News Releases

Public Skating and Parent & Tot Skating are wrapping up for the season at the City of Saskatoon indoor rinks.  Archibald, Cosmo, Lions, and Kinsmen Arenas will remain open for ice rental until Thursday, March 19, 2015.  ACT Arena will be extending public skating and Parent & Tot skating sessions until the end of March and will be open throughout the Spring and Summer for ice rental only.  Please call the Allocations Office (located in Lawson Civic Centre) at 306-975-3366 for booking information.

Archibald Arena:  (1410 Windsor Street, 306-975-3313)
Sunday, March 15:  Last day for Public Skating (12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.)
Wednesday, March 18:  Last day for Parent & Tot Skate (2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.)
Thursday, March 19:  Last day for ice rental

Cosmo Arena:  (3130 Laurier Drive, 306-975-3370)
Monday, March 16:  Last day for Parent & Tot Skate (2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.)
Thursday, March 19:  Last day for Public Skating (12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
Thursday, March 19:  Last day for ice rental

Gordie Howe Kinsmen Arena:  (1405 Avenue P South, 306-975-3310)
Thursday, March 19:  Last day for ice rental

Lions Arena:  (2205 McEown Avenue, 306-975-3306)
Sunday, March 15:  Last day for Public Skating (2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.)
Tuesday, March 17:  Last day for Parent & Tot Skate (2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.)
Thursday, March 19:  Last day for ice rental

ACT Arena:  (107 - 105th Street East, 306-975-3316)
Sunday, March 22 and 29:  Additionally scheduled Public Skating (2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
Tuesday, March 24 and 31:  Additionally scheduled Public Skating (7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.)
Monday, March 30: Last day of Parent & Tot Skate (2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.)

Ice continues to be available for rent by calling the Allocations Office at 306-975-3366.

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.

The City of Saskatoon Cultural Diversity and Relations Committee (Committee) invites everyone to the “Living in Harmony” Recognition, Art and Literary Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, March 18, 2015, at 10 a.m. at the Broadway Theatre.  The Awards Ceremony marks the date of March 21 - International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

“Living in Harmony” Recognition, Art and Literary Awards Ceremony
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
10 a.m.
Broadway Theatre
Saskatoon, SK
715 Broadway Avenue

The “Living in Harmony” program recognizes the efforts of individuals who engage or promote intercultural harmony and social cohesion.  This event acknowledges the “Living in Harmony” Literary and Art Contest winners and the “Living in Harmony” Community Recognition Award recipients.  The Committee presents these awards to focus attention on the positive initiatives taking place in Saskatoon.

For more information, please visit www.saskatoon.ca and search “Race Relations Month.”

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.

Progress continues on the City of Saskatoon’s (City) Recreation and Parks Master Plan (Master Plan) to guide the development, delivery, and continuous improvement of recreation and parks programs, services, and facilities.

The City invites you to an open house to review the initial draft of the Master Plan.  Input gathered through community engagement has shaped the Master Plan, and the purpose of the open house is to check in with the community to ensure the draft has captured the community’s perspective before it becomes finalized this Spring.

Members of the consulting team and City representatives will be in attendance to discuss the draft Master Plan and collect any comments you may have.

OPEN HOUSE:  Recreation and Parks Master Plan – Initial Draft
Thursday, March 12, 2015
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. – “Come and Go” Open House, Brief Presentation at 12:30 p.m.
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. – “Come and Go” Open House, Brief Presentation at 6:00 p.m.

Cosmo Civic Centre – Meeting Rooms A and B
3130 Laurier Drive

If you are unable to attend the open houses, please visit www.shapingsaskatoon.ca to review information on the draft Master Plan and provide your feedback.  If you have questions, please call the City’s Community Development Division at 306-975-2289.

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.

The access roads and conditions at the City of Saskatoon snow storage sites are quickly deteriorating due to the warmer temperatures experienced this week. All visitors to these sites are advised to use caution to avoid getting stuck.

To prevent further damage to the condition of roads and prevent vehicles from getting stuck, the following two sites will be closed today at 5:00 p.m. until further notice:

Southeast - 8th Street (east of Boychuck Drive)
Southwest - Valley Road (west of the Saskatoon Landfill access)

The two remaining sites are scheduled to close on Thursday, March 12 at 3:00 p.m.; however, conditions are being closely monitored and they may be required to close sooner.

Northeast - Central Avenue (3.8 km north of Attridge Drive)
Northwest - Wanuskewin Road (1.4 km south of Highway 11)

The City of Saskatoon apologizes for the inconvenience and thanks everyone for their cooperation.  Please call Public Works Customer Service at 306-975-2476 for more information and check the City’s website for status updates on closed sites.

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.

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NEW

BROADWAY AVE NB CLOSED BETWEEN 12TH ST & SASKATCHEWAN CRES
(Patch paving)
Start: March 11, 10:00 a.m. End: March 11, 11:30 a.m.

ONGOING

4TH AVE NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE & 23RD ST WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT INTERSECTION
(Ryko Telecommunications)
Start: March 10, 9:00 a.m. End: March 12, 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 Fire Department is warning citizens to stay off all ponds and lakes throughout the City. At this time of year the ice on these bodies of water becomes unpredictable and can change rapidly.

The City’s storm retention ponds are collecting the spring runoff from the recent warm weather. This has resulted in standing water on the ponds and is making them unsafe.

The Saskatoon Fire Department is working with City crews to have the signage changed to indicate that the ponds and lakes are unsafe for recreational use.

Always be cautious near larger bodies of water. It is never safe to be out on the river ice and now, no longer safe to be on the ice found on the ponds and lakes throughout our City.

- 30 -

NEW

4TH AVE NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE & 23RD ST WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT INTERSECTION
(Ryko Telecommunications)
Start: March 10, 9:00 a.m. End: March 12, 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.

As the warm weather continues to melt snow and ice, crews are repairing potholes on priority one streets with temporary cold mix asphalt. Permanent patching will occur once the temperature is consistently above zero and hot-mix asphalt is available.

Utility cuts, which are excavations required to connect, repair or maintain underground utilities, are being maintained as required with a grader until they can be permanently paved. Permanent utility cut paving can only occur from approximately May to October, when the ground has defrosted, and when hot-mix asphalt is available. This is to allow the ground to settle and to prevent the permanent asphalt layer from sinking.

Today, crews are grading severe ruts on residential streets in City Park and Exhibition.

The melting snow will drain into the storm water sewer at catch basins located strategically on every street – even those covered by snow. City crews are monitoring any known trouble spots to ensure proper drainage is taking place, and clearing and defrosting any catch basins that may require it.

Drivers are advised to slow down when driving on puddled streets. Pools of water can cover deep potholes and drivers travelling at higher speeds could be caught by surprise, resulting in loss of vehicle control or vehicle damage. When driving through collected water at higher speeds, you could also splash pedestrians, cyclists or other vehicles.

If drivers encounter severe rutting, hazardous potholes, blocked catch basins or other emergency road conditions, they’re asked to report it by calling Public Works Customer Service at 306-975-2476. For more information on the City’s snow management programs visit saskatoon.ca/snow.

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 City of Saskatoon Spring/Summer Leisure Guide will be delivered to every home in Saskatoon on Wednesday, March 11, 2015, and can also be picked up at any Leisure Centre, Saskatoon Public Library location, or City Hall.  The Leisure Guide is available online beginning today, March 9, from www.saskatoon.ca/leisureguide.

The Leisure Guide contains everything you need to know about Saskatoon’s seven indoor Leisure Centres and is the go-to source for fitness programs, recreational activities, and arts and culture opportunities for all ages and abilities.  Get a spring in your step and stay active this season with the many options provided by the City!

Highlights of the Spring/Summer (April 1 to August 31, 2015) Leisure Guide include:

• Return of the Summer Indoor LeisureCard and other seasonal admission products, such as discounted bulk tickets for outdoor pools!
• Enjoy the Last Hour of operation at any Leisure Centre fitness and exercise room, walking track, and open gym, seven days a week for a $3 admission.  Excludes the Fitness Centre & Terry Fox Track.
• Make a splash at the many spray pads, paddling, outdoor and indoor pools.  Includes public, parent & tot, family, and lane swimming opportunities at the indoor and outdoor pools.
• Sport & Splash Camp returns to Shaw Centre and Lawson Civic Centre.  The camp will also be offered during Easter Break at Shaw Centre!

• Registered recreational programs for children, youth, and adults, including swimming lessons.
• A map of the seven dog parks in Saskatoon - spend time outdoors with your furry friend!
• And much, much more, including many arts, culture, and recreational services offered by other organizations in Saskatoon.

Registration for programs begins Sunday, March 15, at 6 p.m. by phoning 306‑975‑2800 or with Leisure Online at leisureonline.saskatoon.ca.

Starting Monday, March 16, at 6:30 a.m., Leisure Centres will be accepting mail or walk-in registrations; phone registration begins at 8 a.m. (please note that walk-in registrations will not be accepted at any Leisure Centre on the first night of registration).

Registered programs are very popular and fill up fast!  Many people will be registering Sunday evening, and the City sincerely thanks our citizens for their patience.  While additional online and telephone resources are in place to make the process go as smoothly as possible, there are still thousands of people registering at once, so here are some tips to help you be prepared:

• You will require a client ID number and family PIN to register online.  To set one up or if you forgot yours, phone any Leisure Centre before Sunday, March 15.
• Have a list of second and third program choices, just in case you do not get into your first choice.
• Join the waiting list.  Every full program has an online waiting list, and new classes may be created if there is enough demand.
• Consider other Leisure Centres if your nearest location isn't available – just a short distance away!
• Ensure your major web browser (Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox, Google Chrome) is up-to-date.

Get the Guide!  Keep the Guide!

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.

The City of Saskatoon invites residents to attend the Growth Plan Campus Consultation on Tuesday, March 10, 2015, to learn more and provide input on the proposed Growth Plan to Half a Million (Growth Plan), which includes long-term plans for a new transit system with Bus Rapid Transit (BRT); a new river crossing at 33^rd Street combined with BRT lanes on the University Bridge; and redevelopment along major corridors like 8^th Street, 22^nd Street, and Preston Avenue.

 The public will also have an opportunity to provide feedback on the recommended implementation priorities for putting specific features of the Growth Plan in motion over the short-, medium-, and long-term.

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

Growth Plan Campus Consultation
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Louis’ Loft, 93 Campus Drive
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Detailed project information and an online survey will be available at www.growingfwd.ca until Wednesday, March 18, 2015.

This is the third round of public engagement since the Growth Plan launched in February 2014.  The input gathered during this round of engagement will help to develop the long-term plans for corridor redevelopment, transit, and core area bridges, as well as set the direction for an implementation plan.  We will be back in the fall to share what we heard and confirm the final Growth Plan with the public.

Once complete, the Growth Plan will help to guide future infrastructure investments 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, please 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.