News Releases

Saskatoon Fire - News Releases

Pruning Ban for Elm Trees Takes Effect Friday, April 1

March 28, 2022 - 11:00am

CY22-2970
The City reminds residents that the provincial ban on pruning elm trees is from Friday, April 1 to Wednesday, August 31, 2022.
 
Provincial regulations prohibit the pruning of elm trees during this time to ensure that elm bark beetles, which transmit Dutch elm disease (DED), are not attracted to freshly pruned elms when the beetles are most active. Anyone wishing to prune elm trees during the ban must obtain a permit and are asked to call the City’s Parks Department at 306-975-3300 for more information.
 
Provincial regulations also prohibit the storing, transport and use of elm wood for any purpose. This includes wood chips, firewood, wood slabs and branches. The only permitted movement of elm wood is to the City’s designated disposal site at the City Landfill. 
 
Elm trees make up about 25% of Saskatoon's urban forest. Last year, the City confirmed its third case of DED since 2015 in an elm tree located in Leif Erickson Park in the Westmount neighbourhood. As part of the City's DED Response Plan, the infected tree was immediately removed and disposed of at the City Landfill. The City will continue surveillance and testing of public and private elm trees in the surrounding area with an intensive search for elm material and other sources of infection. 
 
What is DED?
DED is a serious disease caused by a fungus that clogs the elm tree’s water and nutrient conducting system, which eventually causes the tree to die. DED was introduced in North America in the 1930s and has since wiped out millions of elms across Canada and the United States.  
 
How is DED spread?
In Saskatchewan, the disease is spread by several species of elm bark beetles. These beetles can fly farther than two kilometres in search of elm trees. The DED fungus has tiny spores that stick to the body of the beetle. Elm bark beetles can carry these spores and infect other elm trees. The fungus can also be spread by infected pruning tools. 
 
What can you do to prevent DED?
The most effective management strategy for DED is to not transport or store elm wood. Firewood containing elm bark beetles is the most likely way that DED would be brought into Saskatoon. 
Residents can help prevent DED by:
  • Not pruning elms during the provincial pruning ban (April 1 to August 31)
  • Not storing or transporting elm wood – provincial regulations prohibit it!
  • Always disposing of elm wood at the City Landfill
  • Sanitizing tools after working on elm trees
  • Not building treehouses in elm trees, as the nail and screw holes can attract elm bark beetles carrying the DED fungus
  • Reporting dead or dying elm trees or branches to the City or to a professional arborist 
How to identify and report unhealthy elm trees
American elm trees with DED may start showing symptoms as early as June. Typically, the leaves will start to wilt and turn yellow, then curl and turn brown. Anyone suspecting that an elm tree is unhealthy is encouraged to complete the online form at saskatoon.ca/dutchelmdisease or call Urban Forestry at 306-975-2890.
 
By following the provincial regulations and maintaining elm trees on your private property, all residents can help prevent the spread of DED in Saskatoon. 
 
For more information on DED, visit saskatoon.ca/dutchelmdisease

 

Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Day – Sunday, April 3

March 31, 2022 - 7:00am

UE22-2871

The City of Saskatoon and GFL Environmental Inc. will host the first Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Drop-off Day of the year this Sunday.

Saskatoon residents are invited to drop off their HHW materials for recycling and safe disposal, including aerosols, automotive fluids, batteries, cleaners, cylinders, light bulbs, medications, yard chemicals, vaping products, and more. Complete lists of acceptable and unacceptable items are available at saskatoon.ca/hazardouswaste.

Reminders:

  • Masking is encouraged, but not mandatory.
  • Containers used for transporting HHW will not be returned to the participants.
  • Please ensure all containers are safely sealed and contents are clearly marked.
  • To avoid potentially long line-ups and wait times, ask the Waste Wizard at  saskatoon.ca/wastewizard to find other means of recycling and safe disposal.
  • Help reduce emissions from idling and protect the health of other residents by turning off vehicles during long wait times.
  • Approximate wait times will be posted periodically on the day of the event on the Facebook event page.

Thank you for helping us put waste in the right place!

Daily Road Report - March 31, 2022

March 30, 2022 - 9:08am

TC22-2977

*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.

NEW

No projects are scheduled to start on Priority 1 streets as of this date.

ONGOING

No projects are ongoing on Priority 1 streets as of this date.

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.

Daily Road Report - March 30, 2022

March 29, 2022 - 9:06am

TC22-2973

*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.

NEW

1ST AVE N SB LANES CLOSED FROM 25TH ST E TO 24TH ST E
(Construction)
Start: March 30, 7:00 a.m. End: March 30, 5:00 p.m.

BOYCHUK DR NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM BRIARWOOD RD TO 8TH ST E
(Streetlight replacement)
Start: March 30, 9:30 a.m. End: March 30, 1:30 p.m.

ONGOING

No projects are ongoing on Priority 1 streets as of this date.

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.

City reminds drivers to slow down during expressway maintenance

March 29, 2022 - 3:00pm

CY22-2966

From April 1 to October 31, crews will be completing ongoing cycles of mowing and litter cleanup along City expressways. The City reminds residents to slow down when driving by work zones for the safety of crews working adjacent to the expressway.

Drivers are also reminded to cover and secure their cargo when driving on the expressway. Unsecured cargo is the main source of expressway litter and drivers can be subject to ticketing, as per Waste Bylaw 8310.  

Securing cargo is not only important for protecting your vehicle and the items that you are carrying, but it is also a critical step in helping to prevent dangerous accidents. You are encouraged to use ratchet straps, bungee cords and/or tarps depending on what you are carrying. This will help to secure your cargo, minimize litter, and help keep everyone safe on the road.

The City thanks drivers for their cooperation.

Year-round School Zones and Playground Zones and extended times proposed to take effect on September 1, 2022

March 29, 2022 - 7:30am

TC22-2969

City Council approved the proposed amendments to the Reduced Speed Zones for Schools policy and a new draft policy for Playground Zones to include year-round speed reduction to 30 km/h daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The goal is to have the zones in effect prior to the new school year on September 1, 2022.

The recommendation would align the City’s school zone policy with national transportation guidelines and implement other best practices for pedestrian safety. The amendments include: 

  1. New playground zones with reduced speed limit of 30 km/h; 
  2. Year-round lower speed limits in both school and playground zones 7 days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 
  3. Adjustments to posted signs and length of current school zones; and  
  4. Removal of lower speed school zones from high schools, designating them as a “school area” where u-turns are still restricted.  

An amendment to the Traffic Bylaw will need to be presented to City Council before the effective date is approved. New signs to identify the school and playground zones and an awareness campaign will advise drivers of the changes this fall. More information is available at saskatoon.ca/engage/speed-limit-review.

Icy street and sidewalk conditions after freezing rain and snow

March 29, 2022 - 12:35am

TU22-2971

Sections of Saskatoon streets are icy this morning after freezing rain, snow and freezing temperatures. Drivers and pedestrians are urged to use caution on streets and sidewalks. Morning commuters may want to leave early and adjust driving for the conditions.

City crews and sanders were out all night applying de-icing materials on Circle Drive, freeways and high traffic intersections.

Twelve sanders will be spreading de-icing materials today, focusing on Saskatoon’s highest traffic streets, bridge decks and intersections. Four sidewalk plows will be applying de-icing materials on bridge walkways.

Please watch for their blue and amber flashing lights and leave room for road equipment to do their work.  

Learn about winter road maintenance at saskatoon.ca/snow.   

Council lifts mask requirement for City facilities, maintains masks for Transit

March 28, 2022 - 10:58am

FI22-2967

City Council continues to guide the City of Saskatoon’s response to COVID-19 in the community to protect the health and safety of residents and customers, following the provincial government's previous decision to lift provincial Public Health Orders.

At its meeting today, City Council considered a monthly COVID-19 update on masking in City facilities and Saskatoon Transit. Council approved a transition from a mandatory to discretionary approach for masking in City facilities. As noted in the February 8, 2022 City Council resolution, the City extended the masking requirement in City facilities beyond the expiration of the Public Health Order as a temporary measure to help transition the community to a new COVID-19 environment.

As of Monday, April 4, people accessing City facilities, including City Hall, Leisure Centres, indoor arenas, golf course buildings, indoor spaces at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo and the downtown Saskatoon Transit Customer Service Centre are no longer required to wear a face mask. Masks are welcome and will be available upon request.

Masks will continue to be required when travelling on Saskatoon Transit vehicles. Mask education will continue with riders through signage and interior and exterior audible announcements on each bus. Masks will continue to be made available to Transit customers.

The Saskatoon Emergency Management Organization continues to monitor the COVID-19 impacts on City staff and services in accordance with the COVID-19 Response Levels. A monthly update will be presented at the next meeting of City Council in April.

For the latest updates, visit saskatoon.ca/covid-19. 

Daily Road Report - March 29, 2022

March 28, 2022 - 9:09am

TC22-2967

*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.

NEW

BROADWAY AVE NB & SB LANES CLOSED FROM ADELAIDE ST E TO HILLIARD ST E
(Hydrant replacement)
Start: March 29, 8:00 a.m. End: March 29, 5:00 p.m.

PRESTON AVE N EB & WB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM CIRCLE DR E TO PRESTON AVE N
(Tree pruning)
Start: March 29, 9:00 a.m. End: March 29, 1:00 p.m.

WANUSKEWIN RD EB & WB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM ARTHUR AVE TO MARQUIS DR E
(Streetlight repairs)
Start: March 29, 9:30 a.m. End: March 29, 1:30 p.m.

ONGOING

No projects are ongoing on Priority 1 streets as of this date.

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.

Downtown Event & Entertainment District Advisory Group named

March 28, 2022 - 11:30am

CK22-2962

As the City moves toward the development of a Downtown Event and Entertainment District, anchored by a new arena and a new or renovated convention centre, the Downtown Event and Entertainment District Advisory Group has been established to foster connections between business, community partners, the provincial government and the City to support the successful implementation of the project. 

Planning for the development of a Downtown Event and Entertainment District is in the preliminary stages, with the current phase focused on the selection of a future site location for a new arena. While the City will retain overall ownership of these new facilities and infrastructure once constructed, numerous community partners, key project partners, and sponsors will be integral in driving the successful development and delivery of the project. 

“Having key community agencies represented on the Advisory Group will be tremendously important for the successful development and funding of this project,” says Dan Willems, Director of Technical Services. "In addition, having representation from the Province of Saskatchewan provides a reasonable balance of designated agency representation.” 

The open call for public applications to the Advisory Group resulted in an overwhelming response, and the Governance and Priorities Committee sincerely thanks all valued applicants for their interest. In considering the applications, the Governance and Priorities Committee recommended expanding the number of public representatives from five to six to capture a slightly broader cross-section of the community, while agreeing that the Advisory Group’s overall size and composition need limits to allow for the work of the group to be conducted efficiently and effectively.  

At its meeting Thursday, March 24, the Governance and Priorities Committee of City Council recommended appointment of the following individuals to serve as public representatives on the Advisory Group: 

  • Ali Abukar – CEO, Open Door Society 

  • Bertrand Bartake – Architect, Kindrachuk Agrey Architecture 

  • Alisha Esmail – CEO/Owner, Road Coffee Inc. 

  • Geri Fernet – Retired Business Proprietor 

  • Shawna Nelson – Hotel Marketing/Management, James Hotel 

  • Stephen Yee – Product Manager, Andgo Systems 

The Committee also accepted the Province of Saskatchewan's recommendation for Ken Cheveldayoff, MLA for Saskatoon Willowgrove, to serve as the Province of Saskatchewan's representative, joining the Advisory Group’s previously appointed agency representation: 

  • Saskatoon Tribal Council – Tribal Chief Mark Arcand  

  • Métis Nation-Saskatchewan Western Region 2A – Kathie Pruden-Nansel  

  • Downtown Business Improvement District – Brent Penner  

  • Riversdale Business Improvement District – Randy Pshebylo  

  • Tourism Saskatoon – Stephanie Clovechok  

  • North Saskatoon Business Association – Keith Moen  

  • The Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce – Jason Aebig 

Council representatives on the Advisory Group are Mayor Charlie Clark, Councillor Troy Davies and Councillor Cynthia Block. Councillor Block and Councillor Davies will be the co-chairs of the Advisory Group.  

The recommended appointments will be formally approved by City Council at its meeting on Monday, March 28.  

More information about the Downtown Event & Entertainment District project can be found at saskatoon.ca/entertainmentdistrict.