News Releases

The City Solicitor today outlined Prairieland Park is not operated by the City nor does City Council direct or control the business decisions of Saskatoon Prairieland Park Corporation (Prairieland). At the regular business meeting of Council Monday afternoon, Cindy Yelland further explained Prairieland is a non-profit and external third-party corporation not created by the City of Saskatoon.

Yelland was responding to an inquiry from Coun. Bev Dubois during the question period portion of the agenda.

“Saskatoon Prairieland Park Corporation is an external corporation and is not created by the City of Saskatoon, and as such, the City has no say with respect to the operation of the facility at Prairieland Park including Marquis Downs. What the City does have is a lease for the land at Prairieland Park and there is a wide range of uses that are available to Prairieland Park under that lease and everything we’ve seen to date, Prairieland Park is in compliance with the in terms of their lease,” Yelland said.

Ever since Prairieland announced horse racing would end at Marquis Downs in favour of pursuing a professional soccer team in the Canadian Premier League, Coun. Dubois said many in the community had questions about the operation of Prairieland Park Corporation.

Other key points:

• The City has a long-term lease with Prairieland Park for land, and until the lease expires the City cannot unilaterally make changes to the lease terms.
   
• The 50-year lease is $100 per year until April 30, 2045, but Prairieland Park has the option to renew the lease until April 30, 2065.
   
• The City purchased the current site of Prairieland Park in 1908 and while the name has changed over the years, Prairieland Park has continuously occupied the site since that time.
   
• The lease allows for a wide range of uses and the City believes that Prairieland Park is in compliance with the terms of the lease.
   
• The lease requires Prairieland Park to obtain the written approval of Council prior to the construction of additional development on the land. This provision does not give the City the ability to make business decisions at Prairieland Park.
   
• Council only approves the construction of additional development on the land.
   
• Saskatoon Prairieland Park Corporation is exempt from taxation.
   
• Any tax exemption granted to Prairieland Park is the result of a specific exemption in provincial law –The Cities Act. The City of Saskatoon is required to follow the provisions of the provincial legislation.
   
• Under Bylaw No. 7978, the Amusement Tax Bylaw, Prairieland collects amusement tax as part of the admission to the annual exhibition at Prairieland. In 2019 this amount was $71,000.00.  The City then pays that back to Prairieland to allow the corporation to make capital improvements to the property that Prairieland owns.
   
• Currently, the bylaws of Prairieland allow for the City of Saskatoon to appoint one person to the Board. Historically, Council has appointed a member of Council to sit on the Board. 
   
• Appointments by Council are a matter of public record. At all times material to this discussion the members of Council on the Prairieland board were appointed as representatives of Council.  
   
• The Cities Act contains conflict of interest provisions. The Act specifically states that a member of Council does not have a financial interest so as to create a conflict of interest in the following situations:
  • By reason of being appointed as the representative of the Council on another body; or 
  • That the member may have by being a director of a non-profit organization. 
     
• The City has not identified any Zoning Bylaw contraventions at Prairieland Park and does not intend to take further action under The Zoning Bylaw. 

Canada Water Week (March 21-27, 2022) is a national celebration of water that is held annually to coincide with World Water Day on March 22.

“Saskatoon has a lot to celebrate and be proud of when it comes to our water,” says Pam Hamoline, Interim Director of Saskatoon Water. “Not only does our city have one of the highest quality water supplies in North America, but right now we have several projects in motion to ensure we continue to deliver a high quality and safe drinking water product.”

During Canada Water Week, the City is featuring some of those initiatives in a social media campaign, like the new McOrmond Drive Reservoir and Pump Station, Transfer Pumping and Electrical Upgrades project and Spadina Lift Station project, while also educating about our water source and how it gets into and out of our homes.

“Every day, we turn on our taps and flush our toilets without always thinking about where the water is coming from, how it reaches our homes and what happens to it when we’re done with it.”

The theme for World Water Day on Tuesday, March 22 is Groundwater. While Saskatoon’s drinking water is sourced from the South Saskatchewan River, Hamoline says protecting this important underground water resource is vital.

“What we as residents do above ground, matters underground. For example, we should be mindful of what we put on our lawns and gardens and what may be draining down the city’s storm sewers.”

Keep an eye on the City of Saskatoon’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram this week to learn more about Saskatoon’s water system, our groundwater resource, and some of the big water and waste water projects underway.

The play structure in Meadowlark Park was destroyed Thursday, March 18 by a deliberately set fire. 

Just after 7 o’clock that morning, firefighters went to the playground which is near the south end of Clarence Avenue along Calder Crescent.  When they arrived, they discovered the structure in flames.

After it was out, a Fire Inspector was later called to investigate.  The incident has also been reported to the Saskatoon Police Service arson unit.

There is evidence of flames over 2 metres high and the use of an accelerant such as gasoline or diesel. Further evidence shows the fire was kept burning with accelerants as plastic components that contain fire retardant have been completely melted.

The damage is so extensive the entire structure is not safe. City Facilities staff will immediately take steps today and tomorrow (Saturday) to remove the entire structure.

The area will be made safe and leveled until a plan for replacement structures can be finalized.

Replacement options are currently being investigated and the community will be updated as these plans are developed.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call the Saskatoon Police Service, or the Saskatoon Fire Department.

The City Clerk Hiring Committee recommends Adam Tittemore be appointed City Clerk. Council will receive the official recommendation at the March 22, 2021 City Council Meeting.

“We want to congratulate Mr. Tittemore on being selected as the candidate the Hiring Committee is recommending to City Council as our City Clerk” says Councillor Bev Dubois, committee Chairperson.

Coun. Dubois collaborated with City Clerk Hiring Committee members Mayor Charlie Clark, Coun. Randy Donauer and City Manager Jeff Jorgenson.

“We were impressed with his experience in municipal government, his proven leadership qualities, and his governance expertise,” Dubois says.

Following graduation from the University of Saskatchewan with a degree in Public Administration, Mr. Tittemore moved to Alberta where he worked in municipal government with the County of Wetaskiwin in various roles, prior to moving back to Saskatchewan in January 2013.  Since then, he has held the position as the Administrator (CAO) for the R.M. of Corman Park, which surrounds the City of Saskatoon. In his role with Corman Park, Mr. Tittemore has been involved with the City in many respects through our regional relationship.

“Mr. Tittemore has demonstrated great leadership as a builder of teams and partnerships, while also driving innovation. These are invaluable qualities in the rapidly changing municipal sector. He has demonstrated his ability to build the confidence of the public as well as his previous staff and Council, which is also essential in the role as City Clerk. I know he will be a great addition to the team at the City of Saskatoon,” says Mayor Charlie Clark.

The City started its Canada-wide recruitment process in November. The City received 18 applications; after further selection, five candidates were asked for interviews, with a second round of interviews resulting in Mr. Tittemore’s recommendation.

Dubois adds Council wanted to find someone that had a wide range of skills and experience to lead such a key position at City Hall.

“We need to ensure Council continues to have expertise to draw on, so it can provide our community with the best possible decisions.”

The City Clerk oversees and administers the City's legislative process including elections, Council and Committee meetings, maintenance of the public record, and City archives.

“I am very excited to join the City of Saskatoon in the City Clerk role to help build on the positive momentum of the organization.” says Adam Tittemore, City Clerk designate. “I look forward to working with Council and the city leadership team to provide continued good governance and to carry on with the high level of service that everyone is accustomed to.”

Following approval, Mr. Tittemore will manage a staff of 24; his first day as City Clerk will be April 15, 2021.

The flags at Saskatoon civic buildings have been lowered today to mark one year since the first case of COVID-19 was identified in Saskatchewan. Flags will remain at half-mast through the weekend.

“The impact of COVID-19 on our community has been profound. Our lives have all changed dramatically in this past year, since the first case was found in our province on March 12,” says Mayor Charlie Clark.

“Since then, 401 Saskatchewan lives have been lost and this has had a tremendous toll on families. Essential services workers have stepped up heroically to keep our city running and worked tirelessly to keep us safe.

“Today, and over the weekend, is a chance for us all to remember those whose lives have been lost and to show gratitude for all of the sacrifice and service through this very challenging year.”

The City has launched its electric vehicle pilot project with the leasing of four battery electric Chevy Bolts for Saskatoon Light & Power, Facilities Management and Parking Enforcement.

During the pilot project, the vehicles and their charging stations will be studied to identify efficiencies, ability to meet service standards, and lifecycle costs. While electric vehicles typically have higher costs upfront, savings can be expected throughout their lifecycle as there are less maintenance costs associated with electric vehicles since they do not require fuel, oil changes, spark plugs, or transmission servicing.

“Electric vehicles are new, but with changes to our climate and legislation, they are expected to become the new normal” explains Goran Saric, Director of Roadways, Fleet & Support. “By piloting these vehicles now, we can properly prepare for the infrastructure they require, as well as benefit from their lower greenhouse gas emissions, lower maintenance costs and cleaner energy source.”

By taking four fuel powered vehicles off the road and replacing them with low-emission vehicles, the City is reducing its corporate greenhouse gas emissions by 4 to 6 metric tonnes of CO2e every year which is equivalent to 4,400 lbs of coal burned, or the need for 66 tree seedlings grown for 10 years. 

This program supports the City’s Low Emissions Community Plan, more specifically, actions #17, #18, #20 and #21 and compliments Saskatoon Transit’s electric bus pilot project which launched in the summer of 2020.  

Please watch our video or visit Saskatoon.ca/ElectricVehicles for more information. 

Construction of a dry storm pond to help reduce neighbourhood flooding during significant rain events is underway in Churchill Park. Work began in the park in February and the project will be completed in 2023.

“Investing in climate-resilient infrastructure will protect communities from extreme weather events such as floods,” says the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities. “The Churchill Park dry storm pond will help increase Saskatoon’s resilience in the face of increased occurrences of floods while providing a recreation area and preserving green space. Our Government will continue to work with our provincial and municipal partners to improve residents’ safety and build stronger communities."

“This is the second of nine planned projects under the Flood Control Strategy that was approved by City Council in 2018,” says Acting Director of Saskatoon Water, Pam Hamoline. “Once complete, it will reduce the flood risk for properties near the intersections of Ruth Street at Cairns Avenue and York Avenue, and Bute Street at Munroe Avenue and Albert Avenue.”

Dry storm ponds hold water that would otherwise cause flooding in intersections and nearby properties during intense rainfalls. The water flows into the pond instead, then slowly drains into the storm sewer system. Whenever dry, it is used as recreational or park space.

Flood Control Strategy (FCS) projects have been planned to reduce flooding in neighbourhoods that were established prior to 1989, when improved storm water infrastructure standards were established. The first FCS project in W.W. Ashley District Park was successfully completed in late 2021 and will fully open later this year.

The Government of Canada is contributing 40% of the eligible construction costs up to a maximum of $21.6 million toward the nine FCS projects. The City is funding the remaining construction costs through the Storm Water Utility Capital Program and revenue generated from Storm Water Utility charges.

For more information about the FCS program and future project locations, visit saskatoon.ca/floodplan.

The City’s Flood Control Strategy (FCS), approved by City Council in 2018, is underway with the construction of a dry storm pond in W.W. Ashley District Park. It is the first of nine planned projects that will help reduce flooding in Saskatoon’s most flood-prone areas between now and 2027. Excavation in the park began in mid-February and the project will wrap-up later this year.

“Saskatoon already has eight dry storm ponds, mostly in neighbourhoods built after storm water infrastructure standards were established in 1989,” says Director of Saskatoon Water, Russ Munro. “The areas we are focusing on now are ones that were established prior to that and have a history of flooding properties and intersections.”

Dry storm ponds are designed to hold water that would otherwise cause nearby flooding during intense rainfalls. The water flows from properties and roads into the dry storm pond, then slowly drains into the storm sewer. Whenever dry, it is used as park space.

Next on the list of dry storm pond construction approvals, is one in Churchill Park. If approved by City Council on March 22, Saskatoon Water will move forward with design plans and proceed with construction in 2022.

“We will plan public engagement sessions in advance of any work happening to provide more information, hear from residents and answer any questions,” says Munro.

The dry storm pond projects include pond construction as well as upgrades to nearby storm water and sewer infrastructure.

The Government of Canada is contributing 40% of the eligible construction costs up to a maximum of $21.6 million toward nine FCS projects.  The City is funding the remaining construction costs through Storm Water Utility charges.

For more information about the FCS, and to subscribe to Flood Protection Plan updates, visit saskatoon.ca/floodplan.