News Releases

The City of Saskatoon continues to make strides towards diversity and inclusion to meet the Strategic Goal of Continuous Improvement.  Progress is outlined in the 2015 Diversity and Inclusion Report to be presented September 14, 2015 to the Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities, and Corporate Services Committee.

“Best practices in diversity and inclusion is moving away from simply measuring and reporting on the legislated requirements on representation in the workforce, to focusing on measuring diversity and inclusion more broadly and encompassing all aspects of business,” says Catherine Gryba, General Manager of Corporate Performance.

“It is more than just diversity and inclusion hiring but includes comprehensive plans to create a workplace that is respectful and inclusive to all employees,” Gryba says. “In other words, we are working on a strategy to offer an inclusive workplace that embraces diverse backgrounds.”

As an equity partner with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission (SHRC), the City measures and reports on the four equity groups:  Aboriginal, Visible Minority, People with Disabilities and Women. 

Progress is being made with employment for Visible Minorities with a slight increase in Aboriginal hiring while employment figures for women and those with disabilities remains constant.

- The representation of Aboriginal employees rose to 8.6% in 2015, up slightly from 2014.
- Representation of people with disabilities has stayed consistent at 2.9%
- The visible minority population has risen to 9.6% in 2015 up from 8.7% in the previous year.
- About 39% of City employees are women.

“While there is evidence of progress, further efforts are required to reach a full representative workforce of the citizens we serve.”

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

33RD ST W WB & EB LANES CLOSED AT AVE F N
(Water & sewer connections)
Access 33^rd St by following detours posted through Ave F NB & Ave G SB
Start: September 10, 7:00 a.m. End: September 10, 5:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR N NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT MINTO PL AND CONNAUGHT PL
(Patch paving)
Start: September 10, 7:00 a.m. End: September 10, 5:00 p.m.

8TH ST E WB LANES CLOSED FROM LOUISE AVE TO CUMBERLAND AVE S
(Water & sewer installation)
Two-way traffic will be accomodated in the EB lanes
Start: September 10, 7:00 a.m. End: September 10, 5:00 p.m.

PRESTON AVE S NB/SB LANES CLOSED FROM ARLINGTON AVE TO JARVIS DR
(Sanitary sewer connection repair)
Start: September 10, 9:00 a.m. End: September 10, 4:00 p.m.

NIGHT WORK: ATTRIDGE DR WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT CENTRAL AVE
(Jersey barrier removal)
Central Ave NB centre left turn lane closed at Attridge Dr
Start: September 10, 6:00 p.m. End: September 11, 6:00 a.m.

NIGHT WORK: CIRCLE DR W SB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM LAURIER DR TO CLANCY DR
(Installation of permanent pavement markers)
Start: September 10, 7:00 p.m. End: September 11, 7:00 a.m.

NIGHT WORK: IDYLWYLD DR N NB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 37TH ST W TO 38TH ST W
(Sewer cleaning)
Start: September 10, 10:30 p.m. End: September 11, 7:00 a.m.

ONGOING

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: September 11, 5:00 p.m.

HWY 11/16 WB OVERPASS CLOSED AT CLOVERLEAF INTERSECTION
(Overpass repair)
Two EB lanes and one WB lane will be maintained on the EB overpass
Start: July 24, 7:00 a.m. End: September 30, 5:00 p.m.

MELVILLE ST EB 7 WB LANES CLOSED FROM LORNE AVE TO BRAND RD
(Force main installation)
Start: August 24, 7:00 a.m. End: October 30, 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 of Saskatoon will be hosting Fall Freestyle, the annual skateboarding event featuring music, prizes, and skateboarding demonstrations on Saturday, September 12.

Youth and families of all ages are welcome to attend this FREE event, which takes place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Lion’s Skate Park in Victoria Park (next to Riversdale Pool at 822 Avenue H South).  Remember to wear your helmet and safety gear.

Come and learn the basics of skateboarding, and see some amazing demonstrations from experienced skateboarders.

For more information, please call 306-975-3378.

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.

Do you have unwanted items in good, clean condition?  Do you want free household stuff?  Swap them!  Join the Curbside Swap on September 12, or plan your own neighbourhood or household swap.

At a Curbside Swap, unwanted items in good condition are placed on the curb and marked as free, for anyone to pick-up.  Participating in a Curbside Swap builds a sense of community, and giving these items a new home keeps them out of our landfill.

Starting early on September 12, residents can begin placing unwanted items out on their curb.  After that, all items clearly marked as "FREE" are available to pick up.  The swap ends by 6:00 p.m. when any unclaimed items are returned back into homes, along with any newfound treasures.  Please remember to obey all traffic laws and to watch for children.

Some items you might find at a Curbside Swap include: Appliances, Bicycles, Tools, Furniture, Books/movies/CDs/DVDs, Building material, Computers and electronics, Yard and garden equipment, Clothes, Sporting goods.

The September 12 Curbside Swap is a one-day event supported by the City of Saskatoon.  The City encourages neighbourhoods and individuals to plan your own Curbside Swap.

For information and to download a customizable poster or postcard to promote your Swap, along with "Free Stuff" signs for your items, visit Saskatoon.ca/CurbsideSwap.  Check out the event page at Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

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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The City of Saskatoon is pleased to announce the season extension at the new PotashCorp Playland at Kinsmen Park (945 Spadina Crescent East).  Originally scheduled to close Monday, September 7, 2015, the attraction will remain open for two additional weekends in September.

“Since PotashCorp Playland opened in early August, we have had a tremendous response from the citizens of Saskatoon and visitors from near and far and want to give everyone more time to enjoy the new attraction,” says Cary Humphrey, Director of Recreation and Sport.  “We have sold over 140,000 ride tickets this past month, none of which would be possible without the financial commitment from PotashCorp, Canpotex, and CP.”

Days and hours of operation for the extended season are as follows:

Saturday, September 12:  10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday, September 13:  12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday, September 19:  10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday, September 20:  12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

PotashCorp Playland features a $1.025 million train provided by Canpotex and CP, as well as a larger Ferris wheel and a refurbished carousel.  PotashCorp generously provided $7.5 million of the $9.5 million cost of PotashCorp Playland, which also includes a free children’s play area. 

PotashCorp Playland ride tickets purchased in 2015 are valid until October 2017.  Admission is $2 for a single ticket and $20 for a Play Pack (12 tickets).  One ticket is required per ride, and children under two years of age ride for free when accompanied by a paying adult. 

For more information visit www.saskatoon.ca/potashcorpplayland.

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

33RD ST W WB & EB LANES CLOSED AT AVE F N
(Water & sewer connections)
Access 33^rd St by following detours posted through Ave F NB & Ave G SB
Start: September 9, 7:00 a.m. End: September 9, 5:00 p.m.

8TH ST E EB MEDIAN (INSIDE) & CENTRE LANES/WB MEDIAN (INSIDE) AND LEFT TURN LANES CLOSED FROM CUMBERLAND AVE TO LOUISE AVE
(Water & sewer installation)
Start: September 9, 7:00 a.m. End: September 9, 5:00 p.m.

ONGOING

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: September 11, 5:00 p.m.

HWY 11/16 WB OVERPASS CLOSED AT CLOVERLEAF INTERSECTION
(Overpass repair)
Two EB lanes and one WB lane will be maintained on the EB overpass
Start: July 24, 7:00 a.m. End: September 30, 5:00 p.m.

MELVILLE ST EB 7 WB LANES CLOSED FROM LORNE AVE TO BRAND RD
(Force main installation)
Start: August 24, 7:00 a.m. End: October 30, 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) continues to roll out the FlexParking program in stages, an additional 20 pay stations will be activated on Wednesday, September 9, throughout the Broadway area.

Before the new, flexible pay stations are turned on, the old coin meters will be removed.  As long as drivers encounter an unhooded, active coin meter, that’s where they should pay.

More stations will continue to be activated at other locations across the city in the weeks to come.

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.

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, 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.

NEW
8TH ST E EB CURB (OUTSIDE) & CENTRE LANES CLOSED FROM CUMBERLAND AVE TO LOUISE AVE
(Water & sewer installation)
No left turn from 8th St WB between Louise Ave and Cumberland Ave
Start: September 8, 7:00 a.m. End: September 8, 5:00 p.m.

MELVILLE ST EB & WB CLOSED FROM BRAND RD TO PORTAGE AVE
(Force main installation)
Start: September 8, 7:00 a.m. End: September 18, 5:00 p.m.

33RD ST E WB & EB 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 18, 5:00 p.m.

NIGHT WORK - ATTRIDGE DR WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM CENTRAL AVE TO CIRCLE DR ON RAMP
(Jersey barrier removal)
Centre left turn lane closed at Central Ave NB.
Start: September 8, 6:00 p.m. End: September 11, 6:00 a.m.

ONGOING
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: September 11, 5:00 p.m.                                                                                                                                                                                 
HWY 11/16 WB OVERPASS CLOSED AT CLOVERLEAF INTERSECTION
(Overpass repair)
Two EB lanes and one WB lane will be maintained on the EB overpass
Start: July 24, 7:00 a.m. End: September 30, 5:00 p.m.

MELVILLE ST EB 7 WB LANES CLOSED FROM LORNE AVE TO BRAND RD
(Force main installation)
Start: August 24, 7:00 a.m. End: October 30, 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
IDYLWYLD DR SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED APPROACHING 20TH ST
(Pole knockdowns)
Start: September 6, 7:30 a.m. End: September 6, 9:00 a.m.

NIGHT WORK - CIRCLE DR W WB CENTRE LANE CLOSED FROM IDYLWYLD DR N TO AVE C N
(Sewer cleaning)
No through traffic to Ave C NB. Right turn only from Ave C SB. Idylwyld Dr SB ramp right turn only for approximately one hour.
Start: September 7, 10:30 p.m. End: September 8, 7:00 a.m.

ONGOING
HIGHWAY 11/CIRCLE DR SB MEDIAN (INSIDE) & CENTRE LANES CLOSED UNDER THE HWY 16 OVERPASS
(Girder repair)
Start: September 1, 7:00 a.m. End: September 5, 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: September 11, 5:00 p.m.                                                                                                                                                                                  
HWY 11/16 WB OVERPASS CLOSED AT CLOVERLEAF INTERSECTION
(Overpass repair)
Two EB lanes and one WB lane will be maintained on the EB overpass
Start: July 24, 7:00 a.m. End: September 30, 5:00 p.m.

MELVILLE ST EB 7 WB LANES CLOSED FROM LORNE AVE TO BRAND RD
(Force main installation)
Start: August 24, 7:00 a.m. End: October 30, 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.

City of Saskatoon (City) crews have begun annual winterization of the 409 irrigation systems in Saskatoon parks.  Winterization is an important maintenance procedure to help ensure the longevity of the City’s irrigation infrastructure.

Irrigation system winterization involves the use of large compressors that force air through the irrigation pipes, removing any residual water so it will not freeze in the pipes.  The City requests that the public respect and follow all signage at worksites.  The force of the air through the pipes shoots water out from the sprinkler heads at a high pressure and may pick up debris during this process.

To ensure public safety, residents are asked to please stay clear of all sprinkler heads and related winterization equipment during maintenance.

The winterization process is expected to take six weeks.

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.