News Releases

As the City continues its planning toward a population of half-a-million, Saskatoon Transit has finalized routing for the 8th Street corridor and surrounding areas, which will be implemented July 3, 2016.

“This is an exciting step into the future,” says Jim McDonald, Director of Saskatoon Transit. “These changes will allow us to offer high-frequency service along 8th Street which is the first step toward implementing Bus Rapid Transit.”

Transit riders will notice changes to many existing routes, including the addition of five new routes, adjustments to 22 existing routes and the retirement of six current routes. The 2016 route adjustments will allow Saskatoon Transit to provide 7.5 minute frequency along 8th Street during morning and afternoon peak periods and 10 minute frequency during off-peak times on weekdays. Transit will provide 30 minute frequency during evenings, on weekends and statutory holidays.

These service changes should allow for more convenience and a quicker daily commute for east-side customers traveling to-and-from downtown. It should drastically reduce wait times and missed connections along the 8th Street corridor. These service changes also support our new model of citizen service under Service Saskatoon.

“We are implementing transit industry best practices and working with existing resources to introduce higher-frequency service along major corridors” McDonald says.  “We’ve ended some pilot-project routes and understand adjustments to existing routes may mean a change in routine and may mean a few extra minutes on the bus, but these changes will be beneficial to the overall transit system and the majority of bus riders.” 

All new routing and schedules are available at saskatoontransit.ca and at the Transit Customer Service Centre. Customers are now able to plan their trip online through Google Transit with the routing that will be introduced on July third.

“To make sure this transition goes smoothly we’re strongly encouraging riders to check route changes now to see how this will affect their commute” he says. “Knowing before you go is the best way for riders to avoid confusion on July third.”                           

Saskatoon Transit riders will notice six new buses on city streets in the coming days. The new buses are part of Saskatoon Transit’s Fleet Renewal Strategy, which will improve rider experiences while decreasing operating costs.

“These buses are fully accessible, contain the latest Intelligent Transportation System technology and are more fuel efficient,” says Jim McDonald, Director of Saskatoon Transit. “They have more comfortable ergonomically-designed seating, improved lighting, automated announcements, air conditioning and a darker floor which will reduce windshield glare for our operators.”

These buses are the first of 10 to arrive; four remaining buses are expected to be delivered in July. Upgrading the transit fleet with new buses instead of buying refurbished models reduces the annual fleet cost by about $200,000 a year. Saskatoon Transit will soon place an order for 10 more buses for a July 2017 delivery.   

“It just makes better financial sense to update our fleet and it helps us deliver high-quality, comfortable service that Saskatoon residents expect and deserve,” says McDonald. “We’ve seen a savings of $60,000 a year in fuel costs because of the new buses purchased over the last five years.   We anticipate more savings as we replace older buses with new ones.”

Over the next 10 years, Transit will:

• Reduce its average bus age from 11.9 to 7.3 years, which will reduce maintenance costs and the size of the fleet because  fewer “spares” are required;
• Ensure every bus meets accessibility standards by 2018;
• Offer air conditioning and other improved amenities on every bus; and
• Increase capacity on busy routes by tripling the number of articulating buses.

Overall, it’s expected the new buses will provide riders with modern transportation solutions and a better overall riding experience. 

For the June 27, 2016 Regular Meeting of City Council

8.1.2 Vacant Lot and Adaptive Reuse Incentive Program – Gardens as an Interim Use

*City Council will be asked to approve the proposed amendments to the Vacant Lot and Adaptive Reuse Incentive Program Policy.

Additional Information

*At the May 30, 2016 meeting of the SPC on Planning, Development and Community Services, presentations were received expressing support for the proposed amendment and further urban food production opportunities.
*Administration has worked with community stakeholders to amend the Vacant Lot and Adaptive Reuse Program (VLAR) to help address food security in Saskatoon.
*The Administration recommends the VLAR Program be amended to include incentives for garden plots on vacant land as an interim use.
*The incentive will be in the form of a cash grant equal to 50% of the annual value of the municipal property taxes to a maximum of $500 per year for residential properties, and $1,200 per year for non-residential sites, for up to five years.
*Non-profit organizations may have on-site sales of produce in residential areas in compliance with the garage sale provisions of the Zoning Bylaw No. 8770.
*The establishment of a garden on a vacant lot will not affect the opportunity for future incentives under the VLAR Program when the lot becomes developed.

8.3.3 Functional Planning Study – Interchange Highways 11 & 16 – Award of Contract

*The SPC on Transportation is recommending that the City enter into an agreement with ISL Engineering and Land Services Ltd. for the provision of engineering services to complete a Functional Planning Study of the interchange at Highways 11 & 16 at a total cost of $160,183 (including taxes).

Additional Information

*The junction of Highways 11 & 16 is currently operating as a 1960’s era cloverleaf interchange. Both highways are considered National and Provincial primary routes and any future interchange will require a system-level interchange function and need to be flexible for conversion to an urban service-level interchange in the future. The Stonebridge partial interchange, scheduled for completion in the fall of 2016, will attract additional traffic through the cloverleaf interchange.
*This project was approved in the 2016 Capital Budget.
*Over the past 5 years 39 collisions have occurred within the existing interchange; additionally, 1 to 3 collisions involving the structure and over-height loads occur in a typical year.
*The focus of this review is a detailed engineering study of the existing and future traffic demands at this junction and the geometric improvements required to improve the safety and operation of this interchange.

8.3.8 Active Transportation Plan

*City Council will be asked:

1. To recognize and approve, in principle, the long-term benefits of the vision, goals, targets, and key directions of the Active Transportation Plan;
2. That the Active Transportation Plan be implemented in a phased, incremental
approach, requiring specific implementation plans in five-year increments; and
3. That the Administration report back with an implementation plan for the period of 2017 to 2021 with specific action items, funding and staffing resources identified.

Additional Information

*The Active Transportation Plan (ATP) was guided by community input, a vision, and goals; targets for active transportation have been developed, along with key directions and action items to improve active transportation facilities, policies and standards, support programs, and education and awareness initiatives over the next 30 to 40 years.
*Based on feedback during the early rounds of public engagement, the ATP includes a target to double the proportionate daily walking and cycling trips by the year 2045.
*The ATP contains an 80-point action plan organized around the themes of Connectivity, Safety and Security, Convenience, Land Use and Growth, Maintenance and Accessibility, and Education and Awareness. Actions have been prioritized in the short-, medium-, and long-term, and quick wins (actions that can be implemented in the next one to two years) have been identified.
*Following City Council approval in principle, a five-year implementation plan with specific action items, funding, and staffing resources will be created and brought to City Council for review.

8.4.2 2015 Safety Performance and Absenteeism Report

*City Council will be asked that the Board of Police Commissioners be requested to provide additional information on its action plans to reduce lost time injury and frequency.

Additional Information:

*The purpose of the Safety Performance Report is to provide a summary of the major activities in 2015, review the results of the City’s Safety Performance for 2015, identify strategies for improvement, as well as identify supporting initiatives to achieve the Corporate Performance target of zero lost-time incidents by 2023.
*The purpose of the Absenteeism report is to review absenteeism rates and costs, identify trends, as well as opportunities for improvement.
*Additional information can be found in this report: https://apps2.saskatoon.ca/tpapp/eamm_public/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=14357

9.6.3 Designation of Fred Mendel Park Off-Leash Recreation Area

*City Council will be asked to consider Bylaw No. 9387, The Animal Control Amendment Bylaw, 2016.

Additional Information

*At its meeting on May 24, 2016, City Council considered a report requesting approval to establish 1.28 acres as an off-leash recreation area within Fred Mendel Park and to instruct the City Solicitor to amend Bylaw No. 7860, The Animal Control Bylaw, 1999. It was later reported by the Recreation & Community Development Division that the size of the proposed off-leash recreation area had been subsequently adjusted to 1.22 acres.

9.11.1 Report from the Saskatoon Municipal Review Commission Remuneration Committee

*The Saskatoon Municipal Review Commission Remuneration Committee is making a number of recommendations. They are listed here: https://apps2.saskatoon.ca/tpapp/eamm_public/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=14371

Additional Information

*Additional information can be found in this report: https://apps2.saskatoon.ca/tpapp/eamm_public/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=14372

More than an estimated 2000 people of all ages and cultures, including religious, school, and community, participated in a Day of Reconciliation celebration in Victoria Park today. 

Participants celebrated their unique cultural heritage by wearing or holding symbols of their culture or organizations during the “Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation”.

The Day of Reconciliation continued with activities and entertainment in the park. In the spirit of Reconciliation goals, participants had an opportunity to listen to the stories of survivors and their families; learn about our history and about residential schools, in a safe, open and accessible environment; show-up to support Reconciliation in our community; and to share their personal responses to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action.

In response to the TRC Calls to Action, the City of Saskatoon, Office of the Treaty Commissioner, Saskatoon Tribal Council, Central Urban Metis Federation Inc., along with 29 supporting organizations, planned a month-long series of events to promote Reconciliation in Saskatoon. The events educated, engaged and inspired citizens on what it means to reconcile and find their own call to action.

For more information, visit saskatoon.ca/reconciliation, www.OTC.ca or phone the Office of the Treaty Commissioner at 306-244-2100.

The City of Saskatoon’s commitment to the TRC’s Calls to Action supports the City’s Corporate Strategic Goal of Quality of Life by identifying actions for enhancing Aboriginal well-being and participation in our community.

From the June 20, 2016 meeting

8.1.1 Communications Support to Councillors – Update

Decision

*The report provided the Committee with a usage update from January 1-May 31. It was received as information.

Additional Information

*An updated tabulation of City Councillor communications allowance usage can be found here: http://owl.li/Gv4g301wTnN
*An updated tabulation of the Mayor’s communications allowance usage can be found here: http://owl.li/Tr0h301wUTR

8.1.2 2016 Local Government Elections – Appointment of Returning Officer

Decision

*The report was received as information.

Additional Information

*Ms. Catherine Folkersen has been appointed Returning Officer effective May 26, 2016, for the 2016 Local Government Elections.
*In April, City Council passed Bylaw No. 9370, The Returning Officer Appointment Bylaw, 2016.
*The Returning Officer is to perform all duties and functions prescribed under The Local Government Election Act, 2015 as well as related administrative duties in accordance with the Act, bylaws and policies of the City.

8.2.4 2016 Local Government Elections – Establishment of Special Polls (Hospitals and Special Care Facilities)

Decision

*The recommendations outlined in the report are being forwarded to City Council for approval.

Additional Information

*City Council will be asked to approve:
-establishment of Special Polls, conducted as Advance Polls on Tuesday, October 18, 2016, and Wednesday, October 19, 2016.
-Approval of the establishment of Special Polls conducted on Election Day, October 26, 2016.
-Authorization for the Returning Officer to make any changes or additions to the dates or times that may become necessary to accommodate the needs of the Special Polls.
-That a mail-in ballot provision be available to voters in hospitals, personal care facilities, or similar institutions in accordance with the established mail-in ballot voting system, and the use of mail-in ballots at these locations be facilitated by delivering the ballots to the facility.

8.2.5 Appointment of Bylaw Officer

Decision

*The recommendation outlined in report is being forwarded to City Council for approval.

Additional Information

*The committee recommends Bylaw No. 7340, The Bylaw Enforcement Officers Bylaw, be amended to facilitate the appointment of a new bylaw enforcement officer responsible for prosecuting municipal bylaw offences and representing the City of Saskatoon before a justice of the peace or a judge of the Provincial Court of Saskatchewan in the prosecution of anyone charged with a contravention of a bylaw.

Saskatoon Light & Power crews responded to restore power to several city neighbourhoods following a cascading outage which originated on the city’s east side.

“It all started at 2:33 p.m. when a large poplar tree branch fell onto one of our main high-voltage transmission lines near Taylor Street and Preston Avenue,” says Trevor Bell, Director of Saskatoon Light & Power (SL&P).  “The branch tripped out the eastern portion of our transmission ring serving the city.  It caused power to go out at 18 of our 23 substations.  This affected the east side, north end, the northern portion of downtown and some other areas.”

Bell says crews responded immediately and trimmed back tree branches.  While they worked, SL&P restored power to much of downtown within 14 minutes at 2:47 p.m.

“Once it was safe to do so, we started re-energizing the rest of the city,” Bell says.  “Most areas had been restored within 42 minutes by about 3:15 p.m. and the last few customers were restored within an hour by 3:33 p.m.”

City staff used social media channels to inform the public about the outage and provided updates on Twitter and Facebook.  City staff will investigate why an off-site back-up system for City Hall failed to support the website.  Meanwhile, users were directed to a City blog for website outage information.

Basic website service has been restored; service alerts will continue to be issued as needed.

The City of Saskatoon is encouraging residents to choose to do one little green thing - to help make a big green difference!

Choose to say goodbye to your traditional paper utility bill, and make the choice to rush and go green by signing up for eBill paperless utility billing,  it’s better for the environment and more convenient for you!

“If the City gained ten per cent more customers on eBill, we could save approximately 513 kilograms of paper per year,” says Shelley Sutherland, Director of Corporate Revenue.  “Any time we can use less paper and leave less of a carbon footprint savings add up. Our eBill service has always been a customer focused initiative, but it’s also an environmental initiative for the City as we are all committed to savings, service and sustainability.”

All new customers who sign up for eBill up until November 30, 2016 will be entered into the eBill Contest. There are two planned draws: an early bird draw on October 1, 2016  for (1) Samsung digital tablet, and a grand prize draw December 1, 2016 for a pair of 2017 Season Tickets to the Saskatchewan Rush Lacrosse Club. 

All valued utility bill customers presently on eBill are automatically entered into the eBill Contest.

“Our goal is to increase the number of residents participating in eBill by at least ten per cent this year,” Sutherland says. “We are confident our new promotional campaign featuring the many faces of Bill – our fun new eco-green emoji-like character - and the chance to win great prizes, will encourage residents to choose eBill right from the start of their utility hook-up, or to switch over to eBill if they’re presently on paper-billing.”

Choosing eBill instead of traditional paper billing, reduces paper clutter and a need to file. eBill is easy to use, secure and gives customers 24/7 access to their utility account history and current consumption charges. eBill customers also receive an email notification when their bill is ready for online viewing at My Utility Account on the City’s website, saskatoon.ca.

It’s easy to sign up for your ebill!  So rush – get in to win and go green today!

Visit saskatoon.ca/ebillrush to get started.

From the June 13, 2016 meeting

7.1.1 Transit IT Roadmap Update

Decision

*The committee received the report as information.

Background

*The report provides an interim update on the progress of three Transit IT initiatives introduced in February.
*A new service for Access Transit designed to decrease cancellation rates is on target for completion by October 2016.
*The initial phase of implementing a Business Intelligence initiative to facilitate the goal of increasing Transit ridership is on target for completion by June 30, 2016.
*The initial phase of implementing service improvements designed to enhance the real-time Open Data available to our citizens is on target for completion by June 30, 2016.

7.1.2 2015 Safety Performance and Absenteeism Report

Decision

*The committee received the report and recommend to City Council that the Board of Police Commissioners provide additional information on its action plans to reduce loss time injury and frequency.

Background

*Incidents of injury/illness from the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) decreased from 121 in 2014 to 102 in 2015. However, productive hours lost due to these injuries have increased from 19,016 to 21,236 hours.
*In 2015, the City and COS achieved a historical low for lost-time injury frequency of 3.70. This is a 20% decrease from the 2014 reported lost-time injury frequency of 4.60.
*In 2015, the COS total, as well as the City (18%), Boards (10%) and Police (25%), had reductions in lost-time injuries.
*There was an overall decrease of 11% in injury severity and the number of work days lost per 100 employees for COS.
*Overall, average days lost to absenteeism, total hours of absenteeism, and total costs of absenteeism was reduced in 2015. The City’s average days lost is below the Statistics Canada public sector.
*The majority of absenteeism is driven by short-term absences at 64% of total cost. Incidents of short-term absences continue to increase at the City.
*Costs, hours and incidents of medium-term absences continue to decrease over the last few years.

7.1.3 2015 Overtime Utilization Report

Decision

*The committee received the report as information.

Background

*Total overtime as a percentage of earnings has been trending downward since 2013. Overtime as a percentage of earnings is 5.33% (2015) down from 5.87% in 2014.
*The City has a number of services where fluctuations in workload is managed through overtime, such as demand (eg. transit services and light & power) and seasonal (eg. snow removal and road repairs).
*Fourteen job classifications (approximately 1,140 employees) accounted for 48% of the overtime amount.
*Average overtime decreased in 2015 by 9.2% from 5.87% (2014) to 5.33% (2015).

7.1.4 Saskatoon Light & Power 2015 Annual Report

Decision

*The committee received the report and resolved the Administration report on information regarding grants-in-lieu from other non-city utilities.

Background

*Our Customers – Electrical service reliability in 2015 was better than the Urban Average reported by member utilities in the Canadian Electricity Association.
*Our Finances – Saskatoon Light & Power provided a Return on Investment of $23,059,700 and paid Grants-in-Lieu of Taxes in the amount of $20,483,200, for a total financial benefit to the City of Saskatoon (City) of $43,542,900.
*Our People – There were four lost time injuries in 2015 for a total of 21.96 days.
*Our Work – Capital funding of $19,238,000 was provided to 35 capital projects.
*Our Environment – Saskatoon Light & Power began installing LED lights for all new development areas, reducing the amount of energy consumed. The Landfill Gas Power Station was in full operation in 2015 and a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Demonstration project was initiated with two local partners.
*Our Challenges – Saskatoon Light & Power will focus on asset renewal in 2016 and report to City Council with an asset management report.

7.2.5 Martensville Wastewater Update

Decision

*The Committee is recommending to City Council:

1. That the Administration be directed to continue working towards a service agreement with the City of Martensville for the provision of wastewater and water services as outlined in the report; and
2. That the Administration report further with details on the final proposed agreement and rate structure.

Background

*In February 2014, City Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding for providing wastewater and water services between Martensville and Saskatoon.
*The City of Martensville has applied to the federal government for infrastructure funding to construct a wastewater and additional water supply line connected to the City. If approved, it is anticipated that the project could be completed by 2019.
*Martensville will continue to use their existing lagoon to buffer wastewater flows and convey wastewater to Saskatoon during off-peak hours at night.
*A number of shared principles will ensure that utility rates for water and wastewater between the two cities will remain on a level field. Martensville rates will continue to be higher than those in Saskatoon and off-site levy rates for water and wastewater will be charged at a comparable rate.
*If all required approvals are received, this project is anticipated to be tendered in 2017, with construction in the 2018 to 2019 construction seasons.

From the June 13, 2016 meeting

7.1.1 On-Street Paid Parking Time Zone Change

Decision

*The Committee received the report as information and will recommend to City Council at its June 27 meeting that a 3-hour parking limit be implemented in the Downtown, Broadway, and Sutherland BIDS with a report back in one year.   

Background

*Preliminary discussions took place with the BIDs to determine support for an increase to paid parking time zones.
*Additional discussions with the BIDs and other stakeholders are required before comprehensive implementation of three-hour time limits can be assessed.
*Consideration could be given to implementing three-hour time zones, in selected areas, as a first step.

7.1.2 Issuance of River Landing Parkade Request for Proposals

Decision

*The Committee resolved that the Administration issue a Request for Proposals for the River Landing Parkade based on the terms outlined in the report.

Background

*In November 2009, City Council approved, in principle, the development of the Art Gallery of Saskatchewan at the Destination Centre site in River Landing.
*In June 2011, City Council resolved that the underground parkade would pay its annual operating costs, contribute to the building costs for a portion of the first floor atrium, contribute to a portion of the land costs, and to fully fund the debenture.
*Within the new River Landing Parkade, there are approximately 155 public parking spaces.
*The City is seeking the services of an experienced parkade operator to run the parking program.
*The River Landing Parkade is mandated to eventually be self-sufficient through its operations.

7.1.3 North Commuter Parkway and Traffic Bridge – Traffic Bridge South Pathways

Decision

*The Committee resolved that the report be forwarded to City Council for information.

Background

*The report is an update regarding the detailed design for the pathways on the south side of the Traffic Bridge into Rotary Park.
*The Project Agreement (PA) includes technical requirements to be met by the design being prepared by Graham Commuter Partners (GCP) for all aspects of the project, which includes a requirement to provide direct pathway connections from the Traffic Bridge down into Rotary Park.
*Based on GCP’s bridge concept, this will include 3.0 m wide pathways on each side of Victoria Avenue extending down the new bridge embankment at a maximum 5% grade and connecting to the existing Meewasin Trail.
*GCP has completed review of this design with the CPTED committee and is proceeding to the Meewasin Valley Authority to complete Development Review in July/August 2016.

7.2.1 Active Transportation Plan

Decision

*The committee recommended the following to City Council:

1. That City Council recognize and approve, in principle, the long-term benefits of the vision, goals, targets, and key directions of the Active Transportation Plan (ATP);
2. That the ATP be implemented in a phased, incremental approach, requiring specific implementation plans in five-year increments; and
3. That the Administration report back with an implementation plan for the period of 2017 to 2021 with specific action items, funding and staffing resources identified.

Background

*The ATP was guided by community input, a vision, and goals; targets for active transportation have been developed, along with key directions and action items to improve active transportation facilities, policies and standards, support programs, and education and awareness initiatives over the next 30 to 40 years.
*Based on feedback during the early rounds of public engagement, the ATP includes a target to double the proportionate daily walking and cycling trips by the year 2045.
*The ATP contains an 80-point action plan organized around the themes of Connectivity, Safety and Security, Convenience, Land Use and Growth, Maintenance and Accessibility, and Education and Awareness. Actions have been prioritized in the short-, medium-, and long-term, and quick wins (actions that can be implemented in the next one to two years) have been identified.
*Following City Council approval in principle, a five-year implementation plan with specific action items, funding, and staffing resources will be created and brought to City Council for review.

7.2.2 Taxi Meter Rates

Decision

*The Committee recommended the following to City Council:

1. That the Taxi Bylaw be amended to include the taxi industry’s request to increase the taxi meter rate by 6% effective August 1, 2016;
2. That the Taxi Bylaw be amended to include a transaction fee of up to $0.90 per direct debit transaction;
3. That the City Solicitor be requested to amend the Taxi Bylaw; and
4. That at the time this report is before City Council, the Administration include information quantifying the rate increases.

Background

*Taxi meter rate increase requests come forward from the taxi industry based on its expertise which includes immediate and complete knowledge of the market, industry expenses and profit margins.
*The taxi industry is requesting a rate increase of approximately 6% which will amount to $0.75 per 5 kilometer ride.
*The last rate increase was approved by City Council in May 2011. The Taxi Cost Index has increased by an average of 6.3% over the past 24 months. 

To promote Reconciliation at work, home, and play, the City of Saskatoon, Office of the Treaty Commissioner, Saskatoon Tribal Council, Central Urban Metis Federation Inc., along with 29 supporting organizations, are challenging residents to share their personal contributions to Reconciliation calls to action with their Facebook friends and twitter followers on using #ReconciliationSK.

Share a selfie showing your response to either of the questions below on Facebook and Twitter using #ReconciliationSK:

• What does Reconciliation mean to you?
• ​What is your Call to Action?

Template signs are available at www.OTC.ca or Saskatoon.ca/reconciliation.

Other ways to get involved with Reconciliation Saskatoon on social media:

• Read for Reconciliation - Browse the Saskatoon Library’s reading list: saskatoonlibrary.ca/reconciliation and choose a title that interests you. Option to post/tweet: “I commit to #Read4Reconciliation by reading xtitlex #ReconciliationSK”.

• Lend your voice to the Vision of Reconciliation - Read, share and comment on the Community’s Vision for Reconciliation at www.otc.ca.

• Visit our Facebook event page to say you’re attending National Aboriginal Day & Day of Reconciliation (June 21 - 22): share the event on Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag #RockYourRoots

• Tweet about Reconciliation using the hashtag #ReconciliationSK and “Like”, “Favourite” or retweet posts.

The City of Saskatoon’s commitment to the TRC’s Calls to Action supports the City’s Corporate Strategic Goal of Quality of Life by identifying actions for enhancing Aboriginal well-being and participation in our community.