News Releases

Saskatoon residents take protection of our environment seriously. During the eight Household Hazardous Waste Day events in 2014 so far, the program has realized a number of successes:

- 1,665 total participants;

- 42,522 kg total weight of materials collected. This exceeds the amount collected in 2012 (40,036 tonnes) and is on-track to exceed the total weight collected in 2013 (51,598 tonnes);

- The most common materials that have been collected in 2014 (by weight) include oil and oil products, antifreeze, light bulbs, ink cartridges, flammable liquids, paint and batteries.

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 residential 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 Household Hazardous Waste Day is on Saturday, September 20. A temporary site will be set up at Credit Union Centre parking lot (101 - 3515 Thatcher Avenue) from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Saskatoon residents are encouraged to drop off materials such as, pesticides, automotive oil, prescription medicine, light bulbs, batteries, aerosols, poisons, propane cylinders, household cleaners, mercury-containing items and electronics (accepted by the Electronic Producer Recycling Association).

Future Household Hazardous Waste Days are scheduled for October 18, November 15 and December 20. Mark your calendars!

Residents are reminded that leftover paint and empty paint cans are conveniently accepted without charge at all SARCAN recycling depots in Saskatoon. Please do not bring paint to a Household Hazardous Waste Day unless it is not accepted through the SARCAN program. Find out what is accepted through SARCAN’s paint program at www.sarcan.ca/pages/paint. 

For a complete list of accepted and non-acceptable 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.

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The public is invited to create, participate, and celebrate culture in Saskatoon with free activities and workshops being held to celebrate Culture Days from Thursday, September 25 to Sunday, September 28, 2014.  Bring your entire family or come alone and join the fun!
   
Culture Days 2014 will officially kick off Thursday, September 25 at 12 p.m. at Civic Square (222 - 3rd Avenue North) with an opening ceremony that include buskers, music, and free one-hour workshops from Heike Fink, felting artist; Monique Martin, beeswax hexagons; and Cheryl Buckmaster, portraiture and drawings.  Some of Saskatoon’s tasty food trucks will be in the area over lunch hour.
The City of Saskatoon’s Community Development Division has planned exciting activities throughout the weekend in support of Culture Days.  All are welcome and all events are free.
September 26 - Cultural Parade and Picnic in the Park (1:30 p.m.)
Students at King George School will parade with Melba Toast the Clown from the school to St. Andrew’s Park (Avenue M South and 15th Street West). Enjoy buskers, music, and treats at the park.
September 27 - I am the Bridge (6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.)
In partnership with Paved Arts, an outdoor independent short film will be screened at River Landing (west facing pier of Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge).  Bring your own blanket or chair.
Emerging music artist Kyle Krysa, an art installation from felting artist Heike Fink, and artist talks with Yvette Nolan will also be taking place on location.
September 28 - Cultural Quest (11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) 
A public art bike tour held in partnership with Tweed Ride (http://www.saskatweed.com) will explore new temporary and permanent Placemaker artworks around the city starting from the Mendel Art Gallery.  Engage in cultural experiences while you increase your physical activity!  A picnic and prize giveaways will follow in the Bessborough Gardens.
Culture Days is a national initiative intended to raise awareness of arts and culture in communities across Canada.  Even more events will be happening in Saskatoon throughout the weekend, focusing on our city’s vibrant cultural scene.  For a complete list of activities, visit the official Culture Days website at http://www.culturedays.ca/en/celebration-schedule. 
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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Come celebrate with Phoenix, the Red Panda, on Saturday, September 20, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo and the Saskatoon Zoo Society welcomes everyone to enjoy International Red Panda Day celebration events, free with the purchase of regular Zoo admission.

Schedule of Events (PotashCorp Ark Red Panda Exhibit; registration is not required):
10:30 a.m. - Meet as a group and visit Phoenix
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. - Apollo Jump and Face Painting
10:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. - Kids, become a Red Panda Ranger!
10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. - Test your knowledge of Red Pandas for a chance to win a Red Panda prize pack!

Donations will be accepted at the face painting station for the Red Panda Network’s initiatives towards habitat conservation.  Also, for every $40 of Adopt-a-Critters purchased during Red Panda Week (September 15 to 21), $5 will be donated.

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’s (City) Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon initiative has posted a “Spotlight On” blog to www.growingfwd.ca (look under Shaping Growth) that focuses on the City’s sustainable growth strategies and the development of a long-term plan to guide redevelopment along Saskatoon’s major corridors. 
“With Saskatoon’s population expected to double over the next 30 to 40 years, there are significant opportunities to shape how our city grows,” says Alan Wallace, Director of Planning and Development. “Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon will examine our potential for growth near major corridors like 8th Street, Preston Avenue, Idylwyld Drive, and 22nd Street.”
The growth blog post is part of Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon’s “Spotlight On” Information Series to keep residents informed and engaged on the development of the City’s Growth Plan to Half a Million (Growth Plan). 
To view “Spotlight On” blog posts or to sign up for project update notifications, please visit www.growingfwd.ca.
Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon is a public planning initiative to help guide Saskatoon’s growth to half a million people over the next 30 to 40 years.  A major outcome of this initiative will be a Growth Plan to Half a Million that will guide future civic investments in transit, core area bridges, development near major corridors, employment areas, active transportation, and underground infrastructure so residents will have more choices for how they live, work, and move around the city as Saskatoon grows.
Public consultation will be ongoing throughout the Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon process.  Watch for more public engagement opportunities coming in Fall 2014. 
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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20TH ST & AVE O INTERSECTION FOUR-WAY STOP
(Traffic signal maintenance)
Start: September 17, 9:00 a.m. End: September 17, 1:00 p.m.
EXTENDED: IDYLWYLD DR SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 25TH ST TO 24TH ST
(Streetscaping)
Right turn from 25th St EB to Idylwyld Dr SB maintained
Start: September 2, 9:00 a.m. End: September 26, 6:00 p.m.
ONGOING
20TH ST W EB & WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANES CLOSED FROM AVE E S TO AVE F S
(Streetscaping)
Start: September 16, 9:00 a.m. End: September 23, 6:00 p.m.
TAYLOR ST E CLOSED FROM MUNROE AVE S TO MCKINNON AVE S
(Water main lining)
Start: September 8, 8:00 a.m. End: October 8, 7:00 p.m.
CENTRAL AVE SB CLOSED FROM 110TH ST W TO 112TH ST W
(Streetscaping)
Two-way traffic accommodated in the NB lanes
Start: August 25, 10:00 a.m. End: September 20, 7:00 p.m.
33RD ST W EB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE Y N TO AVE W N
(Water main lining)
Two-way traffic set in WB lanes of 33rd St
Start: August 22, 10:30 a.m. End: September 19, 6:00 p.m.
AIRPORT DR NB LANES CLOSED ON FROM GATEWAY BLVD TO THE AIRPORT
(Roadway improvements)
Two-way traffic accommodated in the SB lanes. 45th St closed from Airport Dr to Koyl Ave
Start: August 20, 1:00 p.m. End: October 29, 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 City of Saskatoon will be hosting Fall Freestyle, the annual skateboard event, on Saturday, September 20, 2014.  This event will feature live DJ music, prizes, pizza, and skateboard demonstrations.

Kids, families, and youth of all ages are welcome to attend this FREE event, which takes place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Lion’s Skate Park in Victoria Park (next to Riversdale Pool at 822 Avenue H South).  Remember to bring and wear your helmet and safety gear.

The event will also feature an opportunity to provide feedback to the Recreation and Parks Master Plan team on the future of skateboarding in Saskatoon.  For more information, please call 306-975-3378.

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.

TAYLOR ST E CLOSED FROM MUNROE AVE S TO MCKINNON AVE S
(Water Main Lining)
Start: September 8, 8:00 a.m. End: October 8, 7:00 p.m.
CENTRAL AVE SB CLOSED FROM 110TH ST W TO 112TH ST W
(Streetscaping)
Two-way traffic set in NB lanes
Start: August 25, 10:00 a.m. End: September 20, 7:00 p.m.
33RD ST W EB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE Y N TO AVE W N
(Water main lining)
Two-way traffic set in WB lanes
Start: August 22, 10:30 a.m. End: September 19, 6:00 p.m.
AIRPORT DR NB LANES CLOSED ON FROM GATEWAY BLVD TO THE AIRPORT
(Roadway improvements)
Two-way traffic accommodated in the SB lanes. 45th St W closed from Airport Dr to Koyl Ave
Start: August 20, 1:00 p.m. End: October 29, 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.

Nominations for the by-election for Catholic School Board Trustee will be accepted at the City Clerk’s Office, Second Floor, City Hall, during regular office hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) from September 14 until September 23, and on September 24 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Nomination forms are available at the City Clerk’s Office, Second Floor, City Hall, 222 – 3^rd Avenue North, the Frances Morrison Central Library and the Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools Board Office.  All nominations must be accompanied by a deposit of $100.00 in cash, certified cheque or money order.

The by-election for Catholic School Board Trustee will be on Wednesday, October 29. For more information, please visit www.saskatoon.ca and look under “E” for Elections or call 306-975-3240.

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 at @CityofSaskatoon and @YXEServiceAlerr and on Facebook at Saskatoon City News.

The City of Saskatoon’s (City) Website Project Steering Committee is pleased to announce the launch of three new engagement exercises in September.  These exercises focus on understanding what residents want to be able to do on the new website homepage and how they’d like it to look.

“Public involvement is key to a successful redesign of Saskatoon.ca,” says Project Manager Rob Gilhuly.  “The website project is at a vital point in its development. Residents now have the opportunity to shape decisions around the site’s design and functionality.”

“A new poll will help gauge citizen preference between two different design approaches.  We also want to test different homepage layouts to see if they help users in task completion,” Gilhuly says.  “The City encourages all residents to visit the project engagement site, new.saskatoon.ca to get involved.”

For more information on the website project, or to sign to become a volunteer tester, please visit new.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 at @CityofSaskatoon and @YXEServiceAlerr and on Facebook at Saskatoon City News.

8TH ST E EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT BROADWAY AVE INTERSECTION
(Road work)
Start: September 15, 9:30 a.m. End: September 15, 4:00 p.m.
ONGOING
TAYLOR ST E CLOSED FROM MUNROE AVE S TO MCKINNON AVE S
(Water Main Lining)
Start: September 8, 8:00 a.m. End: October 8, 7:00 p.m.
CENTRAL AVE 2-WAY TRAFFIC IN NB LANES FROM 110TH ST W TO 112TH ST W
(Streetscaping)
Start: August 25, 10:00 a.m. End: September 20, 7:00 p.m.
33RD ST W EB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE Y N TO AVE W N
(Water main lining)
Two-way traffic set in WB lanes of 33rd St
Start: August 22, 10:30 a.m. End: September 19, 6:00 p.m.
AIRPORT DR NB LANES CLOSED ON FROM GATEWAY BLVD TO THE AIRPORT
(Roadway improvements)
Two-way traffic accommodated in the SB lanes. 45th St W closed from Airport Dr to Koyl Ave
Start: August 20, 1:00 p.m. End: October 29, 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.

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The City of Saskatoon has completed work on a two-year study entitled the Strategic Traffic Safety Action Plan which looks at various ways of improving traffic safety in Saskatoon. The project was a joint initiative with partners at the University of Saskatchewan, including the College of Engineering and the Saskatchewan Centre of Excellence for Transportation and Infrastructure (SCETI).  The Strategic Traffic Safety Action Plan will be one of the items discussed at the September 15th meeting of the City’s Standing Policy Committee on Transportation. 

“The plan provides many good insights about how the City can collaborate with other stakeholders to share resources and maximize investments in traffic safety,” says Jay Magus, Engineering Manager in Transportation (City of Saskatoon). “Now we have one more tool to make smart financial decisions on how to allocate funding toward road and traffic improvements. It can serve as a resource for many years.”

“Saskatoon is one of the fastest growing cities in Canada,” notes Carl Kuhnke, Managing Director of SCETI (University of Saskatchewan). “Our centre encourages and funds innovative ideas that utilize the expertise at the university; this traffic safety initiative was an obvious one for us.” Kuhnke says the work of the research team, combined with expertise at the City and Saskatoon Police Service, has provided strong guidance for the City to accurately prioritize their traffic safety strategies based on historical, current, and forecast needs. The university research team was led by Dr. Peter Park, Associate Professor of Civil and Geological Engineering.

The Strategic Traffic Safety Action Plan identifies seven areas of emphasis for traffic safety including aggressive, distracted and impaired driving; intersections; older and younger drivers; and vulnerable road users (e.g. pedestrians and cyclists). Over 30 collaborative and data-driven strategies are recommended to address traffic safety, focusing on education, enforcement, and/or engineering. Examples of these include improved traffic signal operation, well maintained pavement markings, and public education around impaired and distracted driving. These strategies were developed in partnership with the Saskatoon Board of Education, SGI, the Saskatoon Health Region, and the Saskatoon Police Service. 

For more information, visit saskatoon.ca and enter ‘Traffic Safety Plan’ in the search field.

SPADINA CRES CLOSED FROM 2ND AVE N TO 3RD AVE N
(Food truck festival)
Start: September 13, 8:30 a.m. End: September 14, 12:00 a.m.

33RD ST E CLOSED FROM AVE D N TO AVE F N
(33rd Street Fair)
Start: September 13, 9:00 a.m. End: September 13, 5:00 p.m.

NEW SUNDAY

1ST AVE N NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 23RD ST TO PARKING LOT
(Water & sewer repairs)
Start: September 14, 7:00 a.m. End: September 14, 12:00 p.m.

MILLAR AVE NB CLOSED NORTH OF CIRCLE DR
(Pole maintenance)
Start: September 14, 7:00 a.m. End: September 14, 9:00 a.m.

ATTRIDGE DR WB & EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANES CLOSED AT CENTRAL AVE INTERSECTION
(Pole maintenance)
Start: September 14, 9:00 a.m. End: September 14, 11:00 a.m.

IDYLWYLD DR SB RAMP CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE TO CIRCLE DR WB CLOSED
(Pole maintenance)
Start: September 14, 9:00 a.m. End: September 14, 11:00 a.m.

COLLEGE DR EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED APPROACHING CENTRAL AVE
(Pole maintenance)
Start: September 14, 11:00 a.m. End: September 14, 1:00 p.m.
ONGOING
TAYLOR ST E CLOSED FROM MUNROE AVE S TO MCKINNON AVE S
(Water Main Lining)
Start: September 8, 8:00 a.m. End: October 8, 7:00 p.m.
IDYLWYLD DR N SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 25TH ST W TO 24TH ST E
(Streetscaping)
Traffic will merge to one lane. Right turn from 25th St EB to Idylwyld Dr SB will be maintained
Start: September 2, 9:00 a.m. End: September 14, 6:00 p.m.
CENTRAL AVE 2-WAY TRAFFIC IN NB LANES FROM 110TH ST W TO 112TH ST W
(Streetscaping)
Start: August 25, 10:00 a.m. End: September 20, 7:00 p.m.
33RD ST W EB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE Y N TO AVE W N
(Water main lining)
Two-way traffic set in WB lanes of 33rd St
Start: August 22, 10:30 a.m. End: September 19, 6:00 p.m.
AIRPORT DR NB LANES CLOSED ON FROM GATEWAY BLVD TO THE AIRPORT
(Roadway improvements)
Two-way traffic accommodated in the SB lanes. 45th St W closed from Airport Dr to Koyl Ave
Start: August 20, 1:00 p.m. End: October 29, 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 @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

During the 60th Anniversary Conference and Tradeshow, the International Downtown Association (IDA) recognized the City of Saskatoon (City) with a Downtown Merit Award for its work and initiatives related to the changes made to the 20-year-old Placemaker Program.  The IDA received 58 submissions, with Saskatoon receiving 1 of 17 awards handed out in the Programming and Events category.  The Placemaker Program was recognized for its focus on programs and events aimed at improving the image and vitality of the Downtown and its ability to attract visitors.

In addition, the City is also pleased to announce the installation of two new temporary artworks as part of the program.  The two new pieces, selected by the City’s Visual Arts Placement Jury, will be on display for up to two years. 

Sweetgrass Sway, by Métis artist Heather Shillinglaw, is comprised of 12 feather-shaped flags with images of sweetgrass on them and arranged in the infinity symbol.  It is located at the entrance to Cosmopolitan Park at the top of the University Bridge at College Drive and Saskatchewan Crescent.

Faces, by artists Adrian Bica, Dimitri Karopoulos, and Sebastian Lubczynski, is a sculptural installation of a head made of polystyrene panels mounted to a structural steel frame with plantings.  It has been installed at University Drive and College Drive.

For more information regarding the Placemaker Program, visit www.saskatoon.ca/go/placemaker.

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. 

CIRCLE DR EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED WEST OF PRESTON AVE S
(Guardrail repair)
Start: September 12, 9:30 p.m. End: September 12, 3:30 p.m.

ONGOING
TAYLOR ST E CLOSED FROM MUNROE AVE S TO MCKINNON AVE S
(Water main lining)
Start: September 8, 8:00 a.m. End: October 8, 7:00 p.m.
IDYLWYLD DR N SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 25TH ST W TO 24TH ST E
(Streetscaping)
Traffic will merge to one lane. Right turn from 25th St EB to Idylwyld Dr SB will be maintained
Start: September 2, 9:00 a.m. End: September 14, 6:00 p.m.
CENTRAL AVE SB LANES CLOSED FROM 110TH ST W TO 112TH ST W
(Streetscaping)
Two-way traffic set in NB lanes
Start: August 25, 10:00 a.m. End: September 20, 7:00 p.m.
33RD ST W EB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE Y N TO AVE W N
(Water main lining)
Two-way traffic set in WB lanes of 33rd St
Start: August 22, 10:30 a.m. End: September 19, 6:00 p.m.
AIRPORT DR NB LANES CLOSED ON FROM GATEWAY BLVD TO THE AIRPORT
(Roadway improvements)
Two-way traffic accommodated in the SB lanes. 45th St W closed from Airport Dr to Koyl Ave
Start: August 20, 1:00 p.m. End: October 29, 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 @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

“This is the first time in Saskatoon’s history that we will have an objective, technology-based condition assessment of our complete road network,” says Mike Gutek, Director of Major Projects. “An increase in funding has allowed us to invest in this new technology to better assess the condition of our roads.”

In the past, City engineering staff would manually inspect portions of roadway and rate the condition based on three visible defects; dips, cracking and roughness. This manual data collection would take up to four years to gather and provide data of various ages.

The new method, implemented earlier this year, uses a semi-automated road rating vehicle which can detect up to 11 different surface and structural defects in the roadway. Not only does this new method allow the City to inspect the entire roadway, it will help determine patterns, predict future distresses and determine the best long term treatments. It will also establish a new baseline network condition and provide an up-to-date road condition report card every four years with yearly report cards updated using deterioration prediction models.

“Through this new process, data from the more than 4,000 kilometres of road network can be collected in just a couple of months as opposed to four years,” says Gutek. “As we analyze the data we’ll be able to make more informed decisions as we deploy the rehabilitation budgets.”

Focusing all funding on roads that are in the worst condition would lead to a relatively rapid decline in the overall network condition; this is because it would cost the same to completely reconstruct one kilometre of the worst road as it would to repair 20 kilometres of road that may be in fair condition with a minor roadway treatment. 

The new assessment system will help to improve the City’s road network in the most cost effective way and allow a more proactive approach.

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 last Compost Sale Saturday of the 2014 season will be on September 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Residents can come to the City of Saskatoon’s Compost Depot on Highway 7 and 11th Street to purchase compost and mulch (woodchips) for their lawn and gardens.  Payment methods include cash, credit card or debit.

The cost is $5 per bag for a 20L (5 gallon) bag of compost or a 40L (10 gallon) bag of mulch.  There is no limit to the number of bags a resident may purchase.  Residents may also bring their own containers.

Compost and mulch are also available in bulk volumes of ½ yard, 1 yard, 1.5 yard, and 2 yard quantities.  Larger volumes can be loaded into a pickup truck or small trailer.  Bulk compost will be sold at the price of $65 per cubic meter ($50 per yard) and bulk mulch at $26 per cubic meter ($20 per yard).

Since 2006, the City of Saskatoon has been accepting leaves, grass, non-elm tree and shrub branches, and garden waste at the McOrmond Drive and the Highway 7 compost depots.  This material would otherwise end up in the landfill.

“In 2013, 21,500 tonnes of material was delivered to these compost depots, and about 13,500 tonnes, or 63% of that, was delivered by residents or brought in through the Green Cart program,” says Brenda Wallace, Director of Environmental and Corporate Initiatives.  “The sale of compost supports our city’s long-term strategy to eliminate the need for a new landfill and to increase revenue sources.”

Compost is valuable, ready-to-use organic matter that can be added to garden soil or lawns.  It acts as a natural fertilizer, improves soil structure, increases water retention, and boosts the amount of good microbes found in the soil.  Mulch (e.g. woodchips) can be layered on top of the soil around flowers, vegetables, trees and shrubs to suppress weeds, retain moisture in the soil, and help protect plants from fluctuating temperatures and extreme weather.

Adding compost and mulch to your yard will help you build a healthy lawn and garden that is resistant to pests, conserves water, and does not require additional fertilizer.

For more information on Compost Sale Saturdays, visit www.saskatoon.ca and click on “C” for Composting.

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.

Additional Information
The City of Saskatoon provides a number of other composting services for residents:

Compost Bin Rebates:
The City of Saskatoon has a limited number of $20 rebates available to Saskatoon residents who purchase a compost bin or rain barrel from a Saskatoon retailer in 2014.  For more information, visit http://www.saskwastereduction.ca/rebate-form.

Master Composter Home Visits:
The City supported the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council’s Master Composter training again in 2014.  These Master Composters offer free home visits to residents who have questions or would like to start a compost of their own. Contact (306) 931-3242 or info@saskwastereduction.ca for details.

Winter Composting Presentation:
Residents are invited to a composting presentation to learn how to compost through the winter months.

Date: Wednesday, October 1
Time: 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Location: Frances Morrison Library

Presented in partnership with the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council.

Compost Depots:
Residents are encouraged to take their leaves, grass, sod, topsoil, and non-elm branches, stumps and tree trimmings to the City’s compost depots free of charge. 

Since 2006, the compost depots have generated more than 16,000 cubic metres of Class A compost.  This has increased landfill diversion by nearly 15% over the last seven years and saved the Saskatoon Landfill approximately 400,000 cubic metres of airspace.  Composting the 21,500 tonnes of materials accepted at the Compost Depots in 2013 instead of taking it to the landfill reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 5,000 tonnes CO₂e, or the equivalent of removing 1,050 passenger vehicles from our roadways.

Be Water Wise:
The City of Saskatoon is committed to ensuring good stewardship of our water resources.  Using compost and mulch conserves water and keeps our lawns and gardens healthy.  For details and water conservation tips, visit www.saskatoon.ca and click on “B” for “Be Water Wise.”

Greet Cart Collection Program:
The Green Cart Collection Program was expanded in 2014 and services over 3900 households, up from 2744 in 2013. Service includes bi-weekly pickup of unbagged leaves, grass clippings, and non-woody yard vegetation.  The program runs from the beginning of May to the beginning of November.

Food Waste Collection Program:
The City is examining options and next steps for developing a food-waste collection program for residents.  For more information, visit www.saskatoon.ca for the Public Agenda - Standing Committee on Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services for September 15, 2014 - Report on Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction, Attachment 3, page 1.

On Monday, September 15, the Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services, will receive the Integrated Waste Management Annual Report for 2013.  The report highlights the following key findings:

*Recycling programs, including the new blue-cart program for houses and recycling depots across the community achieved a 67% increase in diversion over 2012 by diverting 12,622 tonnes of material from the landfill.

*The new blue-cart program collected a broad range of materials for recycling including the following by weight:

-Paper and cardboard: 74%
-Household glass: 7%
-Aluminium and tin: 5%
-Plastics: 5%
-Deposit beverage containers: 1%
-Residuals from processing: 4%
-Contamination from collections (garbage in carts): 4%

*Recycling helped recapture 10% of the landfill airspace in 2013, equivalent to adding 5.5 years to the life of that facility.

*The Waste Disposal Rate per household continues to decline in Saskatoon and the amount of garbage collected per home in 2013 was 0.95 tonnes (or 252 kilograms per person).  This is still higher than the national average of 0.64 tonnes.

*New specifications for garbage carts are helping to bring the cart failure rate down to 0.55% compared to the rate of 15% experienced in some neighbourhoods.

*The cost to deliver residential garbage services remains constant over 2012 at $144.27 per household in 2013 (or $12.02 per household per month).  This cost is comparable with other municipalities across Canada.

*Availability of vehicles and equipment has been an issue in 2013 with significant hours of downtime logged for mechanical or maintenance-related issues.  This is affecting both service delivery and cost.

*Saskatoon has one of the highest rates of residential garbage self-hauled to the Landfill in Canada, creating site management challenges for the operations of that facility.  These challenges, along with equipment downtime, contribute to rising operating costs that have now nearly doubled since 2008 to $29/tonne.

*Landfill tipping fees must cover both operating costs and capital improvements.  The range of fees for tipping waste among 26 municipal landfills across Canada is $32.65 to $125 per tonne.  Saskatoon’s fees (at $90 in 2013) fall in the middle of this range (near the median).

Since 2013, recycling and composting programs are showing signs of continued growth and success.

The blue-cart recycling program for houses has already recycled more than 7,500 tonnes of recyclables so far in 2014.  Cart set-out rates on each collection day remain high at an average of 67%.  The contamination rate (garbage placed in carts) has dropped to under 4%.

The green-cart yard waste program now has 3,900 subscribers, an increase of 30% over 2013, contributing to the diversion of organic waste to compost depots rather than the landfill.

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 Release: September 11, 2014

Starting today, residents can now access Service Alerts on Twitter by following @YXEServiceAlert. 

Service Alerts are RSS feeds issued when service disruptions, such as power outages, and traffic restrictions will have a direct impact on the lives and routines of residents and visitors.

Currently, when each alert is issued it is automatically posted to Twitter and Facebook, which often clutters the City’s main Twitter feed – @CityofSaskatoon.

By pushing Service Alert tweets to their own feed, followers are now able to access the information they need about service disruptions with greater ease.  This also means information about programs and initiatives will be more accessible for those using social media through the main account, @CityofSaskatoon.

Both channels will be regularly monitored during normal City business hours, Monday through Friday.

This switch does not affect the delivery of the RSS feeds, which residents can subscribe to by following the links on Saskatoon.ca.

As the City continues to move forward with the new website redesign project, more improvements may be made to how the City engages with residents on social media.

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 waterslide at Lakewood Civic Centre is currently not in operation as a result of ground movement issues in the mechanical crawlspace affecting the pump that supplies water to the slide.  The City of Saskatoon (City) reassures the public that there are no concerns with the safety of the swimming pool and hot tub, which remain open at this time for all regularly scheduled activities. 
The City is currently working with a consultant to develop a solution to fix these issues as quickly as possible while having the least impact to patrons and the operation of the pool.  At this time, it is anticipated that the waterslide will remain out of service for the next several weeks.  Further updates will be provided as the repairs progress, and a timeline for the reopening of the waterslide is identified.  The City apologizes for the inconvenience, and thanks the public for its patience and understanding.
For hours of operation and drop-in programming information at Lakewood Civic Centre, refer to www.saskatoon.ca/go/dropinonline or call 306-975-2944.
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.

MILLAR AVE NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT MOLARO PL
(Curb box maintenance)
Start: September 11, 9:00 a.m. End: September 11, 5:00 p.m.
MILLAR AVE SB CLOSED FROM MARQUIS DR E TO 68TH ST E
(Valve repair)
Two-way traffic in NB lanes
Start: September 11, 10:00 a.m. End: September 11, 6:00 p.m.
ONGOING
TAYLOR ST CLOSED FROM MUNROE AVE S TO MCKINNON AVE S
(Water main lining)
Start: September 8, 8:00 a.m. End: October 8, 7:00 p.m.
IDYLWYLD DR N SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 25TH ST W TO 24TH ST E
(Streetscaping)
Traffic will merge to one lane. Right turn from 25th St EB to Idylwyld Dr SB will be maintained
Start: September 2, 9:00 a.m. End: September 14, 6:00 p.m.
CENTRAL AVE SB CLOSED FROM 110TH ST W TO 112TH ST W
(Streetscaping)
Two-way traffic in NB lanes
Start: August 25, 10:00 a.m. End: September 20, 7:00 p.m.
33RD ST W EB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE Y N TO AVE W N
(water main lining)
Two-way traffic set in WB lanes of 33rd St
Start: August 22, 10:30 a.m. End: September 19, 6:00 p.m.
AIRPORT DR NB LANES CLOSED ON FROM GATEWAY BLVD TO THE AIRPORT
(roadway improvements)
Two-way traffic accommodated in the SB lanes. 45th St closed from Airport Dr to Koyl Ave
Start: August 20, 1:00 p.m. End: October 29, 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 @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

Exciting construction developments will be taking place at Saskatoon’s most beloved park in upcoming weeks as part of Phase One of the Kinsmen Park and Area Master Plan, which includes the addition of notable attractions to the Future Home of PotashCorp Playland. 

“The City of Saskatoon is pleased the project is finally at a stage that people can see the transformation of what’s been a Saskatoon gathering spot for generations,” says Cary Humphrey, Director of Recreation and Sport.
The attractions include:

• Delivery of the 19.2 metre (63 feet) Ferris Wheel to the site.
  Installation began on September 2, 2014, and is expected to finish September 10, 2014.
• Arizona Railroad Depot, LLC. began excavation of the 626 metre train loop.
• Construction on the new train station building has started and the concrete for the train crossings has been poured.  
• The development of the actual locomotive, carriages, and caboose for The Canpotex Train is well underway at the factory located in Phoenix, Arizona. The completed train will be delivered in Spring 2015. 
• Curbing and edging work around the new sand play, water play, and natural play areas has begun.

PCL Construction has been contracted for Phase One of the Kinsmen Park Master Plan which began April 2014, and is anticipated to open in Spring 2015.
For more information on the Future Home of PotashCorp Playland at Kinsmen Park and the Kinsmen Park and Area Master Plan, including video updates, please visit www.saskatoon.ca/go/kinsmenpark.
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-

22ND ST EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED APPROACHING AUDITORIUM AVE
(Manhole work)
Start: September 10, 9:00 a.m. End: September 10, 6:00 p.m.
ONGOING
8TH ST E WB RIGHT TURN LANE CLOSED AT BROADWAY AVE
(Sidewalk & curb repair)
Start: September 8, 9:00 a.m. End: September 10, 6:00 p.m.
TAYLOR ST E CLOSED FROM MUNROE AVE S TO MCKINNON AVE S
(Water main lining)
Start: September 8, 8:00 a.m. End: October 8, 7:00 p.m.
IDYLWYLD DR N SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 25TH ST W TO 24TH ST E
(Streetscaping)
Traffic will merge to one lane. Right turn from 25th St EB to Idylwyld Dr SB will be maintained
Start: September 2, 9:00 a.m. End: September 14, 6:00 p.m.
CENTRAL AVE SB CLOSED FROM 110TH ST W TO 112TH ST W
(Streetscaping)
Two-way traffic accommodated in the SB lanes
Start: August 25, 10:00 a.m. End: September 20, 7:00 p.m.
33RD ST W EB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE Y N TO AVE W N
(Water main lining)
Two-way traffic set in WB lanes of 33rd St
Start: August 22, 10:30 a.m. End: September 19, 6:00 p.m.
AIRPORT DR NB LANES CLOSED ON FROM GATEWAY BLVD TO THE AIRPORT
(Roadway improvements)
Two-way traffic accommodated in the SB lanes. 45th St closed from Airport Dr to Koyl Ave
Start: August 20, 1:00 p.m. End: October 29, 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 @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

SPADINA CRES SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED UNDER UNIVERSITY BRIDGE
(Bridge work)
Start: September 8, 12:00 p.m. End: November 9, 6:00 p.m.
ONGOING
TAYLOR ST E CLOSED FROM MUNROE AVE S TO MCKINNON AVE S
(Water main lining)
Start: September 8, 8:00 a.m. End: October 8, 7:00 p.m.
8TH ST E WB RIGHT TURN LANE TO BROADWAY AVE NB CLOSED
(Sidewalk & curb repair)
Start: September 8, 9:00 a.m. End: September 10, 6:00 p.m.
IDYLWYLD DR N SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 25TH ST W TO 24TH ST E
(Streetscaping)
Traffic will merge to one lane. Right turn from 25th St EB to Idylwyld Dr SB will be maintained
Start: September 2, 9:00 a.m. End: September 14, 6:00 p.m.
CENTRAL AVE SB CLOSED FROM 110TH ST W TO 112TH ST W
(Streetscaping)
Two-way traffic accommodated in NB lanes
Start: August 25, 10:00 a.m. End: September 20, 7:00 p.m.
33RD ST W EB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE Y N TO AVE W N
(Water main lining)
Two-way traffic set in WB lanes of 33rd St
Start: August 22, 10:30 a.m. End: September 19, 6:00 p.m.
AIRPORT DR NB LANES CLOSED ON FROM GATEWAY BLVD TO THE AIRPORT
(Roadway improvements)
Two-way traffic accommodated in the SB lanes. 45th St closed from Airport Dr to Koyl Ave.
Start: August 20, 1:00 p.m. End: October 29, 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 @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

SPC on PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

7.2.2 Innovative Housing Incentives Application – New Rental Construction Land-Cost Rebate Application – Stonebridge/CILO II – 241 Willis Crescent (p. 32)

The Administration asks the Standing Policy Committee to recommend to City Council:

*That a five-year incremental tax abatement of the residential taxes be applied to the additional 19 purpose-built rental units to be built at 241 Willis Crescent, by Stonebridge/CILO II Limited Partnership, in addition to the already approved abatement for 153 purpose-built rental units, commencing the next taxation year, following the completion of the project.
*That a matching cash grant equal to the value of the five-year incremental property tax abatement, to a maximum of $5,000 per unit, estimated at $711,198, be approved for this project in place of the previously approved grant of $609,731.

Additional Information:

*New Summit Partners was previously approved for incentives for their plans to construct a 153 unit purpose-built rental project.  They are proposing an additional 19 units in this project.
*This project qualifies for an incremental property tax abatement and cash grant.
*New Summit Partners will be required to enter into an incentive agreement to ensure the units are completed on time and remain as rental stock for 15 years.

7.2.3 Summer Festivals – Security Options for Public Events in City Parks (p. 37)

The Administration asks the Standing Policy Committee to recommend to City Council:

*That the September 8, 2014 report of the General Manager, Community Services Department, be received as information.

Additional Information:

*The Recreation and Sport Division facilitates the planning and delivery of events in Saskatoon Parks through the coordination of civic services, Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) and the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA).
*The SLGA mandates the level of security required for events that serve alcohol and the SPS determines policing requirements.
*Special events are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and assessed for risk based on predetermined risk factors.

7.2.4 Award of Contract – Animal Control Services (p. 40)

The Administration asks the Standing Policy Committee to recommend to City Council:

*That the Saskatoon Animal Control Agency be awarded the contract for animal control services for the City of Saskatoon commencing May 1, 2014.

Additional Information:

*The Administration issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) on March 11, 2014, seeking proposals for the provision of animal control and dangerous animal control services to the City for a five-year contract.  Tenders closed on April 3, 2014.  Only one proposal was received.
*Recreation and Sport entered into contract negotiations with SACA in regards to the received proposal and reached an agreement on July 11, 2014.  A summary of the Terms of Agreement are identified in this report.

7.2.5 Request to Construct and Operate Saskatoon’s Winter Recreation Park and Lifestyle Activity Centre at Diefenbaker Park (p. 44)

The Administration asks the Standing Policy Committee to recommend to City Council:

*That the request by the Optimist Club of Saskatoon, to construct and operate Saskatoon’s Winter Recreation Park and Lifestyle Activity Centre at Diefenbaker Park, continue to be approved, in principle.
*That the City Solicitor be requested to prepare the appropriate Memorandum of Understanding, based on the details set out in the report of the General Manager, Community Services dated September 8, 2014, and that His Worship the Mayor and the City Clerk be authorized to execute the Memorandum of Understanding.
*That the Administration prepare a Capital Budget submission for the City of Saskatoon’s contribution towards the Winter Recreation Park and Lifestyle Activity Centre.
*That at the appropriate time, the Administration bring forward a further report to City Council concerning the details for a Memorandum of Agreement to address the construction, operation and maintenance of the facility, as well as the establishment of a Dedicated Capital Reinvestment Fund, the contributions to the fund being made by the Optimist Club and the proposed granting of a five-year tax abatement.

Additional Information:

*The Optimist Club has submitted a Business Plan to capital fund-raise, construct and operate the Park and Activity Centre and enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the City of Saskatoon (City).  The Business Plan provides details of the Optimist Club’s organization summary, facility management, financials and implementation plan.
*The Optimist Club has requested the City to support the capital and operations of the Park and Activity Centre in Diefenbaker Park.  Diefenbaker Park was chosen as the ideal location for this project due to its natural suitability for tobogganing, snow tubing (four to five groomed lanes), snowboarding, including a snow terrain park and the space requirements for a building and parking lot.
*Subject to certain conditions being met, the Administration has reviewed and supports the Optimist Club’s Business Plan, in principle, to ensure a sustainable operation of the Park and Activity Centre.
*In lieu of paying property taxes, the Optimist Club would make annual contributions to a Dedicated Capital Reinvestment Fund (Reinvestment Fund) to establish a major equipment and building replacement reserve.  This would be the basis for providing the Optimist Club with a five-year tax abatement for the Park and Activity Centre.

SPC on FINANCE

7.1.1 Persephone Theatre Property Tax Abatement (p. 4)

Request to Speak: Jennifer Pereira, Chair, Persephone Theatre Board of Directors

The Administration asks the Standing Policy Committee to recommend to City Council:

*That a full (100%) property tax abatement to Persephone Theatre through the Culture Grant Program for a five-year period be approved.

Additional Information:

*Persephone has received various cash grants and tax abatements from the City since it acquired the property in River Landing in 2005.
*The majority of municipalities in Canada, surveyed for this report, provide full tax exemptions or abatements to non-profit performing arts organizations.
*The City provides tax abatements to cultural institutions that qualify under an appropriate grant or incentives program.

7.2.1 Quarterly Report – Builder and Developer Lot Supply (p. 19)

The Administration asks the Standing Policy Committee to recommend to City Council:

*That the Quarterly Report on Builder and Developer Lot Supply be received.

Additional Information:

*Land developers in Saskatoon have 329 residential lots in inventory and there is a healthy builder inventory of 1,454 residential lots.
*Land developers in Saskatoon are projected to completely service 1,738 single family lots in 2014.
*Land developers and builders have approximately 164 acres of multi-family land in inventory, which can potentially accommodate approximately 4,200 dwelling units.
*Estimates of current builder/developer serviced land inventory levels could accommodate population growth in excess of 5%.
*There is a healthy supply of vacant industrial land held by recent industrial land purchasers.

Starting at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 9, 2014 the pedestrian bridge in River Landing, east of the Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge, will be closed until 4:00 p.m.  The closure is to allow crews to fix and install the third coloured sail on the bridge.
During the temporary closure, pedestrians and cyclists travelling through River Landing and approaching the bridge on either side can take the various pathways leading up to 19^th Street, travel along 19^th Street, then return to the River Landing riverfront pathway on the other side of the bridge.  Route maps have been posted at the bridge to direct users.
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’s Community Development Division, in partnership with Canadian Sport Centre - Saskatchewan; Sask Sport Inc.; and Women in Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation; will be hosting Active Like a Girl on Sunday, September 14, 2014, from 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the SaskTel Sports Centre (150 Nelson Road).  Active Like a Girl is a free, one-day event for girls ages 10 to 14.  For registration and transportation inquiries, call 306-975-3378 by Thursday, September 11.  Snacks will be provided. 

Experience the sport of rugby, wheelchair rugby, fencing, and golf with some world class athletes and coaches:

Heather Moyse (Bobsleigh, Rugby and Track Cycling)
A multi-sport athlete with accomplishments, including Bobsleigh Olympic gold medalist (2010, 2014); Rugby Sevens World Cup silver medalist (2013); and 4th place in match sprint at Pan American Track Cycling Championships (2012).

Miranda Biletski (Wheelchair Rugby)
A member of Team Canada who has achieved a bronze medal at the American Zonals (2009); silver medal at Four Nations (2010); 5th place World Championships (2010); bronze medal at World Challenge (2013); and silver medal at American Zonals (2013).

Shannon Comerford (Fencing)
A member of the Canadian Women’s Foil Senior National Team who has earned silver medals at the Pan American Championships (2009 to present).

Ashley Olynick (Golf)
A member of the Professional Golf Association of Canada and a certified personal coach at GolfTec. Ashley played collegiate golf at Texas A&M University Corpus-Christi and was player of the year in 2009.

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.

before getting stuck on a curb near Idylwyld Drive and 25th Street, the bus hit another stationary bus and a parked vehicle.

An investigation into this matter is underway, and many facts are known. “This is a very disturbing incident,” says Jeff Jorgenson, General Manager of the Transportation & Utilities Department.  “It is clear that the bus was left in an un-safe condition, was running for an extended period, and was easily movable.”

“This appears to be a case of human error, and safety protocols were not followed,” Jorgenson says.  “Our investigation will continue.”

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.

Do you have any unwanted but usable items lying around your house?  Swap them!

Curbside Swaps are neighbourhood events, organized by Community Associations and supported by the City of Saskatoon, that provide opportunities for residents to give away unwanted items, lessen their household clutter and hunt for new treasures!  Curbside Swaps also allow residents to find and reuse items that are in good condition, which keeps them out of our landfill and reduces our community’s environmental footprint. 

Four Saskatoon Community Associations will host Curbside Swaps this fall:

Saturday, September 6 in College Park
Saturday, September 13 in City Park
Sunday, September 14 in Buena Vista
Saturday, September 20 in Meadowgreen

Starting at 9:00 a.m. on the swap date, participating residents in the host neighbourhood will begin placing unwanted items out on their curb.  Just look for their signs!  After that, all items clearly marked as “FREE” are available for Saskatoon residents.  The swap ends by 6:00 p.m. when participants return any unclaimed items back into their homes along with all their newfound treasures.

Some of the items you might find at a Curbside Swap include appliances, bicycles, tools, furniture, books/movies/CDs/DVDs, building material, computers and electronics, yard and garden equipment, clothes, sporting goods and more!

For more information, visit www.saskatoon.ca and click on “C” for Curbside Swap.

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.

Qualified voters who wish to apply for this option must do so in person at the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall (222 – 3^rd Avenue North).

At the time of application, individuals will be required to complete a voter’s registration form and verify their identity and address with a piece of government issued photo identification. Voters are encouraged to visit www.saskatoon.ca and click on “e” for elections to see the complete list of acceptable identification documents.

Voters who apply to vote by mail can expect to receive a ballot package in the mail in early October.  The package will include a ballot, instructions on how to complete the ballot and return the ballot package, and a postage-paid envelope.

Ballots must be received by the Returning Officer by 8:00 p.m. on By-Election day, Wednesday, October 29, 2014.

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. 

BROADWAY AVE CLOSED FROM 8TH ST E TO 12TH ST E
(Broadway Street Fair)
11th St E closed from Dufferin Ave to Broadway Ave
Start: September 6, 5:30 a.m. End: September 6, 7:00 p.m.

NEW SUNDAY
FAITHFULL AVE CLOSED FROM CIRCLE DR E TO 45TH ST E
(Patch paving)
Start: September 7, 7:00 a.m. End: September 7, 12:00 p.m.
8TH ST E EB CURB (OUTSIDE) AND CENTRE LANE CLOSED FROM MORGAN AVE TO SOMMERFELD AVE
(Catch basin repair)
Sommerfeld Ave closed just south of 8th St E
Start: September 7, 7:00 a.m. End: September 7, 6:00 p.m.

SPADINA CRES CLOSED FROM BROADWAY BRIDGE TO THE BESSBOROUGH
(Community event)
Start: September 7, 7:00 a.m. End: September 7, 6:30 p.m.
ONGOING
IDYLWYLD DR N SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 25TH ST W TO 24TH ST E
(Streetscaping)
Traffic will merge to one lane. Right turn from 25th St EB to Idylwyld Dr SB will be maintained
Start: September 2, 9:00 a.m. End: September 14, 6:00 p.m.
CENTRAL AVE SB CLOSED FROM 110TH ST W TO 112TH ST W
(Streetscaping)
Two-way traffic maintained in the NB lanes
Start: August 25, 10:00 a.m. End: September 20, 7:00 p.m.
33RD ST W EB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE Y N TO AVE W N
(Water main lining)
Two-way traffic set in WB lanes of 33rd St
Start: August 22, 10:30 a.m. End: September 19, 6:00 p.m.
AIRPORT DR NB LANES CLOSED ON FROM GATEWAY BLVD TO THE AIRPORT
(Roadway improvements)
Two-way traffic accommodated in the SB lanes. 45th St W closed from Airport Dr to Koyl Ave
Start: August 20, 1:00 p.m. End: October 29, 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 @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

CIRCLE DR SB RAMP CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED APPROACHING CIRCLE DR WB MERGE POINT
(Sound wall installation)
Start: September 8, 7:00 a.m. End: September 8, 6:00 p.m.

TAYLOR ST E CLOSED FROM MUNROE AVE S TO MCKINNON AVE S
(Water Main Lining)
Start: September 8, 8:00 a.m. End: October 8, 7:00 p.m.

8TH ST E WB RIGHT TURN LANE TO BROADWAY AVE CLOSED
(Sidewalk repair)
Start: September 8, 9:00 a.m. End: September 10, 6:00 p.m.
ONGOING
IDYLWYLD DR N SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 25TH ST W TO 24TH ST E
(Streetscaping)
Traffic will merge to one lane. Right turn from 25th St EB to Idylwyld Dr SB will be maintained
Start: September 2, 9:00 a.m. End: September 14, 6:00 p.m.
CENTRAL AVE SB CLOSED FROM 110TH ST W TO 112TH ST W
(Streetscaping)
Two-way traffic maintained in the NB lanes
Start: August 25, 10:00 a.m. End: September 20, 7:00 p.m.
33RD ST W EB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE Y N TO AVE W N
(Water main lining)
Two-way traffic set in WB lanes of 33rd St
Start: August 22, 10:30 a.m. End: September 19, 6:00 p.m.
AIRPORT DR NB LANES CLOSED ON FROM GATEWAY BLVD TO THE AIRPORT
(Roadway improvements)
Two-way traffic accommodated in the SB lanes. 45th St W closed from Airport Dr to Koyl Ave
Start: August 20, 1:00 p.m. End: October 29, 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 @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

As school children return to the classroom this week, the City of Saskatoon is reminding drivers to slow to 30 kilometres per hour in school zones.

“Twelve seconds is all the additional time it takes to drive through a school zone at 30 kilometres per hour instead of 50,” says Jay Magus, Engineering Manager, Transportation. “The speed limit is designed to give drivers time to react and brake in an emergency; those 12 seconds could prevent a collision or fatality.”

The 30 km/h speed limit is in effect 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, September 1 to June 30 including statutory holidays and school breaks.

The penalty for speeding in a school zone is a fine starting at $192 and demerit points. In 2013, 387 drivers were fined for speeding through school zones; there were a total of 95 collisions or incidents in school zones which resulted in 14 injuries.

“Many of us feel rushed on our commutes, particularly in the mornings, but everyone can spare 12 seconds,” says Magus. “It’s important to plan ahead and allow extra time to get where you’re going.”

As well as the reduced speed limit, school zones have the following regulations to ensure the safety of children: 

- U-turns are prohibited (new in 2013)
- Parking is allowed in designated areas only
- Stopping or parking is not allowed in a school bus loading zone 

The City is continuously looking to improve safety in school zones. This year, a new school zone is in place on 20th Street West between Avenue M and Avenue O which is an extension of the existing zone near St. Mary’s Wellness and Education Centre. 

Also new this school year, a pilot project to install flashing lights in school zones on high traffic streets will be expanded to include 33rd Street West adjacent to École Henry Kelsey School. The pilot project began in June with the installation of flashing lights in the school zone on Clarence Avenue.

For more information visit saskatoon.ca.and click on “S” for School Zones.

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.

IDYLWYLD DR SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 25TH ST TO 24TH ST
(Streetscaping)
Start: September 2, 9:00 a.m. End: September 14, 6:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DR SB RAMP TO CIRCLE DR WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED
(Sound Wall installation)
Start: September 2, 7:00 a.m. End: September 5, 6:00 p.m.
CENTRAL AVE SB LANES CLOSED FROM 110TH ST W TO 112TH ST W
(Streetscaping)
Two-way traffic set in the NB lanes
Start: August 25, 10:00 a.m. End: September 20, 7:00 p.m.
33RD ST W EB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE Y N TO AVE W N
(Water main lining)
Two-way traffic set in WB lanes of 33rd St
Start: August 22, 10:30 a.m. End: September 19, 6:00 p.m.
AIRPORT DR NB LANES CLOSED FROM GATEWAY BLVD TO THE AIRPORT
(Roadway improvements)
Two-way traffic accommodated in the SB lanes. 45th St W closed from Airport Dr to Koyl Ave
Start: August 20, 1:00 p.m. End: October 29, 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 @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

22ND ST W EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM AVE K TO AVE J
(Concrete repair)
Start: September 4, 7:30 a.m. End: September 4,6:00 p.m.
ONGOING
IDYLWYLD DR N SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 25TH ST W TO 24TH ST E
(Streetscaping)
Traffic will merge to one lane. Right turn from 25th St EB to Idylwyld Dr SB will be maintained
Start: September 2, 9:00 a.m. End: September 14, 6:00 p.m.
CENTRAL AVE SB CLOSED FROM 110TH ST W TO 112TH ST W
(Streetscaping)
Two-way traffic accommodated in the NB lanes
Start: August 25, 10:00 a.m. End: September 20, 7:00 p.m.
33RD ST W EB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE Y N TO AVE W N
(Water main lining)
Two-way traffic set in WB lanes of 33rd St
Start: August 22, 10:30 a.m. End: September 19, 6:00 p.m.
AIRPORT DR NB LANES CLOSED ON FROM GATEWAY BLVD TO THE AIRPORT
(Roadway improvements)
Two-way traffic accommodated in the SB lanes. 45th St W closed from Airport Dr to Koyl Ave
Start: August 20, 1:00 p.m. End: October 29, 6:00 p.m.
20TH ST W WB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE F S TO AVE G S
(Streetscaping)
Two way traffic will be accommodated in the EB lanes. Speed reduced to 30km/h
Start: August 7, 9:00 a.m. End: September 4, 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 @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

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 @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

The City of Saskatoon (City) oversees the care and maintenance of a civic permanent public art collection that consists of 38 outdoor sculptures.  As part of this responsibility, the City keeps a detailed maintenance and conservation record of each one of the pieces.

The sculpture, Tribute to Youth, located in Kiwanis Park at Spadina Crescent and 23rd Street, has been temporarily removed to allow for restoration work of the stone and tile base, as well as on its lights.  The repairs will be completed by the end of September, at which time the sculpture will be re-installed.

Tribute to Youth, featuring five children forming a sphere, was sculpted by the renowned Saskatchewan artist, the late Bill Epp.  It was unveiled in 1989 to commemorate the 1989 Jeux Canada Games.

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 are the hours of civic services and facilities for Labour Day on Monday, September 1, 2014:

City Hall will be closed.

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

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

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

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

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

All Saskatoon Public Library locations will be closed.

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

Transit Services

Saskatoon Transit will operate with regular Sunday/Holiday Service.

Access Transit will operate with regular 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:  Regular hours of operation.

Golf Courses: Regular hours of operation (dawn to dusk) for Holiday Park, Wildwood and Silverwood.

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

Leisure Centres

Cosmo Civic Centre: CLOSED

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

Lakewood Civic Centre: Open 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

All fitness classes and child minding CANCELLED.

Lawson Civic Centre: Open 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

All fitness classes and swim lessons CANCELLED.

Saskatoon Field House: Open 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Special holiday fitness class from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

All fitness classes and child minding CANCELLED.

Shaw Centre: Open 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

All fitness classes and child minding CANCELLED.

Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre:  CLOSED

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.

Saskatoon Transit will not have sufficient buses available to run full transit service starting on Tuesday, September 2, 2014. There is a backlog of maintenance on our fleet which prevents us from running all services.

The following services will be running on Tuesday, September 2:

• All regular routes
• All Dart routes
• College Park to St. Joseph High School Special
• Caswell School Special
• Access Transit is not affected

The following services will be temporarily suspended or delayed effective Tuesday, September 2:

• All High School Specials (with exception of College Park to St. Joseph) will be suspended
• Downtown Direct services will be suspended
• University Direct services will be suspended (regular routes to the University will still be running)
• Extra buses during peak travel times for popular transit routes will be suspended (e.g. Route 80 –Kenderdine/City Centre)
• The implementation of new routes will be delayed:
  o Route 26 (Clarence/University)
  o Express Routes for Parkridge, Willowgrove and Kenderdine Express

The following new temporary services will be provided starting Tuesday, September 2:

• Shuttle buses from Centre Mall to Holy Cross and Walter Murray Collegiate.
• Shuttle buses from Confederation Terminal to Bethlehem & Tommy Douglas Collegiate.

All routes are anticipated to experience increased usage. We encourage transit users to consider adjusting their trip times to avoid peak morning and afternoon trip times.

Please Note:

Extra buses during peak travel times for popular transit routes will not be in service. We will do our best to issue timely updates on Saskatoon Transit Service Alerts to keep customers informed if a route is at capacity and unable to pick up more passengers.

Saskatoon Transit Service Alerts are available on www.saskatoon.ca and are shared on Twitter and Facebook. Residents can also subscribe to receive alerts using an RSS Feed. These timely updates will provide customers with the ability to make decisions on whether they want to wait for the next bus or make alternative arrangements.

We will continue to provide service updates as soon as additional buses become available and transit services are added back.

In all situations where transit is being suspended, there are still other route options for getting to your destination.

There are a number of ways available for residents to find alternate bus routes:

• Transit Click & Go - Visit www.saskatoon.ca and search for route options using Transit Click & Go.
• Phone & Go – Call 306-975-7500 to access Phone & Go, a trip planning service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. By following phone prompts, you can plan your transit trip using the most up-to-date information, or find the next buses servicing a stop.
• Customer Service Representative – Call 306-975-3100 to speak with a Customer Service Representative or visit our Saskatoon Transit Customer Centre, located at the Downtown Terminal on 23^rd Street. Visit www.saskatoon.ca for hours of operation.

To find out if your routes are affected or to plan an alternate route please visit our website at www.saskatoon.ca, use our 24-hour automated Phone & Go service or call a Customer Service Representative.

The City of Saskatoon apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

Drivers are reminded that reduced speed limits in elementary and secondary school zones will be in effect starting on Monday, September 1, 2014.  The maximum speed limit in school zones is 30 kilometres per hour (km/h) from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, September 1 to June 30.  No exceptions are made for statutory holidays or school breaks.

The 30 km/h maximum speed limit is designed to give drivers more time to react and brake in an emergency – such as when a child runs out unexpectedly onto the street. It is estimated that it only adds 12 seconds to your trip by slowing to 30 km/h through a school zones.  Twelve seconds that could avoid a tragedy.

The penalty for speeding in a school zone is the same as any other speeding offence: a fine and SGI demerit points.  For more information, visit Speed in School Zones at 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.

CIRCLE DR NB RAMP TO PRESTON AVE WB CLOSED
(Light pole work)
Start: August 31, 7:30 a.m. End: August 31, 12:00 p.m.
IDYLWYLD SERVICE RD WB CLOSED FROM 51ST ST TO IDYLWYLD DR
(Light pole work)
Start: August 31, 9:00 a.m. End: August 31, 12:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DR WB RAMP TO WARMAN RD CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED
(Light pole work)
Start: August 31, 10:30 a.m. End: August 31, 12:00 p.m.
ONGOING
SPADINA CRES CLOSED FROM 2ND AVE N TO 20TH ST E
(Fireworks Festival)
Start: August 29, 4:00 p.m. End: August 31, 12:00 p.m.
TAYLOR ST W CLOSED FROM SASKATCHEWAN CRES W TO LORNE AVE
(Road Resurfacing)
Start: August 25, 9:00 a.m. End: August 30, 6:00 p.m.
CENTRAL AVE SB LANES CLOSED FROM 110TH ST W TO 112TH ST W
(Streetscaping)
Two-way traffic in NB lanes
Start: August 25, 10:00 a.m. End: September 20, 7:00 p.m.
33RD ST W EB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE Y N TO AVE W N
(water main lining)
Two-way traffic set in WB lanes of 33rd St
Start: August 22, 10:30 a.m. End: September 19, 6:00 p.m.
AIRPORT DR NB LANES CLOSED ON FROM GATEWAY BLVD TO THE AIRPORT
(roadway improvements)
Two-way traffic accommodated in the SB lanes. 45th St W closed from Koyl Ave to Airport Dr.
Start: August 20, 1:00 p.m. End: October 29, 6:00 p.m.
20TH ST W WB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE F S TO AVE G S
(Streetscaping)
Two way traffic will be accommodated in the EB lanes. Speed reduced to 30km/h
Start: August 7, 9:00 a.m. End: September 4, 6:00 p.m.
KINGSMERE BLVD ALL DIRECTIONS CLOSED AT AND WHITESHORE CR (E. LEG)
(Water pipe installation)
Bus routes will be affected. Please watch for temporary bus stop locations and allow extra time in case of delays. Call Saskatoon Transit at 306-975-3100
Start: August 7, 8:00 a.m. End: September 14, 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 @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

IDYLWYLD DR N SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 25TH ST W TO 24TH ST E
(Streetscaping)
Traffic will merge to one lane. Right turn from 25th St EB to Idylwyld Dr SB will be maintained
Start: September 2, 9:00 a.m. End: September 14, 6:00 p.m.
ONGOING
CENTRAL AVE 2-WAY TRAFFIC IN NB LANES FROM 110TH ST W TO 112TH ST W
(Streetscaping)
Start: August 25, 10:00 a.m. End: September 20, 7:00 p.m.
33RD ST W EB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE Y N TO AVE W N
(Water main lining)
Two-way traffic set in WB lanes of 33rd St
Start: August 22, 10:30 a.m. End: September 19, 6:00 p.m.
AIRPORT DR NB LANES CLOSED ON FROM GATEWAY BLVD TO THE AIRPORT
(Roadway improvements)
Two-way traffic accommodated in the SB lanes. 45th Street closed from Airport Dr to Koyl Ave
Start: August 20, 1:00 p.m. End: October 29, 6:00 p.m.
20TH ST W WB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE F S TO AVE G S
(Streetscaping)
Two way traffic will be accommodated in the EB lanes. Speed reduced to 30km/h
Start: August 7, 9:00 a.m. End: September 4, 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 @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

Starting Tuesday, September 2, 2014, City of Saskatoon (City) crews will begin annual winterization of the 409 irrigation systems in Saskatoon parks.  Winterization is an important maintenance procedure to help ensure the longevity of the City’s irrigation infrastructure.

Irrigation system winterization involves the use of large compressors that force air through the irrigation pipes, removing any residual water so it will not freeze in the pipes.  The City follows all Occupational Health & Safety regulations, and requests that the public respect and follow all signage at worksites.  The force of the air through the pipes shoots out water from the sprinkler heads at a high pressure and may pick up debris during this process.

To ensure public safety, residents are asked to please stay clear of all sprinkler heads and related winterization equipment during maintenance.

The winterization process is expected to take six weeks.

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.

Squeeze every last hour out of your day with Recreation and Sport’s new “Last Call” promotion.  Beginning Monday, September 1, 2014, patrons can take advantage of the final hour of operation at any City of Saskatoon Leisure Centre fitness and exercise room, walking track, and open gym seven days a week for a cheap $3 admission! 

The “Last Call” promotion is available at Cosmo Civic Centre, Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre, Lakewood Civic Centre, Lawson Civic Centre, Saskatoon Field House and Shaw Centre.  It is not offered at the Fitness Circuit & Terry Fox Track and excludes swimming and drop-in fitness classes.

For more information on the “Last Call” promotion and other Leisure Centre admission offerings, such as discounted Bulk Tickets and LeisureCards, visit www.saskatoon.ca/go/leisurecard.

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 Release: August 29, 2014

Saskatoon Transit will not have sufficient buses available to run full transit service starting on Tuesday, September 2, 2014. There is a backlog of maintenance on our fleet which prevents us from running all services.

“Transit is doing everything possible to minimize the impact to customers”, says Bob Howe, Director of Saskatoon Transit “We are not operating in normal circumstances and the backlog is caused by a number of factors.”

“We are working hard to find solutions to address the backlog of buses which need maintenance”, Howe says. “We have sent out as many buses for repair to the private sector as we can. We have also been attempting to hire qualified mechanics to maintain our fleet”.

“It has been extremely difficult to attract mechanics to Saskatoon Transit. We have been advertising for vacant journeyman mechanics; however, in a highly competitive market it is difficult to recruit when still advertising 2012 wage rates”, Howe says.  Although the City has offered a 10% wage increase these rates cannot be advertised until there is a new collective agreement.  We have been in an environment of labour uncertainty for the last number of months which has proven to be challenging. 

At this time, all regular routes and Dart routes will still be operating. It is primarily the service upgrades we offer such as High School Specials, Direct services, and those extra buses to accommodate the large number of transit users on popular routes, during peak times.  We are regrettably not able to provide all of these services given the backlog of buses needing maintenance.

“In all situations where transit is being suspended, there are still other route options for getting to your destination,” Howe says.

There are a number of ways available for residents to find alternate bus routes:

• Transit Click & Go - Visit www.saskatoon.ca and search for route options using Transit Click & Go.
• Phone & Go – Call 306-975-7500 to access Phone & Go, a trip planning service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  By following phone prompts, you can plan your transit trip using the most up-to-date information, or find the next buses servicing a stop.
• Customer Service Representative – Call 306-975-3100 to speak with a Customer Service Representative or visit our Saskatoon Transit Customer Centre, located at the Downtown Terminal on 23^rd Street. Visit www.saskatoon.ca for hours of operation.

The following services will be suspended or delayed effective Tuesday, September 2:

• All High School Specials (with exception of College Park to St. Joseph) will be suspended
• All Downtown Direct and University Direct services will be suspended
• Extra buses during peak travel times for popular transit routes will be suspended  (e.g. Route 80 – Kenderdine/City Centre)

The implementation of new routes will be delayed:

• Route 26 (Clarence/University)
• Express Routes for Parkridge, Willowgrove and Kenderdine Express

The following services will be running on Tuesday, September 2:

• All regular routes
• All Dart routes
• College Park to St. Joseph High School Special
• Caswell School Special

The following new temporary services will be provided starting Tuesday, September 2:

• Shuttle buses from Centre Mall to Holy Cross and Walter Murray Collegiate.
• Shuttle buses from Confederation Terminal to Bethlehem & Tommy Douglas Collegiate.

“All routes are anticipated to experience increased usage,” Howe says. “We encourage transit users to consider adjusting their trip times, if possible, to avoid peak morning and afternoon trip times.”

To find out if your routes are affected or to plan an alternate route please visit our website at www.saskatoon.ca, use our 24-hour automated Phone & Go service or call a Customer Service Representative. 

We will continue to provide service updates as soon as we have the fleet able to meet our enhanced service level beyond our core operations. 

The City of Saskatoon apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.

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 Fire Department reminds the residents of Saskatoon that on Labour Day low-hazard fireworks can only be detonated on private property between the hours of dusk to 11:00pm.

Low-hazard or family fireworks are designed for public recreational use and include some roman candles, sparklers, fountains, wheels, volcanoes, mines and snakes that do not travel above 18m (60ft.). High-hazard fireworks are designed for professionals and can only be purchased by persons holding a valid Fireworks Supervisor – Level I or Level II card issued by Natural Resources Canada.

Before setting off fireworks on your private property choose your location wisely and carefully follow all of the instructions on the fireworks. You will need a wide clear site with no overhead obstructions. For example, a roman candle needs an area of about 30m (100ft) by 30m (100ft) with enough room for spectators around the perimeter. Keep in mind that you are responsible for any debris that may land on your spectators or another person’s property.

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

Wait at least 30 minutes for the fireworks to cool before beginning the clean-up process. It is safest to dispose of used fireworks and debris in a pail of water. Never try to relight or fix the fuse on fireworks that didn’t ignite.

Detonating low-hazard fireworks outside of the specified timeframe or on public property is prohibited in the Fire and Protective Services Bylaw No. 7990. Please report unauthorized use or discharge of fireworks to the Saskatoon Fire Department by calling 306-975-3030.

Persons wanting to have a fireworks display that includes high-hazard fireworks, detonating low-hazard fireworks on public property, or any fireworks display outside of the designated times, must first obtain a Fireworks Permit. For information on Fireworks Permits, please contact the Marshal at 306-975-2520 or visit www.saskatoon.ca.

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

As a thank you to customers, admission will be free at the following City of Saskatoon summer leisure sites on Monday, September 1, 2014:
• Lathey Pool from 1 to 7 p.m.
• Riversdale Pool from 1 to 8 p.m.
Kinsmen Play Village will also be open regular hours from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, September 1, 2014.
General admission fees will still apply at the indoor pools in Lawson Civic Centre, Lakewood Civic Centre, Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre, and Shaw Centre.
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 provincial ban on pruning elm trees ends Sunday, August 31, 2014.  The ban was in place to ensure that elm bark beetles, which transmit Dutch Elm Disease (DED), were not attracted to trees freshly pruned throughout the summer months when the beetles were most active.

The provincial DED regulations also restrict elm storage because elm wood, especially firewood, is habitat for the elm bark beetle.  At any time of year, elm branches, logs, and firewood must be taken to the nearest approved disposal site.  In Saskatoon, the landfill is the only site approved for elm disposal.  Movement of infected firewood is the most likely way that DED would be brought into Saskatoon. 

Saskatoon does not have DED and the City of Saskatoon thanks all citizens for their support in preventing our city’s 25,000 boulevard and park elm trees from the disease. 

For more information, visit www.saskatoon.ca (under “D” for Dutch Elm Disease).
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-

4TH AVE SB LANES & NB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 21ST ST TO 19TH ST
(Patch paving)
Start: August 29, 7:00 a.m. End: August 29, 1:00 p.m.

BROADWAY AVE & TAYLOR ST 4-WAY STOP
(Signal maintenance)
Start: August 29, 9:00 a.m. End: August 29, 1:00 p.m.
SPADINA CRES CLOSED FROM 2ND AVE N TO 20TH ST E
(Fireworks festival)
Start: August 29, 4:00 p.m. End: August 31, 12:00 p.m.
ONGOING
MCORMOND DR SB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM ATTRIDGE DR TO HIGHWAY 5
(Water main lining)
Kerr Rd closed from Kenderdine Rd to McOrmond Dr
Start: August 27, 9:00 a.m. End: September 17, 6:00 p.m.
TAYLOR ST W CLOSED FROM SASKATCHEWAN CRES W TO LORNE AVE
(Road Resurfacing)
Start: August 25, 9:00 a.m. End: August 30, 6:00 p.m.
CIRCLE DR S WB LANES CLOSED FROM CLARENCE AVE S TO IDYLWYLD DR S
(Drainage Work)
Traffic will detour on City Centre bypass.
Start: August 25, 9:00 a.m. End: August 29, 6:00 p.m.
CENTRAL AVE SB LANES CLOSED FROM 110TH ST W TO 112TH ST W
(Streetscaping)
Two way traffic in NB lanes
Start: August 25, 10:00 a.m. End: September 20, 7:00 p.m.
33RD ST W EB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE Y N TO AVE W N
(Water main lining)
Two-way traffic set in WB lanes of 33rd St
Start: August 22, 10:30 a.m. End: September 19, 6:00 p.m.
AIRPORT DR NB LANES CLOSED ON FROM GATEWAY BLVD TO THE AIRPORT
(Roadway improvements)
Two-way traffic accommodated in the SB lanes. 45th St W closed from Airport Dr to Koyl Ave.
Start: August 20, 1:00 p.m. End: October 29, 6:00 p.m.
20TH ST W WB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE F S TO AVE G S
(Streetscaping)
Two way traffic will be accommodated in the EB lanes. Speed reduced to 30km/h
Start: August 7, 9:00 a.m. End: September 4, 6:00 p.m.
8TH ST E EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM MUNROE AVE S TO CUMBERLAND AVE S
(Water Main Lining)
Traffic will merge to one lane
Start: June 23, 9:00 a.m. End: August 30, 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 @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

Crews have not only been busy improving the roadways this construction season; the City is also spending $10.6 million on water and sewer infrastructure upgrades.

“We are actively taking steps to improve our network,” says Chris Hallam, Director of Construction and Design. “We give priority to those water and sewer mains that have a high break history, in an effort to minimize the potential for future breaks.”

This spring and summer, the City has been rehabilitating 6.14 kilometres of water mains and almost 8 kilometres of storm and sanitary sewer mains using a technology that involves lining the existing pipes with an inner pipe, known as a Cured-In-Place Pipe. This trenchless method has proven to work well to extend the service life of a main. Instead of digging up the entire roadway, access pits are dug at either end of the pipe, which in turn is more cost effective and less disruptive to residents and drivers.

Water and sewer upgrades also involve lead connection replacements, storm and sanitary manhole rehabilitation and sanitary connection replacements.

“Although these upgrades are not as visible as road improvements, they are important in maintaining a high quality of infrastructure for our residents,” says Hallam. “Some of the road restrictions drivers are encountering, for example on 8th Street East and 11th Street West, are required for these types of upgrades.”

Meantime, the City has completed 65% of the 2014 Road Rehabilitation and Preservation program, resurfacing 119 lane kilometres to date. Crews have recently finished major resurfacing projects on Circle Drive, Millar Avenue and Idylwyld Drive.

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 @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

NEW
SPADINA CRES CLOSED FROM 3RD AVE N TO 20TH ST E
(Fireworks festival)
Start: August 28, 6:00 p.m. End: August 31, 9:00 a.m.

ONGOING
MCORMOND DR SB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM ATTRIDGE DR TO HIGHWAY 5
(Water main lining)
Kerr Rd closed from Kenderdine Rd to McOrmond Dr
Start: August 27, 9:00 a.m. End: September 17, 6:00 p.m.
TAYLOR ST W CLOSED FROM SASKATCHEWAN CRES W TO LORNE AVE
(Road Resurfacing)
Start: August 25, 9:00 a.m. End: August 30, 6:00 p.m.
CIRCLE DR S WB LANES CLOSED FROM CLARENCE AVE S TO IDYLWYLD DR S
(Drainage Work)
One lane maintained as detour.
Start: August 25, 9:00 a.m. End: August 29, 6:00 p.m.
CENTRAL AVE SB LANES CLOSED FROM 110TH ST W TO 112TH ST W
(Streetscaping)
Two way traffic in NB lanes
Start: August 25, 10:00 a.m. End: September 20, 7:00 p.m.
33RD ST W EB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE Y N TO AVE W N
(Water main lining)
Two-way traffic set in WB lanes of 33rd St
Start: August 22, 10:30 a.m. End: September 19, 6:00 p.m.
AIRPORT DR NB LANES CLOSED ON FROM GATEWAY BLVD TO THE AIRPORT
(roadway improvements)
Two-way traffic accommodated in the SB lanes. 45th St W closed from Airport Dr to Koyl Ave.
Start: August 20, 1:00 p.m. End: October 29, 6:00 p.m.
20TH ST W WB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE F S TO AVE G S
(Streetscaping)
Two way traffic will be accommodated in the EB lanes. Speed reduced to 30km/h
Start: August 7, 9:00 a.m. End: September 4, 6:00 p.m.
KINGSMERE BLVD AND WHITESHORE CR (E. LEG) INTERSECTION CLOSED
(Water pipe boring)
Bus routes will be affected. Please watch for temporary bus stop locations and allow extra time in case of delays. Call Saskatoon Transit at 306-975-3100
Start: August 7, 8:00 a.m. End: August 29, 6:00 p.m.
8TH ST E EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM MUNROE AVE S TO CUMBERLAND AVE S
(Water Main Lining)
Traffic will merge to one lane
Start: June 23, 9:00 a.m. End: August 30, 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 @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.