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Council seeks public input on arena/event centre locations: artistic illustrations revealed
August 29, 2022 - 9:15am
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Site A – Midtown Shopping Centre North Parking Lot
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Site B – North Downtown/City Yards
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A representative sample survey (that includes a telephone and online panel survey) for Saskatoon residents.
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An opt-in online public survey (Saskatoon residents, as well as those from other communities, can self-select to participate);
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An opt-in survey for local businesses and organizations; and
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Intercept surveys to hear from residents across Saskatoon.
With artistic illustrations revealed Monday, the public has its first look at what a future event centre/arena could look like at either of two potential Downtown locations and now City Council wants to hear from residents, businesses and other community partners on the opportunities and challenges of those two potential sites.
“We have a chance to make decisions that will shape the downtown and the city for the next 50 years and beyond,” says Mayor Charlie Clark.
“The illustrations give people an idea of what the District could look like and how exciting and dynamic this will be. A lot of the design detail will still need to be worked out ultimately by architects, partners, and working with the community. These are simply possible concepts.”
Council approved at its August 29 meeting a report outlining a detailed technical study of potential Downtown locations for a new event centre/arena, which will become one of the key anchors of the future Downtown Event & Entertainment District.
Artistic illustrations of the two potential sites presented at the meeting are now available on the City website at saskatoon.ca/eventdistrict.
Five different site options for the Downtown event centre/arena were initially studied to determine if they were a suitable size for a modern event facility, with a capacity comparable to the existing SaskTel Centre. Sites determined to be too small were eliminated from further consideration, while the remaining sites were ranked in accordance with nine evaluation criteria. After thoroughly studying the evaluation criteria, two sites are considered viable options:
Council also approved an engagement plan which will start this week. Public engagement on the two locations was not possible until the Midtown north parking lot was available following lengthy real estate discussions.
“This was probably the most complex land negotiations in the City’s history,” says Dan Willems, Director of Technical Services. “Engaging prior to the conclusion of negotiations would have significantly reduced the opportunity for the City to secure conditional purchase agreements within a competitive market price range.”
From August 30 to October 3 the City will seek public input in several ways:
August 30 to September 5:
September 13 to October 3:
This engagement method reflects the “consult level” of the International Association for Public Participation using a qualitative approach. Results will be shared publicly and presented to City Council in November to be considered as part of the final decision on the location for the future event centre/arena site.
The event centre/arena site and surrounding area, will be developed as a shared public space where everyone feels comfortable and welcome. Coupled with a convention centre, it will act as an anchor for the rest of the District development. The future Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system will connect the District to the entire city, boosting revitalization of the Downtown.
The District will also be a destination and gathering place for all of Saskatchewan and beyond.
"We already know that many more people travel from outside Saskatoon for concerts and events, and we want to continue to offer those events and opportunities for all of us to enjoy well into the future,” says Councillor Troy Davies, co-chair, Downtown Event & Entertainment District Advisory Group. “This will be a game changer for Saskatoon and the province -- we are building this facility for our kids and grandkids.”
By offering residents and visitors a gathering place for entertainment and events, with a variety of restaurants, venues, shopping and nightlife, Saskatoon’s Downtown will become an economic driver for the city and the province.
The creation of a successful District will have significant benefits for Saskatoon — a new Downtown event centre/arena, a new or enhanced convention centre, and the future BRT are the key public infrastructure investments that will drive further investment in the Downtown area, Saskatoon, and Saskatchewan -- helping businesses attract the workforce and talent they demand.
Following further engagement and consultation with elders and community partners, the area would be developed sustainably with Indigenous placemaking a focus.
More information on The Journey to the District is available on saskatoon.ca/eventdistrict.
Report outlines arena/event centre locations & public engagement plan
August 24, 2022 - 9:14am
- Site A – Midtown Shopping Centre North Parking Lot
- Site B – North Downtown/City Yards
- A representative sample survey (that includes a telephone and online panel survey) for Saskatoon residents.
- An opt-in online public survey (Saskatoon residents, as well as those from other communities, can self-select to participate);
- An opt-in survey for local businesses and organizations; and
- Intercept surveys to hear from residents across Saskatoon.
If City Council approves a plan to consider two feasible sites for a future Downtown event centre/arena, the public will have the opportunity to provide feedback through a process of public engagement that would begin in the coming days.
A report will be presented to the August 29 meeting of City Council outlining a detailed technical study of potential Downtown locations for a new event centre/arena, which will become one of the key anchors of the future Downtown Event & Entertainment District.
Five different site options for the Downtown event centre/arena were initially studied to determine if they were a suitable size for a modern event facility, with a capacity comparable to the existing SaskTel Centre. Sites determined to be too small were eliminated from further consideration, while the remaining sites were ranked in accordance with nine evaluation criteria. After thoroughly studying the evaluation criteria, two sites are considered viable options:
Public engagement on the two locations was not possible until one of the sites was available following lengthy real estate discussions. The Council report includes an engagement plan for approval.
“Based on the technical criteria, the Midtown location is the highest scoring site and affirmed by two external consultants,” says Dan Willems, Director of Technical Services.
“The public engagement will be an opportunity to hear from residents, businesses and other community partners on the opportunities and challenges of both potential sites. The public feedback, along with the technical rankings, will give City Council the information it needs to make the final decision on the event centre/arena location.”
From August 30 to October 3 the City will seek public input in several ways:
August 30 to September 5:
September 13 to October 3:
This engagement method reflects the “consult level” of the International Association for Public Participation using a qualitative approach. Results will be shared publicly and presented to City Council in November to be considered as part of the final decision on the location for the future event centre/arena site.
“Since 2018, when City Council decided a future event centre/arena should be located Downtown, a lot of research, consideration and effort has gotten us to this point,” Willems says. “The goal evolved beyond the need for a new event centre/arena to envision a revitalized Downtown that is welcoming for everyone to work, play and live.”
The event centre/arena site, along with the convention centre, will act as an anchor for the rest of the District development. The future Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system will connect the District to the entire city, boosting revitalization of the Downtown area.
“The vision of an event and entertainment district is one of a shared public space where everyone feels comfortable and welcome,” he says.
The area would be developed sustainably with Indigenous placemaking a focus. By offering residents and visitors a gathering place for entertainment and events, with a variety of restaurants, venues, shopping and nightlife, Saskatoon’s Downtown will become an economic driver for the city and the province.
“The creation of a successful District will have significant benefits for Saskatoon — a new Downtown event centre/arena, a new or enhanced convention centre, and the future BRT are the key public infrastructure investments that will drive further investment in the Downtown area, in Saskatoon and in Saskatchewan.”
The report being considered by City Council can be found at saskatoon.ca/agendas. If approved, more information will be made available starting Tuesday, August 30 on saskatoon.ca/eventdistrict.
Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo celebrates 50 years
August 24, 2022 - 9:00am
On September 1, 1972, the City of Saskatoon completed a $160,000 renovation to expand the Sutherland Forest Nursery Station to include an animal park. Since then, a wide variety of exotic species and western Canadian animals have called the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo home.
“It’s pretty amazing to look back and reflect on all of the animals that have become part of the Zoo family over the past 50 years,” says Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager. “We have had some amazing animal ambassadors over the years, including grizzly bears Mistaya and Koda who have called the Zoo home for more than 15 years”.
Since opening the expanded facility in 1972, the Zoo has become home to several species of animals. Some animals have incredible stories of survival like Sammis the pronghorn who was delivered via c-section by a conservation officer after his mother was hit by a car. Sammis was brought to the zoo where he was bottle fed and is now thriving as part of the pronghorn herd. Many other zoo residents like the red-tailed hawk, snowy owls and bald eagles sustained injuries preventing them from being able to survive in the wild, and several other species like the snow leopard and Goeldi’s monkeys participate in important conservation research and education programs to ensure the survival of their species.
To celebrate the milestone, the Zoo will be organizing a variety of enrichment activities for the animals at the Zoo and will be offering a special 50th anniversary daily admission rate on Thursday, September 1, 2022. Daily admission rates will be $5 for adults (18+), $5 for youth (6-18) and $10 for families (a group of up to seven individuals with a maximum of 2 adults). Children under 6 always receive FREE admission to the Zoo. Parking fees will remain in effect at $4 per vehicle.
“Our animals will be very excited to see what our team has in store for them to mark the occasion,” says Mitchell. “Our zookeepers have been working on a variety of enrichment activities that will promote mental and physical stimulation and also provide an opportunity for the animals to participate in the celebrations. We encourage everyone to come out and visit our species ambassadors and see some of the fun activities we have in store for them.”
The Zoo is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Visit saskatoon.ca/zoo to plan your visit.
Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo Background
Established in 1913, the Sutherland Forest Nursery Station researched and produced trees adapted for growth in the prairie climate. For over 50 years, millions of seedlings were grown and shipped to farms throughout the Prairie Provinces, helping to ensure the success of prairie farming by providing protection from harsh weather and beautification of the landscape. The Nursery Station was closed in 1965 and was purchased by the City of Saskatoon and re-opened in 1972 as the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo. Today, the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo is a National Historic Site boasting restored heritage buildings, carefully-crafted garden spaces and Saskatchewan’s only CAZA accredited zoo.
2022 Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation rescheduled for September 30
August 23, 2022 - 3:32am
The Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation has been rescheduled for September 30, following the cancellation on June 21 due to extreme weather. The event will take place on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30) between 10:00 and 11:30 a.m. The walk will begin at Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI) and end at the “Where our Paths Cross” Reconciliation Circle art installation in Victoria Park (across the road from 422 Spadina Cres W).
“The significance of a walk can be attributed to the Sunday walks in residential schools; this was often the only time when siblings and cousins of different genders might be reunited,” says Judy Pelly, a Residential School Survivor and member of the Rock Your Roots Walk organizing committee. “It’s meaningful to see Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples come together in this way.”
Rock Your Roots is put on by Reconciliation Saskatoon, which the City of Saskatoon co-chairs along with the Office of the Treaty Commissioner. The event, which has seen attendance in the thousands in past years, was first held in 2016. The intent of this event is to answer the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action by demonstrating a commitment to Reconciliation, honouring Residential School Survivors, and continuing work towards an inclusive community.
“This walk is an opportunity to learn about and honour First Nation and Métis residential school survivors,” says Shirley Isbister, President of Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI). “It’s an inclusive event that welcomes everyone to come out and participate. We look forward to being together.”
Individuals of all ages are invited to attend—alone or as part of a group. Workplaces and other organizations are encouraged to send a team and invited to come outfitted with banners showcasing their organization’s support for Reconciliation. Many schools will be closed for the day in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation which presents an opportunity for parents to bring their children and partake in this powerful Reconciliation event together. Cultural performers will 'rock their roots' to start and end the walk, sharing their culture and showcasing Saskatoon's incredible diversity.
“Rock Your Roots is an opportunity to bring our community together to understand and be educated on residential schools and how they have negatively impacted Indigenous peoples,” says Saskatoon Tribal Chief Mark Arcand. “This walk is a symbol of Reconciliation and a commitment to change for the better, so that all people can have a good quality of life.”
“Rock Your Roots represents an acknowledgment of the multi-generational impacts of residential schools and a commitment to Reconciliation,” says Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark. “It’s a public demonstration of support for residential school attendees and those lost. It’s a promise to work towards a future that affords every member of our community equal opportunity.”
This event is open to all and there is no charge for participating. Walk participants are invited to wear their cultural dress or symbols, an EveryChildMatters shirt, or any other orange shirt. For the latest event information, follow the Rock Your Roots Facebook Event.
Year-end options for cost reductions being considered to maintain balanced budget
August 10, 2022 - 4:30pm
A mid-year forecast to be considered by the Standing Policy Committee on Finance shows that rising fuel prices and a snowy start to 2022 have contributed to a projected deficit within the City of Saskatoon’s 2022 Corporate Business Plan and Budget.
As outlined in the information report being presented to committee on August 15, the City is currently projecting a 1.17% unfavourable variance from budget, or an approximately $6.8 million deficit.
“This is due in large part to higher than anticipated gas and diesel prices, which had a $3.5 million impact on the budget, and to high snow accumulations in the first half of 2022, which resulted in a projected $3 million unfavourable variance,” says Kari Smith, Director of Finance.
The projection also includes over expenditures in Information Technology, and various other revenue failing to reach budget, such as those for Fines and Penalties and Leisure Centres.
The mid-year forecast does include several positive trends, notes Smith, including $2.5 million in administrative savings from reduced training and travel and staff vacancies, $1.05 million in higher than anticipated investment returns from rising interest rates, and a $1.13 million increase in Municipal Revenue Sharing. However, due to such favourable variances being used to offset the rising cost of fuel and other shortfalls, Administration is currently projecting an overall deficit of $6.8 million.
Various year-end deficit reduction options of up to $4.2 million have already been developed and reported on, including a one-time increase to the Return on Investment from the Water Utility, returning capital funds back to operating as opposed to reserve, and deferring reserve contributions to mitigate the deficit.
“The mid-year forecast is our best estimate of the 2022 budget position at this time and is still subject to substantial change throughout the second half of the year,” says Smith. “Administration will continue to monitor and manage the 2022 budget and do everything we can to reduce the deficit while still delivering the services Saskatoon residents expect. Although the City has reserves in place to cover a deficit of this magnitude, our goal for 2022 is to avoid leaning on our fiscal stabilization reserve.”
Utilities are expecting a $1.2 million net surplus mostly due to additional revenue in Waste Services and Saskatoon Light and Power, offset by lower revenues and additional costs in Water and Wastewater Utilities. Any utility variance will be offset through transfers to or from the applicable stabilization reserves.
City exploring second Water Treatment Plant to serve future population
August 4, 2022 - 2:30am
The City of Saskatoon has a responsibility to provide clean drinking water to a growing population through an efficient and reliable water treatment and distribution system. Since it was established in 1906, Saskatoon’s Water Treatment Plant has been expanded to a treatment capacity of 250 million litres per day (MLD). The plant, along with reservoirs and pump stations, serve the city and several surrounding municipal and rural customers.
“We will continue to utilize and upgrade our current Water Treatment Plant and infrastructure for years to come, but we need to begin planning the development of a second plant to increase treatment capacity,” says Pamela Hamoline, Interim Director of Saskatoon Water. “A second plant would eventually bring our total treatment capacity to 450 ML per day, which is necessary for an expected population of 500,000 in the coming years.”
On Monday, the Water Treatment Long Term Capital Strategy will go before the City’s Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services. The report highlights the current and future steps needed to increase treatment capacity.
“Despite many successful water conservation efforts, as well as maintenance and upgrades over the years, it is unrealistic to depend on our 116-year-old Water Treatment Plant to keep up with future demand,” says Hamoline.
Hamoline says an internal Decision Quality Team is committed to ensuring the alignment of the City’s Strategic Goals in determining a treatment plant expansion strategy, including the goal of Environmental Leadership to reduce the City’s environmental footprint and promoting responsible use of resources.
“The team still has a lot of work to do and is currently exploring funding strategies so it can report the findings to City Council. That work will include looking into opportunities and partnerships with Federal and Provincial funding programs.”
The City has a draft Engagement Plan in the works as well, focusing on identifying major stakeholders and opportunities for proactive public communication.
For more information about the Water Treatment Plant, history, distribution system, and treatment process, visit saskatoon.ca/water.
From point A to point B: Transit launches NEW OnDemand Transit service
July 28, 2022 - 9:30am
Residents of Saskatoon will soon be able to request public transit service using the Saskatoon Transit OnDemand app from designated stops to the nearest transit hub and vice-versa. The OnDemand Transit (ODT) service will connect the new neighbourhoods of Brighton/Rosewood, North Kensington and Blairmore with fixed route service, to fill service gaps in those areas.
“This is all about service,” says Tracey Davis, Interim Director, Saskatoon Transit.
“We want to provide people with as much flexibility as possible - especially in developing neighbourhoods where full public transit options don’t yet exist. Our OnDemand Transit service is just the thing to meet this challenge head on.”
The new ODT service will begin August 2 and will be fully integrated with the current fixed-route transit system. OnDemand will also be available in Transit, Saskatoon Transit’s all-in-one app to plan, track and pay for rides. Thanks to this integration, riders can, for the first-time plan trips that combine Saskatoon's OnDemand and fixed-route services. Passengers can plan a trip in Transit to their destination using a combination of OnDemand and fixed-route service, then link directly to the Saskatoon OnDemand app to request their ride. Trips can be requested in multiple ways: the Saskatoon Transit OnDemand mobile app, website, or phone (306-975-3100).
To make this all work in a coordinated effort is new AI technology paired with an app that allows trips to be booked in real time, or up to two weeks before riding. Spots can also be reserved for wheelchairs and bikes.
“The software is brilliant,” says Davis. “We’re able to connect buses directly to our customers when they need it, and to route the bus efficiently from rider pickup to drop-off.”
The new service to launch August 2, 2022, will connect Brighton/Rosewood, North Kensington and Blairmore to transit hubs Monday to Friday, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saskatoon Fire Department welcomes 15 new recruits
July 22, 2022 - 2:00pm
Fire Chief Morgan Hackl and other fire officials will welcome the newest group of firefighter-paramedics to the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) at a private graduation ceremony this afternoon. The ceremony will recognize the successful completion of comprehensive training programs where 15 recruits will be presented with their badges and battalion assignments.
All 15 firefighter-paramedics have completed basic training in firefighting, technical rescue, hazardous material mitigation and fire inspections. They are also certified to the level of Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) and are licensed through the Saskatchewan College of Paramedics. Their training and experience have prepared them for operating effectively on high-hazard emergency scenes.
"We hold a high standard of training at SFD. Our team of Fire Service Instructors has worked with these recruits over the past four weeks to review their firefighter and paramedic skills, and educate them on how they will apply these in their new role at the SFD,” says Anthony Tataryn, Assistant Chief of Staff Development and Safety. “Our fire department strives to be a leader in training as we recognize the vital importance that it plays in the safety of both our staff and residents.”
EMS incidents make up over 40 percent of SFD's response, making the recruits’ PCP certification a valuable asset to the fire service.
"When we seek new recruits, we look for individuals who will contribute to the overall success of our team," says Chief Hackl. "With the growing number of EMS calls in our city, it's important for our crews to be equipped with paramedic training. Having the added PCP certification means our firefighters can effectively respond to EMS incidents that occur in high-hazard situations.”
These firefighter-paramedics demonstrate the Saskatoon Fire Department’s commitment towards enhanced front-line emergency care and the investment that City Council continues to make in emergency services.
Chief Hackl adds, “We commend the hard work each recruit has put forward to reach this milestone and we’re thrilled to welcome these 15 individuals to the Saskatoon Fire Department.”
The new firefighter-paramedics will start their first shifts beginning Monday, July 25.
Saskatoon Fire Department cautions summer water safety
July 19, 2022 - 1:30pm
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Stay calm.
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Keep your head above the water.
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Remove any heavy or bulky clothing items.
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Don’t fight the current; move with the current as you work your way to the riverbank.
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Call 911 immediately to report the incident, noting details about the individual, time, and situation.
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Keep track of recognizable landmarks around the area where the individual was first seen in distress in the water.
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Coach the individual from the riverbank or shore edge with the above noted tips for water self-rescue.
The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) urges the public to be extra cautious and always be aware of surroundings if the South Saskatchewan River is part of a summer fun activity.
“Hot weather like we have right now makes people look for fun ways to cool off and get out on the river,” says Deputy Chief Rob Hogan. “There are many things that we can do safely, but there are some that folks shouldn’t do because it puts them and others at great risk.”
On the weekend, SFD crews assisted three individuals to safety in two separate incidents after they found themselves stranded in the river near Poplar Bluff south of city limits.
Bylaw No. 4433 prohibits swimming in the South Saskatchewan River within city limits. Areas along the river outside of city limits are popular cool-down spots in the summer. Deputy Chief Hogan says response times to water rescue calls outside of the city can be affected by many factors.
“The Saskatoon Fire Department’s priority is to attend to calls for emergency services within city limits, and so the Mutual Aid service that we provide to areas outside of the city in the RM of Corman Park can be impacted if our crews are already busy with fire or emergency calls inside the city,” Hogan says. “We want all residents to be mindful of this when making the decision to venture near, in, or on the water, and have a back-up plan if our crews can’t get to you immediately.
“Evaluate the weather and water conditions from the shore before you venture out and inform others of your plans and route. You should keep your cell phone as charged as possible, refrain from alcohol which affects judgement, have a personal floatation device, and take a whistle and flashlight to call out and notify of your location.”
If you are in distress in the river:
If you witness someone in distress in the river:
For additional information, visit saskatoon.ca/watersafety.
City releases 2021 Service, Savings, Sustainability (SSS) Report
July 13, 2022 - 10:06am
- Doubling minor sidewalk repairs
- City Hall Lobby reconfigured to prioritize customer experience
- Improvements to Saskatoon.ca to make it more mobile friendly
- Reintroduction of prescribed fires to help ecological health
- LED street light upgrade completed
- Solid Waste Reduction & Diversion Plan unveiled
- Facility improvements to increase energy efficiency
- Use of recycled asphalt
- ePermitting improvements for building and development permits
Every year, the City of Saskatoon produces its Service, Savings and Sustainability (SSS) Report. The report focuses on the preceding calendar year and highlights the ways City employees worked to capture savings, enhance services for residents, and make improvements in the area of sustainability.
“The theme of the 2021 report is 2021: Resilience & Readiness,” says Celene Anger, the City’s Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer. “We wanted to tell the story of how we worked together to continue delivering and improving programs and services in the second year of a global pandemic, all while working to keep residents and staff safe.”
Initiatives featured in the 2021 report include:
The 2021 Service, Savings and Sustainability (SSS) Report reflects the City’s year-over-year commitment to find savings, explore and take on new challenges, and find practical, forward-thinking solutions to meet the changing needs of the community.
“At the City of Saskatoon, we have a strong commitment to continuous improvement and are always looking for new ways to improve performance and deliver value for taxpayer dollars,” says Anger.
The 2021 SSS Report will be presented as an information item at the Governance and Priorities Committee meeting on Monday, July 18. The report is available now at saskatoon.ca/SSSreport.