News Releases
Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
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.
Hydrant collision causes flood, washout & water outage: City reminds drivers to obey barricades, avoid flooded streets
July 6, 2022 - 5:20am
City crews will continue to work on an emergency water main break at 60th Street and Millar Avenue, which appears to have been caused by a vehicle colliding with a fire hydrant Tuesday afternoon, July 5, 2022.
“When the hydrant was sheared off, it caused significant flooding at the intersection which undermined the roadway and water pipes,” says Pam Hamoline, Interim Director of Saskatoon Water. “Once we can excavate the road surface and get down to the pipe, we will know more about whether the water main was also damaged from the collision.”
The break and flood, which happened shortly after 2 p.m. on Tuesday, caused a water outage for the Provincial Correctional Centre and several businesses near the intersection. City staff worked quickly to provide an emergency water supply to the Correctional Centre and had water service restored around 8 p.m that night. Currently, those addresses are under a Drinking Water Advisory.
Several vehicles were captured on video shared from passersby on social media driving through the flooded area and one car became stuck in the cratered roadway.
Hamoline also reminds drivers to respect work zones: obey all barricades and do not drive around them. Overnight, another truck ignored barriers and became stuck in the washout crater. Fortunately, there was no spill of fuel or other environmental concerns.
“We can’t stress enough that when people see a roadway flooded out, they should not drive through,” Hamoline says. “There may be, and quite often there are, hazards and unsafe conditions they cannot see – as was the case with this incident. Barriers are there to keep everyone safe – residents and workers -- to avoid injuries, further costly damage to property and City infrastructure.”
As crews continue repair work the intersection will remain closed and a detour will be in place.
More info at Respect Work Zones.
Local artist loans sculpture to City’s public art collection
July 5, 2022 - 2:30pm
- Unfurled at Spadina Crescent and 25th Street; and
- Gentle Rain (on-loan from Remai Modern) in Hyde Park.
The City is pleased to announce that the City’s Public Art Advisory Committee has received a sculpture on temporary loan from Saskatoon artist Douglas Bentham.
“We are always grateful for an opportunity to enhance our public art program,” says Community Development Manager Kevin Kitchen. “Public art transforms public spaces and engage with audiences to promote an appreciation for contemporary art practices.
Titled “Perfect World” the 12m-tall (40 foot) stainless-steel sculpture will be on display near the intersection of Idylwyld Drive and 20th Street East until June 30, 2025.
“The sculpture is a tribute to Mother Nature,” Bentham says. “The subject matter speaks for itself: a gleaming sphere held aloft on a man-made column.”
Bentham is a practitioner of abstract, constructivist sculpture for over forty years.
Other Bentham sculptures on exhibit in Saskatoon include:
To learn more about the City’s public art collection, visit saskatoon.ca/publicart.
Guided train tours return to Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo
June 29, 2022 - 10:00am
All aboard! The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo) is excited to announce the return of guided train tours with the addition of a new electric, trackless train the Kinsmen Express II.
“Visitors have been anxiously awaiting the return of guided train tours at the Zoo,” says Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager. “We are so thankful to the Kinsmen Club of Saskatoon and the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation for their continued partnership and contributions that led to the return of this much-loved attraction at the Zoo.”
The Kinsmen Express II is equipped with a ramp and wheelchair accessible car and will provide a fun way to learn more about the many magnificent animals that call the Zoo home. Train tours are FREE with your Zoo admission and will be guided by the Saskatoon Zoo Society from May until Labour Day each year. Tours will run continuously from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, with extended hours on weekends throughout July and August.
Zoo-goers will have their first opportunity to ride the Kinsmen Express II on July 1, 2022. The Zoo is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Visit saskatoon.ca/zoo to plan your next visit.
New W.W. Ashley Park dry storm pond system exceeded expectations Monday
June 24, 2022 - 6:31am
The new dry storm pond in W.W. Ashley District performed exceptionally well when approximately 65 millimetres of rain fell (Aden Bowman Collegiate rain gauge) during the afternoon of Monday, June 20, 2022. The pond, which was completed last fall, was designed to handle a 1-in-10-year rain event but accommodated a storm closer to a 1-in-25-year rain event, preventing water damage to approximately 37 neighbourhood homes that typically experience flooding during intense rainfall.
“Flash flooding, especially in neighbourhoods developed prior to storm water infrastructure standard improvements in 1989, can be devastating which is why we have been working to protect as many people and properties as we can through our Flood Control Strategy,” says Angela Gardiner, General Manager of Utilities and Environment. “Monday’s rain was an ideal test. We are very impressed as we have not received any reports of flooded homes adjacent to the new pond and the infrastructure handled more water than anticipated. The pond had completely drained by 8 o’clock that evening.”
Dry storm ponds hold water that would otherwise cause nearby flooding during intense rainfalls. The water flows into storm drains and through pipes into the dry storm pond, then slowly drains into the storm sewer before it drains into the South Saskatchewan River. Whenever dry, it is used as park space. When it fills with storm water, it is deep and dangerous, and residents should stay away.
The W.W. Ashley Park Dry Storm Pond will open to the public this fall after the landscaping has fully rooted. Residents are asked to stay out of the enclosed area until then.
Construction on a dry storm pond in Churchill Park is underway right now and will be completed later this year. Plans are in the works for a dry storm pond in Weaver Park in 2023 and more flood mitigation projects will be built between 2024 and 2027.
“Once these flood control projects are completed, we anticipate seeing a substantial decrease in the amount of neighbourhood flooding in the top 10 highest risk areas of the city.” says Gardiner.
On Monday, storm water and debris infiltrated the sewer system and ended up at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. As a result, the city’s lift stations were operating at capacity and there was a minor sewage spill into the South Saskatchewan River.
“This is an extremely rare occurrence. Due to the small volume, the sewage quickly diluted, and downstream lab sampling did not detect any harmful impacts. The spill was reported to the Water Security Agency and there was no risk to the public.”
A report on the City’s June 20, 2022 Rain Event Response will be presented to City Council on Monday, June 27, 2022.