are visible year round.”

The type of durable markings the City uses are called inlaid thermoplastic. Crews grind out 5 millimeter deep sections in the asphalt and fill the groove with the liquid plastic material to a level slightly above the roadway surface.  Glass reflective beads are then distributed across the liquid surface before it cures.

This year, durable markings will be applied to a total of 11.8 kilometers of road including, portions of Millar Avenue, Wanuskewin Road, Warman Road, 22nd Street, Lorne Avenue and Circle Drive. This work is scheduled to begin in June.

Traditional paint will still be used to mark lane, centre and edge lines on more than 800 kilometers of roadway across Saskatoon this year. Crews began painting lines on Monday, April 20, and are approximately 5 per cent complete.

“Repainting road markings is a priority for the City in the spring to help drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to understand and navigate the roadways safely and efficiently,” says Gardiner. “We coordinate road marking with road resurfacing work, and to minimize traffic disruptions, lines on high traffic streets are painted at night.”

Crews paint road markings two to three times each year:

• Lane lines, edge lines and center lines are painted three times a year
• Crosswalks are painted at least twice a year
• Shared bike lanes markings (sharrows) and chevrons (near freeway ramps) are painted once a year
• Road markings are repainted if they are removed  due to paving, patching etc.

For the safety of workers, please slow down when approaching work zones or line painting vehicles, and give the workers the room they need to get the job done safely and efficiently.

For more information about line painting visit saskatoon.ca/betterroads.

ONGOING

UNIVERSITY BRIDGE CLOSED BETWEEN SPADINA CRES & COLLEGE DR
(Bridge Repairs)
Start: May 3, 7:00 a.m. End: August 31, 6:00 p.m.

*EXPECT DELAYS* CIRCLE DR/HWY 16 EB & WB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED APPROACHING OVERPASS
(New bypass construction)
Start: April 30, 9:00 a.m. End: May 11, 5:00 p.m.

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

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information and subscribe to Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

For Immediate Release:  May 6, 2015
FR15-107

Based on resident feedback and system generated data, the notifynow test conducted on May 5th was a success according to Saskatoon’s Emergency Measures Organization (EMO). The majority of residents who called the EMO following the test recognized that notifynow is an important life safety service which is being tested twice a year and is a trusted tool that will notify them of important emergencies in their neighbourhood.

One of the goals of the May 5th test was to familiarize Saskatoon residents with the sound of an emergency notification and demonstrate how it will display on their phones so in a real emergency they will trust that the information is coming from a reputable source and act on it. This test showed that notifynow reached 101,334 contact points within approximately one hour. If, for example, the EMO was instructed to issue an immediate shelter in place order to 1,600 homes in a specific neighbourhood, notifynow could deliver that message in approximately three minutes.

The City of Saskatoon EMO continues to encourage Saskatoon residents to sign up for notifynow. Residents listed in the SaskTel 2014/2015 phonebook are already in the database however, they must sign up to receive notifications at more than one address or via e-mail, text, or cell phone call. There have been more than 1,495 new notifynow sign ups since the 2015 spring campaign launched on May 3rd.

notifynow is not a news service, but a life safety service that will rapidly send critical life safety messages to Saskatoon residents who would potentially be affected in an emergency. Sign up by visiting saskatoon.ca and clicking on the ‘Find out more’ button under the notifynow advertisement on the homepage.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

City of Saskatoon (City) crews are working on reducing mosquito populations this spring through the annual mosquito control campaign.  Due to the warm April weather, mosquitos are developing faster than in recent years; however, drier conditions have led to less mosquito habitat.  The mosquitoes currently being controlled are nuisance mosquitoes.  Mosquito control will continue throughout the summer and will also control Culex tarsalis, the mosquito that is the primary carrier for the West Nile virus in Saskatchewan.

Saskatoon residents can assist with reducing mosquito populations, including Culex tarsalis, by eliminating standing water on their property.  Mosquito larvae can develop in any water, even small amounts that are allowed to stand for four days or more.  To help control the mosquito population, you can:

• Remove any standing water from your property;
• Ensure items in and around the property like pool covers, saucers under flower pots, children’s toys, pet bowls, and wading pools are regularly emptied or replaced with clean water;
• Clean eavestroughs regularly so water does not collect in them;
• Empty and clean bird baths twice weekly;
• Ensure openings in rain barrels are covered with mosquito screening; and
• Ensure your yard is free of debris, such as old tires that can hold rainwater.

For more information on the City’s mosquito control program, please visit www.saskatoon.ca/pests.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

The Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth (P4G) is pleased to announce the release of the vision for the P4G Regional Plan (Regional Vision).

This Regional Vision has been created in collaboration with political leaders and administrators from the partnering municipalities - the Cities of Saskatoon, Martensville, and Warman, the Town of Osler, and the Rural Municipality (RM) of Corman Park, as well as an advisory representative from the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA).

The Vision reads:  Our vision for the future is a vibrant, prosperous, and internationally competitive region. We are known for a high quality of life; a thriving and diverse economy; healthy and connected ecosystems; and efficient infrastructure supporting sustainable growth and development. The five municipalities of the Region - Osler, Martensville, Warman, Saskatoon, and the RM of Corman Park - provide a rich range of opportunities and lifestyle choices for residents and newcomers. The aesthetic beauty and ecological values of the South Saskatchewan River and prairie landscapes are key components to our quality of life. We work in partnership on issues of common interest through integrated, coordinated efforts that support our success while respecting the individual aspirations of all partners.

The Regional Vision, available online at www.partnershipforgrowth.ca, also includes six overarching guiding principles to be pursued under the Plan, as well as seven primary strategic directions that will shape the focus of regional action by the P4G.

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. The Plan, which is expected to be completed by mid-2016, will consist of plans for land use, transportation, infrastructure, and servicing. It will also outline the strategies needed for implementation and propose new governance and administrative structures for the region.

Stay tuned! Public open houses on the Regional Plan are being planned for June 2015. Citizens can also connect with P4G online at www.partnershipforgrowth.ca, on Twitter (@P4G_YXE_Region) or Facebook (facebook.com/partnershipforgrowth).

For more Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth (P4G) Announcements and News Releases, visit www.partnershipforgrowth.ca or connect with the Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth on Twitter and Facebook.

ONGOING

UNIVERSITY BRIDGE CLOSED BETWEEN SPADINA CRES & COLLEGE DR
(Bridge Repairs)
Start: May 3, 7:00 a.m. End: August 31, 6:00 p.m.

*EXPECT DELAYS* CIRCLE DR/HWY 16 EB & WB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED APPROACHING OVERPASS
(New bypass construction)
Start: April 30, 9:00 a.m. End: May 11, 5:00 p.m.

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

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information and subscribe to Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

NEW

WARMAN RD NB & SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANES CLOSED BETWEEN PRIMROSE DR & 51ST ST/LENORE DR
(Concrete repairs)
Start: May 5, 9:00 a.m. End: May 5, 5:00 p.m.

20TH ST W WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM AVE C S TO AVE D S
(Crane lift)
Start: May 5, 10:00 a.m. End: May 5, 12:00 p.m.

ONGOING

UNIVERSITY BRIDGE CLOSED BETWEEN SPADINA CRES & COLLEGE DR
(Bridge Repairs)
Start: May 3, 7:00 a.m. End: August 31, 6:00 p.m.

*EXPECT DELAYS* CIRCLE DR/HWY 16 EB & WB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED APPROACHING OVERPASS
(New bypass construction)
Start: April 30, 9:00 a.m. End: May 11, 5:00 p.m.

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

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information and subscribe to Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

The City of Saskatoon Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) will be conducting another semi-annual, city-wide test of the notifynow mass notification system Tuesday, May 5, 2015, starting at 6:00 p.m.

The purpose of the test is to give residents an opportunity to better understand the notifynow system, to let people hear what a notifynow message will sound like, and to encourage people to sign-up. 

Residents who have already signed up to receive notifynow messages, or who have their phone number listed in the 2014/15 SaskTel Phonebook should expect to be contacted during the notifynow test tomorrow.

Similar to other tests, persons receiving the notifynow test on a phone will hear a recorded message explaining this is only a test. 

Please note: because of the volume of calls going out during the test on Tuesday, and depending on your phone settings, there may be a voice message left. However, in a critical life or property safety emergency, a notifynow voice message with pertinent instructions will be left.

The notifynow system allows the City of Saskatoon to inform residents by sending a written or voice recorded safety message to their cellphone, home or business phone, or email - so they know what to do, where to go, and what to expect during an emergency. With the push of a button, notifynow can reach tens of thousands of Saskatoon residents with timely information on how they can ensure their personal safety and/or minimize damage to their property.

To sign-up for notifynow or to sign-in and customize the method of how you would like to receive your notifynow message, or to sign-up members of your family, visit saskatoon.ca/notifynow or look under the Announcements section on our homepage.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

NEW

8TH ST E EB CURB (OUTSIDE) & CENTER LANE CLOSED AT MOSS AVE
(Connection work)
Start: May 4, 8:00 a.m. End: May 4, 6:00 p.m.

ONGOING

UNIVERSITY BRIDGE CLOSED BETWEEN SPADINA CRES & COLLEGE DR
(Bridge Repairs)
Start: May 3, 7:00 a.m. End: August 31, 6:00 p.m.

*EXPECT DELAYS* CIRCLE DR/HWY 16 EB & WB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED APPROACHING OVERPASS
(New bypass construction)
Start: April 30, 9:00 a.m. End: May 11, 5:00 p.m.

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

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information and subscribe to Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

To coincide with the closure of University Bridge this Sunday, May 3, 2015, Saskatoon Transit will be launching a weekend shuttle service between the Downtown Terminal and Place Riel (University of Saskatchewan) for the duration of the project. Via the single open lane of University Bridge, this new #200 route will shuttle passengers every 15 minutes on weekends.

“This weekend shuttle route will help our customers get across the river quicker than ever,” says Acting Director of Saskatoon Transit, Trevor Bell. “It will also allow us to provide consistent service on those weekends when the University Bridge closes to all authorized vehicles including Transit.”

It’s expected that the single lane of traffic being maintained for authorized users, including Transit buses, will close for 6 to 8 weekends over the course of the project to conduct work that extends over all bridge lanes. During full closure weekends, Transit will continue to offer the #200 route via Broadway Bridge.

“Weekend Transit riders can expect this alternate route across the Broadway Bridge to add about 10 minutes to their commute,” continues Bell. “In order to make this delay as short as possible, we’ve made the shuttle an express route on full closure weekends. This means the shuttle will only stop at the Downtown Terminal, Broadway and 12th, and at Place Riel.”

During full closure weekends, some Transit users will be directed to use an alternate stop either across the street or down the block. Customer service agents will be on-hand to assist Transit riders throughout the summer and standard Transit redirect signage will be posted at any impacted stops.

The alternate shuttle via Broadway will be in effect this Sunday as the bridge will be fully closed for construction set-up. From now until the end of the University Bridge project, Transit customers can check to see if the alternate shuttle via Broadway is in effect by visiting either transit.saskatoon.ca/bridge or by following @stoontransit on Twitter.

NEW SATURDAY

SPADINA CRES E CLOSED BETWEEN PEMBINA AVE & PINEHOUSE DR
(Bridge City Duathlon)
Start: May 2, 7:00 a.m. End: May 2, 1:00 p.m.

NEW SUNDAY

UNIVERSITY BRIDGE CLOSED BETWEEN SPADINA CRES & COLLEGE DR
(Bridge Repairs)
Start: May 3, 7:00 a.m. End: August 31, 6:00 p.m.

2ND AVE S CLOSED FROM 20TH ST E TO 21ST ST E
(Crane Lift at CIBC)
Start: May 3, 6:00 a.m. End: May 4, 6:00 a.m.

IDYLWYLD DR NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN 51ST ST & 60TH ST
(Pole maintenance)
Start: May 3, 7.30 a.m. End: May 3, 9:00 a.m.

CIRCLE DR EB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED WEST OF HWY 16/11 OVERPASS
(Pole maintenance)
Start: May 3, 7:30 a.m. End: May 3, 9:00 a.m.

IDYLWYLD DR NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN MARQUIS DR & 68TH ST
(Pole maintenance)
Start: May 3, 9.00 a.m. End: May 3, 10:30 a.m.

CIRCLE DR NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED NORTH OF HWY 16 WB ON RAMP
(Pole maintenance)
Start: May 3, 9:00 a.m. End: May 3, 10:30 a.m.

4TH AVE N CLOSED FROM 23RD ST E TO 24TH ST E
(Battle of the Atlantic Parade)
Start: May 3, 10:00 a.m. End: May 3, 12:30 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR SB CURB LANE CLOSED APPROACHING HWY 16 EB ON RAMP
(Pole maintenance)
Start: May 3, 10.30 a.m. End: May 3, 12:30 p.m.

CIRCLE DR NB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED NORTH OF ATTRIDGE DR OVERPASS
(Pole maintenance)
Start: May 3, 10:30 a.m. End: May 3, 12:00 p.m.

ONGOING

BROADWAY AVE NB CLOSED BETWEEN 12TH ST & SASK CRES
(Storm lead repair)
Start: May 1, 10:00 a.m. End: May 2, 12:00 p.m.

*EXPECT DELAYS* CIRCLE DR/HWY 16 EB & WB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED APPROACHING OVERPASS
(New bypass construction)
Start: April 30, 9:00 a.m. End: May 11, 5:00 p.m.

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

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information and subscribe to Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

The City of Saskatoon Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) will be conducting another semi-annual, city-wide test of the notifynow mass notification system on Tuesday, May 5, 2015, starting at 6:00 p.m. The purpose of the test is to give residents the opportunity to better understand the notifynow system, to let people hear what a notifynow message will sound like, and to encourage people to sign-up.

“It is important to familiarize residents with what a notification will sound like,” says Director of Emergency Planning, Ray Unrau. “With each test of the notifynow system, we increase our residents’ familiarity with the notifynow process so they will be ready to respond appropriately in a real emergency situation.”

The notifynow system allows the City of Saskatoon to inform residents by sending a written or voice recorded safety message to their cellphone, home or business phone, or email - so they know what to do, where to go, and what to expect during an emergency. With the push of a button, notifynow can reach tens of thousands of Saskatoon residents with timely information on how they can ensure their personal safety and/or minimize damage to their property.

Residents who have already signed up to receive notifynow messages, or who have their phone number listed in the 2014/15 SaskTel Phonebook should expect to be contacted during the notifynow test on Tuesday.

Similar to other tests, persons receiving the notifynow test on a phone will hear a recorded message explaining this is only a test.  Please note: because of the volume of calls going out during the test on Tuesday, and depending on your phone settings, there may be a voice message left. However, in a critical life or property safety emergency, a notifynow voice message with pertinent instructions will be left.

“Later in the evening, after the test is complete, we ask that residents take note of how they received their notification message and whether the message was delivered to them in the most effective way,” Unrau says. “For example, if they received a voice message on their home phone, but would prefer to receive a text message on their cellphone they would need to sign-in to notifynow on our website and update their account. This way, residents decide their preferred method of contact, and they can even sign-up family members.”

Residents with an unlisted SaskTel phone number,  those who have just moved to Saskatoon and are not yet listed in the phone book, or those without a landline, will have to sign-up to receive future notifynow messages by selecting their preferred method of contact.

To sign-up for notifynow or to sign-in and customize the method of how you would like to receive your notifynow message, visit saskatoon.ca/notifynow or look under the Announcements section on our homepage.

The City of Saskatoon Green Cart program has expanded so more residents can conveniently dispose of yard waste without putting it in their black garbage cart.

For $55 we’ll collect your unbagged leaves, grass clippings and non-elm tree trimmings every two weeks from May to November. Register online at Saskatoon.ca/greencart. New registrations and renewals accepted until June 1. For more information call 306-975-2487. Food waste is not accepted in the 2015 Green Cart program.

There are more ways to keep yard waste out of your garbage cart.  The City’s compost depots are open for residents to drop off their leaves, grass and non-elm branches and tree trimmings free of charge. For locations and hours, visit Saskatoon.ca/compostdepots. And for home composters, the City offers a $20 rebate to residents who purchase a compost bin from a Saskatoon retailer in 2015. Visit Saskatoon.ca/composting for information.

Yard waste isn’t garbage. When yard waste goes to the landfill, it’s mixed with garbage and quickly buried, often in an airless environment. Without oxygen, it doesn’t turn into soil or compost. Instead, it creates methane (a greenhouse gas much stronger than carbon dioxide) and garbage fluids called leachate, which have to be managed under strict environmental regulations.

Visit us at the Living Green Expo this weekend for more information on how to put waste in the right place.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

Cleaning of the process basins at Saskatoon’s Water Treatment Plant is underway. These tanks are regularly cleaned twice a year to remove a build of river sand and process materials which can cause equipment breakdowns.

As a result residents may notice plumes of orange-coloured liquid being released into the river. This discharge is made up of river sand and other natural organic materials that are removed during the water treatment process. The orange colour is caused by an iron based compound that is used during the treatment process. 

Cleaning is expected to be complete by May 8, 2015. Learn more at saskatoon.ca/water.

NEW

CIRCLE DR E NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT 108TH ST W
(Garffiti cleaning)
Circle Dr NB curb lane closed under 108th St
Start: May 1, 9:00 a.m. End: May 1, 12:00 p.m.

DIEFENBAKER DR EB CLOSED AT VANIER CRES & PEARSON PL
(Storm lead repair)
2-way traffic in WB lanes
Start: May 1, 9:00 a.m. End: May 1, 6:00 p.m.

ONGOING

CIRCLE DR/HWY 16 EB & WB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED APPROACHING OVERPASS
(New bypass construction)
Start: April 30, 9:00 a.m. End: May 11, 5:00 p.m.

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

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information and subscribe to Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

City crews have been working day and night since April 13, brushing off centre medians and sweeping the curbs along 830 lane kilometers of high-traffic streets in all areas of the City.   To date, 665 tandem dump truck loads of sand and debris have been collected during the Spring Sweeping Blitz, reducing some of the dust and allowing residents to enjoy the outdoors this spring.

Beginning Monday, May 4, Accelerated City-Wide Street Sweeping will clean all streets curb-to-curb by neighbourhood, beginning at 7:00 a.m. 7 days a week.  

“As long as the weather cooperates, all City streets will be swept over the next six weeks,” says Pat Hyde, Director of Public Works.  “As a result of the weekend’s snow storm, sweeping on a few streets scheduled during the Blitz, had to be postponed and will be completed next week.”

Bright yellow “No Parking” sandwich boards will be placed throughout the scheduled area at least 36 hours in advance of sweeping to notify residents and visitors of the sweeping date when parking is not permitted. Each neighbourhood is scheduled around the front street garbage and recycling collection programs.  Neighbourhoods with grid streets and less off-street parking will have Streets and Avenues swept on different days to make parking available for vehicles that need to move.

Alongside daytime neighbourhood sweeping, evening crews will have separate schedules for all School Zones and Business Improvement Districts (BID). For the safety of students, the roadway within the 30 km/h school zone speed limit will again be swept at night, beginning at 8:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday.  School zones and BIDs are identified on the new street sweeping interactive map.  Refer to the online schedule and watch for new overnight “No Parking” signs to avoid getting a ticket and having your vehicle relocated.

Important to note:

• Residents are encouraged to check the online schedule often and pay attention to the day of the week on the “No Parking” signs placed on the street.  Rescheduling may occur to accommodate delays due to weather or other unforeseen circumstance. Street Sweeping service alerts will be issued as soon as an interruption occurs, and all changes will be updated online.
• Vehicles that remain on a scheduled street beginning at 7:00 a.m. will be ticketed $100 and relocated to a nearby street. Find My Vehicle application can help you locate a towed vehicle or call our customer service centre at 306-975-2476.

“We want to get out there and clean the streets as quickly as possible, so everyone can enjoy the warmer weather,” says Hyde. “Drivers are reminded to be patient and drive carefully when they encounter slow moving street sweeping vehicles.”

Visit saskatoon.ca/betterroads for the Street Sweeping schedules; link to a new street sweeping interactive map; and Street Sweeping service alerts for notifications of cancelled or incomplete sweeping areas. 

As the last of the snow melts and warmer temperatures are on the way, the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo will be switching to summer hours on Friday, May 1, 2015.  The extended hours mean that the Forestry Farm Park gates will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and the Zoo will be open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.  The last person will be admitted to the Zoo one hour before closing. Parking fees also come into effect on May 1.  The public is reminded that the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo is a pet-free park.

Watch for new animals arriving this year at the Zoo, and visit the red panda and cougars in the PotashCorp Ark exhibit, which houses animals never seen before in Saskatoon.  

For more information, visit www.saskatoon.ca/go/zoo. 

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

NEW

MCKERCHER DR NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT COLLEGE DR
(Graffiti cleaning)
Start: April 30, 7:00 a.m. End: April 30, 8:30 a.m.

COLLEGE DR EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT MCKERCHER DR
(Graffiti cleaning)
Start: April 30, 8:30 a.m. End: April 30, 10:30 a.m.

8TH ST E WB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT MELROSE AVE
(Hydrovacing)
Start: April 30, 9:00 a.m. End: April 30, 12:00 p.m.

DIEFENBAKER DR EB CLOSED AT VANIER CRES & PEARSON PL
(Storm lead repair)
2-way traffic in WB lanes
Start: April 30, 9:00 a.m. End: April 30, 6:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DR/HWY 16 EB & WB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED APPROACHING OVERPASS
(New bypass construction)
Start: April 30, 9:00 a.m. End: May 11, 5:00 p.m.

22ND ST W WB CLOSED FROM AVE J S TO AVE K S
(Water Connection Repair)
2-way traffic in EB between Avenue K & Avenue I
Start: April 30, 9:00 a.m. End: April 30, 6:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DR NB TO 22ND ST OFF-RAMP MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED
(Crash cushion repair)
Start: April 30, 9:00 a.m. End: April 30, 6:00 p.m.

COLLEGE DR WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE APPROACHING CIRCLE DR
(Graffiti cleaning)
Start: April 30, 10:30 a.m. End: April 30, 12:00 p.m.

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

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information and subscribe to Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

NEW

MILLAR AVE SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 45TH ST E TO 43RD ST E
(Connection repairs)
Start: April 29, 8:00 a.m. End: April 29, 5:00 p.m.

22ND ST E WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED APPROACHING AVE P N
(Groundwater testing)
Ave P NB median (inside) lane closed north of 22nd St
Start: April 29, 9:00 a.m. End: April 29, 5:00 p.m.

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

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information and subscribe to Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

CASH GRANTS AWARDED TO SUPPORT ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

A total of $10,000 is allocated through the City of Saskatoon 2015 Environmental Grant program to recognize local non-profit organizations implementing initiatives that support the City’s strategic goal of Environmental Leadership. To be eligible for the grant, activities must relate to protection of the environment; conservation of natural resources; and/or environmental communications, education and research.

Congratulations to the organizations that will receive funding in 2015:

Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre ($1,600): to increase the educational experience for visitors of the Garden Patch, by providing demonstrations of solar PV energy generation, water catchment techniques and home composting methods.

Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan ($1,400): to connect kids and agriculture through the Summer Garden Program which focuses on plants, gardening, healthy eating, and environmental stewardship.

South SK River Watershed Stewards ($1,400): to initiate awareness and monitoring programs for Aquatic Invasive Mussels in Saskatoon and the South Saskatchewan River watershed, with the ultimate goal of preventing the invasion of AIMs in the watershed.

Saskatoon Cycles ($1,400): to purchase bicycle racks and expand outreach to allow the Bike Valet to continue its commitment to providing an environmentally conscience option for Saskatoon festival attendees.

Saskatoon Farmers’ Market Co-operative ($1,400): to develop and deliver a pilot project to eliminate and/or divert waste for re-use, by working with the Market’s food service vendors to provide organic waste to local farmers as a soil amendment.

Saskatoon Jazz Festival ($1,400): to implement proper recycling, waste and water stations for attendees at the Friendship Park ‘Club Jazz’ venue of the 2015 Saskatoon Jazz Festival; the initiatives will be communicated through various marketing methods.

Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan ($1,400): to fund Wild about Saskatoon’s NatureCity Festival 2015, designed to encourage residents to appreciate and value wildlife and wild places in our urban landscape.

More information on the City of Saskatoon’s environmental initiatives can be found at Saskatoon.ca/ourenvironment.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

-30-

The City of Saskatoon (City) Urban Forestry and Public Works crews continue to inspect and follow up on reports of tree damage, as well as monitor catch basins and ponding water as a result of the heavy, wet snowfall over the weekend.

The Urban Forestry crews are focusing on locations where branches are blocking roadways and sidewalks or have the potential to cause injury or damage.  To report damage to City-owned trees that have fallen and are blocking roadways and sidewalks, residents are asked to call 306-975-2890. Callers should provide the adjacent address and a description of the issue in order for staff to prioritize responses.

Trees on private property are the responsibility of the property owner and brush that is cleared as a result of private trees obstructing public sidewalks or roadways will be left on the adjacent private property for the owner to clean up.  The City has two compost depots for residents to drop off non-elm branches, stumps, and tree trimmings for free:

• West – Highway 7 Compost Depot: Located at the junction of Highway 7 and 11^th Street and open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• East – Highway 5 Compost Depot:  Located off Highway 5 by the junction of Highway 41 and Zimmerman Road and open Thursday to Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 The following materials are NOT accepted at the compost depots:  elm wood, sawdust, lumber (treated and untreated), wood chips, mulch, building materials, or any other waste product.  In accordance with the Dutch Elm Disease Regulations, elm branches, limbs, logs, or stumps must be taken to the landfill for disposal.

 Public Works crews are working proactively to keep the water flowing into the storm sewer system, which can easily carry all of the flow resulting from any snowmelt.  Crews continue to monitor critical intersections, ditches, ponds, and culverts and are ready with equipment for emergency situations.

 Residents are asked to call Public Works Customer Service at 306-975-2476 to report gravel-filled utility cuts that require maintenance, hazardous potholes, or catch basins that are not draining.

 To view a video about spring melting conditions, visit www.saskatoon.ca and search “snow melt.”

 For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

NEW

BROADWAY AVE NB CLOSED FROM MAIN ST TO 10TH ST E
(Irrigation line repair)
Start: April 28, 9:00 a.m. End: April 28, 5:00 p.m.

MILLAR AVE NB CLOSED FROM 43RD ST TO 45TH ST
(Connection repair)
2-way traffic in SB lanes
Start: April 28, 9:00 a.m. End: April 28, 6:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR N SB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT 36TH ST W
(Ground water testing)
Start: April 28, 9:00 a.m. End: April 28, 6:00 p.m.

ONGOING

11TH ST W CLOSED FROM HIGHWAY 7 TO CHAPPELL DR
(Road Patching)
Rolling closure on 11th Street
Start: April 27, 8:00 a.m. End: April 28, 6:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DR/HWY 16 EB & WB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED APPROACHING OVERPASS
(New bypass construction)
Start: April 27, 9:00 a.m. End: May 8, 5:00 p.m.

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

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information and subscribe to Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

Beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 3 Saskatoon’s iconic University Bridge will close to the general public for repairs. The necessary four-month rehabilitation project will ensure the 100 year old bridge continues to serve commuters for many years to come.

“We know this project is going to have a significant impact on traffic flow in our City but we have done a lot of planning to try to minimize traffic disruption, for example, adjustments to traffic signals on detour routes, suggested alternate routes and advanced signage,” says Rob Frank, Engineering Manager for Asset Preservation. “The contractor will begin moving equipment into the area this week before starting work on Sunday. As we’ve been saying, we know this is a pain in the asphalt, however, this necessary work will ensure the safety and longevity of this important piece of infrastructure.”

The bridge will be closed to regular vehicle traffic for the entirety of the bridge rehabilitation project.  A single lane of traffic will remain open for emergency vehicles, Saskatoon Transit buses, Saskatoon Health Region authorized vehicles and school buses contracted by the Saskatoon School Boards only. A single walkway will also remain open at all times during construction. Non-authorized vehicles that attempt to use the bridge during the closure may be subject to a $90 fine.

Reroute Your Commute:

The following will be the most efficient routes from each quadrant of the City to cross the river during construction:

Northwest to the University – Use Circle Drive North Bridge > Preston Avenue
Northeast to Downtown – Use Circle Drive North Bridge > Warman Road
Southwest to the University – Use Circle Drive South Bridge > Circle Drive > College Drive
Southeast to Downtown – Use 8th Street or Circle Drive > Sid Buckwold Bridge

Traffic signals will be retimed to allow for a more efficient commute on 8th Street, 12th Street, Broadway Avenue, Idylwyld Freeway, 2nd Avenue, 4th Avenue, 25th Street, College Drive, Warman Road and Preston Avenue which will become busier as a result of the detours.

All Transit Routes and Access Transit Vehicles will operate as normal Monday to Friday. On weekends and holidays a shuttle bus will run every 15 minutes between the University of Saskatchewan, Place Riel Hub and the Downtown Terminal. More information is available at saskatoontransit.ca/bridge.

“There are many ways Saskatoon residents can help to minimize the impact including, taking the bus, carpooling, biking or walking,” says Frank. “It may also be an opportunity for employers to consider alternate work hours where possible, or coming up with options for ridesharing. If we work together we can ultimately reduce the traffic delays and allow for better movement of traffic in our city.”

The bridge is expected to reopen at the end of August. Visit saskatoon.ca/universitybridge for more information and for a look at the full Transportation Plan.

• On Saturday, nine sanders were on the road, applying salt and sand, as required.  Plows and contract graders joined them in the evening to keep the high-traffic streets clear until midnight when the snow appeared over.
• Another ten centimetres of snow fell early Sunday morning, and plows were out on Circle Drive, while contract graders attacked the other priority streets.
• The focus for Sunday is grading roads where melting snow is slower and trouble spots, such as busy intersections and corners, to keep roads in good winter driving condition.
• Street sweeping and pothole patching is currently on hold; watch for updated schedules.

•  2 speed plows on Circle Drive, pushing the slush of the centrelines and shoulders
• 1 belly plow – also sanding
• 4 PW graders on priority streets
• 12 contractor graders on priority streets.

• Saskatoon Light & Power and Parks crews are responding to reports of downed trees in power lines and other power line issues that are causing outages. 
• Power was restored in Queen Elizabeth, Holliston and City Park.
• Power Outage Service Alert Updates are available at saskatoon.ca-service-alert and on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert.
• Once the current issues are resolved, we do not anticipate further outages with the weather forecast.  Residents should call 306-975-2621 to report any downed lines or tree limbs in power lines.

• Reports of outages started this morning at 4:20 a.m. with the following affected: Avalon, Adelaide/Churchill, Nutana, Nutana Park, Holliston, Haultain, Mayfair, Westmount, Caswell Hill, Hudson Bay Park, Mount Royal, City Park and Queen Elizabeth.

• Heavy snow weighing down the power lines and broken trees were causing most of the outages. One line issue can affect parts of multiple neighbourhoods. 
• Crews were out working as quickly as possible to address each location, including tree trimming around lines.  Adelaide/ Churchill and Nutana Park were repaired and restored by 9 a.m.

• At approximately 4:40 p.m., 20 west-side neighbourhoods supplied by seven substations within the Saskatoon Light & Power service area experienced a power outage. 
• The outages affected traffic lights and many City operations and services, including the website and telephone servers, and the Saskatoon Landfill, which closed 15 minutes early at 5:15 p.m.
• Continuous timely updates were provided on the City’s Twitter and Facebook channels, which were shared by our followers in their networks, and used by news reporters for online and offline reporting to the general public.
• Three Saskatoon Light & Power crews worked as quickly as possible patrolling the lines in those areas to determine the cause.
• While the exact cause of the outages are not known, two weather-related incidents were discovered that may have overloaded the system, tripping the feed from the Queen Elizabeth Power Station that supplies the affected substations.  Heavy winds and frozen rain caused overhead lines along Preston Avenue to gallop (wave back & forth) and an insulator iced up at a separate location.
• These locations were isolated and repaired, and the substations were brought online beginning at 6:35, restoring power to the following neighbourhoods within 15 minutes: Central Industrial, City Park, Downtown, Holiday Park, Kelsey Woodlawn, King George, Meadowgreen, Montgomery, North Park, Pleasant Hill, Richmond Heights, Riversdale and Southwest Industrial.
• The Edmonton Avenue substation experienced a technical issue coming online, which delayed restoration until 7:30 p.m. for Airport Industrial, Caswell Hill, Hudson Bay Park, Mayfair, Mount Royal, Westmount and Westview.
• The website was online just after 9 p.m.; network system issues were resolved by 11 p.m. with access to Service Alerts for power and water outages.
• Later Saturday evening, another repair was required due to weather conditions, that required a substation to be restarted, resulting in a brief outage in Riversdale and parts Caswell Hill just before midnight.
• Without the website server, SL&P was unable to issue Power Outage Service Alerts, which are featured on the home page of the website and posted automatically on Twitter. 
• The City uses Service Alerts for timely notifications of unplanned service disruptions to Water, Power, Leisure Centres, Waste Collections, Landfill, Compost Depots, Road Restrictions, Street Sweeping schedules and Snow & Ice road maintenance. 
• The City’s mass notification system, NotifyNow, is currently only used for emergency situations to alert residents by geographical area where threats to life and safety exist.

• Buses are operating on Sunday reduced schedule, with no delays.
• Separately, issues are anticipated with the Online Trip Planner Sunday, April 26 only.  The following Route information may not display correctly for #1, 3-6, 17, 50, 60, 70 and 80. Passengers are asked to call our customer service centre at 306-975-3100 to confirm these routes (today only).

• While some facilities experienced power outages, no major interruptions were experienced.
• Facilities such as the Water Treatment Plant and Wastewater Treatment Plant have back-up systems in place to prevent interruptions.

• While we accumulated 8-12 inches of snow, once it melts it compares to 20-30 mm of rain.  Given the forecast for low temperatures Sunday and Monday, this is expected to melt slowly over the next two or three days.  Our storm sewer system is designed to take in more than this, so we don’t anticipate any flooding beyond some localized ponding at a few intersections.

NEW

11TH ST W CLOSED FROM HIGHWAY 7 TO CHAPPELL DR
(Road Patching)
Rolling closure on 11th Street
Start: April 27, 8:00 a.m. End: April 28, 6:00 p.m.

SPADINA CRES SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED UNDER UNIVERSITY BRIDGE
(Equipment setup)
Traffic maintained in all directions. University Bridge remains open.
Start: April 27, 9:00 a.m. End: April 27, 6:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DR/HWY 16 EB & WB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED APPROACHING OVERPASS
(New bypass construction)
Start: April 27, 9:00 a.m. End: May 8, 5:00 p.m.

DIEFENBAKER DR EB CLOSED FROM PEARSON PL TO VANIER CRES
(Storm lead repair)
2 way traffic in WB lanes
Start: April 27, 9:00 a.m. End: April 27, 6:00 p.m.

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

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information and subscribe to Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

NEW

SPADINA CRES E SB CLOSED FROM 25TH ST E TO 24TH ST E
(Temporary traffic light installation)
Start: April 25, 7:00 a.m. End: April 25, 10:00 a.m.

IDYLWYLD DR NB CLOSED BETWEEN 22ND ST & 23RD ST
(water valve repair)
Start: April 25, 8:00 a.m. End: April 26, 12:00 p.m.

22ND ST EB CLOSED BETWEEN IDYLWYD DR & 1ST AVE
(water valve repair)
Start: April 25, 8:00 a.m. End: April 26, 12:00 p.m.

NEW SUNDAY

25TH ST E EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM IDYLWYLD DR N TO CLARENCE AVE N
(Police Half Marathon)
Start: April 26, 7:00 a.m. End: April 26, 12:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD R NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN 51ST ST & 60TH ST
(Pole maintenance)
Start: April 26, 7.30 a.m. End: April 26, 9:00 a.m.

IDYLWYLD DR SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM ST GEORGE AVE TO CASCADE ST
(Street light maintenance)
Start: April 26, 8:00 a.m. End: April 26, 4:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN MARQUIS DR & 71ST ST
(Pole maintenance)
Start: April 26, 9.00 a.m. End: April 26, 10:30 a.m.

IDYLWYLD DR SB CURB LANE CLOSED APPROACHING HWY 16 EB ON RAMP
(Pole maintenance)
Start: April 26, 10.30 a.m. End: April 26, 12:00 p.m.

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

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information and subscribe to Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

Spring is a busy time of year for projects in the yard, garden, and around the home.  Contractors and homeowners with a property adjacent to a civic park may wish to use it as an access point for deliveries, equipment, or vehicles related to their projects.

The City of Saskatoon (City) would like to remind contractors and homeowners about the importance of gaining approval before accessing a park to ensure the safety and enjoyment of these spaces for everyone.

Before access may be granted, the contractor/homeowner is responsible for contacting the Parks Division to arrange an onsite meeting and completing a request for access permit.  If permission is granted to access the park, the contractor/homeowner is then responsible for:

• Immediately removing all litter or debris after the project is complete;
• Immediately repairing any damages to civic property at their expense and/or paying any expense incurred by the City to repair damages;
• Following restrictions identified in the approval process, including limitations for vehicle access when the turf is wet;
• Accepting liability for any potential injuries and for damages to public property; and
• Contacting the Parks Division immediately after the work is complete for an inspection and to close the permit.

For more information or to begin the approval process for your project, call 306-975-3300 or visit saskatoon.ca/parks.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

8.1.5 Process of Handling Barking Dog Complaints

City Council will be asked to:

*receive the report as information
*consider proposed amendments to the Animal Control Bylaw
*request Administration to review the number of afterhours animal complaints received by the Saskatoon Police Service and whether there is an opportunity to consider a change in the hours of operation of the Saskatoon Animal Control Agency to be able to be more responsive to handling barking dog complaint calls in the evening.

Additional Information:

*The City’s current process for handling nuisance barking complaints involves completion of both a five-day and seven-day barking log thereby establishing evidence of a nuisance prior to a ticket being issued.
*Warnings are currently utilized in every case, but their use is not mandated by bylaw.
*Citizens have raised concerns that the current process is onerous and lengthy.
*This report offers suggestions of ways to decrease the length of the process while maintaining the integrity of the evidence for prosecutions.

8.3.6 FlexParking Update

City Council will be asked to:

*receive the report as information

Additional Information:

*There has been positive customer feedback and use of the new parking system.
*Single-stall meters are being removed with the posts repurposed to sustain the “hooding” program.
*The new Parking Card is active and available for purchase.
*Development is underway for a parking smart phone application.

8.3.13 Red Light Camera (RLC) Update and Status of Traffic Reserve

City Council will be asked to:

*receive the report as information
*approve $100,000 for Pedestrian Upgrades and Enhanced Pedestrian Safety from the Traffic Safety Reserve

Additional Information:

*The collision history before and after the installation of RLCs has resulted in a reduction of right-angle collisions.
*Funding is being requested from the Traffic Safety Reserve to install four new enhanced pedestrian crossings to increase the level of safety for pedestrians.

9.6.1 Parcel YY, River Landing Phase 1 – Request for Consent of City to Transfer of Interest and Amendments to Memorandum of Sale

City Council will be asked to:

*Victory Majors has requested that the City allow Victory Majors to transfer a portion of its interest in Parcel YY, (River Landing Phase I) to River Landing GP Inc., which is a general partner of River Landing General Partnership.

Additional Information:

*The City is still in charge of regulatory control over development on the site.  The City has the authority under the Direct Control District approval process and architectural guidelines set out in the South Downtown Local Area Design Plan.
*The changes will amend the development from a hotel, residential, office and retail complex to one of a phased, mixed-use development, with the same general uses. That means it could have one or more office spaces with extra commercial spaces, a hotel development phase and then a residential phase. Each phase have underground parking.
*excavation for the first phase must be up to grade within 18 months; the previous agreement required the entire parcel to be excavated. The clock starts ticking when shovels go in the ground.

9.11.1 2016 Business Plan and Budget Process

City Council will be asked to:

*Reaffirm Council’s four-year priorities
*Approve the proposed performance measures
*Endorse the proposed process for the 2016 Business Plan and Budget

Additional Information:

*A public engagement component proposed so the people of Saskatoon have an opportunity to provide input into the 2016 Business Plan and Budget.
*Performance measures will be integrated into the 2016 Business Plan and Budget Process to provide an objective method to measure the City’s performance in achieving measurable results.
*The City of Saskatoon’s 2016 Business Plan and Budget will need to carefully balance the fiscal constraints facing the City and the expanding service demands of a growing city.
*In addition to the City of Saskatoon’s Strategic Plan, Council's priorities will provide direction and focus to the Administration in the preparation of the 2016 Business Plan and Budget.

NEW

MILLAR AVE CLOSED BETWEEN MARQUIS DR E & 68TH ST E
(Connection Repair)
Start: April 24, 9:00 a.m. End: April 24, 6:00 p.m.

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

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information and subscribe to Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

The City of Saskatoon today announced the major road and infrastructure projects that will lead the 2015 construction season. This is the second year of an aggressive ongoing strategy to improve the condition, safety and longevity of Saskatoon’s road network.

“With the increased budget in 2014, significant progress was made but we know more work is required to ensure our public infrastructure meets the needs of residents,” says Mike Gutek, Director of Major Projects. “This year, approximately $26.9 million will be invested in road and sidewalk rehabilitation alone. This is $1.7 million more than last year and we expect residents will again see evidence of that investment.

In 2015, 196 lane kilometres of road will be rehabilitated, ranging from high traffic roads to residential streets. That’s the same distance as from here to Emma Lake, and augments the more than 200 kilometres of roadway rehabilitated last year.

Among the major roadway projects planned this year are the 22nd Street and Circle Drive interchange, Circle Drive eastbound lanes from 33rd Street to Avenue C, parts of Wanuskewin Road, Lorne Avenue, Taylor Street and 3rd Avenue Downtown.

Although road repairs will again be the centrepiece of efforts this year, significant investments will also be made in building and developing infrastructure for Saskatoon’s new neighbourhoods and in rehabilitating almost 14 kilometres of water, storm and sewer mains. Repairs will be made to the University Bridge as well as the Highway 11 & 16 Cloverleaf Bridge and streetscaping work will continue along 20th Street West. 

The City will focus on completing quality work, safely and efficiently, with the least disruption possible this construction season. Weekend and night work will continue to be considered on projects where it makes sense. These efficiencies will allow the work to be completed timely and effectively, while reducing the impact on road users, residents and businesses.

“As we head into another busy season of road work and traffic detours we’re appealing to drivers to slow down, pay attention and respect work zones,” says Gutek. “We care about the safety of our employees, and the travelling public.”

There are a number of tools available for residents to plan ahead and avoid traffic congestion. Visit saskatoon.ca/betterroads and check the Road Restrictions and Construction Projects map to plan your route around road work. You can also find traffic detour information on our website and by following us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE.

A full list of 2015 Road Preservation and Rehabilitation projects is also available at saskatoon.ca/betterroads.

NEW

CIRCLE DR E SB EXIT CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED APPROACHING 8TH ST
(Hydovacing)
Start: April 23, 8:00 a.m. End: April 23, 1:00 p.m.

24TH ST E CLOSED BETWEEN SPADINA CRES & 6TH AVE n
(Water main repair)
Start: April 23, 9:00 a.m. End: April 23, 6:00 p.m.

22ND ST W WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM AVE J N TO AVE K N
(Curb box repair)
Start: April 23, 9:00 a.m. End: April 23, 5:00 p.m.

1ST AVE SB CLOSED BETWEEN 42ND ST & CIRCLE DR CLOSED
(Traffic detector repairs)
Start: April 23, 9:30 a.m. End: April 23, 12:30 p.m.

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

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information and subscribe to Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

The City is pleased to start its development of the first Active Transportation Plan (ATP) for one of the fastest growing communities in Canada.

“There is a growing need for improved options when it comes to how we move around our city,” says Don Cook, Manager of Long Range Planning.  “The Active Transportation Plan will help to meet this need, making active forms of transportation safe, convenient, and attractive choices for our residents.”

Active transportation includes any form of human-powered transportation for all ages and abilities such as walking, jogging, cycling, skateboarding, and persons using mobility aids.

The ATP is a component of the City’s Growth Plan to Half a Million. It will explore how Saskatoon’s current infrastructure and programs support active transportation.  It also seeks to identify how the accessibility and attractiveness of our city’s active transportation options can be improved. 

“Public input will be important throughout the development of the ATP,” Cook says. “All residents are invited to be a part of creating a ‘made in Saskatoon’ plan that will promote personal health and recreation, help manage congestion, reduce  greenhouse gas emissions and  support our city as it grows to half a million people  over the next 30 to 40 years.”

From now until May 29, 2015, the public is invited to share their vision for active transportation in Saskatoon by completing an interactive online survey at www.growingfwd.ca/activetransportation.

In addition to online engagement, a family-friendly public event will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2015, at the Amphitheatre II, River Landing – rain or shine!  All residents are encouraged to stop by the active transportation tent anytime between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to learn more about the project.

Family-friendly Drop-in Discussions
Saturday, May 23, 2015
Amphitheatre II, River Landing (next to the Pump House and South of the Farmer’s Market at the end of Avenue A South)
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The ATP is scheduled to be completed by Spring 2016.

For more information on the ATP or to sign up for project update notifications, please visit www.growingfwd.ca/activetransportation.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours, and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

NEW

SPADINA CRES E SB CLOSED FROM 25TH ST E TO 24TH ST E
(Temporary traffic light base installation)
Start: April 22, 9:00 a.m. End: April 22, 12:00 p.m.

2ND AVE N SB CURB & MEDIAN LANES CLOSED APPROACHING 23RD ST
(Manohole Repair)
Start: April 22, 9:00 a.m. End: April 22, 12:00 p.m.

24TH ST CLOSED BETWEEN SPADINA CRES & 5TH AVE
(Water main repair)
Start: April 22, 9:00 a.m. End: April 22, 6:00 p.m.

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

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information and subscribe to Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

The Water Treatment Plant is in the first stages of commissioning the biggest addition to the plant in more than 50 years. 

After two years of construction, city staff and Graham Construction have begun pre-commissioning of the new water reservoir, high lift pumping station, and Ultra-Violet treatment facility which is located at Avenue H and 11th Street.  This involves methodical testing and operation of numerous pipes, pumps, valves, controls, and monitoring sensors, both individually and as a system, which must integrate with existing plant infrastructure.  Extreme care is taken during this process, and the new infrastructure could be fully operational as early as May 30, 2015.

This infrastructure will further enhance the reliability and safety of the City’s drinking water system.  Saskatoon is one of the first cities in Canada to add ultraviolet to its treatment process to provide an additional barrier to the multi-barrier treatment process.

Many precautions and back-up systems are in place to prevent any adverse impacts to residents during commissioning.

A grand opening event with His Worship Mayor Donald Atchison, Councillors, and provincial and federal representatives from Canada-Saskatchewan Building Canada Fund will be held, with the date to be announced.  Public tours will be made available at that time as well.    

As commissioning proceeds, further PSAs will be issued at key milestones.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

NEW SUNDAY

WARMAN RD NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN 7TH AVE N AND CAVERS ST
(Sasktel manhole work)
Start: April 19, 8:00 a.m. End: April 19, 12:00 p.m.

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

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information and subscribe to Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

Pothole repairs are in full swing with crews using 195 tonnes of asphalt to repair the equivalent of approximately 11,000 potholes since hot-mix asphalt became available on April 8, 2015. This measurement is based on an average sized pothole with a 12” diameter and 4” depth.

“With the good weather we’ve been able to get out a week ahead of previous years to begin patching potholes with hot-mix asphalt,” says Pat Hyde, Director of Public Works. “Crews are out 7-days a week inspecting and repairing potholes, but we can’t be everywhere at once. Residents can help us by using the enhanced Report-a-Pothole map to report locations.”

Since the new and improved Report-a-Pothole map was launched on April 2, 2015, 839 locations have been reported. New locations reported on the map are inspected each morning and are rated to determine priority. Pothole repairs are prioritized based on their size, depth, location within the roadway (driving lane, curb lane etc.), and the traffic volume on that street.

“Potholes that cause concern in the driving lanes of high traffic streets and potholes with the potential to cause damage are repaired first,” says Hyde. “This enables us to cover more area on the priority streets faster and we return at a later date to repair the remaining minor potholes.”

The Spring Pothole Blitz is currently focused along many of the same high-traffic streets as the Spring Street Sweeping Blitz programs at which point many of the potholes reported on the map will be addressed. View the schedule at saskatoon.ca/betterroads. Pothole repairs for all remaining streets will follow the Accelerated City Wide Neighbourhood Sweeping program due to begin in early May.

2015 Improvements:

• The standardized use of so called “hot boxes” instead of open-back trucks, to control the temperature of the hot-mix asphalt during patching, will result in better quality, longer lasting repairs.
• Improved work zone set ups including increased signage and protocols will ensure enhanced worker safety and clearer direction for drivers.

If the mild weather continues, we expect the frost to be completely out of the ground in the next few weeks at which point the following programs will begin:

• Inspectors will begin rating back lanes next week to determine the level of repairs required and the Back Lane Maintenance and Reconstruction will begin around June.
• Permanent repairs to Utility Cuts will begin early May. Utility Cuts are excavations required to connect, repair or maintain underground utilities. Cuts have straight edges and can range in size from one foot to more than 10 feet wide and are gravel filled. These are not considered potholes. Residents can view the status of these repairs on the Utility Cuts and Repair Schedule map.

For more information and the visit saskatoon.ca/betterroads.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

City of Saskatoon golf courses are ready to welcome golfers for another season.  Holiday Park and Silverwood Golf Courses will open this week, and follow Wildwood Golf Course, which opened Thursday, April 9, 2015.

Holiday Park (Phone:  306-975-3325; 1630 Avenue U South)
Friday, April 17: 12 p.m. (all holes)
 

Silverwood (Phone:  306-975-3314; 3503 Kinnear Avenue)
Thursday, April 16:  12 p.m.  (Front/Lake 9)
Saturday, April 18:  7 a.m. (Back/River 9)

Wildwood (Phone:  306-975-3320; 4050 8th Street East)
Opened April 9

Online tee time reservations are available for Holiday Park and Silverwood starting at 12 p.m., Thursday, April 16 at www.saskatoon.ca/golf.  Golfers are able to book 9 or 18 holes of play for groups of one to four players up to ten days in advance at any of the three municipal golf courses.  Online tee time reservations are not available for same day bookings.  Same day bookings can be completed by phone or in person.  A valid email address is required to make tee time reservations.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

Household hazardous waste requires proper disposal to reduce risks to humans and animals, and prevent pollution of our land, water and air. These materials should not be placed in your garbage or recycling bins, poured down the drain or toilet, or released into the environment.

To ensure household hazardous materials are safely disposed of or recycled, the City coordinates regular Household Hazardous Waste Days for residents to drop-off these materials. A temporary site will be set up at SaskTel Centre parking lot (101 - 3515 Thatcher Avenue) from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., on the following dates in 2015:

2015 Household Hazardous Waste Days:

• April 18
• May 23
• June 20
• July 4
• August 15
• September 19
• October 17
• November 21

For a complete list of materials accepted at HHW Days, please visit Saskatoon.ca/hazardouswaste. A number of items can also be returned to local retailers for convenient and safe disposal or recycling – for current opportunities in the community, please visit Saskwastereduction.ca.

Leftover paint and empty paint cans are accepted without charge at all SARCAN recycling depots in Saskatoon. Please do not bring paint to Household Hazardous Waste Days unless it is not accepted through the SARCAN program. A complete list of paint/paint products accepted at SARCAN locations can be found at www.sarcan.ca/pages/paint.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

- 30 –

As Saskatoon’s population and economy continues to expand and change, the City wants citizens to share more input and have a better idea about how we could manage the financial demands a growing community places on taxpayers.

“Growth is a natural outcome from a city with a great quality of life,” City Manager Murray Totland says. “To make sure the community continues to prosper and offer that same life quality, we need solid information to help us understand what it costs to run and grow Saskatoon now and for many years to come.”

At its next meeting, the Executive Committee of City Council will receive a series of comprehensive reports that provide key information and strategies on a renewed business plan and budget process.

Totland adds several factors or inputs contribute to the budget of which include a growing population, inflation, capital investments, Council priorities, performance targets, and public input.

Additionally, a portion of the information for Executive Committee is a study by Hemson Consulting which looked at the financial impact of growth, the costs, and benefits of different types of development.

With this knowledge, the City has developed a framework to improve the budget process.

“What we’re proposing is a process for more balanced and accountable budget planning,” CFO Kerry Tarasoff says.  “We want to make strides toward measuring successes, let people have their say about spending priorities and how to make wise investments for our future.”

The planning will be divided into five phases from March until December and will include new elements such as performance measures and greater public engagement.

“Most important is our proposal to open the doors of City Hall and ask our citizens for opinions on City projects and spending plans,” Tarasoff says.  “Planning the budget is more than reconciling a balance sheet; it’s about the process, and although the City’s process has been evolving and improving in the last five years, we’ve found it could be better around transparency, engagement and the technology we use.”

The Hemson study also looked into the issue of rising property taxes and provides some insights into the complexities of the cost of growth and what drives property tax increases: 

• Inflation
• Increased demand for new & replacement infrastructure
• Increased services
• Revenue not keeping pace with growth
• People outpacing property
• Residential property forms a greater share of revenue

“We’ve discovered that growth partially pays for growth, and that we also need to look at ways of adopting less reliance on property taxes as a primary revenue source,” Totland says.  “Right now Development levies do a good job of paying for the development within neighbourhoods and Hemson’s work suggests that there might be an opportunity to consider other ways to fund growth for those larger city wide services without solely relying on the property tax.” 

Budget deliberations are set for November 30 and December 1, 2015.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

-30-

NEW

QUEEN ST CLOSED AT 4TH AVE N
(Construction)
Start: April 16, 7:00 a.m. End: April 16, 5:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR N SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN 71ST ST W & MARQUIS DR W
(Sign maintenance)
Start: April 16, 9:00 a.m. End: April 16, 10:30 a.m.

IDYLWYLD DR N SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN 25TH ST E TO 24TH ST E
(Irrigation & sod installation)
Start: April 16, 9:00 a.m. End: April 16, 4:00 p.m.

33RD ST W EB LANES CLOSED AT AVE Y N INTERSECTION
(Water connection repair)
Two-way traffic in WB lanes.
Start: April 16, 9:00 a.m. End: April 16, 4:00 p.m.

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

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information and subscribe to Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

Saskatoon Transit has received an award from the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), honoured with a Community Relations Excellence Award for the 2014 Transit Route Changes initiative.

“We’re thrilled to be recognized with this prestigious IABC Gold Quill Award,” says Saskatoon Transit Marketing Manager, Alysha Hille. “In 2014 we really focused on reaching our customers in the right way and making sure we were meeting their communications needs.”

In 2013, Saskatoon Transit heard from transit riders concerned they had not had the opportunity to provide input into the yearly review before transit route changes were implemented. In response, Saskatoon Transit introduced various engagement opportunities where transit riders had their say through face to face interaction, directly impacting the final proposal which was implemented in 2014.

“This process proved to be so successful that it has now become a standard customer consultation process,” says Trevor Bell, Acting Director of Saskatoon Transit. “We have shared this community relations initiative with transit organizations in other cities so that they too can integrate customer feedback into operational decisions.”

The Gold Quill Awards program recognizes business communication excellence globally, and is acknowledged as one of the most prestigious awards programs in the industry. Entries are evaluated against IABC’s standard of excellence, and the feedback from evaluators this year indicated that the standard of work in this year’s awards was some of the best seen in recent years.

ONGOING

WANUSKEWIN RD SB LANES CLOSED BETWEEN 71ST STREET AND MARQUIS DR
(SaskEnergy gasline work)
Detour via 71st St WB and Arthur Rose Ave. 71st St EB closed between Arthur Rose Ave and Wanuskewin Rd
Start: April 13, 9:30 a.m. End: April 17, 6:00 p.m.

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

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information and subscribe to Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

NEW

24TH ST CLOSED BETWEEN SPADINA CRES & AT 5TH AVE
(Water main repair)
Start: April 13, 9:00 a.m. End: April 13, 6:00 p.m.

WANUSKEWIN RD SB LANES CLOSED BETWEEN 71ST STREET AND MARQUIS DR
(SaskEnergy gasline work)
Detour via 71st St WB and Arthur Rose Ave. 71st St EB closed between Arthur Rose Ave and Wanuskewin Rd
Start: April 13, 9:30 a.m. End: April 17, 6:00 p.m.

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

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information and subscribe to Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

The City of Saskatoon’s compost depots open on Monday, April 13 for the 2015 season, with a new east location and new hours of operation. The depots are free for residents of Saskatoon to help reduce the amount of waste sent to the landfill by bringing their unbagged grass clippings, leaves, non-elm wood, sod, and yard waste to one of the depots:

• East Compost (Transfer) Depot at Highway 5 and Zimmerman Road; east of the former Sundown Drive-in
  • Open Thursday – Monday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Closed Tuesday and Wednesday)
• West Compost Depot at Highway 7 and 11th Street West
  • Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The depots accept tree and shrub material; however, due to the threat of Dutch Elm disease, elm wood is not accepted at the Compost Depots (fallen elm leaves are accepted). Elm branches, limbs, logs, or stumps may be disposed of at the Landfill located off Valley Road where regular tipping fees apply.

Important Information for Commercial Haulers
Commercial haulers are required to purchase and display an entry permit when visiting the compost depots. The registration fee for 2015, per business, is $200 for the first vehicle and $50 for each additional vehicle, payable at City Hall or saskatoon.ca/greencarts.  The East Compost Depot is a temporary transfer site that collects and transfers residential material to the west location for composting. For this reason, commercial dump trucks and tip trailers are not permitted. These commercial customers must haul directly to the West Compost Depot at Highway 7.  We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your cooperation.

The former east depot site was on McOrmond Drive and was closed after last season to accommodate development in the area. Learn more about the City’s composting programs, including the Green Cart residential collection program, at saskatoon.ca/composting.  For timely updates, watch for Compost Depot Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca and on Twitter with @YXEServiceAlert.