News Releases

The City is pleased to announce that based on results of the Request for Qualifications (RFQ), three teams have been chosen to move on to the Request for Proposals (RFP) stage for the Saskatoon Interchange Project for Boychuk Drive & Highway 16 and McOrmond Drive & College Drive.

Eight applicant teams responded to the RFQ. Following a comprehensive evaluation of the submissions, the teams that will participate in the RFP process, listed alphabetically, are:

• Flatiron Constructors Canada Ltd. (Flatiron Constructors Canada Ltd., WSP, Amec Foster Wheeler)
• Graham Infrastructure LP (Graham Infrastructure LP, ASL Paving Ltd., Tetra Tech EBA Ltd., ISL Engineering and Land Services Ltd., Clifton Associates Ltd.)
• PCL Construction Management Inc. (PCL Construction Management Inc., Cima+ Canada Inc., Trek Geotechnical Inc., Pinchin West Limited, Catterall & Wright)

The City's project team is currently working with its advisors to finalize the RFP document which will be released to the short-listed firms in June 2016.

The Saskatoon Interchange Project has bundled these two interchanges together as a way of reducing overall costs of construction. The McOrmond Drive/College Drive interchange is fully funded by adjacent land developers. The Boychuk Drive/Highway 16 interchange is funded by both federal and provincial governments (14.7 million each) with an additional $15.7 million coming from levies collected by The City of Saskatoon from developers of the Rosewood subdivision.​

May 30, 2016 Meeting

7.1.4 7.1.4 2015 Annual Report – Saskatoon Land

Decision

*The report was received as information.

Background

*Land sales for 2015 totaled $63,425,578. Sales highlights include 159 single family lot sales, 30.17 acres of institutional/multi-family sales and 20.97 acres of industrial sales/leases.
*Since 2011, Saskatoon Land, in conjunction with private-sector developers, has met or exceeded the minimum supply targets for residential and industrial land. Estimates for 2015 yearend indicate the following inventory levels for each land category: 2,002 single-family units, 3,382 multi-family units, and 183 industrial acres.
*Throughout the 2015 calendar year, a variety of accomplishments were realized by Saskatoon Land staff. Notable examples include: completion of the Green Bridge structure in Evergreen, administration of 80 leases totaling almost $2 million in annual revenue, and the successful implementation of new singlefamily lot allocation process for lot draws.
*Since 2007, $123.3 million in net proceeds from the sale of property in Hampton Village, Willowgrove, Rosewood and Evergreen have been made available for City Council to allocate to various civic projects.

7.1.5 First Quarter Results – Corporate Business Plan and Budget – Shaping Our Financial Future

Decision

*The Committee received the report as information.

Background

*The 2016 budget projections to year-end show a 0.27% negative variance upon reviewing quarter one results. The Administration will be taking all reasonable measures to bring in a balanced budget at year-end.
*The key projects and initiatives outlined in the 2016 Corporate Business Plan and Budget are on track and initiatives are progressing well.

7.1.6 Update on Key Strategic Risks

Decision

*The Committee received the report as information.

Background

*Risk Registers have been developed for each high and medium strategic risk and have been reviewed by the Corporate Risk Committee.
*At its meeting on June 22, 2015, when considering the report of the CFO/General Manager, Asset and Financial Management Department, regarding key risks and the risk based management program, City Council resolved that the Corporate Risk Committee report further on key corporate risks, and that there be an overall ongoing review and report back to the Standing Policy Committee on Finance.

7.2.7 Acquisition of Land for Future Fire Station

Decision

*The Committee will be reporting to City Council in support of the recommendations of the Administration.

Background

*The Saskatoon Fire Department continually reviews response times using mapping analysis techniques with the goal of increasing departmental efficiency placing citizen and staff safety at the forefront.
*The Saskatoon Fire Department can relocate the current Station No. 3 (1906 York Avenue) to St. Martin’s United Church’s vacant north lot. This will address aging infrastructure concerns and improve overall response protection in the southeast portion of the city.
*Notable terms of the agreement with St. Martin’s United Church include a sale price of $500,000, plus additional related disturbance and site improvement compensation.

From the May 30, 2016 Meeting

7.1.9 Landscape Design and Development Standards for Parks and Open Space

Decision

*Committee received the report as information and asked Administration to report back on feedback from residents plus housing, industrial and commercial industries and developers.

Background

*The construction of parks and open spaces that require irrigation and a high level of maintenance have become common in the city’s new subdivisions/neighbourhoods. This has contributed to increased pressures on the environmental and financial sustainability of parks and open spaces.
*Implementation of renewed Landscape Design and Development Standards (LDDS) is one of many continuous improvement initiatives identified during the 2014 Parks Maintenance and Design Civic Service Review. Since 2014, the Parks Division has been working towards implementation of a number of initiatives to ensure that required long-term maintenance services can be provided in a safe, efficient, cost–effective, and environmentally responsible manner.
*LDDS will provide formalized landscape design standards and well-defined approval processes, as identified and recommended in the Master Plan.
*LDDS is intended to be a dynamic document that outlines reasonable minimum and maximum parameters of park and open space design and development, as well as a mandatory landscape design review process. The standards will be a continuous improvement tool used by the Parks Division.

7.1.11 Saskatoon Fire Department Purchase of Used Platform for Mobile Command Vehicle

Decision

*The Committee received the report as information.

Background

*The current Mobile Command unit is no longer practical for its intended use.
*After extensive research, it has been determined that the best option is to retrofit a used Class A motorhome, designing and equipping it to be sustainable for many years to come.
*The purchase price of the used platform is $126,000 (taxes included). Additional funds will be required to retrofit the unit in accordance with identified needs.
*It is expected the unit will be complete and ready for use early in 2017.

7.2.5 City Centre Plan Phase 4: Civic Precinct Master Plan Project Update

Decision

*The Committee is forwarding the report to City Council for information.

Background

*The Civic Precinct study area encompasses approximately five city blocks, centred on City Hall.
*The purpose of the Civic Precinct Master Plan is to define a new Civic Precinct area and improve the quality, character, and cohesiveness of the public realm in the Civic Precinct.
*The timing and preparation of this Plan considers several proposed projects and initiatives that will have a significant impact on the public realm within the Civic Precinct over the long term.
*The Plan will be divided into two phases. Phase one consists of background analysis and stakeholder engagement, and phase two consists of detailed design and plan development.
*The Plan will result in a priority list of, and phased approach for, improvement projects for the public realm within the Civic Precinct.

7.2.6 Vacant Lot and adaptive Reuse Incentive Program – Gardens as an Interim Use

Decision

*The Committee is recommending to City Council that the proposed amendments to the Vacant Lot and Adaptive Reuse Incentive Program Policy No. C09-035 be approved.

Background

*The purpose of this report is to amend the Vacant Lot and Adaptive Reuse (VLAR) Incentive Program to add incentives for gardens on vacant lots as an interim use.
*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.
*Communication with the stakeholder group will continue as a means to identify additional opportunities to support urban agriculture and local food.

7.2.7 Redevelopment of the South Caswell Transit Facility Site

Decision

*The Committee resolved:

1. That the report be forwarded to City Council for information;
2. That Administration report further to the Committee on:
(a) a revised concept plan and timing;
(b) a funding strategy and the phasing of the redevelopment of the South Caswell Transit Facility Site by the end of 2016 or as soon as practical; and
(c) safety and security measures that will be implemented as soon as the South Caswell Transit Facility site is vacated.

Background

*An Expression of Interest has demonstrated there is interest in the South Caswell area from the development community in Saskatoon.
*There is considerable site preparation costs associated with the area development project. At the same time, there are significant opportunities and community expectations associated with redevelopment.
*Next steps in the process include community engagement in a renewed concept plan process, preparation of detailed site improvement plans and funding sources, and a plan for the marketing and sale of the land. Alternate procurement methods will be explored.

The Broadway Avenue Improvement Project is a full week ahead of schedule, as the first two phases wrap up Thursday.

Final work includes roadway marking application, which requires the Broadway Bridge to close at 7:00 p.m. tonight. The bridge and intersection at Broadway Avenue and 12th Street is expected to fully reopen Thursday afternoon by 4:00 p.m.

“We’re encouraged with this news,” says Celene Anger, Director of Construction & Design.  “By afternoon drive time on Thursday, the Broadway Bridge and Five Corners – the intersection at Broadway Avenue and Twelfth Street – will open completely and we’re already into the third phase of the Broadway Improvement Project.”

Phase 3 includes full closure of the intersection at Broadway Avenue and 11th Street. Extensive water main upgrades and road resurfacing began along Broadway Avenue on May 2.  When the work on Broadway Avenue is complete, the project will move onto side streets, including block sections of 10th, 11th and 12th Streets as well as a four-block section of Main Street.

 “This project was specifically designed to be completed in phases, helping to minimize the impact on the community as much as possible,” Anger says. “As we’ve said, Broadway Avenue is open for business and entertainment throughout construction.”

Commuters have been asked to reroute their commute during the summer-long project, making use of the Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge and the University Bridge.

For more information please visit saskatoon.ca/broadway.

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Saskatoon Public Works responded to a collision this morning between a street-patching truck and a cyclist at Idylwyld Drive and 29th Street.

“At last word, the cyclist’s injuries are described as serious and the City extends its compassion for this man,” says Jeff Jorgenson, General Manager of Transportation & Utilities.

A police investigation is underway and Jorgenson says Public Works Division officials are cooperating in whatever way they can. 

Our initial information is the cyclist appears to have been travelling southbound when the collision with the street-patcher happened.

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

Saskatoon, like all municipal governments, faces many types of risk, including strategic, operational, financial and compliance risks that, if not effectively managed, can impact the successful delivery of civic services and achievement of corporate goals and objectives.

The City’s Risk-Based Management (RBM) Program has been adopted to assist Administration with enhancing intelligent risk performance in all areas of operations. “Identifying all types and levels of risk for the City ensures continuous improvement in the way the City is managed, and also supports our goal to grow public confidence in the City’s performance,” says Kerry Tarasoff, CFO/General Manager, Asset & Financial Management Department.

In 2015, the City of Saskatoon’s internal auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), assisted the Administration in conducting a strategic risk assessment in order to identify and prioritize the key strategic risks being faced by the City.  The Corporate Risk Committee, with input from City Council, then evaluated each strategic risk that was identified and prioritized them based on the likelihood of the risk event occurring on a scale of 1 (rare) to 4 (very likely), and the impact if the risk event were to occur on a scale of 1 (negligible) to 4 (critical).

“We continue to create a positive and proactive risk management culture for Administration. Our goal is to identify any risks at the very onset. Through our ongoing risk reviews we can make any necessary adjustments to our programs and practices so that risk is lowered,” Tarasoff says. “We strive to minimize risk – and importantly, maximize the likelihood of reaching our corporate goals.”

To date, each high and medium ranked risk has now been examined, the nature of each risk evaluated, and current and planned mitigation activities have been identified. Over the coming months, the Corporate Risk Committee will continue to enhance its understanding of the City’s risk environment.  Updated information will be submitted to the Standing Policy Committee on Finance for approval in late 2016 and will be incorporated into the 2017 internal audit plan update.

The City of Saskatoon is committed to the long-term strategy of creating and encouraging a workplace culture of continuous improvement – one that encourages innovation and forward-thinking under the Strategic Goal of Continuous Improvement.

To find detailed information on the City’s Risk-Based Management Program, visit saskatoon.ca/corporaterisk

The City and its project partners, Graham Commuter Partners (GCP), continue to make progress on the North Commuter Parkway and the new Traffic Bridge.

Once complete in 2018, the North Commuter Parkway will support the transportation needs of citizens who live in Saskatoon’s northeast and work in the Marquis and North Industrial Areas, reducing traffic on the city’s existing bridges. The new Traffic Bridge, also slated for completion in 2018, will support the growing city centre by allowing motorists, pedestrians and cyclists to cross the river between the downtown and residential areas in the south sector of the city. The new bridge will look similar to the old bridge, but will be wider to accommodate emergency vehicles. 

Traffic Bridge Update – May 2016

This month, crews continued refurbishing the south in-river pier (Pier 3), which will support the new bridge deck. Forms were set in place and concrete was poured into the shaft of the pier. The south abutment, the structure at the end of the bridge upon which the main bridge structure will rest, is also being constructed. Piles have been drilled to support the south abutment. Over the next month, construction of Pier 3 and the south abutment will continue. By this fall, Pier 3, the south abutment, the north abutment, and the new south span (Span 4) should be complete.

North Commuter Parkway Update – May 2016

Parkway Bridge

A cofferdam has been built in the river which will allow new bridge construction to begin. This temporary enclosure provides a dry area in which to construct the pier, and construction of Pier 1 is underway. Work includes excavating the cofferdam at the pier location and fabricating the forms for the pier. Construction on the east embankment of the new bridge is also well underway.

Parkway Roadways

Clearing and topsoil stripping for the new roadways is now complete and earthwork operations continue along McOrmond Drive and Central Avenue. Storm sewers are being constructed for the new lanes of Central Avenue between Attridge Drive and Fedoruk Drive. Work to improve the Attridge Drive and Central Avenue intersection will soon begin.

By this fall, upgrades to the Attridge Drive/Central Avenue intersection, and the Marquis Drive and Waneskewin Road intersection will be complete.  Drainage, waterline and sewer infrastructure should be installed along Central Avenue, and overhead powerlines should be relocated along Central Avenue.

Traffic and Trails

Increased traffic will be evident at Marquis Drive and Wanuskewin Road with trucks hauling materials accessing the bridge construction site.

Staring the week of May 30, traffic restrictions and lane closures will be in place to accommodate work at Central Avenue and Attridge Drive to expand the intersection and create dual left turn bays from eastbound Attridge Drive to northbound Central Avenue. Beginning in July, work will start at the intersection of the Marquis Drive and Wanuskewin Road. Citizens will be notified of traffic detours through the City’s Daily Road Report, road signage, and social media.

A detour at Spadina Crescent between the Broadway Bridge and 3^rd Avenue is in place until the end of the construction period. The Saskatchewan Crescent eastbound detour to 11^th Street and westbound detour to the Victoria Avenue on/off ramps is in place until August 2016. Rotary Park and River Landing trail detours will continue through the construction period. Access to Crocus Prairie Trail from Central Avenue is closed until winter 2016. At times, the east sidewalk at Wanuskewin Road and Marquis Drive will be restricted for vehicle crossings.

Ways to Watch Construction Progress

Anyone interested can keep an eye on construction progress at saskatoon.ca/bridging. The webpage includes a quarterly video update, live project webcams, time lapse videos, and photographs. 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).

Stay Safe Near Construction Zones

Citizens are reminded to obey traffic and Meewasin Trail detours, and to respect all safety measures in place including site fencing and site markings. The City is also reminding pedestrians to stay clear of work areas near the construction sites.

From the May 24, 2016 Regular Meeting of City Council

8.1.2 Application for Municipal Heritage Property Designation – Tupper House – 518 11th Street East

Decision

*City Council adopted a recommendation of its Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development & Community Service:

1. That the City Solicitor be requested to prepare and bring forward a bylaw to designate the property at 518 11th Street East, Tupper House, as a Municipal Heritage Property under the provision of The Heritage Property Act, with such designation limited to the exterior of the building;
2. That the General Manager, Community Services Department, be requested to prepare the required notices for advertising the proposed designation; and
3. That $2,500 be allocated from the Heritage Reserve Fund for supply and installation of a recognition plaque for the property.

Additional Information

*Built in 1909, the Tupper House is a modest one-and-three-quarter-storey dwelling in the Nutana neighbourhood.
*The home is situated in close proximity to Broadway Avenue and is located directly adjacent to the Arrand Block – a multi-unit residential property that was designated as a Municipal Heritage Property in 1989.
*The Tupper House has already been identified as a heritage resource in Saskatoon through the City’s Built Heritage Database. The current owners of 518 11th Street East have requested Municipal Heritage Designation of this property.

8.3.2 Montgomery Place Neighbourhood Traffic Review

Decision

*City Council adopted a recommendation of its Standing Policy Committee on Transportation:

1. That the Neighbourhood Traffic Review for the Montgomery Place neighbourhood be adopted as the framework for future traffic improvements in the area, to be undertaken as funding is made available through the annual budget process;
2. That the speed limit on all local roads within the Montgomery Place neighbourhood be reduced from 50 kph to 40 kph

Additional Information

*A public meeting was held in June 2015 to identify traffic concerns and potential solutions within the Montgomery Place neighbourhood. Representatives from the Saskatoon Police Service were in attendance to address traffic enforcement issues. Based on the residents’ input provided at the initial public meeting and the analysis of the traffic data collected, a Neighbourhood Traffic Plan was developed and presented to the community at a second public meeting held in December 2015.

8.3.6 Plan for Saskatoon Transit 2016-2020 Update

Decision

*City Council adopted a recommendation of its Standing Policy Committee on Transportation that the report be received as information.

Additional Information

*In September, 2015, Saskatoon Transit presented the Standing Policy Committee on Transportation and City Council with a short report outlining an action plan for the 5- year period ending in 2020.
*Since that report, Transit Administration has developed an over-arching document outlining the basic principles and guidance for Transit staff over the next 5 years.

8.3.7 Idylwyld Drive Comprehensive Corridor Project and Streetscape Concept

Decision

*City Council adopted a recommendation of its Standing Policy Committee on Transportation that the General Manager, Community Services Department be authorized to release a Request for Proposal based on the Terms of Reference presented in the report of the General Manager, Community Services Department dated May 9, 2016.

Additional Information

*Traffic patterns and vehicle composition on Idylwyld Drive has changed.
*Completing a design for Idylwyld Drive was identified in the City Centre Plan Implementation Plan and prioritized by the Transportation Division.
*The purpose of the Comprehensive Corridor Project and Streetscape Design is to develop a conceptual plan to improve the function, safety, connectivity, and quality of the public realm along Idylwyld Drive, from 20th Street to 25th Street East.
*Funding for this Project has previously been approved and will be provided by both the Planning and Development and Transportation Divisions.

8.3.8 Highway 16/Boychuk Drive and McOrmond Drive/College Drive Interchanges – Status Update

Decision

*City Council adopted a recommendation of its Standing Policy Committee on Transportation that the report of the General Manager, Transportation & Utilities Department dated May 9, 2016 be received as information.

Additional Information

*Sound attenuation studies were completed to determine noise impact of the interchanges and identified.
*At Highway 16/Boychuk Drive, additional sound attenuation is required adjacent to Lakeview neighbourhood.
*At McOrmond Drive/College Drive, additional sound attenuation is required adjacent to Arbor Creek neighbourhood.
*Extension of sound attenuation beyond construction limits along College Drive, west of the McOrmond Drive/College Drive interchange, is required.
*The Request for Qualifications will shortlist three Proponents to participate in the Request for Proposal to be awarded in fall of 2016.
*A de-scoping ladder must be established to mitigate the risk of a failure to award the project, in the event that all of the financial proposals result in pricing above the City’s affordability threshold. A prioritized three-level de-scoping ladder is presented in this report.

9.6.2 Amendment to Bylaw No. 7767, The Recreation Facilities and Parks Usage Bylaw, 1998 – Operation of Model Aircraft and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles within the City of Saskatoon

Decision

*City Council passed Bylaw No. 9377, The Recreation Facilities and Parks Usage Amendment Bylaw, 2016, prohibiting the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) within parks without the permission of the City.

Additional Information

*At its meeting held on August 20, 2015, City Council adopted a number of recommendations including: “1. That The Recreation Facilities and Parks Usage Bylaw, 1998 be amended to prohibit the operation of drones in parks without the permission of the City”.

The 2016 first quarter budget projections to year-end show a 0.27% negative variance from the $464.75 million total budget.  This is an early projection and subject to change through the year. As such, City staff will be taking reasonable measures to deliver a balanced budget at year-end.

“This projected shortfall is early in the fiscal year and open to many variables which may change over the course of the year,” says Kerry Tarasoff, CFO/General Manager of Asset & Financial Management. “It is based on the information we have to the end of the first quarter, so by examining our numbers now, we can look at ways to recover costs and bring in a balanced budget.”

To meet its Strategic Goal of Asset and Financial Sustainability, the City stays focused on accountability, transparency, and efficiency. Quarterly status reports help ensure that City Council and the Administration are aware of any emerging business plan, budget issues or challenges. The City is then better prepared to mitigate any financial difficulties which may result from unplanned events or emerging issues in 2016.

“We want to keep in mind this approach also helps us track the City’s progress on our initiatives and business plan, which is also reflected in our performance dashboard on the City website,” Tarasoff says.

Much of the first quarter variance can be linked to costs for increased street sweeping in the Business Improvement Districts and industrial areas, as well as less revenue from Transit fares shifting to discounted bus passes from regular fares.

The City is committed to the Strategic Goals of Continuous Improvement, and Asset and Financial Sustainability, and dedicated to: creating a more visible budget process, reducing revenue reliance on the property tax, providing financial information frequently and earlier so City Council can make informed decisions, and planning opportunities for residents to have their say to shape the 2017 Budget and Saskatoon’s financial future.

Saskatoon drivers can expect traffic restrictions at Central Avenue and Attridge Drive throughout the summer. Starting next week, the City’s North Commuter Parkway Project contractor, Graham Commuter Partners (GCP), will start work on expanding the intersection to accommodate more traffic.

“Once complete, the addition of dual left turn bays for eastbound to northbound turning movements associated with the intersection improvements will allow traffic to flow more efficiently through the intersection,” Dan Willems, Director of Major Projects says. “The work will be done in stages, with the first stage happening on the south side of the intersection.”

Willems says steps have been taken to reduce the impact of construction activities during weekday rush hours.

“All turning movements and two lanes of traffic in each direction are planned to be maintained on weekdays between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.”

Outside of peak traffic periods, lane closures will restrict traffic to one through lane on the side of the roadway where work is ongoing. For the first stage of work, starting next week, this will include a reduction to one lane eastbound and one lane southbound outside of peak traffic periods. Northbound and westbound lanes won’t be impacted within the first stage. These lane restrictions are expected to be in place by mid-week, weather permitting.

During the Central Avenue and Attridge Drive intersection expansion, GCP will also begin work on Attridge Drive to realign the offramp from Circle Drive onto Attridge Drive. The offramp will be shifted west to create more space for traffic to make lane change movements before reaching the Central and Attridge intersection.