News Releases

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 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.

For Immediate Release: June 13, 2014
                                           

Due to the forecast of rain this evening, paving on Circle Drive westbound curb (outside) and centre lane from Attridge Drive on ramp 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 Immediate Release: June 13, 2014
 

IDYLWYLD DRIVE SOUTHBOUND, JUNE 16-27 

Starting at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, June 16, Idylwyld Drive southbound curb (outside) lane will be closed from 25th Street to 24th Street while crews carry out streetscaping work. One lane will remain open to traffic.

The work is expected to last 2 weeks.

SPADINA CRESCENT & 19TH STREET, JUNE 16-JULY 2

Beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Monday, June 16, the following road restrictions will be in place to accommodate the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival.

June 16 – July 2

- Spadina Crescent westbound will be closed from 20th Street to near 3rd Avenue.

June 17 – 24

- 19th Street eastbound curb (outside) lane will be closed from 3rd Avenue to 30 metres east.

The City thanks everyone for their patience. 

BROADWAY, UNIVERSITY & SID BUCKWOLD BRIDGE OVERNIGHT LANE RESTRICTIONS

Beginning 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 - Broadway Bridge

Tuesday, June 17 - University Bridge

Wednesday, June 18 & Thursday, June 19 – Sid Buckwold Bridge

To minimize disruption to traffic the work will occur overnight from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

REMINDER: 8TH STREET WESTBOUND, JUNE 16-21

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, June 16, 8th Street westbound lanes will be closed from Broadway Avenue to Clarence Avenue while crews pave the road. Two way traffic will be accommodated in the eastbound lanes.

The work is expected to last 6 days and the road reopen by 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 21.

REMINDER: CIRCLE DRIVE OVERNIGHT RESTRICTIONS, JUNE 16

Beginning at 6:45 p.m. on Monday, June 16, Circle Drive northbound median (inside) lane will be closed from the train bridge to Circle Drive North Bridge while crews pave the road.

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

REMINDER: 51ST STREET OVERNIGHT RESTRICTIONS, JUNE 15-28

Starting on June 15, 2014, there will be lane restrictions on 51st Street and Faithfull Avenue while crews resurface the road. To minimize disruption to traffic the restrictions will take place at night only from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Phase 1 - Faithfull Avenue from 50th Street to 51st Street and the intersection of Faithfull Avenue and 51st Street
(Approximate duration: 2 nights)
Beginning June 15

- Faithfull Avenue will be closed from 50th Street to 51st Street, access for local traffic maintained.
- Left turns at the intersection from 51st Street onto Faithfull Avenue will not be permitted.

Phase 2 - 51st Street from Faithfull Avenue to Wanuskewin Road (eastbound)
(Approximate duration 4 nights)
Expected start: June 17

- Curb (outside) and centre lanes will be closed. Traffic merges to median (inside) lanes in both directions.
- Traffic in the direction of construction will be diverted to alternate routes. Left turns will be restricted as required.

Phase 3 - 51st Street from Wanuskewin Road to Faithfull Avenue (westbound)
(Approximate duration 4 nights)
Expected start: June 21 

- Curb (outside) and centre lanes will be closed. Traffic merges to median (inside) lanes in both directions.
- Traffic in the direction of construction will be diverted to alternate routes. Left turns will be restricted as required.

Phase 4 - 51st Street left turn lane from Faithfull Avenue to Wanuskewin Road
(Approximate duration: 3-4 nights)
Expected start: June 25

- Left turn lane will be closed in both directions.

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! 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 Immediate Release: June 13, 2014
 

SPADINA CRESCENT NORTHBOUND, JUNE 14

Beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, Spadina Crescent northbound will be closed from Queen Street to Pinehouse Drive to accommodate the Motorcycle ride for Dad community event. The University Bridge westbound ramp to Spadina Crescent northbound will also be closed.

The road is expected to reopen by 12:00 p.m. Noon the same day.

REMINDER: CIRCLE DRIVE OVERNIGHT RESTRICTIONS, JUNE 14-15

Beginning at 6:45 p.m. on Saturday, June 14 and Sunday, June 15 Circle Drive westbound curb (outside) and centre lane will be closed from Attridge Drive on ramp to Circle Drive North Bridge while crews continue to pave the road. Attridge Drive on ramp to Circle Drive westbound will also be closed.

To minimize disruption to traffic the restrictions will take place overnight with the road expected to reopen by 6:00 a.m. each morning.

REMINDER: 51ST STREET OVERNIGHT RESTRICTIONS, JUNE 15-28

Starting on June 15, 2014, there will be lane restrictions on 51st Street and Faithfull Avenue while crews resurface the road. To minimize disruption to traffic the restrictions will take place at night only from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Phase 1 - Faithfull Avenue from 50th Street to 51st Street and the intersection of Faithfull Avenue and 51st Street
(Approximate duration: 2 nights)
Beginning June 15

- Faithfull Avenue will be closed from 50th Street to 51st Street, access for local traffic maintained.
- Left turns at the intersection from 51st Street onto Faithfull Avenue will not be permitted. 

Phase 2 - 51st Street from Faithfull Avenue to Wanuskewin Road (eastbound)
(Approximate duration 4 nights)
Expected start: June 17

- Curb (outside) and centre lanes will be closed. Traffic merges to median (inside) lanes in both directions.
- Traffic in the direction of construction will be diverted to alternate routes. Left turns will be restricted as required.

Phase 3 - 51st Street from Wanuskewin Road to Faithfull Avenue (westbound)
(Approximate duration 4 nights)
Expected start: June 21

- Curb (outside) and centre lanes will be closed. Traffic merges to median (inside) lanes in both directions.
- Traffic in the direction of construction will be diverted to alternate routes. Left turns will be restricted as required.

Phase 4 - 51st Street left turn lane from Faithfull Avenue to Wanuskewin Road
(Approximate duration: 3-4 nights)
Expected start: June 25

- Left turn lane will be closed in both directions.

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! 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.

Everyone is invited to the 40^th Annual Civic Pancake Breakfast on Thursday, June 19, 2014 between 7:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. in Civic Square (23^rd Street between 3^rd and 4^th Avenues). The cost is $5.00 per plate (includes pancakes, sausage, coffee or juice) with proceeds going to the United Way.

The Civic Pancake Breakfast is a zero waste event with compostable, recyclable or reusable supplies. This is the sixth year in a row that the breakfast will be a zero waste event.

Local celebrities will be serving breakfast. This year we are excited to once again have the Obstacle Water Relay race! Free live entertainment will be provided throughout the morning.

Save the date! Come out next Thursday morning and enjoy this fun annual event!

For more information on the 40^th Annual Civic Pancake Breakfast, visit www.saskatoon.ca and click on “P” for Pancake Breakfast. 

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.

For Immediate Release: June13, 2014
 

Spring cleaning, yard work and renovation season is upon us and Saskatoon residents can bring their waste to the Saskatoon Landfill.  For the safety of drivers, and to prevent litter along the road, the Waste Bylaw requires that all truck boxes and trailer loads are covered, or properly secured to prevent loose debris from blowing out.  Tarps, nets, rope and bungee cords are all acceptable ways of securing material, provided they are attached correctly. 

Beginning Saturday, June 14, officials will be inspecting all loads at the entrance to the Landfill, looking for properly secured covers and educating customers about acceptable materials.  Warnings will be issued until mid-July, when fines may be applicable for uncovered loads.

The Landfill is open 7 days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.  For rates and a full list of acceptable and non-acceptable materials, please visit Saskatoon.ca and click on “L” for Landfill.

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.

Road construction and repairs are underway on various streets across the city, with new projects starting up every day. This summer, 178 lane kilometres of road will undergo a form of construction, rehabilation or maintenance. In comparison, that’s the distance from Saskatoon to Kindersley.

This year, projects on high-traffic streets will be done in the evening only or on 24-hour cycles, where economical and feasible. “Evening work will reduce the impact to drivers and surrounding business and 24-hour cycles will allow the work to be completed quickly and efficiently, reducing the overall impact from associated road closures and detours,” says Chris Hallam, Director of Construction and Design.

This week, repaving work has been happening 24 hours a day on College Drive from McKercher Drive to Circle Drive. This work is now complete. Scheduled to begin this evening, Circle Drive northbound from College Drive to the Circle Drive North Bridge will be paved at night only.  Scheduled for Sunday is the rehabilitation of 51st Street between Faithfull Avenue and Wanuskewin Drive over three weeks in the evening only.

“By combining large projects into our road reconstruction contracts this year, our industry partners are able to provide workers for overnight shifts for projects on high-traffic streets, like Circle Drive and 51st Street,” says Hallam. “At times the work zones may not appear active or the work may look complete, but barriers will stay in place where there are roadside hazards or where fresh pavement or concrete needs to set to ensure the safety of drivers.”

To avoid delays plan your route around road work by subscribing to our Traffic Detour Service Alerts or check saskatoon.ca and click on Building Better Roads. Alerts are also posted to our social media sites; you can follow us on Twitter @cityofsaskatoon and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

 “The safety of our crews, and everyone approaching or passing work zones, remains our top priority,” says Hallam. “Obeying signs and respecting work zones will allow the crews to focus on the task and complete the work safely and efficiently.”

A list of the city’s 2014 construction projects is available at Saskatoon.ca by clicking “Building Better Roads”.

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’s (City) Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon project is pleased to present two reports for information to City Council’s Planning and Operations Committee on June 17, 2014, which outline work-to-date on the City’s Growth Plan to Half a Million (Growth Plan). 

The first report is the Growth Plan Summary Report #1:  Taking Stock & Visioning.  This report outlines work that Saskatoon has done to date to promote growth and development,  identifies and explains key areas that will need to be addressed in the Growth Plan, and sets the stage for public discussion about detailed Growth Plan options in October 2014. 
A summer information series called “Spotlight On” will be launched in the coming weeks and will highlight information contained in the summary report in the areas of core bridges, transit, rapid transit, and growth near major corridors. 
The second report is the Winter 2014 Engagement Summary.  This report shares what was heard during the Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon public engagement from February 25 to March 21, 2014. 
Both reports are available on the project website at www.growingfwd.ca and represent the completion of Phase 2 of the five-phase Growth Plan development process. 
Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon is a public planning initiative that is designed to plan for our future and navigate challenges associated with rapid population growth.  A major outcome of Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon will be the Growth Plan, which will help guide civic infrastructure investments as Saskatoon grows to half a million people over the next 30 to 40 years. 
Public consultation will be ongoing throughout the Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon process. Watch for more public engagement opportunities coming in October 2014.  Those interested can also sign up for project update notifications at www.growingfwd.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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