News Releases

The City of Saskatoon (City) has upgraded 20 Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) in and around Downtown to Touchless Accessible Pedestrian Signals. 

This initiative, made possible through funding from the Government of Canada's Canada Healthy Communities Initiative, marks a pivotal step in the city's commitment to ensuring accessibility and safety for all residents. The Canada Healthy Communities Initiative was established to fund small-scale infrastructure projects to create safer, more vibrant and inclusive communities. 

 "This initiative underscores our dedication to fostering an inclusive and safe city for all residents," says Jay Magus, Director Transportation. “The City remains committed to ongoing programs that retrofit older intersections with APS devices, meaning accessibility measures are consistently prioritized.”  

APS devices play a crucial role in aiding pedestrians with visual and/or hearing challenges by providing vital auditory and vibration cues, enabling safe street crossings.  These signals employ distinctive auditory sounds— a "cuckoo" for north/south and a "chirp" for east/west directions, supplemented by voice messages at select intersections. 

Many traffic signals Downtown have automatic walk lights; however, pedestrians were required to press the button to activate the auditory cues.  With Touchless APS, the audibles can be activated by waving your hand in front of the push button.   Pedestrians can still press the button, which includes a vibrating arrow.    

This comprehensive approach reflects Saskatoon's dedication to creating an inclusive urban environment where everyone can navigate streets safely and independently. 

More information about Accessible Pedestrian Signals can be found at saskatoon.ca/pedestriansafety.

Two of the five zebras from the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (one gelding and one female) are embarking on an adventure as they settle into their new home at Magnetic Hill Zoo in Moncton, New Brunswick.

Koffee and LeeLoo have been paired separately from the rest of the herd since last fall due to a medical issue. The two have since become a bonded pair and a decision was made not to reintroduce them to the other herd.

“Zebra males can become very territorial, especially within a herd setting,” says Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager. “While we are sad to see Koffee and LeeLoo go, we are confident the decision to relocate the pair to another CAZA accredited facility is the best outcome for the zebras”.

All required permits, veterinary check and documentation were completed prior to the transfer. The zebras were transferred by a licensed, approved animal transport company and arrived safely in Moncton earlier this week.

Marty, Misty and Shadow have become a cohesive trio and will remain at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo. The Zoo has also completed the expansion of the zebras’ winter habitat by adding almost 900 square feet of indoor space for the gelding and two females to enjoy. The expansion was fully funded by the Province of Saskatchewan and provides ample space for the zebras to enjoy during the winter months.

A reminder, the Zoo will close at 1 p.m. on Friday, June 7 for the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation’s annual fundraising event ZOOGALA. The Zoo will reopen Saturday, June 8, at 9 a.m. The Forestry Farm Park will remain open for regular hours of operation.

Visit saskatoon.ca/zoo to plan your next visit or learn more about the Zoo Season Pass.

The City of Saskatoon is proud to announce the successful completion of the first year of its city-wide curbside organics program. Since its launch in May 2023, the Green Cart program has contributed to a notable increase in the City’s waste diversion rate, which has risen from 23.5 per cent to 33.3 per cent. This is the first significant increase in a decade, highlighting the program’s impact on the City’s waste diversion efforts.

“We are incredibly pleased with the community's response to the Green Cart program and the substantial increase in our diversion rates,” says Brendan Lemke, Director of Water & Waste Operations. “Moving forward, we will continue to refine and improve the program, which includes a proposal to adjust collection frequencies to better meet seasonal needs and address the remaining diversion potential in black carts.”

On Tuesday, June 4, Council’s Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services (EU&CS) will hear details of the Green Cart program's performance.

The Solid Waste Reduction and Diversion Plan projected that the annual diversion from green carts would be between 15,000 and 22,000 tonnes per year. Since program launch, more than 20,452 tonnes of organic waste have successfully been diverted from the landfill.  Diverting organics from landfill reduces Greenhouse Gas emissions. The Green Cart program avoided 13,374 tonnes of CO2e that would have been released as methane gas if the same materials were landfilled. This is the equivalent of removing 2,972 passenger cars from the roadway. 

There is still opportunity to increase the City’s diversion rates; however. Recent waste characterization audits reveal that the average black cart still contains approximately 33 per cent organic material. The City will continue its education campaigns to improve green cart use, ensuring residents are well-informed about the benefits and proper practices of organic waste diversion.

There were also noted seasonal variations in the program's performance. During winter months, set-out rates and the amount of collected organic waste were significantly lower.

To optimize efficiency and service delivery, Administration is recommending a reduction in the winter collection frequency to once every four weeks between December 1 and March 31 each year. This option is expected to provide savings of $162,000 annually and the adjustment in service could begin December 2024. No change in collection frequency during the spring/summer/fall season is being recommended at this time.

To learn more about the Green Cart program, visit saskatoon.ca/greencart.

Following a discussion of several options, City Council today approved the purchase of a used washroom trailer to provide a staffed, all-day service for the Riversdale and Pleasant Hill neighbourhoods. Council also approved funding to provide staffing at a riverbank washroom location and for extra public access to drinking water.  

“Like many other communities in Canada, Saskatoon is being impacted by an increase in residents who are experiencing homelessness,” says Pamela Goulden-McLeod, Director of Emergency Management. “We’re encouraged with Council’s decision because there’s been a widening gap in services and resources -- including access to public washrooms and drinking water -- for residents in need.” 

The options are expected to cost approximately $700,000, with the money coming from the Reserve for Capital Expenditures. Administration will be diligently looking for cost-saving options. Two community partners have expressed an interest in working with the City on this project. These partnerships are expected to impact some of the planned resources and will lower the project's cost. 

Council heard the City already provides public washroom options in neighbourhoods throughout Saskatoon. The approved options would help increase access to washrooms in neighbourhoods that do not have this service and, in turn, would minimize the overall impact on one single washroom location. The overnight winter warming location that operated at St. Mary’s Hall provided a washroom facility. With the seasonal closure of the warming centre, Pleasant Hill and Riversdale do not have an all-day service – which was in great demand. 

“There is significant need for washroom resources and one location could be overwhelmed quickly,” says Goulden-McLeod. “This was learned from the post-action debrief regarding the St. Mary’s overnight warming location this winter.” 

Goulden-McLeod says there is a cost saving with a used trailer, and if needed, the purchased washroom trailer could then be used for many other functions within the community. 

The washroom trailer is expected to be available in about a week’s time. The Riverbank location, once confirmed, could be staffed in June.  

Council also committed to fund a continuation of misting tents to help prevent heat-stroke and heat-related illnesses, critical to the City’s Extreme Heat Emergency Response Plan. A pilot project for a water-bottle filling station last year at the Westside Clinic was successful; Council now supports three new water bottle filling stations on top of the established distribution of bottled water for those in need. 

The City of Saskatoon is implementing 30 km/h speed limits on select neighbourhood bikeways this summer, as part of an ongoing commitment to improving road safety and comfort for all users. 

A new policy pertaining to reduced speed limits for neighbourhood bikeways was approved by City Council in December 2023. 

“This change aims to enhance safety and create a more comfortable environment for cyclists, pedestrians and drivers,” says Jay Magus, Director of Transportation. “Neighbourhood bikeways are designed for streets with lower vehicle volumes and speeds, promoting safer shared road use."  

Two neighbourhood bikeways will have reduced speed limits implemented this summer: 23rd Street West between Vancouver Avenue North and Avenue C North, Avenue I between the north and south legs of 23rd Street West, and 14th Street East between Saskatchewan Crescent East and Cumberland Avenue.  

The traffic bylaw was amended in February of 2024 for these two neighbourhood bikeways. 

The 14th Street Neighbourhood Bikeway was identified in the Active Transportation Plan and connects the Meewasin Trail to several residential neighbourhoods, as far east as College Park. The 23rd Street Neighbourhood Bikeway, established as a priority cycling route in 2011, offers a connection for cyclists traveling between downtown and Blairmore.  

Signage for these two neighbourhood bikeways is being installed and the reduced posted speed limit of 30 km/h will be in effect on July 5, 2024. Signage for future neighbourhood bikeways will be installed after traffic calming measures are constructed. 

The City understands that these changes can be challenging, but they are part of the broader efforts to enhance safety and make Saskatoon more livable for everyone. For more information on neighbourhood bikeways visit saskatoon.ca/bikewayspeedlimits.

The City of Saskatoon celebrated its partnerships with eight First Nations at a special meeting and Flag Ceremony this morning. There are 10 Urban Reserves within Saskatoon’s boundaries. The first Urban Reserve and Municipal Servicing Agreement was signed in 1988 with Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, and the most recent one was signed in 2023 with Lac La Ronge Indian Band.

Other First Nations with Urban Reserves in Saskatoon are: Kahkewistahaw First Nation; One Arrow First Nation; Red Pheasant Cree Nation; Thunderchild First Nation; Yellow Quill First Nation; and Pelican Lake First Nation.

Urban Reserves benefit both First Nations and the City in creating opportunities in economic growth, offering employment opportunities, strengthening partnerships, and fulfilling Treaty Land Entitlements. These investments help create prosperity for everyone and are a model of good partnership and cooperation.

The Flag installation ceremony occurred at the start of this month’s City Council meeting to recognize the distinct order of First Nations and Métis governments through the Treaty 6 Flag and the Métis Flag. First Nations with urban reserves, additional First Nations represented by the Saskatoon Tribal Council, and Métis Nation-Saskatchewan Western Region 2A along with Locals in Saskatoon participated in the Flag ceremony. 

Métis Nation-Saskatchewan Western Region 2A Locals in Saskatoon are Central Urban Métis Federation Local #165, Victoria Racette Local IIA, Saskatoon Métis Local # 126, and Gabriel Dumont Local #11. The additional First Nations represented by the Saskatoon Tribal Council recognized at the Flag ceremony are: Kinistin Saulteaux Nation; Mistawasis Nêhiyawak ; Muskoday First Nation; and Whitecap Dakota First Nation.

About Urban Reserves and Treaty Land Entitlement

Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) is a process used by the Federal and Provincial governments to resolve outstanding obligations to First Nations who did not receive all of the Reserve land to which they were entitled under Treaty. TLE has enabled First Nations to purchase land and transfer it to Reserve status. The City of Saskatoon welcomes these investments in the city and the region, which support the economic, environmental, social, and cultural well-being of the entire community. Before an urban Reserve is created, the City of Saskatoon and the First Nation sign agreements that cover commitments to work together, municipal services, fees for services, and compatible standards for development.

For more information on the First Nations who have land holdings or reserves within the City of Saskatoon and region, go to www.saskatoon.ca/business-development/planning/programs-projects/urban-reserves-treaty-land-entitlement

Construction is getting underway on the City of Saskatoon’s (City) fourth Flood Control Strategy (FCS) project. Once operational in 2025, flooding during intense summer storms will be mitigated around Early Drive and Tucker Crescent in the Brevoort Park neighbourhood.

“This project includes new storm sewer pipes and underground storm water storage,” says Russ Munro, Director of Saskatoon Water. “Rainwater that typically pools and floods area properties during intense summer storms, will now flow into underground storage tanks that are being installed in Brevoort Park South.”

The storage tanks will temporarily hold the water which will slowly drain through the storm sewer system to the South Saskatchewan River. The project will also include new landscaping once the tanks are installed. Most of Brevoort Park South is fenced off and will remain closed for several months following construction to give the new sod and trees adequate time to establish.

The FCS was approved by City Council in 2018. The Government of Canada is contributing 40% of the eligible construction costs up to a maximum of $21.6 million toward all nine FCS projects. The City is funding the remaining construction costs through the Storm Water Utility Capital Program and revenue generated from Storm Water Utility charges.

FCS projects to date include the W.W. Ashley District dry storm pond, which opened in 2022, and the Churchill Park dry storm pond completed in 2023. Five more FCS projects will be built in Saskatoon’s most flood-prone neighbourhoods over the next three years.

For more information about the FCS and future project locations, visit saskatoon.ca/floodplan.

The City has released its 2023 Report on Service, Savings, Sustainability (SSS). The SSS Report has been released annually since 2005 when City Council directed Administration to prepare a report annually on efficiencies implemented in the previous year. The report highlights the ways the City’s business lines teams worked together in the preceding year to:

• capture savings
• enhance services for residents, and
• make improvements in the area of sustainability

“This type of report is not one that is done in many other municipalities,” says Celene Anger, the City’s Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer. “This year’s report includes more than 130 stories from business areas across the City which feature ways we have both improved and streamlined services without compromising quality.”

The report identifies $4.35 million in total savings. These savings were realized through cost avoidance, cost reductions, and time savings. 

The 2023 SSS Report is available at saskatoon.ca/SSSreport. As well, you will also find a video on this webpage that provides a preview of the full report, highlighting four of the stories featured in 2023

The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo) family grew by one this week, with the birth of a healthy ring-tailed lemur.

“Mom Lucy is doing great, and the baby is exhibiting all of the major milestones we hope to see,” says Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager. “We have not yet identified if it’s a boy or girl because we are allowing time for mom and baby to bond and will be selecting a name in the coming weeks.”

Infant ring-tailed lemurs will cling to their mother’s belly for the first few weeks before moving to a more jockey-style hold on mom’s back. Mom will introduce solid foods after about two weeks with full weaning at five to six months of age. Lucy will be keeping a close eye on her baby as it will begin to explore the habitat and become increasingly independent after a month. Lucy will be celebrating her first Mother’s Day this weekend as this is the first ring-tailed lemur born to mom Lucy and dad Ringo following their arrival at the Zoo last year.

Ring-tailed lemurs are native to southwestern Madagascar and are classified as endangered. Lemurs are considered the most endangered mammal group in the world and their populations are managed through Species Survival Plan Programs led by expert advisors who cooperatively work together to maximize genetic diversity and appropriately manage the demographic distribution and long-term sustainability of the species.

The ring-tailed lemur family is located in the Small Mammal House at the Zoo. The Zoo is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visit saskatoon.ca/zoo to plan your next visit or learn more about the Zoo Season Pass.

Get ready to vote this fall! The provincial election is on October 28, 2024, and the City of Saskatoon’s municipal election for local government leadership and school board trustees for the Public and Separate School Divisions will take place on November 13, 2024.

May has been proclaimed by the Province of Saskatchewan as Voter Registration Month. Eligible voters, you can now register or update your voter information for the provincial election. All you need to do is check, update, or add your voter information to the Elections Saskatchewan Voters List portal here.

Key Dates:

• At the end of May 2024: The Returning Officer for Saskatoon’s 2024 Municipal/School Board election will collect Voter Registration data from Elections Saskatchewan to establish Saskatoon’s municipal voter registry.
   
• Starting July 2024: Eligible voters for the Saskatoon Municipal/School Board election will be able to register and update their Voter Information until mid-October 2024 on the Elections Saskatoon website at saskatoon.ca/vote2024. 

“Saskatoon has not used a voters list since 1988,” says Shellie Bryant, Returning Officer, 2024 Civic Election.  “Elections Saskatoon’s partnership with Elections Saskatchewan will support Saskatoon’s modernized and secure civic election and provide a faster voter experience at the polls.”

In May 2023, City Council approved Saskatoon’s election modernization strategy. This includes the use of a registered voters list for the municipal election and entering into an information-sharing agreement with Elections Saskatchewan.

Who Can Register to Vote

You can register to vote in the Municipal/School Board election if you meet the following criteria on Election Day, November 13, 2024.

• You are a Canadian citizen and at least 18 years of age
• You have resided in Saskatchewan for at least six consecutive months
• You are a resident of Saskatoon or have owned assessable land within Saskatoon for at least three consecutive months

What eligible voters need to know: 2024 Saskatoon Municipal Election

• After you check, update or add your voter information to the Elections Saskatchewan Voters List, you are automatically registered to vote in Saskatoon’s Municipal/School Board election this fall.
• Elections Saskatoon will send a voter information guide to all households in the fall.

“Being registered ahead of time will make your voting experience faster for both elections held this fall,” adds Bryant. “As in previous civic elections, if you are an eligible voter, you can still register to vote at the voting location you attend in November.”

Helpful reminders for both provincial and Saskatoon municipal election voters:

• If you will turn 18 years old by the provincial or municipal election day, get ready to vote for the first time!  Register today.
• Have you recently become a Canadian Citizen? Register to vote in your first election.
• Moved lately? Or changed your name? Check, update or add your voter information today.

For additional municipal election information, we encourage residents to visit saskatoon.ca/vote2024 - the official information source for Saskatoon’s 2024 Civic Election to be held November 13, 2024. Or call the City Clerk’s Office at 306-975-3240.

Elections Saskatoon is committed to protecting the integrity of the voting process, providing a faster and more efficient voter experience at the polls, and an easier way to verify identity through the use of a Voters List, and by providing alternative voting formats such as Mail-In Ballots and Drive-Thru Voting.

Elections Saskatoon is the City of Saskatoon’s non-partisan and independent election-management body and office. Elections Saskatoon will direct and supervise the administration of Saskatoon’s 2024 Civic Election.

Saskatoon’s 2024 Civic Election is on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. Eligible voters will vote for local government leadership - Saskatoon’s Mayor, Councillors, and Public and Separate School Board Trustees for the next four-year term. Civic elections are held every four years.