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Prairie Butterfly House at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo
June 8, 2022 - 10:00am
- Buckeye
- Julia
- Monarch
- Zebra Longwing
- Black Swallowtail
- Giant Swallowtail
- Palamedes
- Polydamas
- PrairiesCan
- Norplex Business Centre
- Hunter Family
- Duval Family
- Ultravision Construction
- one-mouse graphic design
- Dutch Growers
- ADA Architects
- Laser Impressions
- ASL Paving
- ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems Canada
- Saskatoon Zoo Foundation
The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo) is entering the final phase of development for the Prairie Butterfly House. The new exhibit at the Zoo will be home to several species of butterflies as well as a variety of plants and flowers. The Prairie Butterfly House will provide an opportunity for guests to learn more about pollinators and the important role they play in our ecosystem. Depending on the season, guests will be able to spot a variety of butterflies including:
“Pollinators (butterflies) are some of the most important animals on the planet,” says Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager. “The Prairie Butterfly House will cultivate an exceptional learning environment where visitors can develop an understanding and passion for what pollinators do and how important they are to our environment.”
Several organizations played a role in the development of the Prairie Butterfly House. Through PrairiesCan, funding of $177,320 under the Tourism Relief Fund was provided for the construction of the Prairie Butterfly House from the Government of Canada.
“Canada’s prairie landscape is rich in flora and fauna, and the new Prairie Butterfly House will highlight some of the smallest creatures that contribute a lot to our ecosystem. Our government is proud to invest in this facility at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo through the Tourism Relief Fund. Residents and visitors to Saskatoon will be able to see the beauty and environmental impact of butterflies for years to come,” said the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister responsible for PrairiesCan.
PrairiesCan funding under the Tourism Relief Fund supports tourism operators through contribution agreements. The Tourism Relief Fund empowers tourism businesses to create new or to enhance existing tourism experiences and products to attract local and domestic visitors. Tourism Relief Funding focuses on projects that position communities to take advantage of post-pandemic opportunities, as well as supporting destination development prospects in line with objectives set out in the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy.
A special thank you to the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation and all the Prairie Butterfly House sponsors who contributed to the development of the new exhibit.
“The Prairie Butterfly House will further enrich the guest experience at the Saskatoon Zoo,” says Saskatoon Zoo Foundation Executive Director, Dawn Woroniuk. “This exhibit was made possible thanks to a number of donors and contributors, we are especially grateful to the Government of Canada, Norplex Business Centre and the Hunter and Duval Families. By supporting the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation, we can continue to connect citizens to nature through education, research and conservation while building for the future for this much-loved tourist attraction.”
Residents will have their first opportunity to preview the space on Saturday, June 11, with the official opening to take place later this summer. The Zoo is open daily from 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. visit saskatoon.ca/zoo to plan your next visit.
City plans to advance green infrastructure in Saskatoon
June 1, 2022 - 10:14am
- Healthy and Thriving Natural Areas
- Connecting and Regenerating Green Spaces
- Leading by Example for an Integrated Green Network
- Growing Community for a Livable City
- Food Security from Seed to Table to Soil
The City wants to protect its green network with a distinct set of actions and initiatives over 10 years.
“The green network encompasses Saskatoon’s collection of green infrastructure including parks, natural areas, the urban forest and other spaces,” says Jeanna South, Director of Sustainability. “The network is under increasing pressure to provide high quality green space to all residents as Saskatoon grows, while reducing the emerging threats of climate change and biodiversity loss.”
Pathways for an Integrated Green Network (Green Pathways) is a 10-year implementation plan for the Green Infrastructure Strategy: Towards an Interconnected Green Network (Strategy), which was received by City Council at its meeting on February 24, 2020. The implementation plan was also identified as a priority in the City’s 2022-2025 Strategic Plan.
In Green Pathways, the City plans to advance the network through a series of interconnected initiatives. The planned actions will work to restore the urban environment and ecosystems, support climate action and nature-based solutions, and improve quality of life for residents and visitors.
“Green Pathways provides an actionable structure to progress the green network vision through five “pathways” grouped thematically, which define actions and phased initiatives over the next 10 years,” South says.
Within each of the five pathways, actions and initiatives define partners, timelines and success measures through a phased approach that aligns with the City’s multi-year budgeting:
Development of Green Pathways occurred in 2020-2022 through researching best practices and hosting a series of workshops with City stakeholders and engagement with the public and development community.
“From June 2021 to February 2022 we engaged the community specifically on the implementation plan,” says South. “Over 80 per cent strongly support all the proposed initiatives and the City taking on this work, and for the initiatives to be implemented as soon as possible to protect Saskatoon’s green network.”
Green Pathways will be presented to the City’s Environment, Utilities, and Corporate Services Committee on Monday. The Pathways for an Integrated Green Network: an Implementation Plan for the Green Infrastructure Strategy report includes initiatives that have been funded to proceed in 2022-2023, and outlines medium to long term initiatives that seek resourcing and approvals in the future.
City celebrates Parks & Recreation Month in June
June 1, 2022 - 10:30am
June is Parks and Recreation Month in Saskatchewan. The initiative is a reminder of the of the many opportunities parks and recreation bring to our community.
“The City of Saskatoon is proud to provide top-quality recreational facilities, attractions and leisure program opportunities that make the city a great place to live, work and play,” says Andrew Roberts, Director of Recreation and Community Development.
“Saskatoon parks connect citizens to nature and improve their quality of life with amenities such as sport fields, ski trails, walking trails and picnic tables”, says Darren Crilly, Director of Parks. “We are committed to maintaining the vitality of Saskatoon’s park space”, Crilly adds. This involves planning and designing parks for new neighbourhoods, as well as providing necessary maintenance services and refurbishment of park amenities throughout the City.
“This month is a time to show appreciation for recreation and park maintenance workers, administrators and volunteers who contribute to the diverse quality of life available to residents and visitors,” says Roberts.
The City’s golf courses, Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo, Nutrien Playland at Kinsmen Park, skateboard sites, tennis and pickleball courts, spray pads and Gordon Howe Campground have recently opened for the season. Outdoor Pools begin opening next week and Play Programs and Youth Centres will follow at the beginning of July.
The indoor Leisure Centres operate year-round and provide a place to get out and get active not matter the weather.
The Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA), along with the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA) and other Provincial/Territorial Parks and Recreation Associations across Canada, celebrates the month of June as Parks and Recreation Month.
The month provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of parks and recreation and the role it plays in the quality of life for all Canadians. To find out more, visit spra.sk.ca.
For more information on parks and recreation opportunities in Saskatoon, visit saskatoon.ca/recreation.
National Indigenous History Month presents opportunities to learn, get involved
May 31, 2022 - 9:07am
June is recognized annually as National Indigenous History Month. This is a time to honour the history, heritage, and diversity of Indigenous people as well as to recognize the strength of present-day Indigenous people and their communities.
Saskatoon Mayor, Charlie Clark says: “More and more people in our community are moving from words to action when it comes to the work of Truth and Reconciliation. There are new partnerships forming and in many sectors of our community. I see First Nations and Métis people and organizations walking the path together with non-Indigenous counterparts, valuing each other’s ways of knowing and building on each other’s strengths. This is the work of building right relationships. I am grateful for all of these efforts, because there is still much work to do.”
To honour the occasion and to increase awareness, the Reconciliation Flag has been raised in Civic Square (behind City Hall off 23rd Street, between 3rd and 4th Avenues). Residents are invited to visit the flag and take a moment to reflect on the significance of Reconciliation – the process of building bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. The flag will remain raised until June 3.
Saskatoon Tribal Council’s Tribal Chief, Mark Arcand says: “As a First Nations organization serving many members in Saskatoon, we have been very pleased with the outcomes and results of past and current initiatives with the City of Saskatoon. Most notable in recent years, the City of Saskatoon has acknowledged the work of Elders and planning committees with the Reconciliation Flag Raising as an event that will continue to leave a lasting impression as a result of the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action. In the spirit of Reconciliation, we must continue to work together as we are all Treaty People; so we all can have a quality of life.”
President of the Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI), Shirley Isbister says: “Indigenous History Month provides the opportunity for everyone to learn about, share, and celebrate Indigenous cultures. We are peoples with varying cultures, customs, and languages. We are all a part of a shared history with common goals and aspirations. Now is time for Truth.”
Métis Nation—Saskatchewan Western Region 2A Regional Director, Kathie Pruden-Nansel says: “As we acknowledge June as Indigenous History Month, Métis citizens across our Homeland will also be gathering to recognize our Métis citizens and survivors impacted by residential schools. Our Métis people continue to work towards Reconciliation, as we share our many cultures, journeys and visions of inclusion, and Reconciliation; our Métis Truths as well.”
There are a number of activities happening around Saskatoon during the month of June that present opportunities to learn and get involved. A listing of just some of these is available at saskatoon.ca/Indigenous.
The City of Saskatoon Co-Chairs Reconciliation Saskatoon. Reconciliation Saskatoon is a community of over 115 non-profits, businesses, and other organizations who have come together towards one mission: to initiate a citywide conversation about Reconciliation and provide opportunities for everyone to engage in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
Fire Chief releases full details of 108th Street condo fire
May 29, 2022 - 8:32am
- Always ensure you’re properly disposing of smoking materials
- At first fire/smoke detection, activate the fire alarm and yell “fire”
- Call 911
- Use the nearest exit
- Test the smoke alarm monthly and replace batteries annually
- Stay well clear of an active fire scene to allow fire crews to safely do their job
The condominium fire in the 300 block of 108th Street West has been fully extinguished with no serious injuries resulting.
The fire was reported to Saskatoon Fire just before 11:30 p.m. on Friday, May 27, 2022. Crews were on scene in 2.5 minutes from the time this call was received via Dispatch. It took crews 7 hours to get the blaze under control, and another 7.5 hours to fully extinguish the site.
“This was a large-scale fire and a difficult one to get under control,” says Fire Chief Morgan Hackl. “The fire spread very quickly, and it required close to 80 staff rotating through the scene before it all over.”
The cause of the fire was the improper disposal of smoking material in an exterior receptable at the northeast corner of the property. The condo unit contained 24 units and damages are estimated at $5 million.
Hackl says: “I’m extremely proud of our Department’s response. Firefighters performed amazing rescue efforts during the course of this incident which presented extreme challenges. The assistance of emergency services – including Police and Ambulance – ensure a coordinated approach to mitigate incidents such as these. And, when rehousing is required, the Salvation Army and Ministry of Social Services also play an important role.”
While Hackl acknowledges the early 911 call as a key factor, he did express serious concern that the fire alarm in the condo building had not been activated.
“I want to remind the public today that, while calling 911 is a critical step, it’s equally important to pull those internal fire alarms at the first detection of smoke or fire. Without these alarms sounding, there will be people inside the building that still aren’t aware they need to get out immediately.”
The Fire Department wishes to share these important safety reminders on the heels of this incident:
More information on fire safety is available at saskatoon.ca/fire. More information on the proper disposal of smoking materials is available here.
ATTACHED: rescue clip video file
(SOURCE: Facebook video - used with permission)
Road construction in high traffic areas this summer; neighbourhood water main replacements continue
May 5, 2022 - 10:00am
Major improvements are in store for some of Saskatoon’s most travelled roadways during the 2022 construction season. This year, the City has earmarked approximately $65.16 million for road and bridge construction and maintenance. One of the most significant construction zones will be set up in a few weeks on Circle Drive North between Alberta Avenue and Millar Avenue.
“More than 56,000 vehicles of all sizes travel over this section of Circle Drive every day and it certainly shows,” says Terry Schmidt, General Manager of Transportation and Construction. “The east bound lanes will be resurfaced and there will be concrete improvements on the medians and curbs. We will return next year to resurface the west bound lanes to avoid major traffic disruptions on both sides at the same time.”
Attridge Drive over Circle Drive will be another high traffic road under construction. Beginning in July, the 22-year-old overpass that approximately 64,000 vehicles travel on daily, will undergo preventative maintenance, like repaving, to make sure it lasts for years to come. The Spadina Crescent Bridge, between Queen Street and 25th Street, is proof that preventative maintenance over the years contributes to the longevity of City assets. The 90-year-old bridge, that about 16,000 vehicles travel over every day, will be fully closed for approximately one month beginning next week as the bridge deck, asphalt, concrete, and security fencing underneath are rehabilitated or replaced.
“Other high-profile road construction locations include resurfacing on Warman Road over Circle Drive, and intersection improvements at Warman Road and 33rd Street. Plans include adding a new turning lane to better accommodate south bound traffic on Warman Road turning right onto 33rd Street,” says Schmidt.
Road and sidewalk improvements will be noticeable in some of Saskatoon’s most established residential neighbourhoods too, like King George, Nutana, and North Downtown. Those improvements are completed at the same time as water main and lead service line connection replacements. The City’s goal is to have all lead service line connections replaced by 2027.
Annual street maintenance such as pothole and utility cut repairs, line painting and street sweeping are also underway.
“There will be traffic delays and detours throughout Saskatoon all summer as we work to improve and clean up hundreds of kilometers of roads within a relatively short period of time. We thank residents for their patience and encourage drivers to please slow down and respect work zones.”
For more information on current and future construction, please visit saskatoon.ca/construction.
Water Conservation Strategy aims to reduce costs, water use, and emissions
April 28, 2022 - 9:15am
The City of Saskatoon has a responsibility to conserve water and, along with the community, has identified it as an important measure to reduce greenhouse gases, care for the environment, and lower water utility bills.
The Water Conservation Strategy, which has been in the works for two years and informed by public engagement, encourages conservation through a variety of methods. The report will go before the City’s Environment, Utilities, and Corporate Services Committee on Monday.
“The Strategy is a roadmap of actions to help residents and City operations achieve many benefits from water conservation, like managing water costs, improving resiliency, and limiting environmental impacts”, says Jeanna South, Director of Sustainability. “Some of these actions include reducing peak summer use to ease demand on infrastructure, reducing water used in the City’s own operations to save costs, and showing residents and businesses ways that they can change their water use to reduce their utility bills.”
Water reduction targets were established in the Low Emissions Community Plan to reduce future water infrastructure expansion costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Although per capita water use in Saskatoon has been on a downward trend as residents have realized the benefits of conservation, recent data shows more efforts in all parts of the community and in the City’s own operations are necessary.
“The intent of this strategy is to prioritize the initiatives, develop programs based on priorities, implement those initiatives as funding becomes available, and monitor progress and refine assumptions to keep the Water Conservation Strategy current,” says South.
Some water conservation initiatives underway include improving City water use in parks and other areas of operations, residential water use education, and the Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) building energy and efficiency retrofit program.
For more information, please visit saskatoon.ca/waterconservation.
Downtown grocery store proposed at Midtown Plaza
April 27, 2022 - 11:23am
A Vancouver-based developer has approached the City with a proposal to open a full-service grocery store, with a restaurant, and take-out at the Midtown Plaza. The Standing Policy Committee on Transportation will consider the request from Arbutus Properties when the committee meets on Monday, May 2, 2022.
The grocery store is proposed for the space in Midtown Plaza that was initially developed for another business but has remained vacant.
The Administration report recommends installing a full traffic signal at the intersection of Auditorium Avenue and Idylwyld Drive, removing the median on Idylwyld Drive between Auditorium Avenue and 22nd Street, and installing a traffic island at the intersection of 21st Street and Idylwyld Drive. These changes were all previously identified in the Imagine Idylwyld project plan.
The report recommends that the City completes these changes once the grocery store reaches a certain build-out point. The cost of the infrastructure changes is $220 thousand.
A requested tax abatement for the grocery store is not recommended, as the available space at Midtown Plaza has already been approved for a tax abatement.
If approved, the next steps will be in the developer’s hands.
Who’s new at the Zoo? Two bobcats!
April 22, 2022 - 10:00am
The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo) is excited to introduce the newest members of the Zoo family – bobcats Sherlock and Watson! These two brothers were born in 2021 at the Zoo Sauvage de Saint Felicien and are just under one year old.
“We are very fortunate to have Sherlock and Watson join the Zoo family,” says Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager. “The pair arrived safely at the Zoo this morning and will be introduced to their new temporary home in the vacant eagle exhibit before transferring to their permanent home later this summer.”
Bobcats get their name from their short, bobbed tail and are found mostly in North America in mountainous forest regions. They weigh anywhere from 6.5 to 18 kilograms and can jump over 3 metres high. Their diet consists mainly of rodents, birds and fish and are known as ambush predators that stalk and hunt their prey with an element of surprise.
Preparations for the bobcats’ arrival started this spring with renovations to the previous lynx exhibit. The former lynx exhibit is being transformed into a new space for the bobcats that will feature a new house and dedicated play area for the bobcats to enjoy. For now, Sherlock and Watson will get to enjoy exploring the caves and terrain in the vacant eagle exhibit until the renovations to their permanent home are completed this summer.
Visitors to the Zoo will notice a perimeter buffer surrounding the temporary bobcat exhibit. This buffer helps to maintain physical distance between the public and the bobcats as cat species such as bobcats and lynx are susceptible to COVID-19.
“Taking precautionary measures like maintaining a safe physical distance is an important part of keeping our animals safe,” says Jeff Mitchell. “The level of risk among species varies, and we take every necessary step to ensure the health and safety of the animals in our care.”
The Zoo is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visit saskatoon.ca/zoo to plan your next visit or learn more about the Zoo Season Pass.
Important information for Commercial property owners: 2022 Amended Assessment Notices, Appeal dates
April 21, 2022 - 3:59am
Over the next week, the City of Saskatoon will be mailing out Amended Assessment Notices to commercial property owners where an update to the assessed value of their property is required for a full year.
“We’ve had several longstanding commercial assessment appeal decisions ruled on by the Court of Appeal and these also affected the Board of Revision in 2021,” says Bryce Trew, City Assessor. “This has led to implications for retail, warehouse and office buildings greater than 5800 square feet.”
Property owners who receive an Amended Assessment Notice will have a 30-Day Assessment Review and Appeal period from the date an Amended or Supplementary Notice is mailed to them in which to file a formal appeal on their property's assessment.
“It's important to note that not all commercial property assessments changed as a result of the recently finalized appeal decisions,” adds Trew. “If an assessment changed in 2022, it could be because of physical alterations to the property such as new builds, additions, renovations, or demolitions, changes in tax status or ownership, and/or a Board of Revision decision.”
Currently, there are Board of Revision appeals from 2021 that are with the Saskatchewan Municipal Board. Appeals filed in 2022 are with the Board of Revision. If decisions from these appeals require further changes to assessment models, property owners will be issued amended notices.
Following the provincially legislated reassessment year in 2021, property owners who since January 1, 2021, had a change in the assessment, tax status, or ownership of their property would have received a 2022 Assessment Notice earlier this year. The 2022 Assessment Roll was open until February 4, 2022, also the deadline to file a commercial or residential 2022 appeal with the Board of Revision. The Province is on a four-year assessment cycle with current property assessments in place from 2021 to 2024.
Visit saskatoon.ca/assessment for more information or contact 306-975-3227 for assessment-related questions. We’re here to help.