News Releases

Saskatoon’s network of more than 400 kilometres of gravel back lanes will soon be improved.  City crews will begin back lane maintenance on June 22, two weeks earlier than in 2014. The work will be done by neighbourhood in each of Wards 1 through 8, beginning in the North Industrial area of Ward 5. This, after inspectors examined the lanes and rated them one-by-one.

“The annual back lane rehabilitation program serves to repair ruts and potholes, level off low areas and provide preventative maintenance in our back lanes,” says Pat Hyde, Director of Public Works. “This work improves drainage, restores the condition of the back lane, and provides better access for residents and service vehicles.”

Over time, gravel back lanes may deteriorate due to extreme weather changes, regular vehicle traffic, drainage from private properties, overgrown vegetation, and from large equipment using them.

Residents are asked to remove all obstructions and debris from the edges or “right-of-way” in back lanes.  This will give enough room for large equipment, prevent damage to private property, and help keep residents and City crews safe. As well, residents with back lane bin collections are reminded to always return garbage and recycling carts to their property after they’ve been emptied.

Please note: if collection and back lane maintenance happen the same day, residents are asked to place carts as usual. Work crews will move them as required.

As part of the back lane maintenance program, the City will also trim overhanging trees and vegetation along the property line. The crews will then grade and pack the gravel, to restore the lane’s shape for proper drainage, and to prevent future damage.

“Trees and bushes contribute to our quality of life in many ways, including a welcome shelter from the hot sun for people and pets through the summer,” says Hyde.  “However, the shade overgrown trees create causes a challenge for us because it prevents the gravel in back lanes from drying. This contributes to the formation of ruts and the overall deterioration of the back lane.”

Approximately 24 kilometres of gravel back lanes, representing 136 locations, will be reconstructed as part of a $1.3M capital rehabilitation program.  Reconstruction requires full closure of these lanes and may include replacing mud with new gravel, removing dirt and re-establishing the grade to restore the lane to standard. Residents affected by reconstruction will receive orange and black notices delivered to their front door with more information.

While crews are working in your back lane, access to lanes may be restricted and all vehicles must be moved. For their safety, children and pets must stay at least 15 metres away from equipment.

A schedule for back lane maintenance and reconstruction will be posted to saskatoon.ca/backlanes early next week. Rain may cause delays to the program and the schedule may fluctuate as a result.

For more information, visit saskatoon.ca/backlanes or contact Public Works Customer Service at public.works@saskatoon.ca or 306-975-2476.

Know before you go! Find traffic detour information at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts, on the City’s interactive construction map at saskatoon.ca/constructionmap or by subscribing to the City’s Daily Road Report. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE.

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The City of Saskatoon is pleased to offer extended hours on Thursdays at the new East Compost Depot, located just off Highway 5 at Zimmerman Road, east of the former Sundown Drive-in.

Approximately 150 vehicles access the East Compost Depot every day, depositing grass clippings, leaves, non-elm wood, sod and yard waste, reducing the amount of waste sent to the landfill.

Regular hours for the site are 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday to Monday. To accommodate residents who cannot make it to the site by 5:00 p.m., from June 18 to September 30 the East Compost Depot will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, two hours later. 

The West Compost Depot, located at the junction of Highway 7 and 11^thStreet, operates seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Your cooperation in ensuring that your material is unloaded prior to the posted closing time is appreciated. Vehicles arriving at closing time may be asked to return the  following  day during operating hours.

Learn more about the City’s composting programs at saskatoon.ca/composting.  For timely updates, watch for Compost Depot Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca and on Twitter with @YXEServiceAlert.

Patrons, volunteers, and sponsors of the 41^st Annual Civic Pancake Breakfast on Thursday, June 18, 2015 helped raise $5441.70 (including tips) for the Saskatoon & Area United Way. 

As the City of Saskatoon strives to be a leader in environmental stewardship, we all work together to  implement environmentally friendly and sustainable practices for the corporation and the community at large. We are pleased to report the following results:

There were 1,148 breakfasts served with a final waste tally of: 

-290 kg of compostables which included all dishes, paper table-covers, natural latex balloons, napkins, wooden stir-sticks, coffee filters and coffee grounds 
-0 garbage
-6 kg of aluminum and pails 
-all cardboard boxes, juice boxes (tetra paks), coffee cream cartons, plastic jugs, and whipped cream containers were recycled

The City of Saskatoon would like to thank everyone in attendance and all breakfast sponsors for their generous support and we encourage all event organizers to help reduce waste.

NEW

MILLAR AVE NB CURB LANE CLOSED AT 70TH ST E
(Construction work)
Start: June 19, 7:00 a.m. End: June 20, 5:00 p.m.

SPADINA CRES E CLOSED FROM 3RD AVE S TO 20TH ST E
(National Aboriginal Day)
Start: June 19, 8:00 a.m. End: June 19, 5:00 p.m.

BROADWAY AVE SB CLOSED FROM 12TH ST E TO 11TH ST E
(Water main repair)
Use 12th St to Dufferin Ave
Start: June 19, 8:00 a.m. End: June 19, 3:00 p.m.

ONGOING

CONFEDERATION DR SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM LAURIER DR TO 22ND ST W
(Concrete work)
Start: June 18, 9:00 a.m. End: June 27, 5:00 p.m.

HWY 11 NB & SB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED AT VICTOR RD
(Stonebridge Interchange construction)
Start: June 15, 10:00 a.m. End: July 6, 6:00 p.m.

CENTRAL AVE CLOSED FROM SOMERS RD TO AGRA RD
(Force main installation)
Start: June 12, 9:00 a.m. End: July 8, 5:00 p.m.

AIRPORT DR NB & SB  MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED FROM 45TH ST W TO CYNTHIA ST
(Road construction)
Start: June 8, 9:00 a.m. End: June 29, 4:00 p.m.

HWY 11/16 EB OVERPASS CLOSED AT CLOVERLEAF INTERSECTION
(Overpass repair)
Two EB lanes and one WB lane of traffic will be maintained on the WB overpass.
Start: May 18, 7:00 a.m. End: Tentative - August 7, 5:00 p.m.

UNIVERSITY BRIDGE CLOSED BETWEEN SPADINA CRES & COLLEGE DR
(Bridge Repairs)
Full closure for authorized vehicles this weekend
Start: May 3, 7:00 a.m. End: August 31, 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.

The Government of Saskatchewan will begin rehabilitation work on the Highway 16 over Idylwyld Drive overpass to North Battleford the week of Monday, June 22.

The Province is responsible for the planning and construction of the project which is expected last approximately three months and be complete in the fall. As a major stakeholder and eventual owner of the infrastructure, the City of Saskatoon has worked closely with the Province and will coordinate traffic control for the duration of the project.

The project consists of building two cross-over structures to allow two-way traffic in the eastbound lanes of Highway 16 while repairs are carried out on the westbound overpass. The following road restrictions will be required for the duration of the project, and are expected to take effect from approximately Wednesday June 24, 2015:

• Traffic will be reduced to one lane in both directions on Idylwyld Drive between 51st Street and 60th Street.
• Traffic will be reduced to one lane in both directions on Highway 16 between Idylwyld Drive and Marquis Drive.
• Temporary traffic signals will be installed to control Idylwyld Drive southbound and Highway 16 westbound traffic.

Every effort has been made to minimize disruption, with at least one lane of traffic maintained in all directions, however drivers should expect delays. During construction Warman residents are encouraged to detour via the newly resurfaced Wanuskewin Road, which is expected to be complete by Thursday, June 25, weather permitting.

The City has coordinated its own construction projects around the overpass rehabilitation to ensure the same traffic isn’t impacted by other major construction happening in the city at the same time. The City would like to thank drivers for their patience as this necessary work is carried out.

Keep up to date with road restrictions and 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.

For more information about the project visit saskatoon.ca/betterroads and view the Government of Saskatchewan’s News Release.

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.

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:

• June 20
• July 4
• August 15
• September 19
• 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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NEW

CONFEDERATION DR SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM LAURIER DR TO 22ND ST W
(Concrete work)
Start: June 18, 9:00 a.m. End: June 27, 5:00 p.m.

3RD AVE NB CLOSED BETWEEN 23RD ST & 24TH ST
(Asphalt repairs)
Start: June 18, 9:00 a.m. End: June 18, 12:00 p.m.

NIGHT WORK: CIRCLE DR E EB & WB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED APPROACHING CIRCLE DR N BRIDGE
(Bridge Deck Inspection)
Start: June 18, 7:00 p.m. End: June 19, 6:00 a.m.

NIGHT WORK: WARMAN RD SB CLOSED FROM 51ST ST E TO PRIMROSE DR
(Road resurfacing)
Start: June 18, 7:30 p.m. End: June 19, 6:30 a.m.

ONGOING

23RD ST E CLOSED FROM 3RD AVE N TO 4TH AVE N
(Civic Pancake Breakfast)
Start: June 17, 6:00 p.m. End: June 18, 11:30 a.m.

8TH ST E EB PARKING & NEXT LANE CLOSED FROM CLARENCE AVE S TO MCKINNON AVE S
(Curb & Sidewalk replacement)
Start: June 16, 9:00 a.m. End: June 18, 4:00 p.m.

HWY 11 NB & SB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED AT VICTOR RD
(Stonebridge Interchange construction)
Start: June 15, 10:00 a.m. End: July 6, 6:00 p.m.

CENTRAL AVE CLOSED FROM SOMERS RD TO AGRA RD
(Force main installation)
Start: June 12, 9:00 a.m. End: July 8, 5:00 p.m.

AIRPORT DR NB & SB  MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED FROM 45TH ST W TO CYNTHIA ST
(Road construction)
Start: June 8, 9:00 a.m. End: June 29, 4:00 p.m.

HWY 11/16 EB OVERPASS CLOSED AT CLOVERLEAF INTERSECTION
(Overpass repair)
Two EB lanes and one WB lane of traffic will be maintained on the WB overpass.
Start: May 18, 7:00 a.m. End: Tentative - August 7, 5:00 p.m.

UNIVERSITY BRIDGE CLOSED BETWEEN SPADINA CRES & COLLEGE DR
(Bridge Repairs)
Full closure for authorized vehicles this weekend
Start: May 3, 7:00 a.m. End: August 31, 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.

The Saskatoon Municipal Review Commission (SMRC) invites interested citizens to listen in or present their thoughts at one of two public hearings in June.

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Cosmo Civic Centre

7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Lakewood Civic Centre

2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Addressing Meetings: Citizens wishing to present to the Commission at the June public hearings are encouraged to register by calling 306-975-3240 or emailing municipalreview@saskatoon.ca.

Can’t attend? Visit Saskatoon.ca/SMRC before June 30^th, 2015 to complete an online submission. 

For more information on the Commission mandate or other relevant topics, please go to Saskatoon.ca/SMRC or follow SMRC on Facebook and Twitter.

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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FAITHFULL AVE SB LANES & NB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED BETWEEN FAITHFULL CRES N. LEG & S. LEG
(Asphalt repair)
Start: June 17, 9:00 a.m. End: June 17, 12:00 p.m.

23RD ST E CLOSED FROM 3RD AVE N TO 4TH AVE N
(Civic Pancake Breakfast)
Start: June 17, 6:00 p.m. End: June 18, 11:30 a.m.

LORNE AVE CLOSED FROM RUTH ST E TO ADELAIDE ST E
(Road Resurfacing)
Start: June 17, 7:00 a.m. End: June 17, 6:00 p.m.

NIGHT WORK: WARMAN RD SB CLOSED FROM 51ST ST E TO PRIMROSE DR
(Road resurfacing)
Start: June 16, 7:00 p.m. End: June 17, 6:30 a.m.

NIGHT WORK: CIRCLE DR E EB CURB (OUTSIDE) & MIDDLE LANE CLOSED ON CIRCLE DR N. BRIDGE
(Bridge Deck Testing)
Start: June 17, 8:00 p.m. End: June 18, 6:00 a.m.

ONGOING

8TH ST E EB PARKING & NEXT LANE CLOSED FROM CLARENCE AVE S TO MCKINNON AVE S
(Curb & Sidewalk replacement)
Start: June 16, 9:00 a.m. End: June 18, 4:00 p.m.

HWY 11 NB & SB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED AT VICTOR RD
(Stonebridge Interchange construction)
Start: June 15, 10:00 a.m. End: July 6, 6:00 p.m.

CENTRAL AVE CLOSED FROM SOMERS RD TO AGRA RD
(Force main installation)
Start: June 12, 9:00 a.m. End: June 18, 5:00 p.m.

AIRPORT DR NB & SB  MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED FROM 45TH ST W TO CYNTHIA ST
(Road construction)
Start: June 8, 9:00 a.m. End: June 29, 4:00 p.m.

HWY 11/16 EB OVERPASS CLOSED AT CLOVERLEAF INTERSECTION
(Overpass repair)
Two EB lanes and one WB lane of traffic will be maintained on the WB overpass.
Start: May 18, 7:00 a.m. End: Tentative - August 7, 5:00 p.m.

UNIVERSITY BRIDGE CLOSED BETWEEN SPADINA CRES & COLLEGE DR
(Bridge Repairs)
Full closure for authorized vehicles this weekend
Start: May 3, 7:00 a.m. End: August 31, 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.

The remaining structure of the Parrish & Heimbecker Mill, in Saskatoon’s West Industrial area, is scheduled for demolition by explosives on Saturday, June 20, 2015 at 6 a.m. The demolition will be performed by Winnipeg-based contractor Rakowski Cartage & Wrecking Ltd., which is a licensed blasting specialist.

 “The process began this March when the City of Saskatoon issued a permit to demolish the lower structure portions of the building with the use of heavy equipment,” explains Kara Fagnou, Building Standards Director. “Because of its height, the demolition of the upper portion will need to be completed using explosives.”

 A designated exclusion zone will be in place two hours prior to the blast limiting public access near the site. The public will have an opportunity to watch the demolition from an assigned viewing area at St. Mary’s Wellness and Education Centre, 327 Avenue N South.

 “The viewing area will be in a location that allows people to safely view the blast without the need for eye and ear protection,” says Saskatoon Fire Department Assistant Chief Morgan Hackl.  “However, due to dust that may result from the controlled blast, the contractor recommends anyone with a respiratory problem should not attend and to stay indoors if they live in the nearby area.  Additionally, we want to point out, all hazardous materials were removed from the building in March at the start of the project.”

 A comprehensive blasting plan has been approved by the Saskatoon Fire Department’s Emergency Measures Organization and the Saskatoon Police Service.  The plan is focused on public safety and to ensure occupational health and safety rules are strictly followed during the blast.  Starting tomorrow, residents and businesses located within the vicinity will be notified, in writing, by the contractor and provided with safety information.

 After the demolition, approximately 95% of the materials will be recycled, and work will begin on transitioning the area from heavy industrial to uses more complementary with the surrounding neighbourhoods under the City of Saskatoon’s (City) West Industrial Local Area Plan (LAP).

“The LAP changed the designation to a “Transition Zone” due to its close proximity to the Pleasant Hill and King George residential neighbourhoods,” Fagnou says. “At some point in the future, the City will encourage development of the site to be more compatible with our policy.”

Exclusion Zone

 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.