News Releases
Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
New W.W. Ashley Park dry storm pond system exceeded expectations Monday
June 24, 2022 - 6:31am
The new dry storm pond in W.W. Ashley District performed exceptionally well when approximately 65 millimetres of rain fell (Aden Bowman Collegiate rain gauge) during the afternoon of Monday, June 20, 2022. The pond, which was completed last fall, was designed to handle a 1-in-10-year rain event but accommodated a storm closer to a 1-in-25-year rain event, preventing water damage to approximately 37 neighbourhood homes that typically experience flooding during intense rainfall.
“Flash flooding, especially in neighbourhoods developed prior to storm water infrastructure standard improvements in 1989, can be devastating which is why we have been working to protect as many people and properties as we can through our Flood Control Strategy,” says Angela Gardiner, General Manager of Utilities and Environment. “Monday’s rain was an ideal test. We are very impressed as we have not received any reports of flooded homes adjacent to the new pond and the infrastructure handled more water than anticipated. The pond had completely drained by 8 o’clock that evening.”
Dry storm ponds hold water that would otherwise cause nearby flooding during intense rainfalls. The water flows into storm drains and through pipes into the dry storm pond, then slowly drains into the storm sewer before it drains into the South Saskatchewan River. Whenever dry, it is used as park space. When it fills with storm water, it is deep and dangerous, and residents should stay away.
The W.W. Ashley Park Dry Storm Pond will open to the public this fall after the landscaping has fully rooted. Residents are asked to stay out of the enclosed area until then.
Construction on a dry storm pond in Churchill Park is underway right now and will be completed later this year. Plans are in the works for a dry storm pond in Weaver Park in 2023 and more flood mitigation projects will be built between 2024 and 2027.
“Once these flood control projects are completed, we anticipate seeing a substantial decrease in the amount of neighbourhood flooding in the top 10 highest risk areas of the city.” says Gardiner.
On Monday, storm water and debris infiltrated the sewer system and ended up at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. As a result, the city’s lift stations were operating at capacity and there was a minor sewage spill into the South Saskatchewan River.
“This is an extremely rare occurrence. Due to the small volume, the sewage quickly diluted, and downstream lab sampling did not detect any harmful impacts. The spill was reported to the Water Security Agency and there was no risk to the public.”
A report on the City’s June 20, 2022 Rain Event Response will be presented to City Council on Monday, June 27, 2022.
Cumberland Avenue intersection closed at 3rd Street on Monday
June 24, 2022 - 11:30am
The intersection at Cumberland Avenue and 3rd Street will be closed on Monday, June 27, at 8:00 a.m. for catch basin repair work. 3rd Street will be closed between Ewart and Jackson avenues during this project. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone. This project is expected to take one day to complete, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.
Saskatoon Transit may be affected by these detours. Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit on desktop.
For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.
Clarence Avenue closed between Osler and Temperance streets on Sunday
June 24, 2022 - 11:00am
Clarence Avenue will be closed between Osler and Temperance streets on Sunday, June 26, at 9:00 a.m. for roadway patching work. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone. This project is expected to take six hours to complete, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.
Saskatoon Transit may be affected by these detours. Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit on desktop.
For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.
Spadina Crescent closed between Queen and 25th streets on Sunday
June 24, 2022 - 9:00am
Spadina Crescent will be closed between Queen and 25th streets on Sunday, June 26, at 6:00 a.m. for Spadina Crescent Bridge work. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone. This project is expected to take six hours to complete, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.
Saskatoon Transit may be affected by these detours. Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit on desktop.
For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.
1st Avenue intersection closed at King Street on Sunday
June 24, 2022 - 8:00am
The intersection at 1st Avenue and King Street will be closed on Sunday, June 26, at 7:00 a.m. for roadway patching work. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone. This project is expected to take eight hours to complete, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.
Saskatoon Transit may be affected by these detours. Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit on desktop.
For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.
Broadway Avenue closed between 8th and 12th streets on Saturday
June 24, 2022 - 7:00am
- 9th Street will be closed between Dufferin and Eastlake avenues
- Main Street will be closed between Dufferin and Eastlake avenues
- 10th Street will be closed between Dufferin and Eastlake avenues
- 11th Street will be closed between Dufferin and Eastlake avenues
Broadway Avenue will be closed between 8th and 12th streets on Saturday, June 25, at 7:00 a.m. for the Broadway Spring Sale. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the special event site. This event is expected to take one day to complete, barring any unforeseen circumstances or weather delays.
Additional event closures:
Saskatoon Transit may be affected by these detours. Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit on desktop.
For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.
Daily Road Report - June 24, 2022
June 23, 2022 - 3:00pm
*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.
NEW
RUTH ST E INTERSECTION CLOSED AT CAIRNS AVE
(Water main replacement)
Start: June 24, 7:00 a.m. End: July 16, 5:00 p.m.
MCKERCHER DR NB LANES CLOSED FROM TAIT CRES TO PARKDALE RD
(Hydrant replacement)
Start: June 24, 8:00 a.m. End: June 25, 4:30 p.m.
CIRCLE DR S WB CENTRE LANE CLOSED AT IDYLWYLD DR S
(Crash cushion repair)
Start: June 24, 9:00 a.m. End: June 24, 3:00 p.m.
1ST AVE N NB LEFT TURN, MEDIAN & CURB LANES CLOSED
(STORM SEWER REPAIR)
Traffic will be maintained in NB parking lane
Start: June 24, 9:00 a.m. End: June 24, 6:00 p.m.
NIGHTWORK
IDYLWYLD DR S NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM 11TH ST E TO 7TH ST E
(Bridge deck washing)
Start: June 23, 8:00 p.m. End: June 24, 6:00 a.m.
ONGOING
CUMBERLAND AVE S INTERSECTION CLOSED AT 5TH ST E
(Catch basin repair)
Start: June 23, 8:00 a.m. End: June 24, 5:00 p.m.
RUTH ST E WB PARKING LANE CLOSED FROM VICTORIA AVE TO LORNE AVE
(Concrete work)
Start: June 16, 7:00 a.m. End: June 25, 5:00 p.m.
CIRCLE DR E EB & WB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM ALBERTA AVE TO FAITHFULL AVE
(Concrete replacement)
Start: June 20, 7:00 a.m. End: June 26, 5:00 p.m.
4TH AVE S ROAD CLOSED FROM 19TH ST E TO 20TH ST E
(Construction)
Start: June 22, 9:00 a.m. End: June 28, 5:00 p.m.
NELSON RD EB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM HEATH AVE TO HEAL AVE
(Material laydown)
Start: May 30, 7:00 a.m. End: June 30, 4:30 p.m.
3RD AVE N ROAD CLOSED FROM 25TH ST TO QUEEN ST
(Water main repair)
Start: June 14, 7:00 a.m. End: July 5, 5:00 p.m.
8TH ST E INTERSECTION CLOSED BRIGHTON BLVD
(Construction)
Start: May 9, 9:00 a.m. End: July 11, 5:00 p.m.
CLARENCE AVE S INTERSECTION CLOSED AT BUTE ST
(Construction)
Start: June 23, 7:00 a.m. End: July 11, 5:00 p.m.
WARMAN RD SB CURB LANE CLOSED AT 33RD ST E
(Intersection improvements)
Start: June 23, 7:00 a.m. End: July 14, 5:00 p.m.
33RD ST E WB CURB LANE CLOSED AT WARMAN RD
(Intersection improvements)
Start: June 23, 7:00 a.m. End: July 14, 5:00 p.m.
All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.
For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.
Local students to have art displayed on buses
June 23, 2022 - 12:30pm
After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Saskatoon Transit was pleased to unveil two pieces of art on the side of transit buses today. This is the third time a student art contest has been run by Saskatoon Transit and this year the contest was open to Grade 3 and Grade 7 students across the city.
“It is such an exciting opportunity for Saskatoon Transit to partner with the elementary schools on this project. These students should feel very proud and honoured when they see their artwork driving past on the side of a bus this summer,” says Tracey Davis, Acting Director, Saskatoon Transit.
Grade 7 students Nuala, Neha, Radinsa and Marlee from Lakeridge School and Grade 3 students Reem, Ayan and Seth from Ecole Alvin Buckwold put their creativity to the test and were selected as this year’s best of show winners.
The winning pieces were chosen through a collaboration with the Remai Modern. Learning Program Coordinator Wendy Paterson judged the submissions based on how well they reflected the “Active Transportation” theme.
“Submissions clearly indicated students had reflected thoughtfully and imaginatively on the many ways people get around Saskatoon,” says Paterson. “Their collaborative depictions of communities that are themselves collaborative projects, were fittingly brimming with activity and colour, just like this community!”
The winning artwork will be displayed on the side of ten Saskatoon Transit buses traveling across Saskatoon throughout the summer.
“Congratulations to these students for showcasing the benefits of active transportation and exhibiting what it means to be environmentally responsible citizens,” says Superintendent Nicola Bishop-Yong with Saskatoon Public Schools. “Through our ‘Move to Grow’ initiative, our school division encourages students to pursue active transportation and make mindful choices that support their well-being, community, and world. I am proud of all the students who took part in this contest and expressed the importance of being community-minded stewards of the environment.”
“This partnership with the Remai, the Saskatoon Public School Board, and the Greater Saskatoon Catholic School Board helps support and promote art, especially local art, alongside how active transportation plays a critical part of public transit,” concludes Davis.
#ActOnReconciliation by taking a Walk of Reconciliation
June 23, 2022 - 6:05am
- Wearing your EveryChildMatters shirt or any other orange shirt.
- Following the cancellation of the Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation, consider planning to take your own Walk for Reconciliation. Walk alone or walk with friends and take some time to reflect personally on Reconciliation or to discuss. Residential School Survivors have indicated that the significance of a walk can be attributed to the Sunday walks in residential schools. This was often the only time when siblings and cousins of different genders might be reunited.
- Help build awareness for Reconciliation by joining the online conversation using hashtag #ActOnReconciliation.
Following the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR) on September 30, 2021, the Saskatoon Tribal Council has initiated a campaign called #ActOnReconciliation. It’s intended to harness the momentum of NDTR and Orange Shirt Day (also September 30) and keep Reconciliation top of mind all year long. The campaign calls for action and awareness on the last Friday of each month in 2022.
The City is supporting the #ActOnReconciliation campaign by highlighting Reconciliation actions and activities. As well, to further heighten awareness, the City will apply an orange filter to their social media accounts and light the following civic facilities in orange: City Hall, the City’s Prairie Wind art installation outside the Remai Modern, and SaskTel Centre.
#ActOnReconciliation – June Action
On Friday, June 24, demonstrate your commitment to Reconciliation by:
In order to establish and maintain a mutually respectful relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) found that “there has to be awareness of the past, an acknowledgement of the harm that has been inflicted, atonement for the causes, and action to change behaviour.”
The City has been actively engaged – as a municipality, co-chair of Reconciliation Saskatoon, and through other community partnerships – in efforts to help raise awareness about Reconciliation and in providing opportunities to participate. Learn more at saskatoon.ca/Indigenous.
Ruth Street intersection closed at Cairns Avenue starting Friday
June 23, 2022 - 7:00am
The intersection at Ruth Street and Cairns Avenue will be closed starting Friday, June 24, at 7:00 a.m. for roadway work. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone. This project is expected to take 22 days to complete, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.
Saskatoon Transit may be affected by these detours. Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit on desktop.
For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.