News Releases

                          

Repainting road markings are a priority for the City in the spring to help drivers, cyclists and pedestrians stay safe on the roads.  Traditional road paint tends to wear off from winter snow grading, salting and sanding, as well as repeated vehicle traffic.  This year, we are expanding our use of durable road markings, which lasts much longer.

Durable road markings have now been applied to portions of 1st Avenue, Central Avenue, Circle Drive and Preston Avenue, bringing the first phase to an end.  The contractor will return mid-June to begin the next round which includes portions of Preston Avenue, Cumberland Avenue, 51st Street and McOrmond Drive.

Centre lines are now 29 per cent complete; and crosswalk painting is 36 per cent complete.  This past week we painted crosswalks in Willowgrove, Varsity View and Riversdale.

The cost of the annual road painting program is $800,000 per year. In 2014, an additional $500,000 will be spent on durable markings that can last between 7 and 10 years.  Line painting is just one aspect of the City of Saskatoon’s Building Better Roads effort where we are investing nearly $50 million into road-related maintenance, rehabilitation and construction.

City crews paint road markings two to three times each year:

- Lane lines, edge lines and centre lines are painted three times a year,
- Crosswalks are painted at least twice a year, and
- Sharrows, chevrons and parking stall lines are painted once a year.

Road markings are re-painted if they have been removed for repairs or construction.  To minimize traffic disruptions and for the safety of workers, high-traffic streets are painted in the evening. 

“Safety of our staff and others on the road is a key focus for us this construction season,” says Angela Gardiner, Director of Transportation.  “With so much extra work happening on the roads this year, we ask everyone approaching work zones or passing painting vehicles to slow down, pay attention and give workers the room they need to get the job done. If everyone makes safety a priority, we will be able to work through the 2014 construction season safely and successfully.”

Construction season is underway!  For the latest updates and schedules on everything from road repairs and restrictions to street sweeping, go to saskatoon.ca and click on “Building Better Roads”.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic. You can also follow us on Twitter @cityofsaskatoon and with #BetterRoadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook. 

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Elk Point is a new proposed residential neighbourhood consisting of 572 acres, and is the second neighbourhood to be developed in the City of Saskatoon’s (City) Blairmore Sector. The proposed neighbourhood is bound on the west by Neault Road, on the north by Claypool Drive, and on the south by 33rd Street West.  It is bound on the southeast by the Dundonald neighbourhood and on the east by the Hampton Village neighbourhood.

The design of the Elk Point neighbourhood has been undertaken with the aim of creating a walkable, well-connected, mixed-use neighbourhood. The design includes a central corridor, roadway and pedestrian network, village centre and village square, and open spaces to create a liveable and vital neighbourhood. The neighbourhood will accommodate a mix of housing options while promoting the use of all modes of transportation.  Upon completion, the neighbourhood will be home to approximately 10,062 residents.

The public is invited to attend a come and go open house to view the proposed Elk Point Neighbourhood Concept Plan.  The open house will provide an opportunity to view the proposal and ask questions to City staff and development partners.

Elk Point Neighbourhood Concept Plan Open House
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
5 - 8 p.m. (come and go)
Hampton Village Free Methodist Church (Multi-Purpose Room)
2930 McClocklin Road

Can’t make the open house?  Please visit www.shapingsaskatoon.ca/discussions to view details of the concept plan and to share your thoughts. 

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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Saskatoon’s Henk Ruys Soccer Centre has been designated as an Emergency Evacuation Site to shelter approximately 140 evacuees from Stanley Mission First Nation northeast of La Ronge due to smoke from a forest fire in that area.  The evacuees were moved from their community today and are expected to arrive in Saskatoon Thursday evening.
“The City of Saskatoon is ready and will do whatever is necessary to make the evacuees’ stay in Saskatoon as comfortable as possible,” says Cary Humphrey, Director of Recreation & Sport.  “The City anticipates events such as this during forest fire season and for many years has kept evacuations at the forefront of our emergency planning.”

The City of Saskatoon is working with the Canadian Red Cross (lead agency), Ministry of Social Services, Saskatoon Health Region, Henk Ruys Soccer Centre, and Saskatoon Police to mobilize resources in preparation for the evacuees. 
The Stanley Mission First Nation is approximately 460 kilometres northeast of Saskatoon near La Ronge.
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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For Release: Friday, May 22, 2014

As the City continues to monitor the increasing flow of the South Saskatchewan River, because of safety concerns the Fire Department recommends the closure today of the public boat launch until further notice.

The Water Security Agency (WSA) increased outflows from 800 cubic metres per second (m³/s) to 1000 m³/s. This has caused the already heightened water level on the South Saskatchewan River downstream of Gardiner Dam to rise between 25cm to 40 cm.  It’s anticipated that the higher river flows will remain in place for the remainder of May and into June.

“As a result of these conditions, the Fire Department strongly discourages activity on or near the river while the flow rate remains strong,” Assistant Fire Chief Morgan Hackl says.  “When the river is like this, it creates significant safety hazards for people and pets on the river – or along its banks – and for firefighters who may have to get in the river for a rescue.  We know the weekend is expected to be hot, however we’re asking folks to please use common sense, respect nature and stay back from the fast flowing water of the South Saskatchewan.”

This increase in outflow is a proactive release in response to the above normal snowpack in the mountains, above average lake level for this time of year and recent rainfall events in Alberta. No out-of-bank flooding is expected to occur as a result of this operation.

With this planned release and forecasted inflow over the next two weeks, WSA expects to lower the Lake Diefenbaker reservoir to provide additional flood storage in the event of above normal rainfall in late May and June.

The 10-day forecast for stream flows and any other relevant updates will be posted to the WSA’s website at wsask.ca.

In an emergency, call 9-1-1.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

 

22ND STREET & IDYLWYLD DRIVE INTERSECTION, MAY 21

Beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21, 2014, the 22nd Street eastbound curb (outside) lane will be closed approaching Idylwyld Drive. Idylwyld Drive southbound traffic will be limited to three lanes while crews work on manholes.

The work is expected to last 4 hours with the road expected to reopen at 10:00 p.m. 

SPADINA CRESCENT SOUTHBOUND, MAY 22

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2014, the southbound lanes of Spadina Crescent will be closed between 33rd Street East and Queen Street while crews repair a catch basin. Access to local traffic will be maintained.

The road is expected to reopen by 3:00 p.m. the same day.

UPDATE: 1ST AVENUE NORTH & CIRCLE DRIVE, MAY 20-24

As crews continue to pave sections of 1st Avenue North and Circle Drive there have been some revisions to the timeline and the work will now be completed earlier than expected. The following restrictions will now be in place:

Tuesday, May 20 – Saturday, May 24
- Circle Drive eastbound curb (outside) lane will be closed just east of 1st Avenue North.

Tuesday, May 20 – Saturday, May 24 *This updates information earlier released
- 1st Avenue North northbound lanes between 40th Street East and Circle Drive will be closed. Access to local traffic will be maintained.

Starting 7:00 a.m. Saturday, May 24 *This updates information earlier released
- Circle Drive eastbound curb (outside) and center lane will be closed at the intersection of 1st Avenue North. This work is expected to last one day.

All restrictions are expected to be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Drivers are reminded to allow extra time when travelling through the orange zone, watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

*Project timelines are subject to last minute changes, for the most up-to-date information: 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: Wednesday, May 21, 2014


The Water Security Agency (WSA) will be increasing outflows over the next few days from 800 cubic metres per second (m³/s) to 1000 m³/s. This will result in the current water level on the South Saskatchewan River downstream of Gardiner Dam rising by approximately 0.25 to 0.4 m.  It’s anticipated that the higher river flows will remain in place for the remainder of May and into June.

This increase in outflow is a proactive release in response to the above normal snowpack in the mountains, above average lake level for this time of year and recent rainfall events in Alberta. No out-of-bank flooding is expected to occur as a result of this operation.

With this planned release and forecasted inflow over the next two weeks, WSA expects to lower the Lake Diefenbaker reservoir to provide additional flood storage in the event of above normal rainfall in late May and June.

The 10-day forecast for stream flows and any other relevant updates will be posted to the WSA’s website at wsask.ca.

Saskatoon Fire Department advises residents to exercise extreme care and caution around the river throughout this period of elevated water levels.  

In an emergency, call 9-1-1.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

For Immediate Release - May 21, 2014

New facility will reduce GHG emissions by 45,000 tonnes and produce enough energy to power 1,300 homes  

The efficiency of Saskatoon’s new Landfill Gas Collection Facility was on display today, as representatives from the federal, provincial, and municipal governments gathered at the landfill to celebrate its recent completion.

The landfill is now equipped to produce large amounts of electricity, enough to power 1,300 homes a year. It uses a process that involves capturing methane-rich gas, which is produced in the landfill. This gas is then used to fuel internal combustion engines linked to electrical generators that produce power. Saskatoon will be able to sell the power generated by the facility to SaskPower.

Other benefits of this initiative include reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 45,000 tonnes per year and improving air quality and reducing odours at the landfill.

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada and the City of Saskatoon provided joint funding of $15 million to cover the total costs of this initiative.
• This is the first power generation facility to be built by the City of Saskatoon in over 100 years.

Quotes

“Our Government is proud to invest in infrastructure initiatives that contribute to a cleaner environment and a better quality of life for Saskatoon residents. I’m pleased that the power generated by this facility will also generate over $1 million in annual revenues for the City every year to support other municipal priorities. We will continue to support projects that play an important role in developing our communities, creating jobs and strengthening our economy.”

Kelly Block
Member of Parliament for Saskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar

“The Government of Saskatchewan recognizes the importance of maintaining and investing in new infrastructure in our growing communities and we thank the Government of Canada for partnering with the City of Saskatoon to make this project possible.”

Corey Tochor
Member of the Legislative Assembly for Saskatoon Eastview on behalf of the Honourable Jim Reiter, Saskatchewan Minister of Government Relations

“From the first power houses built in Saskatoon in 1907 and 1912, to the one we now have here today, we’re extremely proud of everyone who has been involved in the building of this facility. The result of our co-operative efforts demonstrates our city’s commitment to the environment, to finding ways to help sustain and maintain our precious assets into the future, and to ensuring the best possible quality of life for our residents.” 

His Worship Donald Atchison
Mayor of Saskatoon

Beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Thursday May 22, the 19th Street eastbound curb lane will be closed between 1st Avenue and 2nd Avenue as crews resurface the roadway. The right turn from 19th Street onto 2nd Avenue southbound will be maintained.

The work is expected to take three days, and the roadway is expected to re-open by 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Drivers are reminded to allow extra time when travelling through the orange zone, 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.

Drivers should this week prepare themselves for possible traffic delays on 51st Street as crews repair a sinkhole and concrete curbs.

Lane restrictions between Cleveland Avenue and Millar Avenue on 51st Street eastbound will continue while crews repair a sink hole.

Further restrictions will begin Wednesday, May 21, 2014 in the eastbound curb lane of 51st Street at 9:00 a.m. as crews repair concrete curbs between Faithfull and 1st Avenues.

Wednesday, May 21

- 51st Street eastbound curb lane will be closed between Faithfull Avenue and 1st Avenue from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Please Note: 51st Street eastbound lanes between Cleveland Avenue and Millar Avenue will remain closed until 6:00 p.m. Two-way traffic will be accommodated in the westbound lanes of 51st Street. This updates information released earlier today.

Thursday, May 22

- 51st Street eastbound curb lane will be closed between 1st Avenue North and Wentz Avenue from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Friday, May 23

- 51st Street eastbound curb lane will be closed between Wentz Avenue and Millar Avenue from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The lanes are expected to reopen as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Drivers are reminded to allow extra time when travelling through the orange zone, 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.

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday May 21, 2014, the northbound lanes of Diefenbaker Drive will be closed between 22nd Street West and Fairlight Drive while crews pave a utility cut. Two-way traffic will be accommodated in the southbound lanes of Diefenbaker Drive.

The restrictions will be lifted by 6:00 p.m. the same day, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Drivers are reminded to allow extra time when travelling through the orange zone, 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.