News Releases

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.

The City of Saskatoon today announced its construction zone safety campaign, Respect Work Zones, urging drivers to obey signs and follow posted detours while passing construction zones this summer.

“Respecting a work zone is not just about slowing down, it’s obeying posted signage,” says Angela Gardiner, Director of Transportation. “We rely on the participation of drivers to keep workers safe. A variety of measures have been used on our side to ensure everyone’s safety; we count on drivers to meet us the rest of the way by obeying signs and staying out of work zones.”

Through programs like enhanced work zone setups, public education and increased safety training for our workers, the City has been able to record its lowest level of lost-time injuries for city workers in 2015. This shows safety is a top priority in work done by City employees for citizens, a trend that is the result of an increasingly successful safety culture. 

At times construction work may appear halted or complete, but construction signs and barriers are kept in place where the roads are hazardous to drivers. Projects that include night work have signs and speed reductions around work zones that remain in place 24 hours a day. It’s important to obey signage even when there are no vehicles or workers present and never enter a work zone or drive past signage even if it appears complete or inactive.

“The wellbeing of our employees is a priority in everything we do’” says Gardiner. “The Respect Work Zones campaign is an important message as we continue to build better roads. The work zone signs are there for your protection. And ours.

This year, through the Building Better Roads program, $59 million is being invested to build, maintain and repair more roads than ever before, which means more construction zones. Respecting these work zones will allow crews to focus on the job and safely complete this summer’s projects.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information and subscribe to Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert.

Each year, the Project Management Institute, North Saskatchewan Chapter (PMI-NSC) recognizes one project that best demonstrates exceptional performance, leadership and delivers significant value and return on investment for the customer.  This year, the City of Saskatoon’s Neighbourhood Traffic Review program was awarded this prestigious honour for its community-wide approach to resolving traffic issues that is built around finding solutions through engagement with residents.                                                                                                                

“Rather than looking at each traffic issue individually, we take a step back and consider the traffic movements, safety requirements and culture within the entire community,” explains Angela Gardiner, Acting General Manager of Transportation and Utilities. “We encourage people to take an active role in the traffic review process for their neighbourhood so we can hear about issues that matter to them.”

A typical neighbourhood traffic review is a complex, year-long process aimed at improving the quality of life in the neighbourhood by making adjustments to how people use local and collector streets. The process begins with community meetings to collect feedback on issues such as speed, pedestrian safety, traffic volume and short cutting. In addition, residents can also provide feedback through online forums.

Studies are then conducted to measure vehicular speed, traffic volume and pedestrian usage, which are analyzed and used to develop recommendations presented for feedback by residents. The City completes eight neighbourhood traffic reviews each year.

“Each Saskatoon neighbourhood is unique and this approach allows us to get right to the core of the issue,” says Gardiner. “Our approach values the feedback of the people who are using the area every day to help solve the issue.”

The City was presented with the “Project of the Year” award today at the PMI-NSC Annual General Meeting.  

Learn more about the City’s engagement process at saskatoon.ca/shapingsaskatoon

Mayor Donald Atchison today condemned the attack at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida.

"I was shocked and saddened at the tragedy in Orlando, Florida. Once again the world stands united against an act of terrorism and hate.  Today we grieve for the victims and offer our condolences to their families and friends.  Our thoughts and prayers are also with those who are in the hospital recovering from the attack."

“Members of the LGBTQ2 community, those with different religious beliefs, or ethnicity should be safe in our communities.  Acts of terrorism and hate must not divide us rather we must unite as a community against them."

Flags on civic buildings, already at half-mast, will now take on additional significance.  The City of Saskatoon will follow the protocols established by the Government of Saskatchewan and the Government of Canada to determine timing.

Lost-time injuries for City workers were at the lowest-recorded level in 2015, while overall average days lost to absenteeism also continued to decline and remain well below the national average for public sector employees.

“We are encouraged with the positive direction reflected in this report,” says Catherine Gryba, General Manager of Corporate Performance.  “We always look for ways to be more efficient and at the same time make health and safety a top priority in the work we do for our citizens.”

The results highlighting successes in health, safety and absenteeism are outlined in a report to be presented June 13, 2016 to the Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services.

The report* to the Committee shows:

-Incidents of injury/illness from the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) decreased from 121 in 2014 to 102 in 2015. 
-In 2015, lost-time injuries reached the lowest recorded frequency of 3.70 lost time days.  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 resultant number of work days lost per 100 employees for COS.
-Overall, for all civic employees, 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.
-Costs, hours and incidents of medium-term absences (more than 10 days and not long-term disability) continue to decrease over the last few years. 
-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.

“These trends are the result of an increasingly successful safety culture at the City that values the wellbeing of our employees,” Gryba says.  “The trends also demonstrate everyone working for the City of Saskatoon wants to make safety a key aspect of civic operations – from beginning to end.”

Proper management of absenteeism supports the City’s Strategic Goal of Continuous Improvement and being the best-managed city in Canada.

*Throughout the Committee report, the City of Saskatoon (City) is used to denote all areas that are under the direction of the City Manager.  COS is used to denote the overall grouping of the City of Saskatoon, Saskatoon Police Service and the civic Boards. The Boards are comprised of the Saskatoon Public Library, Mendel Art Gallery (Remai Modern), SaskTel Centre and TCU Place.

Another piece of Saskatoon’s Bridging to Tomorrow project was unveiled during today’s Standing Policy Committee on Transportation. The committee was presented with a rendering of what the pathways on the south side of the new Traffic Bridge will look like.

“The rendering shows three meter wide pathways on each side of Victoria Avenue extending down the new bridge embankment and connecting to the existing Meewasin Trail,” said Dan Willems, Director of Major Projects. “The design concept will provide greatly increased functionality by enhancing pedestrian and cyclist access between the new Traffic Bridge and the Meewasin Trail in Rotary Park.”

The City’s Bridging to Tomorrow contractor, Graham Commuter Partners (GCP), will formally submit the design to the Meewasin Valley Authority over the summer months to complete Development Review. The new pathway connections will be completed with the new bridge, which remains scheduled to be complete in October 2018.

Anyone can follow Bridging to Tomorrow construction progress at saskatoon.ca/bridging. The webpage includes video updates, photos, and live webcams showing construction of the new Traffic Bridge and North Commuter Parkway. Construction viewing areas are also in place at River Landing and on the Meewasin Trail just north of the GCP construction trailer site, and from the Meewasin Trail located just east of the cul-de-sac at the north end of Kinnear Avenue (north of Silverwood Golf Course).