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Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
Daily Road Report - November 21, 2023
November 20, 2023 - 3:00pm
*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.
NEW
IDYLWYLD DR N NB & SB CURB SIDE ROLLING CLOSURES FROM 51ST ST E TO HIGHWAY 12
(Streetlight fixture replacements)
Start: November 21, 9:00 a.m. End: November 21, 3:00 p.m.
ONGOING
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.
NEAULT RD ROAD CLOSED FROM 22ND ST W TO WHELAN RD
(Construction)
Start: July 24, 7:00 a.m. End: December 15, 4:00 p.m.
BRIGHTON BLVD ROAD CLOSED FROM TASKAMANWA ST TO 8TH ST E
(Construction)
Use McOrmond Dr to 8th St
Start: November 20, 7:00 a.m. End: November 18, 2024
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.
Saskatoon Transit wins CUTA Innovation Award using Preteckt’s technology to empower its bus maintenance team
November 20, 2023 - 2:00pm
The CUTA Awards honour and celebrate the achievements of individuals and organizations that go above and beyond to keep transit running.
Saskatoon Transit was named the winner of the 2023 Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) Innovation Award for using Preteckt’s AI-powered predictive maintenance technology to maintain its bus fleet. The award recognizes Saskatoon Transit’s excellence in using technology to make transit services more efficient.
“Keeping as many buses as possible on the road each day is critical for Saskatoon Transit to meet service demands,” says Tracey Davis, Fleet and Maintenance Manager, Saskatoon Transit. “Our enhanced preventative maintenance program with early detection predictive analysis is saving us money and increasing bus availability.”
Preteckt’s predictive software sifts through millions of data points daily to catch problems before they cause bus breakdowns and empowers technicians with the insights needed to make early repairs. Saskatoon Transit piloted this technology with Preteckt in 2021 and then implemented the AI solution for its entire fleet in late 2022.
Saskatoon Transit has not experienced service disruptions due to bus shortages since October 2022 due to intentional continuous improvement efforts, an enhanced preventative maintenance program and the partnership with Preteckt.
“Innovation happens when leaders take risks. The Saskatoon leadership team led by taking a risk and agreeing to do a pilot test with Preteckt in late 2020, which has allowed them to continue seeing amazing results. The Saskatoon Transit maintenance team continues to innovate by combining technology with continuous improvement expertise driven by AI, thus allowing them to make data-driven decisions,” said Krish Inbarajan, CEO of Preteckt and APTA Board Member.
During the award ceremony CUTA recognized this innovation with the following paragraphs:
“Canadian start-up Preteckt partnered with Saskatoon Transit to implement their artificial intelligence (AI) for predictive maintenance. This AI, initially designed for heavy-duty trucks, analyzes vast data sets and uses AI to predict issues before they disrupt service. Despite initial skepticism, Saskatoon Transit embraced the innovation under CUTA’s Transit Vision 2040 theme, demonstrating leadership in Canadian transit.
The AI seamlessly integrates with Saskatoon Transit’s existing systems, enabling early issue detection and informed repair decisions, ultimately reducing costs. Saskatoon Transit stands as Canada’s pioneer in using AI for transit vehicle maintenance. This project’s success isn’t solely attributed to technology; it requires courage, effective leadership, and resource commitment. The process involved setting pilot objectives, procuring new technology, and integrating it into continuous improvement procedures. Training played a crucial role in implementation, with ongoing efficiencies anticipated.”
The Saskatoon Transit – Preteckt partnership highlights the integration of advanced technology, which will be essential to providing reliable, safe and efficient transportation services for a city that is planning for continued growth.
City releases Preliminary 2024/2025 Capital Budget Project Details, Introduction & Climate Budget
November 20, 2023 - 1:08pm
As part of the City’s Multi -Year Business Plan and Budget Process, the City produces three key documents to inform City Council and the public prior to its November budget deliberations.
Having released the first document, the Preliminary 2024/2025 Detailed Operating and Capital Summary Budget on November 9, 2023, the City’s last set of preliminary budget documents have been made available today, November 20, 2023 as follows:
#2. Preliminary 2024/2025 Capital Budget Project Details
#3. 2024/2025 Preliminary Budget Introduction and 2024/2025 Climate Budget
The Preliminary 2024 Operating Budget proposes total operating expenditures (excluding Saskatoon Public Library and Utilities) of $628.5 million, an increase of $35.9 million, or 6.06%, over the 2023 Operating Budget.
The Preliminary 2025 Operating Budget proposes total operating expenditures (excluding Saskatoon Public Library and Utilities) of $657.0 million, an increase of $28.4 million, or 4.53%, over the 2024 Operating Budget.
The Preliminary 2024/2025 Capital Budget provides a total capital investment of $785.1 million: $381.5 million in 2024, and $403.6 million in 2025.
Still to be considered by City Council is the final full review of the City’s 87 distinct Service Lines and 58 additional Administrative Options. There will undoubtedly be a number of further changes made to finalize the 2024/2025 Business Plan and Budget.
City Council will seek to find the proper balance between delivering core service levels residents and businesses expect for taxpayer dollars, maintaining affordability and ensuring long-term financial sustainability when making its final investment decisions at the 2024/2025 Budget Deliberations set for November 28-30, 2023.
Members of the public who wish to participate in the 2024/2025 final budget review by either submitting a letter and/or requesting to speak to City Council must arrange to do so before the cut-off, Monday, November 27, 2023, at 5 p.m.
Visit saskatoon.ca/budget
Downtown rally may impact Transit service this afternoon
November 18, 2023 - 10:02am
Saskatoon Transit service may be impacted by a rally Downtown this afternoon.
The rally is expected to begin at Civic Square at 2:30 p.m. It will then proceed throughout Downtown before returning to Civic Square.
Downtown road closures may significantly delay Transit routes and impact the ability for buses to enter the Downtown and the Downtown Transit Terminal. Expect delays and check real time bus information on the Transit app, Google and other third party trip planning apps.
Daily Road Report - November 20, 2023
November 17, 2023 - 3:00pm
*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.
NEW
BRIGHTON BLVD ROAD CLOSED FROM TASKAMANWA ST TO 8TH ST E
(Construction)
Use McOrmond Dr to 8th St
Start: November 20, 7:00 a.m. End: November 18, 2024
ONGOING
MCORMOND DR SB LANES CLOSED FROM BRIGHTON CIRCLE TO BRIGHTON COMMON
(Jersey barrier relocation)
Start: October 4, 7:00 a.m. End: November 20, 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.
NEAULT RD ROAD CLOSED FROM 22ND ST W TO WHELAN RD
(Construction)
Start: July 24, 7:00 a.m. End: December 15, 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.