News Releases

A Saskatoon Transit articulating bus was involved in a multiple vehicle collision this afternoon.  It happened near the intersection of Preston Avenue and College Drive West around 5:30 p.m.

Police, firefighters and ambulance crews responded to the scene; paramedics took one of the bus passengers to hospital with undetermined injuries.

The Broadway Avenue Improvement Project and the Water Main Replacement Project Queen Street location both wrap up this week. This brings two of the City’s major 2016 projects to a successful close. 

“It’s been another very busy construction season overall and we are very happy to deliver on our commitment of building better roads for Saskatoon residents and visitors,” says Celene Anger, Director of Construction and Design. “The Broadway Avenue Improvement Project and Water Main Replacement Project Queen Street location were a large part of the City’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement, meeting our immediate priorities for clean drinking water and safe wastewater removal to support a cleaner and healthier environment for our communities.”

Water main infrastructure in the Broadway neighbourhood and beneath Queen Street was almost 100 years old and were priority locations requiring the most urgent attention. Work in both areas included replacing water main infrastructure – replacing cast iron pipes and fittings and removing lead connections in order to remove weak links in the existing water distribution network. Sanitary sewer systems were also upgraded and lastly there was significant rehabilitation of roadways. This work required extensive excavation and temporary water service connections in addition to traffic restrictions and detours.

“Work on Broadway started at the beginning of the construction season back in May, and even with a stretch of cold and snow in early October, the project was finished within days of our target completion date,” Anger says. “Businesses and residents in the Broadway area were very patient while we worked on and under their streets. Now they have water main infrastructure that’s built for the future, and a smooth roadway to go with it.”   

The Queen Street project – replacing water mains between 6th Avenue and 8th Avenue – involved significant coordination between Saskatoon City Hospital and the City of Saskatoon. Although work on this particular part of the City’s water infrastructure system did not impact the hospital directly, the road work did. This 16-week project needed to be phased to allow for consistent access to the hospital for emergency services, patients, workers and residents.

Anger says her team is always looking for ways to improve how they do work and to minimize negative effects on the community.

“These were big projects which upset routines of a lot of people so we needed to be innovative. This year, our coordinated approach using targeted, flexible phasing, and extended work hours allowed us to improve services and complete the work in an efficient manner,” she says. “It’s our goal to minimize the impact to residents, businesses and essential services while we work. We thank everyone for their patience while this necessary construction was carried out.”

In the spring, crews will return to Broadway Avenue for final touch up work, landscaping and sidewalk panels and some paving on a small section of roadway at the top of the bridge. Extended paving from 2nd Avenue to Spadina Crescent (excluding the already complete Queen Street project area) will also take place in the spring.

Throughout the projects, access was always maintained to the Broadway Bridge and Saskatoon City Hospital.

Some key facts from the Broadway Avenue Improvement Project include:

• 1,663 metres of water main replaced.
• 8.9 lane kilometres of road resurfaced.
• 100 water service connections replaced.

Some key facts from the Queen Street Water Main Replacement Project include:

• 195 metres of water main replaced.
• 195 metres of road resurfaced.
• 5 water service connections replaced.

The cost for the Broadway Avenue Improvement Project is $6 million and $850,000 for the Queen Street Water Main Replacement Project.

To learn more please visit saskatoon.ca/broadway and saskatoon.ca/queenstreet.

As the Bridging to Tomorrow project approaches the one year mark, the City is pleased with the progress that has been made at each site. Work on the Traffic Bridge began in December 2015 and North Commuter Parkway site construction began in January of 2016.

“Right now at the Traffic Bridge, crews are putting the finishing touches on construction of an in-river berm on the north side of the river so they can start building the two north piers,” says Dan Willems, Director of Major Projects. “The south in-river pier, the north and south bridge abutments, and the first new span are complete and demolition of the last original span will start in mid-November.”

Meanwhile, at the North Commuter Parkway, the west in-river pier is complete and construction of the centre in-river pier is underway.

“This part of the project involves more than bridge construction. It also involves storm sewer installation as well as several kilometers of earthworks for the roads connecting to the new bridge,” says Willems. “Work also involves improvements to the intersection of Attridge Drive and Central Avenue, which is nearing completion, and the realignment of the eastbound off-ramp from Circle Drive East to Attridge Drive.”

Both bridges are scheduled to open in 2018. The North Commuter Parkway will support the transportation needs of northeast Saskatoon residents who work in the Marquis and North Industrial Areas. The new Traffic Bridge will support the growing city centre by allowing drivers, pedestrians and cyclists to cross the South Saskatchewan River. It will resemble the original bridge, but will be wider to accommodate larger vehicles like fire trucks and Transit buses.

Bridging to Tomorrow project updates, including detailed monthly summaries, links to live cameras at each bridge site, and quarterly video updates, are available at saskatoon.ca/bridging. In person, anyone can watch Traffic Bridge progress at the River Landing viewing area. North Commuter Parkway construction can be viewed from the Meewasin Trail just east of the cul-de-sac at the north end of Kinnear Avenue (north of Silverwood Golf Course).

Improving business development and employment for Métis people and communities is the focus of a one-day conference today in Saskatoon. Open to business leaders, organizations, educational institutes and economic development corporations, the conference covered a range of topics that addresses barriers faced by regional Métis businesses.

The Forum’s keynote speaker Jason Madden, Managing Partner with Pape Salter Telleit, spoke on the recent ruling of the Supreme Court Ruling and the government’s responsibility to negotiate with Métis and non-status peoples. Other sessions focused on best practices for economic development and reconciliation, and employment and procurement policies.

The Forum was organized in partnership with the City, Central Urban Metis Federation Inc. (CUMFI), Saskatoon Aboriginal Employment Partnership (SAEP), and Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Association (SREDA).

Quotations

“We recognise the whole community prospers when there are opportunities for everyone, including Aboriginal and Métis people, to participate in the economy. The more there are opportunities for Métis business leaders to network, the greater the likelihood Métis peoples can succeed in creating jobs and a better quality of life for the entire community.”

• Gilles Dorval, Director of Aboriginal Relations, City of Saskatoon.

“It is important for the Métis people in Saskatoon to be involved in the growth of our economy by creating new business opportunities.”

• Shirley Isbister, President, Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI)

“In order to help grow, strengthen and diversify the Saskatoon Region economy, we need to increase the number of partnerships and business opportunities that engage our Métis communities. This Forum will help us all share opportunities, strengthen relationships and ultimately lead to more successful economic development opportunities.”

• Alex Fallon, President and CEO, Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority.

The City of Saskatoon’s commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's calls to action supports City’s Strategic Goal of “Quality of Life” by strengthening partnerships with Aboriginal and Métis organizations to enhance access to training, employment, economic opportunities, and housing.

Almost 500 Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal experts, leaders, youth and Elders will “learn from one another to build community” and commit to moving forward on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action at the second annual Wîcihitowin (wee-CHEE-toh-win) Aboriginal Engagement Conference.

“In our second year, we’re focusing on learning and resources for non-Aboriginal organizations to improve engagement and inclusion of Aboriginal peoples, whether it be as an employee, volunteer or in a board role,” says Gilles Dorval, Director of Aboriginal Relations for the City of Saskatoon.

Wîcihitowin is Cree/Saulteaux for “helping each other” or “working together”, which is an important component of delivering enhanced programs and services. This conference is presented in partnership with the City of Saskatoon, the United Way of Saskatoon, Saskatoon Health Region, and Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan.

“When done well, Aboriginal engagement can improve outcomes for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community members, strengthening both the organization and our community by incorporating the voice of the Aboriginal community in programming and service delivery,” says Warren Isbister-Bear, Director of Aboriginal Relations for United Way of Saskatoon.

This year’s conference will address themes outlined in the Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action, such as: education, language & culture, health, media, newcomers to Canada and sports & reconciliation.

“These sessions offer organizations opportunities to learn more about what reconciliation might look like in a safe environment. Each organization might have a slightly different response to the calls to action and we’re learning from one another how to move forward,” says Neal Kewistep, Manager, Our Neighbourhood Health Centre & Building Health Equity for the Saskatoon Health Region.

The conference aims to support organizations working to incorporate Aboriginal values within program and service delivery settings with the goal of creating culturally respectful organizations.

“We have an opportunity through this conference to assist local organizations, be it human service, government of private industry, to address the real and perceived barriers in preventing Aboriginal people from participating fully in the economy,” said Brad Bird, Aboriginal Cultural Coordinator, Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan.

Keynote speakers include Dr. Marie Wilson, Former Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, and Chief Darcy Bear, seven-term leader of Whitecap Dakota First Nation. Full agenda for the Wîcihitowin Aboriginal Engagement Conference available here. 

Wîcihitowin supports the City’s Strategic Goal of “Quality of Life” by identifying actions for enhancing Aboriginal well-being and participation in our community.

Following a police investigation and legal review, a Crown Prosecutor has recommended no charges be laid against the operator of a City street patching truck involved in a collision earlier this year.

Just after 8:30 a.m. on June 1, 2016, City officials responded to a collision between a street-patching truck and a cyclist at the corner of Idylwyld Drive and 29th Street West.

Saskatoon Police say as a result of the collision, the cyclist was warned to drive a vehicle with required due care.

In addition to a police investigation, the City follows its own protocols after a critical incident to ensure the proper operating procedures were maintained. 

The operator returned to duty in June and the conclusion of the police investigation also concludes the matter for the City.

Weather

Saskatoon continues to deal with the first winter Weather Event of the year, however Environment Canada has ended its snowfall warning for Saskatoon and area.

Even so, Saskatoon experienced a few more flurries overnight.

As of Friday morning total snowfall was 30 cm.

Hurricane Matthew is posing challenges for forecasters creating some variability in weather prediction models.

In a briefing to City officials Friday morning, Environment Canada’s John Paul Cragg says Saskatoon and area could expect up to another 5 cm of snow. Cragg says this is likely to happen very early-to-mid Sunday morning with temperatures hovering around the freezing mark.

Because of the possible fluctuating temperature, any snowfall may turn to rain.

Cragg says we may also experience easterly winds over the same period Sunday at 20 Km/h gusting to 40 Km/h. 

Roadways & Operations

As a result of the Weather Event and with near melting temperatures, roads are wet, not icy.

Roadways expects any snow accumulation predicted for the holiday weekend to be very manageable.

Crews will remain working around the clock now until Tuesday.

Sanding crews will focus on high-priority trouble areas day and night, applying sand and salt as necessary.

For timely updates, check the snow and ice service alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts and on Twitter by following @YXEServiceAlert.

In the interests of public safety, Roadways will focus efforts on improving road conditions. As a result, staff will monitor and minimize water ponding and surface drainage issues as the snow melts. Only emergency flooding areas will be monitored for now.

The Fall Sweep is tentatively delayed 1 week and Roadways is considering rescheduling to start Monday, October 17, weather dependent.  

Transportation

Signals: Crews have made one pass and cleared all snow-blocked signals. There is a crew checking problem areas today to see if anything needs to be done again. 

Signs: Crews continue to patrol and clear any blocked signage. The focus remains on stop and yield signs.

As always, be extra alert at intersections.

Saskatoon Light & Power

Wind will continue to be the main challenge for the City’s power company over the weekend and especially early Sunday morning.

At this point, SL&P crews are in clean-up mode collecting downed tree limbs or pruning back trees near lines.

Crews can manage any outages that occur from overloaded tree branches or other weather related factors.

To report a tree limb contacting or threatening a Saskatoon Light & Power service line, please call 306-975-2414.

For a SaskPower service line please call 306-310-2220.

Service Alerts with regular updates will continue to be issued if outages occur. They will provide information about the cause of the outage and the anticipated time for restoration. 

Construction & Design

To let concrete cure on the pedestrian overpass, a lane closure remains in effect for the curb lane on College Drive heading towards the University Bridge.

The early autumn snowfall has also presented City construction projects with some challenges. Specifically for anyone currently on temporary water service for water line replacement, the unseasonably cold temperatures have made it necessary for property owners to keep their taps on to prevent the temporary water lines from freezing.

Overall, most of the City’s construction projects are nearing completion or in the process of being closed for winter.

The impact this weather will have depends less on the amount of snow that fell, rather on the length of time the snow sticks around.

A few days of snow that quickly melts is the same as rain.

If we have enough warm, dry weather, work sites will dry up which means paving and other construction projects can continue.

Major Projects

Work on major projects continues including work on the Attridge Drive and Central Avenue intersection. Excavation at the northeast boulevard of Attridge Drive and Central Avenue is scheduled to remain ongoing through the entire weekend. Weather depending, line painting on Attridge Drive eastbound is scheduled for Sunday. 

Drivers are reminded the traffic accommodation through this intersection includes two westbound through lanes.

For drivers who typically use the right (curb) lane to travel through the intersection, please continue to use this lane and follow the signs and delineators; the right lane does not merge into the left lane at the intersection. More information is here.

Bolting of Span 4 of the Traffic Bridge is scheduled to proceed as planned through Sunday.

Earthworks for the south embankment of the Traffic Bridge will remain ongoing through the entire weekend, weather depending. 

Earthworks for the west embankment of the North Commuter Parkway bridge will remain ongoing through the entire weekend, weather depending.

Transit

Transit service is operating as regularly scheduled. Customers could experience delays should weather conditions worsen.

NOTE: Holiday operating hours are in effect for Monday, October 10, 2016. 

Customers are reminded to dress for the weather and to track their bus in real time through Transit App and Google Transit.  

Parks & Urban Forestry

Urban Forestry crews are responding to tree damage on a priority basis.

We presently have 100 calls and more coming in today.

2 aerial crews and 2 ground crews are responding to this work and will arrange assistance from contract crews if needed.

Parks received 3 urgent calls overnight to clear roads and sidewalks.

Horticulture staff continue their inspections and report damage in parks. This work is scheduled but keeping roadways, sidewalks and paths clear is the priority.

Until more of the snow melts, everyone is advised to be cautious near trees in parks and around the city.

To report damage to City-owned trees that have failed and are blocking roadways and sidewalks, please call 306-975-2890 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

After hours tree damage can be reported to the Saskatoon Customer Service line at 306-975-2476.

Trees on private property are the responsibility of the property owner and brush that is cleared as a result of private trees obstructing public sidewalks or roadways will be left on the adjacent private property for the owner to clean up.

Any elm branches must be disposed of at the Saskatoon landfill. 

For timely updates check the City website and snow and ice service alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts and on Twitter by following @YXEServiceAlert.

Weather

Saskatoon is currently experiencing the first Weather Event of the year. Environment Canada continues to issue a Snowfall Warning for Saskatoon and area. A final 2 to 4 cm is expected to fall in the warning area today before tapering off to a few flurries by tonight.

Snowfall totals are in the 20-30 cm range which has led to poor visibility, icy conditions and drifting in outlying and open areas.

Temperatures heading into the weekend will also pose challenges. Some of the forecasting models are predicting cooler daytime temperatures around the freezing mark and overnight lows around -3C or -4C into next week. These conditions could lead to more ice formation.

Roadways & Operations

Throughout the snowy conditions, city sanders and plows worked all night, plowing and salting high-priority streets and intersections, and outlying areas.

As the snow keeps falling, crews are focused on improving the Priority 1 network – the high speed, high traffic roadways.

The following equipment has been mobilized:

• 14 Graders
• 6 Plows
• 5 Sanders
• 5 Sidewalk Plows
• Private contractors
  • Sidewalk Snow Clearing
  • Area Grader Assistance

City staff just completed a full surveillance of Circle Drive.  Recent temperature increases and reduced winds have reduced drifting and softened the ice, allowing crews to knock off many of the ruts on the priority network. 

• The loops are still being worked on, but significant progress is being made.  Graders have been working to remove ruts on the lower priority routes over the past two hours (09:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.) and progress is being made on those fronts as well.
• A sidewalk plow is clearing the slush from bike lanes. They will still be wet, but will be usable for a bike.
• Roadways will continue to adjust tactics as conditions change throughout the day.
• City staff and contractors are available 24 hours per day to patrol outlying areas, clear drifts and keep driving lanes open.
• Sidewalk Plows are also out in full force city wide.

Trails: Roadways will be instructing snow clearance operators to report damage interfering with the MVA trail as they send crews to complete this work later today.

Back lanes: We are getting reports of water ponding and drainage issues due to the high precipitation. 

• Status: We are focusing all of our efforts on improving road conditions as a matter of public safety, only emergency flooding areas will be looked at for now.

Snow Storage Site Availability

• Status: All snow storage sites are closed due to wet and soft conditions to prevent damage to the sites.

Fall Sweep

• Status: The Fall Sweep is tentatively delayed one week and Roadways is considering rescheduling to start Monday, October 17, weather dependent.  

Transportation

• Crews are continuing to clear snow from signals at curbs, medians, and overhead as wind speeds have decreased and safer for workers in bucket trucks.
• Stop, yield and road signs are also being cleared.
• As always, be extra alert at intersections
• No issues have been reported about traffic signals out or malfunctioning.

Saskatoon Light & Power

Wind will be the main challenge for the City’s power company today and as the stormy conditions continue. 

There were fewer outages overnight and this morning. Neighbourhoods affected within SL&P’s service area were:

• Nutana
• Buena Vista
• Exhibition

Power went out around 7:00 a.m. and was restored to these areas at 9:30 a.m.

There were also a handful of localized outages affecting single properties or smaller groups of buildings.

Service Alerts with regular updates will continue to be issued if outages occur. They will provide information about the cause of the outage and the anticipated time for restoration. 

Major Projects

Work on major projects continues including work on the Attridge Drive and Central Avenue intersection.

Drivers are reminded the traffic accommodation through the intersection includes two westbound through lanes.

For drivers who typically use the right (curb) lane to travel through the intersection, please continue to use this lane and follow the signs and delineators; the right lane does not merge into the left lane at the intersection. More information is here.

Transit

Transit service is operating as regularly scheduled. Customers could experience delays due to heavy snowfall, ice or traffic congestion should weather conditions worsen.

Customers are reminded to dress for the weather and to track their bus in real time through Transit App and Google Transit.     

Parks & Urban Forestry

All Urban Forestry crews are responding to tree damage on a priority basis.

We presently have 38 reports of tree damage. Calls are still coming in.

Contractors are on stand-by but they have not been asked to assist as our crews are still able to handle the current response needs.

• We are seeing a lot of heavy snow on branches resulting in the drooping of lateral limbs especially on conifers and trees still in leaf.
• We expect there will continue to be damage reported until conditions change and the weight on limbs is reduced as the snow melts.
• We have received some calls about low hanging limbs weighed down by snow. However we would not remove limbs on City trees that have not failed unless there is evidence of a weak branch attachment.
• We expect most trees will withstand the current snow load and will recover.
• Sutherland neighbourhood pruning contract is in progress and will continue today.
• Horticulture crews inspected parks and naturalized areas yesterday and any non-urgent park tree damage will be addressed as resources permit.
• A further inspection of park pathways and play areas will be completed over the remainder of the week with the assistance of Horticulture staff.
• To report damage to City-owned trees that have failed and are blocking roadways and sidewalks, please call 306-975-2890 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• After hours tree damage can be reported to the Saskatoon Customer Service line at 306-975- 2476.
• Trees on private property are the responsibility of the property owner and brush that is cleared as a result of private trees obstructing public sidewalks or roadways will be left on the adjacent private property for the owner to clean up.
• Any elm branches must be disposed of at the Saskatoon landfill. 

For timely updates check the City website and snow and ice service alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts and on Twitter by following @YXEServiceAlert.

Weather

Saskatoon is currently experiencing the first Weather Event of the winter season. Environment Canada continues to issue a Snowfall Warning for Saskatoon and area forecasting rain, wind, and up to 15 cm of snow which will lead to poor visibility and icy conditions.

“Gusty northerly winds will also continue today and visibilities may be reduced at times in snow and blowing snow,” the Environment Canada warning says. “Light snow will gradually taper off from west to east Wednesday night into Thursday.”

Subzero overnight lows of -3C for the remainder of the work week will more than likely make for slippery and icy conditions on roads and sidewalks.

Roadways & Operations

To keep Saskatoon people and visitors moving around, City and contractor staff are available 24 hours per day to reduce ice formation and increase traction on high-priority streets

Last night between 3:00 a.m. and 3:45 a.m., Saskatoon experienced heavy snowfall.  Additional sander operators were called in to assist the night shift and bridge sander operations into the day shift.

Circle Drive is currently covered with an ice/water slush and crews are focused on plowing slush and applying additional salt to Circle Drive and Priority 1 Streets.

The following equipment is currently available:

• 4 tandem belly plows
• 6 tandem sanders
• 12 graders
• 3 loaders
• 4 sidewalk plows

What you can expect:

• During the weather event, Roadways will focus on keeping driving lanes open on high traffic priority streets, and sand/salt high speed roads as well as high traffic intersections.
• City crews are currently plowing and applying salt to Circle Drive.
• Depending on snowfall amount, snow will be stored in the middle and adjacent to roads.
• Once the snow stops at the end of the event, sidewalk crews will focus on clearing snow from bridges, overpasses and high use walkways. Pedestrians should exercise caution. 
• Ground crews will continue to transition additional equipment for snow operations and manage utility cuts and surface drainage as the snow melts.
• The Roadways team will continue to monitor this weather event and activate Area Snow Maintenance Contracts (grader assistance) if needed. Twenty-three contract graders are available, if required.
• For timely updates check the snow and ice service alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts and on Twitter by following @YXEServiceAlert.

Transportation

• Power to most of the major intersections have had electricity restored either with regular service or with portable generators.
• As of mid-morning, technicians were going to address intersections that have remained in flash mode.
• Crews are beginning to clear snow from signals at curbs and on medians, but overhead signals can’t be done because a bucket truck is needed and winds are currently too strong for worker safety.
• Stop, yield and road signs may also be covered, so be aware at intersections.

Saskatoon Light & Power

As predicted, wet heavy snow affected and continues to affect electrical service. A number of power outages were reported and addressed in the early morning starting at 2:59 a.m.

• In the area covered by Saskatoon Light & Power, 5 main outages caused partial power interruptions in 12 neighbourhoods. The majority of these neighbourhoods had power restored by 8:00 a.m.
• Most outages were caused by adverse weather conditions including wind, ice, and snow. In some cases tree limbs came in contact with power line causing a power outage.
• Crews are currently working in some localized areas that remain without power. 
• All current areas without power can expected to have their power restored within the next few hours. 

Here’s a summary of the 5 main outages from last night:

• 2:59 a.m. to 7:29 a.m. – Affecting parts of Varsity View and Grosvenor Park
• 3:06 a.m. to 6:23 a.m. – Affecting parts of City Park
• 3:37 a.m. to 8:02 a.m. – Affecting parts of Sutherland, Sutherland Industrial and Forest Grove
• 4:07 a.m. to 4:32 a.m. – Affecting parts of Adelaide, Churchill, Nutana Park
• 4:25 a.m. to 7:22 a.m. – Affecting parts of Caswell Hill, Riversdale, Pleasant Hill and Westmount

As of 10:00 a.m. some smaller pockets of isolated power outages continue to exist in the following areas:

• 1300 Block of 14th Street
• 900 Block of 10th Street
• 1100 Block of 2nd Street and 3rd Street
• 3200 Block of Mountbatten
• 1400 Block of Empress Avenue
• 1500 Block of Spadina Crescent

There were also a handful of localized outages affecting single properties.

Service Alerts with regular updates will continue to be issued if outages occur. They will provide information about the cause of the outage and the anticipated time for restoration. 

Major Projects

Work on major projects continues including work on the Attridge Drive and Central Avenue intersection.

• The Attridge Drive westbound left turn lane heading south to Central Avenue will be closed while improvements to the northeast corner of the intersection backing the Silver Spring neighbourhood are completed. More information is here.

Transit

Transit service is operating as regularly scheduled. Customers could experience delays due to heavy snowfall, ice or traffic congestion should weather conditions worsen.

• Customers are reminded to dress for the weather and to track their bus in real time through Transit App and Google Transit.     

Parks & Urban Forestry

Because leaves are not fully off the trees, wet heavy snow may cause limbs to fall.

• Parks crews and private contractors continue to be on standby as the heavy snow may cause tree limbs to fall and block roadways and sidewalks.
• Within the last 24 hours Parks received one report of a fallen tree.
• To report damage to City-owned trees that have failed and are blocking roadways and sidewalks, please call 306-975-2890 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• After hours tree damage can be reported to the Saskatoon Customer Service line at 306-975-2476.
• Trees on private property are the responsibility of the property owner and brush that is cleared as a result of private trees obstructing public sidewalks or roadways will be left on the adjacent private property for the owner to clean up.
• Any elm branches must be disposed of at the Saskatoon landfill. 

For timely updates check the City website and snow and ice service alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts and on Twitter by following @YXEServiceAlert. 

Environment Canada today issued a Snowfall Warning for Saskatoon and area forecasting rain, wind, and snow which will lead to poor visibility and icy conditions.

“It’s possible we could experience as much as 15 cm of wet, heavy snow overnight and stretching into Thursday,” says Ray Unrau, Director of Emergency Measures Organization. “We want everyone to be ready for what could be a very challenging early autumn storm.”

Roadways and Operations

To keep Saskatoon people and visitors moving around, City and contractor staff are available 24 hours per day to reduce ice formation and increase traction on high-priority streets.

“During a snowfall, we focus our efforts on our busiest, high-priority streets including those around fire stations and hospitals,” says Brandon Harris, Director of Roadways and Operations. “We need to keep the main traffic routes open with the reminder that everyone has to be patient, slow down and stay alert.”

What you can expect:

• During the weather event, Roadways will focus on keeping driving lanes open on high traffic priority streets, and sand/salt high speed roads as well as high traffic intersections.
• Sanding crews will be on priority streets throughout the night and day applying sand and salt as required. 
• Depending on snowfall amount, snow will be stored in the middle and adjacent to roads.
• Staff will monitor and minimize ponding water and surface drainage issues as the snow melts.
• For timely updates check the snow and ice service alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts and on Twitter by following @YXEServiceAlert.
• Equipment available includes: 4 tandem plow/sander combination units; 3 tandem sanders; 12 graders; 3 loaders; and 5 sidewalk plows.
• Wet snow may cover traffic signals and can only be cleaned safely in lower wind speeds.
• Stop, yield and road signs may also be covered, so be aware at intersections.

Saskatoon Light & Power

Wet heavy snow may also affect electrical service. Trevor Bell, Director of Saskatoon Light & Power says staff are ready for service interruptions.

“We’re keeping an eye on the weather and have a trouble crew and standby personnel on hand to deal with issues as they arise,” Bell says. “We will also call in additional crews to respond to power outages if needed.”

Service Alerts with regular updates will be issued if outages occur. They will provide information about the cause of the outage and the anticipated time for restoration. 

Construction & Design

Most of the City’s construction projects are nearing completion or in the process of being closed for winter.

“The impact this weather will have depends not so much on the amount of snow that falls, but rather on the length of time the snow stays and the weather after the snowfall,” says Celene Anger, Director of Construction & Design. “A few days of snow that quickly melts is the same as rain.”

If we have enough warm, dry weather, work sites will dry up and paving can continue.

Transit

Transit service will be operating as regularly scheduled. Customers may experience delays due to heavy snowfall, ice or traffic congestion due to weather. Saskatoon Transit will provide updates through service alerts should conditions change.   

Parks & Urban Forestry

Because leaves are not fully off the trees, wet heavy snow may cause limbs to fall.

“Parks crews will be focused on locations where branches are blocking roadways and sidewalks, or have the potential for injury or damage,” says Darren Crilly, Director of Parks. “Crews will continue to monitor the extent of City-wide tree damage and will be available to work extended hours so that follow-up on citizen reports can continue to occur.”

To report damage to City-owned trees that have failed and are blocking roadways and sidewalks, please call 306-975-2890 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. After hours tree damage can be reported to the Saskatoon Customer Service line at 306-975-2476.

Residents should leave a message with details including the adjacent address and describe the issue so that staff can prioritize the response.

Trees on private property are the responsibility of the property owner and brush that is cleared as a result of private trees obstructing public sidewalks or roadways will be left on the adjacent private property for the owner to clean up.

Any elm branches must be disposed of at the Saskatoon landfill. 

For timely updates check the City website and snow and ice service alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts and on Twitter by following @YXEServiceAlert.