News Releases
Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
City of Saskatoon Emergency Response Plan Update: March 5
March 5, 2024 - 8:29am
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Work is progressing very well and is ahead of schedule.
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100 per cent of Priority 1 Streets, 75 per cent of Priority 2 Streets (expected completion by noon) and 45 per cent of Priority 3 Streets (expected completion by midnight, Wednesday, March 6) have been graded.
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Sander trucks continue to spread sand throughout the day on these streets to increase traction.
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Because work has proceeded so well, the plan is to move into residential areas and start clearing local streets during the night shift on Wednesday, March 6. A list of initial neighbourhoods for local street snow grading is expected to be available at saskatoon.ca/snow tomorrow, Wednesday, March 6, and continuously updated as crews make progress – please watch for further information this week.
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Crews will move into industrial areas after all local streets in residential areas are completed. After that, crews can start addressing alley access; problematic alleys may be addressed sooner pending available resources.
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The need for the last phase of the plan (Phase 5), which involves city-wide snow removal, will be assessed in the coming days considering factors such as weather conditions and the proximity to the end of the winter season.
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For a detailed timeline please review the Emergency Response Plan infographic.
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Right now there are many tall snowpiles along the roadways. Sight-lines may be reduced so drivers should proceed with caution near intersections and crosswalks.
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Fixed-route service is being maintained. Detours and delays are still expected as operators navigate clear roadways.
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Access Transit will operate under normal conditions on clear and accessible roadways.
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OnDemand service will operate on cleared roadways that are accessible to operators.
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The Transit Customer Service Centre will be open for walk-in customers and phone lines (306-975-3100) will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
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Check Saskatoon Transit service alerts for detours or temporary bus stop closures at saskatoontransit.ca/service-alerts. and
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View real-time bus locations on third-party apps like Transit and Google Transit on desktop. Pin your routes to receive service alert push notifications.
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All Leisure Centres (Cosmo (excluding Cosmo Arena), Lakewood and Lawson Civic Centres, Saskatoon Field House and Shaw Centre) are closed today Tuesday, March 5. They are anticipated to re-open Wednesday, March 6, with normal operating hours.
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Visit saskatoon.ca/servicealerts for the latest impacts to City facilities and services.
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The Saskatchewan Health Authority reminds residents to be careful when you go out to shovel. Shoveling is a significant workout and can put a lot of strain on your heart and back. Follow their recent tips.
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When shoveling snow, take some time to clear any fire hydrants of ice and snow near your property. In case of a fire, firefighters need to be able to spot and access fire hydrants quickly to protect people and property.
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Check intake pipes and exhaust vents that may be blocked with snow or ice and clear any snow away from the opening if it builds up. A plugged exhaust could result in carbon monoxide (CO) being pushed back into your home or cause your furnace to shut down.
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For your safety and the safety of your children we ask that no one climbs on the snow piles or builds tunnels through them as the weight of that snow is very dangerous.
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Do not push or blow snow into the street. This creates a greater risk for vehicles to get stuck. Instead, pile the snow on your property, as per Bylaw No. 8463 The Sidewalk Clearing Bylaw, 2005.
With the City of Saskatoon receiving between 30 and 40 cm of snow accumulation since Saturday morning, the Roadways team has activated the Emergency Response Plan (ERP). The plan is activated when more than 25 cm of snow falls and streets are impassable for light vehicles. The City’s Emergency Operation Centre has been activated to collaborate with critical infrastructure partners throughout the city.
A summary of the work underway includes:
A reminder that during an ERP activation, posted temporary parking restrictions will not be used. Vehicles will be allowed to remain on streets and residents are encouraged to park their vehicles off the streets into parking lots, garages and driveways whenever possible.
Stay in the know about snow grading efforts and the list of Priority Streets by visiting saskatoon.ca/snow and following the City’s social media channels. Check the latest Snow & Ice Report posted to saskatoon.ca/snowreport. A regularly-updated map of which Priority Streets have been completed is available at saskatoon.ca/prioritystreetsmap.
The majority of civic services and facilities are now open for regular business and operating normally with a few exceptions:
Saskatoon Transit
Leisure Facilities
Safety Reminders
City of Saskatoon Emergency Response Plan Update: March 4 (Afternoon)
March 4, 2024 - 4:20pm
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Saskatoon has in the range of 1600 lane-km of Priority Roads – that’s roughly the distance from City Hall to Vancouver. So far, approximately 95 per cent of Priority 1 Streets, 45 per cent of Priority 2 Streets and 25 per cent of Priority 3 Streets have been graded, far ahead of the anticipated schedule from this morning.
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Sander trucks continue to spread sand throughout the day on these streets to increase traction.
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By midnight tonight, Monday, March 4, we expect all Priority 1 Streets to be completed and will immediately proceed with grading on the remaining Priority 2 Streets, which are expected all to be graded by noon tomorrow.
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Priority 3 Streets are expected to be complete by midnight on Thursday, March 7.
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The plan is to move into residential areas and start clearing local streets during the night shift on Thursday, March 7. A list of initial neighbourhoods for local street snow grading will be available at saskatoon.ca/snow by Thursday, March 7 and continuously updated as crews make progress – please watch for further information this week.
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Crews will move into industrial areas after all local streets in residential areas are completed. After that, crews can start addressing alley access; problematic alleys may be addressed sooner pending available resources.
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The need for the last phase of the plan (Phase 5), which involves city-wide snow removal, will be assessed in the coming days considering factors such as weather conditions and the proximity to the end of the winter season.
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For a detailed timeline please review the Emergency Response Plan infographic.
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Right now there are many tall snowpiles along the roadways. Sight-lines may be reduced so drivers should proceed with caution near intersections and crosswalks.
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City Hall remains open and the majority of civic services are operating as normal.
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Despite ongoing operational and weather impacts this morning, Saskatoon Transit is maintaining full service this afternoon with no delays exceeding 15 minutes. However, detours and delays can be expected as operators navigate accessible streets. For updates check the real-time mobile app, transit or visit saskatoontransit.ca/service-alerts.
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Access Transit will continue trips for essential services and medical appointments. Customers are asked to reschedule leisure travel.
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OnDemand service will operate on cleared roadways that are accessible to operators.
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City Indoor Rinks have resumed regular operations.
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The landfill is open but snowy and windy conditions exist so please proceed with caution.
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Parks is on track to clearing pathways according to route priorities. Within 48 hours of snowfall, snow clearing occurs on sidewalks adjacent to parks and all lighted parkways and some unlighted pathways. Excludes crusher dust (unpaved) pathways.
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Missed blue cart collection on Monday, March 4 is rescheduled for Saturday, March 9. Blue Cart affected area(s) include Route 4: Briarwood, College Park, College Park East, Lakeridge, Lakewood Urban Centre, Rosewood.
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Missed black cart collection on Monday, March 4 rescheduled for Saturday, March 9. Black Cart affected areas include Route 1: Avalon, Buena Vista, Exhibition, Haultain, Nutana, Queen Elizabeth.
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Missed Green Cart collection on Monday, March 4 rescheduled for Saturday March 9. Green Cart affected areas include Route 2: Adelaide/Churchill, Holliston, Nutana Park, Stonebridge, The Willows.
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All curbside collections for Tuesday, March 5 will go ahead as planned. Please watch for Service Alerts, updates on your Saskatoon Waste Wizard app or go to saskatoon.ca/collectioncalendar.
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The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo will re-open tomorrow, March 5, with normal operating hours.
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All Leisure Centres (Cosmo (excluding Cosmo Arena), Lakewood and Lawson Civic Centres, Saskatoon Field House and Shaw Centre) are closed Monday, March 4 and will remain closed Tuesday, March 5. They are anticipated to re-open Wednesday, March 6, with normal operating hours.
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All scheduled building and plumbing inspections for Monday March, 4 and Tuesday, March 5 are cancelled. Customers with scheduled inspections will be contacted and arrangements will be made to rebook.
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The impound lot is closed for the remainder of the day. Updates on when the service is restored will be available on saskatoon.ca/servicealerts.
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The Saskatchewan Health Authority reminds residents to be careful when you go out to shovel. Shoveling is a significant workout and can put a lot of strain on your heart and back. Follow their recent tips.
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When shoveling snow, take some time to clear any fire hydrants of ice and snow near your property. In case of a fire, firefighters need to be able to spot and access fire hydrants quickly to protect people and property.
-
Check intake pipes and exhaust vents that may be blocked with snow or ice and clear any snow away from the opening if it builds up. A plugged exhaust could result in carbon monoxide (CO) being pushed back into your home or cause your furnace to shut down.
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For your safety and the safety of your children we ask that no one climbs on the snow piles or builds tunnels through them as the weight of that snow is very dangerous.
-
Do not push or blow snow into the street. This creates a greater risk for vehicles to get stuck. Instead, pile the snow on your property, as per Bylaw No. 8463 The Sidewalk Clearing Bylaw, 2005.
With the City of Saskatoon receiving more than 25 cm of snow accumulation since Saturday morning and streets being impassable for light vehicles, the Roadways team has activated the Emergency Response Plan (ERP). The City’s Emergency Operation Centre has been activated to collaborate with critical infrastructure partners throughout the city.
A summary of the work underway includes:
Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed about snow grading efforts and the list of Priority Streets by visiting saskatoon.ca/snow and following the City’s social media channels. Stay in the know by checking the latest Snow & Ice Report posted to saskatoon.ca/snowreport. A regularly-updated map of which Priority Streets have been completed is available at saskatoon.ca/prioritystreetsmap.
A summary of civic services operating normally:
Other Impacted City Operations
Leisure Facilities
Building Standards
Impound Lot
Visit saskatoon.ca/servicealerts for the latest impacts to City facilities and services.
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Safety Reminders
City of Saskatoon continues to deploy Emergency Response Plan following severe snowstorm
March 4, 2024 - 8:10am
- Approximately 40% of Priority 1 Streets have been graded. They are slippery and sander trucks will be spreading sand throughout the day on these streets to increase traction. Some of the snow piles are fairly big, impacting sightlines at intersections, drivers should watch for pedestrians and turning vehicles.
- By midnight tonight, Monday, March 4, we expect all Priority 1 Streets to be completed and will immediately proceed with grading on Priority 2 Streets, which are expected all to be graded by noon tomorrow.
- After that, we will then start grading Priority 3 Streets and expect to complete them all by midnight on Thursday, March 7.
- The plan is to move into residential areas and start clearing local streets during the night shift on Thursday, March 7.
- Crews will move into industrial areas after all local streets in residential areas are completed. After that crews will be able to start to address alley access and problematic alleys may be addressed sooner pending available resources.
- The need for the last phase of the plan, which involves city-wide snow removal, will be assessed in the coming days considering factors such as weather conditions and the proximity to the end of the winter season.
- For a detailed timeline please review the Emergency Response Plan infographic.
- Operational impacts have resulted in reduced fixed-route service. Detours and delays are expected.
- Outlying neighbourhoods, with particularly more impacts of snow accumulation, have limited operator access.
- Access Transit will continue trips for essential services and medical appointments. Customers are asked to reschedule leisure travel.
- OnDemand service will operate on cleared roadways that are accessible to operators.
- The Transit Customer Service Centre will be open for walk-in customers; however customers are asked to call the phone lines if their trip to the Customer Service Centre is not essential. Phone lines (306-975-3100) will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- For updates check the real-time mobile app, transit or visit saskatoontransit.ca/service-alerts.
- All Leisure Centres (Cosmo, Lakewood and Lawson Civic Centres, Saskatoon Field House and Shaw Centre) are closed Monday, March 4.
- The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo is closed Monday, March 4.
- City Indoor Rinks may be open subject to bookings and Saskatoon Minor Hockey.
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The landfill is open but snowy and windy conditions exist so please proceed with caution.
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Curbside cart collections are suspended for Monday, March 4. Collections will be rescheduled once the streets are accessible. Please watch for Service Alerts, updates on your Saskatoon Waste Wizard app or go to saskatoon.ca/collectioncalendar.
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Within 48 hours of snowfall, snow clearing occurs on sidewalks adjacent to parks and all lighted parkways and some unlighted pathways. Excludes crusher dust (unpaved) pathways.
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All scheduled building and plumbing inspections will be cancelled. Starting Monday, March 4 at 8 a.m., customers with scheduled inspections will be contacted and arrangements will be made to rebook.
With the City of Saskatoon receiving more than 25 cm of snow accumulation since Saturday morning and streets being impassable for light vehicles, the Roadways team has activated the Emergency Response Plan (ERP). Additionally, the City’s Emergency Operation Centre has been activated and is collaborating with critical infrastructure partners throughout the city.
Residents remain encouraged to stay home if possible, to leave space for City and contractor crews to do their work and assist emergency services.
While the snow has mainly stopped, strong gusting winds will create additional challenges causing drifts. Snow crews will continue to address known problem areas as the day progresses.
The current focus now is to keep all highest Priority Streets open to maintain access to all emergency facilities. Additional contractor resources have been engaged from our emergency response list to support our ongoing efforts. A summary of the work underway includes:
Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed about snow grading efforts and the list of Priority Streets by visiting saskatoon.ca/snow and following the City’s social media channels. Stay in the know by checking the latest Snow & Ice Report posted to saskatoon.ca/snowreport. A regularly-updated map of which Priority Streets have been completed is available at saskatoon.ca/prioritystreetsmap.
Please do not push or blow snow into the street. This creates a greater risk for vehicles to get stuck. Instead, pile the snow on your property, as per Bylaw No. 8463 The Sidewalk Clearing Bylaw, 2005.
OTHER IMPACTED CITY OPERATIONS: MARCH 4, 2024
Saskatoon Transit
Leisure Facilities & Attractions
Saskatoon Landfill
Recycling and Garbage Collections
Parks
Building Standards
Visit saskatoon.ca/servicealerts for the latest impacts to City facilities and services.
City of Saskatoon Activates Emergency Response Plan in Response to Severe Snowstorm
March 3, 2024 - 4:24pm
With the City of Saskatoon experiencing severe weather conditions resulting in more than 25 cm of snow accumulation and impassable local streets in residential neighborhoods, the Roadways team has activated the Emergency Response Plan (ERP). Additionally, the City’s Emergency Operation Centre has been activated and is currently collaborating with critical infrastructure partners throughout the city.
Residents are strongly encouraged to stay home if possible, to avoid getting stuck in the deep snow and to leave space for City and contractor crews to do their work.
The current focus now and as snow continues to fall is on keeping Circle Drive and all highest Priority Streets open to maintain access to all emergency facilities. Additional contractor resources have been engaged from our emergency response list to support our ongoing efforts.
Once snowfall stops, all priority streets will be graded within the next four days (96 hours). For a detailed timeline please review the Emergency Response Plan infographic. Once the Priority Streets are done, crews will move to grading all local streets in residential areas within the subsequent three days (within seven days after snowfall stops). Following this, all local streets in industrial areas will be graded within the following three days (within 10 days after snowfall stops).
The need for the last phase of the plan, which involves city-wide snow removal, will be assessed in the coming days considering factors such as weather conditions and the proximity to the end of the winter season.
After the snow stops falling, a regularly-updated map of which Priority Streets have been completed is available at saskatoon.ca/prioritystreetsmap.
The purpose of the ERP is to guide the Roadways team through a phased approach during major snowstorms, maintaining public safety and restoring mobility on Saskatoon streets and sidewalks. The plan outlines specific criteria for activation, including snow accumulation exceeding 25 cm and/or a combination of snow, freezing rain, and wind severely impacting mobility to the extent that light vehicles cannot travel on city streets.
Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed about snow grading efforts by visiting saskatoon.ca/snow and following the City’s social media channels. Stay in the know by checking the latest Snow & Ice Report posted to saskatoon.ca/snowreport.
Transit service is being maintained as roadways are cleared and are accessible to operators. Detours and delays are expected. Outlying neighbourhoods - with particularly more snow accumulation - have limited operator access. Access Transit operates as emergency services only, provided buses can access the area. For updates check the real-time mobile app, transit or visit saskatoontransit.ca/service-alerts. Call 306-975-3555 with any questions or concerns.
All Leisure Centres (Cosmo, Lakewood and Lawson Civic Centres, Saskatoon Field House and Shaw Centre) are closed as of this afternoon for staff and customer safety. The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo is also closed due to limitations to access the main gate. The City Landfill is open but snowy conditions exist. Saskatoon Public Library locations are also closed to the public this afternoon for regular business. Visit saskatoon.ca/servicealerts for the latest impacts to City facilities and services.
$10M surplus for 2023 to boost reserves: Preliminary Year-End Financial Results released
February 29, 2024 - 10:08am
- Fewer, smaller scale snow events in 2023 compared with typical years resulted in a $5.7 million surplus in the City’s snow and ice management program;
- A higher than anticipated interest rate environment resulted in $1.2 million in additional investment income;
- Temporary closure of Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre for renovations contributed to an overall surplus for Leisure Centres of $1.0 million; and
- Notably, Saskatoon’s population grew by 14,000 in 2023; this helped contribute to significant increases in Transit and Access Transit revenues which, in turn, supported a quicker return to pre-pandemic ridership with $3.5 million in higher than budgeted revenues.
- The $5.7 million surplus related to Snow and Ice Operations be added into the Snow and Ice Management Contingency Reserve. This will bring the reserve to a balance of approximately $6.2 million to provide funding in future years for higher-than-normal snowfall; and
- The remaining $4.2 million civic surplus be allocated to the Fiscal Stabilization Reserve, bringing the balance to approximately $5.8 million which will then be available to offset future operating budget deficits or challenges.
Increased ridership leading to higher Transit revenues and lower than anticipated spending for snow clearing have, in part, contributed to a nearly $10 million 2023 civic operating budget surplus.
“I am pleased to report the City’s Civic Operating Preliminary 2023 Year-End Financial Results indicate a $9.9 million (1.68%) surplus,” says Clae Hack, Chief Financial Officer. “The City’s stabilization reserves, designed to deal with unforeseen circumstances such as higher than normal amounts of snow and fuel volatility, have been significantly relied upon in recent years because of the financial impacts from the pandemic. This surplus is recommended to replenish these reserves, so the City is well-prepared to respond to future financial challenges in a sustainable and proactive manner.”
The City of Saskatoon will present the Preliminary 2023 Year-End Financial Results and forecast for the year ending December 31, 2023, to the Standing Policy Committee on Finance on March 6, 2024.
It is important to recall that the 2023 Budget included an ambitious target of $5.7 million in savings in addition to structural budget and other post-pandemic revenue challenges.
“Administration took these targeted savings measures and budget challenges seriously in 2023. We adopted strict discretionary spending and hiring restrictions early in 2023 and continued it for the year. This resulted in approximately $5.5 million in savings,” says Hack.
In addition to the Administration’s savings efforts, favourable external factors experienced in 2023 contributed to the surplus of $9.9 million in 2023 which included:
“While the Preliminary 2023 Financial results are certainly welcome based on the need to replenish the City’s stabilization reserves, it is important to note that this surplus has minimal impact on the 2024 Budget recently approved by City Council. We cannot budget for a future with no snow events, nor can we continue to budget for the $10 million in pandemic relief funding that was fully used in 2023. These items, along with unprecedented inflationary pressures and their impact on City services levels were the focus of extensive budget discussions. These realities have not changed because of this surplus,” adds Hack.
The City Administration recommends using the surplus of $9.9 million, as follows:
“The recommendations presented in this report provide City Council and the public with assurance that the City’s stabilization reserve funds will be replenished and available for future unforeseen financial challenges,” Hack adds. “The City’s approach to stabilization reserves has been a key tool for the City to utilize in addressing unforeseen financial challenges, without impacting service levels. This approach is a proven Municipal Government Financial best practice.”
In addition to the City’s Property Tax Supported or Civic Operating Budget, the City Utilities, funded by Utility charges including Saskatoon Light & Power, Storm Water, Saskatoon Water/Wastewater and Waste Services also posted a surplus of $10.96 million (2.75%).This surplus was largely due to a longer and warmer than normal summer which resulted in higher electricity and water usage. Cost savings were realized as the City’s Utilities also put in place discretionary hiring and spending restrictions for the majority of 2023 in alignment with Civic operations.
For additional context, the Water/Wastewater Utilities experienced three deficits and three surpluses in the past six years (including 2023). The City’s operating budget, including Utilities, is always based on a variety of assumptions including weather fluctuations which impact the financial performance of the utilities significantly. Over the past six years (2018 – 2023), Saskatoon Water/Wastewater has realized an approximate 1.36% positive budget variance, and this has been used to help pay for infrastructure maintenance and required expansion which can help keep future rates lower and reduces the need to borrow money.
The recommendations for City Council on the allocation of the surplus funds in 2023 are subject to the confirmation of the City’s year-end financial status, conducted annually via the external accountant’s audit process. The City’s 2023 Annual Report will be released this summer.
Visit saskatoon.ca/budget.
City Council sets school distance limits for emergency shelter locations
February 28, 2024 - 5:38pm
- Room for approximately 30 beds each
- Beds in an open shelter-type hall (with movable wall systems or partitions)
- Some private rooms (accessed internally)
- An area suitable for office space for site staff
- Showers, bathrooms, kitchen
- Internal and external gathering spaces (amenity spaces) available on site be considered
- Proximity to other services should be considered
- Zoned appropriately if possible, or applicable for consideration under the City’s Emergency Residential Shelter zoning provisions
- At least 250 metres from an elementary school in the Saskatoon Public School or Greater Saskatoon Catholic School system.
City Council today endorsed a motion to expand the site selection criteria for shelter spaces to be at least 250 metres from an elementary school (Public or Catholic).
This means the proposed location for the emergency shelter in former Fire Station #5 on Central Avenue will not proceed.
The City will continue to support the Government of Saskatchewan in its Provincial Approach to Homelessness through identifying sites for two new locations, each having approximately 30 shelter beds.
The process to date: how did we get here?
Late last year, the Government of Saskatchewan requested the City take the lead role in identifying sites for emergency shelters. The criteria the City developed to search for sites were as follows:
Based on the above selection criteria, former Fire Station #5 on Central Avenue had been identified as a site for one of the emergency shelter locations.
What’s changed?
After hearing community concerns, City Council has directed the Administration use the previously approved criteria and added one additional criterion as follows:
As a result, all neighbourhood information sessions scheduled for Sutherland area residents and businesses will be cancelled and the Administration will seek alternate sites that meet the new criteria.
Vision for the Downtown Event and Entertainment District Draws Inspiration from Saskatoon’s landscapes, urban form, nature and connection to community.
February 15, 2024 - 11:38am
- Urban with a Prairie Heart
- Where the Earth Meets the Sky
- Warmly Embrace the Winter
- Of the Earth
At the February 14th meeting of the Governance and Priorities Committee (GPC), the inspiration for a future, vibrant Downtown Event and Entertainment District (District) core was presented through information reports on the Conceptual Design Overview and the Interim District Plan. These reports both position the development of the District as integral to the revitalization of Saskatoon’s Downtown.
“The inspiration came from Saskatoon and its place in nature, in community and in the world,” says Dan Willems, Director of Technical Services. “The intent is to showcase Saskatoon’s past, present and future identity through design, while also improving streets and existing public spaces. The District will honour, highlight and prioritize Indigenous and Saskatoon storytelling, and will be designed to create an ‘outdoor living room’, where people from all over the city and visitors can gather.”
The conceptual designs were created around four pillars, which capture different aspects of Saskatoon’s defining features:
A number of important public spaces are included in the conceptual design, including an outdoor concert terrace and pavilion, a ‘gateway’ plaza at the entrance of the event centre/arena that can also be used for public programing, and a linear courtyard on the east side which will create an intimate, semi-enclosed space for people to walk through, wait for arriving friends, and enjoy food and drink on outdoor patios.
“The District’s public spaces will be designed to meet a variety of needs and demands,” says Willems. “By integrating a mix of supportive uses and a welcoming public realm into the District, both residents and visitors will find many reasons to linger and enjoy all that Downtown has to offer, encouraging earlier arrivals and later stays, diffusing trips across Downtown over many hours, and making trips by all modes of transportation easy and convenient.”
The renderings developed through the conceptual design process illustrate the potential activation of the Downtown area through the process of developing the District. These renderings can be viewed at saskatoon.ca/eventdistrict. The more technical District Plan will further develop a plan for the Downtown overall and looks at how the land can best be used to achieve a vibrant mix of residential, business, social and outdoor activity, while making Downtown more accessible for everyone to get to and around in. Both the Conceptual Design Overview and the District Plan draw on the feedback collected through the Phase 1 Engagement held in spring 2023 to better reflect what community members would like to see while integrating technical considerations.
Moving forward from GPC to the February 28th Regular Meeting of City Council are a decision report on the Convention Centre options and an approval report on the acquisition of the Downtown YMCA property.
Neighbourhood Information Sessions for proposed Emergency Residential Shelter on Central Avenue postponed
February 9, 2024 - 11:07am
The City of Saskatoon and Government of Saskatchewan continue to work collaboratively on the final details to prepare for the 30-space emergency shelter to be located at former Fire Station #5 (421 Central Avenue).
All partners know that the way the shelter will operate is one of the most important questions on the minds of residents and business owners and recognize the need to get the right plan in place before the shelter becomes operational.
Much progress has been made on developing an integrated plan – but it requires more time to ensure the best outcomes for the entire community and to meet the expectations of Sutherland residents, businesses and workplaces.
The service provider selected by the Government of Saskatchewan – the Mustard Seed -- has shared its operational plans with all partners to run an enhanced shelter model. The Mustard Seed is an established service provider who will be working in Saskatoon for the first time.
An enhanced emergency shelter provides clients with access to the shelter 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Clients are also provided three meals per day, case planning and access to wrap-around supports to address wellness and cultural needs, with assistance in connecting to services such as financial supports and help to transition to appropriate housing along the housing continuum. The enhanced shelter will also be smaller in scale to other shelters in Saskatoon.
The location of the second temporary 30-space shelter in Saskatoon is still being determined.
The Neighbourhood Information Sessions scheduled for February 13 (virtual) and February 15 (at Sutherland Hall) related to the shelter discussion will be postponed, as well as the reports that were being planned for presentation at the February 28 meetings of City Council.
Neighbourhood Information Sessions will be rescheduled within the month and the public will be notified on saskatoon.ca/shelterspaces and on the City’s social media channels with revised dates when they are available.
The City thanks Sutherland residents and businesses for their patience in allowing all the various organizations necessary time to complete the integrated operating and safety plan work.
City reveals visuals, design concepts of Downtown Event and Entertainment District
February 8, 2024 - 10:00am
The Governance and Priorities Committee of City Council will have the opportunity at its February 14th meeting to discuss the visionary opportunities of the Downtown Event and Entertainment District (District). Included in a group of reports is a first look at the artistic renderings of what the area around the event centre/arena and convention centre could look like and the first look at the strategic directions for the District Plan outlining the template for a rejuvenated Downtown.
“These renderings really help illustrate that the District is much more than just an event centre and convention centre – it is to be a community gathering place in any season,” says Dan Willems, Director of Technical Services, Transportation & Construction Division. “They show the potential of the public spaces, with places for events, amenities and open areas where visitors and people from all parts of the city can meet and share unique experiences.”
The visuals show what the proposed event centre/arena and convention centre could look like, with a focus along a transformed 22nd Street. Both winter and summer scenes are captured, showing the potential for winter festivals, outdoor markets and summer activities.
“This is an opportunity for people in Saskatoon to really see how the vision for the District could become reality,” Willems says. “Up until now we have been talking about the District in very abstract terms, but these images help put context and meaning to the idea of an active space that is open to all. These are by no means the final designs of the area, but they are a great to help visualize the conceptual design and potential in creating a vital and dynamic Downtown, with economic impacts that will have a positive effect on Saskatoon and Saskatchewan.”
The District Plan, which is being developed simultaneously along with the plans for the event centre/arena and convention centre, takes a wider view of Downtown Saskatoon and looks at how the land can be best used to achieve a vibrant mix of residential, business, social and outdoor activity, while making the Downtown more accessible for everyone to get to and get around in. The District Plan will also work to create a cohesive strategy for the Downtown as a whole, ensuring that the entire area develops in a sustainable and productive way.
Additionally in this group of reports to GPC is a Decision Report on acquiring the YMCA building and its associated land. This acquisition, while currently part of the larger District project, is part of the larger strategy to have a contiguous area of land with significant redevelopment potential to accommodate future expansion of the convention centre and a new parking structure in the area of Idylwyld and 22nd Street.
For more information on the Downtown Event and Entertainment District, including the renderings, please visit www.saskatoon.ca/eventdistrict.
Council approves new Tree Protection Bylaw to safeguard urban forest
February 1, 2024 - 10:00am
Yesterday, City Council approved a new bylaw to enhance the protection of trees on City property.
Bylaw No. 9957, The Tree Protection Bylaw, 2024 (Bylaw) is designed to prevent harm to trees on City property by addressing various activities such as the attachment of objects to trees, the use of harmful substances like herbicides or other chemicals, and demolition or construction near a City tree.
“The new Bylaw will help to safeguard the City’s urban forest by providing an effective mechanism to protect and preserve trees on City property,” says Director of Parks Darren Crilly. “This proactive step aligns with the City's commitment to sustainable urban development, acknowledging the vital role trees play in maintaining environmental health, aesthetic appeal and the overall well-being of the community.”
One of the main requirements of the Bylaw is the approval for any work conducted within six metres of a City tree. This includes activities like construction, demolition or the placement of heavy equipment, vehicles or building materials near a City tree.
To formalize the Bylaw’s approval requirement and ensure activities near City trees adhere to specific tree protection measures, a new permitting process will be introduced in September 2024.
“While the Bylaw will help address compliance issues, the City’s enforcement approach will prioritize education and collaboration as the primary course of action,” Crilly says. “The Parks Department will continue to work with industry and civic departments to support the rollout of the new permitting process.”
In the meantime, residents and developers are encouraged to follow the existing tree protection process by completing a Tree Protection Plan application form found on the City’s website at saskatoon.ca/treeprotection prior to the start of your project.
The Bylaw does not apply to trees in back lanes, trees on private property, minor landscaping and the placement of lights or extension cords on a City tree during the winter months.
In addition to the Bylaw, City Council approved updates to the existing City Council Policy, Trees on City Property, which provides Administration with direction on the care, maintenance and protection of City trees.
For more information on the Bylaw, visit saskatoon.ca/treeprotection.