News Releases
Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
Water main maintenance project starting on College Drive; lane restrictions in place
April 10, 2024 - 2:30pm
Drivers will notice lane restrictions on College Drive this week. Crews are laying down temporary above-ground water lines next to the road in preparation for what is anticipated to be a months-long water main maintenance project between Cumberland Avenue and Clarence Avenue. The project will begin next week and wrap up in October.
“Maintenance work on water mains under this section of College Drive is required to continue providing reliable water service,” says Terry Schmidt, General Manager of Transportation and Construction. “The planned maintenance work is a trenchless method where pits are dug at various locations on College Drive, and plastic tubing is inserted into the existing water main to extend the lifespan.”
The project will be phased and completed block-by-block with pits dug in various spots within each work zone. Two-way traffic will always be maintained, however, there will be lane restrictions. Schmidt says drivers can expect delays while this important water infrastructure work takes place.
“Access points to the University of Saskatchewan, Royal University Hospital and Saskatchewan Cancer Centre are located along College Drive. There will be no access restrictions, however, due to anticipated traffic delays, we encourage anyone visiting these locations between now and October to take note and consider allowing extra travel time. From time to time, pedestrians may also be redirected to cross College Drive at different locations.”
To see where current road restrictions are on College Drive, and on other priority Saskatoon roadways during the 2024 construction season, residents can check and/or subscribe to the City’s Daily Road Report. Saskatoon Transit will be affected. Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit.
Work zones are clearly marked with orange signs and pylons. Drivers are asked to slow down, pay attention, and watch for workers.
For more information on this and other upcoming water main and road related construction projects this year, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.
2024 Civic Election campaign financing rules: City Clerk’s Office reminder
April 10, 2024 - 8:00am
- The Campaign Period as defined in the Bylaw begins on June 1 of the year of a general election, ending on the date of the election; in this election year that date is November 13, 2024.
- The Campaign Expenses Period also begins June 1, but runs until December 15, allowing for accommodation and accounting of final expenses.
- election advertising materials
- website development
- signs
- incidental financial charges associated with accepting campaign contributions
Saskatoon’s 2024 Civic Election will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. Eligible voters will cast their ballot for Mayor, City Councillors, and Public and Catholic School Board Trustees for the next four-year term of local government.
The City Clerk’s Office reminds any unofficial or prospective municipal election candidates that the The Campaign Disclosure and Spending Limits Bylaw, 2006, outlines the campaign financing rules for the 2024 Civic Election this November:
Campaign expenses, except the allowed activities as defined in the Bylaw, are not to be incurred outside of the Campaign Expenses Period.
Exceptions allowed are for the advance preparation of:
These expenditures may be incurred prior to the Campaign Expenses Period, but they must be recorded and disclosed as campaign expenses in accordance with the Bylaw and the materials or resources are not to be used until the Campaign Period (June 1 to November 13).
The City of Saskatoon has appointed an independent Election Disclosure Complaints Officer to investigate any complaint where a candidate has filed false, misleading or incomplete disclosure of campaign contributions or expenses pursuant to the Bylaw. Following an investigation, the Officer makes a final determination about the validity of complaints and any recommendations of whether prosecution is warranted.
Failing to file the required statement of campaign contributions and expenses may also result in prosecution under the Bylaw.
The Bylaw contains offences and penalties, which include fines and disqualification from office for any candidate who is elected and found to have contravened any provision(s) of the Bylaw.
The City Clerk’s Office recommends anyone interested in running for City Council carefully review the requirements of the Bylaw and The Local Government Election Act, 2015 to avoid any inadvertent violation of the Bylaw and Act which could affect their ability to serve should they be elected.
Any election-related questions or concerns can be directed to the City Clerk’s Office at city.clerks@saskatoon.ca or call 306-975-3240.
Visit saskatoon.ca/vote for additional 2024 Civic Election-related information.
Out with the old, into the new: City Archives on the move
April 3, 2024 - 11:58am
- 450,000 photographs
- 4,000 feet of shelves (66 bays of 8’ high shelving units, a total length of 275 feet
- 3,000 linear feet of records
- thousands of maps, plans and blueprints
- hundreds of miscellaneous materials
- 135 map cabinet drawers, along with bookcases and filing cabinets
- dozens of oversized financial ledgers and tax rolls
City Archives is moving from its current location (since 2010) at 224 Cardinal Crescent near the Saskatoon Airport to new permanent quarters in the old Post Office Building located at 202 - 4th Avenue North, right across the street from City Hall and the downtown Saskatoon Public Library. The City of Saskatoon refers to the new location as the Civic Square East (CSE) building.
“We’re excited about moving City Archives into this new space - it’s larger, better organized and more secure than Cardinal Crescent,” says Jeff O’Brien, City Archivist. “This move is timely; we’ve simply outgrown our current space. We have a huge archival collection – we will have about 3500 boxes of records to move once we’re packed up.”
Planning for a large move. City Archives - by the numbers:
“Locating close to the downtown Saskatoon Public Library will allow us to share resources with the Local History Room so we may serve our shared community more effectively,” adds O’Brien. “For City staff, the new location will also make archives more accessible as we’ll be right across the street from City Hall. Our new location will support City Archives in being a more effective resource for all civic departments.”
City Archives mandate is to preserve and provide access to the historical records of the City of Saskatoon, as well as to those of historically significant individuals and organizations in Saskatoon. Archives is committed to build more effective and ongoing partnerships with civic and community stakeholders interested in the shared history of Saskatoon.
Preparation for the move of the City Archives and its collection began in January 2024. Construction of the new City Archives space is scheduled to be complete on May 1, 2024. City Archives move-in day is tentatively scheduled for May 6, 2024.
Starting April 8, 2024, as City Archives starts its time-consuming and careful pack up, the team will be unable to access records and therefore will be closed for public inquiries until the new location fully re-opens in its new forever home in June 2024.
City Archives thanks residents and stakeholders for their understanding and apologizes in advance for any inconvenience as they undertake this large and sure to be exciting move.
Visit saskatoon.ca/archives
Zebras officially home at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo
April 2, 2024 - 10:00am
The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo) has been fostering five zebras following their seizure by conservation officers as part of an investigation under The Captive Wildlife Regulations. The Government of Saskatchewan has informed the City of Saskatoon that the legal proceedings have concluded and the Province has transferred ownership of the zebras to the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo effective March 31, 2024.
“Our team has done such an incredible job working with the zebras since they came into our care,” says Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager. “We are excited for the community to come out and learn more about these magnificent animals.”
With warmer temperatures on the horizon, the zebras will begin spending more time exploring their outdoor habitat. Zebras are native to Africa and do not grow thick winter coats like horses or other animals native to colder climates. The herd can typically handle weather down to about negative five degrees Celsius and will typically choose to spend more time in their indoor habitat when temperatures drop.
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.
City hosts very first Community Round Dance & Feast
March 28, 2024 - 6:41pm
The City of Saskatoon has come together with many partners to host a community Round Dance and Feast for the very first time this evening at the Cosmo Civic Centre.
A Round Dance is a traditional event in First Nations culture that celebrates community unity through the coming together of the community and its people. The theme for this historic event is miyo-pimatisiwin (MEE-oh pim-MAT-tiss-win), which means the “the good life for all” in the Plains Cree language.
“This Round Dance has come together thanks to a great collaboration of the Indigenous Technical Advisory Group, Elders, city staff, sponsors and partners. I am very grateful for everyone who has helped out,” says Mayor Charlie Clark. “An important part of the journey of Reconciliation is celebration and gathering together - movement and laughter are good medicine. We are living in difficult times, here in Saskatoon and around the world. This is an opportunity to express gratitude for the good in our lives and in our community and to acknowledge the continued work towards a good life for every resident of our city.”
Hosting a Round Dance is meaningful for the City, as it responds to TRC Calls to Action, continues to build relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples and shows the City’s dedication to Reconciliation is not just words on paper.
The City is grateful to have the guidance, support and the ability to learn from ceremonialists, cultural advisors and knowledge keepers for events such as these. There are diverse Indigenous culture and language groups here in Saskatoon with different teachings, perspectives and worldviews.
“In terms of Reconciliation and the Calls to Action, this event is moving the needle forward in a very tangible way,” says Indigenous Initiatives Director, Melissa Cote. “We are so excited to be co-hosting this historical event with Indigenous Technical Advisory Group and support from the City of Saskatoon United Staff for Networking and Strategy – or ‘COUSINS’ Group as we call them.”
A Community Feast took place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Round Dance began at 6 p.m. and will end at midnight.
The City acknowledges Nutrien for providing a financial contribution and others for in-kind contributions. The City would also like to recognize the support of numerous community organizations, volunteers, City staff and individuals that travelled from their home communities outside of Saskatoon to take part in this important event.
For more information, visit saskatooon.ca/rounddance.
City facility proposed as long-term, cost-effective organics processing option
March 27, 2024 - 4:15pm
The Standing Policy Committee on Environment Utilities and Corporate Services will consider long-term options for city organics processing at its meeting Tuesday, April 2.
“As we explored options for long-term organics processing, it made sense to consider the West Compost Depot since it will need to be relocated due to future development,” says Brendan Lemke, Director of Water & Waste Operations. “After a deeper evaluation, it was clear that constructing a City-owned facility would offer the best long-term costs for providing both organics processing for the green cart program and public-drop off services.”
In a decision report to the Committee that includes a thorough analysis of long-term organics processing options, Administration recommends building a city-owned organics processing facility. This would provide organics processing for the green cart program and a location for public drop-off to replace the West Compost Depot. The analysis shows this option would have the lowest long-term cost impact for residents and it offers all the same services for residents. Also, the cost could be further reduced if the City is successful in its funding application to the Low Carbon Economy Challenge Fund.
The city-wide curbside organics program launched in May of 2023. In 2020, Green Prairie Environmental Ltd. (GPE) was awarded a contract to process organics materials, however, GPE has not fulfilled their obligations under the organics processing contract. As a result, the City requires a long-term strategy for processing curbside organics. A comprehensive report on performance of the green cart program will be presented later this year.
Since the green cart program launch, more than 18,000 tonnes of organic waste have successfully been diverted from the landfill. The Solid Waste Reduction and Diversion Plan projected that the annual diversion would be between 15,000 and 22,000 tonnes per year. The lower range of the estimated diversion rate has been exceeded within the first nine months of the program. To learn more about the Green Cart program, visit saskatoon.ca/greencart.
City’s Assessment Office; centralized location for new appointment protocol, starts April 2
March 25, 2024 - 9:05am
- Conveniently send your assessment inquiry by email: assessmentsubmit@saskatoon.ca
- Call 306-975-3227 to discuss your assessment inquiry 8 am – 5 pm, Monday - Friday
- Call 306-975-3227 to schedule an in-person meeting with a City assessor at City Hall between 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday.
Starting Tuesday, April 2, 2024, to serve the public conveniently and best, residents who would like to discuss assessment matters with a City assessor, will only have to visit one centralized location, City Hall. In-person meetings will be by appointment only.
Previously, members of the public could visit the Assessment & Valuation Office one block north of City Hall; from April 2 onwards, the Assessment Office at 325 3rd Avenue North, will be for City employee’s only with no public access.
“Our Assessment & Valuation team will continue to be as flexible as possible with members of the public seeking to meet with us by appointment at City Hall,” says Bryce Trew, City Assessor. “It remains important for us to have in-person meetings. Having conversations with property owners at a convenient centralized location helps us work through assessment-related questions residents may have. We are here to help.”
The Assessment & Valuation Office’s phoneline and email have not changed, there are three options to reach out:
For more information about assessment and assessment appeals visit saskatoon.ca/assessment.
Rock Your Roots is back on National Indigenous Peoples Day
March 20, 2024 - 12:43pm
City co-chaired Reconciliation Saskatoon is hosting the Rock Your Roots: Walk for Reconciliation on June 21, 2024—National Indigenous Peoples Day. This walk gathers Indigenous, non-Indigenous and newcomer peoples to honour the truth of the Residential schools and those who survived them, as well as demonstrate our collective commitment to reconciliation.
Rock Your Roots began in 2016 as part of the celebrations on June 21 to honour Indigenous Peoples in Canada. In 2022, the event was postponed due to weather and took place on September 30—the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This tradition was continued in 2023, a decision made by Residential School Survivors. After Rock Your Roots last year, Survivors spoke about how they missed seeing school buses full of children arriving to the walk. Since schools are closed on September 30 to acknowledge the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, teachers are not able to facilitate the participation of their students in the Rock Your Roots event.
“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.”
Reconciliation Saskatoon creates lesson plans and activities for classrooms leading up to the event, so that learning and engagement takes place before, during, and after the Walk. With the 2024 Rock Your Roots returning to June 21, Reconciliation Saskatoon and Residential School Survivors can deepen their engagement with students across the city.
Participants of the Walk for Reconciliation 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.
Reconciliation Saskatoon is grateful to the incredible community that has made this walk possible. Organizations like the Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI) have put the strength of their community behind Rock Your Roots.
“Rock Your Roots is a day we honour our Residential School Survivors by coming out and showing community support,” says Shirley Isbister, President of CUMFI. “Gather your families, friends, business, and office staff. Make signs, wear your cultural regalia, and come out and Rock Your Roots.”
Reconciliation Saskatoon also recognizes the incredible support of Community Investors. Blue Cross Saskatchewan was the first investor to come forward in 2024.
“Last year we had the privilege of being a part of this incredible display of diversity in our community,” says Kelly Wilson, President and CEO of Saskatchewan Blue Cross. “We’re excited to partner with Reconciliation Saskatoon to participate in the journey of Truth and Reconciliation in Saskatchewan and celebrate diversity in the province.”
Also returning to support the event: SIGA, SGI Canada, BHP, and Nutrien.
Reconciliation Saskatoon invites everyone in the community to get involved: as organizers, volunteers, community investors, and participants. For more information on the Rock your Roots: Walk for Reconciliation, please visit BeAConnectR.com/events.
ATTACHED: Images (4)
Photo credit to Alexander Willems for the following images: Shirley RYR 2023, RYR Sept 30-2023, Survivors Jamie and Rick
City of Saskatoon stopping prohibition bylaw aiming to enhance pedestrian safety
March 19, 2024 - 9:00am
The City of Saskatoon has passed amendments to Bylaw No. 7200, The Traffic Bylaw, aimed at improving pedestrian safety.
The updated bylaw includes a 15-metre stopping prohibition before marked pedestrian crosswalks, along with a 10-metre stopping prohibition after the crosswalk, unless otherwise specified by traffic signs.
"While our city continues to grow, it's imperative that we prioritize the safety of all road users, particularly pedestrians," says Jay Magus, Director of Transportation.
"These amendments will reduce potential conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians at crosswalks."
The stopping prohibition means drivers cannot stop or park their vehicle in the parking lane near a crosswalk. This will help to increase pedestrian visibility and enhance safety.
Signs will not be installed at every location affected by these new regulations. It is essential for residents to be informed of the new bylaw.
For more information on pedestrian safety in Saskatoon, visit saskatoon.ca/pedestrian-safety.
City exceeds expectations for smaller garbage cart requests
March 12, 2024 - 9:00am
On March 1, the first intake period for smaller black cart requests closed. The City has introduced a variable cart size program this year, providing residents more choice and flexibility with their household’s waste needs. Following the two-month application intake, almost sixteen thousand requests from residents seeking smaller garbage carts have been received meaning approximately 21% of Saskatoon’s curbside customers are already on board to reduce their cart size and and help the City continue toward its waste diversion goals.
“We are surprised but thrilled with how many requests we’ve received this first intake period, but it just goes to show that Saskatoon residents are diverting more waste and have less of a need for the large garbage cart. We’ve exceeded our expectations for this initial request period and look forward to getting smaller carts out to residents this spring,” says Brendan Lemke, Director of Water and Waste Operations.
Smaller carts will be delivered April through June corresponding with garbage collection pick-up days. We ask that residents who have requested a smaller cart leave their existing cart out at each collection day until 6PM during the deployment window so swaps can occur. More information about the timing and schedule of delivery of new carts will be mailed out to residents who requested smaller carts in early April.
If residents missed the deadline for the spring cart swap period, there will be another cart swap this fall. Cart swap requests will be accepted beginning July 8.
To learn more about the Black Cart program, visit saskatoon.ca/blackcart.