News Releases

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

NEW

NELSON RD EB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM HEATH AVE TO HEAL AVE
(Concrete pour)
Start: December 9, 6:00 a.m. End: December 9, 6:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DR E NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM 14TH ST E TO 8TH ST E
(Streetlight replacement)
Start: December 9, 9:00 a.m. End: December 9, 12:00 p.m.

8TH ST E EB LANES CLOSED FROM LANSDOWNE AVE TO CLARENCE AVE S
(Connection replacement)
Two-way traffic will be maintained in WB lanes
Start: December 9, 9:30 a.m. End: December 10, 5:00 p.m.

ATTRIDGE DR EB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM CIRCLE DR E TO CENTRAL AVE
(Transmission line install)
Start: December 9, 10:30 a.m. End: December 9, 1:30 p.m.

ONGOING

COLLEGE DR WB LANES CLOSED FROM CAMPUS DR TO CUMBERLAND AVE N
(Pedestrian overpass repairs)
Two-way traffic will be maintained in the EB lanes.
Start: December 7, 9:00 a.m. End: December 9, 5:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DR S WB CURB LANE CLOSED & SPEED REDUCTION FROM LORNE AVE TO DIEFENBAKER PARK RD
(Construction)
Start: December 6, 7:00 a.m. End: December 10, 3:00 p.m.

RUTH ST E ROAD CLOSED FROM MCPHERSON AVE TO MELROSE AVE
(Connection replacement)
Start: December 6, 7:00 a.m. End: December 10, 5:00 p.m.

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.

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

NEW

COLLEGE DR WB LANES CLOSED FROM CAMPUS DR TO CUMBERLAND AVE
(Pedway repairs)
Start: December 7, 12:00 p.m. End: TBD
Two-way traffic will be maintained in eastbound lanes

CIRCLE DR E NB & EB CURB LANES CLOSED AT IDYLWYLD DR N
(Sign installation)
Start: December 8, 10:00 a.m. End: December 8, 4:00 p.m.

ONGOING

CIRCLE DR S WB CURB LANE CLOSED & SPEED REDUCTION FROM LORNE AVE TO DIEFENBAKER PARK RD
(Construction)
Start: December 6, 7:00 a.m. End: December 10, 3:00 p.m.

RUTH ST E ROAD CLOSED FROM MCPHERSON AVE TO MELROSE AVE
(Connection replacement)
Start: December 6, 7:00 a.m. End: December 10, 5:00 p.m.

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.

The pedestrian walkway over College Drive near the University of Saskatchewan remains closed. At approximately 9:30 a.m. a flatbed truck with a crane collided with the pedestrian bridge, causing damage and knocking the structure out of alignment. A bridge inspection and structural assessment is underway, and the bridge will remain closed until further notice.

Traffic on College Drive will also remain impacted until further notice. Detours are in place and one westbound lane of traffic will be rerouted into an eastbound lane between Campus Drive and Cumberland Avenue.

More information regarding the pedestrian walkway will be released once it is available. 

Making parts of downtown more pedestrian-friendly, creating diversified housing close to the riverfront, and repurposing barren or underused properties to meet community needs are among key ideas gleaned in a study on making downtown Saskatoon a more desirable place to live.

“The goal was to understand, from people who live downtown or would consider living there, what about the area makes it an attractive option and what barriers exist to people from falling in love with the idea of living a downtown urban lifestyle,” said University of Saskatchewan (USask) researcher Ryan Walker.

The project, which involved an online survey of 470 residents in downtown Saskatoon and 10 other neighbourhoods, as well as five focus group discussions via videoconference, was funded by Research Junction, a joint initiative by USask and City of Saskatoon (City).

“Sustainable growth is a strategic goal for the City, and enhancing downtown as a residential environment and getting more people living there is a priority,” said the City’s Director of Planning and Development, Lesley Anderson.

Among the key findings:

• The South Saskatchewan River and Meewasin Valley are downtown’s biggest assets, and people want to live within a few blocks of them. Amenities such as an expanded network of public spaces should be programmed with interesting things to do in all seasons.
   
• The convenient lifestyle of proximity to work, school, retail, businesses, services, and action at venues such as restaurants, bars and other public amenities are top reasons to live downtown.
   
• Diversified housing options in terms of architectural style, on-site amenities, and price points, especially in the mid-range suitable for families are in short supply. A push to develop barren lots and underused buildings is needed.
   
• The art gallery, theatre, and public library facilities are important public and private investments for a downtown urban lifestyle.
   
• Downtown respondents felt they aren’t in close community contact with business owners and are often not perceived as a target market.

Building an environment that attracts more people to live downtown can make residents a key target market, and change the debate around issues such as transit, bike lanes and parking, said Walker, principal investigator and professor in the department of geography and planning in the College of Arts and Science. Graduate student Zoe Hagen was co-investigator.

While the lack of grocery stores and feelings of being unsafe in the area remain predominant concerns, he said these challenges, especially about safety, aren’t insurmountable.

“The best way to resolve the perception of a decline in safety is to be persistent and continue to really promote residential development,” Walker said. “When you have people living downtown in higher numbers, there’s more passive street surveillance and a sense of community. The issues of safety perception sort of resolve themselves.”

Anderson said the City will use the findings from this research to help in the planning of major and minor projects downtown, including streetscape and public realm projects, as well as the upcoming Downtown Arena and Entertainment District master plan.

Daily Road Report - December 7. 2021

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

NEW

SPADINA CRES E ROAD CLOSED FROM QUEEN ST TO 25TH ST E
(Minor bridge repairs)
Start: December 7, 9:00 a.m. End: December 7, 3:00 p.m.

ONGOING

RUTH ST E ROAD CLOSED FROM MCPHERSON AVE TO MELROSE AVE
(Connection replacement)
Start: December 6, 7:00 a.m. End: December 9, 5:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DR S WB CURB LANE CLOSED & SPEED REDUCTION FROM LORNE AVE TO DIEFENBAKER PARK RD
(Construction)
Start: December 6, 7:00 a.m. End: December 10, 3:00 p.m.

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.

On Monday, December 6, 2021 flags at all City facilities will be lowered for the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. The Day of Remembrance is an opportunity for Canadians to remember all women and girls who have died as a result of violence.

The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women was established in 1991 by the federal government, choosing December 6th to mark the anniversary of the deaths of 14 women killed at l’Ecole Polytechnique de Montréal in 1989.

Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for affordable housing and led to rising levels of homelessness. The Government of Canada created a national strategy to build hundreds of thousands of units and provide affordable housing to people across the country. By continuing to make investments in affordable housing, the government is building stronger communities, creating jobs, and growing our middle class, while fighting homelessness and helping vulnerable Canadians.

The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, Marv Friesen, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Saskatoon Riversdale, and Charlie Clark, Mayor of Saskatoon, today announced $7.5 million to create an estimated of 32 new affordable homes for individuals and families in Saskatoon through the Cities Stream under expanded Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI). These housing units will support Canadians who are in uncertain housing situations, experiencing or at risk of homelessness, or living in temporary shelters because of the pandemic.

The building for Cress Housing Corporation will be located at 115 Columbian Place and the building for Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. will be located at 1520 19^th Street West. All 32 units will be targeted at Indigenous People and of those units, 9 will be for Indigenous women and their children. For both projects, substantial completion of construction is expected by Fall 2022.

This new investment will create thousands of good jobs in the housing and construction sector, grow the middle class, and build back stronger communities, while getting us closer to our goal of eliminating chronic homelessness in Canada.

Quotes:

“Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Today's funding through the Rapid Housing Initiative will go a long way to support those who need it most by quickly providing nearly 32 new affordable homes for vulnerable individuals and families in Saskatoon to keep them safe. This is one of the ways our National Housing Strategy continues to ensure no one is left behind.” – The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)

“The Government of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Housing Corporation are proud to support the important work of Cress Housing Corporation and Central Urban Metis Federation Inc. through the Saskatchewan Co-Investment Program. This investment will develop a total of 32 new housing units in Saskatoon and will provide more affordable housing options for individuals and families in need. This is an important step towards achieving our goals in the Provincial Housing Strategy to support those in greatest housing need.” – The Honourable Lori Carr, Saskatchewan Minister of Social Services and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation

“Everyone deserves a roof over their head and a safe place to call home. Today’s announcement of additional funding through the Rapid Housing Initiative will have a huge impact on our most vulnerable citizens who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of being homeless. The availability of affordable housing is scarce in our region. These new homes will make a difference in ending the cycle of homelessness. I would like to thank the federal government for their ongoing support and commitment to creating affordable housing for our most vulnerable individuals and families.” – George Chahal, Member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview

“It has become clear that one of the biggest gaps in the housing continuum in Saskatoon is supportive housing.  People struggling with trauma, addictions and mental health need to have safe and stable housing. These two Rapid Housing Initiative Projects will play a crucial role in helping fill this gap in our community. Thank you to the Federal Government for the funding support and to City staff, SaskHousing and partners for your hard work facilitating this application process.” – Charlie Clark, Mayor of Saskatoon

"We plan for a two-storey, 18-unit facility that will serve single males who are disproportionately represented in the homeless population. This supported living facility includes a family/cultural space, along with office and meeting spaces on the main level. STC and our member Chiefs are proud to have Cress Housing Corporation serve as a proponent of this project contributing to this important work that improves the quality of life for people." – Saskatoon Tribal Council Chief Mark Arcand, Cress Housing Corporation

“We are very pleased to be participating in the Rapid Housing Initiative. With this funding, CUMFI will be able to provide fourteen suites for families at risk of homelessness, with nine homes specifically for Indigenous women and children. By providing a supportive living environment, CUMFI’s goal is for families to have a roof over their head and food on the table, so they can begin to think about education, employment and feeling that they are part of a caring community.” – Shirley Isbister, President of Central Urban Métis Federation Inc.

Quick facts:

• The RHI is delivered by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), under the National Housing Strategy (NHS). 
• Canada’s NHS is an ambitious, 10-year plan that will invest over $72 billion to give more Canadians a place to call home. Launched in 2017, the NHS will build and repair thousands of housing units, and help households with affordability support. 
• The RHI is a $1 billion program launched in October 2020 to help address urgent housing needs of vulnerable Canadians, especially in the context of COVID-19, through the rapid construction of affordable housing.
• Due to this success, an additional $1.5 billion for the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) was announced through Budget 2021 with $500 million in funding under the Cities Stream being allocated
• to the following municipalities: Burnaby, Calgary, Capital Regional District, Durham, Edmonton, Gatineau, Greater Sudbury, Halifax, Hamilton, Iqaluit, Kingston, Laval, London, Longueil, Montreal, Niagara, Ottawa, Peel, Quebec, Regina, Saskatoon, Surrey, St. John’s, Toronto, Vancouver, Waterloo, Whitehorse, Windsor, Winnipeg, and Yellowknife. Under the Projects Stream: $1 billion has been allocated to eligible applications submitted during the RHI’s initial application period last fall and having not yet received funding.
• Based on feedback from stakeholders, this summer CMHC introduced new flexibilities to the RHI: 
  • Program applicants were eligible to receive funding for additional forms of new construction beyond modular, if units can be built within 12 months.
  • Non-profits had the opportunity to demonstrate that they have the financial capacity to support the viability of units without government subsidy (self-funded). 
  • Cities were provided a longer time to submit projects (60 days instead of 30).
  • Project delivery timelines were adjusted for projects located in the North and special access communities.
• At least 25 per cent of this new funding will go toward women-focused housing projects. The units will be built within 12 months of when funding is provided to program applicants.
• The RHI will continue to prioritize proposals that target units serving Indigenous peoples and other vulnerable groups. It will also continue to provide flexibilities on timelines to Indigenous governing bodies or organizations as needed.
• The RHI takes a human rights-based approach to housing, serving people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and other vulnerable people under the NHS, including: women and children fleeing domestic violence, seniors, young adults, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, people experiencing mental health and addiction issues, veterans, LGBTQ2 individuals, racialized and Black Canadians, and recent immigrants or refugees.
• CMHC supports the government’s efforts to improve the well-being of Canadians facing housing and homelessness challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Associated links:

• Rapid Housing Initiative  
• National Housing Strategy 
• New Rapid Housing Initiative to create up to 3,000 new homes for Canadians 
• Rapid Housing Initiative will exceed targets by creating more than 4,700 new homes for Canadians 
• Budget 2021: A Recovery Plan for Jobs, Growth, and Resilience 

As Canada’s authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to all levels of Canadian government, consumers and the housing industry. CMHC’s aim is that by 2030, everyone in Canada has a home they can afford, and that meets their needs. For more information, follow CMHC on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook.