News Releases

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.

-30-

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.

-30-

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.

- 30 -

 

 

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.

- 30 -

 

 

*TODAY NOV 17

2ND AVE SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN DUKE ST & PRINCESS ST
(Emergency pole repair)
Start: November 17, 1:00 p.m. End: November 17, 5:00 p.m.

NEW NOV 18
20TH ST W CLOSED FROM AVE H TO AVE I
(Water & sewer connection repair)
Start: November 18, 7:30 a.m. End: November 18, 3:00 p.m.

AVE C N NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED APPROACHING CYNTHIA ST
(Sasktel Cable work)
Start: November 18, 9:00 a.m. End: November 18, 3:00 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 17, 2014

The City continues to hear loudly that citizens want more resources dedicated to improving the condition of roadways in Saskatoon. The Preliminary 2015 Business Plan and Budget includes an unprecedented roadway investment.

“The plan and budget provide strategic investments in infrastructure and core services that will make Saskatoon an even more attractive and desirable place to live, work and invest,” says City Manager Murray Totland.  “Every one million dollars invested in infrastructure, increases the economic output of our community, creates long lasting jobs, and builds better communities – that’s the Saskatoon advantage.”

These investments are aligned with the City’s 2013 - 2023 Strategic Plan so that the City can accomplish the goals and priorities identified in that plan.

To help the City of Saskatoon pay for the services and infrastructure our citizens say they would like, 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.

Budget 2015 Summary:

The 2015 Preliminary Corporate Business Plan and Budget has been prepared by the Administration for City Council’s final review on December 2-3, 2014 from 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. each day in Council Chambers.

The total Consolidated Preliminary Operating and Capital Budget including Land Development and Utilities is $1.1 billion. 

(millions)	Operating	Capital	Total
Civic	$434.1	$165.8	$599.9
Utilities	289.3	59.8	349.1
Land Development	8.4	147.8	156.2
Totals	$731.8	$373.4	$1,105.2

The total tax supported Operating Budget is $434.1 million while the Capital Budget of Civic Services and Utilities totals $225.6 million. 

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%

Expenditures and Continuous Improvement:

The 2015 expenditure guideline used for the preparation of the budget was based on the Municipal Price Index (MPI) of 3.23% plus growth of 3.04% for a total of 6.27%.  This year, the Administration targeted an expenditure increase of 4.25% (excluding additional expenditures for roadways and the traffic noise attenuation) to meet continuous improvement goals. 

“Through a number of continuous improvement initiatives in 2014, the Administration identified $1.37 million in sustainable savings,” says Chief Financial Officer Kerry Tarasoff.

“Additionally, over $25 million in increased operational efficiencies, capital savings and service level enhancements were identified in 2014.  The 2015 Budget reflects that commitment as the 2014 savings are incorporated into the 2015 base budget.  In other words, without the savings, the proposed tax increase could have been more.” 

Budget Highlights:

Roads remain the focal point of this budget.  Started last year, a dedicated property tax for roadway maintenance of 2.92% was approved as part of three year phase-in of additional funds solely aimed at the improvement of the roadway network in Saskatoon. This has been added in this budget at the same percentage (2.92%).  In 2014 just over $50 million in total was provided to roadway funding while the 2015 proposed figure is $53.2 million. 

Noticeable improvements to roadways in 2014 were made through the “Building Better Roads Campaign,” launched in March.  Some of these include, but not limited to the resurfacing of over 200 kilometres of roadways; the repair of 6 kilometres of sidewalks, the repair of 188,000 potholes, the grading of 400 kilometres of gravel back lanes and the street sweeping of 61 residential neighbourhoods and 10 industrial and suburban centres.

A number of significant transportation projects are included in the budget including two new overpasses, one at Highway 16 and Boychuk Drive and the other at Highway 5 and McOrmond Drive.  These two projects total $70 million.  

Other initiatives included in the Business Plan and Budget that the City intends to make significant progress on in 2015:

· Work will begin on the new North Commuter Parkway and replacement of the Traffic Bridge to help ease congestion and improve productivity;

· Construction of a new Civic Operations Centre will begin to help improve the efficiency of City operations;

· Recommendations from the four key subject areas included in the Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon study will be unveiled to improve the way the City plans for growth;

· The City and its regional partners will continue to work on a regional growth plan to ensure that the Saskatoon region can grow in a sustainable way;

· The City will launch a new, modern, user-friendly website to improve public communication and engagement; and

· The City will implement Service Saskatoon to provide more coordinated and better customer service.

Other proposed projects include:

· $1 million contribution to phase-two of the Saskatoon Minor Football Field upgrade at Gordie Howe Park

· a number of utility projects totalling almost $60 million for improvements to City infrastructure; and

· Land Development capital projects totalling $147.8 million

Highlights of the Preliminary 2015 Corporate Business Plan and Budget will be presented at the Executive Committee meeting November 17, 2014.

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 serve to 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.

*TODAY NOV 17

2ND AVE SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN DUKE ST & PRINCESS ST
(Emergency pole repair)
Start: November 17, 1:00 p.m. End: November 17, 5:00 p.m.

NEW NOV 18
20TH ST W CLOSED FROM AVE H TO AVE I
(Water & sewer connection repair)
Start: November 18, 7:30 a.m. End: November 18, 3:00 p.m.

AVE C N NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED APPROACHING CYNTHIA ST
(Sasktel Cable work)
Start: November 18, 9:00 a.m. End: November 18, 3:00 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.