News Releases
Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
Saskatoon Fire Department urges caution around bodies of water
November 24, 2023 - 11:50am
- Call 911 immediately to report the incident, noting details about the individual, time, and situation.
- Keep track of recognizable landmarks around the area where the individual was first seen in distress in the water.
- Coach the individual from the shore edge. Tell them to stay calm, keep their head above water, and move with the current to work their way to the shore edge.
- Do not try to rescue the person. Attempting a rescue without the proper equipment can quickly lead to a second person in need of rescue.
The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) urges residents to prioritize safety and exercise caution around the river, storm ponds and other bodies of water. As the weather continues to sporadically warm and cool, ice conditions are constantly changing. Water may appear frozen, but it does not mean it is safe.
Natural conditions of the river such as currents and unseen hazards make the ice on the river unstable and unpredictable. It is never safe to walk on the river’s ice. Keep a safe distance away from the river’s edge and be mindful to avoid slips and falls.
SFD monitors ice thickness at storm water retention ponds around the city to verify their safety and integrity for recreational use. The ice must reach a minimum thickness of at least eight inches to be considered safe for public recreational activities. Currently, none of Saskatoon’s storm ponds have reached this measurement. Residents are asked to remain off storm pond ice surfaces until signage indicates the pond is safe to use.
Residents are also reminded to keep a close watch on children and pets when visiting trails, parks, or off-leash areas that may run adjacent to any body of water.
If you witness someone in distress in the river:
For more information about river and water safety, visit saskatoon.ca/watersafety.
For more information about storm ponds, visit saskatoon.ca/ponds.
4th Avenue closed from 21st to 22nd streets on Sunday
November 24, 2023 - 8:00am
4th Avenue from 21st to 22nd streets will be closed for a crane lift on Sunday, November 26, starting at 7:00 a.m. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone. This project is expected to take one 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.
Circle Drive southbound offramps to Confederation Drive and 22nd Street closed on Sunday
November 24, 2023 - 6:00am
The Circle Drive southbound offramps to Confederation Drive and 22nd Street will be closed for streetlight pole replacements on Sunday, November 26, starting at 7:00 a.m. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone. This project is expected to take one 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.
Council boosts potential city-wide housing opportunities following Housing Accelerator Fund approvals
November 23, 2023 - 4:00pm
-
Propose a zoning bylaw amendment that aligns with the HAF requirements to allow up to four residential units on a property in a residential zoning district and as long as development standard and conditions such as the lot size, sewer and water infrastructure can accommodate it, with a report back to a Public Hearing in the first quarter of 2024;
-
Propose a zoning bylaw amendment that would permit four storey multiple-unit development within 800 metres of the bus rapid transit system corridors, with appropriate development standards, including servicing capacity and report back to a Public Hearing in the second quarter of 2024;
-
Propose a zoning bylaw amendment that removes parking requirements from areas that are within the defined Corridor Areas and report back to a Public Hearing in the first quarter of 2024; and, that this motion be forwarded to the Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services, as part of the ‘Options for Review of Minimum Parking Regulations’ being considered at the December 6, 2023 meeting; and
-
Work with the University of Saskatchewan to increase density and create opportunities for student housing in the College Quarter.
In addition, Council has requested that Administration report back on options to protect the character of neighbourhoods, in time for the public hearing in the second quarter of 2024.
City Council today took the first steps toward more housing opportunities to encourage greater density near transit corridors. During a continuation of City Council’s Regular Business Meeting November 23, 2023, motions were approved to support Saskatoon’s application to the federal Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF). The City will now provide a formal response confirming the amendments to the federal government.
“This is a generational shift in what housing looks like, More people will have access to stable and affordable housing, with walkable services and access to public transit and active transportation opportunities.” says Lesley Anderson, Director of Planning and Development. “The City had already started working on accommodating more people living in these areas years ago through its Corridor Planning Program, which is looking at how to make Saskatoon’s major transportation corridors into livable places. The HAF program is an extension of this, not a complete shift in the work we have already been doing.”
With approval of these amendments, Council has directed the Administration to:
“Not just Saskatoon, but major cities across Canada, have been negotiating Housing Accelerator Fund applications with the federal government to help address housing affordability and access,” says Anderson. “Approval of our application could potentially provide tens of millions of dollars to increase the city’s housing supply, including affordable housing with a focus on the areas of Saskatoon near transit corridors.”
Following the federal government’s receipt of the City’s formal response, finalization of the contribution agreement and a formal public announcement will be planned, along with more detailed next steps including plans for public consultation.
Daily Road Report - November 24, 2023
November 23, 2023 - 3:00pm
*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.
NEW
COLLEGE DR WB MEDIAN & CENTER LANES CLOSED AT BOTTOMLEY RD
(CCTV inspection)
Start: November 24, 9:00 a.m. End: November 24, 3:00 p.m.
ONGOING
22ND ST E EB CURB & CENTER LANE CLOSED FROM AUDITORIUM AVE TO 1ST AVE S
(Vault repairs)
Start: September 11, 7:00 a.m. End: November 30, 4:00 p.m.
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.