News Releases

Starting Sunday, June 29, 2014, routes will be adjusted to better serve our customers.

This year, we have made several significant updates to our routes to improve the service we offer. Feedback from our customers is important to us and is reflected in the routes updates.

All Transit customers are encouraged to learn about the route adjustments before the changes take effect on June 29.  Information is available in information guides on each bus and distributed by Transit Ambassadors on routes and at major terminals. Information is also available online at www.saskatoon.ca or by phoning the Transit Customer Service Centre at 306-975-3100.

Over the next few weeks, Transit staff will be updating affected bus stop signs with new route numbers that take effect on June 29. Saskatoon Transit appreciates customers’ patience during this time and apologizes for any inconvenience that may be caused.

As part of the route adjustments, starting September 2, Saskatoon Transit is also introducing four new university transit routes! New LIMITED-STOP EXPRESS ROUTES will offer service to residents in Fairhaven, Parkridge, Arbor Creek, Erindale and Willowgrove. Also new on September 2, is a full stop route with additional service to Market Mall for customers along Clarence Avenue and in Stonebridge.

For more information visit www.saskatoon.ca or phone Saskatoon Transit at 306-975-3100.

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.

REMINDER: OVERNIGHT RESTRICTIONS ON SENATOR SID BUCKWOLD BRIDGE, JUNE 17-18

Starting at 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17, the Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge will have lane restrictions while crews clean the bridge. Traffic will merge to the centre lanes as crews progress and restrictions may vary. Watch for traffic detour service alerts for up-to-date information on road restrictions.

To minimize disruption to traffic the restrictions will take place between 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. each night. The work is expected to be completed by 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 19.

IDYLWYLD DRIVE SOUTHBOUND FROM 39TH STREET TO 38TH STREET, JUNE 18

Starting at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 18, Idylwyld Drive southbound from 39th Street to 38th Street will be closed for water main repairs.  Motorists are advised to use Avenue B as a detour.  Restrictions are expected to be lifted that evening.

REMINDER: 8TH STREET WESTBOUND FROM BROADWAY AVENUE TO CLARENCE AVENUE
The 8th Street westbound lanes from Broadway Avenue to Clarence Avenue continue to be closed for paving. Two-way traffic will be accommodated in the eastbound lanes. The road is expected to reopen by 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 21.

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 (City), in partnership with Innovative Residential Inc., is pleased to announce the pilot of a new, exciting project to demonstrate attainable, accessible housing options in Saskatoon.
“It is a priority of the City’s Housing Business Plan to include accessible units in attainable housing projects,” says the City’s Director of Planning and Development, Alan Wallace.  “Any opportunity to assist in developing housing options to meet the needs of citizens of all abilities, while working with a local developer that strives to provide a wide array of affordable housing, is a good fit for the City to improve the quality of life in Saskatoon.”
Innovative Residential Inc., a Saskatchewan provider of affordable and entry-level housing, submitted a proposal under the City’s Mortgage Flexibilities Program.  The company wants to designate 26 units in the Poplar Grove Development in Hampton Village to meet the funding requirements of the program.
Recognizing a unique opportunity, the City began discussions with Innovative Residential Inc. on the possibility of including two accessible or barrier-free demonstration units within the new development.  To make the project possible, the builder will receive 10% in capital support per unit (up to a maximum of $20,000/unit) from the City to offset the higher cost of design and construction, allowing these units to be offered at affordable price points.  The units will demonstrate varying levels of accessibility, including one fully wheelchair accessible unit and one moderately accessible barrier-free unit.  It will mean potential buyers can now view an accessible unit before purchasing.  This hasn’t been possible in the past because specialized units had to be ordered in advance. 
“We are pleased for the opportunity to work with the City in this unique project,” says Stacie Beever, Community Development Officer for Innovative Residential Inc.  “By being able to demonstrate the units, we will be able to gather public feedback firsthand on the design and features of the units to make further improvements and to help assess the demand for affordable, entry-level accessible housing in Saskatoon.”
Innovative Residential Inc. is hosting open houses to show the two-bedroom, barrier-free unit at Poplar Grove, located at 1303 Richardson Road, on Saturdays and Sundays from 2 - 4 p.m., until the end of August.  During this time, Innovative Residential Inc. and the City will be surveying visitors regarding the design and demand for these accessible units.
Following the demonstration period, Innovative Residential Inc. will sell the units to qualified buyers with financial support, which includes a 5% Mortgage Flexibilities Support Program Down Payment Grant to eligible purchasers with an income below the Maximum Income Limits being contributed both from the City and Innovative Residential Inc. 
The City hopes that the demonstration units will encourage the builders of future projects under the Mortgage Flexibilities Support Program to include accessible units in their projects. 
For more information on the demonstration units and open houses, visit www.innovativeresidential.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.

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The Civic Conservatory is pleased to present Birdcalls (1972), an audio and text exhibit by prominent American artist, Louise Lawler.  The display is part of an international exhibition on the work of Emily Carr that will take place in the Civic Conservatory from June 27 to September 14, 2014.
Birdcalls (1972) is a recording of the artist calling out the names of famous artists to sound like various bird calls and runs on a seven-minute loop during hours of operation.  The calls are convincing and naturalistic, and blend within the overall environment to create a subtle soundtrack of bird sounds within the space where they are situated.
The concept of the exhibition reflects on the journey of Victorian-era Canadian artist Emily Carr who travelled to the United Kingdom to study art from 1899 to 1904.  During this time, Carr was diagnosed with hysteria and spent 18 months in the hospital.  While in the hospital, an English songbird flew through the window and landed on her bedside table.  Carr’s strong relationship with nature, which characterized her works throughout her career, was also evident in her connection to animals.  Carr proposed to the director of the clinic that she be allowed to collect English songbirds to bring home to Canada. The doctor surprisingly agreed and on its grounds the clinic built an aviary.  Carr's project became a way to introduce nature into the sterile proceedings of the hospital, thereby capturing some sense of her connection to nature and the landscape.
An opening reception will take place on Friday, June 27, 2014 to kick off the exhibit.  Visitors are invited to tour the exhibit at 7 p.m. with several artists and the curator, followed by a reception at 8 p.m.
The Civic Conservatory is located in the same building as the Mendel Art Gallery at 950 Spadina Crescent East. It is open 364 days a year from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.  The cost of admission is by donation.  For more information, please visit www.saskatoon.ca (look under “C” for Civic Conservatory).
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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REMINDER: OVERNIGHT RESTRICTIONS ON CIRCLE DRIVE, JUNE 16

Starting at 6:45 p.m. on Monday, June 16, Circle Drive northbound curb (outside) lane will be closed from 108th Street to the Preston Avenue/Attridge Drive on-ramp while crews pave the road. The following off-ramps will also be closed:

-108th Street to Circle Drive northbound
- Circle Drive northbound to Attridge Drive eastbound/Preston Avenue westbound 

To minimize disruption to traffic the restrictions will take place overnight with the road expected to reopen by 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 17.

REMINDER: OVERNIGHT RESTRICTIONS ON UNIVERSITY & SENATOR SID BUCKWOLD BRIDGES, JUNE 16-18

Starting at 8:00 p.m. on Monday, June 16, the following restrictions will be in place as crews clean and seal bridges. Traffic will merge to the centre lanes as crews progress and restrictions may vary per location. Watch for traffic detour service alerts for up-to-date information on road restrictions.

Monday, June 16 - University Bridge and Idylwyld Drive over 19th Street Southbound
Tuesday, June 17 and Wednesday, June 18 - Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge
To minimize disruption to traffic the restrictions will take place overnight from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

OVERNIGHT RESTRICTIONS ON PRESTON AVENUE FROM COLLEGE DRIVE TO PRESTON CROSSING, JUNE 16
Starting at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 16, Preston Avenue northbound median (inside) lane will be closed from College Drive to Preston Crossing while crews install durable lane markings. To minimize disruption to traffic the restrictions will take place overnight with the road expected to reopen by 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 17.

IDYLWYLD DRIVE NORTHBOUND, JUNE 17

Starting at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 17, Idylwyld Drive northbound lanes between 36th Street & 37th Street will be closed for water and sewer work. Two-way traffic will be accommodated in the Idylwyld Drive southbound lanes. The restrictions are expected to be lifted by 3:00 p.m. that day.

CIRCLE DRIVE EASTBOUND AT LORNE AVENUE, JUNE 17

Starting at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 17, Circle Drive eastbound shoulder and curb lane from Lorne Avenue exit to the Lorne Avenue overpass. The restrictions are expected to be lifted by 4:00 p.m. that day.

REMINDER: 8TH STREET WESTBOUND FROM BROADWAY AVENUE TO CLARENCE AVENUE
The 8th Street westbound lanes from Broadway Avenue to Clarence Avenue continue to be closed for paving. Two-way traffic will be accommodated in the eastbound lanes. The road is expected to reopen by 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 21.

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 street lights on Idylwyld Drive north of 71st Street have experienced a power outage due to technical issues. SL&P crews are working to repair the lighting. Power is expected to be restored by the evening of Wednesday, June 18.

Lane restrictions may be in place in the southbound curb lane. Please watch for signage.

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.

Due to the forecast of rain this week, paving on the following roads has been postponed:

- Faithfull Avenue from 50th Street to 51st Street and the intersection of Faithfull Avenue and 51st Street

- 51st Street from Faithfull Avenue to Wanuskewin Road (eastbound) curb and centre lanes

The lanes were scheduled to be closed overnight from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. All lanes will now be open to traffic and a new Public Service Announcement will be issued when the work resumes.

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.

Saskatoon’s seven bridges, 47 overpasses and 21 pedestrian crossings are pressure washed each spring, following the completion of the spring street sweeping blitz.  Annual washing removes the road dirt and salt that collects along the sides throughout the year to prevent corrosion and deterioration, extending the life of the structure.  Once clean, a sealant is applied to the concrete for added protection against sand and salt.  The process involves routine maintenance, and pressure washing the inside and outside walls and the bearings and expansion joints, located underneath where large amounts of dirt collects.  

Structure washing occurs overnight Monday through Thursday, from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.; one to three locations will be cleaned each night.  For the safety of workers and drivers, and to provide access for equipment, lane restrictions will be in place during washing.  In most instances, traffic will merge to the centre lanes to accommodate the washing activities, but drivers are reminded please obey signs and pylons, and watch for City vehicles and workers. 

Tonight, drivers should watch for restrictions on the University Bridge, beginning at 8:00 p.m. Daily road restriction PSAs and Traffic Detour service alerts will advise drivers of the locations and restrictions.  

Bridge and overpass washing is expected to be completed by the middle of August, barring any unforeseen circumstances and weather permitting. 

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 like Saskatoon City News on Facebook. 

Due to the forecast of rain this evening, paving on Circle Drive westbound curb (outside) and centre lane from Attridge Drive to Circle Drive North Bridge has been postponed. The lanes were scheduled to be closed overnight from 6:45 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. All lanes will now be open to traffic and a new Public Service Announcement will be issued when the work resumes.

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 13, 2014

Since the federal and provincial governments announced very generous contributions for two much-needed bridges in our city, you, the citizens of Saskatoon, may have been hearing a lot of confusing information about how taxpayer funds will be used.

It has become apparent I need to set the record straight.

Of course I understand and respect there will always be a variety of opinions about City operations and programs, however, there is only one set of facts.

P3 Funding

There are many benefits to a Public Private Partnership or P3 funding model. It allows municipalities to deliver much needed civic facilities or other infrastructure much faster; there is less financial risk to a city; and with the private sector taking the lead, P3 projects often result in innovations that save taxpayers money.

Further, a P3 model also ensures taxpayers receive a fully maintained asset over the life-span of the asset; that means there is no temptation for cities to put-off maintenance costs. Without this arrangement in place, taxpayers could be on the hook for even greater – and most surely – higher costs to fix-up critical infrastructure the public relies on.

North Commuter Parkway/Traffic Bridge Replacement Project

As a P3, the benefits of creating a new bridge and restoring an historic river crossing in our city for all vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians are many as well.

The bridges will help reduce congestion – and we’ve already seen evidence the Circle Drive South Bridge has done this with heavy truck traffic downtown. Less congestion means greater mobility for private vehicles and for Transit making a Bus Rapid Transit plan even more viable.

Finally, the North Commuter Parkway Bridge will not be a toll bridge.

City Finances

The City is one of a small number of municipalities that has and maintains a AAA credit rating; this is because we spend your tax dollars very carefully. As a result, we are able to borrow money for major infrastructure projects our growing community needs at lower rates. This also saves you money.

Long term debt financing is a valid and prudent means to acquire and fund major infrastructure.

To be able to pay with cash on hand is not always practical, nor realistic. Borrowing for major infrastructure is much the same as a home purchase; as consumers many of us rarely have the cash to buy a home outright: instead, we take out a mortgage -- borrow the money, buy the property and pay it back to the lender. For certain, there is interest paid to the lender, but it is also the cost of providing ourselves and families with a place to live.

This is the same case for Saskatoon. Our growing community needs both new and replacement infrastructure and sometimes we borrow to build it. If we don’t provide the infrastructure, the community remains at a standstill, the economy suffers, and the city becomes a less attractive place to live, work and play.

We are in good stead as a City with a solid vision and strategic plan set by City Council and a new Growing Forward! initiative to plan and build a sustainable Saskatoon. Our finances are strong and we will continue to move ahead and progress as a community.

Kind regards,

Murray Totland

City Manager

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.