News Releases
Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
City announces new General Manager of Community Services
July 3, 2024 - 11:30am
The City of Saskatoon is pleased to announce Celene Anger as the City’s new General Manager of Community Services. Ms. Anger will begin her new role on July 15, 2024, replacing outgoing General Manager Lynne Lacroix whose retirement was announced earlier this year.
“Celene is an experienced leader with a passion for innovation, strategic thinking and relationship building,” says City Manager, Jeff Jorgenson. “She has demonstrated collaborative and values-based leadership throughout her career at the City and has a broad range of experience from overseeing major construction and design projects to leading several significant change and transformation projects across the organization. She is in a great position to oversee the important civic programs, services and infrastructure the Community Services division provides to the community.”
Celene’s extensive career at the City spans over a decade in various roles of increasing responsibility and leadership. In 2013, she first joined the City as a Project Engineer, later becoming Director of Construction and Design from 2015 to 2019 overseeing Broadway water, sewer and roadway rehabilitation and the first phases of Aspen Ridge and Kensington. After a short-term secondment as Chief Operating Officer at Remai Modern, Celene then joined the City’s executive leadership team as Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer in 2020.
“During her time as Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer, Celene has done a great job building a strong and effective team and leaves behind a solid foundation for the future growth and success of the Strategy and Transformation Division. And I have no doubt that she will continue to be successful in her new role with the exceptionally strong Community Services team”, said Jorgenson.
The City of Saskatoon congratulates Celene Anger on this new role, and we look forward to her continued contributions to making Saskatoon a great place to live, work, learn and play.
OCP and Zoning amendments approved by City Council in support of Housing Accelerator Fund
June 28, 2024 - 7:16pm
- Permitting up to four dwelling units per site in all residential zoning districts
- Permitting multiple unit dwellings in the Transit Development Area (approximately an 800m distance or 10-minute walk from Bus Rapid Transit Stations)
- Streamlining zoning regulations for Residential Care Homes (up to 15 people)
Following a discussion at the Public Hearing Meeting of City Council on June 27 and June 28, City Council approved amendments to the Official Community Plan (OCP) and Zoning Bylaw to meet the commitments under the Housing Accelerator Fund application.
The approved amendments include:
The decision was made after an 18-hr Public Hearing in which 66 residents verbally gave their feedback and 391 residents submitted a written statement.
"There is an urgent need to build more housing in our city," says Lesley Anderson, Director of Planning & Development. "These changes will not only accelerate housing projects but will also help address the immediate demand for affordable homes and lay the groundwork for more diverse housing options."
The Housing Accelerator Fund will provide the City of Saskatoon with $41.325 million to implement the initiatives outlined in the City’s Housing Action Plan, which includes 13 initiatives that enable a variety of housing forms and densities to meet the diverse needs of the community.
The City of Saskatoon has received a 25 per cent upfront advance to begin implementing the initiatives outlined in the Housing Action Plan. The remaining approved funding will be disbursed in installments annually over three years until 2026/27, provided the City continues to meet the terms and conditions of the agreement.
Ongoing updates will be provided at saskatoon.ca/HAF.
Local students create art to be displayed on Saskatoon Transit buses
June 25, 2024 - 11:15am
- Grade 3 Winner:
- Ada, Vera, Skylar, Samar and Juliette
- École Alvin Buckwold School
- Grade 7 Winner:
- Raowha
- Lakeridge School
Saskatoon Transit today unveiled two unique pieces of student artwork for its 5th annual Student Art Contest. These pieces celebrate the vibrance of youth using active transportation and will be displayed on transit buses around Saskatoon. This contest is aimed at students in grades 3 and 7, as public and active transportation is part of the learning plan for those grades.
"We are thrilled to partner with elementary schools on this project and extend a big thank you to all students who participated in this year's contest," says Cory Shrigley, Customer Support and Engagement Manager of Saskatoon Transit. "This artwork captures the spirit of active transportation and its role in our community. Students this summer should take great pride in seeing art created by their peers displayed on the side of Saskatoon Transit bus."
The winning pieces were based on their reflection of the "Active Transportation" theme. They highlighted the importance of integrated transportation modes such as public transit, cycling, walking, e-scooters, car sharing, taxis, carpooling, and ride-sharing.
“Our school division promotes active transportation and encourages mindful choices that support student well-being and our community,” says Jennifer Haywood, Superintendent of Education at Saskatoon Public Schools. “This contest aligns with our curriculum and Move to Grow campaign, advocating for active ways to commute to school.
“Congratulations to both schools for their creative artwork that brings these ideas to life in a beautiful visual, hopefully inspiring others to adopt healthier and more sustainable transportation habits.”
Each winning artwork will be prominently displayed on five Saskatoon Transit buses, totalling ten buses, throughout the city.
New Spadina Lift Station is complete and fully operating
June 18, 2024 - 2:00pm
A significant piece of Saskatoon infrastructure that would have required extensive modifications to continue operating has been replaced. Construction on a new Spadina Lift Station and force main, which moves approximately 60 per cent of Saskatoon’s wastewater from the sanitary sewer system to the H. McIvor Weir Waste Water Treatment Plant, has wrapped up and has been in service for about three months.
“The decision to construct a new lift station instead of modifying the existing one, which was built in the 1940s as a sewage disposal facility and repurposed as a lift station in the 1970s, made the most sense,” said Russ Munro, Director of Saskatoon Water. “The risk in modifying the old structure would have been significant and not feasible, both from an operational perspective and from a capital expenditure perspective.”
Collaborative funding efforts from both federal and provincial governments highlighted the recognition of the project's importance and its impact on the community's well-being. The Government of Canada provided $7.2 million toward the Spadina Lift Station project under the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Government of Saskatchewan provided close to $6 million. The City of Saskatoon invested $4.8 million to cover the remaining contribution.
“Reliable and sustainable water infrastructure contributes to the basics of a well-run city,” said the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, PrairiesCan and CanNor, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “Today’s completion of the new Spadina Lift Station ensures better wastewater management and well-being for the community into the future.”
“Today, we celebrate the completion of a facility that will have a lasting impact on future generations,” said the Honourable Don McMorris, Minister of Government Relations. “As our cities continue to expand, it is important that critical infrastructure meet both current and future demands. Our government is committed to strengthening our communities through vital projects like this, ensuring a brighter future for all.”
“Saskatoon has experienced tremendous population and neighbourhood growth in recent decades,” said Mayor Charlie Clark. “This upgrade to the Spadina Lift Station is critical for ensuring we have the continued capacity to move the majority of Saskatoon’s wastewater safely and efficiently to the Wastewater Treatment Plant. This will benefit both today’s residents and future generations. Thanks to the Federal and Provincial Governments as funding partners in maintaining and modernizing this important infrastructure for our city.”
A second building on the same site was completed in 2016 and serves as a bypass lift station whenever needed. To learn more about the critical role Saskatoon’s 26 lift stations play in helping get wastewater to the treatment plant, visit saskatoon.ca/liftstations.
City celebrates completion of McOrmond Drive Reservoir and Pump Station
June 18, 2024 - 2:00pm
The City of Saskatoon is celebrating the completion of the McOrmond Drive Reservoir and Pump Station. This milestone marks a significant achievement in ensuring a reliable supply of clean water to residents and businesses in the northeast part of the city. The facility has been in operation since March.
“As Saskatoon continues to grow, the McOrmond Drive Reservoir and Pump Station is an important addition to our water management system,” said Russ Munro, Director of Saskatoon Water. “With a capacity to store 43 million litres of treated water from the Water Treatment Plant, the reservoir ensures consistent water availability for Evergreen, Aspen Ridge and Willowgrove.”
The reservoir was approved for federal and provincial funding through the New Building Canada Fund. The project cost is $56,850,000 (Federal: $14,678,775; Provincial: $14,678,775; City: $27,492,450).
“Reliable and sustainable water infrastructure contributes to the basics of a well-run city,” said the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, PrairiesCan and CanNor, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “The completion of the McOrmond Drive Reservoir and Pump Station, with its capacity to store 43 million litres of treated water, will ensure consistent water availability and the continued well-being of residents in Evergreen, Aspen Ridge, and Willowgrove for years to come.”
“The Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to join the City of Saskatoon in recognizing the completion of this important project,” said the Honourable Don McMorris, Minister of Government Relations. “Together, we are investing in infrastructure that builds and protects this province. We are proud to support projects that help Saskatchewan grow and meet the needs of current and future residents.”
“As the city continues to face accelerated population growth, it is essential that residents have access to clean and safe water,” said Mayor Charlie Clark. “Adding the City’s fourth reservoir and a new pump station will deliver treated water to Saskatoon’s east-side neighbourhoods, helping the City prepare for the increasing demand from residents and businesses. Thank you to both the Provincial and Federal Governments in helping to support this critical infrastructure and the future growth of Saskatoon.”
In addition to enhancing the City's water distribution capabilities, the McOrmond Drive Reservoir and Pump Station is equipped with the most up-to-date pumping systems and controls. The water is stored in an underground concrete reservoir that is approximately six metres deep.
Saskatoon has three other reservoirs that help deliver water to nearby neighbourhoods: the 42nd Street Reservoir, the Avenue H Reservoir, and the Acadia Drive Reservoir. For more information about the McOrmond Drive Reservoir and Pump Station, please visit saskatoon.ca/reservoir.
Join the 2024 Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation on June 21: Let’s walk and heal together
June 17, 2024 - 2:00pm
- 10:00 a.m. Gather in Victoria Park
- 10:30 -11:30 a.m. Reconciliation Walk along the river
- 11:30 -11:45 a.m. Walk ends in Victoria Park at Reconciliation Circle (near the Lions skate park)
Reconciliation Saskatoon invites everyone in the community to join the 2024 Rock Your Roots: Walk for Reconciliation on June 21 — National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Event Details:
Friday, June 21
10:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Victoria Park
After the walk, the Saskatoon Indian Métis Friendship Centre will host a free lunch, a program and activities in the park.
This walk brings the community together to honour the truth of the Residential schools and those who survived them, as well as demonstrate our collective commitment to reconciliation.
“I had a dream of walking for Residential School Survivors that didn’t have a voice,” says Jamie Fiddler, Residential School Survivor. “This Rock Your Roots walk is a covenant of truth or ‘tāpwēwin’ and reconciliation or ‘miyo-wâhkôhtowin.’ As we are one family, we walk and heal together, going into the future.”
Participants of the walk are invited to “Rock Your Roots” by wearing orange or contemporary/cultural regalia, or carrying signs that celebrate their heritage. Knowledge Keepers will start the day with a ceremony. Residential School Survivors will be honoured by leading the walk. Along the route, an international cast of singers, dancers, and musicians will celebrate the diverse cultures of Saskatoon.
This year, organizers have several initiatives to reduce waste at the event through their Mother Earth team. They encourage participants to bring their own water bottle, waste free snacks, and throw compostables and recyclable items in the right bins.
Reconciliation Saskatoon recognizes the incredible support of Community Investors that make this walk possible. For the full list of supporters and all event details, visit: www.ReconciliationSaskatoon.com/rock-your-roots
Rock Your Roots is organized by Reconciliation Saskatoon, which is co-chaired by the City of Saskatoon. The intent of this event is to answer the TRC Calls to Action by demonstrating a commitment to Reconciliation, honouring Residential School Survivors, and continuing work towards an inclusive community. The walk has been an annual one in Saskatoon since 2016.
Saskatoon Transit frontline employee and customer safety initiatives
June 13, 2024 - 11:00am
- Streamlined process for reporting an incident to SPS to assist the incident investigation.
- Deployment of the Fire Community Support team to bus terminals and on bus routes with a higher number of reported incidents.
- Running a public marketing campaign featuring frontline employees from Saskatoon Transit to increase the profile of bus operators in the community.
- Developing a process to ban a problem customer from Saskatoon Transit buses and facilities.
- Exploring the feasibility of installing CCTV cameras at the Downtown and Confederation Mall terminals.
- Rolling out the new Workplace Violence Prevention Policy and updated Respectful and Harassment-free Workplace process and introducing the new Corporate Customer Conduct Standard.
- Developing and delivering new customer service and de-escalation training for frontline Saskatoon Transit employees.
- Enhanced mental health support for Saskatoon Transit employees.
- Advocating for tougher sentences under the Criminal Code for assaults against a Saskatoon Transit employee.
Every employee deserves to feel safe at work and Saskatoon Transit is actively taking measures to provide a safe environment for frontline employees and customers.
Saskatoon Transit is working with the Saskatoon Police Service (SPS), Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD), Amalgamated Transit Union Local 615 (ATU) and other community stakeholders to address concerns with transit bus and facility safety. This work is being done as part of a larger community safety strategy throughout our community that the City of Saskatoon, SPS and SFD are actively rolling out.
Bus operators, supervisors and customer service employees have been exposed to more aggressive and violent incidents this spring. Since the beginning of May, Saskatoon Transit has increased security patrols at the Downtown, Confederation Mall and Market Mall transit terminals along with additional supervisor ride-alongs with operators to have an increased uniformed presence on buses and at facilities.
Several other initiatives are underway as part of the Saskatoon Transit Frontline Employee Safety Plan to improve safety on buses and at terminals for employees and riders. The plan will enhance security, improve internal processes, expand employee training, augment mental health support for employees following an incident, strengthen coordination with emergency services and build a stronger culture of safety at Saskatoon Transit. Initiatives include:
Saskatoon Transit will continue to protect its employees and customers through these new initiatives and by working closely with SPS, SFD, ATU and other community stakeholders on the "One City" approach to Community Safety and Wellbeing strategy.
In addition to these new initiatives, all buses have a protective operator barrier and CCTV cameras with visible signage to inform passengers that their actions are being recorded.
City of Saskatoon enhances accessibility with touchless pedestrian signals
June 11, 2024 - 9:30am
The City of Saskatoon (City) has upgraded 20 Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) in and around Downtown to Touchless Accessible Pedestrian Signals.
This initiative, made possible through funding from the Government of Canada's Canada Healthy Communities Initiative, marks a pivotal step in the city's commitment to ensuring accessibility and safety for all residents. The Canada Healthy Communities Initiative was established to fund small-scale infrastructure projects to create safer, more vibrant and inclusive communities.
"This initiative underscores our dedication to fostering an inclusive and safe city for all residents," says Jay Magus, Director Transportation. “The City remains committed to ongoing programs that retrofit older intersections with APS devices, meaning accessibility measures are consistently prioritized.”
APS devices play a crucial role in aiding pedestrians with visual and/or hearing challenges by providing vital auditory and vibration cues, enabling safe street crossings. These signals employ distinctive auditory sounds— a "cuckoo" for north/south and a "chirp" for east/west directions, supplemented by voice messages at select intersections.
Many traffic signals Downtown have automatic walk lights; however, pedestrians were required to press the button to activate the auditory cues. With Touchless APS, the audibles can be activated by waving your hand in front of the push button. Pedestrians can still press the button, which includes a vibrating arrow.
This comprehensive approach reflects Saskatoon's dedication to creating an inclusive urban environment where everyone can navigate streets safely and independently.
More information about Accessible Pedestrian Signals can be found at saskatoon.ca/pedestriansafety.
Two zebras embark on new adventure
June 4, 2024 - 12:30pm
Two of the five zebras from the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (one gelding and one female) are embarking on an adventure as they settle into their new home at Magnetic Hill Zoo in Moncton, New Brunswick.
Koffee and LeeLoo have been paired separately from the rest of the herd since last fall due to a medical issue. The two have since become a bonded pair and a decision was made not to reintroduce them to the other herd.
“Zebra males can become very territorial, especially within a herd setting,” says Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager. “While we are sad to see Koffee and LeeLoo go, we are confident the decision to relocate the pair to another CAZA accredited facility is the best outcome for the zebras”.
All required permits, veterinary check and documentation were completed prior to the transfer. The zebras were transferred by a licensed, approved animal transport company and arrived safely in Moncton earlier this week.
Marty, Misty and Shadow have become a cohesive trio and will remain at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo. The Zoo has also completed the expansion of the zebras’ winter habitat by adding almost 900 square feet of indoor space for the gelding and two females to enjoy. The expansion was fully funded by the Province of Saskatchewan and provides ample space for the zebras to enjoy during the winter months.
A reminder, the Zoo will close at 1 p.m. on Friday, June 7 for the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation’s annual fundraising event ZOOGALA. The Zoo will reopen Saturday, June 8, at 9 a.m. The Forestry Farm Park will remain open for regular hours of operation.
Visit saskatoon.ca/zoo to plan your next visit or learn more about the Zoo Season Pass.
City-wide Green Cart program helps improve waste diversion rate by nearly 10 per cent in first year of operation
May 29, 2024 - 4:24pm
The City of Saskatoon is proud to announce the successful completion of the first year of its city-wide curbside organics program. Since its launch in May 2023, the Green Cart program has contributed to a notable increase in the City’s waste diversion rate, which has risen from 23.5 per cent to 33.3 per cent. This is the first significant increase in a decade, highlighting the program’s impact on the City’s waste diversion efforts.
“We are incredibly pleased with the community's response to the Green Cart program and the substantial increase in our diversion rates,” says Brendan Lemke, Director of Water & Waste Operations. “Moving forward, we will continue to refine and improve the program, which includes a proposal to adjust collection frequencies to better meet seasonal needs and address the remaining diversion potential in black carts.”
On Tuesday, June 4, Council’s Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services (EU&CS) will hear details of the Green Cart program's performance.
The Solid Waste Reduction and Diversion Plan projected that the annual diversion from green carts would be between 15,000 and 22,000 tonnes per year. Since program launch, more than 20,452 tonnes of organic waste have successfully been diverted from the landfill. Diverting organics from landfill reduces Greenhouse Gas emissions. The Green Cart program avoided 13,374 tonnes of CO2e that would have been released as methane gas if the same materials were landfilled. This is the equivalent of removing 2,972 passenger cars from the roadway.
There is still opportunity to increase the City’s diversion rates; however. Recent waste characterization audits reveal that the average black cart still contains approximately 33 per cent organic material. The City will continue its education campaigns to improve green cart use, ensuring residents are well-informed about the benefits and proper practices of organic waste diversion.
There were also noted seasonal variations in the program's performance. During winter months, set-out rates and the amount of collected organic waste were significantly lower.
To optimize efficiency and service delivery, Administration is recommending a reduction in the winter collection frequency to once every four weeks between December 1 and March 31 each year. This option is expected to provide savings of $162,000 annually and the adjustment in service could begin December 2024. No change in collection frequency during the spring/summer/fall season is being recommended at this time.
To learn more about the Green Cart program, visit saskatoon.ca/greencart.