News Releases

 

The City of Saskatoon’s (City) Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon initiative has launched the “Spotlight On” Summer Information Series to keep residents informed and engaged on the development of the City’s Growth Plan to Half a Million (Growth Plan). 
“Growing Forward’s information series will break down each of the key elements being explored in the Growth Plan,” says Angela Gardiner, Director of Transportation.  “Throughout the summer we will post information on www.growingfwd.ca about the work being done for future core area bridges, transit, bus rapid transit, and growth near major corridors.” 

The first “Spotlight On” topic has been posted to the Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon website www.growingfwd.ca, (look under Shaping Bridges), and focuses on Saskatoon’s future core area bridges, or those located within Circle Drive. 

“Demands for travel across the river to and from our city’s core will continue to increase as Saskatoon’s population grows,” Gardiner says.  “Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon is looking ahead for the next 30 to 40 years and exploring options for our city’s core area bridges to accommodate this growth.”

For more information on the “Spotlight On . . .Core Bridges”, future “Spotlight On” topics, or to sign up for project update notifications, visit www.growingfwd.ca.

Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon is a public planning initiative to help guide civic infrastructure investments as Saskatoon grows to half a million people over the next 30 to 40 years.  A major outcome of this initiative will be the Growth Plan that focuses on sustainable growth and transportation choice. 

Public consultation will be ongoing throughout the Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon process. Watch for more public engagement opportunities coming in October 2014. 

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, Canpotex Limited (Canpotex), Canadian Pacific (CP), and the City of Saskatoon (City)  announced the funding support for the new Canpotex Train, which will be one of the main attractions at the future home of PotashCorp Playland at Kinsmen Park.  “The Train is a major attraction to the Park,” notes Steve Dechka, Canpotex’s President and Chief Executive Officer, “and Canpotex, along with our partner CP, is excited to help the City of Saskatoon cultivate this experience for Saskatoon’s children, families, and visitors at this important landmark.”
Groundwork for the train began in April and will continue throughout the summer. The train is currently being constructed at Arizona Railroad Depot in Phoenix, Arizona, and is scheduled for delivery in early 2015.
The Canpotex Train will be a replica of a CP Train, complete with a one-third scale locomotive and caboose, and spacious seating for 44 adults or 66 children.  It will travel at a speed of approximately 8 kilometres per hour along the new 626 metre loop (176 metres longer than the previous one), completing a full loop in roughly five minutes.
“I want to offer my gratitude and thanks to Canpotex and CP for their commitment to the people of Saskatoon,” said Mayor Donald Atchison. “The Canpotex Train at PotashCorp Playland will draw families from all over the Saskatoon region to this historic neighbourhood and improve the quality of life in City Park and the entire community.”
The Future Home of PotashCorp Playland at Kinsmen Park is scheduled to open to the public in Spring 2015. Details on the project’s progress can be found at and video updates are available on the City’s YouTube channel.
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- 

Saskatoon has experienced a significant amount of rainfall in May and June, increasing the amount of standing water that creates optimal conditions for nuisance mosquitoes.  Typically, this does not affect populations of Culex tarsalis, the mosquito that transmits the West Nile virus.
To reduce mosquito populations, the City of Saskatoon:
• controls mosquito larvae using a biological pesticide;
• maps mosquito habitat to systematically treat areas in Saskatoon and the surrounding area;
• monitors populations of adult mosquitoes and provides updated counts on www.saskatoon.ca; and
• continually evaluates and tests new control products, such as a time-released biological pesticide that is being considered for future use.
Saskatoon residents can also reduce mosquito populations by eliminating standing water on their property with these simple steps: 
• remove all standing water from your property. Mosquito larvae can develop in any amount of water that is allowed to stand for four days or more;
• ensure items in and around the property like pool covers, wading pools, saucers under flower pots, toys, and pet bowls are regularly emptied or replaced with clean water;
• clean eavestroughs regularly so water does not collect in them;
• empty and clean bird baths twice weekly;
• ensure openings in rain barrels are covered with mosquito screening; and
• ensure your yard is free of debris such as old tires that can hold rainwater.
Together, we can reduce the amount of mosquitoes in Saskatoon.  For more information on the mosquito control program, visit www.saskatoon.ca, look under “M” for Mosquito Control.
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-

Saskatoon is experiencing the second soggiest 30 day period on record, with the possibility of exceeding that record if rain continues. The past 30 days have brought nearly 200 mm of rain of which 100 mm fell in the past week.

“Ground water is high, river levels are high, soil is saturated and storm sewers flow is increased,” Galen Heinrichs, Engineering Manager at Saskatoon Water says.  “The rain is also preventing us from patching potholes, plus it contributes to the development of more,” says Pat Hyde, Director of Public Works.

Roads where excavations occurred (utility cuts) that are covered with gravel waiting for paving can also become bumpy as moisture soaks in. Grader crews are packing and leveling gravel-covered locations on high-traffic streets until the area is dry enough for permanent paving.  Gravel back lanes and rural roads may also be experiencing this, if possible, drivers are asked to avoid such areas until they dry further to prevent greater damage.

The City of Saskatoon has infrastructure in place to reduce the frequency and severity of basement flooding and we also encourage residents to take necessary steps with their own home. These steps include:

- Extend downspouts at least six feet from your basement walls to help keep water away from the foundation and weeping tile.

- Clean debris from your eavestroughs to prevent them from overflowing.

- Build up the ground slope around your home so water flows away from your basement walls.

- Check the drainage paths on your property to ensure storm water flows to the lane or street, not towards your home.

- Repair all leaks in walls, floors, windows and doors.

- Install window wells around basement windows to help prevent window sills from rotting and leaking.

- If you have protective plumbing such as a backflow valve and a sump pump, make sure they are working properly.

For more information on flood prevention in your home visit saskatoon.ca and look under “F” for Flooding. Call customer service at 306-975-2476 if you have water in your basement or to report a hazardous location on the 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.

OVERNIGHT ROAD RESTRICTIONS ON CIRCLE DRIVE AND 51ST STREET, JUNE 24-25

To minimize the impact to traffic and inconvenience to businesses in the area the work has been scheduled to take place between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Tonight the following restrictions will be in place for road resurfacing:

- Circle Drive northbound median lane from the train bridge to the river.

- 51st eastbound curb and centre lanes from the 1st Avenue intersection to Millar Avenue. The Millar intersection will be maintained.

- Faithfull Ave from 50th Street to 51st Street. Turning onto Faithfull Avenue southbound from 51st Street will be restricted. Westbound left turning lanes on 51st Street may be restricted. 51st Street eastbound to Faithfull Avenue southbound ramp closed.

The restrictions are expected to be lifted by 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 25. All lanes will be open during the day. Motorists are reminded that the zipper merge is in effect on Circle Drive.

CP RAIL CONSTRUCTION FORCES HWY. #7 DETOUR, JUNE 25-27

Beginning at 3:00 a.m. on Wednesday June 25, Canadian Pacific Rail crews are scheduled to replace the rail crossing in the northbound lanes of Highway #7 just past the 11th Street turnoff.

To keep the work zone safe and efficient, the Highway #7 northbound lanes heading into Saskatoon will be closed from 11th Street to Hart Road. No access will be available to this section of Highway #7 from early Wednesday, June 25, to early Friday, June 27. That is, through traffic or right turns from 11th Street West onto Highway #7 will not be allowed.

Instead, a detour will be in place to direct traffic to 11th Street eastbound and then Circle Drive northbound. Turning onto Highway #7 northbound from Hart Road will be maintained. As the traffic volume is expected to be greater than usual, drivers are advised to be prepared for delays. The City thanks everyone for their patience as CP Rail works to upgrade its infrastructure.
IDYLWYLD DRIVE NORTHBOUND BETWEEN THE CIRCLE DRIVE SOUTH OVERPASS AND RUTH STREET, JUNE 25-27

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 25, Idylwyld Drive northbound between the Circle Drive South overpass and Ruth Street will be restricted to one lane as crews begin road reconstruction. 

Crews will be working around-the-clock to accelerate the length of construction and minimize impact to traffic. The road is expected to reopen by June 27.

CIRCLE DRIVE NORTHBOUND FROM HIGHWAY 16 TO TAYLOR STREET, JUNE 25

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 25, the Circle Drive northbound median lane starting at the Highway 16 overpass to the overhead sign bridge approaching Taylor Street will be closed for patch paving. The restrictions are expected to be lifted by 3:00 p.m. that day.

REMINDER: RAMPS AT CIRCLE DRIVE AND WARMAN ROAD, JUNE 23-27

The following restrictions are in effect on the Circle Drive and Warman Road ramps for road reconstruction:

June 23-25
The Warman Road southbound on ramp to Circle Drive westbound continues to be closed for roadway paving. Access to Circle Drive westbound from Warman Road southbound is restricted. The ramp is expected to reopen by Wednesday, June 25.

June 24-27
The Circle Drive eastbound off ramp to Warman Road southbound will be closed for roadway paving. Access to Warman Road southbound from the Circle Drive eastbound off ramp will be restricted. The ramp is expected to reopen by Friday, June 27. 

Crews will be working around-the-clock to accelerate the length of construction and minimize the impact to traffic.

REMINDER: IDYLWYLD DRIVE SOUTHBOUND

The Idylwyld Drive southbound curb (outside) lane from 25th Street to 24th Street continues to be closed while crews carry out streetscaping work. One lane will remain open to traffic. The road is expected to reopen by 6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 27.

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! Find traffic detour information on our website at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic. You can also follow us on Twitter @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

The City of Saskatoon reminds property owners that the due date for payment of 2014 property taxes is Monday, June 30, 2014*. Payment can be made in person at City Hall up to 5:00 p.m. on June 30.

If you would like to avoid last minute lineups, consider the following convenient payment options:

Internet Banking Options – pay property taxes online through your bank’s internet banking options. Please allow up to 2 business days for payment processing by the vendor. Some vendors may take longer.

Financial Institutions – property taxes may be paid while doing your regular business at most financial institutions and banks.

City Hall Drop Boxes – you can place your property tax payment in one of the two drop boxes located at City Hall outside the main entrance or in the main foyer. Cheques only please, do not deposit cash. City Hall is located at 222-3^rd Avenue North in Saskatoon.
*A penalty of 1.25% per month will be applied to any 2014 taxes unpaid after June 30, 2014.

If you mail in your property tax payment, you can check your account balance by calling our Automated Voice Response toll free at 1-800-667-9944, or 306-975-2400 to determine if your payment has been received.

Other Tax Services/Programs for Property Owners

Tax Installment Payment Plan Service (TIPPS):  Property owners can apply to join this service that allows property taxes to be paid in convenient monthly installments. TIPPS payments are made by automatic withdrawal from a bank account.

Property Tax Deferral Program for Low-Income Senior Citizen Homeowners: For qualified applicants, this program can provide extra financial flexibility by deferring the municipal and library portion of their property tax bill.

To apply for TIPPS or the Property Tax Deferral Program for Low-Income Senior Citizen Homeowners, or for more details on property taxes, visit the City’s website at www.saskatoon.ca, and search under “P” for Property Tax, or call our Customer Service team at 306-975-2400 for helpful information.

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.

To minimize the impact to traffic and inconvenience to businesses in the area the work has been scheduled to take place between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. This work was previously postponed due to rain.

Tonight the following restrictions will be in place while crews resurface the roadway:

- Circle Drive northbound curb (outside) and centre lanes closed beginning at the Attridge Drive eastbound off-ramp, with further restrictions on the ramps.

- 51st Street eastbound curb (outside) and centre lanes closed from Faithfull Avenue to 1st Avenue

- Faithfull Avenue between 50th Street and 51st Street closed

The restrictions are expected to be lifted by 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 24. All lanes will be open during the day.
Motorists are reminded that the zipper merge is in effect on Circle Drive.
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! Find traffic detour information on our website at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic. You can also follow us on Twitter @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority is once again increasing the outflow from the Gardiner Dam. Water flows on the South Saskatchewan River downstream of the Gardiner Dam are at 1000m³/s. Anytime the river flows are higher than 450m³/s, the Saskatoon Fire Department’s (SFD) Water Rescue Team still performs surface rescues but will not dive because of increased risk to the divers.

The City’s public boat launch is currently open. The safety of residents remains our priority and the SFD is monitoring the situation daily. SFD reminds residents to continue to exercise extreme care and caution around the river throughout this period of elevated water levels. 

In an emergency, call 9-1-1.

OVERNIGHT RESTRICTIONS ON SENATOR SID BUCKWOLD BRIDGE, JUNE 23-24  

Starting at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 23, the Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge will have various lane restrictions in both directions to accommodate bridge washing. The work is expected to be completed by 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 24.

RAMPS AT CIRCLE DRIVE AND WARMAN ROAD, JUNE 23-27

The following restrictions are in effect on the Circle Drive and Warman Road ramps for road reconstruction:

June 23-25
The Warman Road southbound on ramp to Circle Drive westbound continues to be closed for roadway paving. Access to Circle Drive westbound from Warman Road southbound is restricted. The ramp is expected to reopen by Wednesday, June 25.

June 24-27:
Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 24, the Circle Drive eastbound off ramp to Warman Road southbound will be closed for roadway paving. Access to Warman Road southbound from the Circle Drive eastbound off ramp will be restricted. The ramp is expected to reopen by Friday, June 27. 

Crews will be working around-the-clock to accelerate the length of construction and minimize the impact to traffic.

25TH STREET EASTBOUND FROM 4TH AVENUE TO SPADINA CRESCENT, JUNE 24

Starting at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 24, the 25th Street eastbound lane will have restrictions between 4th Avenue and Spadina Crescent. All turning bays will be maintained. The restrictions are expected to be lifted by 3:00 p.m. that day.

REMINDER: IDYLWYLD DRIVE SOUTHBOUND

The Idylwyld Drive southbound curb (outside) lane from 25th Street to 24th Street continues to be closed while crews carry out streetscaping work. One lane will remain open to traffic. The road is expected to reopen by 6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 27.

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! Find traffic detour information on our website at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic. You can also follow us on Twitter @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

For Release: June 20, 2014

The City of Saskatoon plans to upgrade its metering system for utilities to a smart meter system that will allow the City to bill each resident fairly, based on actual usage rather than estimated usage. 

Currently, the City of Saskatoon bills customers based on estimated usage with manual meter reads taking place once every few months or so. This manual read often results in a bill that reflects necessary adjustments, either an increase or a decrease, based on actual use. When the Smart Meter System is active, which is scheduled for 2015, your bill will then reflect actual use every month.  This means fair billing for everyone.

If your utility bill has been larger in recent months, this is because a manual meter read has taken place. We are not increasing billing rates nor has the Smart Meter System been activated.

Smart Meters will result in many benefits for residents, including the ability to access data that will allow them to monitor and adjust their electricity and water consumption habits in order to save money and help the environment.

To find more information on Smart Meters, visit Saskatoon.ca and click on “Smart Meters” under Check This Out!