News Releases

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.

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Jim Reiter, Minister of Government Relations for Saskatchewan, today announced funding for a new interchange at Boychuk Drive and Highway 16 in Saskatoon. His Worship Donald J. Atchison, Mayor of Saskatoon, also participated in the announcement.

One of the City of Saskatoon’s top transportation priorities, this project includes the construction of a new Eastbound left-turn loop to replace the eastbound left turn lane on Highway 16 at Boychuk Drive, aimed at resolving safety and traffic flow issues at this busy intersection. Additionally, the work will involve the addition of accessible pedestrian and cyclist facilities, which will make the area safer for cyclists and pedestrians. As the City’s growth continues, the new interchange will also provide more capacity to handle an increased volume of traffic.

The governments of Canada and Saskatchewan are each contributing up to $14,730,392 to this project through the Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component – National and Regional Projects (PTIC-NRP), with the City of Saskatoon covering the remainder of the estimated $45,180,000 total project cost.

For more information about the interchange project, please visit saskatoon.ca/boychukinterchange

Quotes

“Traffic congestion and gridlock costs Canada’s economy billions of dollars in lost productivity each year, damages our environment, and makes it harder for people to get to work and for families to spend time together. This new interchange will improve traffic flow in the area and increase safety for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike.”

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

“Our government is proud to have invested more than $14 million toward this project that will help improve traffic flow for the City of Saskatoon’s road system. Projects like this help keep Saskatchewan strong by encouraging local economic growth, while also making travel safer and more convenient for the people of Saskatoon.”

The Honourable Jim Reiter, Minister of Government Relations

“Safety and security in our community is a top priority. Everyone should be safe traveling our roadways to work and going home to their families. I believe the new Boychuk Drive Highway 16 interchange will save lives. I want to thank the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan for their partnership on this project and their commitment to the new Saskatoon.”

Donald J. Atchison, Mayor of Saskatoon

Associated links

To learn more about Canada’s new infrastructure plan: www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/index-eng.html

To learn more about the Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component – National and Regional Projects (PTIC-NRP): www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/nrp-pnr-prog-eng.html 

To increase safety and service, the Saskatoon Fire Department is taking steps to improve response times and coverage to the entire City. Implementation of the new model and relocation of Station No. 3, will deliver tax dollar savings of $6 million in capital costs and $2 million in annual operating costs.

“This is all about a safer community,” says Saskatoon Fire Chief, Morgan Hackl. “Part of the model proposes decommissioning the current No. 3 station located on Taylor Street and York Avenue and building a new station on Clarence Avenue South.

“This will provide coverage in the Stonebridge area neighbourhoods while maintaining the standards in the neighbourhoods currently served. We are now presenting the proposed plan to the communities located next to the new station.”

While also providing improved service, Chief Hackl stresses the plan will strengthen the neighbourhood. He says a new station would serve the community in a variety of ways.

“Our plans include community rooms with bookable space for the public and neighbouring church congregation. We also see it as a location for regular health and wellness initiatives, such as blood pressure or car seat clinics.”

As the department works toward national standards for response times, Chief Hackl and the Fire Department are also speaking with residents living in neighbourhoods bordering the current location of fire station No. 3.

“We are letting residents know that as the City grows we want to make emergency responses more efficient, and that requires re-evaluating station locations.

The safety of the entire community is a priority in the City’s strategic goal to improve the quality of life for citizens, and specifically the four-year priority to ensure that emergency response times for the Saskatoon Fire Department meet the needs of citizens.

The report will go to City Council on June 27, if passed at Monday’s Standing Policy Committee. If approved, it’s expected construction would begin in 2017.

The City of Saskatoon (City), in partnership with the Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) and Fitness 2J2, is celebrating the success of Aboriginal students’ completion of the Aboriginal Fitness Preparatory Program.

Students from the program will be recognized at a graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 19, 2016, from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Gordon Oakes Student Centre, 5 Campus Drive.  There will be nine students recognized for their efforts in completing the preparatory program, who are now at various stages of completing the Aboriginal Fitness Certification Program.

With this new partnership and development of the preparatory course, these individuals are at a greater advantage point in successfully becoming fitness instructors.  The six-week pilot program was designed to provide candidates with mentorship as they work toward becoming fitness leaders.  The course focused on the theory portion of the program and included anatomy, physiology, nutrition, mentorship, and leadership.  Students also attended fitness classes at the City Leisure Centres to get exposure to the variety of class options and teaching methods.

Fitness 2J2 facilitated the pre-theory portion of the program held at Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre, which prepared students for the written exam.  “Physical fitness empowers people, who in turn empower communities,” says Joel Pedersen, Owner of Fitness 2J2.

“It is critical that we collectively support our youth to be leaders in all facets of our society.  We must normalize indigenous participation and be open to the gifts they have to offer,” says Candace Wasacase-Lafferty, Director of Aboriginal Initiatives, U of S.

“The success of the pilot program is in thanks to the partnership of financial and human resources and fitness expertise,” says Kevin Kitchen, Community Development Manager, City of Saskatoon.

The City, Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre, and Fitness 2J2 recognize the hard work and dedication of all program graduates and wishes them well in their future.

The City of Saskatoon, Office of the Treaty Commissioner, Saskatoon Tribal Council, Central Urban Metis Federation Inc., along with 29 supporting organizations, today launch a month-long series of events to promote Reconciliation in Saskatoon. The events are intended to engage and inspire citizens on what it means to reconcile and find their own personal call to action.

Saskatoon has committed to responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s (TRC) calls to action, beginning with a proclamation by City Council on June 22, 2015 declaring 2015/2016 the Year of Reconciliation.

The month-long schedule of activities will give Saskatoon residents an opportunity to:

• listen to the stories of survivors and their families,
• learn about our history, about residential schools, in a safe environment that is open and accessible to all,
• show-up to support events for Reconciliation, and
• share your personal response to the calls to action with friends and family using #ReconciliationSK.

The schedule culminates in a two-day celebration. On June 21, National Aboriginal Day is open to all who want to celebrate our Indigenous community, enjoy food, entertainment and education in Victoria Park. On June 22, a Day of Reconciliation begins with the "Rock Your Roots" Walk inviting everyone to celebrate and display their unique cultural heritage. BBQ and entertainment follow in Victoria Park.

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

Quotations

“The next month of events is an excellent example of how Saskatoon can work together to keep Reconciliation moving forward to future generations.  The organizations involved in these events are setting the foundation to the work we can all do together to improve our relationships and be all inclusive.”

• Felix Thomas, Chief, Saskatoon Tribal Council

“This Year of Reconciliation is part of a long journey. I am proud of our decades of economic success with Urban Commercial Reserves under the Treaty Land Entitlements. Now we need to take that formula for success and apply it to our social and cultural relationships to ensure that every citizen has a better understanding of Reconciliation and its importance in our community.” 

• Saskatoon Mayor Donald Atchison

“Reconciliation is a process of opening up our hearts to be inclusive of all cultures and religious beliefs. A process of understanding that we may be unique but can still live and work together in harmony. Our call to action paves the path for future generations.”     

• Shirley Isbister, President of the Central Urban Metis Federation Inc.

“Reconciliation is the restoration of a friendship after an estrangement. It does not require agreement on every aspect of how to live together. It is not an apology that has been accepted once offered. Rather, it is about the process of coming together—a conscious choice that the future will be better if we work through difficulties and differences with an openness to hearing about, and responding to, the harm that has occurred.”

• Past-Treaty Commissioner George Lafond

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 May 16, 2016 Meeting

8.2.1 2016 Local Government Elections – Establishment of Polls and Polling Places

Decision

*A report will go forward to City Council recommending approval of the division of the City into polling areas and approval of the list of polling places.

Background

*The Local Government Election Act, 2015 and The Local Government Election Regulations, 2015 came into effect January 1, 2016. In accordance with the legislation, a number of decisions are required by City Council related to the holding of a municipal election. The report outlines recommended polling areas and places for the 2016 Local Government Election.

8.2.2 2016 Local Government Elections – Remuneration of Election Workers

Decision

*A report will go forward to City council recommending Council receive the information as set out in the report of the City Clerk.

Background

*The report outlines remuneration for election officials for the 2016 Local Government Elections.
*A review of the remuneration of election workers has been undertaken taking into consideration rates for Federal and Provincial Election workers as well as other cities in Saskatchewan. Remuneration is based on a daily rate and calculated hourly, where necessary.

8.2.3 Amendments to Bylaw No. 8491, The Campaign Disclosure and Spending Limits Bylaw, 2006

Decision

*A report will go forward to City council recommending Council consider the following amendments to The Campaign Disclosure and Spending Limits Bylaw, 2006:
1. To correct the equation used to calculate maximum allowable campaign expenses to: MCE=$0.75 x (IE ÷ IB) x P
2. To change the reference to June 1st of an election year for calculation of the CPI adjustment to March 1st of an election year.

Background

*The Bylaw was amended on April 25, 2016 by City Council and incorporated numerous changes recommended by The Saskatoon Municipal Review Commission. Upon review, further amendments are required to the Bylaw to properly implement these changes.

Building on public participation activities initiated in 2015 to Shape Our Financial Future, the City continues its commitment to create broad public awareness on the annual budget process. Citizen Budget goes live today at saskatoon.ca/financialfuture and will remain open until June 24, 2016.

This is the second year for Citizen Budget, the City’s educational and interactive online tool that invites residents to “Have Their Say!”. Citizen Budget asks residents if the City should spend more, spend less, or spend the same on a variety of key civic services. The public can experience the complexity of building a City budget – to see the trade-offs that need to be considered when increasing, decreasing or providing the same level of service. 

“We’re continuing to make strides toward measuring our successes. We hope to hear from even more residents this year by once again inviting them to participate in Citizen Budget, and in our annual budget planning process,” says Clae Hack, Director of Finance. “Saskatoon continues to grow, and that means the City must adapt to meet the ongoing needs and changing expectations of residents. Gathering public feedback about service level expectations is key.”

Aside from the online Citizen Budget tool, City staff will be ‘Taking It on the Road’, by visiting various locations around the city to meet with the public. With a goal to reach as many residents as possible, there will be a variety of budget public participation activities. Venues and dates will be announced shortly on saskatoon.ca/financialfuture. For those visiting City Hall, a Service Survey and Budget comment sheets are available in the main lobby to share views on service levels and provide comment on budget priorities for 2017.

“The public feedback we gather through Citizen Budget and our other engagement activities is valuable. Importantly, Administration and City Council will again review all public feedback and consider it prior to making key decisions for the 2017 Budget deliberation this December,” says Hack. “Other factors used for annual budgetary decision making include inflation, our growing population, Council priorities, service level changes and the City’s performance measures.” 

Citizen Budget, and other public engagement activities such as the Annual Civic Services Survey, align with all of the City of Saskatoon’s Strategic Goals. We invest in what matters most to residents; the services we provide are aligned with what citizens expect; when people are actively engaged in the future and governance of their city, and through conversation and working together, we move the city forward, together.

Visit saskatoon.ca/financialfuture today and plan to participate in Citizen Budget! An informative Budget video series is also found on the Shaping Our Financial Future web page.