News Releases

An increase in funding to the City of Saskatoon’s 2014 Sidewalk Rehabilitation program will see approximately 6 kilometres of sidewalk repaired this year, up from a total of 1.7 kilometres in 2013.

“New funding for sidewalk rehabilitation will allow us to better address deteriorating and cracked sidewalks,” says Mike Gutek, Director of Major Projects. “This year our priority is repairing sidewalks in conjunction with roadway rehabilitation in order to reduce the overall impact to motorists and pedestrians.”

Two major rehabilitation projects have been done: one along Assiniboine Drive between Warman Road and Ravine Drive in River Heights and another on Eastlake Avenue between 10th Street and 12th Street in Nutana.

The City is spending $1.8 million which is nearly four times as much in as 2013. Future planned funding increases will enable the City to address more of the Saskatoon sidewalk network. On average, a city block is 165 m, which means approximately 36 city blocks of a single path of sidewalk can be replaced in 2014.

“With a properly funded rehabilitation program, we can improve the condition of sidewalks with patches, crack filling and replacements,” Gutek says. “Residents will start to see sidewalk conditions improve over the next few years as funding levels increase.”

Residents can view locations of the City’s sidewalk rehabilitation program on the new Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map found on saskatoon.ca under Check this Out! or click on Building Better Roads for more program details.

For Immediate Release: July 24, 2014


NEW

CIRCLE DR & HWY 16 CLOVERLEAF INTERSECTION WB & EB OVERPASSES LANE RESTRICTIONS
(Road paving)
Start: July 24, 6:00 p.m. End: July 25, 6:00 a.m.

IDYLWYLD DR NB & SB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED FROM 39TH STREET TO 44TH STREET
(Guardrail repairs)
Start: July 25, 9:00 a.m. End: July 25, 3:00 p.m.

ONGOING

CENTRAL AVE SB LANES AND NB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM 111TH ST W TO GRAY AVE
(Water main lining)
Access to businesses will be maintained. Traffic will be detoured via Egbert Avenue.
Start: July 15, 9:00 a.m. End: August, 5, 6:00 p.m.

3RD AVE N NB & SB LANES CLOSED FROM 25TH ST E TO 26TH ST E
(Sewer Lining)
Start: July 4, 9:00 a.m. End: July, 25, 6:00 p.m.

20TH ST W EB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE G S TO AVE F S
(Streetscaping)
Two way traffic will be accommodated in the westbound lanes.
Start: July 2, 9:00 a.m. End: July, 30, 6:00 p.m.

8TH ST E EB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM MUNROE AVE S TO CUMBERLAND AVE S
(Water Main Lining)
Start: June 23, 9:00 a.m. End: July, 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 check 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

CIRCLE DRIVE & HIGHWAY 16 CLOVERLEAF INTERSECTION LANE RESTRICTIONS
(Road paving)
Start: July 23, 6:00 p.m. End: July 24, 6:00 a.m.

SID BUCKWOLD BRIDGE NB & SB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED
(Bridge testing)
Start: July 24, 9:00 a.m. End: July 24, 11:00 a.m.

IDYLWYLD DR SB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT 25TH STREET INTERSECTION
(Manhole maintenance)
Start: July 24, 9:00 a.m. End: July 24, 12:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DR NB & SB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED UNDER 108TH ST OVERPASS
(Bridge testing)
Start: July 24, 11:00 a.m. End: July 24, 3:00 p.m.

ONGOING

IDYLWYLD DR NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED NORTH OF 25TH STREET
(Driveway installation)
Start: July 23, 9:00 a.m. End: July 24, 6:00 p.m.

CENTRAL AVE SB LANES & NB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 111TH ST W TO GRAY AVE
(Water main lining)
Access to local businesses will be maintained. All other traffic will be detoured via Egbert Avenue.
Start: July 15, 9:00 a.m. End: August, 5, 6:00 p.m.

3RD AVE N NB & SB LANES CLOSED FROM 25TH ST E TO 26TH ST E
(Sewer Lining)
Start: July 4, 9:00 a.m. End: July, 25, 6:00 p.m.

20TH ST W EB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE G S TO AVE F S
(Streetscaping)
Two way traffic will be accommodated in the westbound lanes.
Start: July 2, 9:00 a.m. End: July, 30, 6:00 p.m.

8TH ST E EB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM MUNROE AVE S TO CUMBERLAND AVE S
(Water Main Lining)
Start: June 23, 9:00 a.m. End: July, 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 check 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.

For Immediate Release: July 23, 2014

Beginning on Thursday, July 24, a vehicle height restriction will be in place at the 2nd Avenue South roundabout at River Landing to allow for construction of the new Remai Art Gallery building.

As part of the art gallery’s design some of the building will overhang the 2nd Avenue South roundabout and will require a vehicle height restriction of 4.42 metres (14 feet-6 inches).

The roundabout will be temporarily closed from 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 24, while crews construct the overhang structure. The road is expected to reopen to height-restricted traffic by Friday, July 25, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Signage is posted on 2nd Avenue and Spadina Crescent to inform drivers of the height restrictions.

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.

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

For Immediate Release: July 22, 2014

Residents of Evergreen and Rosewood neighbourhoods should watch for and obey yellow No Parking street sweeping signs at key intersections over the next week, beginning with Evergreen on Wednesday, July 23 at 7:00 a.m. 

These two neighbourhoods are being swept outside of the accelerated residential street sweeping program because many of the streets are still under development.  On-going construction generates heavy debris that gets tracked through the neighbourhood; and on-street parking and storage are often required throughout the day for materials and contractors. 

The majority of heavy debris will be collected and removed one day before sweeping, making it a two- or three-day process.  Rain or heavy wind may postpone sweeping and new signs will be posted as required.

Yellow No Parking signs will be posted throughout the neighbourhood providing notice of the street sweeping days.  Please remove vehicles by 7:00 a.m. on the posted day so that we can efficiently clean the streets.  Debris removal and sweeping will occur around parked vehicles for this one-time sweeping blitz. 

Due to on-going construction and development within these neighbourhoods, the issue of  mud/debris being tracked onto other roadways will continue, despite our efforts to keep these clean.  Once the neighbourhoods are established, they will become part of the curb-to-curb residential street sweeping each spring.

Find our schedule and more by clicking on Building Better Roads at saskatoon.ca or Street Sweeping.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca. You can also follow us on Twitter @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

Regular Meeting:

Award of Tender – Hyde Park and Caswell Hill Off-Leash Recreational Areas (p.2)

City Council approved:

* The tender submitted by Wilco Contractors SW Inc., for the construction of the Hyde Park and Caswell Hill Off-Leash Recreational Area projects, at a total estimated cost of $139,280; and

* That the City Solicitor be requested to prepare the appropriate agreement and that His Worship the Mayor and the City Clerk be authorized to execute the agreement under the Corporate Seal.

New Contracts with Cosmopolitan Industries Ltd. (p.2)

City Council Approved:

* That the City of Saskatoon (City) enter into the following Agreements negotiated with Cosmopolitan Industries Ltd. (Cosmo):

  a)  the Winding Down Agreement;

  b)  the Agreement for Sale; and

  c)  the Multi Unit Residential Recycling Agreement.

* That the City Solicitor be requested to prepare the appropriate contracts and that His Worship the Mayor and the City Clerk be authorized to execute the agreement under the Corporate Seal;

* That the Multi Unit Recycling Fee for 2016 be reviewed as part of the 2016 Business Plan and Budget deliberations; and

* Approve the report of the General Manager, Corporate Performance Department, as amended, with an Agreement for Sale price of $745,875, instead of $650,000.

2013 Annual Report – Investing in a 21st Century (p.3) 

City Council received:

* That the City of Saskatoon 2013 Annual Report – Investing in a 21st Century City be as information.

2013 Report of Service, Savings, and Sustainability: How the City of Saskatoon is Improving Productivity (p.3)

City Council received:

* That the 2013 Report on Service, Savings, and Sustainability: How the City of Saskatoon is Improving Productivity, as information. 

Street Name Change from Avenue O South to Columbian Place (p.7)

City Council Approved:

* That City Council consider proposed Bylaw No. 9203, A bylaw of The City of Saskatoon to change the name of a certain street in the City of Saskatoon as shown on Plan Nos. F5554,101995667, and 102036642.

* That the City Solicitor be requested to prepare the documents required to change the Plans and that His Worship the Mayor and the City Clerk be authorized to execute these documents under Corporate Seal. 

Public Hearing:

Proposed Stonebridge Neighbourhood Concept Plan Amendment (p.1)

City Council Approved:

* That the proposed amendment to the Stonebridge Neighbourhood Concept Plan, as outlined in the report of the General Manager, Community Services Department dated July 22, 2014, be approved.

Flag Raising Requests (p.4)

The Arthritis Society – Month of September

Brazilian Canadian Bridge City Cultural Society Inc. – Brazilian Independent Day – September 7, 2014

PROCLAMATIONS:

October 9, 2014 – ‘Family Business Day’: The Canadian Association of Family Enterprise, Saskatoon Chapter

October 12 – 18, 2014 – ‘Poverty Awareness Week’: Saskatoon Anti-Poverty Coalition / Passion for Action Against Homelessness

September 26 to October 3, 2014 – ‘Biotech Week’: Ag-West Bio

September 20, 2014 – “Run for Humanity Day”: Humanity First Canada

September 18, 2014 – Shinerama Day: Saskatoon Business College 

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The City of Saskatoon (City) provides a wealth of opportunities for citizens to participate in and enjoy the benefits of sport, recreation, and park activities. These activities contribute to the high quality of life residents and visitors enjoy; they are also essential to individual and community health.

To sustain and enhance that quality of life, the City is developing a Recreation and Parks Master Plan (Master Plan). The Master Plan will provide an overall framework to guide the development, delivery, and continuous improvement of recreation and parks programs, services, and facilities.

Saskatoon has experienced significant change and growth since 1996, when the current Public Recreation Policy was put in place. As of March 2014, Saskatoon’s population is estimated to be 253,000, up from 194,000 in 1996. Combined with aging recreation infrastructure, changing participation patterns, as well as a shifting social and economic fabric, the City feels it is timely to develop a Master Plan and has hired a consulting team led by RC Strategies and PERC to assist in its development.

The City has identified that consultation with the community is critical to the development of the Master Plan. Community partners, organizations, and residents will be provided with opportunities to share their thoughts and ideas. To gather the thoughts of citizens, a random telephone survey will be held in the fall of 2014.
There will be other opportunities for citizens and community organizations to provide input on the City’s engagement website at www.shapingsaskatoon.ca and through many other channels over the coming weeks and months. 
“Recreation and parks services and programs help improve our overall health, strengthen families, and enhance our entire community,” said Director of Community Development, Lynne Lacroix. “I strongly encourage everyone to provide their input and have their say about the new Master Plan when given the opportunity. Together we can help shape the provision of recreation and parks services in the city for years to come.”

The Master Plan is scheduled for completion in early 2015.  For more information about the Master Plan process, please contact the City at 306-975-2289.

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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Just six weeks following the confirmation of project funding, the City is pleased to announce it has embarked on the first of a two-stage procurement process for the North Commuter Parkway and the new Traffic Bridge, both part of the City’s Bridging to Tomorrow initiative.

A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) has been issued to secure a private sector partner that will design, build, finance, operate and maintain this important project.

“The RFQ stage is crucial as it gives us the information we need to ensure the best teams with the best experience and qualifications move on to the Request For Proposals (RFP) stage, where they'll provide more details like bridge designs and roadway alignments for the projects," says Dan Willems, the City's Bridging to Tomorrow Project Manager. "This procurement process is very comprehensive and will clearly identify the most qualified private sector partner to work with the City on this important project."

The RFQ, which will remain open until September 10, 2014, will lead to a shortlist of up to three proponents who will participate in the RFP process.

A video that provides additional information regarding concepts for the North Commuter Parkway and the Traffic Bridge may be viewed on the City’s YouTube channel at  http://www.youtube.com/user/saskatooncitynews.

For Immediate Release: July 21, 2014

NEW

CIRCLE DR NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE & SB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT HWY 16 CLOVERLEAF
(Paving)
Start: July 21, 7:00 p.m. End: July 22, 6:00 a.m.

20TH ST W EB & WB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE C S TO AVE D S
(Water line Installation)
Start: July 22, 7:00 a.m. End: July 23, 6:00 p.m.

MILLAR AVE WB EXIT MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED UNDER WARMAN RD OVERPASS
(Lighting repairs)
Start: July 22, 9:00 a.m. End: July 22, 12:00 p.m.

ONGOING

CENTRAL AVE NB & SB LANES CLOSED FROM 111TH ST W TO GRAY AVE
(Water main lining)
Traffic will be detoured via Egbert Avenue
Start: July 15, 9:00 a.m. End: August, 5, 6:00 p.m.

3RD AVE N NB & SB LANES CLOSED FROM 25TH ST E TO 26TH ST E
(Sewer Lining)
Start: July 4, 9:00 a.m. End: July, 25, 6:00 p.m.

20TH ST W EB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE G S TO AVE F S
(Streetscaping)
Two way traffic will be accommodated in the westbound lanes.
Start: July 2, 9:00 a.m. End: July, 30, 6:00 p.m.

8TH ST E EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM MUNROE AVE S TO CUMBERLAND AVE
(Water main lining)
Start: June 23, 9:00 a.m. End: July 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.

For Immediate Release: July 21, 2014
 

Due to a planned service interruption by the City’s internet service provider, the City of Saskatoon’s website, www.saskatoon.ca, will not be available Wednesday July 23, 2014 overnight between 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. (July 22-23 overnight). While the website will not be affected for the entire duration, access cannot be guaranteed during the planned servicing time.

The service interruption may affect Saskatoon Transit Click & Go service. Transit users can use Phone & Go or Google Transit during the interruption.  

The City will continue to share information with the public, as needed, through Twitter, Facebook and the City blog. As part of our focus on continuous improvement we aim to consistently provide high-quality services to meet the needs of Saskatoon citizens. We apologize for any inconvenience due to this interruption.

For Immediate Release: July 18, 2014
                                           

IDYLWYLD DRIVE NORTHBOUND NEAR 25TH STREET, JULY 18-21 

Beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, July 18, Idylwyld Drive northbound curb (outside) lane will be closed just north of 25th Street to accommodate a driveway installation.

The lane is expected to re-open by 6:00 a.m. on Monday, July 21.

IDYLWYLD DRIVE FROM 20TH STREET TO SID BUCKWOLD BRIDGE, JULY 19-21

Beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, Sunday, July 20 and Monday, July 21, Idylwyld Drive northbound and southbound median (inside) lanes will be closed from 20th Street to the Sid Buckwold Bridge while crews repair the guardrail.

The lanes are expected to re-open by 4:00 p.m. each day.

24TH STREET FROM SPADINA CRESCENT TO 4TH AVENUE, JULY 19

Beginning at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, 21st Street will be closed from Spadina Crescent to 4th Avenue for the Brits by the Bus event.

The road is expected to reopen by 6:00 p.m. the same day.

CLARENCE AVENUE NORTHBOUND OVERPASS OVER CIRCLE DRIVE, JULY 20

Beginning at 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 20, Clarence Avenue northbound over the Circle Drive overpass will be closed while crews patch pave the road.

Two-way traffic will be set in the southbound lanes. The work is expected to last one day. 

MILLAR AVENUE FROM 51ST STREET TO 56TH STREET, JULY 20

Beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 20, Millar Avenue will be closed from 51st Street to 56th Street while crews work on underground utilities.

The work is expected to last one day.

UNIVERSITY BRIDGE EASTBOUND CURB LANE, JULY 20

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 20, the University Bridge eastbound curb (outside) lane will be closed while crews patch pave the road.

Two-way traffic will be set in the westbound lanes. The work is expected to last one day.

PRESTON AVENUE TURN BAYS TO INNOVATION BOULEVARD, JULY 20-26

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 20, the following road restrictions will be in place while crews pave the turning lanes from Preston Avenue to Innovation Boulevard:

- Preston Avenue southbound right turn lane to Innovation Boulevard will be closed
- Preston Avenue northbound left turn bay to Innovation Boulevard will be closed

The work is expected to last one week.

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.

For Immediate Release: July 18, 2014

22ND STREET UNDER CIRCLE DRIVE OVERPASS, JULY 21 

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, July 21, the following road restrictions will be in place while crews repair some lighting.

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

- 22nd Street eastbound and westbound curb (outside) lanes will be closed under the Circle Drive overpass

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

- 22nd Street eastbound and westbound median (inside) lanes will be closed under the Circle Drive overpass

IDYLWYLD DRIVE BETWEEN 8TH STREET & 20TH STREET, JULY 21

Starting at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, July 21, Idylwyld Drive northbound and southbound median (inside) lanes will be closed between 8th Street and 20th Street while crews on the concrete centre median.

The work is expected to last one day.

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.

For Immediate Release: Thursday, July 17, 2014
                                             

The City of Saskatoon today unveiled a new interactive map making it easy for citizens to find out when utility cuts will be repaired. 

“Roads, sidewalks and landscaping may be affected by utility cuts and this new online map gives citizens access to a four week rolling schedule for asphalt, concrete and landscape repairs,” says Pat Hyde, Director of Public Works. “We really want to help residents to understand what a utility cut is and that the maintenance and repair process for utility cuts is quite different than that of repairing a pothole.”

Utility cuts are excavations required to connect, repair or maintain underground utilities such as water, sewer, natural gas, electricity or telephone services. The utilities are often located more than 8 feet deep. Cuts have straight edges and can range in size from one foot to more than 10 feet wide.

Once the underground work to utilities is completed, the excavation is filled with gravel.  Roads are maintained as required with a grader until they can be permanently paved.  Typically, utility cuts can only be permanently repaired, from May to October, when the ground has defrosted, and when hot-mix asphalt is available.  This process is required to allow the ground to settle and prevent the permanent asphalt layer from sinking.                                                             

Since early June crews have repaired 410 utility cuts. There are approximately 650 still to be repaired.

“2014 has seen the third highest number of water main breaks on record, due to the severity of the winter and the impact of deeper than normal ground frost,” says Hyde. “In addition, as Saskatoon continues to grow, there is more construction and more infill development in established neighbourhoods, which means more utility cuts are required to connect underground services.”

With such a high number of utility cuts to pave this year, the City has employed contractors to help repair the roads faster, reducing the inconvenience to motorists.

To access the Utility Cuts and Repair Schedules map go to saskatoon.ca/go/maps. Find more information about road repairs by clicking on Building Better Roads at saskatoon.ca.

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.

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

To ensure household hazardous materials are safely disposed of or recycled, the City of Saskatoon coordinates regular Household Hazardous Waste Days for residents to drop-off these materials.  On July 19, 2014 and the days listed below, a temporary site is set up at Credit Union Centre parking lot (101 - 3515 Thatcher Avenue) from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Household Hazardous Waste Days:
July 19
August 16
September 20
October 18
November 15
December 20

Accepted Materials include:
· pesticides
· automotive oil
· prescription medicine
· batteries
· aerosols
· poisons
· propane cylinders
· household cleaners
· mercury-containing items
· electronics (accepted by the Electronic Producer Recycling Association)

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

For Immediate Release: July 17, 2014
 

IDYLWYLD DRIVE FROM 20TH STREET TO SID BUCKWOLD BRIDGE, JULY 18 

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, July 18, Idylwyld Drive northbound and southbound median (inside) lanes will be closed from 20th Street to the Sid Buckwold Bridge while crews repair the guardrail.

The lanes are expected to re-open by 3:00 p.m. the same day.

IDYLWYLD DRIVE NORTHBOUND NEAR 25TH STREET, JULY 18

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, July 18, Idylwyld Drive northbound curb (outside) lane will be closed just north of 25th Street to accommodate a driveway installation.

The lane is expected to re-open by 3:00 p.m. the same day.

20TH STREET & 4TH AVENUE INTERSECTION, JULY 18

Starting at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, July 18, the following road restrictions will be in place at the 20th Street and 4th Avenue intersection while crews repair a manhole:

- 20th Street eastbound lanes will be closed approaching 4th Avenue
- 20th Street westbound median (inside) lane will be closed approaching 4th Avenue
- 4th Avenue southbound lanes will be closed approaching 20th Street
- 4th Avenue northbound median (inside) lane will be closed approaching 20th Street

The lanes are expected to re-open by 6:00 p.m. the same day.

51ST STREET OVERPASS OVER IDYLWYLD DRIVE, JULY 18

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, July 18, 51st Street westbound and eastbound median (inside) lanes will be closed on the overpass over Idylwyld Drive while crews repair an expansion joint.

The lanes are expected to re-open by 3:00 p.m. the same day.

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.

For Immediate Release: July 16, 2014
                                           

8TH STREET UNDER CIRCLE DRIVE OVERPASS, JULY 17

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 17, 8th Street westbound and eastbound turn lanes onto the Circle Drive will be closed  while crews repair lighting.

Access to Circle Drive will be maintained. The lanes are expected to reopen by 12:00 p.m. Noon the same day. 

33RD STREET UNDER THE CIRCLE DRIVE OVERPASS, JULY 17

Starting at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 17, 33rd Street westbound curb (outside) lane will be closed under the Circle Drive overpass while crews repair lighting.

The restrictions are expected to be lifted by 4:00 p.m. the same day.

CIRCLE DRIVE SOUTHBOUND APPROACHING 33RD STREET OFF RAMP, JULY 17

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 17, Circle Drive southbound curb (outside) lane will be closed approaching the 33rd Street off ramp while crews repair a large hole beside the road.

Access to 33rd Street off ramp will be maintained. The work is expected to last one day.

4TH AVENUE BETWEEN 19TH STREET & 20TH STREET, JULY 17

Starting at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 17, 4th Avenue southbound lanes and northbound median (inside) lane will be closed between 19th Street and 20th Street while crews repair a sanitary sewer main.

The road is expected to reopen by 3:00 p.m. the same day.

OVERNIGHT RESTRICTIONS CIRCLE DRIVE NORTH BRIDGE, JULY 17

Beginning at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 17, Circle Drive North Bridge eastbound and westbound median (inside) lanes will be closed while crews wash the bridge.

To minimize disruption to traffic, the work is scheduled to take place overnight and the lanes are expected to be re-open by 6:00 a.m. on Friday, July 18.

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's Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Office, in partnership with the Office of the Treaty Commissioner, are planning a unity walk to celebrate the life and work of Nelson Mandela on Friday, July 18.

The First Annual Nelson Mandela International Day will start with a workshop on the messages of Nelson Mandela at the Indian and Métis Friendship Centre (168 Wall Street) where participants will work with community members and workshop leaders to create messages of unity and peace.  The unity walk will take place following the workshop and proceed to City Hall Civic Square (222 3rd Avenue North) where refreshments and performances by local community artists will take place.  Everyone is welcome to drop-in to attend all or part of the celebrations. There is no cost to participate.

International Nelson Mandela Day
Friday, July 18, 2014
1:00 p.m.   Workshop at the Saskatoon Indian and Métis Friendship Centre
2:00 p.m.   Unity Walk to City Hall Civic Square
2:30 p.m.   Refreshments and performances by community artists in Civic Square 

For more information, please contact the Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Office at 306-975-7826.

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

For Immediate Release: July 15, 2014
                                           

4TH AVENUE BETWEEN 21ST STREET AND 20TH STREET, JULY 16

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 16, 4th Avenue southbound lanes and the northbound median (inside) lane will be closed from 21st Street to 20th Street while crews repair a manhole.

The road is expected to reopen by 3:00 p.m. the same day.

OVERNIGHT RESTRICTIONS CIRCLE DRIVE NORTH BRIDGE, JULY 16

Beginning at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16, Circle Drive North Bridge eastbound and westbound curb (outside) lanes will be closed while crews wash the bridge.

The lanes are expected to be reopen by 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 17.

The 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.

For Immediate Release: July 14, 2014
                                           

CENTRAL AVENUE CLOSED FROM 111TH STREET AND 113TH STREET, JULY 15 – AUGUST 5

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 15, Central Avenue will be closed from 111th Street to 113th Street while crews work on water main linings.

Traffic will be detoured via Egbert Avenue. The work is expected to last 3 weeks.

33RD STREET BETWEEN EDMONTON AVE & AVE P, JULY 15-17

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 15, the following restrictions will be in place while crews work on underground utilities:

- 33rd Street westbound lanes will be closed between Avenue P and Edmonton Avenue
- 33rd Street eastbound median (inside) lane will be closed between Edmonton Avenue and Avenue P

A detour will be in place for westbound traffic. The restrictions are expected to be lifted by 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 17.

51ST STREET OVERPASS OVER IDYLWYLD DRIVE, JULY 15

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 51st Street eastbound and westbound median (inside) lanes will be closed on the Idylwyld Drive overpass while crews repair an expansion joint.

The road is expected to reopen by 3:00 p.m. the same day.

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.

For Immediate Release: July 11, 2014
 

MILLAR AVENUE BETWEEN 43RD STREET AND MOLARO PLACE, JULY 13 

Beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 13, the following restrictions will be in place on Millar Avenue while crews prepare the road to be paved:

Sunday, July 13 – 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

- Millar Avenue northbound will be closed between 52nd Street and Molaro Place
- Millar Avenue southbound median (inside) lane will be closed between 52nd Street and Molaro Place
- Millar Avenue northbound and southbound median (inside) lanes will be closed between 43rd Street and 51st Street

The work is expected to last one day.

VARIOUS RESTRICTIONS FOR RIVER RUN CLASSIC, JULY 13

Beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 13, the following restrictions will be in place to accommodate the Run River Classic event:

- Spadina Crescent will be closed from 2nd Avenue to 20th Street
- Spadina Crescent northbound will be closed from 20th Street to Silverwood Road
- Spadina Crescent southbound will be closed between Mendel traffic lights and 24th Street (including University Bridge westbound ramp to Spadina Crescent)

The restrictions are expected to be lifted by 12:00 p.m. Noon, the same day.

SPADINA CRESCENT CLOSURES FOR A TASTE OF SASKATCHEWAN, JULY 13-20

Beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, Spadina Crescent will be closed from 20th Street to near 3rd Avenue to accommodate the A Taste of Saskatchewan event.

Spadina Crescent northbound curb (outside) lane will also be closed between 20th Street and the Bessborough parking lot entrance.

The restrictions will be lifted by 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 20.

OVERNIGHT RESTRICTIONS: 24TH STREET BETWEEN 3RD AVENUE & 5TH AVENUE, JULY 13

Beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, 24th Street will be closed between 3rd Avenue and 5th Avenue while crews apply permanent road markings.

The 4th Avenue intersection will remain open to through traffic.

The restrictions are expected to be lifted by 6:00 a.m. on Monday, July 14.

OVERNIGHT RESTRICTIONS: IDYLWYLD DRIVE FROM 24TH STREET TO 27TH STREET, JULY 13

Beginning at 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, Idylwyld Drive will be closed between 24th Street and 27th Street while crews apply permanent road markings.

A detour will be in place in both directions.

The road is expected to reopen by 6:00 a.m. on Monday, July 14.

REMINDER: ASSINIBOINE DRIVE FROM WARMAN ROAD TO KOOTENAY DRIVE, JULY 11-17

Starting at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, July 11, Assiniboine Drive will be closed between Warman Road and Kootenay Drive while crews pave the road.

A detour will be in place via Churchill Drive and Ravine Drive.

The work is expected to last 8 days.

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.

Construction season is progressing well as the City of Saskatoon builds, repairs and maintains more roads than ever before.

“To date we have completed approximately 30 per cent of the 2014 roadway preservation and rehabilitation work,” says Chris Hallam, Director of Construction and Design. “This year we plan to resurface 178 lane kilometres of road, the same distance as from here to Kindersley and 100 kilometres more than last year.”

So far, crews have resurfaced 52 lane kilometres, including recent major projects on Circle Drive from College Drive to the Circle Drive North Bridge and on 51st Street between Faithfull Avenue and Wanuskewin Road. Work on both of these major projects was done at night only, opening the road to traffic during the day.

“As a result of the night work we have definitely seen reduced congestion and less of an impact on drivers and surrounding businesses,” says Hallam. “The same goes for the 24 hour cycles, where the work is being completed quickly, reducing the overall impact to drivers.”

Work to twin Claypool Drive is underway this week. Next week, resurfacing work will be happening 24 hours a day at the Circle Drive and Highway 16 cloverleaf intersection and beginning in late July, Millar Avenue will be repaved from 43rd Street to Molaro Place, in the evenings only.

“Above average rainfall in June delayed some projects by one to two weeks”, says Hallam. “Typically the weather is better during the months of July, August and September so we are confident crews will be able to make up that lost time.” 

The City encourages citizens to use the new Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map found on saskatoon.ca under Check This Out! or click on the link to Building Better Roads. The map allows users to pinpoint the exact location of work zones using GPS technology and get up to date information, schedules and timelines for each project.

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 Saskatoon Fire Department is concerned about drivers disobeying the flashing red lights in front of all of our fire stations. We have requested that the Saskatoon Police Service regularly assist us in addressing this problem and in some instances have forwarded licence plate numbers to them.

According to The Traffic Safety Act drivers facing a flashing red light must stop at the crosswalk, light or sign and not proceed until it is safe to do so. In some instances, our fire stations were built close to the street and the fire trucks must cross all lanes of traffic while preparing to back in. It is not safe to drive behind a fire truck that is preparing to back up.

As a department we say thank you to the hundreds of residents who pull to the right when they see lights and sirens behind them, who stay well back during emergencies letting us do our work efficiently and who wait patiently at the flashing red lights so we can either leave or return to the Station. In fires and life threatening emergencies every second counts. We rely on the public to help us gain every second possible.

For Immediate Release: July 10, 2014
                                           

CIRCLE DRIVE NORTHBOUND BETWEEN HIGHWAY 16 & TAYLOR STREET

Beginning at 6:00 a.m. on Friday, July 11, the following lane restrictions will be in place on Circle Drive while crews remove a weight scale.

- Circle Drive northbound curb lane from Highway 16 off ramp to Circle Drive westbound will be closed
- Circle Drive northbound median (inside) lane closed after Highway 16 westbound to Circle Drive northbound on ramp will be closed 

The restrictions are expected to be lifted by 2:00 p.m. the same day.

IDYLWYLD DRIVE BETWEEN 20TH STREET & SID BUCKWOLD BRIDGE, JULY 11

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, July 11, Idylwyld Drive northbound and southbound median (inside) lanes will be closed while crews repair guard rails.

The lanes are expected to reopen by 3:00 p.m. the same day.

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.

Today, officials from the City of Saskatoon (City), along with Ducks Unlimited Canada and the Saskatoon Wildlife Federation, unveiled the first in a series of special interpretative signs at Hyde Park to celebrate the history of how the very unique naturalized park, one of the first of its kind in Saskatoon, came to be. 

Participating in the ceremony were His Worship Mayor Donald Atchison; Darren Crilly, Director of Parks Division; Michael Champion, Head of Industry and Government Relations for Ducks Unlimited Canada in Saskatchewan; Bob Rogers, Conservation Chairperson for the Saskatoon Wildlife Federation; and Reed Hentze, Vice President of the Rosewood Community Association.

Hyde Park, located in the Rosewood neighbourhood, is a 123 acre naturalized park.  The park was first identified in 2007 in the South East Park Landscape Master Plan when the City and involved stakeholders, Ducks Unlimited Canada and the Saskatoon Wildlife Federation, made it a priority to approach the development of the Hyde Stormwater Management Area in an innovative way and work with the land in its naturalized state.  Through this process, it was decided it should serve as a wetland, storm water pond area, and a centre for interpretative and educational programming with respect to wetlands and natural habitat.  Through feedback from the community, the final park design evolved to include a total of five ponds, numerous walking trails and sports fields, play equipment, and an off-leash dog park set to open soon.

“Our citizens identify park space as vital to the quality of life in Saskatoon,” said Mayor Donald Atchison. “This park is special because it includes wetlands in their naturalized state unusual in their size and proximity to the city. This would not have been possible without the collaboration of the Administration, Ducks Unlimited Canada, and the Saskatoon Wildlife Federation.”

Ducks Unlimited Canada, along with partners, including a major contribution from the Saskatoon Wildlife Federation, committed an initial $100,000 to the development and construction of an educational and habitat component, including spearheading future programming and events.  Interpretative signs are a part of this educational component.  The sign unveiled at the ceremony today represents the first in a series designed to illustrate the history of the land and Hyde Park’s importance as a naturalized wetland in Saskatoon.

Hyde Park will be officially completed in the Fall of 2014, at which time, it will be owned and maintained by the City of Saskatoon Parks Division.  For more information on park construction, visit www.saskatoon.ca/go/parks.

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

The City Hall main elevator located in the lobby will be closed for repair and upgrade starting on Tuesday, July 8 and continuing for approximately twelve weeks (until September 29). The City Hall south elevator will remain open during this time.

During the work period, there will be several ways to access City Hall upper floors: 

• From the main entrance lobby:
• Use the main stairway, across from the public washrooms.
• Take the stairs by the Information Desk which go up one floor to the south wing. The south elevator is down the hall, across from Human Resources.
• If you require use of the accessibility lift to the south elevator, please see the security attendant by the main doors.
   
• From the 4th Avenue entrance:
• This entrance gives direct access to the south elevator and is wheelchair accessible. The south stairway to upper floors can also be accessed from this entrance. Both the south elevator and the south stairway are at the end of the hall. 

The City of Saskatoon apologizes for the inconvenience.

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

For Immediate Release: July 8, 2014
 

CLAYPOOL DRIVE WESTBOUND FROM MCCLOCKLIN ROAD TO HAMPTON GATE NORTH, JULY 9 – 31

Beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 9, Claypool Drive westbound between McClocklin Road and Hampton Gate North will be closed as work continues on twinning Claypool Drive.  There will be no access to Hampton Gate North from Claypool Drive westbound while the work is taking place. The eastbound lane will remain open.  Westbound traffic on Claypool Drive will be detoured down McClocklin Road.

The work is expected to take three weeks, 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.

Recent emergencies in southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba remind us that disasters do happen. The City of Saskatoon has done extensive planning to develop and practice the protocols and working relationships that will enable us to effectively respond to a disaster. Even with the infrastructure in place, a critical piece of any disaster response and recovery is the delivery of important information to the public in a timely manner. notifynow is one of the tools we have in place to promptly reach the citizens of Saskatoon individually.

Saskatoon’s Emergency Measures Organization will use notifynow to inform citizens about what to do in an emergency that affects their residence and provide them with relevant information when we start working towards recovering and returning to our normal lifestyles. For example, we might need to let you know that your home has sustained damage even when you are away on holiday, let you know if, or when additional landfill space will be open so that you can begin to clean up, or provide you with information about how to access disaster assistance programs.

“No matter how well prepared a community is, disasters are defined as events that overwhelm our capacity to respond normally,” says Director of Emergency Planning, Ray Unrau. “We are asking everyone to sign up for notifynow so in an emergency, we can contact you, before, during or after the disaster, with important information that will help you personally make the best choices you can.”

Citizens wanting to receive important messages from Saskatoon’s Emergency Measures Organization must first sign up. To do that, visit saskatoon.ca, search under “N” for notifynow and follow the links to sign up, read the frequently asked questions or watch an instructional video on the process.

For Immediate Release: July 7, 2014

OVERNIGHT RESTRICTIONS CIRCLE DRIVE FROM COLLEGE DRIVE TO CIRCLE DRIVE NORTH BRIDGE, JULY 7-10

Beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, July 7, Circle Drive northbound median (inside) lane will be closed from College Drive to Circle Drive North Bridge while crews apply permanent road markings.

The work is expected to last 3 to 4 nights. To minimize disruption to traffic the work will be done overnight from 6:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

OVERNIGHT RESTRICTIONS FOR BRIDGE DECK TESTING, JULY 8 – 10

In order to ensure the integrity and continued safety of overpass structures around the city, crews will be conducting the annual bridge and deck testing program starting on Tuesday, July 8. 

To minimize disruption to traffic, the deck testing will take place overnight with all restrictions lifted by 7:00 a.m. the following morning.

The schedule for this work is as follows:

Tuesday, July 8

108th Street over Circle Drive Overpass

· 7:00 p.m. - bridge will be closed in both directions

Wednesday, July 9

Idylwyld Drive Over 19th Street to 1st Avenue Northbound Ramp

·     7:00 p.m. - ramp will be closed and traffic will be detoured to Idylwyld Drive over 19th Street 

Thursday, July 10

Idylwyld Drive over the 11th Street Pedestrian Underpass

·     7:00 p.m. - northbound traffic will be maintained in one lane 

·     9:00 p.m. - sorthbound traffic will be maintained in one lane 

Spadina Crescent Bridge (near the Mendel Art Gallery)

·     11:30 p.m. – bridge will be closed in both directions

The City thanks everyone for their patience.

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.

For Release: July 4, 2014

SPADINA CRESCENT FROM 20TH STREET TO 3RD AVENUE, JULY 5-6

Starting at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 5, Spadina Crescent will be closed from 20th Street to 3rd Avenue to accommodate the annual Pets in the Park event. 

The road is expected to reopen by 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 6.

MILLAR AVENUE NORTHBOUND BETWEEN CIRCLE DRIVE & 43RD STREET, JULY 6

Starting at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 6, Millar Avenue northbound curb (outside) lane will be closed between Circle Drive and 43rd Street while crews work on a light pole.

The road is expected to reopen by 10:00 a.m. the same day.

VARIOUS RESTRICTIONS FOR CYCLING EVENT, JULY 6

Beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 6, the following restrictions will be in place to accommodate the Prairie Grand Fondo cycling event.

- Valley Road northbound curb (outside) lane approaching Circle Drive will be closed
- Valley Road northbound ramp to Circle Drive eastbound will be closed
- Circle Drive eastbound curb (outside) lane from Valley Road to Lorne Avenue will be closed
- Circle Drive eastbound ramp to Lorne Avenue will be closed

The restrictions are expected to be lifted by 3:00 p.m. the same day.

OVERNIGHT RESTRICTIONS COLLEGE DRIVE, CIRCLE DRIVE & CENTRAL AVENUE, JULY 6

Beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 6, the following restrictions will be in place while crews apply durable road markings.

- College Drive westbound curb (outside) and center lanes from Central Avenue to Circle Drive will be closed
- Central Avenue southbound right turn lane to College Drive westbound will be closed
- College Drive westbound ramp to Circle Drive northbound will be closed

To minimize disruption to traffic, the work will take place overnight, with the roads due to reopen by 7:00 a.m. on Monday, July 7.

REMINDER: OVERNIGHT RESTRICTIONS 51ST STREET BETWEEN FAITHFULL AVENUE & MILLAR AVENUE, JULY 5-6

Beginning at 6:45 p.m. on Saturday, July 5, the following restrictions will be in place on 51st Street while crews continue to pave the road.

Saturday, July 5

- 51st Street westbound median (inside) and center lane from Millar Avenue to Faithfull Avenue will be closed

Sunday, July 6

- 51st Street westbound median (inside) and center lane from Miners Avenue to Faithfull Avenue will be closed

To minimize disruption to traffic, the work will take place overnight from 6:45 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

All restrictions will be lifted as indicate, 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.

For Immediate Release: July 3, 2014

8TH STREET & CLARENCE AVENUE INTERSECTION, JULY 4-5 

Beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, July 4, the following restrictions will be in place at the intersection of 8th Street and Clarence Avenue while crews repair a water main:

- 8th Street eastbound curb (outside) lane will be closed approaching Clarence Avenue
- 8th Street westbound left turn bay to 8th Street eastbound will be closed
- Clarence Avenue southbound will be closed from 7th Street to 8th Street (no southbound through traffic)
- Clarence Avenue northbound  median (inside) lane will be closed approaching 8th Street

The work is expected to last 2 days.

24TH STREET BETWEEN 3RD AVENUE & 5TH AVENUE, JULY 4-6

Beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Friday, July 4, 24th Street will be closed between 3rd Avenue and 5th Avenue while crews pave the road. The 4th Avenue intersection will remain open.

The work is expected to take 2 to 3 days.

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! Find traffic detour information on our website at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic. You can also follow us on Twitter @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

The Saskatoon Fire Department has noted a significant increase in the number of outside fires that were started by improperly disposing of smoking materials. There were 23 fires in the last 18 months attributed to this.

In 2013, 16 fires were caused by improperly disposing smoking materials such as cigarettes and cigars. The damage totaled more than $4 million. This year, seven fires were started by improper disposal of smoking materials. The average estimated damage was more than $100,000.

With changing social norms, it is now common for people to smoke outside in areas that contain flammable materials. A fire can develop if:

• smoking materials are not entirely extinguished
• if cigarette butts are allowed to accumulate in a container
• if peat moss, dry leaves or decking materials have butts dropped on them

Typically, the person who was smoking has already gone inside the home and the fire grows unnoticed. The fire often starts close to a house, ignites the exterior walls, then travels up to the roof and attic putting everyone inside the house at risk. In the early stages the fire may already be threatening the home, but there is often no smoke inside the house and smoke detectors cannot detect it. Many times it is a neighbour or people walking who notice the fire – if anyone happens to be there.

To prevent outdoor fires caused by smoking materials, the Saskatoon Fire Department recommends that you:

• have a metal or ceramic pot with a lid to dispose of your smoking materials
• leave a container outside for guests to use, even if you don’t smoke
• be aware that ashes are a fire safety hazard
• never extinguish smoking materials in planters – the peat moss in planters can smolder for hours before suddenly bursting into flames
• never throw burning cigarettes out your car window and onto the street
• always make sure your smoking materials are completely extinguished and that there is nothing in the vicinity that could catch fire like dry grass or cedar trees.

City crews will begin back lane rehabilitation and maintenance on July 14, starting with Ward 8 and moving through to Ward 1, which is the reverse of last year’s program.  Saskatoon’s network of more than 400 kilometres of gravel back lanes will be improved this summer following inspections and ratings this past Spring.

“Annual grading of back lanes levels off low areas, repairs ruts and potholes, and prevents deterioration,” says Pat Hyde, Director of Public Works.  “In order to prevent damage to private property and for the safety of residents and our crews, we kindly ask residents to remove all obstructions and debris from the back lane.” Residents with back lane collection are also asked to move garbage and recycling containers back onto their property after their collection date.

Improvements will consist of almost 13 kilometres of gravel back lanes undergoing enhanced rehabilitation treatments, which include preventative measures such as trimming of trees overhanging into the lanes. Overhanging trees can cause poor drainage and excessive wet spots, leading to the formation of ruts. All other lanes will be graded and packed as appropriate to improve the condition.

While crews are working in your back lane, access to lanes will be restricted, and for their safety, children and pets must stay at least 15 metres away from equipment. 

Residents affected by a back lane rehabilitation will be notified in advance with more information about what to expect. 

A schedule for back lane maintenance and rehabilitation will be posted on the City’s website early next week.  Rain may cause delays to the program and the schedule may fluctuate as a result. 

For more information, visit saskatoon.ca and click on Building Better Roads, or contact the Public Works Customer Service Centre at public.works@saskatoon.ca or 306-975-2476.

Know before you go! Find traffic detour information on our website at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic. You can also follow us on Twitter @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

For Immediate Release: July 2, 2014
                                           

SPADINA CRESCENT BETWEEN DUKE STREET AND QUEEN STREET, JULY 3

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 3, Spadina Crescent will be closed between Duke Street and Queen Street while crews work on water and sewer connections.

Access to local traffic will be maintained. The road is expected to reopen by 3:00 p.m. the same day.

25TH STREET AND 1ST AVENUE INTERSECTION, JULY 3

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 3, the following restrictions will be in place at 25th Street and 1st Avenue intersection while crews work on the road:

- 25th Street left turn lane to 1st Avenue southbound will be closed
- 25th Street westbound median (inside) lane will be closed approaching 1st Avenue

The roads are expected to reopen by 1:00 p.m. the same day.

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! Find traffic detour information on our website at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic. You can also follow us on Twitter @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

For Immediate Release: July 2, 2014
 

Starting Monday, July 7, the pedestrian walkway under the new Circle Drive South Bridge will be closed. This closure will be in effect until Saturday, July 19.

Crews will be adjusting the bearings that allow for movement to prevent wear and tear. 

Pedestrians and cyclists are encouraged to find an alternative route for the two weeks of work.

Know before you go! Find traffic detour information on our website at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic. You can also follow us on Twitter @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroads and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

For Immediate Release:  June 30, 2014

Travel on Saskatoon Transit for fast, convenient service to and from the Canada Day celebrations at Diefenbaker Park on Tuesday, July 1, 2014.  Customers are reminded that adjustments to routes and schedules began on June 29, and that Routes 1 and 17 will be running in the vicinity of Diefenbaker Park on their regular Sunday/Holiday service until 9:00 p.m.  Normal fares apply.

After the fireworks, catch a free ride from Diefenbaker Park with Saskatoon Transit. 

Saskatoon Transit is pleased to provide special night service free-of-charge from Diefenbaker Park to the four quadrants of Saskatoon following the fireworks show on July 1.  Four special routes will leave Diefenbaker Park (St. Henry Avenue) approximately 15 minutes after the fireworks show is over.  Buses will follow a designated route and will stop on request at bus stops or locations where it is safe to stop.

Bus #1 – will travel to the Downtown Terminal, then continue on 2^nd Avenue and Warman Road and will end at the Lawson Terminal

Bus #2 – will travel to the Downtown Terminal, then continue on 22^nd Street and will end at the Confederation Terminal

Bus #3 – will travel via Ruth Street to the Market Mall Terminal, then continue on Taylor Street and Acadia Drive and will end at the Centre Mall Terminal

Bus #4 – will travel via 8^th Street to the Centre Mall Terminal, then continue on to Central Avenue and 115^th Street and will end at the bus stop at Berini Drive and 115^th Street

For more information call Customer Service at 306-975-3100.

Access Transit will also provide additional service until midnight on Canada Day, July 1, for the fireworks at Diefenbaker Park.  Trips must be booked in advance as per normal booking procedures.  Access Transit customers are reminded that subscriptions do not apply on statutory holidays.

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

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The following are the hours of civic services and facilities for Canada Day on Tuesday, July 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 11:45 a.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:  Open 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
All fitness classes and swim lessons CANCELLED.

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

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

For Immediate Release: June 30, 2014
   

11TH STREET & FAIRLIGHT DRIVE, JULY 2-3 

Beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 2, 11th Street will be closed from Chappell Drive to Crescent Boulevard and Fairlight Drive northbound will be closed from 11th Street to Pendygrasse Road while crews pave the road.

The work is expected to last 2 days.

20TH STREET EASTBOUND FROM AVENUE F TO AVENUE G, JULY 2 – 30

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 2, 20th Street eastbound lanes will be closed from Avenue F to Avenue G as the city commences phase 1 of the 20th Street West Streetscape Improvement Project. Two way traffic will be accommodated in the westbound lanes.

Avenue G will also be closed south of the 20th Street intersection for one block. The work is expected to last 4 weeks.

33RD STREET WEST EASTBOUND

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 2, 33rd Street West eastbound lanes will be closed between Edmonton Avenue and Avenue P while SaskEnergy works on the road. Two way traffic will be accommodated in the westbound lanes.

The restrictions are expected to be lifted by 2:00 p.m. the same day.

SPADINA CRESCENT FROM 2ND AVENUE TO 3RD AVENUE

Starting at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 2, Spadina Crescent will be closed between 2nd Avenue and 3rd Avenue to accommodate the Drive the River golfing event.

The road is expected to reopen by 1:00 p.m. the same day.

OVERNIGHT RESTRICTIONS ATTRIDGE DRIVE/PRESTON AVENUE ON RAMP TO CIRCLE DRIVE WESTBOUND, JULY 2

Beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2, the Attridge Drive/Preston Avenue on ramp to Circle Drive westbound will be closed while crews repair a SaskTel manhole.

The road is expected to reopen by 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 3.

OVERNIGHT RESTRICTIONS ON 51ST STREET, JULY 2

Beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2, the following restrictions will be in place on 51st Street while crews resurface the road.

- 51st Street eastbound median (inside) lane from Wentz Avenue to Millar Avenue will be closed
- 51st Street westbound left turn lane to Wentz Avenue southbound and Cleveland Avenue southbound will be closed
- 51st Street westbound curb (outside) and centre lanes from Millar Avenue to Miners Avenue will be closed.

To minimize the impact to traffic and inconvenience to businesses in the area the work has been scheduled to take place overnight between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

The restrictions will last one night. All lanes will be open during the day.

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! Find traffic detour information on our website at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic. You can also follow us on Twitter @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

For Immediate Release: June 30, 2014
                                           

SPADINA CRESCENT 

Beginning at 12:00 p.m. Noon on Tuesday, July 1, Spadina Crescent will be closed from 20th Street to 3rd Avenue to accommodate the Canada Day Arts and Cultural Festival. The road is expected to reopen by 9:00 p.m. the same day.

CIRCLE DRIVE SOUTH BRIDGE

Starting at 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 1, the speed limit approaching the Circle Drive South Bridge will be reduced to 60 km/h in both directions for the duration of the Canada Day fireworks display at Diefenbaker Park. Vehicles are not permitted to stop on the bridge. The speed restrictions are expected to be lifted by 11:30 p.m.

Know before you go! Find up-to-date traffic detour information at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

For Release: Friday, June 27, 2014

As of this morning, Friday, June 27, 2014, the Saskatoon Fire Department has reopened the Public Boat Launch. River levels are once again going down, reducing the risk associated with using the river for boating activities. Current river levels are 1000 cubic metres per second (m³/s) and are expected to continue to go down.

Saskatoon Fire Department advises residents to exercise extreme care and caution around the river throughout this period of elevated water levels.  

The 10-day forecast for stream flows and any other relevant updates are posted to the Water Security Agency’s (WSA) website at wsask.ca.

In an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Canada Day is a great time to celebrate our nation’s birthday and often fireworks are a part of that celebration. The Saskatoon Fire Department understands this and wants residents to know that the ban on detonating fireworks is lifted for Canada Day between the hours of dusk and 11:00 p.m. It is important to understand that during those hours only low-hazard or family fireworks can be detonated and then ONLY on private property.

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 Acting Fire Marshal Luc Durand at 306-975-2520 or visit www.saskatoon.ca.

The City of Saskatoon’s (City) Recreation & Sport Division reminds residents that the last day to take advantage of the special Family Fun Pack promotion is Monday, June 30, 2014. 
Family Fun Packs provide more than 25% off family admissions to the City’s most popular attractions, including:
• three Leisure Centre passes; 
• three outdoor pool passes;
• one Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo pass; and
• two indoor rink passes.
Family Fun Packs are available for purchase for the discounted price of $100, plus GST, ($137 value) at any of the six indoor Leisure Centres (Cosmo Civic Centre, Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre, Lakewood Civic Centre, Lawson Civic Centre, Saskatoon Field House and Shaw Centre).
For more information on Family Fun Packs and more, please visit www.saskatoon.ca/go/leisure.
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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SPADINA CRESCENT NORTHBOUND FROM AVENUE G TO AVENUE C, JUNE 28

Starting at 7:15 a.m. on Saturday, June 28, the Spadina Crescent northbound lanes between Avenue G and Avenue C will be closed for the Kids of Steel Triathlon. The restrictions are expected to be lifted by 1:00 p.m. that day.

VARIOUS RESTRICTIONS ALONG VALLEY ROAD AND CIRCLE DRIVE FOR SUBARU TRIATHLON, JUNE 29

Starting at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 29, the following road restrictions will be in place for the Subaru Triathlon event:

- Valley Road northbound median lane at Dundonald Avenue will be closed

- Valley Road to Circle Drive northbound loop will be closed

- Circle Drive westbound curb lane approaching Valley Road to 11th Street West will be closed

- 11th Street eastbound curb lane from Circle Drive to Dawes Avenue will be closed

Additional road restrictions will be in place along the triathlon route including Spadina Crescent and near the downtown area. 
The landfill entrance will not be affected. Motorists exiting the landfill and wanting to access Circle Drive northbound will be detoured across the river, turning around at Lorne Avenue. All restrictions are expected to be lifted by 12:00 p.m noon that day.
REMINDER: PRESTON AVENUE NORTHBOUND FROM 3RD STREET TO 8TH STREET, JUNE 27-JULY 2

Preston Avenue northbound lanes between 3rd Street and 8th Street continue to be closed for sanitary sewer upgrades. Two-way traffic will be accommodated in the southbound lanes. All restrictions are expected to be lifted by 6:00 p.m on July 2.
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! Find traffic detour information on our website at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic. You can also follow us on Twitter @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

The City of Saskatoon’s (City) summer playground programs begin opening on Wednesday, July 2, 2014 with all 45 neighbourhood locations open by Friday, July 4, 2014.  The last day of the program will be Wednesday, August 27, 2014.
Designed for 2 to 12 year olds, these free drop-in programs include water play, sports, crafts, games, music, and much more.  Playground programs operate rain or shine Mondays to Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Fridays from 12:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The same great activities that are offered during the week are also offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 16 locations around Saskatoon!  Weekend playground program hours are 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. beginning Saturday, July 5 and closing Sunday, August 17, 2014.
Please note that children under the age of six must be supervised by an adult or a responsible youth at all times during playground program and paddling pool hours.
As a reminder, the City’s 17 spray pads operate from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. every day, up to and including, Monday, September 1, 2014. Paddling pool hours are the same as the playground hours. Visit the interactive map at www.saskatoon.ca/go/playgrounds for more information on dates and times paddling pools are open or 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.

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The City of Saskatoon today unveiled a new interactive map to help drivers plan in advance to avoid road restrictions and traffic delays this road construction season. The map enables users to pinpoint the exact location of work zones using GPS technology and get the latest information, schedules and timelines for each project.

“A better commute is just a click away,” says Colleen McKee, Transportation and Utilities Communications and Marketing Manager for the City of Saskatoon. “This interactive online tool for desktop and mobile devices should make it easier for motorists to map their commutes ahead of time, making the trip easier and less frustrating.” Find the map on Saskatoon.ca under Check This Out! or click on the Building Better Roads link for the latest updates.

McKee says the new map is one in a series of initiatives the City has undertaken to help drivers navigate this year’s extensive and wide-ranging road construction. For the latest information on road closures and restrictions, motorists can visit Saskatoon.ca and subscribe for Traffic Detour Service Alerts, connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter (#betterroadsYXE) and Facebook (Saskatoon City News) and view the latest public service announcements posted on the City’s website.

“With over $50 million being invested in road-related work this season, road restrictions, closures and detours will be the norm,” McKee says. “We are committed to finding new ways of helping residents and visitors move through our city safely and as efficiently as possible.”

Know before you go! Find traffic detour information on our website at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic. You can also follow us on Twitter @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

OVERNIGHT ROAD RESTRICTIONS ON 51ST STREET, JUNE 26-27

To minimize the impact to traffic and inconvenience to businesses in the area the work has been scheduled to take place between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Tonight the following restrictions will be in place for road resurfacing:

- 51st Street westbound curb and centre lanes from Millar Avenue to Miners Avenue will be closed.

- 51st Street eastbound curb and centre lanes from the 1st Avenue intersection to Millar Avenue will be closed.

The restrictions are expected to be lifted by 7:00 a.m. on Friday, June 27.  All lanes will be open during the day.

REMINDER: IDYLWYLD DRIVE BETWEEN CIRCLE DRIVE SOUTH OVERPASS AND RUTH STREET, JUNE 26-28

Idylwyld Drive northbound will continue to be restricted to one lane from the Circle Drive South overpass to Ruth Street until 9:00 a.m. on Friday, June 27. Idylwyld Drive southbound will be restricted to one lane from Ruth Street to the Circle Drive South overpass from 9:00 a.m. June 27 until 9:00 a.m. on June 28.

Crews are working around-the-clock to minimize the impact on traffic.

REMINDER: IDYLWYLD DRIVE SOUTHBOUND, JUNE 26-27

The Idylwyld Drive southbound curb (outside) lane from 25th Street to 24th Street continues to be closed while crews carry out streetscaping work. One lane will remain open to traffic. The road is expected to reopen by 6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 27.

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! Find traffic detour information on our website at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic. You can also follow us on Twitter @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

The City of Saskatoon’s Summer Youth Centres open for the season on Friday, July 4, 2014. The last day of programs will be August 20, 2014.  Youth ages 12 to 16 are invited to drop in for sports and games, listen to music, participate in special events, or just hang out with friends in a friendly environment supervised by fun and qualified leaders.
Hours of operation, unless otherwise stated, are Monday to Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Friday 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (closed Monday, August 4, 2014).
Youth Centre Locations:
• Brownell School  (274 Russell Road)
• St. Voldymyr School (302 Kellough Road)
• Pope John Paul II School (3035 Arlington Avenue)
• St. Peter School (202 Sumner Crescent)
Arts Only Location:
• Albert Community Centre (610 Clarence Avenue South) 
  Monday to Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Mè Ta Wè Tàn Youth Centre Locations:
• Westmount School (411 Avenue J North)
• St. Mary Wellness & Education Centre (327 Avenue N South)
• St. John School (1205 Avenue N South)
Sports Only Youth Centre Locations:
• Cosmo Civic Centre (3130 Laurier Drive) 
  Monday to Thursday 1:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Friday 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Lakewood Civic Centre (1635 McKercher Drive)
  Monday to Thursday 1:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Friday 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Youth are also invited to practise their boarding with our skilled skateboard leaders who travel to different sites each day. Equipment is provided or you can bring your own deck. Program runs from July 4 to August 20, 2014.
Skateboard Leaders are at the following locations at these hours:
• Lions Skate Park (Victoria Park - beside Riversdale Pool)
  Monday and Wednesday 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Charlottetown Park  (behind Cosmo Civic Centre)
  Tuesday 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Morris T. Chernesky Park (beside Shaw Civic Centre)
  Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Umea Park (behind Lawson Civic Centre off Pinehouse Drive)
  Thursday 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• W.W. Ashley Park (beside Lathey Pool)
  Friday 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Skateboard sites are open daily 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.  For more information, please call 306-975-3378 or visit www.saskatoon.ca/go/teens.

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The City of Saskatoon’s (City) Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon initiative has launched the “Spotlight On” Summer Information Series to keep residents informed and engaged on the development of the City’s Growth Plan to Half a Million (Growth Plan). 
“Growing Forward’s information series will break down each of the key elements being explored in the Growth Plan,” says Angela Gardiner, Director of Transportation.  “Throughout the summer we will post information on www.growingfwd.ca about the work being done for future core area bridges, transit, bus rapid transit, and growth near major corridors.” 

The first “Spotlight On” topic has been posted to the Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon website www.growingfwd.ca, (look under Shaping Bridges), and focuses on Saskatoon’s future core area bridges, or those located within Circle Drive. 

“Demands for travel across the river to and from our city’s core will continue to increase as Saskatoon’s population grows,” Gardiner says.  “Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon is looking ahead for the next 30 to 40 years and exploring options for our city’s core area bridges to accommodate this growth.”

For more information on the “Spotlight On . . .Core Bridges”, future “Spotlight On” topics, or to sign up for project update notifications, visit www.growingfwd.ca.

Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon is a public planning initiative to help guide civic infrastructure investments as Saskatoon grows to half a million people over the next 30 to 40 years.  A major outcome of this initiative will be the Growth Plan that focuses on sustainable growth and transportation choice. 

Public consultation will be ongoing throughout the Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon process. Watch for more public engagement opportunities coming in October 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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The Saskatoon Fire Department has closed the Public Boat Launch until further notice because the increased water flow has created a serious safety concern for everyone using the river.

As of this morning, Wednesday, June 25, 2014, the Water Security Agency (WSA) increased the outflows from the Gardiner Dam to over 1100 cubic metres per second (m³/s) and rising. Normal outflow is approximately 350m³/s. Although outflow levels have increased significantly, they are not expected to rise to the 2013 high of approximately 2000m³/s.

“We understand the desire of the public to use the river, especially during the long weekend,” Assistant Chief Morgan Hackl says. “However, public safety remains our primary concern. The river becomes unpredictable and dangerous when flows increase. At times like this, water activities are best done in surrounding area lakes rather than the river.”

The 10-day forecast for stream flows and any other relevant updates will be posted to the WSA’s website at wsask.ca.

In an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Everyone is invited to Kinsmen Day at the Zoo on Friday, June 27, 2014. Free admission to the Zoo will be provided from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Please note parking, rental strollers, and fishing fees will still apply.
In lieu of admission, visitors are encouraged to donate a non-perishable food item to benefit the Saskatoon Food Bank.  Representatives of the Saskatoon Food Bank will be on site all day to receive donations and answer questions.  
Fun, kid-friendly entertainment is planned between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., including activities provided by the Saskatoon Zoo Society for children to learn about the animals at the Zoo. During your visit look for new zoo animals, including two feature animals in the PotashCorp Ark exhibit, a red panda, and cougars!
For more information on the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo, please visit www.saskatoon.ca/go/zoo.

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