News Releases

Crews have not only been busy improving the roadways this construction season; the City is also investing $11.3 million dollars on water and sewer rehabilitation. For the first time, new, state-of-the art digital imaging technology was used to inspect and evaluate manholes during the 2015 summer construction season.

“Through this new method of evaluation using digital imaging, we have been able to exceed our target quantity for manhole inspections this year,” says Celene Anger, Director of Construction and Design. “This method of inspection is not only safer and more efficient, but also results in a higher quality systematic inspection that is cost effective.”

Instead of performing conventional visual inspections, the new digital imaging technology allows manholes to be evaluated by lowering a camera into the area to take several images. The system allows engineers to review images systematically as well as re-inspect files at any time.

Manhole inspection and maintenance help identify deterioration that can lead to collapses and blockages that cause waste water to back up—something that can be more prevalent as a sewer system ages. Cleaning and inspecting sewer lines is essential to maintaining a properly functioning system; this new technology will further Saskatoon’s investment in its wastewater infrastructure.

This season, crews have also been busy lining water and sewer mains at locations across the city, with priority given to those areas with a high break history. This rehabilitation work will help to minimize the potential for future breaks.

"While this maintenance and rehabilitation work to our underground utilities is not as obvious as road improvements, it is critical to providing reliable drinking water and sewer services,” says Anger. “Some of the road restrictions drivers are encountering are required for these types of upgrades.”

This spring and summer, the City has completed the following water and sewer rehabilitation work:

• 13.8 km in 81 locations of water main & sewer lining rehabilitation
• 145 short service connection replacements including 100 lead connections
• 1,024 manhole inspections using the new digital imaging technology

Other water and sewer rehabilitation work involves wetlands construction and the trenchless installation of sanitary force mains. This rehabilitation work is still ongoing as the 2015 construction season continues into the fall.

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 on our saskatoon.ca homepage or subscribe to our Traffic Detour Service Alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

The City urges dog park users to stay alert and remain aware of your pet and physical surroundings after being informed that dogs may have recently come into contact with poisonous materials while at the Avalon Dog Park.  At this time, this has not been confirmed.

The City expresses sincere sympathy to the family that has experienced the loss of their pet. The incident is currently being reviewed, and a park inspection has taken place with nothing out of the ordinary being found.  The matter may be referred to the Saskatoon Police Service for a criminal investigation.  The City is not aware of any similar past incidents occurring at dog parks.

Animal Control Officers and maintenance staff are keeping an eye out for any unusual materials.  The City does not apply rodent or other poisons in our dog parks.

If you spot any unusual materials, maintain a safe distance and contact Animal Services immediately at 306-975-8478.

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.

NEW

NIGHT WORK: IDYLWYLD DR N SB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 32ND ST W TO WILLINGDON PL
(Sewer cleaning)
Start: September 23, 10:00 p.m. End: September 24, 7:00 a.m.

PRESTON AVE S SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM WILLIS LANE TO CORNISH RD
(Super chlorination work)
Start: September 24, 7:00 a.m. End: September 24, 5:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR S NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT RUTH ST E OVERPASS
(Underground cable repair)
Start: September 24, 9:00 a.m. End: September 24, 3:00 p.m.

NIGHT WORK: IDYLWYLD DR N SB/NB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED FROM 23^RD ST E TO  25TH ST E
(Sewer maintenance)
SB Median lane closed from 25^th St E to the rail tracks
Start: September 24, 10:00 p.m. End: September 25, 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 25, 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)
Start: July 13, 9:00 a.m. End: October 31, 5:00 p.m.

HWY 16 WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED PAST ZIMMERMAN RD
(Road reconstruction)
Modified road closure until September 26 for additional work. Curb lane open again through Zimmerman Rd. intersection only during this time
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.

NEW

NIGHT WORK: IDYLWYLD DR N SB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 32ND ST W TO WILLINGDON PL
(Sewer cleaning)
Start: September 22, 10:00 p.m. End: September 23, 7:00 a.m.

PRESTON AVE S SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM WILLIS LANE TO CORNISH RD
(Super chlorination work)
Start: September 23, 7:00 a.m. End: September 23, 5:00 p.m.

WARMAN RD NB CURB (OUTSIDE) & SB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED AT PRIMROSE DR
(Water & sewer repairs)
Start: September 23, 7:00 a.m. End: September 23, 6:00 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 25, 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)
Start: July 13, 9:00 a.m. End: October 31, 5:00 p.m.

HWY 16 WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED PAST ZIMMERMAN RD
(Road reconstruction)
Modified road closure until September 26 for additional work. Curb lane open again through Zimmerman Rd. intersection only during this time
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.

From the September 21, 2015 Executive Committee Meeting

7.2.1 2016 Business Plan and Budget Process – Fall Public Engagement

*The report outlines the fall public engagement plan for the 2016 Preliminary Business Plan and Budget.
*The fall public engagement activities will be an opportunity to pilot a new online citizen budget tool.
*the online citizen budget will be used to educate residents and to reconfirm what we heard from the public through earlier engagement activities.
*A variety of techniques will be used to increase participation including making the online citizen budget available at the Saskatoon Fall Home Show (October 23 – 25, 2015) and online at saskatoon.ca (October 19 – November 13, 2015).
*Various community groups and stakeholders will be encouraged to take the online citizen budget on the road.
*The Committee received the information.

7.2.2 Civic Operations Centre Construction Update

*The Civic Operations Centre (located on 180 acres off of Dundonald Avenue, just west of the Landfill) will house the new Saskatoon Transit Facility and Snow Management Facility.
*The relocation of Saskatoon Transit will occur in early 2017.
*Monthly progress reports indicate all activities are on track and construction is well underway.
*The Committee received the information.

7.2.3 Aboriginal Engagement and Inclusion

*The Kitaskinaw and Gathering reports include recommendations based on extensive input from Aboriginal citizens to increase inclusion and well-being.
*The City has made progress towards addressing these recommendations.
*The City and other organizations will continue to utilize the reports to enhance future policies, programs and services for Aboriginal people.
*The Committee received the information.
*The Committee resolved that Administration provide a further report in one year to the appropriate committee on the yield of nominations as a result of increased awareness efforts of the City’s “Naming of Civic Property and Development Areas Policy” and related processes.

8.2.2 Municipal Governance Structure

*City Council adopted a new governance model in June, 2014.
*The report identifies governance issues to be further reviewed and reported on including the duplications of business between the committee and City Council (suggestions for improvement have included elimination of Executive Committee and moving to two City Council meetings per month with each of the two City Council meetings having an option of an in camera session) and considering revising the time to debate, among other issues.
*Executive Committee resolved that the issues identified in the report be further reviewed by the Leadership Team Governance Subcommittee and that a further report with final recommendations be provided for Executive Committee’s consideration no later than the November 16, 2015 meeting of Executive Committee.

The public is invited to create, participate, experience, and celebrate culture in Saskatoon with free activities and workshops being held to celebrate Culture Days from Thursday, September 24, to Sunday, September 27, 2015.     

Culture Days 2015 will officially kick off Thursday, September 24 at 11:30 a.m. with an opening ceremony and flag raising at Civic Square (222 - 3^rd Avenue North). Following the flag-raising ceremony, cultural displays, including a showcase of civic employees’ cultural talents, free hands-on workshops and displays, will be held across the street at The Bassment (202 – 4^th Avenue North) from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Additionally, the City has planned activities throughout the weekend in support of Culture Days.  All are welcome and all events are free.

Friday, September 25
Cultural Workshops (4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
Saskatoon Indian and Metis Friendship Centre, 168 Wall Street
Learn hand games, sash weaving, double ball, and jigging; make a dream catcher; watch both a jigging and a First Nations showcase.

Saturday, September 26
Decorating Paper Lanterns (1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
229 20^th Street West
Lanterns, paints, drawing, and collaging materials will all be available for creating a unique lantern.  All the lanterns will be used to decorate the façade at 229 20^th Street West for the contemporary arts festival, Nuit Blanche, in the evening.

Under the Bridge (6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.)
Underneath the Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge (west side of the Meewasin Trail)
Projection of short films in partnership with Paved Arts and art installation, 66 Physiognomies, by Jinzhe Cui.

Sunday, September 27
Cultural Quest (1:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.)
Meeting point - Safeway parking lot (33^rd Street and Avenue C North)
A public bike tour that will explore and experience art in the Mayfair and Caswell Hill neighbourhoods.

Culture Days is a national initiative intended to raise awareness of arts and culture in communities across Canada.  Even more events will be happening in Saskatoon throughout the weekend, focusing on our city’s vibrant cultural scene.  For a complete list of activities, visit the official Culture Days website at http://www.culturedays.ca/en/celebration-schedule. 

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.

NEW

PRESTON AVE S SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM WILLIS LANE TO CORNISH RD
(Super chlorination work)
Start: September 22, 7:00 a.m. End: September 22, 5:00 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 25, 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)
Start: July 13, 9:00 a.m. End: October 31, 5:00 p.m.

HWY 16 WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED PAST ZIMMERMAN RD
(Road reconstruction)
Modified road closure until September 26 for additional work. Curb lane open again through Zimmerman Rd. intersection only during this time
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 City is making strides with its community partners towards recommendations from the 2014 Kitaskinaw Project and the Urban Aboriginal Community Gathering. Progress and next steps are outlined in the Aboriginal Engagement and Inclusion report going to Executive Committee on September 21.

“The City has progressed over the last year in enhancing its programs and services for Aboriginal citizens and strengthening relations with Aboriginal peoples and organizations,” says Gilles Dorval, Director of Aboriginal Relations. “Input on future actions and initiatives to address priority areas will be a foundation for our future success towards full Aboriginal participation in our community.”

Kitaskinaw means “our Land” in Plains Cree and is used to describe a wide snapshot of our community. Recommendations from Kitaskinaw and the Gathering had significant input from Aboriginal citizens and focused on enhancing Aboriginal well-being and inclusion. The City undertook various programs to meet these recommendations, including:

- Education workshops and awareness campaigns, for the City and the community-at-large, focused on understanding and reducing racism.

- Taking a lead role in the establishment of the Saskatoon Aboriginal Employment Partnership through Saskatoon Regional Intersectoral Committee with Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Association (SREDA), the private sector, and Aboriginal and other community-based organizations.

- Providing a “Profile Saskatoon Grant” of $150,000 and in-kind support for the World Indigenous Business Forum (WIBF) and the first International Indigenous Music and Cultural Festival to be held in Saskatoon in August 2016.

- Naming Chief Darcy Bear Park in recognition of Chief Bear’s accomplishments and our longstanding relationship with Whitecap Dakota First Nation.

- A partnership with the Saskatoon Tribal Council and Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. and other faith based community organizations, supported awareness of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action report through a June 2, 2015 community event.

- A contribution of $17,000 towards a CUMFI project for an affordable elder’s residence within a residential care home.  Since the Attainable Housing Program’s inception, 10 Aboriginal housing projects have been supported

The Report outlines future actions to continue addressing recommendations to enhance its programs and services for Aboriginal people and to strengthen relations with Aboriginal people and organizations.

“Working with First Nations and Métis citizens and elders, Aboriginal organizations, federal and provincial governments, educational institutions, the private sector, and community-based organizations will be important in delivering enhanced programs and services to better meet the needs of our Aboriginal citizens,” Dorval says.

The City is partnering with the United Way, Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon Health Region, and other Community-Based Organizations to host Mawe Wicihitowin – “Working Together” conference, to build local on local Aboriginal engagement and service delivery.  An Elders/Old People workshop, held in conjunction, will focus on incorporating Aboriginal values in programs and services. In 2016, the City will engage with Aboriginal citizens through an urban Aboriginal gathering with community partners to report on progress to-date and obtain feedback.

The Aboriginal Engagement and Inclusion report supports “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.

The City of Saskatoon has completed repairs to the Highway 11 & 16 cloverleaf overpasses and all traffic restrictions have been lifted. Some single lane restrictions during off peak hours may still be required for finishing touches.

During the four month long project the following work was completed:

• Cross-overs built between the driving lanes to accommodate detoured traffic
• Removal and replacement of the ends of the support beams and key structural components to restore the structural capacity
• Removal and replacement of the asphalt surface  

The work has extended the life of this important piece of infrastructure and ensured its continued use into the future. Maintaining City infrastructure and bridges is important to Saskatoon.

The City thanks drivers for their patience while this necessary work was carried out. 

In an effort to reduce the overall cost of bridge structures, the City focuses on preservation in order to protect the financial investment as well as maximize the sustainability of the infrastructure. The City’s Bridge Strategy moving forward includes the rehabilitation of at least two bridge/overpass structures per year. The Ruth Street overpass is slated for rehabilitation in 2016.

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.

NEW

PRESTON AVE S SB CLOSED FROM 14TH ST E TO MAIN ST
(Sewer connection replacement)
Follow detour set up through 14^th St, Cumberland Ave & Main St
Start: September 21, 7:00 a.m. End: September 21, 5:00 p.m.

PRESTON AVE S SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM WILLIS LANE TO CORNISH RD
(Super chlorination work)
Start: September 21, 9:00 a.m. End: September 21, 5:00 p.m.

NIGHT WORK: IDYLWYLD DR N SB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 32ND ST W TO WILLINGDON PL
(Sewer cleaning)
Start: September 21, 10:00 p.m. End: September 22, 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 25, 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)
Start: July 13, 9:00 a.m. End: October 31, 5:00 p.m.

HWY 16 WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED PAST ZIMMERMAN RD
(Road reconstruction)
Modified road closure until September 26 for additional work. Curb lane open again through Zimmerman Rd. intersection only during this time
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.