News Releases

The City of Saskatoon invites residents to participate in the closing round of public engagement for the Growth Plan to Half a Million (Growth Plan) from Wednesday, October 14 to Sunday, November 8, 2015.  Join the conversation, either in person or online, to provide feedback on the proposed long-term plans and implementation priorities for a new transit system with Bus Rapid Transit (BRT); redevelopment along major corridors like 8^th Street, 22^nd Street, Preston Avenue, and College Drive; and a new river crossing connecting 33^rd Street to Preston Avenue, combined with dedicated BRT lanes on the University Bridge.

Mark your calendars!  This is your opportunity to have your say in Saskatoon’s future.

Growth Plan Come-and-Go Public Events
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Mayfair United Church, 902 33^rd Street West
4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, October 22, 2015
Saskatoon Field House, 2020 College Drive
4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Growth Plan Online Survey
October 14 to November 8, 2015
Review the final draft plan and provide feedback online at www.growingfwd.ca

This will be the fourth and final round of public engagement for the Growth Plan.  Once complete, the Growth Plan will help guide future infrastructure investments and land-use decisions so residents will have more choices for how they live and move around the city as Saskatoon grows to half a million people over the next 30 to 40 years.

For more information on the Growth Plan or to sign up for project update notifications, visit www.growingfwd.ca.

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.

Saskatoon Transit Phone & Go will be unavailable overnight this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (October 2 - 4) due to planned maintenance. Additionally, some of the City’s online services at saskatoontransit.ca and saskatoon.ca may experience temporary disruptions.

To minimize the impact to users of Transit Phone & Go and online services, this maintenance has been scheduled over the weekend. Phone & Go will still be available during the day both Saturday and Sunday. Outside of these times, Transit riders are invited to use an alternate trip planning tool such as E-Go Trip Planner, Google Transit or the Transit App on mobile.

Online services on saskatoon.ca may experience temporary interruptions over the weekend, such as:

• Business License Online 
• Drop-In Online (please call Leisure Centre directly to confirm drop-in schedule)   
• Inspections Online
• BizPal

Barring unforeseen circumstances, online services will operate as normal on the evening of Sunday, October 4.

The City strives to maintain Phone & Go and online services 24/7 but, on occasion, maintenance work causes interruptions. The City thanks residents for their patience.

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. You can also follow @StoonTransit on Twitter for timely updates on Saskatoon Transit service.

NEW

33RD ST E WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 1ST AVE N TO QUEBEC AVE
(Unloading)
Start: October 1, 9:00 a.m. End: October 5, 4:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR N SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 39TH ST W TO 38TH ST W
(Concrete restoration)
Start: October 1, 9:00 a.m. End: October 1, 3:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR N NB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM GREY PL TO CONNAUGHT PL
(Concrete restoration)
Start: October 1, 9:00 a.m. End: October 1, 3:00 p.m.

HWY 11/16 CLOVERLEAF EB/WB MEDIAN (INSIDE) AND CENTRE LANES CLOSED APPROACHING OVERPASS
(Deck sealing)
There will be various interchanging EB & WB lane closures
Start: October 1, 11:00 a.m. End: October 1, 1:00 p.m.

NIGHT WORK: 8TH ST E EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM SOMMERFELD AVE TO MCCOOL AVE
(Sewer maintenance)
Start: October 1, 10:00 p.m. End: October 2, 7:00 a.m.

ONGOING

33RD ST E WB CLOSED AT 5TH AVE N
(Primary water main repair)
33rd St WB centre lane closed at 3rd Ave. 5th Ave closed from 33rd St to Empress Ave
Start: September 8, 9:00 a.m. End: October 9, 5:00 p.m.

COLLEGE DR EB & WB FROM CLARENCE AVE N TO HOSPITAL DR
(Sewer connection repairs)
WB median lane, EB center & median lanes closed
Start: September 30, 9:00 a.m. End: October 1, 5:00 p.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 4, 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.

The Saskatoon Fire Department has outlined activities and events planned throughout National Fire Prevention Week, which runs from October 4 to 10 this year. The theme for the week is “Hear the Beep Where you Sleep, Every Bedroom Needs a Working Smoke Alarm”.

On Sunday, October 4, the department is hosting an Open House at Fire Station No. 1 between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. The Open House will include live burn, fire extinguisher and sprinkler demonstrations as well as an opportunity to shoot water at targets, tour a fire truck, and stand in the bucket of an aerial truck.

“Last year over 500 people attended the Open House and we are expecting even more this year,” says Assistant Chief of Communications and Public Relations, Dave Bykowy. “Fire Prevention Week gives us an opportunity to showcase what we have, explain what we do, and answer any questions citizens may have.”

In addition to the Open House, the department is also offering fire truck tours at specific fire stations between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. from Monday to Thursday:

Fire Truck Tours – Fire Station No. 3 (1906 York Avenue)

Monday, October 5, 2015

6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Fire Truck Tours – Fire Station No. 5 (421 Central Avenue)

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Fire Truck Tours – Fire Station No. 9 (870 Attridge Drive)

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Fire Truck Tours – Fire Station No. 8 (270 Slimmon Road)

Thursday, October 8, 2015

6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

The Saskatoon Fire Department is pleased to announce that Dave Bykowy is the new Assistant Chief of Communications and Public Relations.

Assistant Chief Bykowy has been with the Fire Department for over 29 years. During that time, he has worked in the department’s Operations Division as a firefighter and Captain, in the Fire Prevention Division as an Inspector and Investigator, in the Training Division as a Fire Service Instructor and Assistant Chief, and now as the Assistant Chief of Communications and Public Relations with responsibility for Central Dispatch, Community Relations and the media.

“We are actively working to increase our visibility throughout the community by sharing and participating in our neighbourhoods,” says Bykowy. “Communications and Public Relations are a critical focus for our Department to move forward in this area.”

Bykowy replaces Morgan Hackl who became Fire Chief in August 2015. 

NEW

HWY 11/16 CLOVERLEAF EB/WB MEDIAN (INSIDE) AND CENTRE LANES CLOSED APPROACHING OVERPASS
(Deck sealing)
There will be various interchanging EB & WB lane closures
Start: September 30, 9:00 a.m. End: September 30, 4:00 p.m.

COLLEGE DR EB/WB LANES CLOSED FROM CLARENCE AVE N TO HOSPITAL DR
(Sewer connection repairs)
WB median lane, EB center & median lanes closed
Start: September 30, 9:00 a.m. End: October 1, 5:00 p.m.

NIGHT WORK: CIRCLE DR W EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED APPROACHING AVE C
(Sewer cleaning)
Start: September 30, 10:30 p.m. End: October 1, 7:00 a.m.

ONGOING

33RD ST E EB & WB CLOSED AT 5TH AVE N
(Primary water main repair)
33rd St EB centre lane closed at 3rd Ave. 5th Ave closed from 33rd St to Empress Ave
Start: September 8, 9:00 a.m. End: September 30, 5:00 p.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 4, 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.

As the City of Saskatoon (City) finalizes the rollout of the FlexParking program, the final 13 pay stations will be activated on Wednesday, September 30, in the Sutherland area.

Important tips and reminders:

1.         Have your licence plate number handy; you’ll need it at every transaction.

2.         Don’t forget to note the maximum allowable time where you’re parking; you can only park as long as the sign indicates, regardless of how much time you buy.

3.         You don’t need to display a dashboard ticket; your plate provides proof of payment.

4.         Balances on your parking purchase can be carried forward to any space that’s been switched over to the new system; balances cannot be applied to coin-metered spaces.

5.         You can buy additional parking time up to the posted maximum allowable time.

The City’s Disability and Veteran Parking Permit Program remains unchanged, and drivers are still required to display their placards.

For more information, including a map of where the new FlexParking pay stations are installed, as well as frequently asked questions, please visit saskatoon.ca/flexparking or call 306-975-2548.

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

The deadline for residents to submit applications for the 2016 annual appointments to various civic Boards, Commissions, and Committees is
Friday, October 2, 2015.

Information pertaining to the various boards, commissions, and committees is available online at saskatoon.ca/boards and can also be obtained from the City Clerk’s Office, the Information Desk at City Hall, all leisure centres, and all public libraries.

All applicants will be notified once City Council has formalized its appointments to boards and committees.  All appointments are effective January 1, 2016 unless otherwise stated.

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or our City Blog.  Click on the links at www.saskatoon.ca.

From the September 28, 2015 Meeting of City Council

8.3.7  College Drive Classification

*The report outlined the transportation access strategy for the Brighton neighbourhood between the Canadian Pacific Railway overpass and McOrmond Drive.
*An intersection on College Drive will provide an important connection to the Brighton neighbourhood now and in the future.
*The configuration of the McOrmond Drive and College Drive interchange will provide a higher level of service to neighbourhoods north of College Drive.
*A funding plan has been developed for the revised interchange which results in development paying for 100% of the interchange.
*City Council approved.

8.3.9 Uber Technologies Inc.

*The City, like Regina has, will ask the Province to regulate Transportation Network Companies such as Uber and others currently operating unregulated.

8.4.4 Public Space Recycling

*Administration will continue to develop a long-term plan for the Public Space Recycling program and report back with program options by April 2016. The RFP issued in July 2015 has been canceled.

8.5.1 Second Quarter Results – Corporate Business Plan and Budget - Sustaining the Saskatoon Advantage

*The report presented the City’s second quarter results and shows 2015 budget projections are indicating a 0.28% unfavourable deviation from budget. The Administration will be taking all reasonable measures to bring in a balanced budget at year-end.
*The key projects outlined in the 2015 Corporate Business Plan and Budget are on track and initiatives are progressing well.

8.5.2 2016 Business Plan and Budget Process – June Public Engagement Results

*More than 250 residents participated in online engagement and an Open House in June to learn more about how the City prepares its budget and provide input on spending priorities and future investments.
*Most participants in the June Public Engagement Activities and in the 2015 Annual Civic Services Survey prefer: to balance the 2016 budget using a combination of user fees and property taxes increases versus service reductions or eliminations; spending increases for the maintenance of major roadways, snow and ice, street crime, and affordable housing; and funding decreases for arts and cultural groups.
*Participants in the June Public Engagement activities identified roads/sidewalks, spending efficiencies, crime/policing, and transit services as the top priorities where City Council should focus its attention for the 2016 Budget.

9.6.2 Prohibition of Smoking in City-Operated Public Places

*This will be considered at the October meeting of City Council. Item deferred to October 26.

9.9.1 Community Support Program Pilot Project – Review for Permanent Status

*The pilot project has been made permanent.
*CSP key indicators of success show positive movement.
*Data shows a reduction in duplication of services, with less calls requiring attendance by police and other service providers.
*The Street Activity Baseline Study (SABS) Update 2015 results show that perceptions of safety fell slightly and that there is a consensus among their respondents that the CSP should continue.
*The CSP has been recognized as a contributor to the image of safety for the Downtown and for its potential to play a key role in overall community safety.
*Ninety percent of surveyed business respondents would like to see the CSP continue, and 69% are prepared to support the program through property taxes. The majority of responding community and involved service providers also support continuation of the program.
*Two of the three Business Improvement Districts (BID) boards support continuation of the CSP.

NEW

22ND ST W EB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED APPROACHING BETTS AVE
(Turn bay construction)
Start: September 29, 8:00 a.m. End: September 29, 12:00 p.m.

22ND ST W EB/WB MEDIAN (INSIDE) & CENTRE LANES CLOSED FROM AVE O N TO AVE K N
(Tree removal)
Start: September 29, 8:00 a.m. End: September 29, 4:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR N NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT 29TH ST W
(Pedestrian light installation )
Start: September 29, 9:00 a.m. End: September 29, 10:30 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: September 29, 3:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DR W NB/SB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED FROM 33RD ST W TO 38TH ST W
(Lightpole repairs)
Start: September 29, 9:00 a.m. End: September 29, 3:00 p.m.

ONGOING

33RD ST E EB & WB CLOSED AT 5TH AVE N
(Primary water main repair)
33rd St EB centre lane closed at 3rd Ave. 5th Ave closed from 33rd St to Empress Ave
Start: September 8, 9:00 a.m. End: September 30, 5:00 p.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 4, 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.