News Releases

It is an annual issue for the city’s urban forest.  Tent caterpillars, cankerworms, and leafrollers are feeding on trees in some areas in the city.  The trees may experience heavy defoliation in some cases, but unless there are underlying issues, the trees will recover and produce new foliage.

 Forest tent caterpillars attack a wide variety of deciduous trees, especially green ash.  The numbers of forest tent caterpillars are high this year especially in areas of the city where green ash is the most common street tree.  Caterpillars can be sprayed with a high pressure hose and washed off of the tree.  Over the next few weeks, these insects will seek shelter and transform into moths.

 Cankerworms, also known as loopers and inchworms, are found primarily on the leaves of American elm and Manitoba maple trees.  The fall and the spring cankerworm species often feed together during June and July.  They can be found hanging from silken threads underneath infested trees and can be a nuisance.

 Leafrollers feed while concealed within leaves that are rolled or tied together with silk webbing.  Ash trees are their preference, but they also attack other tree species.  The larvae will feed in mid- to late-June, but the leaves will remain rolled throughout the summer.

 Tree banding can be used to control cankerworms; however, it is not effective against leafrollers and tent caterpillars.  The best time to place bands on the trees is from September to May to help prevent the wingless adult female cankerworm moths from climbing host trees to lay their eggs.  It is important to remove the bands at the beginning of June because the band can collect moisture and cause the trunk to rot.  Unlike the adult female cankerworm, the female leafrollers and tent caterpillars have wings and will fly from tree to tree to lay their eggs.

 The City of Saskatoon does not control cankerworms, tent caterpillars or leafrollers as they typically do not impact the health of the trees they attack.  Homeowners interested in controlling them on their own trees should consult their local garden centre for advice.  For information on urban pests such as mosquitoes, Dutch Elm disease, wildlife, and tree defoliators, visit www.saskatoon.ca/pests

 -30-

 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

51ST ST E EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED APPROACHING WARMAN RD
(Concrete work)
Continue on Lenore Dr to Primrose Dr for access to Warman Rd
Start: May 22, 4:00 a.m. End: May 22, 7:00 a.m.

ROLLING CLOSURE: CIRCLE DR E SB SINGLE LANE CLOSURES COLLEGE DR TO 14TH ST E
(Crack filling)
Start: May 22, 4:00 a.m. End: May 22, 4:00 p.m.

BROADWAY AVE SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 12TH ST E TO 11TH ST E
(Crane Lift)
Start: May 22, 4:30 a.m. End: May 22, 6:00 a.m.

WARMAN RD NB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN PRIMROSE DR & 51ST ST E
(Concrete work)
Start: May 22, 9:00 a.m. End: May 22, 3:00 p.m.

WANUSKEWIN RD SECTION OF NB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN 51ST ST E & GOERZEN ST
(Concrete work)
Start: May 22, 9:00 a.m. End: May 22, 3:00 p.m.

WANUSKEWIN RD SECTIONS OF NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 51ST ST E TO ADILMAN DR
(Concrete work)
Start: May 22, 9:00 a.m. End: May 22, 3:00 p.m.

ONGOING

AIRPORT DR SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT 45TH ST W
(Roadwork)
Start: May 20, 9:00 a.m. End: May 27, 5:00 p.m.

CONFEDERATION DR SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM LAURIER DR TO 22ND ST W
(Concrete work)
Start: May 20, 9:00 a.m. End: June 6, 5:00 p.m.

CENTRAL AVE SB CLOSED AT 104TH ST
(Water Main lining)
2-way traffic maintained in NB lanes
Start: May 19, 7:00 a.m. End: May 26, 4:00 p.m.

HWY 11/16 EB OVERPASS CLOSED AT CLOVERLEAF INTERSECTION
(Overpass repair)
Two EB lanes and one WB lane of traffic will be maintained on the WB overpass.
Start: May 18, 7:00 a.m. End: Tentative - August 7, 5:00 p.m.

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

As part of the development of Saskatoon’s first Active Transportation Plan (ATP), the City of Saskatoon (City), is hosting a family-friendly public event 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 and share their vision for active transportation.

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.

ATP 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.

 Can’t make the event?  Share your vision for active transportation in Saskatoon by completing the interactive online survey at www.growingfwd.ca/activetransportation ,available now until May 29.

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.

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:

• 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.

Please do not bring paint to Household Hazardous Waste Days. Leftover paint and empty paint cans are accepted without charge at all SARCAN recycling depots in Saskatoon. 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 -

The City of Saskatoon’s (City) Planning and Development Division, partnering with the Saskatoon Police Service, invite citizens to attend a commemorative Police call box unveiling ceremony outside of the Sturdy Stone Building.

Join His Worship Mayor Donald Atchison, Deputy Chief Bernie Pannell, and City Archivist Jeff O’Brien as they unveil a replica call box and celebrate the history of how it was used in the first part of the 20^th Century.

                                                                                  Police Call Box Unveiling Ceremony
                                                                                             Friday, May 22, 2015
                                                                                                        1:30 p.m.
                                                                                  Outside the Sturdy Stone Building
                                                                                Corner of 3^rd Avenue and 22^nd Street

The City has created this heritage interpretive element on 3^rd Avenue as part of the streetscape project currently underway. The call box will house a digital audio playback device that invites passing pedestrians to listen to audio tracks featuring short dramatized stories of policing in the Downtown.

The call boxes were actively used by the Police and Fire Departments between 1912 and 1960 to report incidents directly to headquarters. The project is located in what used to be known as Beat No. 1, the area bounded by 19^th Street on the south, 23^rd Street on the north, 4^th Avenue on the east, and 1^st Avenue on the west.

A second call box has been installed in the lobby of the Police Station (76 - 25^th Street East) featuring interviews conducted with retired police officers who actively worked the beat during the use of these boxes.

 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

CIRCLE DR LANE CLOSURE BETWEEN TAYLOR ST OVERPASS & TAYLOR ST ON RAMP
(Crack filling)
Rolling closure - SB median lane > SB curb lane > NB median lane > NB curb lane. Only one lane closed at a time.
Start: May 21, 4:00 a.m. End: May 21, 4:00 p.m.

3RD AVE N CLOSED FROM 24TH ST E TO 25TH ST E
(Manhole repairs)
3rd Ave closed from 24th St to 25th St
Start: May 21, 9:00 a.m. End: May 21, 6:00 p.m.

WARMAN RD NB & SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANES CLOSED FROM PRIMROSE DR TO LENORE DR/51ST ST E
(Concrete work)
Start: May 21, 9:00 a.m. End: May 21, 3:30 p.m.

22ND ST E WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED APPROACHING 1ST AVE N
(Signage installation)
Start: May 21, 9:00 a.m. End: May 21, 4:00 p.m.

22ND ST E WB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 1ST AVE N TO PACIFIC AVE
(Parks median work)
Start: May 21, 10:00 a.m. End: May 21, 12:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR SB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED ON RUTH ST OVERPASS
(Ground testing)
Start: May 21, 11:00 a.m. End: May 21, 2:00 p.m.

ONGOING

AIRPORT DR SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT 45TH ST W
(Roadwork)
Start: May 20, 9:00 a.m. End: May 27, 5:00 p.m.

CONFEDERATION DR SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM LAURIER DR TO 22ND ST W
(Concrete work)
Start: May 20, 9:00 a.m. End: June 6, 5:00 p.m.

CENTRAL AVE SB CLOSED AT 104TH ST
(Water Main lining)
2-way traffic maintained in NB lanes
Start: May 19, 7:00 a.m. End: May 26, 4:00 p.m.

HWY 11/16 EB OVERPASS CLOSED AT CLOVERLEAF INTERSECTION
(Overpass repair)
Two EB lanes and one WB lane of traffic will be maintained on the WB overpass.
Start: May 18, 7:00 a.m. End: Tentative - August 7, 5:00 p.m.

UNIVERSITY BRIDGE CLOSED BETWEEN SPADINA CRES & COLLEGE DR
(Bridge Repairs)
Start: May 3, 7:00 a.m. End: August 31, 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 unveiled a new online dashboard for citizens to monitor the City’s progress and performance toward our strategic goals. The dashboard’s launch follows consultations with citizens on their priorities for the City and performance targets that should guide City planning and investment.

“The best way to make progress is to measure it,” says Catherine Gryba, General Manager of Corporate Performance. “We are highlighting 25 bold targets and indicators based on citizen feedback and the goals outlined in our 10-year Strategic Plan.  Going forward, we will use these dashboard targets and indicators to measure how we’re making strides toward greater efficiency, more savings and service improvements.”

Gryba adds the new dashboard is the product of an overall effort to promote continuous improvement and deliver programs and services that are better for citizens and the City’s finances.

“People want their City to deliver programs and services that are better for them as citizens and for the City’s bottom line,” she says.  “They want to know tax dollars are being invested wisely, services are being delivered efficiently and we are dedicated to continuous improvement. That’s why -- on top of the dashboard -- we’re focused on three initiatives aimed at improving our efficiency, savings and service. “

Three initiatives will drive this effort:

* Annual Civic Services Reviews
* Internal Process Reviews
* Innovation Teams

Civic Services Reviews will examine all aspects of any given program or service with a view to improving efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Process Reviews will focus on a single stream of activity or service with a view to eliminating waste and redundancy.

Innovation Teams -- a new strategy -- are front-line employees and other staff who will take a fresh look at how services get delivered and propose better ways of meeting the needs and expectations of citizens.

While saving tax dollars and improving service have always been priorities for the City, Gryba says this new push on performance will sharpen the City’s focus.

“This is not a new effort. It’s a renewed effort,” Gryba explains. “By making performance improvement a formal priority, and by incorporating performance measurement into everything we do, we’ll find better ways to save money, serve citizens and reach our goals.”

The new dashboard is intended to keep performance improvement front and center and serve as a running progress report on the strides the City is making toward key goals and targets. Progress will be updated annually or more regularly, depending on the target area and availability of fresh data. Background information, including comparative data from other cities, will also be available to citizens through the website.

“We are following City Council’s lead in wanting to improve transparency and involve citizens in the decisions and actions that affect them,” Gryba says. “This dashboard tool will give citizens a look into how we are doing as a City, both where we need to improve and where we are making strides.”

To view the City of Saskatoon’s new performance monitoring dashboard, background materials and other resources, visit saskatoon.ca/strides.

-30-

Dream Development in conjunction with the City of Saskatoon began construction of the Stonebridge and Highway 11 Interchange at Victor Road in Stonebridge on Tuesday, May 19. The project is expected to be complete in fall of 2016, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

The partial interchange at Victor Road and Highway 11 will complete the major access points to the Stonebridge neighbourhood and further improve traffic conditions at Clarence Avenue and Preston Avenue.  Dream Development (formerly Dundee Developments) has hired AECOM Canada Ltd. to design and manage the interchange while under construction and Graham Construction has been contracted to complete the construction of this project.  As a major stakeholder and eventual owner of the interchange, the City of Saskatoon has worked closely with Dream Development through the process and will coordinate traffic control for the duration of the project.

Access to the Stonebridge neighbourhood will not be affected by the construction however; lane restrictions and reduced speeds will be required on Highway 11 as construction progresses. No road restrictions are yet in place. As they occur, road restrictions will be communicated via City’s Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map at saskatoon.ca/constructionmap. Residents can also find Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts or follow the City on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE.

Dream Development and the City thank drivers for their patience while this work is carried out. For more information about the project visit saskatoon.ca/stonebridgeinterchange.

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.

NEW

CIRCLE DR EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED APPROACHING WARMAN RD EXIT
(Crack filling)
Start: May 20, 4:00 a.m. End: May 20, 7:00 a.m.

1ST AVE NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN 22ND ST AND 23RD ST
(Sign installation)
Start: May 20, 7:00 a.m. End: May 20, 4:00 p.m.

AIRPORT DR SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT 45TH ST W
(Roadwork)
Start: May 20, 9:00 a.m. End: May 27, 5:00 p.m.

CONFEDERATION DR SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM LAURIER DR TO 22ND ST W
(Concrete work)
Start: May 20, 9:00 a.m. End: June 6, 5:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR SB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED ON RUTH ST OVERPASS
(Ground testing)
Start: May 20, 11:00 a.m. End: May 20, 2:00 p.m.

ONGOING

CENTRAL AVE SB CLOSED AT 104TH ST
(Water Main lining)
2-way traffic maintained in NB lanes
Start: May 19, 7:00 a.m. End: May 26, 4:00 p.m.

HWY 11/16 EB OVERPASS CLOSED AT CLOVERLEAF INTERSECTION
(Overpass repair)
Two EB lanes and one WB lane of traffic will be maintained on the WB overpass.
Start: May 18, 7:00 a.m. End: Tentative - August 7, 5:00 p.m.

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

The City of Saskatoon is committed to being more accountable, transparent, and efficient in the management and allocation of its key priorities and financial resources. First quarter projected results for the City of Saskatoon’s 2015 Corporate Business Plan and Budget: Sustaining the Saskatoon Advantage, as of March 31, 2015 forecast a net deficit of $1.043 million. It is cautioned that this is still an early projection and subject to substantial variance as the remainder of the year proceeds. The Administration will be taking all reasonable measures to bring in a balanced budget at year-end.

“This projected deficit is early in the fiscal year and open to many variables that can change over the course of the year.  It is based on the information we have to the end of the first quarter,” says CFO, Kerry Tarasoff.  “By examining our numbers now, we can identify solutions to recover costs and eliminate a deficit before year-end.”

“Much of this first quarter projected deficit can be linked to costs for increased street sweeping in the Business Improvement Districts and the industrial areas, as well as a revenue reduction from a decrease in Transit ridership, that compounded by a shift to discounted bus passes from regular fares,” Tarasoff says. 

Following is a brief summary of the main issues contributing to the projected variance; full details can be found in the Administrative Report, page 96.

Transportation is projecting a $2.16 million deficit due to unfavourable variance in Snow Removal ($0.461 million), Street Cleaning ($0.519 million) and Transit Operations ($1.17 million).  The Snow Removal deficit can be offset by its stabilization reserve however the deficit in this program as well as the street cleaning deficit will be managed through reductions in overtime and by closely managing contracts to bring costs within budget. The Transit division will be focusing on continued cost control efforts, and a targeted marketing plan related to the University Bridge Closure to help offset the current projection.

While Utilities are projecting a $1.475 million deficit, this will be offset by $0.675 million from a corresponding Stabilization Reserve.  The remaining deficit of $0.775 million will be offset by reducing a corresponding transfer to the Landfill Replacement Reserve in the Environmental Services Division.

An anticipated surplus in Taxation and General Revenues of $1.065 million is helping reduce the overall deficit. This surplus is attributable to increased payments from the Provincial utility franchise fees.   

Quarterly status updates on the City’s Corporate Business Plan and Budget help to ensure that City Council and the Administration are aware of emerging Business Plan and Budget issues and challenges, so they can react accordingly. Providing quarterly reports helps the City to mitigate any financial or corporate risks that may result from unplanned events, or new challenges that may emerge throughout 2015.

The City is committed to the Strategic Goals of Continuous Improvement, and Asset and Financial Sustainability, and dedicated to: creating a more visible budget process; reducing revenue reliance on the property tax; providing financial information frequently and earlier so City Council can make informed decisions; and planning opportunities for residents to have their say in shaping the 2016 budget and Saskatoon’s financial future.

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.

The Precautionary Evacuation Notice following the clean-up of the hydrochloric acid spill that occurred Friday morning on 50^th Street East between Cleveland and Wentz Avenue, has been lifted.

The Saskatoon Fire Department, the Ministry of Environment, the Emergency Response Team and a private contractor worked to neutralize the spill, which had the potential to produce a toxic gas. As a precautionary measure, the notice was issued and businesses to the north and west of the spill were asked to shut down and dismiss employees. Further clean-up of the site is ongoing.

The Saskatoon Fire Department responded to the chemical spill at 9:15 a.m. on Friday, May 15. Three fire engines as well as the Hazmat and Decon trailers responded.

The Saskatoon Fire Department reminds everyone of the importance of following advice given by emergency services to ensure their own safety. If you have questions about the safety in your business area, please call the Saskatoon Fire Department at 306-975-3030.

The Precautionary Evacuation Notice following the clean-up of the hydrochloric acid spill that occurred Friday morning on 50^th Street East between Cleveland and Wentz Avenue, has been lifted.

The Saskatoon Fire Department, the Ministry of Environment, the Emergency Response Team and a private contractor worked to neutralize the spill, which had the potential to produce a toxic gas. As a precautionary measure, the notice was issued and businesses to the north and west of the spill were asked to shut down and dismiss employees. Further clean-up of the site is ongoing.

The Saskatoon Fire Department responded to the chemical spill at 9:15 a.m. on Friday, May 15. Three fire engines as well as the Hazmat and Decon trailers responded.

The Saskatoon Fire Department reminds everyone of the importance of following advice given by emergency services to ensure their own safety. If you have questions about the safety in your business area, please call the Saskatoon Fire Department at 306-975-3030.

Emergency crews remain on scene dealing with the hydrochloric acid spill that occurred this morning on 50^th Street East between Cleveland and Wentz Avenue.

The Saskatoon Fire Department, the Ministry of Environment, the emergency response team and a private contractor are working to neutralize the spilled hydrochloric acid. This clean-up process may produce a toxic gas. As a precautionary measure, businesses to the north and west of the spill are being asked to shut down and dismiss employees.

Plume modelling has been utilized to determine the area that needs to be evacuated. Plume modelling takes into consideration wind speed, whether there is a high or low pressure system in the area, the vapour density of the product and the natural terrain of the area. The Saskatoon Fire Department and the Saskatoon Police Service are going door to door to ask a small number of businesses in the affected area to leave as soon as possible. Notifynow, Saskatoon’s emergency notification system, has been used to contact affected businesses and residents.

Emergency crews remain on scene dealing with the hydrochloric acid spill that occurred this morning on 50^th Street East between Cleveland and Wentz Avenue.

The Saskatoon Fire Department, the Ministry of Environment, the emergency response team and a private contractor are working to neutralize the spilled hydrochloric acid. This clean-up process may produce a toxic gas. As a precautionary measure, businesses to the north and west of the spill are being asked to shut down and dismiss employees.

Plume modelling has been utilized to determine the area that needs to be evacuated. Plume modelling takes into consideration wind speed, whether there is a high or low pressure system in the area, the vapour density of the product and the natural terrain of the area. The Saskatoon Fire Department and the Saskatoon Police Service are going door to door to ask a small number of businesses in the affected area to leave as soon as possible. Notifynow, Saskatoon’s emergency notification system, has been used to contact affected businesses and residents.

NEW

CENTRAL AVE SB CLOSED AT 104TH ST
(Water Main lining)
2-way traffic maintained in NB lanes
Start: May 19, 7:00 a.m. End: May 26, 4:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR N SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN 71ST ST W & MARQUIS DR W
(Sign maintenance)
Start: May 19, 9:00 a.m. End: May 19, 10:30 a.m.

BROADWAY AVE SB LEFT TURN LANE CLOSED APPROACHING 12TH ST E
(Manhole repair)
No left turn from Broadway Ave SB to 12th St EB
Start: May 19, 9:00 a.m. End: May 19, 1:00 p.m.

CONFEDERATION DR SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN LAURIER DR & CIRCLE DR
(Landscaping work)
Start: May 19, 9:00 a.m. End: June 9, 6:00 p.m.

ONGOING

HWY 11/16 EB OVERPASS CLOSED AT CLOVERLEAF INTERSECTION
(Overpass repair)
Two EB lanes and one WB lane of traffic will be maintained on the WB overpass.
Start: May 18, 7:00 a.m. End: Tentative - August 7, 5:00 p.m.

CENTRAL AVE CLOSED BETWEEN GARVIE RD & SOMERS RD
(Sewer main installation)
Detour via Kristjanson Rd
Start: May 11, 9:00 a.m. End: June 26, 5:00 p.m.

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

1ST AVE N CLOSED FROM 23RD ST E TO 24TH ST E
(BACA Bikers Against Child Abuse 100 Mile Ride)
Start: May 16, 7:00 a.m. End: May 16, 6:00 p.m.

SPADINA CRES/ WHITESWAN DR NB CLOSED FROM 21ST ST TO SILVERWOOD ROAD
(Bikes on Broadway)
Start: May 16, 4:00 p.m. End: May 16, 9:00 p.m.

NEW SUNDAY

WANUSKEWIN RD NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED APPROACHING ADILMAN DR
(Manhole repair)
Start: May 17, 9:00 a.m. End: May 17, 4:00 p.m.

WARMAN RD SB CLOSED FROM 51ST ST E TO LENORE DR
(Manholes & catch basins repair)
Use Millar Ave
Start: May 17, 7:00 a.m. End: May 17, 12:00 p.m.

NEW MONDAY

HWY 11/16 EB OVERPASS CLOSED AT CLOVERLEAF INTERSECTION
(Overpass repair)
Two EB lanes and one WB lane of traffic will be maintained on the WB overpass.
Start: May 18, 7:00 a.m. End: Tentative - August 7, 5:00 p.m.

ONGOING

CENTRAL AVE CLOSED BETWEEN GARVIE RD & SOMERS RD
(Sewer main installation)
Detour via Kristjanson Rd
Start: May 11, 9:00 a.m. End: June 26, 5:00 p.m.

UNIVERSITY BRIDGE CLOSED BETWEEN SPADINA CRES & COLLEGE DR
(Bridge Repairs)
Start: May 3, 7:00 a.m. End: August 31, 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 Saskatoon Fire Department reminds the residents of Saskatoon that low hazard fireworks can only be detonated on private property between the hours of dusk and 11:00 p.m. on Victoria Day, Monday, May 18th.

Low hazard fireworks are designed for public recreational use and include some roman candles, sparklers, fountains, wheels, volcanoes, mines and snakes that travel less than 50m (160 ft) high. High hazard fireworks are designed for professionals and can only be purchased by persons holding a valid Fireworks Supervisor – Level I or Level II card issued by Natural Resources Canada.

“Even though low hazard fireworks are permitted between dusk and 11:00 p.m. on Victoria Day” said Acting Fire Marshal Luc Durand, “we still want people to understand the risks associated with fireworks and exercise extreme caution.”

Before sending off your low-hazard fireworks choose your location wisely. Fireworks are only allowed on private property and cannot be detonated on any public spaces. You will need a wide clear site with no overhead obstructions and the ability to stabilize and/or secure the fireworks. For example, a roman candle needs an area of about 30m (100ft) by 30m (100ft) with room for spectators around that perimeter. To ensure stability, a roman candle needs to be buried to half its length in sand or soil or secured in racks designed for that purpose. Keep in mind that you are responsible for any debris that may land on your spectators or another person’s property.

Carefully read and follow all the manufacturer’s instructions on the fireworks.

After dusk, when you are ready to fire, make sure that it is not windy, that everyone under 18 is supervised by an adult and that you always carefully light the fuse at its tip. Other than sparklers, never light or hold a lit firework in your hand.

Wait at least 30 minutes before beginning the clean-up process. At that time, it is a good idea to dispose of used fireworks and debris in a pail of water. Never try to relight or fix the fuse on fireworks that didn’t go off.

Always be extremely careful when shooting fireworks. Their debris or smoldering embers could cause injuries, property damage or even fires

The Saskatoon Fire Department wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday. Please follow all safety requirements if you choose to send off fireworks during between dusk and 11:00 p.m. on Victoria Day.

NEW

22ND ST W WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED APPROACHING AVE P
(Sidewalk replacement)
Ave P NB closed between 22nd St W & 23rd St W
Start: May 15, 9:00 a.m. End: May 15, 3:00 p.m.

ONGOING

CENTRAL AVE CLOSED BETWEEN GARVIE RD & SOMERS RD
(Sewer main installation)
Detour via Kristjanson Rd
Start: May 11, 9:00 a.m. End: June 26, 5:00 p.m.

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
(Detour bypass construction)
Preparation work for overpass repairs scheduled to begin May 19.
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.

NEW

4TH AVE N SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN 22ND ST & 21ST ST
(SIIT BBQ)
Start: May 14, 7:00 a.m. End: May 14, 2:00 p.m.

11TH ST W CLOSED FROM AVE O S TO AVE N S
(Water & sewer work)
Start: May 14, 9:00 a.m. End: May 14, 3:00 p.m.

8TH ST E WB LEFT TURN LANE CLOSED APPROACHING ARLINGTON AVE
(Fiber Optic Cable Installation)
Start: May 14, 9:00 a.m. End: May 14, 3:00 p.m.

22ND ST W WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM AVE J N TO AVE K N
(Curb box repair)
Start: May 14, 9:00 a.m. End: May 14, 1:00 p.m.

ONGOING

CENTRAL AVE CLOSED BETWEEN GARVIE RD & SOMERS RD
(Sewer main installation)
Detour via Kristjanson Rd
Start: May 11, 9:00 a.m. End: June 26, 5:00 p.m.

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
(Detour bypass construction)
Preparation work for overpass repairs scheduled to begin May 19.
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.

The City of Saskatoon will begin necessary repairs on the Highway 11 and 16 overpasses at the cloverleaf intersection on Tuesday, May 19. The traffic detour will begin on Monday, May 18. The work is expected to last approximately four months, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

“The work will extend the life of these important pieces of infrastructure and ensure their continued use in the future,” says Rob Frank, Engineering Manager for Asset Preservation. “As part of our yearly bridge and overpass inspection program, both the University Bridge rehabilitation project and the Highway 11 & 16 cloverleaf were identified as needing immediate repairs. Maintaining City infrastructure and bridges is important to Saskatoon.”

While there is no current risk of danger, the engineering assessment at the cloverleaf concluded immediate repairs to the ends of the support beams were required to restore their structural capacity. Delaying the repairs would result in continued deterioration of the structures and necessitate the closure of lanes and the restriction of heavier vehicles.

In order to minimize disruption to drivers, significant planning has gone into developing a detour plan that allows the continued movement of traffic in all directions. Temporary detour structures are being built to allow at least a single lane of traffic to continue in both directions for the duration of the project. During phase 1, two-way traffic will be accommodated on the westbound overpass while work is carried out on the eastbound structure. During Phase 2 the traffic detour will reverse while repairs are made to the westbound structure. Traffic will be required to slow to 60 km/h through the construction zone.

“The traffic restrictions that have been in place over the past two weeks have accommodated construction of those temporary structures,” says Frank. “We know this is having an impact on traffic flow in the area. If everybody obeys the signage, in particular the zipper merge, we anticipate a 5 to 10 minute delay to drivers for the remainder of the project.”

To zipper merge correctly, as you see the “lane closed ahead” sign and traffic backing up, stay in your current lane up to the point of merge. Then take turns with other drivers to safely and smoothly ease into the remaining lane. Vehicles in the merging lane must signal, and drivers in the through lane must let one vehicle merge. It’s important to note that this makes the traffic flow more quickly and efficiently for drivers in both lanes.

The City thanks drivers for their patience while this necessary work is carried out. For more information about the project visit saskatoon.ca and search ‘cloverleaf’.

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.

NEW

WANUSKEWIN RD NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN LENORE DR & ADILMAN DR
(Catch basin & manhole repairs)
Preparation work for road resurfacing scheduled to begin May 20.
Start: May 13, 9:00 a.m. End: May 13, 4:00 p.m.

8TH ST E WB LEFT TURN LANE TO ARLINGTON AVE CLOSED
(Fibre optic cable installation)
Arlington Ave NB curb (outside) lane closed at 8th St
Start: May 13, 9:00 a.m. End: May 13, 3:00 p.m.

ONGOING

CENTRAL AVE CLOSED BETWEEN GARVIE RD & SOMERS RD
(Sewer main installation)
Detour via Kristjanson Rd
Start: May 11, 9:00 a.m. End: June 26, 5:00 p.m.

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
(Detour bypass construction)
Preparation work for overpass repairs scheduled to begin May 19.
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.

Saskatoon students are taking action to reduce greenhouse gases, reduce waste and energy, conserve water, produce local food, and encourage active transportation and a greater appreciation of nature.

Three hundred students in 13 grade 5 - 8 classes participated in the 2014/15 Student Action for a Sustainable Future (SASF) program. Their projects focus on waste, water, energy, food, biodiversity or transportation and are showcased today, May 12, at a student tradeshow. School board trustees, superintendents, City of Saskatoon representatives, students’ parents and family members, and other stakeholders were invited to view the projects.

Some of the student projects on display at the SASF showcase include:

- A bike generator
- School yard clean-ups
- Classroom and lunchroom composting
- School gardening
- Anti-idling campaigns
- Lights out and lights half-out campaigns
- Energy, waste and water audits at home and school
- Indigenous knowledge and practices
- Art and performance

“The Student Action for a Sustainable Future program engages students and teachers in sustainability-focused action projects,” says Brenda Wallace, Director of Environmental & Corporate initiatives. “Their hard work and enthusiasm has a tremendous impact on their classrooms, schools, families and our community.”

The Student Action for a Sustainable Future program was developed in Saskatoon in 2013 and 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.

For more information, visit Saskatoon.ca/StudentAction.

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 following are the hours of civic services and facilities for Victoria Day on Monday, May 18, 2015:

City Hall will be closed.

Parking meters will not require payment.  Motorists are required to move their vehicles within the time period shown on parking meters, allowing for a constant turnover of parking availability.

Municipal Impound Lot will not be releasing vehicles to the public.

Saskatoon Landfill will be open with regular summer hours of 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The East Compost Depot will be open with regular hours of 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The West Compost Depot will be open with regular hours of 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Garbage, Recycling and Leaves & Grass collection will take place as scheduled.

All Saskatoon Public Library locations will be closed.

Mendel Art Gallery and Saskatoon Civic Conservatory will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.  Admission is free.

TRANSIT SERVICES

Saskatoon Transit will operate with regular Sunday/Holiday Service.

Access Transit will operate with regular Sunday service from 8:15 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Trips must be booked in advance as per normal operating procedures. Customers are reminded that subscriptions do not apply on Statutory Holidays.

Transit Customer Service Center will be closed.

Transit Customer Service phone lines will be available from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

RECREATION & SPORT

Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo
Open during regular hours

Holiday Park Golf Course
Open during regular hours (dawn to dusk)

Wildwood Golf Course
Open during regular hours (dawn to dusk)

Silverwood Golf Course
Open during regular hours (dawn to dusk)

Lions SkatePark and Satellite SkateSites
Regular hours of operation (8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.)

Cosmo Civic Centre
CLOSED

Fitness Circuit & Terry Fox Track (in the SaskTel Sports Centre)
CLOSED

Lakewood Civic Centre
Open 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
All fitness classes and child minding CANCELLED

Lawson Civic Centre
Open 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
All fitness classes and swim lessons CANCELLED

Saskatoon Field House
Open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
All fitness classes and child minding CANCELLED
Holiday Spin & Sculpt Class 10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Shaw Centre
pen 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
All fitness classes and child minding CANCELLED

Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre
Open 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
All fitness classes and swim lessons CANCELLED

For modified Lane, Public and Parent & Tot Swim times, please visit Drop-in Online at www.saskatoon.ca/go/dropinonline.  For more information on operating hours and programs, please contact the Leisure Centres or facilities.

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

CONFEDERATION DR NB CENTER LANE CLOSED APPROACHING LAURIER DR
(Sasktel cable work)
Start: May 12, 7:00 a.m. End: May 12, 5:00 p.m.

ONGOING

CENTRAL AVE CLOSED BETWEEN GARVIE RD & SOMERS RD
(Sewer main installation)
Detour via Kristjanson Rd
Start: May 11, 9:00 a.m. End: June 26, 5:00 p.m.

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
(Detour 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.

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.

Recent convictions and the resulting fines given to individuals for tampering with fire alarm systems or portable fire extinguishers demonstrate the seriousness of these actions.

The Saskatoon Fire Department has responded to a number of false alarms due to people spitefully activating the fire alarm system or maliciously discharging of fire extinguishers. With the evidence gathered through video surveillance cameras and other investigative methods six charges have been laid in the last two years and more are pending. All of the charges laid have led to convictions. Five individuals have been convicted of either Tampering with a Fire Alarm System or Tampering with a Portable Fire Extinguisher under Section 30 (1) & (2) of The Fire Prevention Act (1992) and fined between $580 and $2,100.

It is against the law to tamper with smoke alarms, to tamper with a fire alarm system, to tamper with or discharge a fire extinguisher, to block or obstruct an exit or to prop open fire separation doors which include suite doors and stairwell doors. The Act allows for a maximum fine of $10,000 for any of these offences.

Falsely pulling a fire alarm system has a number of detrimental effects.

• Persons who live in buildings where the fire alarm system is pulled maliciously sometimes assume that alarms are false and ignore them. If there is a fire in the building, this puts many more lives unnecessarily at risk.
• The Saskatoon Fire Department responds to many different types of emergencies not just fires. False alarms cause a diversion of fire department resources, and can hinder our response to a real emergency at another location once again putting lives unnecessarily at risk.

The Saskatoon Fire Department reminds every one of the life safety threats associated with false alarms.

 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

WARMAN RD NB & SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANES CLOSED FROM PRIMROSE DR TO 51ST ST/LENORE DR
(concrete repairs)
Start: May 11, 9:00 a.m. End: May 11, 5:00 p.m.

CENTRAL AVE CLOSED BETWEEN GARVIE RD & SOMERS RD
(Sewer main installation)
Detour via Kristjanson Rd
Start: May 11, 9:00 a.m. End: June 26, 5:00 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 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.

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.