News Releases
Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
CITY TO BEGIN ACTIVATING NEW FLEX PARKING PAY STATIONS IN STAGES
February 18, 2015 - 5:03am
CITY TO BEGIN ACTIVATING NEW FLEX PARKING PAY STATIONS IN STAGES
The City of Saskatoon will begin to turn on the new centralized FlexParking pay stations, in stages, starting from 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 19. As the new stations are turned on, the old coin meters will be hooded to direct drivers to the new stations. Until then, drivers should continue to plug the old coin meters.
“This is an exciting time for Saskatoon; this easy to use system will replace the old coin meters in the Downtown and core business districts enabling much more flexibility in payment and parking options,” says Andrew Hildebrandt, Director of Community Standards. “Drivers will be able to use coins, credit cards, the new City Parking Card and, in the near future, cell phones to purchase parking. The new system also allows you to park at various locations throughout the city on a single payment, in accordance with the maximum posted time limit for each space.”
The first FlexParking pay stations to be turned on will be Downtown on the following streets:
• 2nd Avenue between 19th Street and 23rd Street
• 21st Street between 1st Avenue and Spadina Crescent
The remaining stations will be turned on, in stages, in the weeks to come. If the coin meters are covered with a white and yellow hood, you’ll know to pay at the nearest FlexParking pay station. The City will also issue Public Service Announcements and communicate via social media as new areas are activated. In total, 325 pay stations will replace 2,800 coin meters.
The new machines are solar powered and ticketless; you simply enter your licence plate number at the nearest pay station, make your payment and walk away. Since your payment is tied to your licence plate, there is no need to display a ticket on the dash. Receipts are issued as requested.
Once all of the FlexParking pay stations are activated, drivers may move around the city, using their single parking purchase at multiple spots. However, drivers must still obey the posted time limits associated with each parking space. Parking commissionaires will be able to tell how much time your vehicle has sat in each location through the aid of licence plate identification and recognition software.
“There are some areas in the City where parking is free but time restricted. In order to avoid confusion, the city has installed Paid Parking Zone signs to distinguish where payment is required,” says Hildebrandt. “As we transition from the old coin meters to the new pay stations we will have a street team on hand, wearing bright yellow toques, to help drivers and answer questions. They’ll also be handing out keychain attachments that drivers can use to note their licence plate number so they always have it handy.”
For more information, including a map of where the new FlexParking pay stations are installed and frequently asked questions, visit saskatoon.ca/flexparking or call 306-975-2980
.
As we transition to the new systems, Saskatoon residents are also invited to check out the demonstration pay station installed in the City Hall lobby or visit Saskatoon City News on Facebook to participate in the City’s FlexParking Question of the Day Contest. New questions are posted daily with the chance to win a pre-loaded parking card with a $50 value.
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SEASONAL COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISES NOW ALLOWED IN PARKS
February 11, 2015 - 4:20am
Saskatoon City Council has recently approved the new Seasonal Commercial Enterprise (SCE) in Parks Policy (Policy). The Policy provides the opportunity for anyone wishing to operate a SCE that will support a variety of recreational, sporting, or cultural activities or events in Saskatoon’s parks. The Policy also covers small motor vehicles, including Segways.
“Of course we always look for ways to improve the quality of life here,” says Cary Humphrey, Director of Recreation and Sport. “The purpose of the Policy is to establish fair criteria and a process to apply for park spaces suitable for the operation of a Seasonal Commercial Enterprise. After a review of similar practices in other Canadian municipalities, and from asking key stakeholders for their views, we feel the Policy will meet the needs of all parties and enhance the experience of park users.”
The City Solicitor will be amending the appropriate bylaws and policies to allow permitted SCEs to operate in parks including Recreation Facilities and Parks Usage Bylaw No. 7767 and Soliciting in Public Parks Policy No. 10-001.
The deadline for applications is March 31, 2015, for the 2015 operating season that runs from July 1 to October 12. Application packages are available by emailing the City of Saskatoon (City) at kara.lackie@saskatoon.ca or calling 306-975-3485. The Policy itself is available on www.saskatoon.ca
An Adjudication Committee with representatives from the City, Meewasin Valley Authority, Tourism Saskatoon, Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce, Broadway Business Improvement District, Riversdale Business Improvement District, and the Partnership, will review and recommend approval of SCE applications. Approval will be based on the applicant’s ability to meet the specific criteria outlined in the Policy.
Once the application has been approved and all required documentation is received by the City, a permit and business license will be issued by the City’s Planning and Development Division. Permit costs range from $600 (not-for-profit) to $1,800 (for profit) annually; the fee for a new business license is $125.
Enforcement of the Policy will be administered through the City’s Community Services Department. It does not include food and beverage opportunities, which are currently available in downtown riverbank parks.
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 INVITES NOMINATIONS FOR LIVING IN HARMONY CONTESTS/AWARDS; ENTRY DEADLINE IS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2015
February 9, 2015 - 4:26am
The City of Saskatoon’s (City) Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Committee is now accepting nominations for the annual “Living in Harmony” awards that recognize local organizations or individuals for their efforts in the elimination of racial discrimination. The entry deadline for submissions and nominations is Friday, February 27, 2015, at 4:45 p.m. Committee members will select the winning entries/nominations.
March 21 is International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, and in honour of this day the Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Committee invites you to explore what intercultural harmony means to you through words and/or pictures. You may also choose to nominate an individual or group for their efforts in promoting the spirit of living in harmony.
Living in Harmony Literary Contest
Open to everyone, this contest invites submissions of poems, short stories, or essays on the theme Living in Harmony. There are three categories: elementary school students, high school students, and an open category. The author of each winning entry will receive $100.
Living in Harmony Art Contest
Open to everyone, this contest invites submissions of all forms of art (drawings, paintings, music video, or other forms of expression) that involve the theme of Living in Harmony. There are three categories for this contest: elementary school students, high school students, and an open category. The artist for each winning entry will receive $100.
Recognition Award
Open to everyone, this award invites nominations of local youth, adults, and groups that focus their efforts on positive initiatives within our community.
Entry forms are available on the City’s website at www.saskatoon.ca. Please submit entries to the City of Saskatoon Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Office, Cosmo Civic Centre (upper level), 3130 Laurier Drive, Saskatoon SK S7L 5J7.
The winners of the Literary and Art Contests, as well as the recipient(s) of the 2015 Recognition Award, will be announced at the “Living in Harmony” Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, March 18, 2015, at The Broadway Theatre.
For more information, please call 306-975-7826 or email cultural.diversity@saskatoon.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.
CITY PREPARED FOR FORECASTED STRONG WINDS & HEAVY SNOW
February 5, 2015 - 10:15am
Environment Canada is predicting strong winds and up to 20 centimeters of snow starting tonight, as well as the possibility of freezing rain over the weekend. The City has extra staff, contractors and equipment ready to keep priority streets clear, sanded and salted during and following the snow event.
Streets may become icy, due to strong winds and snow blowing across the roadway. Visibility may also be reduced. Please use caution and drive to the conditions. City crews will be working 24/7 to maintain priority roadways so please watch for equipment on the road. The large machines used are equipped with flashing amber lights, move slowly in teams of two or more and can be found on the road at any time of day or night. By keeping a safe distance from the equipment and approaching slowly, everyone can be safe on the road.
Snow and Ice Updates will now be issued in the form of a Service Alert. Similar to Power Outage Service Alerts, these Snow & Ice Service Alerts are available at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts, by following @YXEServiceAlert on Twitter or by liking Saskatoon City News on Facebook. These alerts are issued at 6:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. daily, once a snow event starts and continue for 72 hours after the event. The Snow Grading Map will be updated at the same time showing the status of snow grading. Salting/sanding and grading occurs on the following priority system:
Priority 1 (Highest traffic streets) will be plowed within 12 hours after a snowstorm ends.
Priority 2 (Rapid transit bus routes and busy streets) will be graded within 36 hours.
Priority 3 (Main streets and school zones) will be graded within 72 hours.
*Another snowfall or blowing snow within the 72-hour timeframe may require crews to return to Priority 1 streets, causing grading to take longer.
Residents are encouraged to report impassable or hazardous streets by calling Public Works Customer Service at 306-975-2476.
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 CREWS ADDRESS SLUSHY STREETS & POTHOLES DURING MILD WEATHER
January 21, 2015 - 12:00pm
City crews are responding to slushy road conditions and patching potholes as unseasonably mild temperatures cause snow to melt quickly.
Priority streets are in good winter driving condition and crews continue to work 24/7 salting and sanding as required. Crews are concentrating on repairing potholes with cold mix asphalt on Priority 1 and 2 streets. So far this winter, approximately 10 tons of cold mix asphalt has been used to repair potholes.
With the warmer weather, snowpack on residential streets is becoming soft and turning to slush. While some ruts will develop, the current snowpack is not deep enough to cause severe rutting. Crews will monitor residential streets, investigate any reports of trouble areas, and maintain them as required.
Environment Canada is forecasting the mild temperatures to continue for at least the next week so there is less concern about the slush turning hard ice due to the expected continued melt. Residents are reminded that sidewalk conditions can be slippery due to standing water that is subject to the freeze/thaw cycle from night time temperatures.
As required, crews are clearing and opening catch basins to deal with the melt. The snow piled into windrows will allow the snow to melt slowly, reducing the risk of flooding.
Drivers are encouraged to be cautious and drive appropriately for the conditions. Use extra caution when approaching snow maintenance equipment such as sanders and graders; and avoid passing. Beware of reduced visibility. Clearing wet, slushy roads and shoulders can throw moisture onto your windshield leading to sudden loss of visibility. Always drive defensively and leave enough space to minimize snow spray.
Residents are encouraged to report potholes and impassable or hazardous streets by calling Public Works Customer Service at 306-975-2476.
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 INCREASES WATER OUTAGE COMMUNICATION WITH ONLINE ALERTS
January 14, 2015 - 12:00pm
Online Water Outage Service Alerts are now available 24/7 to notify residents affected by unplanned water service disruptions that require the water to be off for 8 hours or more. These alerts, similar to Power Outage Service Alerts, will now be available at Saskatoon.ca or by following @YXEServiceAlert on Twitter.
“Throughout the year, the City experiences an average of five water line breaks per week affecting up to 25 households at a time, so improving our communication during these inconvenient events will be beneficial for residents,” says Pat Hyde, Director of Public Works. “A major contributing factor for the cause of these breaks is the extreme weather changes we experience here in Saskatoon. Fluctuating temperatures can cause the ground to expand and contract, shifting the pipes underground.”
Water Outage Service Alerts will be issued when the water is turned off, if there is a change to the scope of the outage, and again once water is restored. Since November 1, 2014 the City has experienced 42 water main breaks, compared to 77 over the same period last year. The 20 year average for the same period is 66.
It is the City’s goal to repair the water line and restore water within 24 – 48 hours. Once the repair is completed and the water is turned back on, a Drinking Water Advisory (DWA) will be in place for the following 2 to 3 days. This notice advises that there is a risk of water contamination during the repair process, so occupants are advised to boil water before drinking. Residents are notified with a yellow door hanger when the DWA is issued and a green door hanger once the laboratory confirms the water is safe to drink and the advisory is lifted. The period from when the water is turned off to when the DWA is lifted is typically 4-6 days.
“The City provides a community emergency water supply trailer within the first eight hours of a water outage,” says Hyde. “The City has six trailers which are prioritized for distribution based on the order the breaks occur.”
This year, all residents affected by a water service outage are invited to use shower facilities at their nearest City Leisure Centre. The service will be provided at no cost until your water service is restored. Residents can access the showers during the centre’s regular hours of operation and will need to provide proof of address, such as a driver’s license or utility bill, to gain entry to the facility.
Be prepared. Every home should be prepared for an unexpected water outage by having a supply of bottled drinking water. It is recommended to have enough water for a 72-hour period, which amounts to 3.8 litres (one gallon) per person or pet per day.
For more information visit saskatoon.ca or call 306-975-2476 to report a water main break.
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.