News Releases
Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
Green cart contractor defaults, program continues without disruption: cost reduction explored
October 25, 2023 - 4:28pm
While the company hired by the City to process green cart material has defaulted on its contract, green cart organics collection will continue. In the short-term, Loraas will continue to assist the City in processing organics materials while City officials explore cost reduction options by processing the organics in-house.
“We are disappointed that the successful vendor was unable to provide organics processing services under the contract but are fortunate to have measures in place allowing us to pursue other options to avoid disruption of the program,” says Brendan Lemke, Director of Water & Waste Operations. “In the short-term, we will continue working with Loraas while we look to complete a portion of the processing at our own facilities. By sending materials to both the Saskatoon Regional Waste Management Centre and the West Compost Depot, we will help to reduce financial pressures on the utility rates in the short term.”
A report to the November 1 meeting of the Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services Committee (EU&CS) contains details that outline short-term options for processing organics following Green Prairie Environmental's default of its organics processing contract.
The City awarded Green Prairie Environmental (GPE) the contract in September 2020 to provide organics processing services to support the City’s Curbside Organics Program. Despite it being a key condition of the contract, GPE did not site a permanent location for an organics processing facility. The Administration supported GPE to find a suitable location following its initial denial in the RM of Corman Park, but as preparation for a site progressed, GPE was unsuccessful in obtaining regulatory approval to construct the facility. GPE is ultimately unable to process organics in accordance with the contract and has defaulted on the contract as a result.
Since program launch, organics materials have been composted by Loraas and not landfilled unless contaminated. In addition to continuing to haul organics materials to Loraas for processing, the Administration is pursuing options to temporarily process a portion of the materials at the Saskatoon Regional Waste Management Centre and West Compost Depot. The City will continue to divert organics away from the landfill to make a beneficial use product and reduce greenhouse gases from waste. To date, more than 15,000 tonnes of organic waste have successfully been diverted from the landfill since collections began in May. No disruptions to the curbside organics program are expected.
A report with long-term options will be presented to EU&CS by Q1 2024.
Daily Road Report - October 26, 2023
October 25, 2023 - 3:00pm
*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.
NEW
IDYLWYLD DR N NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 39TH ST E TO 40TH ST E
(Streetlight work)
Start: October 26, 9:00 a.m. End: October 26, 2:00 p.m.
20TH ST W EB & WB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED AT AVE D S
(Sewer lining)
Start: October 26, 9:00 a.m. End: October 26, 3:00 p.m.
IDYLWYLD DR N SB MEDIAN & LEFT TURN LANE CLOSED THROUGH INTERSECTION AT 29TH ST W
(Sewer lining)
Start: October 26, 9:00 a.m. End: October 26, 3:00 p.m.
ONGOING
33RD ST E VARIOUS SINGLE LANE CLOSURES AT 7TH AVE N
(Environmental monitoring)
Start: October 25, 9:00 a.m. End: October 26, 2:00 p.m.
CIRCLE DR E NB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED AT 108TH ST W
(Guardrail repair)
Start: October 25, 9:00 a.m. End: October 26, 3:00 p.m.
CIRCLE DR E NB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED AT ATTRIDGE DR
(Guardrail repair)
Closure will be set daily between 09:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Start: October 25, 9:00 a.m. End: October 26, 3:00 p.m.
4TH AVE S SB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED AT 19TH ST E
(SL&P manhole repair)
Start: September 18, 7:00 a.m. End: October 27, 5:00 p.m.
MELVILLE ST INTERSECTION CLOSED AT PORTAGE AVE
(SaskEnergy construction)
Start: October 23, 7:00 a.m. End: November 3, 5:00 p.m.
NEAULT RD ROAD CLOSED FROM 22ND ST W TO WHELAN RD
(Construction)
Start: July 24, 7:00 a.m. End: November 3, 4:00 p.m.
BALTZAN BLVD ROAD CLOSED FROM HORNER CRES TO ORBAN WAY
(Service connections)
Start: October 25, 7:00 a.m. End: November 8, 6:00 p.m.
22ND ST E EB CURB & CENTER LANE CLOSED FROM AUDITORIUM AVE TO 1ST AVE S
(Vault repairs)
Start: September 11, 7:00 a.m. End: November 30, 4:00 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.
Daily Road Report - October 25, 2023
October 24, 2023 - 3:00pm
*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.
NEW
BALTZAN BLVD ROAD CLOSED FROM HORNER CRES TO ORBAN WAY
(Service connections)
Start: October 25, 7:00 a.m. End: November 8, 6:00 p.m.
33RD ST E VARIOUS SINGLE LANE CLOSURES AT 7TH AVE N
(Environmental monitoring)
Start: October 25, 9:00 a.m. End: October 26, 2:00 p.m.
CIRCLE DR E NB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED AT 108TH ST W
(Guardrail repair)
Start: October 25, 9:00 a.m. End: October 26, 3:00 p.m.
CIRCLE DR E NB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED AT ATTRIDGE DR
(Guardrail repair)
Closure will be set daily between 09:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Start: October 25, 9:00 a.m. End: October 26, 3:00 p.m.
ONGOING
BROADWAY AVE ROAD CLOSED FROM 5TH ST E TO 7TH ST E
(Water main work)
Start: October 18, 7:00 a.m. End: October 25, 4:30 p.m.
AVE H N ROAD CLOSED FROM 29TH ST W TO RUSHOLME RD
(Connection work)
Start: October 24, 7:00 a.m. End: October 25, 6:00 p.m.
4TH AVE S SB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED AT 19TH ST E
(SL&P manhole repair)
Start: September 18, 7:00 a.m. End: October 27, 5:00 p.m.
MELVILLE ST INTERSECTION CLOSED AT PORTAGE AVE
(SaskEnergy construction)
Start: October 23, 7:00 a.m. End: November 3, 5:00 p.m.
NEAULT RD ROAD CLOSED FROM 22ND ST W TO WHELAN RD
(Construction)
Start: July 24, 7:00 a.m. End: November 3, 4:00 p.m.
22ND ST E EB CURB & CENTER LANE CLOSED FROM AUDITORIUM AVE TO 1ST AVE S
(Vault repairs)
Start: September 11, 7:00 a.m. End: November 30, 4:00 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.
City crews focused on safety, continued de-icing of priority streets
October 24, 2023 - 2:30pm
Beginning at 3 a.m. City of Saskatoon crews were applying salt to Priority 1 streets as the snow began to fall, and remain on the go today, focusing on Circle Drive and continuing to manage the road conditions on priority streets.
“Crews focused on Circle drive and other high-speed streets, as these are the streets where collisions due to icy conditions have the potential to be the most serious,” says Goran Saric, Director of Roadways, Fleet and Support. “Bridge decks were also an area of focus.”
The timing of the snowfall did not allow crews to spread salt on all priority streets before the morning commute. It takes up to 12 hours to apply de-icing material to all priority streets in Saskatoon. Additionally, spreading salt in advance of the overnight snowfall on dry pavement would not have been effective. This is because without any moisture, the majority of the salt would have been blown off the road surface by traffic.
There is a chance that some icy conditions will develop overnight, as Environment & Climate Change Canada forecasts temperatures to drop further overnight and stay below freezing for the remainder of the week. Crews will be out on the streets continuously to monitor and address conditions as they change.
Drivers should adjust their driving for the road conditions and leave extra room and time for their commute. We understand the inconvenience that the first snowfall a few hours before the morning commute and icy driving conditions create. We ask for everyone’s patience as crews work to restore normal winter driving conditions on City streets.
Please watch for blue and amber flashing lights on road maintenance equipment and leave room for the operators to do their work.
Learn about winter road maintenance at saskatoon.ca/snow. Stay in the snow with the Snow & Ice Report at saskatoon.ca/snowreport.
Take your time on the roads after first snow of the season, watch for City crews on the go
October 24, 2023 - 7:19am
A combination of moisture from snow and below freezing temperatures have created icy conditions on Saskatoon roads this morning.
City crews have been on the go overnight applying de-icer. 10 sanders focused on high- speed streets like Circle Drive and freeways. This work will continue today.
Crews are ready to initiate plowing and snow grading if the snow accumulates.
Drivers should adjust their driving for the road conditions, leave extra room and time for their commute. Please watch for blue and amber flashing lights on road maintenance equipment and leave room for the operators to do their work.
Learn about winter road maintenance at saskatoon.ca/snow. Stay in the snow with the Snow & Ice Report at saskatoon.ca/snowreport.
Bus service to Blades vs. Warriors
October 24, 2023 - 7:00am
- 5:45 p.m.
- 6:25 p.m.
Direct bus service from the Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to experience the Saskatoon Blades take on the Moose Jaw Warriors at SaskTel Centre tonight (October 24) at 7:00 p.m., is available at the following times:
Post-event drop-off is the downtown terminal and regular fares apply ($3.00 per trip). Fare can be purchased on your mobile phone using either the TGo or Transit app, transfers and passes are also accepted.
Plan your trip to events at SaskTel Centre on Route 333 using the Transit app up to two weeks in advance. Check out the Transit+ feature that helps make connections that combine Transit with OnDemand Transit, riide, and Uber. Download the Transit app from the Apple Store or Google Play.
Transit service times for special events at SaskTel Centre and other popular destinations can always be found at SaskatoonTransit.ca/plan-my-trip/popular-destinations. Experience the convenience of using Saskatoon Transit to attend all your favourite events.
Baltzan Boulevard closed from Marlatte Crescent to Orban Way starting Wednesday
October 24, 2023 - 6:00am
Baltzan Boulevard will be closed from Marlatte Crescent to Orban Way for service connections starting on Wednesday, October 25, at 7:00 a.m. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone. This project is expected to take 14 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.
REISSUE: fixes broken links -- Residential Energy Map helps homeowners understand their home energy use and make cost-saving renovations
October 23, 2023 - 4:48pm
The City of Saskatoon has released a new tool for homeowners to better understand their home’s energy use and make improvements. The map uses artificial intelligence (AI) to produce a digital energy score that can be used to compare against other homes of similar size, age, and type and help users understand how much energy their home consumes. The map also provides each homeowner with a customized “retrofit roadmap” to see what actions they can take to reduce their energy consumption.
“Just like home appliances have energy labels that indicate how efficient they are, this map provides a digital energy score for Saskatoon homes. The lower the score, the more efficient the energy use in that home,” says Jeanna South, Director of Sustainability. “The Home Energy Map helps residents to visualize their home energy use in a different way, comparing it against other homes in the city, and providing them with a list of renovations they can consider to help decrease energy use.”
Saskatoon’s extreme temperatures means that a lot of energy is used at home, with 42% of Saskatoon’s total greenhouse gas emissions coming from heating, cooling, and providing power to homes. The core objective of the Home Energy Map is to help homeowners build momentum on a retrofit journey, and to connect them to other resources such as Energy Coaching to provide hands-on support through the process.
Users have the option to create an account for their home address and provide additional information about their home - including any upgrades they have already completed - to update the total energy score. While only the home energy score is publicly visible, the tool also provides a set of personalized recommendations to account holders for renovations that could help reduce overall energy consumption.
“The goal of our software tools is to help cities and homeowners to see which actions in which buildings will generate the biggest energy and emissions savings,” says OPEN Technologies CEO Donovan Woollard. “We applaud the City of Saskatoon for its leadership in setting an ambitious reduction target, and for investing in tools like the Home Energy Map to provide a roadmap on how to get there.”
According to the 2023 Canadian Home Builders Association (CHBA) Homebuyer Preference Survey, four of the top ten most desired features are energy-related, with “overall energy efficient home” among the top priorities for prospective homebuyers.
With the Canada Greener Homes initiative, homeowners can access up to $40,000 in interest free loans, and up to $5,600 in grants, making it easier to fund these kinds of renovation activities. This is the fourth home energy-focused initiative the City has launched in 2023 (links below); all programs were funded by the Green Municipal Fund, administered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
Associated links:
Saskatoon.ca/EnergyMap
Saskatoon.ca/EnergyCoaches
Solar.myheat.ca/saskatoon
Saskatoon.ca/RenoResources
Daily Road Report - October 24, 2023
October 23, 2023 - 3:00pm
*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.
NEW
AVE H N ROAD CLOSED FROM 29TH ST W TO RUSHOLME RD
(Connection work)
Start: October 24, 7:00 a.m. End: October 25, 6:00 p.m.
SPADINA CRES E NB LANES CLOSED FROM 22ND ST E TO 23RD ST E
(Storm pipe repairs)
Start: October 24, 8:00 a.m. End: October 24, 6:00 p.m.
WARMAN RD SB RIGHT TURN LANE CLOSED AT 33RD ST E
(Storm sewer inspection)
Start: October 24, 9:00 a.m. End: October 24, 12:00 p.m.
IDYLWYLD DR S NB CURB LANE CLOSED AT SASKATCHEWAN CRES E
(Streetlight cable repair)
Start: October 24, 10:00 a.m. End: October 24, 12:00 p.m.
CIRCLE DR E NB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED AT COLLEGE DR
(Guardrail repair)
Start: October 24, 10:00 a.m. End: October 24, 3:00 p.m.
ONGOING
BROADWAY AVE ROAD CLOSED FROM 5TH ST E TO 7TH ST E
(Water main work)
Start: October 18, 7:00 a.m. End: October 25, 4:30 p.m.
4TH AVE S SB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED AT 19TH ST E
(SL&P manhole repair)
Start: September 18, 7:00 a.m. End: October 27, 5:00 p.m.
MELVILLE ST INTERSECTION CLOSED AT PORTAGE AVE
(SaskEnergy construction)
Start: October 23, 7:00 a.m. End: November 3, 5:00 p.m.
NEAULT RD ROAD CLOSED FROM 22ND ST W TO WHELAN RD
(Construction)
Start: July 24, 7:00 a.m. End: November 3, 4:00 p.m.
22ND ST E EB CURB & CENTER LANE CLOSED FROM AUDITORIUM AVE TO 1ST AVE S
(Vault repairs)
Start: September 11, 7:00 a.m. End: November 30, 4:00 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.
Crews and winter road maintenance equipment prepped for first snowfall
October 23, 2023 - 1:01pm
Environment & Climate Change Canada weather forecast models predict the first Arctic air of the season and accumulating snow to hit Saskatoon late Monday and into Tuesday. City crews are fully prepared to respond to winter weather that may affect roadways.
Road conditions can deteriorate with the combination of moisture from snow and below zero temperatures. Drivers should adjust their driving for the road conditions, leave extra room in case you need to stop suddenly and watch for blue and yellow flashing lights on road equipment.
We will continue to monitor high traffic streets and apply de-icing material as required, beginning with Circle Drive and freeways. Crews are ready to initiate plowing and snow grading if the snow accumulates.
Please watch for their blue and amber flashing lights and leave room for road equipment to do their work. Accumulating snow may interrupt the remaining neighbourhoods scheduled for fall sweep. Service Alerts will be issued for any expected changes that may affect the sweep schedule.
Learn about winter road maintenance at saskatoon.ca/snow.