News Releases

NEW SATURDAY
BROADWAY AVE NB CLOSED FROM 10TH ST E TO SASKATCHEWAN CRES
(Gingerbread Run)
Start: November 22, 7:30 a.m. End: November 22, 10:00 a.m.
COLLEGE DR EB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM UNIVERSITY DR TO CUMBERLAND AVE
(Tree Pruning)
Start: November 22, 8:30 a.m. End: November 22, 1:00 p.m.

COLLEGE DR EB CURB (OUTSIDE) & CENTER LANE CLOSED FROM WIGGINS AVE TO BOTTOMLEY AVE
(Tree Pruning)
Start: November 22, 1:00 p.m. End: November 22, 5:00 p.m.

NEW SUNDAY

8TH ST E EB CLOSED FROM CLARENCE AVE S TO MCKINNON AVE S
(Water Connection Repair)
Start: November 23, 7:00 a.m. End: November 23, 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 on our saskatoon.ca homepage or subscribe to our Traffic Detour Service Alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

For Release: November 21, 2014

As outlined during the presentation of Sustaining the Saskatoon Advantage, the Preliminary 2015 Business Plan and Budget, a number of reports and initiatives, are forthcoming for the Budget deliberations set for December 2 and 3, 2014. 

Here are some of the items up for debate:

Service Saskatoon – 311/Customer Relationship Management System

Annual Report on the 2013 – 2022 Housing Business Plan
Watermain breaks – Summer 2013 (Administration report re: adequacy of the number of water trailers)
Capital Construction at the Saskatoon Minor Football Field at Gordon Howe Park
Major Projects report – 2014 Update
Remai Modern Art Gallery of Saskatchewan – 2015 Capital Budget  Request
Solar City
University Bridge Rehab

Rates and fees for a number of services including:

- Rates for indoor arenas
- PotashCorp Playground Rides
- Sportsfields
- Woodlawn Cemetery
- Business Licences
- Leisure centre admissions, programs, and rentals

Investments such as these are aligned with the City’s 2013 - 2023 Strategic Plan so the City can meet the goals and priorities identified in the Plan.

The Preliminary 2015 Budget proposes a 7.32% municipal property tax increase that will generate an additional $7 million for the City of Saskatoon. If approved as is, this means an additional $9.50 per month for a property owner with an average house Assessment Value of $325,000.

Breakdown of the Proposed 2015 Property Tax Increase:

The proposed Operating Budget includes a 4.10% property tax increase, plus a 0.3% property tax phase-in base for debt repayment planned for sound attenuation wall construction projects, as well as the second of a three-year phase-in of a dedicated property tax for roadways of 2.92%. The breakdown of the net property tax changes by major category is as follows:

Civic Operations - 1.49%
Capital Contributions - 1.81%
Fire Services - 1.32%
Police Services - 2.46%
Total Municipal Increase - 4.10%

Dedicated Road Tax - 2.92%
Sound Attenuation - 0.30%

Total Proposed
Property Tax Increase - 7.32%

As noted, the Preliminary 2015 Corporate Business Plan and Budget will be reviewed at a Meeting of City Council at 1:00 p.m. on December 2 and 3, 2014 in City Council Chambers.

Once approved by City Council, the Corporate Business Plan and Budget will guide the investment activities, projects, and service levels the City of Saskatoon will implement and achieve in 2015.

Copies of the Preliminary 2015 Corporate Business Plan and Budget will be available at all libraries or online at www.saskatoon.ca – look under “B” for Budget.

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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Current weather forecasts are calling for up to 15 centimeters of snow this weekend and as we get back into the swing of winter, the City would like to remind residents and businesses to clear their sidewalks of snow and ice following a snowfall.

“Clearing sidewalks quickly after a snowfall makes it easier and safer for people to move around, and improves accessibility for wheelchair users and citizens with limited mobility,” says Angela Gardiner, Director of Transportation. “The City is responsible for clearing sidewalks adjacent to civic facilities, the Meewasin Trail and lit pathways in City parks within 48 hours after a snowfall but we also need help from citizens to maintain clear sidewalks.”

The Sidewalk Clearing Bylaw requires residential sidewalks to be cleared within 48 hours after a snowfall, and sidewalks in certain commercial and suburban areas to be cleared within 24 hours of a snowfall. It is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure the sidewalks are cleared and the snow is placed on private property.

The City will be enhancing enforcement again this year by having parking enforcement Commissionaires report addresses requiring sidewalk clearing. When the City receives a report that your sidewalk has not been cleared, the Bylaw Inspector will investigate and if necessary, a Bylaw Notice will be issued requiring you to clear it within 48 hours. If your sidewalk is not cleared, and the City has to clear the sidewalk, the cost will be charged to your property tax notice. To report an uncleared sidewalk, call Public Works Customer Service at 306-975-2476.

“Snow clearing statistics over the last seven snow seasons indicate the percentage of citizens who cleared their sidewalks after receiving a bylaw notice was high,” says Gardiner. “In 2013/14, 550 reports of uncleared sidewalks were received of which approximately 90 per cent complied within the 48 hours requested in the Bylaw Notice.”

In an effort to improve accessibility in high use pedestrian areas, the City is working with the defined Business Improvement Districts (BID) to coordinate snow removal.  This year, certain businesses within the BID may shovel snow into the curb lane of the roadway. This is only for locations where there is no other storage space available on the property. The snow will then be removed as part of the priority street system following a snow event.

Be a Snow Angel! If your neighbour is elderly, has a health concern or mobility restrictions, help them out by clearing their sidewalk. If you receive help from a neighbour/relative, nominate them as a Snow Angel online or by mailing their name and phone number to Public Works. The City will send your Snow Angel a thank you and enter them in a prize draw.

For more information on these and all of our Snow & Ice programs, visit Better Winter Roads.

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.

Current weather forecasts are calling for up to 15 centimeters of snow this weekend and as we get back into the swing of winter, the City would like to remind residents and businesses to clear their sidewalks of snow and ice following a snowfall.

“Clearing sidewalks quickly after a snowfall makes it easier and safer for people to move around, and improves accessibility for wheelchair users and citizens with limited mobility,” says Angela Gardiner, Director of Transportation. “The City is responsible for clearing sidewalks adjacent to civic facilities, the Meewasin Trail and lit pathways in City parks within 48 hours after a snowfall but we also need help from citizens to maintain clear sidewalks.”

The Sidewalk Clearing Bylaw requires residential sidewalks to be cleared within 48 hours after a snowfall, and sidewalks in certain commercial and suburban areas to be cleared within 24 hours of a snowfall. It is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure the sidewalks are cleared and the snow is placed on private property.

The City will be enhancing enforcement again this year by having parking enforcement Commissionaires report addresses requiring sidewalk clearing. When the City receives a report that your sidewalk has not been cleared, the Bylaw Inspector will investigate and if necessary, a Bylaw Notice will be issued requiring you to clear it within 48 hours. If your sidewalk is not cleared, and the City has to clear the sidewalk, the cost will be charged to your property tax notice. To report an uncleared sidewalk, call Public Works Customer Service at 306-975-2476.

“Snow clearing statistics over the last seven snow seasons indicate the percentage of citizens who cleared their sidewalks after receiving a bylaw notice was high,” says Gardiner. “In 2013/14, 550 reports of uncleared sidewalks were received of which approximately 90 per cent complied within the 48 hours requested in the Bylaw Notice.”

In an effort to improve accessibility in high use pedestrian areas, the City is working with the defined Business Improvement Districts (BID) to coordinate snow removal.  This year, certain businesses within the BID may shovel snow into the curb lane of the roadway. This is only for locations where there is no other storage space available on the property. The snow will then be removed as part of the priority street system following a snow event.

Be a Snow Angel! If your neighbour is elderly, has a health concern or mobility restrictions, help them out by clearing their sidewalk. If you receive help from a neighbour/relative, nominate them as a Snow Angel online or by mailing their name and phone number to Public Works. The City will send your Snow Angel a thank you and enter them in a prize draw.

For more information on these and all of our Snow & Ice programs, visit Better Winter Roads.

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.

Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon is pleased to launch the second round of public engagement for the Growth Plan to Half a Million (Growth Plan).  Detailed information on the possibilities for the Growth Plan’s core initiatives of Corridor Redevelopment, Future Transit, and Core Area Bridges has been posted online at www.growingfwd.ca.  Introductory information has also been posted for the Growth Plan’s Employment Areas Study. Residents are invited to review the workbook-style information and participate in one or more of the online surveys and forums from now until December 7, 2014. 
In addition to the online engagement opportunities, Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon is hosting four public events to discuss the Growth Plan. 

Main Event – Growth Plan Workshops
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
TCU Place (Salons A and B), 35 - 22nd Street East
Presentations will begin at 10:15 a.m. and 6:15 p.m. with revolving workshops to follow every half hour on the topics of Corridor Redevelopment, Transit, and Core Area Bridges.  You may choose to participate in one or all of the workshop topics.

Growth Plan Information Session:
Monday, December 1, 2014
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Cliff Wright Branch Library, 1635 McKercher Drive
Presentation will begin at 6:15 p.m. followed by facilitated question and answer period.

Thursday, December 4, 2014
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Cosmo Civic Centre, 3130 Laurier Drive
Presentation will begin at 6:15 p.m. followed by facilitated question and answer period.

The Growth Plan focuses on the City of Saskatoon’s Strategic Plan goals of Sustainable Growth and Moving Around.  These goals are about building places to bring people together and providing more transportation choices so Saskatoon will be a healthier, more sustainable, accessible, and attractive place to live as our population doubles over the next 30 to 40 years. 

Public consultation will be ongoing throughout the development of the Growth Plan.  To learn more and get involved, 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.

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NEW
1ST AVE N SB PARKING & CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN 23RD ST E TO 22ND ST E
(Movember Fundraiser)
Start: November 20, 6:00 a.m. End: November 20, 10:00 a.m.
2ND AVE N NB CLOSED FROM 26TH ST E TO QUEEN ST
(Crane Lift)
Two-way traffic set in SB lanes
Start: November 20, 8:00 a.m. End: November 20, 2:00 p.m.
QUEEN ST EB CLOSED FROM 4TH AVE N TO 5TH AVE N
(Building Construction)
Two-way traffic set in WB lanes
Start: November 20, 9:00 a.m. End: November 20, 3:30 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 on our saskatoon.ca homepage or subscribe to our Traffic Detour Service Alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon is pleased to launch the second round of public engagement for the Growth Plan to Half a Million (Growth Plan).  Detailed information on the possibilities for the Growth Plan’s core initiatives of Corridor Redevelopment, Future Transit, and Core Area Bridges has been posted online at www.growingfwd.ca.  Introductory information has also been posted for the Growth Plan’s Employment Areas Study. Residents are invited to review the workbook-style information and participate in one or more of the online surveys and forums from now until December 7, 2014. 
In addition to the online engagement opportunities, Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon is hosting four public events to discuss the Growth Plan. 

Main Event – Growth Plan Workshops
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
TCU Place (Salons A and B), 35 - 22nd Street East
Presentations will begin at 10:15 a.m. and 6:15 p.m. with revolving workshops to follow every half hour on the topics of Corridor Redevelopment, Transit, and Core Area Bridges.  You may choose to participate in one or all of the workshop topics.

Growth Plan Information Session:
Monday, December 1, 2014
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Cliff Wright Branch Library, 1635 McKercher Drive
Presentation will begin at 6:15 p.m. followed by facilitated question and answer period.

Thursday, December 4, 2014
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Cosmo Civic Centre, 3130 Laurier Drive
Presentation will begin at 6:15 p.m. followed by facilitated question and answer period.

The Growth Plan focuses on the City of Saskatoon’s Strategic Plan goals of Sustainable Growth and Moving Around.  These goals are about building places to bring people together and providing more transportation choices so Saskatoon will be a healthier, more sustainable, accessible, and attractive place to live as our population doubles over the next 30 to 40 years. 

Public consultation will be ongoing throughout the development of the Growth Plan.  To learn more and get involved, 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.

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NEW
1ST AVE N SB PARKING & CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN 23RD ST E TO 22ND ST E
(Movember Fundraiser)
Start: November 20, 6:00 a.m. End: November 20, 10:00 a.m.
2ND AVE N NB CLOSED FROM 26TH ST E TO QUEEN ST
(Crane Lift)
Two-way traffic set in SB lanes
Start: November 20, 8:00 a.m. End: November 20, 2:00 p.m.
QUEEN ST EB CLOSED FROM 4TH AVE N TO 5TH AVE N
(Building Construction)
Two-way traffic set in WB lanes
Start: November 20, 9:00 a.m. End: November 20, 3:30 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 on our saskatoon.ca homepage or subscribe to our Traffic Detour Service Alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

The City of Saskatoon (City) is developing a Recreation and Parks Master Plan (Master Plan) to guide the development, delivery, and continuous improvement of recreation and parks programs, services, and facilities.
As part of the development of the Master Plan, the City invites you to come and learn more about the project at an open house.  Members of the consulting team and City representatives will be in attendance to discuss the plan and collect any comments you may have.
OPEN HOUSE:  Recreation and Parks Master Plan
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
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.
TCU Place, Salon E
35 - 22nd Street East
The input gathered at the open house will be used as the draft Master Plan is developed. 
If you are unable to attend the open house, please visit www.shapingsaskatoon.ca to review the open house material and provide your feedback.  The material will be online November 25, 2014.  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.

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The City of Saskatoon (City) is developing a Recreation and Parks Master Plan (Master Plan) to guide the development, delivery, and continuous improvement of recreation and parks programs, services, and facilities.
As part of the development of the Master Plan, the City invites you to come and learn more about the project at an open house.  Members of the consulting team and City representatives will be in attendance to discuss the plan and collect any comments you may have.
OPEN HOUSE:  Recreation and Parks Master Plan
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
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.
TCU Place, Salon E
35 - 22nd Street East
The input gathered at the open house will be used as the draft Master Plan is developed. 
If you are unable to attend the open house, please visit www.shapingsaskatoon.ca to review the open house material and provide your feedback.  The material will be online November 25, 2014.  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.

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