News Releases

Residents living in multi-unit buildings are invited to participate in a series of engagement activities as part of the ongoing Saskatoon Talks Trash campaign. 6% of waste generated in Saskatoon comes from multi-unit residential buildings, representing an important component of reaching the City’s target of 70% waste diversion by 2023.

“Decisions about how we manage waste will impact all current and future residents, so it is important we get this right.” says Brenda Wallace, Director of Environmental and Corporate Initiatives. “Approximately 34% of housing in Saskatoon is multi-unit residential. We hope to hear from a large cross-section of multi-unit residents including people of all ages, people living in different areas, people of various incomes, and people with differing abilities. Everybody is encouraged to get involved.”

Wallace says 61% of waste generated by multi-unit residents (8,600 tonnes annually) could be diverted with the right programs, policies and resident participation rates.

“To extend the life of our landfill it is critical to add multi-unit organics collection, review current waste services, look for innovative diversion ideas from our residents, and develop a sustainable funding model for waste,” Wallace says.

She adds the costs to close the existing landfill and establish a new landfill are estimated at $26 million and $100 million respectively. Engagement sessions will involve residents and property managers of condominiums and apartment buildings to gain insights on waste diversion opportunities and service.

The engagement project will gather input and ideas about: designing an organics collection program and determining whether service will be provided by the City or mandated through a bylaw; how existing waste and recycling services are used by multi-unit residents and opportunities for improvement; and additional programs and services to increase waste diversion and resident participation.

Public engagement begins June 3. For more information, including dates and locations of events, visit saskatoon.ca/yxetalkstrash.

Conversations with institutional, commercial, and industrial stakeholders will begin in fall 2018.

The City of Saskatoon, Office of the Treaty Commissioner, Saskatoon Tribal Council, Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. along with 84 business and community organization members of Reconciliation Saskatoon gathered in Civic Square outside City Hall today to raise the Reconciliation flag in honour of Indian residential school and Sixties Scoop survivors.

“Looking back at what happened to us in residential schools - the loss of culture and language, the physical, sexual and mental abuse, the blatant racism we experienced – this ceremony is incredibly important to me and for all the survivors,” says Frank Badger, Elder and Indian residential school survivor.

“By going back to our roots and celebrating our culture, language and traditions, we are making our way back to who we once were as proud First Nation, Inuit and Métis people. We are teaching our ways to the generation today and those yet to be born, and we will show our children that no one will ever experience this dark time again.”

The Reconciliation Saskatoon movement has grown to 88 member organizations since the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Report with the aim to further a community conversation about the process of Canadian reconciliation and to educate residents to engage in calls to action.

“In Saskatoon, there is a tremendous effort underway throughout the community to work towards reconciliation and to create a stronger Treaty relationship now and into our shared future,” says Mayor Charlie Clark.

“By honouring survivors and keeping the next generations top of mind, over 80 non-profits, businesses, institutions, and faith communities have been making a positive change in our community through the work of Reconciliation Saskatoon. It is remarkable to see such a strong community-wide support for this important work as we raise the Reconciliation Saskatoon flag this morning and recommit ourselves to a stronger community.”

Upcoming reconciliation events in Saskatoon include the official unveiling ceremony for “The Coming Spring” Reconciliation Art Project in Victoria Park on June 20 and the third annual “Rock Your Roots” Walk for Reconciliation along with National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations on June 21.  

“Reconciliation is a shared journey which begins with each and every one of us,” says Shirley Isbister, President, Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. ”It’s important for us to provide opportunities like the Flag Raising Ceremony and the Rock Your Roots walk to help people explore the meaning of reconciliation and respond to the Truth and Reconciliation’s Calls to Action.”

In 2015, Saskatoon committed to responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s calls to action, with a proclamation by City Council on June 22, declaring 2015-16 the Year of Reconciliation. In addition, the City committed to working with the Office of the Treaty Commissioner and other community groups, leaders and institutions in Saskatchewan, to promote reconciliation in our province.

For more information on events, or to have your reconciliation event added to the calendar, please visit www.OTC.ca.

The City of Saskatoon is participating in the Commuter Challenge (June 3-9, 2018), a national initiative coordinated by municipal volunteer representatives from across the country. The intent of the initiative is to encourage people to try one or multiple modes of active and sustainable transportation like transit, cycling, or carpooling.

The City of Saskatoon is putting its own spin on the initiative by inviting City employees to participate in a game of Commuter Challenge Bingo.

“Saskatoon Transit is a great fit for an initiative like this because we tick all the boxes,” says Jim McDonald, Director of Saskatoon Transit. “Bus travel is sustainable and it’s also active—the bus is typically one piece of a trip that also includes walking and/or cycling.”

“We just saw a very successful turnout for Bike to Work Day YXE, and this is our chance to build on that success,” says Jay Magus, Acting Director of Transportation. “Some feedback we received following Bike to Work Day is that it’s surprisingly easy and pleasant to bike to work. We’re hoping this day will be an opportunity for more City employees to see that cycling, carpooling and taking the bus are actually convenient, affordable and enjoyable options.”

As the City of Saskatoon continues to move towards expanding transportation options around the city – with initiatives like Bus Rapid Transit and new cycling infrastructure – participation in initiatives like the Commuter Challenge will become even more commonplace.

While this particular challenge is directed at City of Saskatoon employees, other Saskatoon organizations and individuals are encouraged to consider leading or participating in their own game of Commuter Challenge Bingo.

More information at saskatoon.ca/CommuterChallenge.

As the world prepares to watch a new generation of the Royal Family celebrate marriage vows of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle this Saturday, May 19, we have an opportunity to look back in time to share a Saskatoon story with a connection to royalty.

“We recently digitized a – colour – film of the 1939 royal visit to Saskatoon,” says City Archivist Jeff O’Brien.  “We have this one-of-a-kind treasure in the archives; with the help of social media, so many people can now experience this part of our community’s history from nearly 80 years ago.”

The film was originally produced by John Sproule Mills.  J.S. Mills was a former principal of King Edward School, instructor at Saskatoon Normal School (teacher’s college), city councillor and mayor.  The film capturing the visit of Her Majesty’s parents, King George V and Queen Elizabeth, was acquired by the City of Saskatoon Archives in 2017.

O’Brien narrates the digitized version of Mills’ film and helps transport us back to the first ever visit to Canada by a reigning King and Queen. See the digitized film on our YouTube channel. 

City staff, contractors and Costco management worked throughout the weekend and established a temporary water supply for the store as of 11 p.m. Sunday, May 13.

“We continue to work closely with Costco to help keep things business-as-usual at the store,” says Angela Gardiner, Acting General Manager of Transportation & Utilities.

Friday, May 11 the Water Security Agency (WSA) issued a Do Not Use notice after City staff suspected hydrocarbons in three hydrants on the water line that supplies Costco.

With the temporary line in place and following the usual WSA protocol, Costco will remain on a Drinking Water Advisory for the next 36-48 hours until water tests on the temporary line come back clean.

“This is a strict precaution, there is also no reason to believe there is any health risk or that any of the adjacent residential homes in Rosewood are impacted.”

In January, the WSA issued a similar notice after hydrocarbons were visually detected in some fire hydrants within one section of the Aspen Ridge neighbourhood. Even though there were no signs of hydrocarbons beyond the hydrant structures and the residential water supply continued to test clean and clear, about 10 homes have been on temporary water lines since late winter.

“Just like everyone else affected, we want some definitive answers about what’s going on,” Gardiner says. “There could be something about the materials and how they were made, or about how they were installed or there may be some other way any hydrocarbons got there.”

Gardiner says part of the investigation involves an external consultant to develop the permanent remediation plan. The current focus she says is to confirm the exact type of hydrocarbon.

“This is done by sending tests to a lab in Ontario, which takes about three-to-four weeks for results. Once the type of hydrocarbon is confirmed, we will know what direction to take.”   

The City of Saskatoon is proud to sponsor Bike to Work Day YXE, an initiative of Saskatoon Cycles, on Wednesday, May 16, 2018. The aim of this event is to encourage people to give biking to work a try and to celebrate those individuals that regularly make cycling a part of their commute.

“We’re pleased to play a role in the delivery of an initiative that encourages and supports people in trying out an active and sustainable mode of transportation,” says Jay Magus, the City’s Acting Director of Transportation. “As we continue to move towards expanding transportation options around our city – with initiatives like new cycling infrastructure and Bus Rapid Transit – we’re going to see more and more people choosing alternatives to driving.”

“We often hear from people that they’d like to try biking to work but that they feel intimidated to do it that very first time,” says Cathy Watts, co-chair of Saskatoon Cycles. “Bike to Work Day is the perfect day to give it a try because you’ll be out there alongside others doing the same thing—it will also be an extra supportive environment.”

Between 7 and 9 a.m. on May 16^th, participating local businesses and organizations will have bike stations set up around the city. Anyone on a bicycle is invited to make a stop for coffee, giveaways, or a chance to win prizes.

“These stations will attract your attention; with coffee and treats of all kinds as well as tons of encouragement to keep going,” says Watts. “It could be described as a party on the way to work. It would be best to start your commute early on Wednesday to make the most of a very fun day.”

Learn more about Bike to Work Day YXE, including details on the Workplace Challenge and a complete map of bike stations, at biketoworksaskatoon.com.

Until further notice, the Water Security Agency (WSA) has issued a “Do Not Use” notice for an address in the Rosewood neighbourhood.

“First of all, I want to express our frustration that we’ve made this discovery in a different developing area of Saskatoon,” says Angela Gardiner, Acting General Manager of Transportation and Utilities “Hydrocarbons have been detected in three hydrants on the line that supplies Costco.”

“Right now we are conducting water tests to check the supply in the lines beyond the hydrants.  However, because we found hydrocarbons in these three hydrants, it means the WSA has ordered – as a strict precaution – the water supply can’t be used for personal contact.”

“Our investigation in Aspen Ridge revealed some information that led us to probe other areas under development and this is part of the overall ongoing investigation,” Gardiner says.

“We want answers just like everyone else and unfortunately we don’t have those answers at this point. Until we know, the safest course of action is to abide by the WSA’s order.”

City staff have met with the affected business officials to communicate the WSA order and to answer any questions they may have.

The City of Saskatoon’s Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) report that yesterday’s May 10, 6:00 p.m. test message sent to Saskatoon residents was executed successfully. With twice-yearly testing, more and more residents are becoming familiar with notifynow emergency notification messages.

“Saskatoon’s population is now over 270,000 and growing. So far, we’ve had just over 23,000 residents customize their notifynow profile,” says Pamela Goulden-McLeod, Director of Emergency Planning. “We are pleased that this number continues to grow, but we would really like to see more residents tell us their preferred method of communication. It’s important to remember that notifynow can’t reach you and your family if you have incomplete or out-of-date contact information in the notifynow system.”

Did you receive your notifynow test message? Have you taken steps to be prepared, connected and informed in the event of a citywide emergency or one affecting only your neighbourhood?

“If you have a phone number that is publicly available, you may be in the notifynow system,” says Goulden-McLeod. “However, we encourage residents to visit the City’s website to indicate how they want to receive their notifynow emergency notification messages. Many residents now prefer cell phone, text or email, or maybe all of these options.”

It’s easy to customize your notifynow profile and your communication preferences. Help notifynow reach you - and more Saskatoon residents with timely, trusted and targeted emergency notification messages.

“Notifynow messages should play an important part of you and your family’s emergency preparedness plan,” adds Goulden-McLeod. “These emergency safety messages can tell you what to do, what to expect, or even where to go in an emergency situation, and this greatly helps to reduce stress for you and your family.”

Visit saskatoon.ca/notifynow today to customize your preferences or call 306-975-3210 for more information.

The Saskatoon Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) encourages residents to take steps to Be Emergency Ready during Emergency Preparedness Week, May 6 to 12.

“Everyone has a role to play in emergency preparedness,” says Pamela Goulden-McLeod, Director of Emergency Planning. “Making sure your household is well-prepared helps to reduce stress in the event of an emergency.”

Emergency Notification Tests

Wednesday, May 9 at 1:55 p.m.

Canada Alert Ready

• This is the first test of this system.
• The Canada Alert Ready test will be sent via Canadian radio and TV, cable and satellite operators. Emergency alerts will also be sent to compatible wireless devices connected to LTE networks.
• Residents do not have to sign-up for Canada Alert Ready emergency notifications.
• Visit alertready.ca for more information.

Thursday, May 10 at 6:00 p.m.

Citywide notifynow test  

• Tested twice a year, notifynow is a trusted, timely and targeted emergency notification system for the residents of Saskatoon that plays an essential part in reaching residents in instances of emergency.
• Should you receive a notifynow message - you’ll know what to do, where to go and what to expect.
• Tell us how to best reach you in the event of a large-scale emergency, or one affecting only your neighbourhood. Sign-up for this free service to customize your preferred communication method and profile.
• Visit saskatoon.ca/notifynow for more information.

In addition to the two emergency tests next week, Saskatoon EMO emphasizes the importance of personal preparedness through these three steps: know the risks, make a plan, and get a kit.

Emergency Preparedness Week began in 1996 and is an annual, national event coordinated by Public Safety Canada.  The week highlights the importance of personal preparedness and raises awareness of the importance of having an emergency kit, making an emergency plan, and identifying risks that may be specific to a region.

Saskatoon residents wanting to learn more about personal emergency preparedness may call Saskatoon EMO at 306-975-3210 or visit saskatoon.ca/notifynow.

The Building Better Roads program is aiming to improve another 206 lane kilometres of roadway and replace more than 20 kilometers of sidewalk during the 2018 construction season. Since the establishment of a dedicated road levy in 2014, 876 lane kilometers of roadway have been improved and 36 kilometers of sidewalk have been replaced under the program.

“Now that a funding base has been built up, we have an annual funding level of $61 million to cover road construction, road repair, pothole patching, sidewalk rehabilitation, back lane upgrades, street sweeping, and snow and ice management for the year,” says Angela Gardiner, Acting General Manager of Transportation and Utilities. “Various projects are scheduled in 2018 - everything from resurfacing to total rehabilitations. This season also includes the completion of some major projects that will alleviate congestion and improve traffic flow on main arterials.”

Key 2018 Building Better Roads funded projects include:

• Circle Drive over 33^rd Street – rehabilitation of northbound overpass
• Arlington Avenue and Taylor Street - intersection improvements
• Victoria Avenue - rehabilitation
• Idylwyld Drive North - resurfacing
• Water and sewer improvements (i.e. Idylwyld Drive, City Park)

Gardiner says residents will continue to see 24-hour work in various construction zones to allow the projects to be completed timely and effectively, while reducing the impact to drivers, residents and businesses.

“This is shaping up to be another busy construction season so we would like to remind drivers about the importance of respecting work zones, for their safety and for the safety of the people working in them.

“Day or night, when you see lights, reflective cones and work zone signage, slow down, obey signage, and pay attention, even when construction work may appear halted or complete.”

In addition to Building Better Roads funded projects, traffic flow on the east side of Saskatoon will vastly improve this fall with the opening of the North Commuter Parkway and a new interchange at McOrmond Drive and College Drive.

“The North Commuter Parkway will connect commuters from neighbourhoods in the northeast to the Marquis Industrial area, alleviating congestion on Attridge Drive and Circle Drive,” says Gardiner. “The new interchange at McOrmond Drive and College Drive will not only cut down on traffic congestion, but also serve as a safe pedestrian connection between the Willowgrove and Arbor Creek neighbourhoods to Brighton.” 

Downtown, a new wider and taller Traffic Bridge will also open this fall, once again providing a convenient link for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists crossing the South Saskatchewan River.

Facts and Resources:

When the 2018 construction season is complete, the Building Better Roads program will have rehabilitated 1,085 lane kilometres of roadway! That’s roughly the one-way distance from City Hall to Salmon Arm, BC. The 56 kilometers of sidewalk replaced would create a path the distance from City Hall to Borden.

Saskatoon.ca/betterroads (construction, street sweeping, Report a Pothole map)
Saskatoon.ca/interchanges (McOrmond/College & Boychuk/Highway 16 interchanges)
Saskatoon.ca/bridging (North Commuter Parkway and Traffic Bridge)