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Saskatoon Fire - News Releases

Highway 16 intersection closures at Marquis Drive starting Saturday

October 1, 2021 - 7:00am

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The intersection at Highway 16 and Marquis Drive will have closures starting Saturday, October 2, at 5:30 a.m. for roadway patching work.  

Project details: 

  • Phase 1 – October 2, 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. 
    • The intersection at Highway 16 and Marquis Drive will be closed; and 
    • Highway 16 southbound median lane and left turn bay will be closed approaching Marquis Drive.
  • Phase 2 – October 3, 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. 
    • The intersection at Highway 16 and Marquis Drive will be closed;  
    • Highway 16 northbound curb lane and left turn bay will closed approaching Marquis Drive; and  
    • Highway 16 southbound curb lane and left turn bay will be closed approaching Marquis Drive.  

Detours will be in place guiding motorists around this work. This project is expected to take 2 days to complete, barring any unforeseen circumstances or weather delays.          

Transit service alerts and real-time bus information is available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit on desktop.                                      

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

City to provide service level update for new waste diversion regulations for businesses

September 29, 2021 - 10:14am

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On Monday, October 4, the Administration will present an information report to the Standing Policy Committee of Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services outlining the proposed service level and budget requirements to support the new waste diversion regulations for the Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (ICI) Sector.

The proposal aligns and expands on a January 2020 report to City Council. The program includes administration, education, and support to improve compliance and reduce the administrative burden on businesses. The annual operating cost of $284,000 for the program services would be considered in the City’s 2022-2023 budget process later this year.

“This is a good step forward in achieving our waste reduction and diversion target,” says Angela Gardiner, General Manager of Utilities and Environment. “By implementing the necessary service levels to support these programs, we expect to divert approximately 5,400 tonnes of recyclable and organic waste from the City’s landfill every year, extending its life by approximately 5%.”

At its meeting on August 30, 2021, City Council passed Bylaw No. 9775, The Waste Amendment Bylaw, 2021. With a phased-in approach beginning in 2022, all businesses and organizations will be required to have a separate container for recycling, and those that generate food or yard waste as part of their operations will be required to have a separate organics waste container.

The full report and attachments can be found here.

Progress updates and a decision history can be found at saskatoon.ca/iciwastediversion.

Daily Road Report, October 1, 2021

September 29, 2021 - 3:00pm

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*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only. 
 
NEW 
 
33RD ST E WB PARKING LANE CLOSED AT 5TH AVE N 
(Roadway patching) 
Start: October 1, 7:00 a.m. End: October 1, 5:00 p.m. 
 
8TH ST E EB & WB MEDIAN & LEFT TURN LANES CLOSED AT LANSDOWNE AVE 
(Street light replacement) 
Start: October 1, 9:00 a.m. End: October 1, 12:00 p.m. 
 
20TH ST W EB PARKING & CURB LANE CLOSED FROM AVE C S TO AVE B S 
(Tree planting) 
Start: October 1, 9:00 a.m. End: October 1, 12:00 p.m. 
 
ONGOING 
 
IDYLWYLD DR N NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED AT CIRCLE DR E 
(Bridge maintenance) 
Start: September 29, 9:00 a.m. End: October 1, 3:00 p.m. 
 
RUTH ST W WB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM LORNE AVE TO ST GEORGE AVE 
(Water main lining) 
Start: September 13, 7:00 a.m. End: October 1, 5:00 p.m. 
 
BROADWAY AVE SB CLOSED FROM ISABELLA ST E TO HILLIARD ST E 
(Sidewalk repair) 
Start: September 22, 7:00 a.m. End: October 1, 6:00 p.m. 
 
33RD ST W WB RIGHT TURN BAY & EB LEFT TURN BAY CLOSED AT CONFEDERATION DR 
(Intersection improvements) 
Start: September 30, 7:00 a.m. End: October 3, 7:00 a.m. 
 
RUTH ST E ROAD CLOSED FROM MCPHERSON AVE TO ROYAL AVE 
(Water main work) 
Start: August 16, 7:00 a.m. End: October 3, 4:00 p.m. 
 
CENTRAL AVE SB LANES CLOSED FROM 109TH ST W TO 107TH ST W     
(Streetscaping)             
Two-way traffic maintained in NB lanes            
Start: September 7, 7:00 a.m. End: October 5, 4:00 p.m. 
 
IDYLWYLD DR S NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM 8TH ST E TO SASKATCHEWAN CRES W 
(Median Barrier Replacements) 
Start: September 13, 7:00 a.m. End: October 6, 3:00 p.m. 
 
AVE H N ROAD CLOSED FROM 30TH ST W TO 33RD ST W 
(Water main work) 
Start: September 27, 7:00 a.m. End: October 8, 4:30 p.m. 
 
BRIGHTON BLVD ROAD CLOSED FROM 8TH ST TO BRIGHTON COMMON             
(Storm sewer work)              
Start: August 30, 9:00 a.m. End: October 4, 7:00 a.m. 
 
NELSON RD SOUTH SIDEWALK CLOSED FROM HEATH AVE TO HEAL AVE 
(Sidewalk closed) 
Start: September 16, 6:00 a.m. End: October 16, 6:00 p.m. 
 
14TH ST E WB PARKING LANE & CURB LANE; & CIRCLE DR NB RAMP CLOSED FROM CIRCLE DR E TO CARLETON DR 
(PWM repair) 
Start: September 27, 9:30 a.m. End: October 17, 4:00 p.m. 
 
NEAULT RD NB LANES CLOSED FROM 22ND ST W TO 33RD ST W 
(Water main construction) 
Start: September 20, 10:00 a.m. End: October 25, 5:00 p.m. 
 
KENSINGTON GATE W ROAD CLOSED FROM NEAULT RD TO KENSINGTON LANE N 
(Water main work) 
Start: September 13, 7:00 a.m. End: October 25, 6:00 p.m. 
 
NEAULT RD NB & SB SPEED REDUCTION FROM 22ND ST W TO KENSINGTON GATE W        
(Water main work)        
Start: September 15, 9:00 a.m. End: October 26, 4:00 p.m. 

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

Daily Road Report, September 30, 2021

September 29, 2021 - 2:00pm

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*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only. 
 
NEW 
 
33RD ST W WB RIGHT TURN BAY & EB LEFT TURN BAY CLOSED AT CONFEDERATION DR 
(Intersection improvements) 
Start: September 30, 7:00 a.m. End: October 3, 7:00 a.m. 
 
ONGOING 
 
8TH ST E INTERSECTION CLOSED NEW MCORMOND DR 
(Construction) 
Start: April 26, 7:00 a.m. End: September 30, 7:00 a.m. 
 
33RD ST W WB CURB LANE; SB RIGHT TURN LANE; & NB LEFT TURN LANE CLOSED AT CONFEDERATION DR 
(Intersection improvements) 
Start: September 27, 7:00 a.m. End: September 30, 7:00 a.m. 
 
IDYLWYLD DR N SB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 29TH ST W TO 27TH ST W 
(Water main work) 
Start: September 27, 9:00 a.m. End: September 30, 5:00 p.m. 
 
CONFEDERATION DR NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM CONFEDERATION CRES TO BORDEN PL 
(Valve repair) 
Start: September 29, 8:00 a.m. End: September 30, 5:00 p.m. 
 
IDYLWYLD DR N NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED AT CIRCLE DR E 
(Bridge maintenance) 
Start: September 29, 9:00 a.m. End: October 1, 3:00 p.m. 
 
RUTH ST W WB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM LORNE AVE TO ST GEORGE AVE 
(Water main lining) 
Start: September 13, 7:00 a.m. End: October 1, 5:00 p.m. 
 
BROADWAY AVE SB CLOSED FROM ISABELLA ST E TO HILLIARD ST E 
(Sidewalk repair) 
Start: September 22, 7:00 a.m. End: October 1, 6:00 p.m. 
 
RUTH ST E ROAD CLOSED FROM MCPHERSON AVE TO ROYAL AVE 
(Water main work) 
Start: August 16, 7:00 a.m. End: October 3, 4:00 p.m. 
 
CENTRAL AVE SB LANES CLOSED FROM 109TH ST W TO 107TH ST W     
(Streetscaping)            
Two-way traffic maintained in NB lanes           
Start: September 7, 7:00 a.m. End: October 5, 4:00 p.m. 
 
IDYLWYLD DR S NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM 8TH ST E TO SASKATCHEWAN CRES W 
(Median Barrier Replacements) 
Start: September 13, 7:00 a.m. End: October 6, 3:00 p.m. 
 
AVE H N ROAD CLOSED FROM 30TH ST W TO 33RD ST W 
(Water main work) 
Start: September 27, 7:00 a.m. End: October 8, 4:30 p.m. 
 
BRIGHTON BLVD ROAD CLOSED FROM 8TH ST TO BRIGHTON COMMON             
(Storm sewer work)             
Start: August 30, 9:00 a.m. End: October 4, 7:00 a.m. 
 
NELSON RD SOUTH SIDEWALK CLOSED FROM HEATH AVE TO HEAL AVE 
(Sidewalk closed) 
Start: September 16, 6:00 a.m. End: October 16, 6:00 p.m. 
 
14TH ST E WB PARKING LANE & CURB LANE; & CIRCLE DR NB RAMP CLOSED FROM CIRCLE DR E TO CARLETON DR 
(PWM repair) 
Start: September 27, 9:30 a.m. End: October 17, 4:00 p.m. 
 
NEAULT RD NB LANES CLOSED FROM 22ND ST W TO 33RD ST W 
(Water main construction) 
Start: September 20, 10:00 a.m. End: October 25, 5:00 p.m. 
 
KENSINGTON GATE W ROAD CLOSED FROM NEAULT RD TO KENSINGTON LANE N 
(Water main work) 
Start: September 13, 7:00 a.m. End: October 25, 6:00 p.m. 
 
NEAULT RD NB & SB SPEED REDUCTION FROM 22ND ST W TO KENSINGTON GATE W       
(Water main work)       
Start: September 15, 9:00 a.m. End: October 26, 4:00 p.m. 

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

City implements proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test for leisure facilities to comply with Provincial requirement

September 28, 2021 - 10:44am

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Effective October 1, 2021, there is a Provincial requirement for individuals over the age of 12 to show proof of full vaccination or negative COVID-19 test for public access to a list of establishments, businesses and event venues. More information on the Provincial requirements can be found in the September 28 announcement.
 
Proof of Full Vaccination
 
According to the Province, the only acceptable forms of proof of full vaccination are:
  • Wallet cards received at time of immunization
  • A printed copy of your MySaskHealthRecord vaccine certificate (with or without a QR code) or a ‘screenshot’ of your vaccine certificate (with or without a QR code) saved to your device
  • An earlier version of your MySaskHealthRecord COVID-19 vaccine certificate
  • A COVID-19 vaccine printout from Saskatchewan Health Authority Public Health
  • To come - A QR code/MySaskHealthRecord vaccine certificate uploaded to SK Vax Wallet app which will be available free from Google Play or Apple App stores
  • Official proof of vaccine documents from other provinces may be considered
View the Government of Saskatchewan informational videos on how to access vaccine certificates:
 
 
The Province noted that some individuals are obtaining affidavits to show they are exempt from vaccination. Vaccinations are not mandatory in Saskatchewan and individuals may refuse to be vaccinated, therefore legal affidavits are not required and will not provide an exemption.  If a proof of vaccination is not provided, proof of a negative COVID-19 test must be presented to access a designated business.
 
Proof of Negative Test
 
Individuals who do not have proof of vaccination have the option of providing proof of a negative COVID-19 rapid antigen or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result from within the previous 72 hours. This test is to be done at the expense of the individual; a list of locations and labs offering testing services is available here. Self-administered take-home rapid antigen tests (e.g. pictures of negative tests) will not be accepted as valid proof of negative COVID-19 test results.
 
ID Required
 
In addition to the proof of vaccination, photo ID will be required from anyone 18 and older. Youth aged 12-17 will also need to show ID unless accompanied by an adult with proof of vaccination and ID. Youth aged 12 to 17, visiting a business without an adult, who do not have photo ID will be allowed to present other forms of government issued ID such as birth certificate or health services card.
 
Applicable City of Saskatoon Facilities 
 
LEISURE CENTRES
 
The City has reviewed the Provincial announcement and determined, based on the inclusion of "indoor fitness centres and gyms", that proof of vaccination or negative test is required to access all dryland areas within City of Saskatoon Leisure Centres (Cosmo Civic Centre, Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre, Lakewood and Lawson Civic Centres, Saskatoon Field House and Shaw Centre), including:
  • Fitness & Weight Rooms
  • Gymnasiums
  • Sport Courts and Tracks
  • Land Fitness Classes
  • Meeting & Multi-Purpose Rooms
Aquatic areas and programs are exempt at this time.
 
As of October 1, only those customers and visitors over the age of 12 who are accessing these areas will need to provide their ID and proof of vaccination or negative test upon arrival at the facility each visit. Customers and visitors should plan for extra time during their visits to allow for this additional step.
 
Also, in keeping with the September 22 Provincial Public Health Order, individuals 18 years of age and older and on-court officials do not require masks while participating in sports activities, for the duration of the sport or activity only, so long as they provide proof of vaccination or negative test. Individuals who are under the age of 18 years while participating in sports, for the duration of the sport only, are exempt from wearing masks.
 
The City will be working directly with impacted rental and user groups to assist them in implementing applicable requirements for their athletes, coaches and officials, and spectators for ticketed events, while using Leisure Centres. 
 
Otherwise, the City reminds the public that masks are required in Leisure Centres regardless of vaccination or testing status.
 
INDOOR ARENAS
 
Based on the current information available from the Province, the indoor arenas (ACT, Archibald, Cosmo, Gordie Howe Kinsmen, Lions) do not require proof of vaccination or negative test to access the facility. 
 
Masks are required at all times while visiting with exceptions. Individuals 18 years of age and older and on-ice officials do not require masks while participating in sports activities, for the duration of the sport or activity only, so long as they provide proof of vaccination or negative test. Individuals who are under the age of 18 years while participating in sports, for the duration of the sport only, are exempt from wearing masks.
 
The City will be working directly with impacted rental and user groups to assist them in implementing applicable requirements for their athletes, coaches and officials, and spectators for ticketed events, while using indoor arenas.
 
- - -
 
The City may not know all the details as of the October 1 targeted start date and it may take some time to finalize the details based on the information available from the Province. We please ask that everyone visiting these facilities be patient and kind with staff and other customers as we all work through this new requirement.

Sept. 30th marks first National Day for Truth & Reconciliation

September 29, 2021 - 4:26am

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September 30th marks the first annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in our country’s history. Previously, Sept. 30th has been recognized as Orange Shirt Day and wearing an orange shirt continues to be one way to acknowledge the day.

The federal government created this federal statutory holiday in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #80: “to honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.”

The City of Saskatoon will be observing the stat to demonstrate a commitment to reconciliation and so that employees may participate in events that promote healing and awareness and reflect on the residential school legacy.

Saskatoon City Mayor, Charlie Clark says: “This is a day for all Saskatonians and Canadians to take time to honour the strength and resilience of Survivors of residential schools. We acknowledge the pain that they, and their families, have carried for generations. And we recognize that this pain was brought on by government policy and the churches that ran the residential schools.”  

He continues: “In naming these truths on this day, we must recommit to building a future that overcomes the colonial thinking that allowed residential schools and policies to be established. Instead, we must create relationships and systems based on mutual respect where every person is valued to be who they were meant to be.”

In order to establish and maintain a mutually respectful relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) found that “there has to be awareness of the past, an acknowledgement of the harm that has been inflicted, atonement for the causes, and action to change behaviour.”

Melissa Cote, the City’s Director of Indigenous Initiatives says: “The impacts of residential schools are felt by generations of Indigenous families. This day is a day to honour all the children who went to residential school. We need to acknowledge that it's going to take generations to heal from the trauma and effects of residential schools. It will be hard work, but important and meaningful work that we all have the responsibility to carry out.” 

The City has been actively engaged – as a municipality, Co-Chair of Reconciliation Saskatoon, and through other community partnerships – in efforts to help raise awareness about the day and in providing opportunities to participate. This Community Calendar of Events hosted on the City website contains dozens of activities and initiatives that the City and other organizations have organized. Through its work with Reconciliation Saskatoon (City as Co-Chair), new reconciliation resources are being shared such as this Personal Commitment to Reconciliation and this Pathway for Moving Forward.

Saskatoon Transit buses and other City vehicles will be displaying orange t-shirt stencils this week. The City social media channels and website are being “painted orange”. City Hall, the Prairie Wind art installation and SaskTel Centre will light up orange Sept. 29-30. The flags on City-owned facilities will be lowered to half-mast to honour Survivors, those that never made it home, and the families impacted by residential schools.

Residential school Survivor John Merasty says this about Sept. 30th: “Don’t stay at home. We need to go out to the street on Orange Shirt Day. Maybe someone will be asking, why are you wearing this shirt and you can tell them why. The students should learn about Indian people and the struggles that they lived and they are continuing living today.”

Boychuk Drive closed between McKercher Drive and McMaster Crescent starting Friday

September 29, 2021 - 9:00am

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Boychuk Drive will be closed between McKercher Drive and McMaster Crescent starting Friday, October 1, at 8:00 a.m. for channelization installation work. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around this detour. This project is expected to take nine days to complete, barring any unforeseen circumstances or weather delays.           

Saskatoon Transit may be affected by these detours. Transit service alerts and real-time bus information is available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit on desktop.                                       

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

Daily Road Report, September 29, 2021

September 28, 2021 - 3:00pm

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*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only. 
 
NEW 
 
CONFEDERATION DR NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM CONFEDERATION CRES TO BORDEN PL 
(Valve repair) 
Start: September 29, 8:00 a.m. End: September 30, 5:00 p.m. 
 
IDYLWYLD DR N NB CURB LANE CLOSED AT 37TH ST W 
(Cable fault repair) 
Start: September 29, 9:00 a.m. End: September 29, 3:00 p.m. 
 
20TH ST W EB & WB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM AVE F S TO AVE G S 
(Patching) 
Start: September 29, 9:00 a.m. End: September 29, 3:00 p.m. 
 
IDYLWYLD DR N NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED AT CIRCLE DR E 
(Minor bridge maintenance) 
Start: September 29, 9:00 a.m. End: October 1, 3:00 p.m. 
 
ONGOING 
 
51ST ST E EB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM WENTZ AVE TO CLEVELAND AVE 
(Pole replacements) 
Start: September 28, 9:00 a.m. End: September 29, 4:00 p.m. 
 
8TH ST E INTERSECTION CLOSED NEW MCORMOND DR 
(Construction) 
Start: April 26, 7:00 a.m. End: September 30, 7:00 a.m. 
 
33RD ST W WB CURB LANE; SB RIGHT TURN LANE; & NB LEFT TURN LANE CLOSED AT CONFEDERATION DR 
(Intersection improvements) 
Start: September 27, 7:00 a.m. End: September 30, 7:00 a.m. 
 
IDYLWYLD DR N SB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 29TH ST W TO 27TH ST W 
(Water main work) 
Start: September 27, 9:00 a.m. End: September 30, 5:00 p.m. 
 
RUTH ST W WB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM LORNE AVE TO ST GEORGE AVE 
(Water main lining) 
Start: September 13, 7:00 a.m. End: October 1, 5:00 p.m. 
 
BROADWAY AVE SB LANES CLOSED FROM ISABELLA ST E TO HILLIARD ST E 
(Sidewalk repair) 
Start: September 22, 7:00 a.m. End: October 1, 6:00 p.m. 
 
RUTH ST E ROAD CLOSED FROM MCPHERSON AVE TO ROYAL AVE 
(Water main work) 
Start: August 16, 7:00 a.m. End: October 3, 4:00 p.m. 
 
CENTRAL AVE SB LANES CLOSED FROM 109TH ST W TO 107TH ST W    
(Streetscaping)           
Two-way traffic maintained in NB lanes          
Start: September 7, 7:00 a.m. End: October 5, 4:00 p.m. 
 
IDYLWYLD DR S NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM 8TH ST E TO SASKATCHEWAN CRES W 
(Median Barrier Replacements) 
Start: September 13, 7:00 a.m. End: October 6, 3:00 p.m. 
 
AVE H N ROAD CLOSED FROM 30TH ST W TO 33RD ST W 
(Water main work) 
Start: September 27, 7:00 a.m. End: October 8, 4:30 p.m. 
 
BRIGHTON BLVD CLOSED FROM 8TH ST TO BRIGHTON COMMON            
(Storm sewer work)            
Start: August 30, 9:00 a.m. End: October 4, 7:00 a.m. 
 
NELSON RD SOUTH SIDEWALK CLOSED FROM HEATH AVE TO HEAL AVE 
(Sidewalk closed) 
Start: September 16, 6:00 a.m. End: October 16, 6:00 p.m. 
 
14TH ST E WB PARKING LANE & CURB LANE: & CIRCLE DR NB RAMP CLOSED FROM CIRCLE DR E TO CARLETON DR 
(PWM repair) 
Start: September 27, 9:30 a.m. End: October 17, 4:00 p.m. 
 
NEAULT RD NB CLOSED FROM 22ND ST W TO 33RD ST W 
(Water main construction) 
Start: September 20, 10:00 a.m. End: October 25, 5:00 p.m. 
 
KENSINGTON GATE W ROAD CLOSED FROM NEAULT RD TO KENSINGTON LANE N 
(Water main work) 
Start: September 13, 7:00 a.m. End: October 25, 6:00 p.m. 
 
NEAULT RD NB & SB SPEED REDUCTION FROM 22ND ST W TO KENSINGTON GATE W      
(Water main work)      
Start: September 15, 9:00 a.m. End: October 26, 4:00 p.m. 

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

National Day for Truth & Reconciliation Free Swim

September 28, 2021 - 2:30pm

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On National Day for Truth & Reconciliation the City of Saskatoon will show support and honour residential school survivors, their families, and those who never made it home by hosting a free public swim event at Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre ( on Thursday, September 30 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. All residents are welcome to attend.

This event is part of the City’s commitment to advance its learning journey through creative programming and by responding to TRC Calls to Action #66 on youth programming and #89 on creating health and well-being opportunities by reducing barriers to sports participation. 

To learn about other events being held to recognize and commemorate the legacy of residential schools, click here.

Please note, masks are required inside Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre, except while in the water.

Extreme snowstorm response plan approved by City Council

September 28, 2021 - 9:00am

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The City’s winter roads emergency response plan was approved by City Council on Monday, September 27. With this response plan in place, extra staffing and contractor resources would be activated to restore mobility after a blizzard with an accumulated snow fall of at least 25 centimetres and reduced mobility to the point that light vehicles cannot travel on city streets. This plan was developed by the Administration after 30-40 centimetres of snow fell in November 2020, which required day and night city-wide snow grading and removal to restore mobility and safety in the city.

“We have a fine-tuned response plan for snowstorms that we scale up for the handful of times each year when more than 5 centimetres of snow accumulates,” says Goran Saric, Director of Roadways, Fleet & Support. “And now, this plan is a more robust, multi-agency strategy for a future extreme event like we saw in November, allowing us to respond faster and more efficiently city-wide.”

The response plan was developed using lessons learned from the November 2020 blizzard and examples from other winter cities, with input from other agencies and stakeholders to ensure it follows an approach that works for the whole community.

Residents should have an emergency plan too. “Residents should always have a 72-hour emergency plan for any emergency event.  You should be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for a minimum of 72 hours (about 3 days),” says Pamela Goulden-McLeod, Director of Emergency Planning. “It could take that long for emergency services to reach you in a city-wide emergency at any time of year.”

The City’s previous extreme blizzard was in 2007 when 36 centimetres of snow fell in one day. Projections using 30 years of historical data for Saskatoon estimate this type of blizzard may occur again in 10 to 14 years. As the frequency and severity of inclement weather is predicted to increase with climate change, the frequency of future extreme snow events may be higher (e.g., 1 occurrence every 7 years).

More information and education about the response plan will be available this winter. For more information about the City’s regular winter operations, visit saskatoon.ca/snow.