News Releases

For Release: August 15, 2014

As a result of bylaw changes City Council made to address all loud motor vehicles in our community, the Saskatoon Police Service will be holding public noise testing clinics for motorcycle owners over the next few weeks. 

In May, 2014 the City of Saskatoon introduced amendments to Bylaw 8244, The Noise Bylaw.

“The changes were made to address community concerns regarding cars, trucks and motorcycles creating excessive and unreasonable noise,” says City Solicitor Patricia Warwick.

“While all vehicles are subject to noise laws, the testing of decibel levels is specific to motorcycles.”

The clinics are one component of a public education campaign and ticket-free amnesty period during the 2014 motorcycle riding season. 

“These clinics are just a part of creating greater awareness in the community about noisy vehicles and what owners’ responsibilities are,” says Insp. Lorne Constantinoff.

 “We want motorcycle riders to come in, ask some questions and test their bike without any worry of receiving a ticket.”

The Saskatoon Police Service has purchased decibel readers and trained several officers in their use.

Motorcycle owners are invited to have decibel levels tested at public clinics beginning August 15, 2014 at 1:00 p.m., at Redline Harley Davidson, 102 – 23rd Street East.

A list of clinics is available at http://police.saskatoon.sk.ca/excessivevehiclenoise.  Motorcycle owners whose bikes are not compliant with the Noise Bylaw will not be issued a ticket by police at the testing clinics.

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.

 

Saskatoon Citizens are more satisfied with the overall services provided by the City than they were last year, according to the 2014 Civic Services Survey. Specifically, 86% of telephone respondents and 79% of respondents online said they are satisfied or very satisfied compared to 83% and 73% respectively in 2013.

“Not only has citizen satisfaction increased, we are pleased to see that the perception of quality of life in Saskatoon remains high”, says Catherine Gryba, General Manager of the Corporate Performance Department.

Roads remain the number one issue among Saskatoon citizens who participated in the 2014 Civic Services Survey. The annual survey shows 37% of phone respondents and 19% of online respondents feel that roads should stay at the top of the City’s priority list.

“The Annual Civic Services Survey plays a very important role in key decision making and investing in what matters to citizens,” Gryba says. “For example, Saskatoon’s 2014 Road Plan and Building Better Roads campaign is a result of feedback from last year. Now we’re in the middle of the most aggressive program of road work in this community’s history.” 

“More than $50 million will be spent on Saskatoon roads this year; that’s 47% more than was spent in 2013. This investment is already paying off by the notable increase in citizen satisfaction with snow and ice road maintenance, and maintenance of major roadways and freeways”, Gryba says.  In comparison to last year, there has been a notable increase in satisfaction with traffic management, and planning for growth and development.

Other highlights of the 2014 Civic Services Survey include:

• Services rated of the highest importance include: quality of drinking water, repair of water main breaks, maintenance of major roadways and freeways, fire protection, and police services.
• The services that received the highest rating for performance include: quality of drinking water, fire protection, electrical services reliability, garbage collection, and police services.
• Respondents were divided with just over half showing support to a question specifically related to an $8.00 monthly charge to have snow removed from residential streets after it has been ploughed to the side.
• The City’s website continues to be an important information tool for citizens.

A total of 500 surveys were completed via telephone and 801 surveys were completed online between May 20^th and June 3^rd, 2014.  View the City of Saskatoon Annual Civic Services Survey in its entirety at www.saskatoon.ca.

The telephone survey is considered accurate within 4.4 percentage points 19 times out of 20.  A margin of error for the online study is not applicable because online research is considered a non-random sampling technique.

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 SATURDAY

1ST AVE N CLOSED FROM 23RD ST E TO 24TH ST E
(Community event)
Start: August 16, 8:00 a.m. End: August 16, 11:00 p.m.

NEW SUNDAY

OVERNIGHT: CIRCLE DR E SB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM ATTRIDGE DR TO COLLEGE DR OVERPASS
(Road resurfacing)
Access to 108th Street and College Drive off-ramps maintained. No access to Circle Drive southbound from Preston Ave.
Start: August 17, 7:00 p.m. End: August 18, 7:00 a.m.

CENTRAL AVE CLOSED FROM GRAY AVE TO 110TH ST W
(Streetscaping)
Detour via Egbert Ave.
Start: August 17, 7:00 p.m. End: August 24, 6:00 p.m.
ONGOING
24TH ST E EB & WB LANES CLOSED FROM 3RD AVE N TO 4TH AVE N
(Community event)
Start: August 15, 5:00 p.m. End: August 16, 12:00 a.m.

CENTENNIAL DR CLOSED FROM JOHNSON CRES TO LANGEVIN CRES (W. LEG)
(Concrete work)
Start: August 15, 9:00 a.m. End: August 17, 6:00 p.m.
IDYLWYLD DR N SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 25TH ST W TO 24TH ST E
(Streetscaping)
Traffic will merge to one lane. Right turn from 25th Street eastbound to Idylwyld Drive southbound will be maintained
Start: August 13, 12:00 p.m. End: August 27, 4:00 p.m.
20TH ST W WB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE F S TO AVE G S
(Streetscaping)
Two way traffic will be accommodated in the eastbound lanes. Speed reduced to 30km/h
Start: August 7, 9:00 a.m. End: September 4, 6:00 p.m.
KINGSMERE BLVD & WHITESHORE CR (E. LEG) INTERSECTION CLOSED
(Water pipe boring)
Bus routes will be affected. Please watch for temporary bus stop locations and allow extra time in case of delays. Call Saskatoon Transit at 306-975-3100
Start: August 7, 8:00 a.m. End: August 21, 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 @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

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.  On August 16, and the days listed below, a temporary site is set up at Credit Union Centre parking lot (101 - 3515 Thatcher Avenue) from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Household Hazardous Waste Days:

September 20

October 18

November 15

December 20

Accepted Materials include:

- Pesticides
- Automotive oil
- Prescription medicine
- Batteries
- Aerosols
- Poisons
- Propane cylinders
- Household cleaners
- Mercury-containing items
- Electronics (accepted by the Electronic Producer Recycling Association)

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

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

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
MILLAR AVE CLOSED FROM 52ND ST E TO MOLARO PLACE
(CN track removal)
Start: August 15, 9:00 a.m. End: August 15, 3:30 p.m.

CENTENNIAL DR CLOSED FROM JOHNSON CRES TO LANGEVIN CRES (W. LEG)
(Concrete work)
Start: August 15, 9:00 a.m. End: August 17, 6:00 p.m.

24TH ST E CLOSED FROM 3RD AVE N TO 4TH AVE N
(Folkfest)
Start: August 15, 5:00 p.m. End: August 16, 12:00 a.m.

OVERNIGHT: CIRCLE DR E SB TO WB RAMP CLOSED AT CIRCLE DR & HWY 16 CLOVERLEAF INTERSECTION
(Durable road markings)
Start: August 15, 7:00 p.m. End: August 16, 7:00 a.m.
OVERNIGHT: CIRCLE DR E NB TO EB RAMP CLOSED AT CIRCLE DR & HWY 16 CLOVERLEAF INTERSECTION
(Durable road markings)
Start: August 15, 7:00 p.m. End: August 16, 7:00 a.m.
ONGOING
MILLAR AVE NB LANES CLOSED FROM 63RD ST E TO 66TH ST E
(Water & sewer work)
Start: August 13, 9:00 a.m. End: August 15, 6:00 p.m.
IDYLWYLD DR N SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 25TH ST W TO 24TH ST E
(Streetscaping)
Traffic will merge to one lane. Right turn from 25th Street eastbound to Idylwyld Drive southbound will be maintained
Start: August 13, 12:00 p.m. End: August 27, 4:00 p.m.
KINGSMERE BLVD & WHITESHORE CR (E. LEG) INTERSECTION CLOSED
(Water pipe boring)
Bus routes will be affected. Please watch for temporary bus stop locations and allow extra time in case of delays. Call Saskatoon Transit at 306-975-3100
Start: August 7, 8:00 a.m. End: August 21, 6:00 p.m.

20TH ST W WB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE F S TO AVE G S
(Streetscaping)
Two way traffic will be accommodated in the eastbound lanes. Speed reduced to 30km/h
Start: August 7, 9:00 a.m. End: September 4, 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 @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

For Immediate Release: Thursday, August 14, 2014

The City of Saskatoon and the Saskatoon Airport Authority are jointly funding a $2.25 million road construction project to ease congestion and improve traffic flow in and out of Saskatoon’s John G. Diefenbaker International Airport.

“Over the past 10 years the number of passengers in and out of Saskatoon’s airport has increased by more than 82% with over 1.3 million travellers in 2013,” says Ben Robb, Saskatoon Airport Authority Chair. “As the City continues to grow and passenger numbers increase we need a first class roadway for a first class airport.”

“We are undertaking major intersection improvements as well as widening both Airport Drive and 45th Street West, which will allow for better traffic flow and faster commutes to and from the airport,” says Chris Hallam, Director of Construction and Design at the City of Saskatoon. “We anticipate there will be traffic delays and we encourage drivers to plan ahead and allow extra time to get to and from the airport during construction.”

To minimize disruption to traffic the work has been broken into two phases, the first phase of work, already underway, consists of widening Airport Drive north of 45th Street West to two lanes. This is expected to have minimal impact on drivers.

The second phase, due to begin August 18th, consists of widening Airport Drive from Cynthia Street to the airport and widening 45th Street West approaching Airport Drive. Traffic lights will also be installed at the intersection of 45th Street West and Airport Drive. During this phase 45th Street West will be closed and traffic will be detoured. Airport Drive will also be reduced to one lane in each direction.

Construction is expected to last a total of approximately three months, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

The City of Saskatoon and Saskatoon Airport Authority thank the public for their patience as we work together to improve access to Saskatoon’s growing airport.

For up to date information on these and other road restrictions, construction project timelines and schedules use our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map at saskatoon.ca/go/maps or under Building Better Roads at saskatoon.ca.

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 @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

 

-30- 

For Release: August 13, 2014 

A new governance model for Saskatoon City Council and Committee meetings will be fully-implemented during the week of August 18, 2014 following the approval of Bylaw No. 9170, The Procedures and Committees Bylaw, 2014 which came into effect on July 1, 2014.

“The new governance model will enhance the operations of City Council with streamlined City Council meetings,” says City Clerk Joanne Sproule.  “We’re also encouraged public policy development will be strengthened through the new Standing Policy Committees.”

Sproule says the four new Standing Policy Committees are designed to intensify the focus of public policy development on issues critical to the City’s future while also creating a broader and more welcoming forum for public input and consultation.

Under a summer schedule, the four new Standing Policy Committees will meet during the day on August 18th and 19th:

*Planning, Development & Community Services – Monday, August 18 at 9:00 a.m.

*Finance – Monday, August 18 at 2:00 p.m.

*Transportation – Tuesday, August 19 at 9:00 a.m.

* Environment, Utilities & Corporate Services – Tuesday, August 19 at 2:00 p.m.

The Executive Committee of City Council remains. It will meet on Wednesday, August 20 at 9:00 a.m.

City Council will hold both its regular business meeting at 1:00 p.m. and public hearing meeting 6:00 p.m. on August 21.

The regular schedule rotation will begin September 8, 2014 with meetings taking place on Mondays or a Tuesday following a long weekend.

Planning, Development & Community Services and Finance will meet on the 8th at 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. respectively; Transportation and Environment, Utilities & Corporate Services will meet at the same respective times on September 15; Executive Committee meets at 1:00 p.m. September 22; City Council meets at 1:00 and 6:00 p.m, on September 29.

Lastly, another new procedure is all Committee and Council public meetings will now be held in the Council Chamber and live-streamed and archived on the City’s website.

Visit www.saskatoon.ca to find the necessary links.

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.

TU14-361

NEW

IDYLWYLD DR SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 25TH ST TO 24TH ST
(Streetscaping)
Traffic will merge to one lane
Start: August 13, 9:00 a.m.  End: August 27, 6:00 p.m.

OVERNIGHT: CIRCLE DR EB RAMPS TO CIRCLE DR NB AND SB CLOSED AT HWY 16 CLOVERLEAF INTERSECTION
(Durable road markings)
Start: August 13, 7:00 p.m.  End: August 14, 7:00 a.m.

ONGOING

WIGGINS AVE N NB AND SB LANES CLOSED FROM 8TH ST E TO 10TH ST E
(Road Resurfacing)
8th St reduced to one lane through Wiggins Ave intersection.
Start: August 11, 7:00 a.m. End: August 13, 6:00 p.m.

KINGSMERE BLVD & WHITESHORE CR (E. LEG) INTERSECTION CLOSED
(Water pipe boring)
Bus routes will be affected. Please watch for temporary bus stop locations and allow extra time in case of delays. Call Saskatoon Transit at 306-975-3100
Start: August 7, 8:00 a.m. End: August 21, 6:00 p.m.

20TH ST W WB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE F S TO AVE G S
(Streetscaping)
Two way traffic will be accommodated in the EB lanes. Speed reduced to 30km/h
Start: August 7, 9:00 a.m. End: September 4, 6:00 p.m.

OVERNIGHT: MCORMOND DR CLOSED FROM EVERGREEN BLVD TO RANGE ROAD 3045
(Bridge work)
A detour will be in place. Restrictions will be reset each night.
Start: August 7, 7:00 p.m. End: August 14, 6:00 a.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 check 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 @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

For Immediate Release: August 11, 2014
NEW

20TH ST W EB & WB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED FROM AVE P & AVE Q
(Concrete work)
Start: August 12, 9:00 a.m. End: August 12, 12:00 p.m.

OVERNIGHT: MILLAR AVE NB CLOSED FROM 43RD ST TO 51ST ST
(Road paving)
Start: August 12, 7:00 p.m. End: August 13, 7:00 a.m.

OVERNIGHT: CIRCLE DR NB CURB (OUTSIDE) & RAMP TO CIRCLE DR WB CLOSED AT CLOVERLEAF INTERSECTION
(Durable line marking)
Start: August 12, 7:00 p.m. End: August 13, 7:00 a.m.

OVERNIGHT: HWY 16 WB CURB (OUTSIDE) & RAMP TO CIRCLE DR NB CLOSED  AT CLOVERLEAF INTERSECTION
(Durable line marking)
Start: August 12, 7:00 p.m. End: August 13, 7:00 a.m.

ONGOING

WIGGINS AVE N NB AND SB LANES CLOSED FROM 8TH ST E TO 10TH ST E
(Road Resurfacing)
8th St reduced to one lane through Wiggins Ave intersection.
Start: August 11, 7:00 a.m. End: August 13, 6:00 p.m.

KINGSMERE BLVD & WHITESHORE CR (E. LEG) INTERSECTION CLOSED
(Water pipe boring)
Bus routes will be affected. Please watch for temporary bus stop locations and allow extra time in case of delays. Call Saskatoon Transit at 306-975-3100
Start: August 7, 8:00 a.m. End: August 21, 6:00 p.m.

20TH ST W WB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE F S TO AVE G S
(Streetscaping)
Two way traffic will be accommodated in the EB lanes. Speed reduced to 30km/h
Start: August 7, 9:00 a.m. End: September 4, 6:00 p.m.

OVERNIGHT: MCORMOND DR CLOSED FROM EVERGREEN BLVD TO RANGE ROAD 3045
(Bridge work)
A detour will be in place. Restrictions will be reset each night.
Start: August 7, 7:00 p.m. End: August 14, 6:00 a.m.

8TH ST E EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM MUNROE AVE S TO CUMBERLAND AVE S
(Water Main Lining)
Traffic will merge to one lane
Start: June 23, 9:00 a.m. End: August 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 check 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 @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

For Release: August 11,2014

The Meewasin Valley Authority (MVA) today approved the design parameters of the North Commuter Parkway Project and Traffic Bridge that will form part of the Request for Proposals that will be issued later this year. 

The decision follows a development review; it’s a necessary step before construction projects occur in the Meewasin Valley Authority jurisdiction area along the South Saskatchewan River. 

City Engineer Mike Gutek today outlined for the MVA board the contract requirements and parameters for the replacement of the Traffic Bridge and the construction of the North Commuter Parkway Bridge in Saskatoon. 

“Following extensive public consultation, City Council decided very specifically on the replacement of the Traffic Bridge which includes capacity for emergency vehicles as well as pedestrian and cyclist traffic on both sides,” Gutek says.

Following further consultation with the MVA some design changes have been recommended to include a direct access ramp to the Traffic Bridge on the Nutana side and interpretive panels.

“Following the same process with the MVA, the North Commuter Parkway Bridge design will need to have specific design requirements for pedestrian and cyclist pathways,” Gutek says. “Also recommended are designs for storm water discharge, plus a limitation on the road width and speed for crossing the Northwest Swale” 

The $252M projects are bundled and are proceeding with funding from the Government of Canada, Government of Saskatchewan and the City of Saskatoon.

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.