News Releases

Officials from the City of Saskatoon, PotashCorp, Saskatoon Zoo Foundation, and Saskatoon Zoo Society took part in the opening of the PotashCorp Ark Phase II enclosure at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo today.  Participating in the ceremony were His Worship Mayor Donald Atchison; Rhonda Speiss, Corporate Philanthropy for PotashCorp; Ivan Bergerman, Saskatoon Zoo Foundation President; and Claire Bullaro, Saskatoon Zoo Society President.

The PotashCorp Ark, located within the Zoo near the Affinity Learning Centre, was designed to feature animals never before seen in Saskatchewan.  Phase I opened in 2004 and has since housed snow leopards, a Bengal tiger, a pair of white Bengal tigers, lions, cougars, and lemurs.  Phase II is adjoined to the first phase to allow for the ability to create one large exhibit or two independent exhibits.

Funding to complete Phase II was made possible by the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation, and PotashCorp with a $150,000 donation and many gifts in kind from local businesses.

“The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo always has amazing displays and activities, and the completion of this new phase will allow the Zoo continue to showcase animals unique to our city and continue to put Saskatoon on the map,” said Mayor Donald Atchison. “We thank the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation, local business and PotashCorp for bringing this final phase to life.”

Made possible by the addition of Phase II, the Zoo is pleased to welcome Phoenix, a red panda, who will be a permanent guest.  Over the past few months Phoenix has become acquainted and familiar with his new home. Phoenix was born on June 13, 2011, at the Assiniboine Zoo in Winnipeg.  His twin brother, Billy, lives at the San Diego Zoo in California.  Phoenix is on public display joining his cougar friends Jethro and Malcolm living in Phase I.

Red pandas, known for their resemblance to racoons, have been classified as vulnerable due to habitat loss and poaching.  Slightly larger than a domestic cat, red pandas are recognizable with their reddish-brown fur and shaggy tail.  Most of their time is spent in solitude; however, young pandas develop slowly and often stay with their mothers for over a year.

The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo offers all generations opportunities to explore a beautiful park landscape.  Approximately 270,000 visitors come annually to discover intimate gardens, historic buildings, and a variety of western Canadian animals and exotic species at Saskatchewan’s only zoo.  This distinctly Saskatchewan experience provides scenic surroundings and the unique story of plants, animals, and prairie history in one place.

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.

51st Street eastbound is closed between Cleveland Avenue and Millar Avenue. The 51st Street centre and median lanes are already closed while crews repair existing manholes and flush sanitary sewer lines. The remaining curb lane has now also been closed due to the development of a sink hole.

Two-way traffic will be accommodated in the westbound lanes of 51st Street.

The 51st Street centre and median lanes are due to reopen by 6:00 p.m. today. The 51st Street curb lane between Cleveland Avenue and Millar Avenue will remain closed until 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21, 2014, 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.

For Release: Friday, May 16, 2014

Usually Victoria Day long weekend is when family and friends start to spend more time outside and the Saskatoon Fire Department would like to take this time to remind everyone of the regulations for residential fire pits.

Every use of a fire pit within city limits is subject to six conditions:

• Fire must be contained within a non-combustible fire box constructed of material such as cement, brick or metal and covered with a heavy gauge metal screen. SFD recommends that fire pits be situated at least three metres from any combustible materials (ie. fences or buildings).
• The size of the fire box of any outdoor burning facility shall not exceed .61 cubic metres.
• Only cut, seasoned wood or charcoal shall be used to fuel outdoor fires. Burning tree branches and garden refuse in a fire pit is not permitted.
• All outdoor fires shall have responsible supervision at all times.
• No person shall light an outdoor fire when the weather conditions are conducive to creating a running fire or allowing the smoke from the fire to be a nuisance to another person (smoke drift).
• If smoke from an open-air fire causes an unreasonable interference with the use and enjoyment of another person’s property, the fire shall be extinguished immediately.

The following items are not permitted to be burned in fire pits within Saskatoon city limits:

• Rubbish
• Garden refuse
• Manure, livestock or animal carcasses
• Any material that is classified as a dangerous good
• Any material that will create dense black smoke when burned
• Any material that will create a foul odour when burned.

A video with information on fire pits can be viewed at http://tinyurl.com/azucomb

The use of fire pits in Saskatoon is regulated by Fire and Protective Services Bylaw No. 7990. Please note: SFD will extinguish any fires that do not comply with the Bylaw.

Residents who would like to report a fire or fire pit should call 306-975-3030.

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.

Beginning at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday May 17, 2014, lane restrictions will be required on Spadina Crescent and Whiteswan Drive to accommodate the Bikes on Broadway event.

Saturday May 17, 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Spadina Crescent/Whiteswan Drive northbound lanes will be closed between 21st Street East and Silverwood Road, including the northbound exit from University Bridge.

Monday May 19, 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Broadway Avenue northbound will be closed between Main Street and 11th Street East
- 11th Street East will be closed between Broadway Avenue and Dufferin Avenue
- Dufferin Avenue southbound will be closed between 11th Street East and Main Street
- Main St westbound will be closed between Dufferin Avenue and Broadway Avenue
- A four-way stop will be in effect at the intersection of Dufferin Avenue and 12th Street East.

Know before you go! Find up-to-date traffic detour information at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Beginning at 7.30 a.m. on Saturday May 17th, 2014, 1st Avenue North will be closed between 23rd Street East and 24th Street East for the Bikers Against Child Abuse 100 Mile Ride and Block Party. The road is expected to re-open by 6.00 p.m. the same day.

Know before you go! Find up-to-date traffic detour information at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

The first Compost Sale Saturday occurs this Saturday, May 17, 2014 between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.  Residents can go to the City of Saskatoon’s Compost Depot on Highway 7 and 11th Street to purchase compost and mulch (woodchips) for their lawn and gardens!  The cost is $5 for either a 20 Litre (5 gallon) bag of compost or a 40 Litre (10 gallon) bag of mulch.  There is no limit to the number of bags purchased.  Cash, credit card or debit is accepted at the Compost Depot.  Residents may bring their own containers but the cost will remain the same.

In 2014, there will be five Compost Sale Saturdays: May 17, May 24, May 31, September 6 and September 13.  Mark your calendars!

Since 2006, the City of Saskatoon has been accepting leaves, grass, non-elm tree and shrub branches, and garden waste that would otherwise end up in the landfill, at the Highway 7 and the McOrmond Drive compost depots.

“In 2013, 21,500 tonnes of material was delivered to these compost depots and about 13,500 tonnes, or 63% of that, was delivered by residents or brought in through the Green Cart program,” says Brenda Wallace, Director of Environmental and Corporate Initiatives.  “We are thanking our Green Cart subscribers by providing them with a free bag of compost and mulch this summer.”

“The sale of compost supports our City’s long-term strategy to eliminate the need for a new landfill and to increase revenue sources,” sales Wallace.  “The success of last year’s compost and mulch sales to residents gave us the impetus to offer it again this year with more dates that start earlier in the season.”

Compost is valuable, ready-to-use organic matter that can be added to your garden soil or lawn.  It acts as a natural fertilizer, improves soil structure, increases water retention, and boosts the amount of good microbes in your yard.  Mulch (e.g. woodchips) can be layered on top of the soil around flowers, vegetables, trees and shrubs to suppress weeds, retain moisture in the soil and help protect plants from fluctuating temperatures and extreme weather.  Adding compost and mulch to your yard will help you build a healthy lawn and garden that is resistant to pests, conserves water and does not require additional fertilizer.

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.

Beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday May 18, 2014, the following lane restrictions will be required as Saskatoon Light & Power crews work on poles:

Sunday May 18
- Idylwyld Drive southbound onramp to Circle Drive westbound will be closed from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
- Idylwyld Drive northbound curb (outside) lane will be closed just north of Kilburn Park between Taylor Street and 8th Street from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Monday May 19
- Idylwyld Drive southbound curb (outside) lane will be closed between the Sid Buckwold Bridge and 20th Street from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- 1st Avenue northbound curb (outside) lane will be closed between the Sid Buckwold Bridge and 20th Street from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The lanes are expected to re-open 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 up-to-date traffic detour information at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Starting at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 20, the following lane restrictions along 51st Street from Faithful Avenue to Millar Avenue will be required while crews repair existing manholes and flush sanitary sewer lines.

- 51st Street centre turn lanes between Faithfull Avenue and 1st Avenue will be closed.
- 51st Street eastbound centre and median lane approaching Miners Avenue will be closed.
- 51st Street eastbound median (inside) lane at Cleveland Avenue to west of Millar Avenue will be closed
- 51st Street westbound median (inside) lane west of Millar Avenue to Cleveland Avenue will be closed
- 51st Street turning bay lanes in both directions at Cleveland Avenue will be closed

Turning will be limited in both directions from Cleveland Avenue onto 51st Street. The lanes are expected to reopen by 3:00 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.

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday May 20, 2014, the following lane restrictions will be required as crews pave sections of 1st Avenue North and Circle Drive.   

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

 Tuesday, May 20 – Wednesday, May 28
- 1st Avenue North northbound lanes between 40th Street East and Circle Drive will be closed. Access to local traffic will be maintained.

 Starting 9:00 a.m. Monday, May 26 – Wednesday, May 28
- Circle Drive eastbound curb (outside) and center lane will be closed at the intersection of 1st Avenue.

The lanes are expected to re-open 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.

For Release: Friday, May 16, 2014

Saskatoon Fire Department reminds the residents of Saskatoon that on Victoria Day low-hazard fireworks can only be detonated on private property between the hours of dusk to 11:00pm.

Low-hazard fireworks are designed for public recreational use and include some roman candles, sparklers, fountains, wheels, volcanoes, mines and snakes that do not travel above 60 feet. High-hazard fireworks are designed for professionals and can only be purchased by persons holding a valid Fireworks Supervisor – Level I or Level II card issued by Natural Resources Canada.

Before setting off fireworks choose your location wisely. You will need a wide clear site with no overhead obstructions. For example, a roman candle needs an area of about 30m (100ft) by 30m (100ft) with enough room for spectators around the perimeter. Keep in mind that you are responsible for any debris that may land on your spectators or another person’s property.

Carefully read and follow all the instructions on the fireworks.

After dusk, when you are ready to fire, make sure that it is not windy, that everyone under 18 is supervised by an adult and that you always carefully light the fuse at its tip. Other than sparklers, never light or hold a lit firework in your hand.

Wait at least 30 minutes before beginning the clean up process. At that time, it is a good idea to dispose of used fireworks and debris in a pail of water. Never try to relight or fix the fuse on fireworks that didn’t go off.

Always be extremely careful when shooting fireworks. Their debris or smoldering embers could cause injuries, property damage or even fires.

Discharge of low hazard fireworks are only permitted during the following times:

-    between the hours of dusk and 11:00 p.m. on Victoria Day, Canada Day, or Labour Day.

-    between the hours of dusk on New Year’s Eve to 00:15 a.m. on New Year’s Day.

Please report unauthorized use or discharge of fireworks to the Saskatoon Fire Department by contacting the emergency number at 306-975-3030.

It is an offence to contravene Sections 39 and 44 of the Fire and Protective Services Bylaw No. 7990. Should a contravention occur, the person responsible for the contravention is guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction by a fine.

Persons wanting to have a fireworks display that includes high-hazard fireworks, detonating low-hazard fireworks on public property, or any fireworks display outside of the designated times, must first obtain a Fireworks Permit.

 For information on Fireworks Permits, please contact Acting Fire Marshal David Faulkner at 306-975-2520 or visit www.saskatoon.ca for additional fireworks information.

 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.