News Releases

“The Coming Spring” by accomplished Canadian artist, Gordon Reeve, was unveiled in Victoria Park today.  The work was commissioned by the Saskatoon Tribal Council and the City, with funding from the Government of Canada through the Canada 150 Fund.  It was developed with extensive input from the community and guidance from Elders and Indian residential school survivors.

The artwork’s creation is in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action No. 79:  Participate in a strategy to commemorate the contributions and history of Aboriginal peoples to Canada.

“The Government of Canada is committed to working on meaningful and lasting reconciliation,” says the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage. “As we marked Canada 150 in 2017, it was important to consider and learn about all the events that shaped our country, including some of the darker chapters in our history.  It is through telling and experiencing these stories—our stories—that we learn from each other, reconcile ourselves with the past, and move toward a future together.  The Coming Spring:  Where Our Paths Cross reconciliation commemorative artwork will bring together Indigenous Peoples and all Canadians to remember, learn, and share, and will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.”

“We are honoured to have had the opportunity to work on this significant art project for the past two years with our partners,” says Saskatoon Tribal Council Chief Mark Arcand.  “We acknowledge that a lot of work has been done and still needs to be done in regards to healing the past, but with this present era of Reconciliation, we are all working towards the same goal to move ahead and improve the quality of life for our entire community.”

The 27-foot tall arch and two spires are constructed entirely of stainless steel that reflects the sun and moon.  The longer 47-foot spire, pointing north, symbolically represents the First Nations’ long history.  The 39-foot spire, pointing south, symbolically represents the history of the Métis Nation.  Suspended high on each spire are moving chimes.  The rustling and bell-like sounds the chimes make suggest the voices of children heard at a distance, representing the children taken by the residential system from all of the communities in Treaty Six Territory. 

“Our paths cross in Reconciliation Circle as we unveil ‘The Coming Spring’ commemorative art project,” says Shirley Isbister, President of the Central Urban Métis Federation Incorporated.  “The artist, Gordon Reeve, has brought a true spirit of community inclusion into this monumental piece.  The jingles will ring out the voices of children, women, families, and our diverse community.”

“The Coming Spring” is located within Reconciliation Circle in Victoria Park, north of the festival site and east of Spadina Crescent West.  The location was identified by First Nations and Métis Elders as having particular significance because it has been the site of two reconciliation gatherings, is large enough to accommodate community events, and has a view of the park, trees, and South Saskatchewan River.

“‘The Coming Spring’ makes a meaningful statement at this beautiful location on our cherished riverbank in Reconciliation Circle at Victoria Park,” says Mayor Charlie Clark.  “This sculpture creates an opportunity for present and future generations to reflect on where we have come from and where we are going as a city, a city where the paths have crossed between First Nations, Métis, and generation after generation of immigrants seeking a good life here, free from persecution.  This year, as thousands gather in Reconciliation Circle on National Indigenous Peoples Day, the messages of reconciliation and committing ourselves to a stronger future together will be even more poignant because of this piece of art.”

Since 2015, the City has been working with the Saskatoon Tribal Council; Central Urban Métis Federation Incorporated; Office of the Treaty Commissioner; and other community groups, leaders, and institutions in Saskatchewan to promote reconciliation.

Residents are reminded that the third annual “Rock Your Roots” Walk for Reconciliation and National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations take place tomorrow, June 21, in Victoria Park.

For more information on “The Coming Spring” and other public artwork, please visit saskatoon.ca/publicart.

People of all ages, cultural backgrounds and abilities, are invited to join the third annual “Rock Your Roots” Walk for Reconciliation and National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations in Victoria Park on Thursday, June 21.

The “Rock Your Roots” Walk begins at 10:00 a.m. at the top of Victoria Park. We recommend people arrive at 9.30 a.m. for marshalling and a communal warm up exercise. The walk culminates at 11:30 a.m. and joins up with National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations, which includes free lunch, special guest speakers, live entertainment and fun for the whole family.

This year our theme is “Planting the Seed”. By walking together, we plant the seeds of reconciliation - honouring survivors and responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action as we grow a more inclusive community.

Participants and groups are encouraged (but not required) to “Rock Your Roots” by holding or wearing traditional symbols of your culture to show and share the diversity within our community.

SCHEDULE

7:30 a.m. Pipe Ceremony – open to all. *Information on Pipe Ceremony protocol can be found on page 24 of the ayisīnowak guide on Saskatoon.ca/ayisīnowak.

9:30 a.m. Gather at the start line for a group warm up exercise!

10:00 a.m. “Rock Your Roots” Walk for Reconciliation begins. Along the way, you’ll see the Chinese Martial Arts Academy, Curtis Peeteetuce, German Junior Folk Dance, India School of Dance and Music, Taste of China Academy and others perform!

11:30 a.m. Grand Entry of dignitaries and special guests.

12:30 – 4:00 p.m. Free lunch, cultural entertainment and family fun as part of National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations hosted by Saskatoon Indian and Métis Friendship Centre.

Celebrations are free and open to all. Golf carts will be available for those unable to walk.

For more information, including a map of the Walk, visit Facebook.com/ReconciliationSaskatoon or OTC.ca.

The City of Saskatoon’s commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action supports the City’s strategic goal of Quality of Life by identifying actions for enhancing Aboriginal well-being and participation in our community.

As part of the Building Better Roads program, the City is undertaking major improvement work on a key stretch of Idylwyld Drive, between 33^rd and 39^th streets. The improvements include road resurfacing as well as water and sewer upgrades.

“This resurfacing project will improve the roadway along Idylwyld Drive southbound and the 33^rd Street and Idylwyld Drive intersection,” says Celene Anger, Director of Construction & Design. “We’re also taking this opportunity to remove outdated lines that connect adjacent properties to the City’s watermain and replace them with new infrastructure. This work is in line with the City’s accelerated lead line replacement program and will reduce the susceptibility of watermain breakage, extending the life of the roadway.”

The old lead line connections will be replaced with lines made of materials that are more reliable. The new water lines are made of Polyethylene and the sewer lines are constructed from Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC).

The City is also working with property owners adjacent to this stretch of Idylwyld Drive to have any outdated pipes in their home or business replaced at the same time. This is more economical than undertaking the private property replacements separately.

Following the completion of the underground water and sewer work, road resurfacing will take place on Idylwyld Drive southbound from 33^rd to 39^th streets and on Idylwyld Drive northbound from 33^rd to 36^th streets. This work will include the intersection at 33^rd Street and Idylwyld Drive. These sections of roadway will be in smooth ‘like new’ condition following the completion of work.

Weather permitting, Idylwyld Drive construction is set to begin on Monday, June 18, 2018. Provided there are no unforeseen complications and the weather cooperates, the work should take approximately three weeks to complete.

The work is being planned in an effort to reduce the impacts to adjacent properties and Idylwyld Drive traffic. For example, intersection work at Idylwyld Drive and 33^rd Street will be completed over weekends and construction work will be phased (completed in sections) so that at least one lane of Idylwyld Drive can remain open in both directions for the duration of the project.

Road users can expect turning restrictions and lane reductions on Idylwyld Drive between 33^rd and 39^th streets beginning June 18, 2018. The City is advising residents to expect delays or to choose an alternate route if possible.

Bus routes along the construction route may also be affected throughout the project. During construction, residents are advised to check the posted signage for alternate bus stop locations or to check the Transit App.

More information about the 2018 Building Better Roads plan is available at saskatoon.ca/betterroads. You can also access Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/servicealerts or follow @YXEServiceAlert on Twitter.

The City thanks drivers for their patience while this necessary work is carried out. Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews and, for everyone’s safety, obey all detours, signs, and barriers.

Saskatoon is re-imagining how we grow and move around our city by addressing our community and infrastructure needs for transit, cycling, walking and other modes of transportation in support of the City’s Plan for Growth.

“We’re at a critical time in considering how we’re going to develop our city for the future. The input we’ve received from members of the community has helped to shape the plan for Bus Rapid Transit, and we’re looking forward to continue working with citizens to identify the best ways to implement it in the coming years,” says Lesley Anderson, Director of Planning & Development. “This Special meeting will help lay out all the information in one place on both the Transit Plan and BRT, as well as the Downtown AAA Cycling Network”

Over the past eight months, the City has engaged with community members and stakeholders regarding the new Transit Plan – based around Bus Rapid Transit and the Downtown All Ages and Abilities Cycling Network. The next step in the engagement process for these projects involves Civic Administration presenting associated information reports at a Special Governance and Priorities Committee meeting on June 20, 2018.

In preparation for growth, citizens should be aware that their voice is significant in shaping these projects. Whether it’s through submitting comments and/or speaking in person, every form of engagement is essential in connecting to the big picture, which is presenting these projects to City Council for approval in Fall/Winter 2018.  

“We are at a very exciting time in our history, developing mobility options for customers of the future,” says Michael Moellenbeck, Acting Director of Saskatoon Transit. “Bus Rapid Transit, the Transit Plan and the AAA Cycling Network are initiatives about which we have had great conversations within the community and we are using those comments to adjust proposals into plans. There will be more engagement required as we work to develop the final plans but this special meeting will provide us with an excellent starting point.”

The selected streets for the downtown AAA cycling network are: 19th Street, 23rd Street, 4th Avenue, and Idylwyld Drive.

“These streets were selected based on a detailed understanding of trade-offs between the variety of users and functions these downtown streets serve, striving to achieve a balance amongst all users,” says Jay Magus, Acting Director of Transportation.

“The proposed Downtown AAA cycling network introduces a three-and-a-half kilometre network of downtown cycling facilities, providing an interconnected system of facilities that is comfortable and attractive for most users.”

Should citizens want to submit a letter or have their voice heard during this event, it is asked that they submit a “request to speak” using the following link: https://www.saskatoon.ca/write-letter-councilcommittees 

Plan for Growth projects are funded in part under the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund (PTIF) from the Government of Canada. The Government of Saskatchewan administers federal PTIF funding in the Province. The City is funding the remainder of the Plan.

To learn more about the Transit Plan, visit saskatoon.ca/transit-plan  and for the Downtown All Ages and Abilities Cycling Network, visit saskatoon.ca/AAA-Cycling-Network

Learn more about engagement opportunities by visiting saskatoon.ca/engage.

Dori Krahn of the Saskatoon Fire Department, has been selected by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to receive a Star Scholarship Award for her dedication in effectively reaching the public with fire safety education. As an award recipient, Dori is currently attending NFPA’s Conference & Expo Spotlight on Public Education (SOPE), a 2-day event for fire and life safety educators and others interested in public education and community risk reduction, in Las Vegas, Nevada. She is participating in training sessions, conference events, and a networking reception. NFPA’s Conference & Expo serves as the premier annual event for fire, electrical, and building safety.

“Dori has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to reducing Saskatoon residents’ risk to fire and related hazards,” said Laura King, regional education specialist for NFPA’s Canadian Public Education Division. “She is truly deserving of this award, and we’re thrilled to have her attend this year’s conference.”

Assistant Chief Wayne Rodger added “Dori identified a need within our community and has championed a program that meets the needs for older adults, including education, recommendations on fire and fall prevention as well as forging solid relationships with the Saskatoon Council on Ageing and the Saskatchewan Health Authority to provide further health care services.”

NFPA chose 12 scholarship recipients from the United States and Canada who provide consistent and innovative outreach to their community; actively use and implement NFPA resources and programs including Learn Not to Burn®, Remembering When™, or Fire Prevention Week; promote NFPA in their community, state or province; and/or are new, enthusiastic, fire and life safety educators interested in learning about NFPA programs and materials.

Winners were selected by NFPA’s Regional Education Specialists and Canadian Public Education Representative. Each scholarship is valued at approximately $2,000 and includes travel, conference registration, and lodging.

On behalf of the Saskatoon Fire Department, congratulations to Dori Krahn on your national recognition and continued commitment to our community!

​Today, 19 high school students will successfully graduate from the FIRE Cadet Program. Each of these students has demonstrated responsibility, respect, teamwork, community involvement, pride, and leadership to get to this point.

The FIRE Cadet Program is supported by the Saskatoon Public Schools and Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools, and is part of the Career Education Program at Bedford Road Collegiate, Mount Royal Collegiate, Tommy Douglas Collegiate, E.D. Feehan Catholic High School, Bethlehem Catholic High School, Bishop James Mahoney Catholic High School, and Holy Cross Catholic High School. Students from these schools applied to be a part of the program and were selected after an interview process.

“The FIRE Cadets have displayed impressive levels of teamwork and growth throughout their time with the Saskatoon Fire Department. The students came from a diverse set of backgrounds and interests, but quickly developed a sense of comradery. It’s a unique and rewarding experience to help lead these students and watch them work together to achieve various tasks and challenges” said Holly Lindberg, one of the firefighters leading the program.

Throughout the eight week program cadets learned to operate fire hoses, hydrants, fire trucks, and an aerial. They gained technical rope, ladder, extrication, dangerous goods, firefighter self-rescue, and water rescue skills. Cadets also received the CPR Level C and valuable experience giving fire safety presentations.

Brandon Bishop with the Saskatoon Fire Department states, “The support we have received from our community has been instrumental in the success of our students and the program. Don Flaman from Flaman Sales provided us with a trailer for the entire length of the program, SGI provided us with cars to allow our students to practice their extrication skills, and FFUN Motor Group provided the program with a van to shuttle the students to and from training sessions”.

Congratulations to each student who is graduating from the FIRE Cadet Program today!

On June 11, Administration will bring a series of recommendations around curbside waste management to the Environment, Utilities, and Corporate Services Committee of Council. Administration is recommending that a Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) waste utility and city-wide organics program be launched together before the end of 2019.

“A successful waste diversion program, which includes more comprehensive organics and recycling programs, is critical to deferring the closure of the landfill,” says Brenda Wallace, Director of Environmental and Corporate Initiatives. “It would cost an estimated 26 million dollars to close the existing landfill and 100 million dollars to establish a new one. We are excited and optimistic that so many of our engagement participants share our vision and are committed to diverting waste from our landfill.”

Additional details of the recommendation can be found in the June 11, 2018 report to Committee (Recommended Changes to Waste Management in Saskatoon) and include:

• that organics be collected in a single green cart for co-mingled food and yard waste;
• that waste utility fees be based on cart sizes (lower prices for smaller carts);
• and that no changes be made to the existing recycling program.

To help inform the recommendations, the City held a series of engagement activities between February 12 and March 6 as part of the Saskatoon Talks Trash campaign.  The primary purpose of community engagement was to ensure that changes to waste management in Saskatoon are feasible, desirable, and community-informed in their design and implementation. Residents and stakeholders were informed about city-wide organics and a variable-rate waste utility and were asked to provide feedback based on their preferences, value, and priorities. They were also invited to share ideas about recycling, depots, and other programs that could contribute to the City's goal of 70% waste diversion by 2023. 

"We're happy to report that over 5,000 residents participated in community engagement," Wallace says. "We heard you, Saskatoon! The input and ideas we received from our residents and stakeholders is invaluable, and was instrumental in helping to shape the recommendations being brought forward."

For more information regarding curbside engagement results and the recommendations being brought forward, visit: saskatoon.ca/engage/saskatoon-talks-trash-curbside

For more information on the City’s Waste Diversion Plan, visit: saskatoon.ca/wastediversion.

Community engagement with multi-unit (apartments and condos) residents and property managers is currently underway. The purpose of this engagement is to get valuable feedback and insights on organics, waste diversion, and existing services. Engagement with institutional, commercial, and industrial stakeholders will begin in fall 2018.

The federal government announced today that Saskatoon is a finalist for the federal government’s Smart Cities Challenge. 

The Smart Cities Challenge is a national competition that invites communities to implement bold ideas to address enduring challenges through innovation, data and connected technology. Saskatoon’s application has brought together a wide range of Indigenous, community, and institutional partners to focus on breaking the cycle of Indigenous youth incarceration. The application proposes to create a new cycle based on integrated and coordinated data and programs that build purpose, belonging, security and identity. 

“Through our engagement, our partners and residents have told us that Saskatchewan’s incarceration rates, and in particular Indigenous youth incarceration rates, are at a shameful level,” said Mayor Charlie Clark. “This has a price for all of us in our community and our country. We have an incredible group of partners, and most importantly, we will work directly with Indigenous youth so that this work remains grounded in lived experiences.”

By being selected as a finalist in this competition, the City of Saskatoon has been awarded a prize of $250,000 to more fully develop its proposal. The City will continue work with community partners to develop an innovative technology platform and coordinated programmatic system that will support youth to make choices that reduce the chances of incarceration. 

“We are beyond thrilled to have been selected to move on to the next phase in the Challenge,” says Lynne Lacroix, Director of Recreation and Community Development. “Saskatoon residents, institutions and businesses worked together to successfully and innovatively rise to the challenge, and we have now been given a genuine opportunity to put forward our final proposal that could lead to transformational change to the wellbeing of residents and overall quality of life in our city.”

The community and institutional partners include:

Central Urban Métis Federation Inc.

Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools

Saskatchewan Health Authority

Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology

Saskatchewan Polytechnic

Saskatoon Police Service

Saskatoon Public Schools

Saskatoon Tribal Council

United Way of Saskatoon and area

University of Saskatchewan

There will be additional partners included in this next phase.

The final proposals are due in the coming winter with the winners being announced in early 2019. The competition that Saskatoon has entered is for communities with a population of under 500,000 residents, and there are two prizes of $10 million available to be won in this category. 

Saskatoon Transit is piloting a new bus route that will improve access to many medical and health facilities throughout the city. Route 808 pilot will run on weekdays from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. starting June 1, 2018.

“Saskatoon Transit, along with the Saskatoon Council on Aging and the Saskatoon Health Authority, recognized a gap in our current network,” says Jim McDonald, Director of Saskatoon Transit. “Access to some medical and health facilities on our existing routes sometimes requires our riders to walk long distances. We are running Route 808 as an attempt to make those buildings more accessible.”   

Route 808 will service the following facilities every 45 minutes:

• City Hall
• Saskatoon Housing Authority
• RUH / Cancer Centre
• Field House (front door)
• Luther Tower
• Ronald McDonald House
• City Hospital
• Medical Arts Building

Route 808 will provide Access Transit customers with an alternative transportation option to attend medical appointments.

If the pilot route is determined successful based on customer feedback, it may become permanent. Customers will be able to use the Transit mobile app to plan their trip and view the route map and times at SaskatoonTransit.ca/route-and-schedules. 

Saskatoon Strides - 2017 Report on Service, Savings and Sustainability highlights the progress the City continues to make to drive service improvements, savings for taxpayers, and sustainability initiatives throughout many accomplishments in 2017.

“This report highlights the many ways we’ve worked together to build an ongoing culture of innovation and creativity,” says Kim Matheson, Director of Employee Experience and Performance.  “We empower our staff to take on new challenges, try new strategies and come up with new ways to meet the changing needs of our community, and that results in making strides in the right direction.”   

2017 Report on Service, Savings and Sustainability highlights:

• Identified savings, additional funding, and revenues total over $30 million in 2017, which included over $4.5 million in operational efficiencies and additional revenue
• Saskatoon Land  delivered over $25 million in total financial returns for 2017
• $1.45 million identified through internal process and civic service reviews
• The City applied for Federal and Provincial Infrastructure Grants and received funding approval for $431,000
• A number of continuous improvement initiatives in Information Technology resulted in over $800,000 savings identified in 2017
• In 2017, to continue to grow the city in a sustainable way, civic Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions were reduced by approximately 48,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) a year, the equivalent of taking over 10,300 cars off our roads
• Civic programs diverted approximately 27,900 tonnes of waste from the Saskatoon Landfill, contributing to reduced GHG emissions reductions and extending the life of the landfill

“We are very proud of our positive, productive, and innovative organizational culture, it empowers our employees, our teams, to build a better city,” adds Matheson.

Along with highlights of the many initiatives in 2017 that made a positive impact and realized improvements in City services, savings, and sustainability, are numerous awards and recognition, and a wide variety of kudos received by the City from residents.

Find the full report and details on the financial savings and project initiatives on the City's website. The Strides report was presented to City Council on May 28, 2018.