News Releases

Saskatoon’s Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge is stronger with a smoother driving surface and a wider, more protected pedestrian walkway. The two-year, $20 million rehabilitation project on the 54-year-old structure is complete and the bridge will fully reopen on Sunday, September 6.

“Work progressed so well this summer that we are able to open the bridge approximately two months earlier than originally planned and within budget,” says Rob Frank, City of Saskatoon Engineering Manager of Asset Preservation. “We’ve improved the overall life span of the bridge by strengthening it and residents will notice a wider, safer walkway that better protects them from vehicular traffic.”

The City of Saskatoon utilized $15 million of its federal Gas Tax Fund (GTF) allocations towards the Sid Buckwold Bridge rehabilitation project. The GTF program in Saskatchewan is administered by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Government Relations.

“It is great news that the rehabilitation of the Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge has been completed early,” says the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “The improvements to the structure and walkway will keep traffic moving smoothly across this key Saskatoon crossing for years to come while also making it safer for pedestrians. Canada’s Infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across Canada, and builds stronger communities.”

“The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to play a role in administering the federal Gas Tax Fund program,” Government Relations Minister Lori Carr says. "This federal funding helps local governments advance important infrastructure projects, like the rehabilitation of Saskatoon's Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge and ramp structure. With the completion of each project, we help strengthen our communities and improve the quality of life for Saskatchewan's residents."

The Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge Rehabilitation Project included:

• Resurfacing of the Idylwyld Drive ramp over 19^th Street to 1^st Avenue 
• Walkway widening with taller barriers for improved pedestrian protection 
• New drainage system to help better traction by reducing puddles and splashing
• Concrete deck repairs and asphalt replacement
• Strengthening of piers  
• Barrier replacement 

Crews will remain on site over the next couple of weeks to complete some minor work and clean-up following the bridge opening.

The bridge officially opened in 1966 and was renamed in 2001 in honour of Senator Sidney L. Buckwold, who was the Mayor of Saskatoon when the bridge was built. It is 183 metres (600 feet) long and spans over the narrowest point of the South Saskatchewan River within Saskatoon.

To protect the health and safety of bus riders, residents and employees, non-medical face masks are required when traveling on Saskatoon Transit beginning September 1; as an added safety measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community, masks are recommended, but not required, when accessing indoor City-operated facilities and services.

“Our community spirit is strong when we work as one community to keep our guard up,” says Anthony Tataryn, Assistant Fire Chief. “Even if you have no symptoms, wearing a cloth or disposable mask is an extra measure we can all take to protect others around us, particularly in situations where two metres physical distancing cannot be maintained.”

City Council approved the measure at its meeting Monday, August 31. The change will allow Saskatoon Transit to safely operate full-seated loads and meet demand on all fixed route and Access Transit buses.

“Fall means back to school and the resumption of some activities, so we’ve looked at how we can meet the increased demand for our services,” says James McDonald, Director of Saskatoon Transit. “With more people riding the bus, physical distancing is not always possible, so requiring the use of masks is the next step to protect the health and safety of our riders and our bus operators.”

“The City is in the process of reopening the remaining indoor leisure centres and revising the programs that are delivered in those facilities,” says Andrew Roberts, Director of Recreation and Community Development. “We have safety measures in place throughout our leisure centres to ensure the safety of both our employees and our customers and the use of masks is seen as an added precaution indoors where physical distancing may be difficult to keep at all times.”

If at any point in the future the Province provides direction related to mask use by the public the City would follow the Provincial lead. 

The City will focus on educating and informing the public of COVID-19 safety precautions and the use of non-medical face coverings as an additional safety precaution, rather than enforcement. 

For the latest updates on City services including a list of convenient online services, visit saskatoon.ca/covid-19. 

City Council yesterday approved amendments to Bylaw No. 8075, The Business License Bylaw, and Bylaw No. 8770, The Zoning Bylaw that update the regulations for short-term accommodations; hosts now must obtain a Commercial Business License, and abide by occupation limits among other regulations.

Short-term accommodations include vacation rentals, bed and breakfasts and AirBnBs. 

The amendments were proposed by the Administration following extensive engagement with the public, stakeholders and hotel industry. They establish development standards and licensing requirements for short-term accommodations to maintain the amenity and character of the areas they are located in, and minimize potential conflicts.

Highlights of the requirements include:

• Short-Term Rental Properties - rental property of the host:
  • Application requirements include obtaining a Commercial Business License, as well as submitting a Host Declaration Form, along with written permission of the property owner and/or condominium corporation (if applicable). Discretionary use approval (a form of public consultation) is required in low and medium density residential zoning districts.
  • Regulations include hosting a maximum of six guests in a dwelling and three guests in a secondary suite located within a dwelling. One hard surface parking space must be provided on-site for guests.
• Homestays - home of the host:
  • Application requirements include obtaining a Commercial Business License, as well as submitting a Host Declaration Form, along with written permission of the property owner and/or condominium corporation (if applicable).
  • Regulations include hosting a maximum of six guests in a one-unit dwelling, three guests in a secondary suite, and two guests in a duplex, townhouse, apartment or condominium. Two hard surface parking spaces must be provided on-site.

For more information on the bylaw amendments and the requirements for short-term accommodations, visit saskatoon.ca/shorttermstays.

Immigration is important to Canada’s economy and population growth. It is estimated that Canada needs 350,000 immigrants every year to meet its workforce needs. By 2035, 25 per cent of Canada’s population will be 65-years-old and above. In short, Canada will need more workers to support the economy. Our local and provincial economies plus the associated health of our communities in the years ahead depend on making Saskatoon and Saskatchewan a supportive and welcoming place for immigrant families.

To further this work, Immigration Partnership Saskatoon (IPS) is proud to be launching its “See Me As I Am/Be An Ally” campaign. The goals of the campaign are to increase awareness of how newcomers benefit Saskatoon, to build support and create understanding of newcomers as an integral part of an inclusive, diverse workforce and welcoming community.
  
Established in May 2017, IPS is a community collective that includes Saskatoon Settlement Sector agencies, the Government of Canada, Province of Saskatchewan, City of Saskatoon, the University of Saskatchewan, United Way of Saskatoon, Saskatoon Public School Division, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools, Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce and others. The Partnership is developing a Newcomer Strategy and Action Plan to make Saskatoon more welcoming for newcomers and to improve accessibility to services.

“The “See Me As I Am/Be An Ally” campaign is a great example of what Saskatoon is all about - it’s a community-driven and community-focused project that builds connections and understanding. The messaging is powerful, and it serves as an important reminder to see beyond our differences and to reinforce the connections and ties that we share. When we are at our best as a city, we can serve as an example of what it means to be welcoming and inclusive,” says Charlie Clark, Mayor of Saskatoon.

“Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is proud to partner with Saskatoon’s  campaign. Now, more than ever, Canadians need to unite around our common values of “See Me As I Am/Be An Ally” diversity and inclusion. I am pleased that Saskatonians are having this important dialogue, and I look forward to seeing what fruit this brings,” says the Honourable Marco Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC).

“The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to be a part of Immigration Saskatoon Partnership and welcomes this exciting new campaign,” Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “Efforts like this to support newcomers in their transition and integration into Saskatoon and across our great province will help those individuals and our communities achieve social, cultural, and economic success.”

The campaign includes the “See Me As I Am” and the “Be An Ally” videos. To learn more about how you can be an ally and to see the videos, visit the IPS website at https://ipsk.ca/.

The City in partnership with Dream Development today, unveiled the installation of a large-scale art piece in the Brighton neighbourhood.  Entitled “Coming Home”, Dream Development worked with Heavy Industries, Fort Architecture and Saskatoon-born designer, Landon Anholt, to create the sculpture which is intended to complement the natural environment and specifically the nearby wetlands. The sculpture is the largest private donation of public art in the City’s history.

“Public art adds vibrancy to a neighbourhood and helps to create a sense of belonging and pride in our community,” says Mayor Charlie Clark. “This piece, envisioned by a Saskatoon-born designer, reflects the natural beauty of the area and will become a centrepiece for the growing Brighton neighbourhood. My thanks to Dream Development for the unprecedented investment in public art and to all the City of Saskatoon staff and community partners for enriching the neighbourhood with this great project.”

According to Jayden Schmiess, Land Development Manager at Dream Development, the most unique feature of the piece is its perspective. 

“From most vantage points the piece will look like a cluster of bird houses suspended in the air or a neighborhood in the sky,” Schmiess says. “However, from the westbound lanes of Brighton Common, as you approach it, the individual elements come together to form the shape of a large bird in flight with outstretched wings.”

The Saskatoon Municipal Culture Plan includes specific strategies to facilitate cultural investments in Saskatoon neighbourhoods, with donations of public art facilitated through the City’s Policy No. C10-025, Public Art Policy. The commission and donation of “Coming Home” could potentially serve as a future model for the donation of public art by developers in new Saskatoon neighbourhoods.

The City thanks Dream Development for the generous donation of “Coming Home” to Saskatoon’s public art collection.

On Monday, August 24, the Governance & Priorities Committee will consider a report that addresses the use of non-medical face coverings by the public.

“COVID-19 is still a public emergency and according to public health experts, it will continue to impact City services and the community for months to come,” says Pamela Goulden-McLeod, Director of Emergency Management Organization. “At a local level, we continue to follow recommendations from the Government of Canada and the Provincial Government to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission using the hierarchy of controls. The hierarchy suggests that non-medical face coverings should be used when other controls such as staying at home, physical distancing, installing barriers, and altering services cannot be achieved.”

City Administration is recommending to Council that non-medical face masks be required when traveling on Saskatoon Transit beginning September 1 to allow Saskatoon Transit to safely operate full-seated loads and meet demand on all fixed route and Access Transit buses. The Administration is also recommending to Council that non-medical face masks are recommended, but not required, when accessing indoor City-operated facilities and services to protect the health and safety of residents and employees. Additionally, the report outlines implications and considerations in respect to a community-wide non-medical face masks bylaw.

“The health and well-being of our employees and residents continues to be our priority in putting these recommendations forward,” adds Goulden-McLeod. “By following the recommended safety precautions, and wearing a non-medical face mask indoors, we can continue to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community and protect the health of our family, friends and neighbours.”

If at any point in the future the Province provides direction related to mask use by the public the City would follow the Provincial lead. 

If approved, the City will focus on educating and informing the public of COVID-19 safety precautions and the use of non-medical face coverings as an additional safety precaution, rather than enforcement. 

Residents can expect additional City facilities to open in the days and weeks ahead. For the latest updates on City services including a list of convenient online services, visit saskatoon.ca/covid-19. 

The City of Saskatoon continues to undertake workforce planning in light of COVID-19. The City’s priority has been to maintain services and jobs wherever possible while keeping the health of employees and residents top of mind. Core services are being maintained throughout the pandemic. 

“Given that such a large percentage of our workforce needs to be working in the community or interfacing with residents, we have definitely had to pivot during this time,” says David Smith, Acting Chief Human Resources Officer. “We’ve had to adjust operations in a number of ways to follow Government of Saskatchewan’s public health orders.”

Some of these changes have included: mandatory masks for employees that are unable to physically distance, reorganization of work spaces to enable more distance and add barriers, operational adjustments to allow more time for sanitization of work and public spaces. In accordance with provincial health orders and the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan, other employees have been working from home where they can do so effectively using digital technologies.

“In preparation for a potential increase of COVID-19 cases this fall, the City is continuing to apply a high degree of caution to our workforce planning,” says Smith. “For example, we’ve recently directed those employees that can effectively work from home to continue doing so until January.”

The City is working to bring more services online and to increase its customer service capacity via phone, email and other virtual platforms. In addition to these ongoing adjustments, a formal review of operations will take place in November to consider and reassess workforce planning measures.
 

The City of Saskatoon’s 2019 Annual Report is now available online.

The Financial Statements continue to show prudent financial management and responsible governance by the Administration and City Council.

The City continues to enjoy a strong and steadily growing economy, which can be seen by the City’s 2019 ending surplus of $0.518 million compared to a deficit of $3.02 million in 2018, a healthy Statement of Financial Position along with a AAA/Stable credit rating from S&P Global.

The Annual Report provides an overview of:

• The City’s Audited Consolidated Financial Statements;
• Financial Discussion & Analysis on the City’s Financial performance and forecasts;
• Updates on Major Projects and Initiatives; and
• Updated Performance Measures made against goals outlined in the City’s 2018 – 2021 Strategic Plan.

The City's fiscal year runs from January 1 to December 31.

View other performance and finance-related reports at saskatoon.ca.

The 2020 Civic Election is November 9, 2020.  Eligible voters in Saskatoon will cast their ballot for Mayor, City Councillors and School Board Trustees. Voting safely is our priority. The City’s Election Office will ensure public safety measures are in place for voters and election workers. The Civic Election team will respond accordingly to all current public health orders and COVID-19 directives as issued by the Province.  

In an effort to provide a greater number of voting opportunities, encourage voter turnout, and ensure voting safely during the COVID-19 pandemic, additional voting opportunities will be available to Saskatoon residents this fall.

At its special meeting today, City Council received an information report that advises of an increase to the number of advance polling stations, and approved an amendment to The Election Bylaw, 2012 to expand accessibility to mail-in ballots.

“We’re pleased to be able to provide eligible voters with a number of options to cast their ballots in this fall’s Civic Election, whether it’s by mail-in ballot, advanced poll or in-person on election day November 9,” says Scott Bastian, Returning Officer.

Meeting highlights:

• Changes to The Election Bylaw, 2012:
  • All eligible voters will be able to request a mail-in ballot, regardless of circumstances.
  • The requirements for the mail-in ballot application witnesses criteria has been expanded to anyone who is an eligible voter in the municipal election.
• The election team is currently finalizing plans to implement the City’s first ever drive thru advance poll voting option, located in the north-end of Saskatoon.
• Advanced polls will be increased over the 2016 election with a total of 11 advanced poll locations available between October 30 and November 5.
• Sixty-six polling stations will be open (one in each neighbourhood as reasonably practical) on election day November 9.

Eligible voters can apply online for a mail-in ballot by visiting saskatoon.ca/mailballot. Mail-in ballots must be received at the election office on November 9 by 8:00 p.m.

For more information and the latest election updates, visit saskatoon.ca/election2020 or follow the City on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Saskatoon’s Bicycle Bylaw has been updated to bring cycling rules and regulations in line with national best practices. The changes, proposed by the Administration following input from various community organizations, Business Improvement Districts and City Advisory Committees, have been adopted by City Council.

“Reviewing and updating the Bicycle Bylaw was one of 80 action items within our Active Transportation Plan,” says Jay Magus, Director of Transportation. “The feedback we have received over the past two years regarding ways to improve safety and encourage respectful shared road and pathway etiquette, has been imperative in helping us bring it up to date.”

Revisions made to the Bicycle Bylaw include:

• Children under the age of 14 are allowed to ride bikes on the sidewalk; 
• People riding bikes on shared pathways must ride at a moderate rate of speed and proceed with reasonable consideration for all pedestrians and other path users.

The following revision has also been made to the Traffic Bylaw:

• Drivers must pass people riding bikes on the road with a minimum one-metre buffer on streets with only one driving lane in the direction of travel.

“These changes affect all of us whether we’re walking, biking, or driving. We hope the Bicycle Bylaw and the changes we have made will help reinforce safe and respectful traveling behaviour among all road and pathway users,” says Magus.

To enforce all aspects of the revised Bicycle Bylaw, both Saskatoon Police and Community Support Officers have the ability to issue tickets. The revised Bicycle Bylaw is officially in effect.

For more information on the revised Bicycle Bylaw and for cycling tips, where to ride and how to safely bike around town, please visit Saskatoon.ca/byxe.