News Releases

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.

NEW SUNDAY

CIRCLE DR NB OFF-RAMP TO 11TH ST W CLOSED
(Pole maintenance)
Use 22nd St
Start: November 16, 7:30 a.m. End: November 16, 9:30 a.m.

CENTRAL AVE NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED & ATTRIDGE DR EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT INTERSECTION
(Pole maintenance)
Start: November 16, 7:30 a.m. End: November 16, 9:30 a.m.

CIRCLE DR NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT LAURIER DR CLOSED
(Pole maintenance)
Start: November 16, 9:30 a.m. End: November 16, 11:00 a.m.

COLLEGE DR WB CURB LANE CLOSED APPROACHING MCKERCHER DR OVERPASS
(Pole maintenance)
Start: November 16, 9:30 a.m. End: November 16, 11:00 a.m.
2ND AVE S & 3RD AVE S CLOSED FROM 19TH ST TO 23RD ST
(Santa Claus Parade)
19th St closed from Ave A to 3rd Ave. 23rd St closed from 1st Ave to 3rd Ave
Start: November 16, 9:30 a.m. End: November 16, 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.

NEW SUNDAY

CIRCLE DR NB OFF-RAMP TO 11TH ST W CLOSED
(Pole maintenance)
Use 22nd St
Start: November 16, 7:30 a.m. End: November 16, 9:30 a.m.

CENTRAL AVE NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED & ATTRIDGE DR EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT INTERSECTION
(Pole maintenance)
Start: November 16, 7:30 a.m. End: November 16, 9:30 a.m.

CIRCLE DR NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT LAURIER DR CLOSED
(Pole maintenance)
Start: November 16, 9:30 a.m. End: November 16, 11:00 a.m.

COLLEGE DR WB CURB LANE CLOSED APPROACHING MCKERCHER DR OVERPASS
(Pole maintenance)
Start: November 16, 9:30 a.m. End: November 16, 11:00 a.m.
2ND AVE S & 3RD AVE S CLOSED FROM 19TH ST TO 23RD ST
(Santa Claus Parade)
19th St closed from Ave A to 3rd Ave. 23rd St closed from 1st Ave to 3rd Ave
Start: November 16, 9:30 a.m. End: November 16, 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.

NEW
33RD ST W CLOSED FROM AVE I N TO AVE P N
(Storm Sewer Lead)
Start: November 14, 9:30 a.m. End: November 14, 4:00 p.m.
ONGOING
CENTRAL AVE NB MEDIAN & CURB LANES CLOSED FROM 113TH ST W TO 115TH ST W
(Sewer Main Repair)
Start: November 12, 9:00 a.m. End: November 14, 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 is ready 24/7 to sand, salt and plow streets during and after a snow event this winter. Several improvements have been made to the 2014-15 Snow & Ice Plan resulting in better winter roads for everyone in Saskatoon.

“We will be engaged in multiple pilot projects in conjunction with the private sector involving our anti-icing, de-icing and sanding programs,” says Pat Hyde, Director of Public Works. “For anti-icing, a chemical is applied to the road before it snows which acts as an ice bond-breaker to prevent the ice from forming on the roadway surface.  This will enable snow grading equipment to be more effective and prevent ice building up.  Our intent is to utilize this on select sections of the high-speed roadways/bridges to monitor its performance.”

The City will also use a technique called pre-wetting where a salt brine (or other chemical) is sprayed on the sand before it is applied to Circle Drive and other high-traffic streets to improve traction.  Wet sand sticks to the road better and is more effective in extreme cold conditions when dry sand would otherwise bounce off or be blown off by vehicles.

Other improvements include:

Activating the 18-vehicle snow train to remove collected snow along the edges of Circle Drive, bridges and overpasses.

More frequent removal of snow piles from school zones and more clearly defined and expanded removal zones around schools.

A more efficient and cost-effective approach to snow grading during and following a snow event by expanding the private contractor maintenance areas to four area zones rather than two. 

New this season, the snow route is divided into two groups and can now be identified with a Green Circle or Blue Square.  If an extreme snow fall occurs, a temporary parking ban along the snow route will be declared so that graders can make a driving path as quickly as possible.  Residents are urged to familiarize themselves with these routes. Find out which streets are along a Green Circle or Blue Square snow route on the City’s webpage.

“As usual, priority street grading will continue to occur during and following a snow event; and city-wide neighbourhood grading will be initiated after the snowpack is a minimum of 15 centimetres (6 inches) to prevent ruts,” says Hyde. “This program will be carried out later in the season to reduce the impact of snow piles (windrows) on residential parking. Snow grading and removal will occur as required along narrow congested streets where windrow storage is not a practical option.”

Residents can access our Snow & Ice Interactive Map to see which streets have been graded after a heavy snowfall as well as information on all other Snow & Ice programs by visiting saskatoon.ca and clicking on Better Winter Roads.

From sanding icy roads to snow grading, City crews are Plowing Ahead and are ready for whatever winter brings this year!

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.

 

 

MULTI-UNIT RECYCLING PROGRAM UNDERWAY

More residents have access to Saskatoon’s recycling programs as the City’s contract with Cosmopolitan Industries, a non-profit organization that enhances the quality of life of adults with intellectual disabilities, gets under way. Cosmopolitan Industries is the service provider for the new multi-unit recycling program that provides an important social benefit to our community, diverts more waste from our Landfill, and conserves resources.

 “We have worked collaboratively with Cosmopolitan Industries to develop a recycling program to meet the needs of residents living in multi-unit dwellings,” said Brenda Wallace, Director of Environmental & Corporate Initiatives. “The program will make it easy and convenient for residents to participate, saving millions over the long term by extending the life of our Landfill and growing a greener Saskatoon for us all.”

The recycling program comes after extensive consultations with residents, tenant associations and building managers. All 1500 residential multi-unit residential buildings or complexes that are not serviced by a black roll-out garbage cart, and do not already have recycling through the curbside blue cart recycling program, are included in the program (approximately 35,600 units). A standard monthly charge of $2.51 per unit has been set to establish the program.

“Cosmopolitan Industries and the City of Saskatoon have created a unique partnership to deliver Saskatoon’s first multi-unit residential recycling program,” said Susan Hetu, Executive Director of Cosmopolitan Industries. “The new program will mean skills, learning and development opportunities for over 400 adults with intellectual disabilities.”

Implementation of the multi-unit recycling program is underway with information and blue bins and carts delivered to buildings based on a schedule established by Cosmo. Bin delivery will continue over the next several months. Buildings that currently recycle with another service provider have until May 1, 2015 to join the new program.

The same materials currently accepted through the curbside recycling program are accepted in this program: all paper, cardboard, plastics number 1 through 7, tin cans, milk jugs and cartons, legislated beverage containers and glass. The clean recyclable material does not require sorting – residents simply toss it loosely into the outdoor cart or bin for the building or complex.

For information on the delivery of bins, collection schedules and program details, please call Cosmopolitan Industries at 306-955-9100. For information on recycling charges on utility bills, call the City of Saskatoon Corporate Revenue at 306-975-2400. For recycling tips and program information, visit saskatoonrecycles.ca.

By recycling paper and packaging, and putting waste in the right place, together we can divert recyclables away from our Landfill and become one of Canada’s great green cities.

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 NEXT HOUSEHOLD HAZAROUS WASTE DAY IS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15

Household hazardous waste requires proper disposal to reduce risks to humans and animals, and prevent pollution of our land, water and air. These materials should not be placed in the garbage or recycling, poured down the drain or toilet, or released into the environment.

To ensure household hazardous materials are safely disposed of or recycled, the City coordinates regular Household Hazardous Waste Days for residents to drop-off these materials. The next event will be held this Saturday, November 15, at SaskTel Centre parking lot (101 - 3515 Thatcher Avenue) from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Accepted Materials include:  pesticides, automotive oil, prescription medicine, batteries, aerosols, poisons, propane cylinders, household cleaners, and mercury-containing items.

For a complete list of accepted and non-acceptable materials, visit Saskatoon.ca and click on “H” for Household Hazardous Waste Days.

Please do not bring paint to Household Hazardous Waste Day. Leftover paint and empty paint cans are accepted without charge at all SARCAN recycling depots in Saskatoon. Find out what is accepted through SARCAN’s paint program at www.sarcan.ca/pages/paint.

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 is ready 24/7 to sand, salt and plow streets during and after a snow event this winter. Several improvements have been made to the 2014-15 Snow & Ice Plan resulting in better winter roads for everyone in Saskatoon.

“We will be engaged in multiple pilot projects in conjunction with the private sector involving our anti-icing, de-icing and sanding programs,” says Pat Hyde, Director of Public Works. “For anti-icing, a chemical is applied to the road before it snows which acts as an ice bond-breaker to prevent the ice from forming on the roadway surface.  This will enable snow grading equipment to be more effective and prevent ice building up.  Our intent is to utilize this on select sections of the high-speed roadways/bridges to monitor its performance.”

The City will also use a technique called pre-wetting where a salt brine (or other chemical) is sprayed on the sand before it is applied to Circle Drive and other high-traffic streets to improve traction.  Wet sand sticks to the road better and is more effective in extreme cold conditions when dry sand would otherwise bounce off or be blown off by vehicles.

Other improvements include:

Activating the 18-vehicle snow train to remove collected snow along the edges of Circle Drive, bridges and overpasses.

More frequent removal of snow piles from school zones and more clearly defined and expanded removal zones around schools.

A more efficient and cost-effective approach to snow grading during and following a snow event by expanding the private contractor maintenance areas to four area zones rather than two. 

New this season, the snow route is divided into two groups and can now be identified with a Green Circle or Blue Square.  If an extreme snow fall occurs, a temporary parking ban along the snow route will be declared so that graders can make a driving path as quickly as possible.  Residents are urged to familiarize themselves with these routes. Find out which streets are along a Green Circle or Blue Square snow route on the City’s webpage.

“As usual, priority street grading will continue to occur during and following a snow event; and city-wide neighbourhood grading will be initiated after the snowpack is a minimum of 15 centimetres (6 inches) to prevent ruts,” says Hyde. “This program will be carried out later in the season to reduce the impact of snow piles (windrows) on residential parking. Snow grading and removal will occur as required along narrow congested streets where windrow storage is not a practical option.”

Residents can access our Snow & Ice Interactive Map to see which streets have been graded after a heavy snowfall as well as information on all other Snow & Ice programs by visiting saskatoon.ca and clicking on Better Winter Roads.

From sanding icy roads to snow grading, City crews are Plowing Ahead and are ready for whatever winter brings this year!

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
33RD ST W CLOSED FROM AVE I N TO AVE P N
(Storm Sewer Lead)
Start: November 14, 9:30 a.m. End: November 14, 4:00 p.m.
ONGOING
CENTRAL AVE NB MEDIAN & CURB LANES CLOSED FROM 113TH ST W TO 115TH ST W
(Sewer Main Repair)
Start: November 12, 9:00 a.m. End: November 14, 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 NEXT HOUSEHOLD HAZAROUS WASTE DAY IS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15

Household hazardous waste requires proper disposal to reduce risks to humans and animals, and prevent pollution of our land, water and air. These materials should not be placed in the garbage or recycling, poured down the drain or toilet, or released into the environment.

To ensure household hazardous materials are safely disposed of or recycled, the City coordinates regular Household Hazardous Waste Days for residents to drop-off these materials. The next event will be held this Saturday, November 15, at SaskTel Centre parking lot (101 - 3515 Thatcher Avenue) from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Accepted Materials include:  pesticides, automotive oil, prescription medicine, batteries, aerosols, poisons, propane cylinders, household cleaners, and mercury-containing items.

For a complete list of accepted and non-acceptable materials, visit Saskatoon.ca and click on “H” for Household Hazardous Waste Days.

Please do not bring paint to Household Hazardous Waste Day. Leftover paint and empty paint cans are accepted without charge at all SARCAN recycling depots in Saskatoon. Find out what is accepted through SARCAN’s paint program at www.sarcan.ca/pages/paint.

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.