News Releases

NEW
CIRCLE DR S EB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM CLARENCE AVE TO PRESTON AVE
(Bulb replacement)
Start: January 13, 9:00 a.m. End: January 13, 3:00 p.m.
TAYLOR ST E WB CURB LANE CLOSED ON CIRCLE DR E OVERPASS
(Crash cushion repair)
Access to Circle Dr. northbound maintained.
Start: January 13, 9:00 a.m. End: January 13, 2:00 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 on our saskatoon.ca homepage or subscribe to our Traffic Detour Service Alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

NEW
CIRCLE DR S EB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM CLARENCE AVE S TO PRESTON AVE S
(Lamp bulb replacements)
Start: January 12, 9:00 a.m. End: January 12, 3:00 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 on our saskatoon.ca homepage or subscribe to our Traffic Detour Service Alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

The necessary rehabilitation of Saskatoon’s iconic University Bridge is planned for the 2015 construction season. The project is currently out for tender with a closing deadline of January, 28, 2015, at which time the City should be in a position to award the contract for the project.

“The rehabilitation of the near 100 year old bridge is great news for our growing city and will ensure the structure will continue to serve commuters for many years to come,” says Mike Gutek, Director of Major Projects. “Maintaining City infrastructure and bridges is important to Saskatoon.”

An independent engineering assessment of the bridge in 2013 identified the deck is structurally insufficient and the concrete is susceptible to rapid failure and loss of strength due to freeze-thaw action. While there is no risk of danger, the assessment concluded that immediate repairs are required.

“Deferring the project until the Traffic Bridge and North Commuter Parkway Projects are complete in late 2018 would result in further deterioration and could affect bridge use,” Gutek says. “Also, construction costs could increase by as much as an estimated 30 per cent due to further deterioration over the next three years.”

The City is tendering the project for construction during the 2015 season and the deck work that will impact traffic is expected to occur between May 1 and August 30, 2015. The City will be able to provide more detailed construction timeframes once the tender closes at the end of this month.

The project tender suggests a single lane of eastbound traffic exiting Downtown remain open Monday to Friday, from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and for a single walkway to remain open at all times during construction. The contractor will be permitted to perform work 24 hours a day to ensure the project is delivered in the most efficient and effective manner with the least disruption to drivers possible.

“Until the tender is closed, and detailed traffic analysis is carried out, the details on exactly how the construction project will change traffic flow are subject to adjustment,” Gutek says.

“To that end, we’re deeply aware this work will have a significant impact on traffic flow in our City, but the repairs are necessary for the safety and longevity of this important piece of infrastructure,” Gutek says. “During construction we will encourage drivers to use alternate routes to avoid traffic congestion and delays. The opening of the Circle Drive South Bridge has increased river crossing capacity, and the Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge and Broadway Bridge are also options for travel to and from Downtown.”

The University Bridge was constructed in 1916, a new concrete deck was built in 1972 and, in 1985, the waterproof membrane and asphalt surface were replaced. During a rehabilitation project in 1998/1999 the sidewalks on both sides as well as the spandrel walls between the deck and the main arches were replaced.

A comprehensive and proactive plan is already in use to work with all stakeholders and those impacted by the project to minimize disruption. The project will be discussed at the Standing Policy Committee on Transportation on Monday, January 12, 2015.

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

Starting Wednesday, January 7, 2015, crews will begin pruning trees on civic property in East College Park as part of the City of Saskatoon’s (City) overall boulevard tree maintenance program.  Haultain will follow on Monday, January 12, 2015, and Forest Grove after College Park is complete.

The boulevard tree maintenance program follows a regular pruning cycle to help preserve the health and appearance of the City’s boulevard and park tree inventory. Maintenance crews will remove any broken, dead, weak, and diseased branches. Keeping sidewalks and roads free of any hazards, crews will also remove any tree parts that are obstructing pedestrian or vehicle traffic and maintain appropriate clearances from buildings, signs, streetlights, and utility wires.  Tree maintenance operations in these three neighbourhoods will continue until Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Tree maintenance often requires road restrictions.  The City reminds pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers to ensure that safety is a priority by respecting the work zone appropriately and obeying all road restrictions and signage.

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
BROADWAY AVE NB LANES CLOSED BETWEEN 12TH ST E & SASKATCHEWAN CRES
(Water main repair)
Use Clarence Ave. Broadway Ave SB turning lane to 12th St E EB closed.
Start: January 6, 9:00 a.m. End: January 6, 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 on our saskatoon.ca homepage or subscribe to our Traffic Detour Service Alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

AF14 -115

Starting today, January 2, any required 2015 Assessment Notices will be mailed to property and business owners located in Saskatoon. The total value of the 2015 Property Assessment Roll is approximately $40 billion.

The Assessment Notice is not a tax bill. It lets owners know the assessed value of their property, which is then used to determine how much property tax must be paid.

Since 2013, property owners have been paying property tax each year based on the value of their property as of January, 2011. Province-wide revaluations take place in Saskatchewan once every four years. The next province-wide reassessment will take place in 2017.

An average single residential property in Saskatoon now has an assessment value of $325,000. “Our goal is to create and conduct property assessments that place fair, accurate, and equitable values on properties,” City Assessor Les Smith says. “Increases or decreases to the amount of property tax a resident owes due to the 2013 revaluation are phased-in over the four year assessment cycle – 2015 marks the third year of the phase-in process,” adds Smith.

The Customer Assessment Appeal Period runs January 2 until February 6, 2015.

As this is a non-revaluation year, property owners have 30 days to appeal their assessment. Customer Assessment Appeals can be made from January 2 until February 6, 2015 by completing the appeal form included with your assessment which can be mailed or delivered with the required fee to:

The Secretary, Board of Revision
c/o City Clerk's Office, City Hall
222 - 3rd Avenue North
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7K 0J5

If any information about a residential property or business premise needs to be changed or updated, or if customers wish to discuss their assessment further, they are encouraged to contact Assessment and Taxation at 306-975-3227 or visit the Assessment and Taxation Division in person at 4-325 Third Ave N, located one block north of City Hall.
The City of Saskatoon collects property taxes on behalf of the City, the Provincial Government for the Public and Separate School Boards, and the Saskatoon Public Library. Each taxing authority establishes its annual budget, and after taking into consideration other sources of revenue, determines the total revenue required through taxation.

Property Tax Notices will be delivered in May 2015, once education rates are determined as part of the provincial budget.

The City uses a valuation approach that ensures property values are a reflection of the fair market value on a given date.  Factors like location (neighbourhood) of the property, traffic patterns around the property, views, and the property structure are all used to determine an assessment value. Adjustments are also made for other factors including size, age, style, garage, etc.

Property owners can also find useful market and assessment information about their own property by using the Property Assessment & Tax Tool located under Online Services on the homepage of saskatoon.ca, or by clicking on ’A’ for Assessment for more detailed tax information.

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-

Environment Canada is forecasting -28 C and colder over the weekend and the City would like to caution drivers of the affect these cold temperatures can have on driving conditions.

Roadway crews are out now and will continue to keep high speed roads clear throughout the snowfall, sanding and salting as required.  Extreme cold can create icy conditions on sidewalks and roads, especially on bridges and overpasses.  In addition:

- The very cold road conditions combined with ice crystals in the air settle and cause roadways to be more slippery than usual winter driving conditions.  Condensation, which drifts from vehicle exhaust when stopped or in rush hour traffic near intersections, may also contribute to more frost on the road.

- During very cold weather, on Circle Drive sand is applied more frequently as it does not stick to the roadway as well as it would under warmer temperatures.
- We are continuing the pilot project for the use of the magnesium chloride additive to sand as a de-icer and applying it to Circle Drive and the priority 1 streets as salt is ineffective for melting ice below -16 C.
- We take extra precautionary measures in extreme weather conditions: All bridge decks are checked and sanded every two hours.  Bridge decks are usually sanded just before rush hour because it’s very difficult to sand during peak times.

City Crews will be doing their best to keep roads sanded and salted, 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.  Drivers should stay a minimum of 15 metres back from the equipment and approach slowly if passing is necessary.   

When safe to do so, drivers can report icy locations to 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.

 

Saskatoon Transit and SGI have partnered to bring Saskatoon residents free bus and Access Transit service on New Year’s Eve. Enjoy yourself this New Year’s Eve, and don’t worry about driving because the ride’s on us!

The free bus service will run on Wednesday, December 31, from 8:00 p.m. to 2:45 a.m. (may vary slightly by route) on a weekday evening schedule.  To ensure everyone has a safe ride home, customers will be able to flag down their bus at any point along the route, not just at specified stops.  Please remember to be safe while flagging a bus, stand on the curb and raise your hand to get the operators attention.

For people heading to the New Year's festivities at Prairieland Park, Saskatoon Transit will be providing shuttle service from the Downtown Bus Terminal. We will be picking-up party goers in front of the south entrance of 2nd Avenue Lofts on 23rd Street. Please note departure times from this location only will be every 30 minutes starting at 8:00 p.m.

Route 14 - Will not be running to the North Industrial area after 7:00 p.m.

For more information about Ding in the New Year schedules call 306-975-3100 and speak to a Customer Service Representative (phones are available until 11:30 p.m.) Access Transit customers can call 306-975-3555 (normal booking procedures apply).

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.

 

For Immediate Release: Monday, December 29, 2014

City residents can drop off live Christmas trees for recycling at the following locations now until January 31, 2015:

• Primrose Drive Recycling Depot (adjacent to Lawson Civic Centre)
• Lowe Road Recycling Depot (Attridge Drive & Lowe Road)
• Wildwood Golf Course parking lot (8th Street East)
• George Ward Pool parking lot (1915 5th Street East)
• Doukhobor Cultural Society of Saskatoon parking lot (525 Ave I South at 17th Street)
• Meadowgreen Recycling Depot (Witney Avenue & 22nd Street)

Please remove all decorations, ornaments and plastic bags before you drop off your tree to be recycled. Trees should be dropped off unwrapped and unbound. Artificial trees, garbage, recyclables or other yard wastes will not be accepted.

The City reminds residents not to put discarded Christmas trees in either the black garbage carts or the blue recycle carts. The City will not pick up Christmas trees from back lanes or street fronts.

For more information about recycling and waste handling, visit SaskatoonRecycles.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.

Earlier this month, City Council approved an overall energy charge increase of three per cent. For the average residential customer, this will mean a monthly increase of $3.
This rate increase is effective January 1, 2015.
A few tips to reduce your electricity use:

1. Ensure your home is well insulated and properly sealed.
2. Ensure indoor humidity levels are between 30 and 50 per cent.
3. Install an automatic timer on your lights.

For more information, visit saskatoon.ca and look under ‘S’ for Saskatoon Light & Power.

       

The City of Saskatoon today introduced an expanded 2015 Waste and Recycling Calendar that features all three black, blue and the optional green cart schedules in one easy-to-follow format.

Every household will receive in the mail the new calendar outlining the garbage, recycling and yard waste cart collection days specific to their home address. It also provides useful information on how to use and place carts for pick-up, how to subscribe to the optional green cart program ($55 in 2015), as well as other waste recycling and disposal options around the city.

 “This year’s calendar makes it easy for everyone to participate in the City’s residential cart programs, including those who subscribe to our green cart service for yard waste,” said Brenda Wallace, Director of Environmental & Corporate Initiatives for the City of Saskatoon. “The collection schedule for each cart program is now integrated into a single, 12-month calendar which will help citizens avoid the frustration of missed collection days.”

 A searchable, online version of the calendar is also available to help residents to avoid missed collections. Through SaskatoonRecycles.ca, citizens can search their cart schedules by their home address and also sign up for free collection day reminders by email or phone.

In 2015, garbage and recycling will be collected on the same day of the week as in 2014, except in the City Park and Exhibition neighbourhoods where the recycling collection day is changing to Thursdays starting January 8.

“We want to help everyone put waste in the right place and make the most of the City’s black, blue and the optional green cart programs,” said Wallace. “The more people who participate, the more we can reduce the amount and type of waste that goes into our Landfill, saving both money and our environment.”

The 2015 Waste and Recycling Calendar will arrive in your mailbox around December 24.

The City of Saskatoon is celebrating the spirit of giving at this time of year, and recognizing the Snow Angels who go above and beyond to help fellow neighbours keep sidewalks clear of snow and ice throughout winter.

His Worship, Mayor Donald Atchison today thanked and presented a gift to Glenn Hussey, this month’s winner of the Snow Angel program’s prize draw. Mr. Hussey was nominated as a Snow Angel by his neighbours, Peggy and Bob Woods.

“Twice last month, Glenn appeared with his snow blower and cleared our drive and sidewalk after a heavy snowfall,” says Mr. Woods. “My wife and I were both times sitting after breakfast trying to raise the energy and determination to do the job ourselves; the sound of his snow blower was both music to our ears and a relief.”

A City bylaw requires residential sidewalks be clear of snow and ice within 48 hours after a snowfall.

“Clearing sidewalks quickly after a snowfall makes it easier and safer for people to move around, and a friendly gesture from a neighbour goes a long way in improving accessibility and mobility for everyone,” says Colleen McKee, Marketing and Communications Manager for Transportation & Utilities. “The City is responsible for clearing sidewalks adjacent to civic facilities, the Meewasin Trail and lit pathways in City parks but we rely on our citizens to help keep people moving around in residential neighbourhoods.”

If residents receive help from a neighbour or relative, they can nominate them as a Snow Angel online, or by mailing their name and address to; Public Works, City of Saskatoon, 222 – 3rd Avenue North, S7K 0J5. The City will send them a thank you card signed by His Worship, Mayor Donald Atchison and they’ll be entered into a draw to win a one-month family pass to any City leisure centre.

“Saskatoon is a city full of wonderful people who help each other out; the Snow Angel program embodies the spirit of being good neighbours, which is something we take pride in,” says His Worship, Mayor Donald Atchison. “Glenn is just one of hundreds of incredible citizens nominated as a Snow Angel each winter, lending a hand to make Saskatoon a great place to live.”

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 would like to extend a sincere thank you and best wishes to Marlys Bilanski, who is retiring this week after 35 years of service.

“To say that Marlys has left an indelible mark on the City would be an understatement.  Hers is a record of solid financial management and prudent fiscal policy,” says City Manager, Murray Totland.  “One of the reasons that Saskatoon has a AAA credit rating is because of the financial stewardship that Marlys has provided the corporation during her more than three decades of work.”

Marlys began her career with the City in 1979 and has worked in a variety of accounting positions, including Budget Manager and City Comptroller.  In 2005, Marlys became the General Manager of Corporate Services, later to become the General Manager of Asset & Financial Management and the City’s Chief Financial Officer.

In this role, Marlys has worked tirelessly behind the scenes ensuring the dollars were in place so all of the City’s biggest projects could move from an idea to a reality.

“Our Corporation’s strong financial health has been established through the hard work and keen insights of Marlys and her team.  Her wealth of knowledge has been a tremendous asset to the Corporation, and her professionalism, work ethic, and friendship will be missed,” says Totland.

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.

Two neighbourhoods in Saskatoon will have their blue recycling carts collected on a different day of the week in 2015 – City Park and Exhibition. Changing the recycling routes for these two neighbourhoods will decrease the amount of fuel used by the Loraas Recycle collection trucks and reduce GHG emissions. The garbage collection day remains the same for all neighbourhoods in 2015.

City Park households will have their blue carts collected on Thursday (rather than Wednesday) starting January 8, 2015. The last blue cart collection in 2014 for City Park will be on Wednesday, December 31.

Exhibition households will have their blue carts collected on Thursday (rather than Tuesday) starting January 8, 2015. The last blue cart collection in 2014 for Exhibition will be on Tuesday, December 23.

The change to recycling cart collection day for these two neighbourhoods is reflected in the 2015 Waste and Recycling Calendar, which will arrive in mailboxes around December 24. It is also included on the online version of the 2015 collection calendar at www.SaskatoonRecycles.ca, where residents can also sign up for to receive handy collections reminders by phone or email.

Residents in all other neighbourhoods can expect 2015 cart collections to occur on the same days of the week as in 2014.

Loraas Recycle provides the blue cart recycling service and is available to answer your questions. Just call (306) 242-2300 or email customercare@loraas.ca

By recycling paper and packaging, and putting waste in the right place, together we can divert recyclables away from our Landfill and grow a greener Saskatoon.

The Multi-Unit Recycling Program run by Cosmo Industries, which was recently adopted by City Council, will continue to move ahead.  There were statements in the news and on social media that the Cosmo program was stopped indefinitely.

“Unfortunately, this information was inaccurate and has led to confusion in the community,” says Brenda Wallace, Director of Environmental and Corporate Initiatives. “To be clear, Cosmo Industries will continue to collect recyclables from apartment and condo blue bins.”

The provincial government announced last week that it was “adjusting” the province-wide Multi-Materials Recycling Program (MMRP), which may have funding implications for the City.

“The implications of the recent postponement of the MMRP are not yet known,” Wallace says.  “The Administration will bring options to City Council once a financial impact is confirmed.”

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 following fee changes* will take place in the New Year:

Landfill (effective January 1, 2015)
Entrance Fee:             $10.00 per visit (no change)
General Tipping:          $100.00 per tonne ($5.00 increase)

Leisure Centres (effective January 1, 2015)
Adult Admission:          $9.80 (50 cent increase)
Youth/Child Admission:    $5.90 (30 cent increase)
Family Admission:        $19.60 ($1.00 increase)
Preschool:               FREE (no change)

*Visit saskatoon.ca for full list of Leisure Centre and Golf Course fee changes

Residential Recycling Collection (effective January 1, 2015)Roll-out Cart – Single Family Residential: $5.05 per month (16 cent increase)
Saskatoon Light & Power (effective January 1, 2015)
3% average overall increase (matching SaskPower)

Storm Water Utility Fee (effective January 1, 2015)Saskatoon property owners are charged a storm water utility fee based on the amount of hard surface area they have on their property. These are areas that easily collect storm water like sidewalks, driveways and paved walks. The rate structure is based on a standard method used by many municipalities for storm water utility billing. The unit of measure is called an Equivalent Runoff Unit, or ERU, and for Saskatoon, is 265.3 square meters. Visit this page to see the 2015 phase in rate.

Water / Wastewater (effective January 1, 2015)
9.5% increase. A typical monthly residential bill for water, wastewater and infrastructure charges increases by $7.50 to $79.02. In 2013, City Council approved water and wastewater rates to increase the average bill by 9.5% in 2014, 2015 and 2016.

Business Licenses (effective February 1, 2015)
New Business License:          $125.00 ($30.00 increase)
Change of Business Location:   $125.00 ($30.00 increase)
Annual Renewal:               $85.00 ($15.00 increase)
*There are no Animal Services, Building Permit, Plumbing Permit or Saskatoon Transit fee increases for 2015. Proposed parking fee increases have not been finalized*

NEW

PRESTON AVE NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM COLLEGE DR TO 108TH ST
(Water main replacement)
Start: December 23, 9:00 a.m. End: December 23, 4:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR NB EXIT TO HIGHWAY 16 CLOSED
(Light pole Repair)
Use Marquis Dr to access Highway 16
Start: December 23, 9:00 p.m. End: December 23, 11:00 p.m.
ONGOING
QUEEN ST EB CLOSED FROM 4TH AVE N TO 5TH AVE N
(Crane Lift)
4th Ave SB closed between Queen St & 26th St
Start: December 22, 7:00 a.m. End: December 23, 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 on our saskatoon.ca homepage or subscribe to our Traffic Detour Service Alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

NEW
QUEEN ST EB CLOSED FROM 4TH AVE N TO 5TH AVE N
(Crane Lift)
4th Ave SB closed between Queen St & 26th St
Start: December 22, 7:00 a.m. End: December 23, 6:00 p.m.

5TH AVE N CLOSED BETWEEN PRINCESS ST & DUKE ST
(Water & sewer connection)
Start: December 22, 7:00 a.m. End: December 22, 4:00 p.m.

3RD AVE SB CLOSED FROM 26TH ST TO 25TH ST
(Hydro-vaccing)
Start: December 22, 9:00 a.m. End: December 22, 12:00 p.m.

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

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

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

The City of Saskatoon has made changes to its snow route declaration plan in order to quickly and effectively grade priority streets in the event of an extreme snowfall. Should a snow route parking ban be declared, vehicles must be removed from streets marked with a permanent No Parking Snow Route sign so the City can grade snow from curb-to-curb.

“Instead of having every vehicle off of a snow route at the same time for a 48-hour period as per the previous process, this year we divided the snow routes into two phases: the Green Circle and Blue Square snow routes. Each phase can last up to 24 hours, minimizing the disruption to residents by reducing the amount of time the parking ban is in effect,” says Pat Hyde, Director of Public Works. “We don’t intend to declare a snow route parking ban unless it’s absolutely necessary but, as we all know, Mother Nature is unpredictable and we want to ensure we are ready for whatever winter brings.”

The Green Circle snow route parking ban will always be declared first; and as the end of that ban approaches, the Blue Square snow route parking ban will be declared. There are only two times of day the City can make a declaration; 7:00 a.m. or 3:00 p.m. Residents will be informed of the time the Snow Route parking ban will come into effect. A minimum of 8 hours notice will be given for residents to remove their vehicle from marked streets. If vehicles are not moved in time, they may be ticketed and relocated.

“It is the responsibility of residents to know if they live or park on a Snow Route. Snow Routes are marked with permanent No Parking Snow Route Signs with a metal plate indicating if it’s a Green Circle or Blue Square route,” says Hyde. “There is no defined trigger point for when a snow route parking ban will be declared; a combination of a number of things including snow accumulation, drifting, and temperature could all be factors.”

A new interactive Snow Grading Map shows the Green Circle and Blue Square snow routes and provides information if a Snow Route parking ban is declared. The map also shows progress of snow grading operations during and after a snow event with no parking ban and will provide schedules later this season should a city-wide neighbourhood grading be required if the average snow pack is 15cm or more.

Businesses and residents located on a Snow Route should watch for a flyer with more information about snow routes to be delivered early in January. Residents are also encouraged to pay attention to saskatoon.ca and local radio channels following a significant snowfall to find out if a Snow Route parking ban has been declared. Residents can also register to receive an e-Notification every time a snow route parking ban is declared, and when it is lifted. To register email your full name to snow.route@saskatoon.ca.

The City is Plowing Ahead and ready for whatever winter brings this year! For more information on Snow Routes and to find the new interactive Snow Grading Map, visit Saskatoon.ca and click on Better Winter Roads.

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

NEW SUNDAY
IDYLWYLD DR SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT 24TH STREET INTERSECTION
(Signal light work)
Start: December 21, 6:15 a.m. End: December 21, 8:15 a.m.

CENTRAL AVE NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED APPROACHING ATTRIDGE DR
(Light pole repair)
No right turn from College Dr NB to Attridge Dr EB
Start: December 21, 7:30 a.m. End: December 21, 9:00 a.m.

2ND AVE S SB LANES CLOSED FROM 22ND ST E TO 21ST ST E
(Crane Lift)
Start: December 21, 8:30 a.m. End: December 21, 10:30 a.m.

CIRCLE DR NB OFF RAMP TO COLLEGE DR CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED
(Light pole repair)
Start: December 21, 9:00 a.m. End: December 21, 11:30 a.m.
IDYLWYLD DR S SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN 20TH ST W & RIVER
(Light pole repairs)
Start: December 21, 9:00 a.m. End: December 21, 3:00 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 on our saskatoon.ca homepage or subscribe to our Traffic Detour Service Alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

Not sure if your used wrapping and packaging can be recycled? Here are some recycling tips for the holiday season to help keep household waste out of our landfill:

Gift and wrapping paper (except aluminum or shiny paper) can be recycled in your blue cart. There is no need to remove staples or tape.

Flatten boxes and packaging before tossing them into your blue cart and you’ll have more space for other recyclables.

Clean, metal cookie and chocolate containers are recyclable.

Give milk (and egg nog) containers a quick rinse, flatten them and they’ll be ready to recycle.

Have a look on the bottom of your plastic containers. If there’s a number between 1 and 7, rinse it and pop it into your recycling.

Unwanted electronics can be dropped off without charge at any SARCAN depot. Visit sarcan.ca for information. 

The following holiday items are not accepted in blue recycle carts or bins: shiny or foil wrapping paper, ribbon, plasticized gift bags, Styrofoam, toys, Christmas trees (real or artificial), Christmas lights, ornaments or decorations. Check Saskatoon.ca for drop-off locations for real Christmas Trees. Artificial trees should be taken to the Landfill for disposal.

Do you have too much recycling to fit in your blue cart?  The City’s recycling depots accept the same unsorted materials that go in your blue cart or bin: all paper, cardboard, plastics number 1 through 7, tin cans, milk jugs and cartons, legislated beverage containers, and glass. Visit Saskatoon.ca for recycling depot locations.   

Make sure your cart lid is fully closed and your cart is out by 7:00 am on collection day.

Reminder: There is no blue cart or black cart collection on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day so our operators can be with their loved ones for the holidays. If your normal recycling or garbage collection day falls on December 25 or on January 1, your cart will be emptied on the following Saturday (December 27 and January 3, respectively). Visit SaskatoonRecycles.ca to set up a handy reminder service for yourself for black cart and blue cart collections.

By recycling paper and packaging, and putting waste in the right place, together we can divert recyclables away from our Landfill and grow a greener Saskatoon.

For more information about recycling and waste handling, visit SaskatoonRecycles.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

For Immediate Release:  December 18, 2014

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 the garbage or recycling, poured down the drain or toilet, or released into the environment.

To ensure household hazardous materials are safely disposed of or recycled, the City of Saskatoon coordinates regular Household Hazardous Waste Days for residents to drop-off these materials. The next event will be held this Saturday, December 20, at SaskTel Centre parking lot (101 - 3515 Thatcher Avenue) from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. – this will be the last event until April 2015.

Common materials accepted include: pesticides, automotive oil, prescription medicine, batteries, aerosols, poisons, propane cylinders, household cleaners and mercury-containing items.

Please do not bring paint to Household Hazardous Waste Days. Empty paint cans, leftover paint and paint-related products are accepted without charge at all SARCAN recycling depots in Saskatoon. Find out what is and is not accepted through SARCAN’s paint program at www.sarcan.ca/pages/paint.

For a complete list of accepted and non-accepted materials, visit www.saskatoon.ca and click on “H” for Household Hazardous Waste Days.

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.

 

Saskatoon Transit has once again partnered with Rock 102 this holiday season to collect non-perishable food items for the Saskatoon Food Bank in the annual Stuff the Bus campaign, taking place this Thursday, December 18.

Rock 102 radio hosts and Saskatoon Transit staff will be at the Saskatoon Co-op Food Store on 8^th Street, in The Centre Mall parking lot, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Non-perishable food items will be accepted throughout the day with the goal to completely fill a Saskatoon Transit bus or two with food for the Saskatoon Food Bank.

For more information, please call Saskatoon Transit at 306-975-3100.

 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 Planning and Development Division has now released an updated City of Saskatoon Neighbourhood Profiles (13th Edition) publication, which was originally released on Monday, November 24, 2014.
In the Tuesday, December 16, 2014 update, a Labour Force Table replaced the Employment Table to more accurately reflect the employment and unemployment data from the 2011 Census and the 2013 Estimates. 
The updated Neighbourhood Profiles are available on www.saskatoon.ca (look under “N” for Neighbourhoods). 
If you have downloaded an online copy of the Neighbourhood Profiles prior to Tuesday, December 16, 2014, please revisit the Neighbourhood Profiles to access the updated data. 
If you purchased a hardcopy of the publication prior to Tuesday, December 16, 2014, please return it to the Planning and Development Division (3rd Floor, City Hall) for a refund or to exchange.
For more information, please call Planning and Development at (306) 975-2645.
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.

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The following are the hours of civic services and facilities for the 2014/2015 Holiday Season:

City Hall will be closed December 25, 26, and January 1.

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 on December 25, 26, and January 1.

Saskatoon Landfill will be closed on December 25 and January 1. The Landfill will be open all other days with regular winter hours of 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Garbage and Recycling Collection will not occur on December 25 and January 1.  Carts scheduled for collection on these dates are rescheduled for December 27 and January 3, respectively.  Recycle Depots are open 24/7 for over-sized cardboard and wrapping paper; and weekly collection will occur December 15 - January 2, 2015.

All Saskatoon Public Library locations will close early at 5 p.m. on December 24; will close December 25 and December 26; will close early at 5 p.m. on December 31 and will close January 1.

Mendel Art Gallery & Civic Conservatory
Regular hours until December 23: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
December 24, Christmas Eve: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
December 25, Christmas Day: Closed
December 26-30, back to regular hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
December 31, New Year’s Eve: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
January 1, back to regular hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Gallery Shop
Regular hours until December 23: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
December 24, Christmas Eve: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
December 25, Christmas Day: Closed
December 26, back to regular hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
December 31, New Year’s Eve: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
January 1, back to regular hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
January 2: Closed for inventory

TRANSIT SERVICES

Saskatoon Transit will operate with regular Sunday/Holiday Service.

Access Transit will operate with regular Holiday Service from 8:15 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.  Trips must be booked in advance as per normal procedures.  Customers are reminded that subscriptions do not apply on Statutory Holidays.

Transit Customer Service Centre 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:  CLOSED December 25. Regular hours of operation December 26 and January 1.

Indoor Arenas:  All arenas CLOSED December 25, 26, and January 1.
For the modified holiday rink schedule, visit Drop-in Online at www.saskatoon.ca/go/dropinonline.

Clarence Downey Speed Skating: OPEN December 25 and January 1; CLOSED December 26 - 28 weather permitting. For extended holiday hours, please call 306-975-3318.

LEISURE CENTRES

Cosmo Civic Centre: FACILITY CLOSED December 25 and 26 January 1. Modified hours for December 24 and 31.

Fitness Circuit & Terry Fox Track (in the SaskTel Sports Centre): FACILITY CLOSED December 25, 26, and January 1. Check drop-in on-line for additional closures throughout the holiday season.

Lakewood Civic Centre: FACILITY CLOSED December 25; modified hours for December 24, 26, 31 and January 1. All fitness classes and child minding CANCELLED on December 26 and Jan 1.

Lawson Civic Centre: FACILITY CLOSED December 25; modified hours for December 24, 26, 31 and January 1.

Saskatoon Field House: FACILITY CLOSED December 25; modified hours for December 24, 26, 31, and January 1. Child minding CANCELLED December 26^th:  Holiday Fitness Class December 26^th and January 1^st.

Shaw Centre: FACILITY CLOSED December 25; modified hours for December 26 and January 1. All fitness classes and child minding CANCELLED December 24 and 31.

Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre:  FACILITY CLOSED December 25; modified hours for December 24, 26, 31, and January 1. All fitness classes and swim lessons CANCELLED on December 26.

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.

-30-

NEW
33RD ST W WB LANES CLOSED & EB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM AVE P N TO EDMONTON AVE
(Hydrant repair)
Start: December 18, 9:30 a.m. End: December 18, 4:00 p.m.

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

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

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

NEW
33RD ST EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN IDYLWYLD DR & ONTARIO AVE
(Pole installation)
Start: December 17, 9:00 a.m. End: December 17, 12:00 p.m.

 

33RD ST W WB LANES & EB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN AVE P N & EDMONTON AVE
(Hydrant repair)
Start: December 17, 9:30 a.m. End: December 17, 4:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DR MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED NORTH OF VALLEY RD
(Pole maintenance)
Start: December 17, 9:30 a.m. End: December 17, 10:30 a.m.

33RD ST WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN AVE J & AVE K
(Pole installation)
Start: December 17, 1:00 p.m. End: December 17, 4:00 p.m.

ONGOING
20TH ST W CLOSED FROM AVE R S TO AVE S S
(Water & Sewer Connection Repair)
Start: December 17, 7:30 a.m. End: December 17, 6:00 p.m.

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

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

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

For December 15, 2014

8.1.1 - 8.1.4 Acquisition of land for North Commuter Parkway Project

*Authorize the Real Estate Manager to acquire the following land for the North Commuter Parkway Project:

*The City of Saskatoon (City) requires a portion of land from Akzo  Nobel Chemicals Ltd.’s (Akzo Nobel) property at 3910 Wanuskewin Road to accommodate construction of the future NCP project.

*Portions of Parcel A, Plan No. 65S22382, Extension 0; Parcel B, Plan No. 101392354, Extension 3; and Parcel C, Plan No.101392680, Extension 2, comprising approximately 1.75 acres of vacant land owned by P.R.  Developments.

*Portions of SE 11-37-05 W3, Extension 127; Parcel A, Plan No.  86S45475, Extension 0; and Parcel B, Plan No. 76S21090, Extension 0, comprising approximately 1.312 acres of vacant land owned by the University of Saskatchewan.

*Portion of Block CC, Plan No. 102102725, Extension 0, comprising approximately 150 square meters of vacant land owned by Norseman Inc.

8.4.1 North Commuter Parkway and Traffic Bridge – Issuance of Request for Proposals

City Council will be asked to:

*Issue the Request for Proposals in substantially the form as reference within the report, subject to non-substantive amendments as reviewed and approved by the City Engineer and the City Solicitor’s Office.

Additional Information:

*The City has shortlisted the following three teams to participate in the RFP process: Bridge City Infrastructure Group, Bridge City Partners, and Graham Commuter Partners.

*The RFP process for the project will use a Public-Private Partnership (P3) method of procurement.

*The RFP will be issued in mid-December 2014, and is expected to close in Summer 2015, with Commercial Close of the Project Agreement 60 days following a City Council resolution regarding the preferred Proponent in Fall 2015.

*Substantial completion of the project is anticipated by the Fall of 2018.

*The honorarium for the unsuccessful Proponents is $500,000.

8.6.3, 8.11.1, 8.11.3 and 8.11.4 Independent Review Commission: Code of Conduct, Conduct of Municipal Elections, Total Compensation for Members of Council

In these four separate but related reports, City Council will be asked to:

*Instruct the City Solicitor to prepare the appropriate bylaw for consideration. (8.11.1)

 *Committees convene on or before March 1, 2015 and report to Council on or before May 31, 2015 with the following order of priority (8.11.1):

   - Municipal Elections Committee
  - Code of Conduct Committee
  - Remuneration Committee

*Consider Bylaw No. 9242 (8.6.3)

*Release the Investigation report received on September 22, 2014, regarding breaches under The Code of Conduct, in due course following appropriate review, as outlined. (8.11.3)

*Release the Investigation report received on November 5, 2014, regarding a breach under The Code of Conduct, in due course following appropriate review, as outlined.  (8.11.4)

8.9.1 and 8.9.2 Application for Municipal Heritage Property Designation for 803 9th Avenue North and 1102 Spadina Crescent East

City Council will be asked to:

*Request the City Solicitor to prepare and bring forward a bylaw to designate the property at 803 9th Avenue North and the property at 1102 Spadina Crescent East as Municipal Heritage Properties under the provision of The Heritage Property Act, with such designation limited to the exterior of the building.

*Request the General Manager, Community Services to prepare the necessary notices.

*Allocate $2,500 from the Heritage Reserve Fund for supply and installation of a recognition plaque for the property.

Additional Information:

*803 9th Avenue North – This property is eligible for designation as a Municipal Heritage Property. It is an excellent example of Tudor-style architecture. The property was once home to Andrew N. Boyd, an auto dealership owner and prominent member of the Knox United Church and Dr. Lorne McConnell, a pioneer in the field of neurosurgery in Western Canada and former Chief of Surgery at Saskatoon City Hospital.

*1102 Spadina Crescent East – This property is eligible for designation as a Municipal Heritage Property. It is a one and a half-story house that exhibits typical characteristics of homes built during the boom time period, and has been home to several prominent people, including Dr. Richard A. Wilson, Angus McGill Mowat and Farley Mowat. The property owner is undertaking a rehabilitation project to the exterior of the dwelling.

 -30-

NEW
20TH ST CLOSED FROM AVE R S TO AVE S S
(Water & Sewer Connection Repair)
Start: December 16, 7:30 a.m. End: December 17, 6:00 p.m.

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

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

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

 
The Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval will open for the 2014 to 2015 season starting Monday, December 15, 2014, at 2:00 p.m.  Public skating hours are as follows:  Monday to Thursday from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10:15 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Admission is free, and all skating skill levels are welcome to enjoy the 400 metre outdoor oval; speed skates are not necessary.  A modern warm-up building provides change rooms, public washrooms, and an area to lace-up skates in comfort.

The facility is closed Fridays.  The Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval will also be closed for Canada Winter Games Trial on December 26, 27 and 28; Provincial Meet from January 15 to 18; and Canadian Long Track Meet from February 4 to 8.

The Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval is located on Dudley Street at Avenue R, in the Gordon Howe Complex.

For more information, please visit www.saskatoon.ca/go/oval or call 306-975-3318.

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
EVENING: 25TH ST CLOSED FROM 1ST AVE N TO 2ND AVE N
(Business delivery)
Start: December 15, 7:00 p.m. End: December 15, 9:00 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 on our saskatoon.ca homepage or subscribe to our Traffic Detour Service Alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

As mild temperatures continue, the City of Saskatoon is addressing reports from residents of trouble spots as the snowpack continues to melt, creating slushy conditions.

 

“Traffic is moving well on all priority streets including Circle Drive.  The snow pack has been eliminated on most of the priority streets and driving lanes are in very good winter condition,” says Pat Hyde, Director of Public Works. “We are also addressing trouble spots in residential areas. Supervisors are investigating reported locations and crews are grading those streets or intersections that are difficult to navigate for vehicles.”

On residential streets, the snow is melting very quickly and we are seeing a significant reduction in the snow pack.  The long range forecast is calling for cooler temperatures but not a dramatic drop which would create ice blocks or severe rutting in areas that are slushy now.

Where an identified need is 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. Crews are also addressing potholes as they arise, filling them with cold mix asphalt.

More than 1,100 tandem truckloads of snow have been removed from priority streets and Business Improvement Districts. The snow train has completed removing snow piles from bridges, overpasses and protective barriers along Circle Drive and contractors have finished hauling stored snow away from school zones.

Sidewalk plows have been touching up any blown in areas and widening pedestrian pathways, and crews have been clearing and sanding bus stops for pedestrians.

“Drivers should use extra caution when approaching plows and graders; and avoid passing,” says Hyde. “Be aware of reduced visibility, clearing of wet, slushy roads and shoulders can throw moisture onto your windshield leading to a sudden loss of visibility.  Always drive defensively and leave enough space between vehicles and our equipment to minimize snow spray.”

Residents can report any 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.

NEW SATURDAY
25TH ST E WB CLOSED & 3RD AVE SB CLOSED AT INTERSECTION
(Water Main Repair)
25th St EB & 3rd Ave NB reduced to one lane.
Start: December 13, 7:00 a.m. End: December 14, 6:00 p.m.

NEW SUNDAY

CIRCLE DR EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT IDYLWYLD DR INTERSECTION
(Electrical work)
No left turn from Circle Dr WB to Idylwyld Dr NB
Start: December 14, 6:30 a.m. End: December 14, 7:30 a.m.

SPADINA CRES NB CLOSED BETWEEN 24TH ST & UNIVERSITY BRIDGE
(Pole maintenance)
Start: December 14, 7:30 a.m. End: December 14, 9:00 a.m.
IDYLWYLD DR NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED APPROACHING 51ST ST OFF-RAMP
(Pole maintenance)
Start: December 14, 9:00 a.m. End: December 14, 10:30 a.m.

HWY 7 NB & SB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED SOUTH OF HART RD
(Pole maintenance)
Start: December 14, 10:30 a.m. End: December 14, 12:00 p.m.

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

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

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

 

For those property owners on the convenient TIPPS program (Tax Installment Payment Plan Service) watch for your new TIPPS Information in the mail this week.

TIPPS allows property owners to pay their property tax bill in 12 monthly instalments by automatic withdrawal rather than a single annual payment, based on the calendar year.  TIPPS customers must ensure that sufficient funds are available in their deposit account on the first banking day each month. This service makes budgeting easier, and has no added fees or penalties.

If you are a property owner and not currently paying your property taxes on a monthly basis, consider applying for TIPPS. You can apply if you: 

· have banking privileges at your financial institution (bank, trust company, or credit union)

· are not paying your property tax through a mortgage company

TIPPS applications are accepted throughout the year, and it is important to note, all tax arrears and any missed instalments from January 1 must be paid at the time of your application.

For those property owners currently not on TIPPS, property taxes are due and payable June 30 of each year.  

For more information visit the homepage of saskatoon.ca and look under Online Services for TIPPS, or use the Property Assessment & Online Tax Tool.  Other tax questions? Call 306-975-2400.

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ONGOING
3RD AVE CLOSED AT 21ST ST INTERSECTION
(Water Main Repair)
Start: December 8, 9:00 a.m. End: December 11, 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 on our saskatoon.ca homepage or subscribe to our Traffic Detour Service Alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

For Release: December 10, 2014
AF14 -113

Following three days of budget talks, City Council approved a 5.34% property tax increase which translates to an $83.31 per year increase for an average house Assessment Value of $325,000.  That works out to $6.94 per month.

“This investment will ensure that the City’s public infrastructure and its delivery of core services meet the needs of Saskatoon’s residents in a fiscally responsible way,” says Kerry Tarasoff, Chief Financial Officer and General Manager, Asset & Financial Management.

After a tabling a preliminary budget that proposed a 7.32% property tax increase, the Administration advanced other possible adjustments to the 2015 Business Plan and Budget. This led to further discussion and Council made reductions arriving at the current property tax increase of 5.34%.

Saskatoon has been recognised as a national leader with business-friendly tax rates: the CD Howe Institute (News Release AF14-109) and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (News Release ) recently recognised the City’s tax policies.  Additionally, Saskatoon continues to have one of the lowest property tax rates in Canada (News Release CP14-163).

“Like more recent business plan and budgets, our new budget concentrates funding on public safety, roads and civic infrastructure,” Tarasoff says.  “If these factors were not properly addressed in Budget 2015, Saskatoon’s quality of life and economic health would be compromised, and the Saskatoon Advantage would be lost.”

Highlights of the Finalized 2015 Budget Include:

Transportation

·$8 million for the rehabilitation of the University Bridge

·$70 million for interchanges at Highway #16 and Boychuk Drive and, Highway #5 and McOrmond Drive

·A continued and increased investment totalling $53 million  in the Building Better Roads program through the dedicated road levy

·Work will begin on the new North Commuter Parkway and replacement of the Traffic Bridge to help ease congestion and improve productivity

Utilities

·A number of utility projects totalling almost $60 million for improvements to City infrastructure.

Policing

·The Saskatoon Police Service received an operating budget of $80 million:  this includes funding for four new constables.  The provincial government will fund an additional five for a total of nine new police officers.

Fire

·A $45 million operating budget for the Fire Department budget was passed in its entirety.

Recreation and Culture

·$1 million contribution to phase-two of the Saskatoon Minor Football Field upgrade at Gordie Howe Park.

·$6 million to help the Remai Modern Art Gallery of Saskatchewan ready its building for opening.

Corporate Governance and Finance

·The City will implement Service Saskatoon to provide more coordinated and better customer service to citizens and visitors.

Urban planning & development

·Recommendations from the four key subject areas included in the Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon study will be unveiled to improve the way the City plans for growth.

·The City and its regional partners will continue to work on a regional growth plan to ensure that the Saskatoon region can grow in a sustainable way.

Corporate Asset Management

·Construction of a new Civic Operations Centre will begin to help improve the efficiency of City operations.

Environmental Health

·A green loan of $600 thousand for an energy monitoring program for civic buildings to identify cost efficiencies.

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.

As unseasonally mild temperatures cause snow to melt quickly crews are working 24/7 to address slushy conditions on priority one and two streets. Crews are currently proactively salting and grading priority roads to soften packed snow and reduce slush.  The Circle Drive Snow Train will be removing the remaining stored snow from along guardrails.

 

Snow on residential streets is also melting quickly and while snow is going to be very soft, it’s not deep enough to cause severe ruts. We are monitoring the situation and investigating reports from residents of trouble areas.  Drivers are encouraged to be cautious and drive appropriately for slushy conditions.

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. Crews are also addressing potholes as they arise, filling them with cold mix asphalt.

With mild conditions forecast overnight there is less concern about the slush turning to hard ice. However, the grading being carried out on priority streets, removing clumps and ruts, will help to prevent severe icing when temperatures do eventually drop.  Drivers should use extra caution when approaching plows and graders; and avoid passing. Beware of reduced visibility. Clearing of wet, slushy roads and shoulders can throw moisture onto your windshield leading to a sudden loss of visibility.  Always drive defensively and leave enough space to minimize snow spray.

Residents may consider the following tips to reduce the risk of snowmelt flooding around their homes:

• Remove snow from around your foundation. Pay particular attention to the areas around window wells.
• Most lots drain along the outside edges. Remove snow from these areas.
• Keep the snow in your yard; do not place it on the road or in the alley.
• Help keep catch basins clear. Where possible, safely clear snow, ice and debris from the catch basins in your area.

When shovelling, please exercise caution and care, especially when lifting wet, heavy snow. Consider doing a bit at a time.

Residents can report problem areas 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.

 

On Wednesday, December 10, the following streets reopened to traffic as construction of the Avenue H Reservoir Expansion project wraps up.

- Avenue H reopened between 11th Street and 12th Street
- 11th Street reopened between Avenue H and Avenue I

Construction of the Avenue H Reservoir Expansion project began in March, 2012 and included the expansion of the reservoir, the addition of an ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system, and the installation of a new high-lift pump station. In conjunction with the new faciltiy, a new overhead pedestrian corridor was installed across Avenue H which has a height restriction of 5.1 meters.

A grand opening of the new facility will occur in the spring of 2015.

For more information on the reservoir expansion project, please visit saskatoon.ca and click on “W” for Water Treatment Plant Expansion Plans.

The City recognizes that this project created a significant inconvenience to adjacent property owners and would especially like to thank them for their patience and cooperation during construction.  The City would also like to thank drivers who were inconvenienced by the detour.

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 begin installing new FlexParking pay stations in the downtown and core business districts on Wednesday, December 10, 2014, however the stations will not be operational until early 2015.

“This flexible, pay-by-plate system will replace the individual coin meters in the city’s Downtown, Broadway, Sutherland and Riversdale business districts,” says Angela Gardiner, Director of Transportation. “The easy to use system will enable citizens to pay using coins, credit cards, the new City Parking Card and, in the near future, cell phones. It also allows you to park at various locations throughout the city on a single payment.”

Drivers may move around the city and occupy several spaces, using their single parking purchase at multiple spots. However, drivers must still obey the posted time limits associated with each new space. Parking commissioners 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. 

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. In total, 325 pay stations will replace 2,800 coin meters; parking fees will remain unchanged.

“We had been hearing from residents that the old meters were dated and inflexible, especially as cash is used less and less for transactions and fewer people are carrying change,” says Gardiner. “Until the new systems are activated, people should continue to plug the old coin meters. Once the new stations are active, the existing meters will be hooded until they are removed.”

A map showing  where the new FlexParking pay stations are being installed is available at www.saskatoon.ca/go/flexparking and people are also encouraged to try out the new pay station in the City Hall foyer where a test station has been installed. Note that the test station only accepts credit cards but that no charges will be applied to your card for these tests.  

For more information about the new FlexParking pay stations visit saskatoon.ca/go/flexparking or call 306-975-2980.

 

A Book of Condolence in memory of former Saskatoon Mayor Cliff Wright has been set up in the lobby of City Hall at 222 3^rd Avenue North. The public is invited to sign the book, which will be presented to the Wright family.

Cliff Wright served the people of Saskatoon for over 20 years: first as an Alderman from 1967 to 1976 and then as Mayor from 1976 to 1988.

Flags at all Civic facilities are flying at half-mast to honour Mr. Wright.

 

 

For Release: December 9, 2014

The City will lower flags to half-mast to honour the memory of former Mayor Clifford E. Wright.

“It is with deep sadness that I’ve learned of former Mayor Cliff Wright’s passing,” says City Manager Murray Totland.  “On behalf of the City, I extend all of our heartfelt condolences to the Wright family at this difficult time.”

“Mayor Wright was a visionary and he guided Saskatoon through periods of both significant growth and economic strain,” Totland says.  “Cliff Wright’s leadership was characterized not just by his keen business and political ability, but his magnetic and down-to-earth personality.”

“He had a great understanding of people and could always speak to them with ease and empathy.”

The City Manager may order the lowering of flags to commemorate one or several people.  Mr. Totland has directed flags at Civic facilities to be flown at half-mast until a funeral is held for former Mayor Cliff Wright.

Cliff Wright served the people of Saskatoon for over 20 years: first as an Alderman from 1967 to 1976 and then as Mayor from 1976 to 1988.

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ONGOING
3RD AVE NB & SB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED AT 21ST ST
(Water Main Repair)
Start: December 8, 9:00 a.m. End: December 11, 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 on our saskatoon.ca homepage or subscribe to our Traffic Detour Service Alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

Recently the Saskatoon Fire Department has seen a significant increase in garage fires. Since October we have gone to seven garage fires. The total damage estimate for those fires was $549,000. In 2013 we went to four garage fires from October to the end of December with the damage estimated at $145,000.

The causes of the recent garage fires varied from welding to even cooking. Any activity that involves heat can lead to a garage fire.

Fire requires fuel (any flammable material), oxygen and a heat source. Garages generally have flammable material stored in them and oxygen is plentiful. All we need is a heat source and the potential for a devastating fire is there.

Most of the recent garage fires started after a resident used their garage and then left. In many cases a tiny fire grew into a large fire before anyone noticed it. Often garages do not have a smoke detector that could have given an early warning.

As the last few months have shown, there are many potential heat sources out there but the result is the same – a garage and its contents destroyed by fire. If you have a garage fire, do not open the garage door since that gives the fire more oxygen, and call 9-1-1 immediately. 

The Saskatoon Fire Department encourages residents to be extra careful when they use their garage. Be conscious of potential heat sources that you have used and make sure that there is no possibility that a fire could start.

NEW
8TH ST E WB MEDIAN (INSIDE) & CENTER LANE CLOSED FROM BOYCHUK DR TO MCKERCHER DR
(Manhole repair)
Start: December 9, 9:30 a.m. End: December 9, 11:30 a.m.
3RD AVE N SB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT 21ST ST INTERSECTION
(Water Main Repair)
Start: December 9, 7:00 a.m. End: December 11, 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 on our saskatoon.ca homepage or subscribe to our Traffic Detour Service Alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is on Saturday, December 6, 2014. In recognition, flags at all City of Saskatoon facilities will fly at half-mast.

Established in 1991 by the Parliament of Canada, December 6 marks the anniversary of the 1989 murders of 14 young women at l’Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal. The day is an opportunity for Canadians to reflect on the phenomenon of violence against women in our society and remember those who have died as a result of gender-based violence. 

The City of Saskatoon reminds residents that the online survey to gather public input on possibilities for Saskatoon’s Growth Plan to Half a Million (Growth Plan) closes at midnight Sunday, December 7, 2014.  Have your say!  Visit www.shapingsaskatoon.ca to review the information and participate in one or more of the online surveys and forums on Corridor Growth, Transit, Core Area Bridges, and Employment Areas. 

The Growth Plan is made up of several parts that will fit together to form a new growth model for Saskatoon – one that will provide more choices for residents to move around the city while making it easier to work, shop, and play closer to home as our population doubles over the next 30 to 40 years.

Public consultation will be ongoing throughout the development of the Growth Plan.  To learn more and get involved, please visit the Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon website at www.growingfwd.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.

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The City of Saskatoon (City) Leisure Guide will be delivered to every home in Saskatoon on Wednesday, December 10, 2014, and available for pick up at any indoor Leisure Centre, City Hall, or Saskatoon Public Library location.  The guide will be available online beginning Monday, December 8, 2014, at www.saskatoon.ca/go/leisureguide.
The Leisure Guide is Saskatoon’s go-to source for fitness programs, recreational activities, and arts and culture opportunities for all ages and abilities.  Stay warm and stay active all winter long with the many options provided by the City of Saskatoon!  Highlights of the Winter (January 1 to March 31, 2015) Leisure Guide include:

• Information about programs at Saskatoon’s six civic Leisure Centres (Cosmo Civic Centre, Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre, Lakewood and Lawson Civic Centres, Saskatoon Field House, and Shaw Centre) including:
• Public, Parent & Tot skating, and ice rentals at four indoor rinks;
• Free outdoor skating at the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval and more than 40 free outdoor community rinks across the city;
• Cross-country skiing at eight groomed trails around Saskatoon;
• Special events throughout the winter season including Family Day Skate and winter programming at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo;
• Exercise classes, learning, and volunteer opportunities offered by your neighbourhood Community Associations; and
• much, much more, including many arts, culture, and recreational services offered by other organizations in Saskatoon!

Registration begins Sunday, December 14, 2014, at 6:00 p.m. by calling 306-975-2800 or online at www.leisureonline.saskatoon.ca.  Starting Monday, December 15, 2014, at 6:30 a.m., all Leisure Centres will be accepting walk-in registrations. 

Registered programs are very popular and fill up fast!  Many people will be registering Sunday evening, and the City sincerely thanks citizens for their patience.  Additional online and telephone resources are in place for the registration process.  With that in mind, there are still thousands of people registering at once, so here are some helpful tips to help you be prepared:

• You will require a Client ID Number and Family PIN to register online.  To set one up or if you forgot yours, phone any Leisure Centre prior to Sunday, December 14, 2014. 
• Have a list of second and third program choices just in case you don’t get into your first choice.
• Join the waiting list!  Every full program has an online waiting list, and new classes may be created if there is enough demand.
• Consider other nearby Leisure Centres if your nearest location isn't available.
• Ensure your major web browser (Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox, Google Chrome) is up-to-date.

Get the Guide!  Keep the Guide!

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.

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For Release: Friday, December 5, 2014

The notifynow test run by Saskatoon’s Emergency Measures Organization was a success based on the feedback from residents and the system data generated. Residents called with questions about the test but in many instances recognized that notifynow is an important life safety service which will be tested twice a year and used to notify them of important emergencies in their neighbourhood.

Since our last test about 6,000 residents of Saskatoon have signed up to specifically choose how they would like to be contacted in an emergency. Thursday’s test indicated that our database is over 90% accurate and plans are in place to improve that percentage. This time we were able to contact the 99,159 persons listed in the database within 50 minutes. Practically this means that we would be able to send a critical life safety notification to an entire neighbourhood within approximately two minutes.

Any well-run test is an opportunity for the organizers to learn and make improvements. Our initial test in May of 2014 was to over 93,000 phone numbers or email addresses and took more than 2.5 hours. This time the test was completed in approximately 50 minutes because we slowed the system down to an acceptable level for the provincial telephone system and did not allow the notifynow to leave a voice message. In a critical life safety emergency the system will leave a message.

It is important that residents recognize notifynow as a life safety notification system and are prepared to take the necessary actions to protect their safety.

From an emergency management perspective it is equally important that residents realize that they need to take the time to confirm that they have heard the message. If a contact point hung up before confirming that they listened to the message (in this case pressing 1) or do not reply to the text message or email, the system will continue to try to reach them. In an emergency every life is important and we need to be able to confirm who has received the information and which homes we need to continue to try to reach.

Notifynow is not a news service; it is a life safety service that will rapidly send critical life safety messages to citizens who would potentially be affected so they can take appropriate actions.

Saskatoon’s Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) will be systematically testing the notifynow system this evening, starting at 5:30 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 message will sound like, and to encourage people to sign-up. 

Starting at 5:30 p.m. today the system will send notifications throughout the city, one quadrant at a time using information in the notifynow database, which is a combination of the 2013/2014 SaskTel Phonebook and information from those whom have signed-up.

It is expected that testing period will last about 2 hours.

We also expect that some residents will notice that they did not receive the test notification. In those instances, we will ask them to create an account by following the prompts on saskatoon.ca and provide their preferred contact information so we can reach them in the future.

Saskatoon’s Emergency Measures Organization is excited to move this project forward. On-going testing is an important part of the City’s Emergency Preparedness process and will provide us with important technical information while demonstrating to individual residents what a targeted mass notification would sound like and how they can expect to be contacted.

Residents can sign-up online at Saskatoon.ca  

 

Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon invites residents to attend the last public engagement event to discuss possibilities for shaping Saskatoon’s Growth Plan to Half a Million (Growth Plan).  The Growth Plan is being developed to help guide future infrastructure investments in areas like corridor redevelopment, transit, and core area bridges so residents will have more choices for how they live and move around the city as Saskatoon grows. 

Growth Plan Information Session:
Thursday, December 4, 2014
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cosmo Civic Centre, 3130 Laurier Drive
Presentation will begin at 6:15 p.m. followed by facilitated question and answer period.
Event materials and information are also available online at www.growingfwd.ca, along with an opportunity to submit comments.
 
Public consultation will be ongoing throughout the development of the Growth Plan.  Those interested can sign up for project update notifications at www.growingfwd.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.