News Releases
Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
Spadina Crescent and 2nd Avenue roundabout closed on Monday
December 8, 2023 - 10:00am
The southbound lanes of the Spadina Crescent and 2nd Avenue roundabout will be closed for a menorah installment on Monday, December 11, starting at 10:30 a.m. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone. This project is expected to take half a day to complete, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.
Saskatoon Transit may be affected by these detours. Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are 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.
Special event bus service to SaskTel Centre this weekend
December 8, 2023 - 8:00am
- 5:45 p.m.
- 6:25 p.m.
- 5:45 p.m.
- 6:25 p.m.
- 2:45 p.m.
- 3:25 p.m.
Direct service from the Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to see the Saskatoon Blades take on the Red Deer Rebels at SaskTel Centre TONIGHT, December 8 at 7:00 p.m., is available at the following times:
Direct service from the Special Events Stop to see the Saskatchewan Rush take on the Rochester Knighthawks on Saturday, December 9 at 7:00 p.m., is available at the following times:
Direct service from the Special Events Stop to see the Saskatoon Blades take on the Calgary Hitmen on Sunday, December 10 at 4 p.m., is available at the following times:
Post-event drop-off is the downtown terminal and regular fares apply ($3.00 per trip). Fare can be purchased on your mobile phone using either the TGo or Transit app, transfers and passes are also accepted.
Plan your trip to events at SaskTel Centre on Route 333 using the Transit app up to two weeks in advance. Check out the Transit+ feature that helps make connections that combine Transit with OnDemand Transit, riide, and Uber. Download the Transit app from the Apple Store or Google Play.
Transit service times for special events at SaskTel Centre and other popular destinations can always be found at SaskatoonTransit.ca/plan-my-trip/popular-destinations. Experience the convenience of using Saskatoon Transit to attend all your favourite events.
Roadways crews work around the clock to address icy conditions caused by moisture and a drop in temperatures
December 8, 2023 - 6:45am
The City of Saskatoon encourages drivers and pedestrians to take their time today on roads and sidewalks after a day of rain, followed by the temperature dropping below zero overnight.
23 sanders were out overnight and continue today applying de-icing material as required on bridge decks, ramps and intersections, and focusing on high traffic roads beginning with Circle Drive and freeways.
Even with the use of salt, wind combined with extra moisture and freezing temperatures may cause slippery conditions during peak driving times, especially on bridges where ice particles may be in the air above the river. Sidewalks can be slippery as well.
Slow down and watch for blue and amber flashing lights on snow maintenance equipment. Remember to leave room, at least 15 meters (2.5 car lengths), for crews to work.
New timeline! Property owners/tax agents can now request 2024 Assessment value information before January 2024
December 7, 2023 - 4:05pm
- Confirmation of your property’s 2024 Assessed Value
- 2024 Property Valuation Cards or Field Sheets
- Explanation of changes if there are any
- A copy of your 2024 Assessment Notice (will be available beginning January 2, 2024)
- An estimate of your 2024 Property Taxes (the Provincial Education Budget will not be finalized until April 2024)
- Assessment from the previous year,
- Tax status, or
- Ownership.
There is a new, earlier timeline for property owners and tax agents who wish to discuss and/or request information regarding 2024 Assessment Values.
“In prior years, property owners and tax agents would need to wait until the start of the new year to confirm their property’s 2024 Assessed Value,” says Bryce Trew, City Assessor. “We’re here to help property owners throughout December, prior to the opening of the City of Saskatoon’s Assessment Roll (a listing of all property assessments in Saskatoon open for public inspection) and the 30-Day Assessment Review and Appeal Period, open January 2 – February 5, 2024.”
Property owners and tax agents may now request the following throughout December 2023:
Please note, the City Assessor’s Office is unable to provide the following in December:
Starting January 2, 2024, the City of Saskatoon will only mail new 2024 Assessment Notices to property owners, who since January 1, 2023, had a change to their:
“I encourage property owners to review our informative Guide to 2024 Assessment Notices, it provides additional details on the 30-Day Assessment Review and Appeal Period, how to change your school division tax support, important dates for property owners in 2024 and more,” adds Trew.
Consider discussing assessment-related questions related to your property with an assessor this December - before the opening of the 30-Day Assessment Review and Appeal Period (January 2 – February 5, 2024). Most often, your assessment questions can be resolved, helping you to avoid the need to file a formal assessment appeal with required fees.
Email assessmentsubmit@saskatoon.ca or call 306-975-3227. We’re here to help.
Visit saskatoon.ca/assessment for more information.
City hosts ceremony to mark historic installation of first miyo-wâhkôhtowin Road signs
December 7, 2023 - 3:03pm
The City hosted a ceremony at wâhkôhtowin School to mark the historic installation of the first miyo-wâhkôhtowin Road signs today. John A. Macdonald Road has been renamed miyo (good) wâhkôhtowin (relationship) - pronounced mee-yo wah-KOH-toh-win - as part of the City’s response to the TRC Calls to Action. The renaming of this road recognizes the ongoing harm presented by its former name and a commitment to right past wrongs. John A. Macdonald, Canada’s first prime minister, played a significant role in the development of Canada’s Indian residential school system.
“This is a pivotal moment in our city’s history,” says City of Saskatoon Mayor, Charlie Clark. “The name miyo-wâhkôhtowin reflects the intention and act of reconciliation, including in the thoughtful and difficult process that brought together members of the community and people who continue to be impacted by residential schools and the legacy of John A. Macdonald. I am proud to live in a city that is committed to this work. The city will also continue to support the residents who live on the road to streamline the steps needed to adapt to this change.”
Today’s ceremony began with a smudging ceremony that incorporated a miyo-wâhkôhtowin Road sign. During the program, Elder Roland Duquette provided a teaching on the Cree name miyo-wâhkôhtowin, which he said signified a new day of good relationships to bring residents of the community together.
Attendees at today’s ceremony were invited to witness the installation of one of the first new roads signs at the corner of miyo-wâhkôhtowin Road (formerly John A. Macdonald Road) and Dominion Crescent. Cultural performances were shared by Mii Taant leur Plaas – Saskatoon Public Schools in partnership with Métis Nation–Saskatchewan, and the wâhkôhtowin School Singers.
Significant work took place as part of this renaming process including consultation with Indigenous leaders, Residential School Survivors, Elders and Knowledge Keepers, community residents, youth, and others impacted by residential schools and the legacy of John A. Macdonald. Learn more at saskatoon.ca/engage/renaming.
Daily Road Report - December 8, 2023
December 7, 2023 - 3:00pm
*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.
NEW
BROADWAY AVE ROAD CLOSED FROM MAPLE ST E TO ISABELLA ST E
(Water main valve replacement)
Start: December 8, 8:00 a.m. End: December 8, 4:30 p.m.
FAITHFULL AVE ROAD CLOSED FROM 43RD ST E TO 45TH ST E
(Hydrovaccing)
Start: December 8, 9:00 a.m. End: December 8, 2:00 p.m.
COLLEGE DR WB LEFT TURN BAY CLOSED AT WIGGINS AVE N
(Storm sewer inspection)
Start: December 8, 9:00 p.m. End: December 9, 5:00 a.m.
COLLEGE DR EB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM WIGGINS AVE N TO BOTTOMLEY AVE N
(Storm sewer inspection)
Start: December 8, 9:00 p.m. End: December 9, 5:00 a.m.
ONGOING
TAYLOR ST ROAD CLOSED FROM SALISBURY DR TO MADDEN AVE
(Hydrant repairs)
Start: December 5, 1:00 p.m. End: TBD
NEAULT RD ROAD CLOSED FROM 22ND ST W TO WHELAN RD
(Construction)
Start: July 24, 7:00 a.m. End: December 15, 4:00 p.m.
BRIGHTON BLVD ROAD CLOSED FROM TASKAMANWA ST TO 8TH ST E
(Construction)
Use McOrmond Dr to 8th St
Start: November 20, 7:00 a.m. End: November 18, 2024
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.
Construction finishes up on the City’s third Flood Control Strategy project
December 7, 2023 - 9:00am
Construction has wrapped up in Weaver Park where crews had been working since February on the City of Saskatoon’s (City) third Flood Control Strategy (FCS) project. The playground has reopened, but the new dry storm pond will remain fenced off until fall 2024 to allow the new sod and trees time to establish.
“During intense summer storms, rainwater would pool and cause significant flooding around Cascade Street, Dufferin Avenue and Bute Street intersections,” says Russ Munro, Director of Saskatoon Water. “Now, the water will flow through an upgraded storm sewer system and into the new pond. The pond temporarily stores the water which eventually drains back through the underground pipe system and into the South Saskatchewan River. Outside of major rain events, the pond is dry and enjoyed as recreation and green space.”
The FCS was approved by City Council in 2018 and is aimed at reducing flooding in nine of Saskatoon’s most flood prone areas. Dry storm ponds have since been built in W.W. Ashley Park and Churchill Park, and construction on the City’s fourth FCS project will begin in Brevoort Park South in early 2024.
Prior to the establishment of the FCS, Saskatoon already had nine dry storm ponds, mostly in neighbourhoods built after 1989 when enhanced storm water infrastructure standards were established.
The Government of Canada is contributing 40% of the eligible construction costs up to a maximum of $21.6 million toward nine FCS projects. The City is funding the remaining construction costs through the Storm Water Utility Capital Program and revenue generated from storm water utility charges.
For more information about the FCS, visit saskatoon.ca/floodplan.
Enhancing Safety with New Traffic Signals & Pedestrian Devices in Saskatoon
December 7, 2023 - 7:00am
The City of Saskatoon has implemented enhancements to bolster safety at various intersections in 2023 throughout the city.
The installation of traffic signals and pedestrian devices aims to improve transportation safety while ensuring reliable travel for everyone, whether they are walking, riding a bike, riding a bus, or driving a car. The City remains committed to creating safe and accessible streets for all.
Traffic Signals Installed in 2023:
Lowe Road & Nelson Road
McOrmond Drive & Brighton Common
Pedestrian Crossing Devices Installed in 2023:
22nd Street & Avenue V – Pedestrian Actuated Signal
Millar Avenue & 60th Street – Active Pedestrian Corridor
Millar Avenue & 64th Street – Active Pedestrian Corridor
33rd Street & Avenue G - Active Pedestrian Corridor
Lorne Avenue & Isabella Street - Active Pedestrian Corridor
Broadway Avenue & 3rd Street - Active Pedestrian Corridor
Broadway Avenue & 6th Street - Active Pedestrian Corridor
Stonebridge Common & Laycock Crescent - Active Pedestrian Corridor
Nelson Road & Heal Avenue – Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon
Stonebridge Common & Snell Crescent - Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon
The pedestrian actuated signal at 22nd Street & Avenue V received funding from the Provincial Traffic Safety Fund Grant program, emphasizing the collaborative effort to enhance pedestrian safety.
Provincial Traffic Safety Fund Grants are awarded to communities twice a year. The City will continue submitting funding applications to improve safety at other intersections and school zones throughout Saskatoon.
For more information on pedestrian safety in Saskatoon visit saskatoon.ca/pedestriansafety
Faithfull Avenue closed from 43rd to 45th streets on Friday
December 7, 2023 - 6:00am
Faithfull Avenue will be closed from 43rd to 45th streets for hydrovaccing on Friday, December 8, starting at 9:00 a.m. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone. This project is expected to take half a day to complete, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.
Saskatoon Transit may be affected by these detours. Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are 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 releases third-quarter financial forecast, $3.0 million surplus highlighted
December 6, 2023 - 4:29pm
- approximately $800,000 in savings from reduced training investments;
- $3.1 million savings from deferred hiring; and
- $1.2 million in savings from office, maintenance or other expenditure deferrals.
- Relatively minor snow events in 2023 compared with typical years resulted in a projected $3.3 million surplus in the City’s snow and ice management program;
- Higher than anticipated interest rate environment has resulted in $1.5 million in additional investment income;
- Closure of Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre has contributed to an overall surplus for Leisure Centres of $1.7 million; and
- Significant increases to Transit and Access Transit revenues and a quicker return to pre-pandemic ridership resulting in $3.2 million in higher than budgeted revenues.
Based on the City’s third quarter (Q3) forecast, City Administration estimates at the end of this fiscal year, the 2023 Operating Budget will have a surplus of $3.0 million. In addition, the City’s Utilities are expected to realize a $10.9 million surplus.
“The City has benefitted from our intentional efforts to achieve year-over-year savings, along with several favourable external factors - both have contributed to the City’s projected $3.0 million surplus,” says Kari Smith, Director of Finance.
With intentional effort, the Administration put in place discretionary hiring and spending freezes, with approximately $5.1 million in savings expected due to:
“While these initiatives have led to savings in 2023, if the City continues with this approach year after year, this may lead to longer-term impacts such as higher future costs of maintenance, and staff training falling significantly behind” adds Smith.
The favourable external factors contributing to the City’s projected Q3 surplus include:
The favourable variance between the intentional efforts and favorable circumstances detailed above have been used to offset the City’s $5.7 million in targeted annual savings as well as additional base budget challenges such as $3.0 million in Information Technology, and $1.1 million in Facilities Management.
The projected surplus of $3.0 million in 2023 is still preliminary and welcome news but, it is important to note that many of the external factors experienced in 2023 may not continue in future years. This highlights the importance of establishing the recently approved 2024/2025 Budget as sustainable - and with adequately funded service levels for the next two years.
Each year, City of Saskatoon Administration provides mid-year, third quarter and year-end reports to City Council on the fiscal performance of the City’s Business Plan and Budgets. The objective is to keep City Council and residents informed on expenditure and revenue variances from the budget estimates as the fiscal year progresses.
Visit saskatoon.ca/budget for more information.