News Releases

ONGOING
3RD AVE CLOSED AT 21ST ST INTERSECTION
(Water Main Repair)
Start: December 8, 9:00 a.m. End: December 11, 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.

The City of Saskatoon will begin installing new FlexParking pay stations in the downtown and core business districts on Wednesday, December 10, 2014, however the stations will not be operational until early 2015.

“This flexible, pay-by-plate system will replace the individual coin meters in the city’s Downtown, Broadway, Sutherland and Riversdale business districts,” says Angela Gardiner, Director of Transportation. “The easy to use system will enable citizens to pay using coins, credit cards, the new City Parking Card and, in the near future, cell phones. It also allows you to park at various locations throughout the city on a single payment.”

Drivers may move around the city and occupy several spaces, using their single parking purchase at multiple spots. However, drivers must still obey the posted time limits associated with each new space. Parking commissioners will be able to tell how much time your vehicle has sat in each location through the aid of licence plate identification and recognition software. 

The new machines are solar powered and ticketless; you simply enter your licence plate number at the nearest pay station, make your payment and walk away. Since your payment is tied to your licence plate, there is no need to display a ticket on the dash. Receipts are issued as requested. In total, 325 pay stations will replace 2,800 coin meters; parking fees will remain unchanged.

“We had been hearing from residents that the old meters were dated and inflexible, especially as cash is used less and less for transactions and fewer people are carrying change,” says Gardiner. “Until the new systems are activated, people should continue to plug the old coin meters. Once the new stations are active, the existing meters will be hooded until they are removed.”

A map showing  where the new FlexParking pay stations are being installed is available at www.saskatoon.ca/go/flexparking and people are also encouraged to try out the new pay station in the City Hall foyer where a test station has been installed. Note that the test station only accepts credit cards but that no charges will be applied to your card for these tests.  

For more information about the new FlexParking pay stations visit saskatoon.ca/go/flexparking or call 306-975-2980.

 

As unseasonally mild temperatures cause snow to melt quickly crews are working 24/7 to address slushy conditions on priority one and two streets. Crews are currently proactively salting and grading priority roads to soften packed snow and reduce slush.  The Circle Drive Snow Train will be removing the remaining stored snow from along guardrails.

 

Snow on residential streets is also melting quickly and while snow is going to be very soft, it’s not deep enough to cause severe ruts. We are monitoring the situation and investigating reports from residents of trouble areas.  Drivers are encouraged to be cautious and drive appropriately for slushy conditions.

As required, crews are clearing and opening catch basins to deal with the melt. The snow piled into windrows will allow the snow to melt slowly, reducing the risk of flooding. Crews are also addressing potholes as they arise, filling them with cold mix asphalt.

With mild conditions forecast overnight there is less concern about the slush turning to hard ice. However, the grading being carried out on priority streets, removing clumps and ruts, will help to prevent severe icing when temperatures do eventually drop.  Drivers should use extra caution when approaching plows and graders; and avoid passing. Beware of reduced visibility. Clearing of wet, slushy roads and shoulders can throw moisture onto your windshield leading to a sudden loss of visibility.  Always drive defensively and leave enough space to minimize snow spray.

Residents may consider the following tips to reduce the risk of snowmelt flooding around their homes:

• Remove snow from around your foundation. Pay particular attention to the areas around window wells.
• Most lots drain along the outside edges. Remove snow from these areas.
• Keep the snow in your yard; do not place it on the road or in the alley.
• Help keep catch basins clear. Where possible, safely clear snow, ice and debris from the catch basins in your area.

When shovelling, please exercise caution and care, especially when lifting wet, heavy snow. Consider doing a bit at a time.

Residents can report problem areas by calling Public Works Customer Service at 306-975-2476.

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.

A Book of Condolence in memory of former Saskatoon Mayor Cliff Wright has been set up in the lobby of City Hall at 222 3^rd Avenue North. The public is invited to sign the book, which will be presented to the Wright family.

Cliff Wright served the people of Saskatoon for over 20 years: first as an Alderman from 1967 to 1976 and then as Mayor from 1976 to 1988.

Flags at all Civic facilities are flying at half-mast to honour Mr. Wright.

 

 

For Release: December 9, 2014

The City will lower flags to half-mast to honour the memory of former Mayor Clifford E. Wright.

“It is with deep sadness that I’ve learned of former Mayor Cliff Wright’s passing,” says City Manager Murray Totland.  “On behalf of the City, I extend all of our heartfelt condolences to the Wright family at this difficult time.”

“Mayor Wright was a visionary and he guided Saskatoon through periods of both significant growth and economic strain,” Totland says.  “Cliff Wright’s leadership was characterized not just by his keen business and political ability, but his magnetic and down-to-earth personality.”

“He had a great understanding of people and could always speak to them with ease and empathy.”

The City Manager may order the lowering of flags to commemorate one or several people.  Mr. Totland has directed flags at Civic facilities to be flown at half-mast until a funeral is held for former Mayor Cliff Wright.

Cliff Wright served the people of Saskatoon for over 20 years: first as an Alderman from 1967 to 1976 and then as Mayor from 1976 to 1988.

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ONGOING
3RD AVE NB & SB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED AT 21ST ST
(Water Main Repair)
Start: December 8, 9:00 a.m. End: December 11, 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.

Recently the Saskatoon Fire Department has seen a significant increase in garage fires. Since October we have gone to seven garage fires. The total damage estimate for those fires was $549,000. In 2013 we went to four garage fires from October to the end of December with the damage estimated at $145,000.

The causes of the recent garage fires varied from welding to even cooking. Any activity that involves heat can lead to a garage fire.

Fire requires fuel (any flammable material), oxygen and a heat source. Garages generally have flammable material stored in them and oxygen is plentiful. All we need is a heat source and the potential for a devastating fire is there.

Most of the recent garage fires started after a resident used their garage and then left. In many cases a tiny fire grew into a large fire before anyone noticed it. Often garages do not have a smoke detector that could have given an early warning.

As the last few months have shown, there are many potential heat sources out there but the result is the same – a garage and its contents destroyed by fire. If you have a garage fire, do not open the garage door since that gives the fire more oxygen, and call 9-1-1 immediately. 

The Saskatoon Fire Department encourages residents to be extra careful when they use their garage. Be conscious of potential heat sources that you have used and make sure that there is no possibility that a fire could start.

NEW
8TH ST E WB MEDIAN (INSIDE) & CENTER LANE CLOSED FROM BOYCHUK DR TO MCKERCHER DR
(Manhole repair)
Start: December 9, 9:30 a.m. End: December 9, 11:30 a.m.
3RD AVE N SB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT 21ST ST INTERSECTION
(Water Main Repair)
Start: December 9, 7:00 a.m. End: December 11, 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.

The City of Saskatoon (City) Leisure Guide will be delivered to every home in Saskatoon on Wednesday, December 10, 2014, and available for pick up at any indoor Leisure Centre, City Hall, or Saskatoon Public Library location.  The guide will be available online beginning Monday, December 8, 2014, at www.saskatoon.ca/go/leisureguide.
The Leisure Guide is Saskatoon’s go-to source for fitness programs, recreational activities, and arts and culture opportunities for all ages and abilities.  Stay warm and stay active all winter long with the many options provided by the City of Saskatoon!  Highlights of the Winter (January 1 to March 31, 2015) Leisure Guide include:

• Information about programs at Saskatoon’s six civic Leisure Centres (Cosmo Civic Centre, Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre, Lakewood and Lawson Civic Centres, Saskatoon Field House, and Shaw Centre) including:
• Public, Parent & Tot skating, and ice rentals at four indoor rinks;
• Free outdoor skating at the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval and more than 40 free outdoor community rinks across the city;
• Cross-country skiing at eight groomed trails around Saskatoon;
• Special events throughout the winter season including Family Day Skate and winter programming at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo;
• Exercise classes, learning, and volunteer opportunities offered by your neighbourhood Community Associations; and
• much, much more, including many arts, culture, and recreational services offered by other organizations in Saskatoon!

Registration begins Sunday, December 14, 2014, at 6:00 p.m. by calling 306-975-2800 or online at www.leisureonline.saskatoon.ca.  Starting Monday, December 15, 2014, at 6:30 a.m., all Leisure Centres will be accepting walk-in registrations. 

Registered programs are very popular and fill up fast!  Many people will be registering Sunday evening, and the City sincerely thanks citizens for their patience.  Additional online and telephone resources are in place for the registration process.  With that in mind, there are still thousands of people registering at once, so here are some helpful 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 prior to Sunday, December 14, 2014. 
• Have a list of second and third program choices just in case you don’t 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 nearby Leisure Centres if your nearest location isn't available.
• 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.

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The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is on Saturday, December 6, 2014. In recognition, flags at all City of Saskatoon facilities will fly at half-mast.

Established in 1991 by the Parliament of Canada, December 6 marks the anniversary of the 1989 murders of 14 young women at l’Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal. The day is an opportunity for Canadians to reflect on the phenomenon of violence against women in our society and remember those who have died as a result of gender-based violence.