News Releases

To ensure that all Saskatoon residents have access to vote during the federal election, Saskatoon Transit will be offering free service on October 19, 2015.

Individuals are not required to take any advance action to use the free service; when boarding a bus, you will simply be granted free access by the operator. For new riders, we recommend planning your trip in advance using our Online Trip Planner, Google Transit or the Transit App on your mobile device. These applications will allow you to find the stop closest to your polling station and will map out the route for you.

For more information about Saskatoon Transit, visit saskatoontransit.ca or follow @StoonTransit on Twitter. You can also plan your route in advance using any of the following tools: Saskatoon Transit Trip Planner, Google Transit Trip Planner, or the Transit App on your mobile device.

Beginning on Monday, October 19, the City will commence its annual fall street sweeping program. The fall sweep is designed to remove fallen tree foliage on the roadway in selected neighbourhoods to reduce the potential for spring flooding where the leaves can block catch basins. 

The neighbourhoods that have been identified for fall sweep include: Buena Vista, Caswell Hill, City Park, Holiday Park, King George, North Park, Nutana, Riversdale, Varsity View and Westmount. These older neighbourhoods feature heavier tree canopies and therefore contribute most of the fallen leaves.

Bright yellow ‘No Parking’ signs will be set out on scheduled routes at least 36 hours in advance of sweeping. As some neighbourhoods are split over multiple days in order to provide parking options, residents are encouraged to check the Fall Sweeping schedule on the City of Saskatoon website. The program is also weather dependent - rain, snow, or temperatures that fall below -5 degrees Celsius could cause a cancellation to all or parts of the sweeping program.

Residents are reminded to move their vehicles by 7 a.m. on the posted sweeping day to avoid a ticket and/or relocation to a nearby street. Relocated vehicles can be found using the Find My Vehicle! application on saskatoon.ca or by calling the Public Works Customer Service Centre at 306-975-2476.

Residents are also reminded not to push leaves from their boulevard, sidewalk or yard onto the street. City Bylaws prohibit doing so as excess leaves can cause spring flooding. Excessive leaves placed onto the street may require sweepers to bypass that street. The City will investigate reports of residents pushing leaves onto the street and may issue a Bylaw Notice. Bylaw violations can be reported to the Bylaw Inspector at 306-975-3193.

Subscribers to the City’s green cart service can place loose, un-bagged leaves and other yard waste in their green cart. Residents can also use one of the City’s free compost depots, which are open until November 6.

Please visit saskatoon.ca/street-sweeping for the latest street sweeping schedules; or sign up for street sweeping service alerts for notifications of cancelled or incomplete sweeping areas. 

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

Household hazardous waste requires proper disposal to reduce risks to humans and animals, and prevent pollution of our land, water and air. These materials should not be placed in your garbage or recycling bins, poured down the drain or toilet, or released into the environment.

To ensure household hazardous materials are safely disposed of or recycled, the City coordinates regular Household Hazardous Waste Days for residents to drop-off these materials. A temporary site will be set up at SaskTel Centre parking lot (101 - 3515 Thatcher Avenue) from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., on the following dates in 2015:

2015 Household Hazardous Waste Days:

• October 17
• November 21

For a complete list of materials accepted at HHW Days, please visit Saskatoon.ca/hazardouswaste. A number of items can also be returned to local retailers for convenient and safe disposal or recycling – for current opportunities in the community, please visit Saskwastereduction.ca.

Please do not bring paint to Household Hazardous Waste Days. Leftover paint and empty paint cans are accepted without charge at all SARCAN recycling depots in Saskatoon. A complete list of paint/paint products accepted at SARCAN locations can be found at www.sarcan.ca/pages/paint.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

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A report summarizing the City’s proposed plan to address more Aboriginal inclusion in the community will go to Executive Committee on October 19.  The report outlines the City’s response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s (TRC) Calls to Action relevant to municipal government.

“Several of the TRC Calls to Action are immediately actionable by the City to improve upon our current relationships with our Aboriginal residents,” says Gilles Dorval, Director of Aboriginal Relations.  “We’ve also identified ongoing efforts that will help us to move towards achieving full reconciliation through embedded best practices for Aboriginal inclusion in how we provide services.”

The City already has in place a number of practices to boost Aboriginal inclusion:

• Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Training is offered to all City employees and is mandatory for Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) employees. 
• “Profile Saskatoon Grant” of $150,000 and in-kind organizing support for the 2016 World Indigenous Business Forum (WIBF) and International Indigenous Music and Cultural Festival to be held in Saskatoon.
• Partnership with Saskatoon Tribal Council, Gabriel Dumont Institute and other organizations on the delivery of the Urban Aboriginal Leadership Program to build capacity leading to employment.

The report to Executive Committee also responds to the Statement of Reconciliation from Canada’s Big City Mayors.  It identifies additional programs for the City to undertake moving forward, which include collaborating with the Office of the Treaty Commissioner (OTC) and other Aboriginal organizations as well as community partners to develop a unified action plan for reconciliation.

“The City is working closely with the OTC and other partners to develop a holistic action plan for reconciliation and increased Aboriginal inclusion,” Dorval says.  “The action plan will include a set of measures to evaluate progress and to report to stakeholders, Aboriginal citizens and the community-at-large.”

Proposed next steps include:

• identifying opportunities for social enterprises;
• reviewing City policies and programs with an Aboriginal lens;
• connecting Aboriginal people with employment and economic opportunities through Phase Two of the Saskatoon Aboriginal Employment and Economic Partnership; and
• holding events to educate Aboriginal development corporations and businesses on City processes for land and procurements opportunities.

The City is also collaborating with the Conference Board of Canada for an event in Saskatoon on December 3, 2015 with the OTC and other Saskatchewan leaders to discuss best practices and opportunities for further advances in reconciliation.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action and The City of Saskatoon’s Response report supports the City’s goal “Quality of Life” by identifying actions for enhancing Aboriginal well-being and participation in our community. 

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

NEW

NIGHT WORK: 33RD ST E EB/WB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED FROM QUEBEC AVE TO 1ST AVE N
(Sanitary sewer lining)
Start: October 16, 7:00 p.m. End: October 17, 6:00 a.m.

ONGOING

NIGHT WORK: 33RD ST E EB/WB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED FROM IDYLWYLD DR N TO QUEBEC AVE
(Sanitary sewer lining)
Start: October 15, 7:00 p.m. End: October 16, 6:00 a.m.

IDYLWYLD DR N NB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 39TH ST W TO CIRCLE DR E
(Sewer cleaning)
Start: September 29, 9:00 a.m. End: October 29, 3:00 p.m.

AIRPORT DR NB/SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANES CLOSED AT CLAYPOOL DR
(Road construction)
Claypool Dr WB closed from Airport Dr to McClocklin Rd
Start: September 15, 7:00 a.m. End: October 27, 6:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR N/HIGHWAY 16 NB & SB LANE RESTRICTIONS FROM 51ST ST E TO MARQUIS DR W
(Hwy 16 flyover repair)
Hwy 11/12 SB median lane closed at overpass
Start: July 13, 9:00 a.m. End: October 31, 5:00 p.m.

HWY 16 WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT ZIMMERMAN RD
(Road reconstruction)
Start: September 16, 7:00 a.m. End: November 15, 5:00 p.m.

NIGHT WORK: IDYLWYLD DR NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED APPROACHING 1ST AVE
(Bridge maintenance)
Start: October 13, 7:00 p.m. End: November 23, 7:00 a.m.

IDYLWYLD DR SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN 19TH ST & SID BUCKWOLD BRIDGE
(Bridge maintenance)
1st Ave SB curb lane closed between 19th St & Sid Buckwold Bridge
Start: September 14, 7:00 a.m. End: November 23, 6:00 p.m.

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

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.

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 and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

Another aggressive summer road construction season is coming to a close with $53 million spent maintaining and repairing more roads than ever before. In 2015, the City invested $3 million more than last year, and $20 million more than 2013.

“We have paved approximately 220 lane kilometres of road this construction season, bringing the total over the past two years to 420 lane kilometres, which is roughly the same distance from here to Medicine Hat,” says Jeff Jorgenson, General Manager of Transportation and Utilities. “The work completed over the past two seasons has made a noticeable improvement in our roadways, and we hope residents are starting to notice a difference.”

Approximately $26.9 million was invested in road and sidewalk rehabilitation this year. A road preservation treatment or rehabilitation was completed at 160 locations across Saskatoon thanks to the efforts of City crews and contract workers. A number of projects were completed at night, which minimizes traffic impacts.

“With the closure of the University Bridge and more construction zones than ever, we spent a great deal of time planning effective ways of completing work,” says Jorgenson. “Minimizing the impact to the public is a huge priority for us, whether that be the scheduling of projects, completing night work where suitable, developing detour plans to maintain traffic flow, or effectively communicating impacts to residents.”

New in 2015 was the introduction of digital data collection methods designed to improve the efficiency and quality of rehabilitation programs. These included an electronic data collection system used to objectively rate sidewalks, in addition to water and sewer inspections completed with new, state-of-the-art digital imaging technology.

Improvements were also made to the Report-a-Pothole application making it easier for residents to identify and report potholes as well as creating efficiencies for crews to locate and repair them.  An estimated 2,845 tonnes of asphalt was used to repair the equivalent of 163,000 potholes, based on an average 12x4 inch hole. 1,565 utility cuts have been permanently repaired.

Approximately 5.4 kilometres of sidewalks were fully replaced, close to 12 kilometres of durable markings applied, and 911 kilometres of lane lines were painted - almost 30 kilometres more than last year.

A curb to curb street sweep was completed in 61 residential neighbourhoods, with approximately 1,520 tandem dump truck loads of debris removed in just six weeks. More than 400 kilometres of gravel back lanes were graded or rehabilitated and 24 kilometres of gravel back lanes reconstructed.

A huge success this year was the early completion of the University Bridge rehabilitation project, allowing this iconic piece of infrastructure to continue to serve commuters for many years to come. Significant rehabilitation was also completed on the Highway 11 & 16 Cloverleaf overpasses.

“Despite the significant progress over the past two years, we know there is still a lot of work to do out there,” says Jorgenson. “We intend to continue on this path to dramatically improve the condition of our city’s road network. We sincerely thank residents for their cooperation and patience which helped to make this 2015 construction season such a success.”

For more information on Fall and Winter road programs go to saskatoon.ca/betterroads.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

20^TH STREET WEST STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS NOW COMPLETE

His Worship Mayor Donald Atchison joined Riversdale BID Executive Director, Randy Pshebylo, and the City’s Director of Planning and Development, Alan Wallace today to celebrate the completion of the 20^th Street West Streetscape Improvement Project from Avenues E to H.

“We are all very pleased to see the completion of the 20^th Street Streetscaping Project. The vision for this street was set many years ago, and 20^th Street remains vitally important to the growth and development of the City Centre,” said Wallace. “We hope that 20^th Street continues to thrive and remains a city-wide destination for Saskatoon and region for many decades to come.”

This project is part of the 20^th Street Streetscape Improvement Master Plan (Master Plan) approved by City Council in 1993.  Developed in conjunction with the Riversdale BID and community, the Master Plan called for streetscape improvements along 20^th Street West, from Avenues A to H, with the intent of creating a vibrant and cohesive retail corridor that celebrates the unique character and diverse cultures of the area.  Enhancements from Avenues A to D were completed in the early 2000s.

The improvements to 20^th Street consist of the installation of extended bus bulbs, street corner bulbs, new street trees with Root Growth Systems, tree guards, decorated tree grates, waste receptacles, recycling baskets, street directories, bike racks, paved amenities strip, and a new pedestrian sidewalk.  There is also a new decorated fence from Avenue G to H.

“20^th Street has a rich cultural and commercial past in our community,” said Mayor Atchison.  “The efforts invested here to beautify this important corridor not only benefit the neighbourhood residents and businesses, but all citizens of Saskatoon.”

For more information on Streetscape Improvement Projects, visit:  www.saskatoon.ca/urbandesign, or http://www.riversdale.ca, to learn about the Riversdale neighbourhood.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

As financial close on the Parkway and Traffic Bridge project nears, the City and Graham Commuter Partners (GCP) are releasing details on the proposed design of the Traffic Bridge and a tentative construction schedule for the project.

“The new Traffic Bridge will be a four span arrangement, with new reinforced concrete piers constructed around the existing piers within the river,” says Dan Willems, Special Projects Manager with Major Projects. “The new bridge geometry will be similar to the existing bridge, however the bridge will be slightly wider and taller to accommodate wider traffic lanes, wider pathways on both sides, and overhead clearance for emergency vehicles.”

Once the City reaches financial close with GCP later this month, a report outlining the financial details of the proposal will be provided to City Council.

Subject to GCP obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals, they hope to start construction on both the Parkway and the Traffic Bridge in late 2015/early 2016. This includes approvals from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Transport Canada, Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment, Saskatchewan Water Security Agency, and the Meewasin Valley Authority.

Substantial completion of the project, whereby the bridges would be operational but not 100 per cent complete, remains October 2018. More details regarding the construction schedule will be provided in the coming weeks.

For more information, visit saskatoon.ca and search Bridging to Tomorrow.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

NEW

NIGHT WORK: 33RD ST E EB/WB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED FROM IDYLWYLD DR N TO QUEBEC AVE
(Sanitary sewer lining)
Start: October 15, 7:00 p.m. End: October 16, 6:00 a.m.

ONGOING

NIGHT WORK: IDYLWYLD DR NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED APPROACHING 1ST AVE
(Bridge maintenance)
Start: October 13, 7:00 p.m. End: October 16, 7:00 a.m.

IDYLWYLD DR SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN 19TH ST & SID BUCKWOLD BRIDGE
(Bridge maintenance)
1st Ave SB curb lane closed between 19th St & Sid Buckwold Bridge
Start: September 14, 7:00 a.m. End: October 16, 6:00 p.m.

AIRPORT DR NB/SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANES CLOSED AT CLAYPOOL DR
(Road construction)
Claypool Dr WB closed from Airport Dr to McClocklin Rd
Start: September 15, 7:00 a.m. End: October 27, 6:00 p.m.

MELVILLE ST CLOSED FROM LORNE AVE & BRAND RD
(Force main installation)
Start: August 24, 7:00 a.m. End: October 30, 5:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR N/HIGHWAY 16 NB & SB LANE RESTRICTIONS FROM 51ST ST E TO MARQUIS DR W
(Hwy 16 flyover repair)
Hwy 11/12 SB median lane closed at overpass
Start: July 13, 9:00 a.m. End: October 31, 5:00 p.m.

HWY 16 WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT ZIMMERMAN RD
(Road reconstruction)
Start: September 16, 7:00 a.m. End: November 15, 5:00 p.m.

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

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.

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 and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

October 13, 2015 Committee Meeting

SPC on Environment, Utilities & Corporate Services  

7.2.1 2016 Green Cart Program (Matters Requiring Direction)

*The Committee is recommending to City Council at the 2016 Business Plan and Budget Review meeting that the 2016 Green Cart program allow subscribers to include food waste.
*The Committee further resolved that the Administration report to the 2016 Budget meeting with options for funding the expanded program without increasing the fees to users for the 2016 season.

Background
*Subscribers to the current Green Cart program were surveyed in July 2015. The results revealed high satisfaction with the current program with 70% having an interest in including food waste.
*Survey results also indicated that almost 90% of subscribers are satisfied with the frequency of pick-up (biweekly). Program cost is cited as an important consideration.
*The Administration recommends that the 2016 Green Cart program continue with biweekly collection from early May to early November, allowing food waste to be included.
*A rate increase to $70/subscriber is required to make the Green Cart program cost recovery for 6,000 subscribers.
*Education on how to minimize odours generated by the Green Cart program will be developed.

7.2.4 2015 Update to Our Environment: The City of Saskatoon’s Environmental Leadership Report (Matters Requiring Direction)

*The report will be forwarded to City Council for information.

Background
* The 2015 update to the City of Saskatoon’s ‘Our Environment’ Report is provided in the form of an online reporting tool highlighting the status of 12 selected indicators representing the key components of the state of Saskatoon’s environmental health – air, land, water and waste.
*Key findings include:

• The waste diversion rate for 2014 of 22.5% was relatively unchanged from the 2013 rate of 22.7% and needs improvement to meet the target of 70%.
• The amount of landfilled residential waste per capita is down to 249 kilograms per capita in 2014 from 340 kilograms per capita in 2007.
• The percentage of residents choosing to walk, cycle or take transit to work has been relatively stable between 11.5% and 14.4 % for the past two decades and needs improvement to meet the target of 20%.
• Saskatoon’s air quality has been showing a slow downward trend over the past decade, with the average Air Quality Index ranking as ‘Good’ over the past 5 years, down from the ranking of ‘Excellent’ that it has for the previous 5 years.
• The water quality both upstream and downstream of Saskatoon has consistently ranked as Good in the Water Quality Index since 2005.
• The amount and distribution of new development investment has been added as a baseline indicator and illustrates that investment in development activities are balanced across the city.

7.2.7 Parks Design, Construction, and Maintenance – Civic Service Review (Matters Requiring Direction)

*The report will be forwarded to City Council recommending:

• That the improved efficiencies and effectiveness in delivering the service as outlined in the report be received as information;
• That the Service Level for Parks Pathway Snow Clearing be increased to include snow clearing services to 14 kilometres of Naturalized Park pathways;
• That the Service Level for Shelterbelt/Buffer Strip Maintenance be increased so that a proactive service level that includes mowing, trimming and garbage pick-ups within the shelterbelt areas can be established; and
• That the Administration report on a Park Infrastructure Asset Management Plan including a funding strategy to achieve desired service levels.

Background
*The report provides an overview of the Parks Division Civic Service Review. The review explored opportunities for improvement within the design, construction, and maintenance of civic parks and open spaces. Implementation of these findings will improve service to citizens, increase the efficiency of park design, construction and maintenance, and improve accuracy in budgeting for the Parks Division. Additionally, the report recommended Service Levels for Parks Pathway Snow Clearing and Shelterbelt/Buffer Strip Maintenance.