News Releases

Saskatoon City Council has recently approved the new Seasonal Commercial Enterprise (SCE) in Parks Policy (Policy).  The Policy provides the opportunity for anyone wishing to operate a SCE that will support a variety of recreational, sporting, or cultural activities or events in Saskatoon’s parks.  The Policy also covers small motor vehicles, including Segways.

 “Of course we always look for ways to improve the quality of life here,” says Cary Humphrey, Director of Recreation and Sport.  “The purpose of the Policy is to establish fair criteria and a process to apply for park spaces suitable for the operation of a Seasonal Commercial Enterprise.  After a review of similar practices in other Canadian municipalities, and from asking key stakeholders for their views, we feel the Policy will meet the needs of all parties and enhance the experience of park users.”

 The City Solicitor will be amending the appropriate bylaws and policies to allow permitted SCEs to operate in parks including Recreation Facilities and Parks Usage Bylaw No. 7767 and Soliciting in Public Parks Policy No. 10-001.

 The deadline for applications is March 31, 2015, for the 2015 operating season that runs from July 1 to October 12.  Application packages are available by emailing the City of Saskatoon (City) at kara.lackie@saskatoon.ca or calling 306-975-3485.   The Policy itself is available on www.saskatoon.ca

 An Adjudication Committee with representatives from the City, Meewasin Valley Authority, Tourism Saskatoon, Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce, Broadway Business Improvement District, Riversdale Business Improvement District, and the Partnership, will review and recommend approval of SCE applications.  Approval will be based on the applicant’s ability to meet the specific criteria outlined in the Policy.

 Once the application has been approved and all required documentation is received by the City, a permit and business license will be issued by the City’s Planning and Development Division.  Permit costs range from $600 (not-for-profit) to $1,800 (for profit) annually; the fee for a new business license is $125.

 Enforcement of the Policy will be administered through the City’s Community Services Department.  It does not include food and beverage opportunities, which are currently available in downtown riverbank parks.

 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.

Get out and be active with the City of Saskatoon, and join us at these upcoming winter events and programs:

Family Day Skate
Free Family Day Skate will take place Monday, February 16, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. outdoors at the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval (Dudley Street and Avenue R South in the Gordon Howe Complex), and indoors at Cosmo Civic Centre (3130 Laurier Drive).

There will be free games and activities at both locations, along with a DJ at the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval.  If you prefer to stay warm inside, there will also be free games, arts, and crafts in the Cosmo Civic Centre gym available from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Vending machines, change rooms, and public washrooms will be available for your convenience at both locations.  You do not need speed skates to enjoy skating at the Oval; however, bring your own skates and safety gear as rentals are not available.

Winter Play Program and Learn to Skate
From February 21 to March 29, drop in from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the following parks across the city for winter games and activities, including Learn to Skate sessions on select dates.

• College Park:  133 Campion Crescent
• Holliston:  1151 Louise Avenue
• Massey Place:  3110 Massey Place
• Westmount:  306 Avenue L North

Each location has a heated warm-up unit.  Please note, if the temperature reaches ‑25˚C or below with the wind-chill, the program will be cancelled.

No experience is necessary to participate in the Learn to Skate program.  Participants must bring their own skates and CSA-approved winter helmets.  Please note that children under the age of six must be accompanied by an adult or responsible caregiver.  The Learn to Skate program will take place at the following locations:

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

20TH ST W CLOSED FROM AVE S S TO AVE R S
(Water & sewer valve replacement)
Start: February 11, 9:00 a.m. End: February 11, 3:30 p.m.

ONGOING

20TH ST W CLOSED FROM AVE J S TO AVE K S
(Water & Sewer Connection Replacement)
Start: February 9, 9:00 a.m. End: February 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 following are the hours of civic services and facilities for Family Day on Monday, February 16, 2015:

City Hall will be closed.

Parking meters will not require payment.  Motorists are required to move their vehicles within the time period shown on parking meters, allowing for a constant turnover of parking availability.

Municipal Impound Lot will not be releasing vehicles to the public.

Saskatoon Landfill will be open with regular winter hours of 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Garbage and Recycling will take place as scheduled.

All Saskatoon Public Library locations will be closed.

Mendel Art Gallery and Saskatoon Civic Conservatory will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.  Admission is free.

TRANSIT SERVICES

Saskatoon Transit will operate with regular Sunday/Holiday Service.

Access Transit will operate with regular Holiday Service from 8:15 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.  Trips must be booked in advance as per normal procedures.  Customers are reminded that subscriptions do not apply on Statutory Holidays.

Transit Customer Service Centre will be closed.

Transit Customer Service phone lines will be available from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

RECREATION & SPORT

Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo:  Regular hours of operation.

Indoor Arenas:

ACT Arena: Parent & Tot skating cancelled. Bonus public skating from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Cosmo Arena: Parent & Tot skating cancelled. Free Family Day Skate event from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval: Regular hours of operation.
Free Family Day Skate event from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Leisure Centres

Cosmo Civic Centre: CLOSED.  Special Event: Free Family Day Activities from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. in the Cosmo Gym.  Everyone welcome.

Fitness Circuit & Terry Fox Track (in the SaskTel Sports Centre): CLOSED

Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre:  Open 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

All fitness classes and swim lessons CANCELLED.

Lakewood Civic Centre: Open 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Leisure pool closed for maintenance (February 14 to 20, 2015)

All fitness classes and child minding CANCELLED.

Lawson Civic Centre: Open 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

All fitness classes and swim lessons CANCELLED.

Saskatoon Field House: Open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

All fitness classes and child minding CANCELLED.

Holiday Fitness Class 10:30 – 11:45 a.m.

Shaw Centre: Open 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

All fitness classes and child minding CANCELLED.

For modified Lane, Public and Parent & Tot Swim times, please visit Drop-in Online at www.saskatoon.ca/go/dropinonline.  For more information on operating hours and programs, please contact the Leisure Centres or facilities.

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.

-30-

The Standing Policy Committee on Finance today received a report reaffirming the City’s AAA/Stable Outlook credit rating. The report also includes some key factors international bond rating agency Standard & Poor’s (S & P) applies to award such a rating.

The Administration addressed questions from the committee about whether S & P had cautioned the City in its rating report.

“Our citizens need to know this is a very positive piece of news,” says Chief Financial Officer Kerry Tarasoff. “Despite a perception S & P may have cautioned the City over its debt load, the agency has not issued any warning.”

“We have a triple-A rating with a stable outlook which is a fantastic achievement and consistent with our past ratings,” Tarasoff says.

The report outlines S & P’s Ratings Score Snapshot in which the bond raters say Saskatoon has a very strong economy, very strong budgetary flexibility, strong budgetary performance, strong financial management, “exceptional” liquidity with a debt burden rating of “very low.”

Standard & Poor’s rating notes: “The City will maintain exceptional levels of liquidity to meet debt service requirements.”

“This means we will continue to manage our finances very well with healthy reserves and it will help build the infrastructure our growing city needs.” Tarasoff says.

The City of Saskatoon has maintained its AAA/Stable credit rating for more than a decade.

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.

-30-

NEW

20TH ST W CLOSED FROM AVE S S TO AVE R S
(Water & sewer valve replacement)
Start: February 10, 9:00 a.m. End: February 10, 3:30 p.m.

ONGOING

20TH ST W CLOSED FROM AVE J S TO AVE K S
(Water & Sewer Connection Replacement)
Start: February 9, 9:00 a.m. End: February 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 City of Saskatoon’s (City) Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Committee is now accepting nominations for the annual “Living in Harmony” awards that recognize local organizations or individuals for their efforts in the elimination of racial discrimination. The entry deadline for submissions and nominations is Friday, February 27, 2015, at 4:45 p.m. Committee members will select the winning entries/nominations.

 March 21 is International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, and in honour of this day the Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Committee invites you to explore what intercultural harmony means to you through words and/or pictures. You may also choose to nominate an individual or group for their efforts in promoting the spirit of living in harmony.

 Living in Harmony Literary Contest
Open to everyone, this contest invites submissions of poems, short stories, or essays on the theme Living in Harmony. There are three categories: elementary school students, high school students, and an open category. The author of each winning entry will receive $100.

 Living in Harmony Art Contest
Open to everyone, this contest invites submissions of all forms of art (drawings, paintings, music video, or other forms of expression) that involve the theme of Living in Harmony. There are three categories for this contest: elementary school students, high school students, and an open category. The artist for each winning entry will receive $100.

 Recognition Award
Open to everyone, this award invites nominations of local youth, adults, and groups that focus their efforts on positive initiatives within our community.

 Entry forms are available on  the City’s website at www.saskatoon.ca. Please submit entries to the City of Saskatoon Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Office, Cosmo Civic Centre (upper level), 3130 Laurier Drive, Saskatoon SK S7L 5J7.

 The winners of the Literary and Art Contests, as well as the recipient(s) of the 2015 Recognition Award, will be announced at the “Living in Harmony” Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, March 18, 2015, at The Broadway Theatre.

 For more information, please call 306-975-7826 or email cultural.diversity@saskatoon.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.

The City of Saskatoon invites residents to attend one of three important public engagement events to discuss 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 and BRT lanes on the University Bridge; and changes to how we live, work, and play along our major corridors like 8^th Street, 22^nd Street, and Preston Avenue.

The public will also have an opportunity to provide input on 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.

Main Events – Growth Plan Focused Discussions

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

TCU Place, 35 22^nd Street East

Daytime Session:  Noon to 2 p.m.

Evening Session:  6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Growth Plan Campus Consultation

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Louis’ Loft, 93 Campus Drive

3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Event materials and an online survey will be available at www.growingfwd.ca beginning Wednesday, February 25, through Wednesday, March 18, 2015.

This will be 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 confirm 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 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, 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.

The Lakewood Civic Centre (Lakewood) leisure pool will be closed from Saturday, February 14 to Friday, February 20, 2015, as part of the repairs to the pool’s waterslide.  The work required includes repairs to the piping in the crawl space and the replacement of the main valve that supplies water to the waterslide.

Occupational Health & Safety regulations require the pool’s water level to be drained in order to prevent flooding of the crawl space while the valve is being replaced.  Once this repair has been completed it will take approximately a week to refill, reheat, and rebalance the chemistry of the water within the pool.      

The week of February 14 to 20, 2015, has been selected for closure because there are no swimming lessons scheduled during the February School Break and this time will have the least impact to the public. 

During this repair, Lakewood’s fitness and weight rooms, gymnasium, multi-purpose room, dry land programming, and childcare will remain open to the public.  Many of the City of Saskatoon’s (City) other Leisure Centres will be offering enhanced programming during the February School Break.  For hours of operation and drop-in program information, please visit www.saskatoon.ca/go/dropinonline.

 The waterslide at Lakewood has been closed for repairs since July 2014, as a result of ground movement issues in the mechanical crawlspace affecting the pump that supplies water to the slide.  Final repairs to the waterslide will continue after the pool reopens on February 20.  The final repairs include reinstallation of the main water pump.  It is anticipated that the waterslide will reopen to the public in early March 2015.

 The City apologizes for the inconvenience and thanks the public for its patience and understanding.

 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

20TH ST W CLOSED FROM AVE J S TO AVE K S
(Water & Sewer Connection Replacement)
Start: February 9, 9:00 a.m. End: February 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 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.