News Releases

FIRE PIT RULES AND REGULATIONS

June is a time when family and friends start to spend more time outside. The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) would like to remind everyone of the regulations for using fire pits within the City of Saskatoon limits.

The use of fire pits in Saskatoon is regulated by Fire and Protective Services Bylaw No. 7990 which states that every use of a residential fire pit is subject to six conditions:

• Fire must be contained within a non-combustible fire box constructed of material such as cement, brick or metal and covered with a heavy gauge metal screen. SFD recommends that fire pits be situated at least three metres from any combustible materials (ie. fences or buildings).
• The size of the fire box of any outdoor burning facility must not exceed .61 cubic metres.
• Only cut, seasoned wood or charcoal can be used to fuel outdoor fires. Burning tree branches and garden refuse in a fire pit is not permitted.
• All outdoor fires must have responsible supervision at all times.
• No person shall light an outdoor fire when the weather conditions are conducive to creating a running fire or allowing the smoke from the fire to be a nuisance to another person (smoke drift).
• If smoke from an open-air fire causes an unreasonable interference with the use and enjoyment of another person’s property, the fire must be extinguished immediately.

If you choose to use one of the many City of Saskatoon public parks, be aware that open fires are NOT allowed. Fire pits are not located in all parks, but in the parks that have them, they are on a first-come, first serve basis and each user must supply their own fire wood.

Please note: SFD will extinguish any fires that do not comply with the Bylaw.

The Outdoor Fires pamphlet can be viewed at:
https://www.saskatoon.ca/services-residents/fire-emergency/community-outreach and a video regarding residential fire pits can be viewed at http://tinyurl.com/azucomb

Residents who would like to report a fire or fire pit should call 306-975-3030.

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

CIRCLE DR E EB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM CIRCLE DR N BRIDGE TO PRESTON AVE
(Crack Filling)
Start: June 2, 4:00 a.m. End: June 2, 7:00 a.m.

WANUSKEWIN RD NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN ARTHUR ROSE AVE & MARQUIS DR E
(Concrete work)
Start: June 2, 7:00 a.m. End: June 2, 5:00 p.m.

8TH ST & BROADWAY AVE LANE RESTRICTIONS
(Groundwater testing)
NB parking lane on Broadway Ave closed approaching 8th St, 8th St EB parking lane closed after Broadway Ave, left turn bay from 8th St to Broadway Ave SB closed
Start: June 2, 9:00 a.m. End: June 2, 5:00 p.m.

LORNE AVE & TAYLOR ST E INTERSECTION CLOSED
(Catch basin repair)
Taylor St WB to Lorne Ave SB will be maintained. Lorne Ave NB to Taylor St EB will be maintained.
Start: June 2, 9:00 a.m. End: June 2, 6:00 p.m.

ONGOING

*EXPECT DELAYS* WANUSKEWIN RD NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM ADILMAN DR TO ARTHUR ROSE AVE
(Resurfacing)
Start: June 1, 7:00 a.m. End: June 2, 6:00 p.m. (Part of 4-week resurfacing project)

11TH ST W CLOSED FROM HIGHWAY 7 TO FAIRLIGHT DR
(Patch Paving)
Use 22nd St W
Start: June 1, 7:00 a.m. End: June 3, 6:00 p.m.

DIEFENBAKER DR CLOSED FROM DIEFENBAKER TCE TO KENSINGTON BLVD
(Paving)
Start: May 27, 9:00 a.m. End: June 2 , 6:00 p.m.

CENTRAL AVE SB CLOSED AT 104TH ST
(Water main lining)
2-way traffic maintained in NB lanes
Start: May 19, 7:00 a.m. End: June 6, 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)
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.

For Immediate Release: June 1, 2015

The City of Saskatoon is demonstrating leadership in cold climate energy efficiency with the successful operation of combined heat and power (CHP) units in two of the City’s largest leisure facilities and by increasing awareness of the benefits of CHP in Saskatchewan. The efficiency of the City’s CHP units is reducing utility costs and greenhouse gas emissions at the two facilities.  The leadership shown by the City has made it easier for building owners to consider CHP for their own facilities.

The technology is called “combined heat and power” because after the electricity is generated by the system, the waste heat is used in the building. Aquatic centres are ideal locations to install these systems as pools and hot tubs require heating year-round. The Shaw Centre and Lakewood Civic Centre were selected as suitable sites to install and test the CHP units.

“This project demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting projects that save energy and reduce emissions,” said Parliamentary Secretary Kelly Block, on behalf of the Honourable Greg Rickford, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources. “We continue to invest in energy technologies that have the greatest potential in terms of economic and environmental benefits."

"The two CHP units will save the city approximately $135,000 a year in utility costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 1,100 tonnes every year," says Mayor Donald Atchison. "The City invested $375,000 in the two units and that will be repaid to taxpayers through the savings. In the future, the savings will help defer the costs of operating these two facilities."

The total project cost is $1.3 million. Natural Resources Canada is contributing $600,000 through the Clean Energy Fund and the Market Development Incentive Payments Fund. The City is contributing $375,000 and SaskEnergy has provided the remaining $325,000 in funding in 2013.

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 Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth (P4G) invites residents in Saskatoon, Warman, Martensville, Osler, and the Rural Municipality (RM) of Corman Park to an open house for the Regional Plan.

OPEN HOUSE:  P4G Regional Plan
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
4 p.m. to 8 p.m. – “Come and Go”
Lakeview Church (Theatre)
Near Highway 16 East and Boychuk Drive on Township Road 362 (Melville Street), RM of Corman Park

OR

Wednesday, June 3, 2015
4 p.m. to 8 p.m. – “Come and Go”
Brian King Centre (Auditorium)
202 8^th Avenue North, City of Warman

The goal of the Regional Plan, expected to be completed by mid-2016, is to ensure each of the five partnering municipalities can benefit from growth opportunities, increase efficiencies, and reduce costs by working together.  It will consist of plans for land use, transportation and servicing, and outline the strategies needed for implementation, as well as propose new governance and administrative structures for the region.

These events will provide an open and informal setting for residents to learn about the intent of the Regional Plan, engage with members of the project team, and provide valuable input at the early stage of the project.  Consultant, O2 Planning + Design and representatives from the partner municipalities, and the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) will be in attendance.

If you are unable to attend the open house, please visit www.partnershipforgrowth.ca to review meeting information and provide your comments after June 3, 2015.  

For more Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth (P4G) Announcements and News Releases, visit www.partnershipforgrowth.ca or connect with the Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth on Twitter and Facebook.

NEW

*EXPECT DELAYS* WANUSKEWIN RD NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM ADILMAN DR TO ARTHUR ROSE AVE
(Resurfacing)
Start: June 1, 7:00 a.m. End: June 2, 6:00 p.m. (Part of 4-week resurfacing project)

11TH ST W CLOSED FROM HIGHWAY 7 TO FAIRLIGHT DR
(Patch Paving)
Use 22nd St W
Start: June 1, 7:00 a.m. End: June 3, 6:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR S SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM ADELAIDE ST W TO BUTE ST
(Lighting repair)
Start: June 1, 9:00 a.m. End: June 1, 4:00 p.m.

2ND AVE NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN 25TH ST & 26TH ST
(Groundwater testing)
25th St WB curb lane closed approaching 2nd Ave
Start: June 1, 9:00 a.m. End: June 1, 1:00 p.m.

ONGOING

DIEFENBAKER DR CLOSED FROM DIEFENBAKER TCE TO KENSINGTON BLVD
(Paving)
Start: May 27, 9:00 a.m. End: June 2 , 6:00 p.m.

CENTRAL AVE SB CLOSED AT 104TH ST
(Water main lining)
2-way traffic maintained in NB lanes
Start: May 19, 7:00 a.m. End: June 6, 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)
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 University Bridge will be fully closed this weekend, including the single lane used by emergency vehicles and Transit. This is expected to be one of 6-8 full closure weekends over the course of the project in order to conduct work that extends over all bridge lanes. The full closure will take effect at 7 p.m. this evening and all authorized users have received advance notice.

During any full closure weekend, Transit will reroute the #200 that travels between Place Riel and the Downtown Terminal, via the Broadway Bridge. The alternate shuttle via Broadway, offered every 15 minutes, will be in effect all day Saturday and Sunday. As well, Transit’s other routes that use University Bridge will be diverted over Broadway Bridge after 7 p.m. this evening.

In order to make the delay as short as possible, the #200 will be made an express route during the full closure, stopping only at the Downtown Terminal, Broadway and 12th, and Place Riel. Transit riders taking the #200 route this weekend can expect the alternate routing to add about 10 minutes to their regular commute.

Designating the #200 as an express route will mean that some Transit users will be directed to an alternate stop either across the street or down the block via redirect signage.

From now until the end of the University Bridge project, Transit customers can check to see when the alternate shuttle via Broadway is in effect by either visiting transit.saskatoon.ca or by following @stoontransit on Twitter.

For more City of Saskatoon news, connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

For Immediate Release:  May 29, 2015

REMINDER: GREEN CART REGISTRATIONS ACCEPTED UNTIL JUNE 1

The City of Saskatoon optional Green Cart program has expanded so more residents can conveniently dispose of yard waste without putting it in their black garbage cart. Residents are reminded that new Green Cart registrations and renewals are accepted until 5:00 p.m. on June 1st.   Register and pay online at Saskatoon.ca/greencart.

For $55 we’ll collect your unbagged leaves, grass clippings and non-woody yard vegetation at the curb every two weeks from May to November. For more information visit Saskatoon.ca/greencart.

Food waste is not accepted in the 2015 Green Cart program.

There are more ways to keep yard waste out of your garbage cart.  The City’s compost depots are open for residents to drop off their leaves, grass and non-elm branches and tree trimmings free of charge. For locations and hours, visit Saskatoon.ca/compostdepots. And for home composters, the City offers a $20 rebate to residents who purchase a compost bin from a Saskatoon retailer in 2015. Visit Saskatoon.ca/homecomposting for information.

Yard waste isn’t garbage. When yard waste goes to the landfill, it’s mixed with garbage and quickly buried, often in an airless environment. Without oxygen, it doesn’t turn into soil or compost. Instead, it creates methane (a greenhouse gas much stronger than carbon dioxide) and garbage fluids called leachate, which have to be managed under strict environmental regulations.

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.

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NEW SATURDAY

3RD AVE N CLOSED FROM 20TH ST TO 21ST ST
(Storm Sewer Repair)
Start: May 30, 7:00 a.m. End: May 30, 5:00 p.m.

NEW SUNDAY

VARIOUS RESTRICTIONS: BROADWAY AVE, SPADINA CRES, ST. HENRY ST, TAYLOR ST, RUTH ST, SASK CRES
(Saskatchewan Marathon)
Start: May 31, 6:30 a.m. End: May 31, 1:00 p.m.

3RD AVE N ROAD CLOSED FROM 22ND ST E TO 24TH ST E
(Manhole Repair)
Start: May 31, 7:00 a.m. End: May 31, 5:00 p.m.

ONGOING

**EXPECT DELAYS**  WANUSKEWIN RD NB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM LENORE DR TO ADILMAN DR
(Resurfacing)
Start: May 29, 7:00 a.m. End: May 31, 6:00 p.m. (Part of 4-week resurfacing project)

DIEFENBAKER DR CLOSED FROM DIEFENBAKER TCE TO KENSINGTON BLVD
(Paving)
Start: May 27, 9:00 a.m. End: June 2 , 6:00 p.m.

AIRPORT DR SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT 45TH ST W
(Intersection construction)
Start: May 20, 9:00 a.m. End: May 30, 5:00 p.m.

CONFEDERATION DR SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM LAURIER DR TO 22ND ST W
(Concrete work)
Start: May 20, 9:00 a.m. End: June 6, 5:00 p.m.

CENTRAL AVE SB CLOSED AT 104TH ST
(Water main lining)
2-way traffic maintained in NB lanes
Start: May 19, 7:00 a.m. End: June 6, 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)
*Note: Full closure in effect this weekend – Transit Shuttle detour via Broadway Bridge.
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 City of Saskatoon’s (City) Public Art Program invites all residents of the Sutherland and Forest Grove neighbourhoods, the business owners of the Sutherland Business Improvement District, and the community in general to a public art consultation for an upcoming art placement on Central Avenue.

Information will be provided on the Public Art Program, the Central Avenue streetscape project, and the history of Central Avenue.  The session will also provide an opportunity for residents to share stories and suggest possible themes to be included in the Call for Artists that will take place.

Central Avenue Public Art Consultation
Thursday, June 4, 2015
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Coffee’s on Emporium - 815A Gray Avenue

This is a come-and-go session with presentations from civic staff, including the City Archivist, the City Arts and Culture Consultant, and the City Urban Design Senior Planner.

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.

SPRING STREET SWEEPING PROGRAM AHEAD OF SCHEDULE

City street sweeping crews are ahead of where they were at this time last year due to favourable weather, as well as the careful planning and increased experience of City crews. Curb-to-curb street sweeping in residential areas is currently 59 per cent complete as compared to 38 per cent complete at this time in 2014.

“Four weeks into the program, we’ve swept 31 neighbourhoods, all five Business Improvement Districts, and will be wrapping up along Circle Drive tonight,” said Eric Quail, Roadways Manager. “We’ve removed 435 tandem dump truckloads of debris. Last week alone, crews swept 1.6 million square meters of pavement or the equivalent of 198 football fields.”

For the second year in a row, curb-to-curb cleaning in school zones is occurring at night. School zones in Dundonald, Hudson Bay Park, Westview, Lawson Heights and Massey Place were swept Wednesday and Thursday nights, and crews will be in College Park East and Erindale on Monday night. When scheduled, the area will be clearly marked with bright yellow street sweeping sandwich boards identical to the daytime sweeping signs, but with an 8:00 p.m. starting time. To avoid the $100 fine and the inconvenience of locating a towed vehicle, vehicles in marked school zones must be off the street by 8:00 p.m. on the posted day.

“We’re putting the safety of students first by sweeping neighbourhood school zones outside of school hours,” continued Quail. “When we swept school zones during daytime hours, we found a lot of vehicles stopping in front of the school which leads to increased traffic congestion and reduced visibility. As well, younger children would gather near the street to watch crews at work.”

Overall, the City is seeing a slight dip in compliance for the street sweeping program this year, and is urging drivers to comply with the yellow street sweeping signs to avoid a ticket or vehicle relocation. Compared to last year at this time, an average of 8 per cent more parking tickets are being issued per day, and relocation tows are up 18 per cent. Relocated vehicles can be found through the City’s Find My Vehicle! application at saskatoon.ca/betterroads or by calling Public Works Customer Service at 306-975-2476.