News Releases

We are constantly reassessing pandemic developments to ensure the safety and well-being of staff and citizens.  We have also continued to reassess the way we deliver public services to keep staff and residents safe when we are out in the community and in light of the decision to close City Hall and civic facilities.

Temporary changes to Saskatoon Pay Parking Zones

Effective immediately payment is no longer required in any City of Saskatoon designated pay parking zones in Saskatoon. In addition, motorists will not be required to adhere to posted time limits in these zones. This is to encourage residents to stay in place and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Important information:

• Parking lots operated by private operators are not exempted from pay parking unless otherwise indicated at the lot.
• FlexParking stations and the Way to Park app will be reprogrammed to indicate that payment is not required, however this may take some time. The City will not be able to reimburse payment to people who pay for parking while such work is being completed.

Public safety-related parking restrictions remain in effect to maintain emergency access and traffic flow including:

• No Stopping signs
• No Parking signs
• Accessible Parking signs
• Fire Hydrants   (maintain one metre from the centre of a fire hydrant)
• No parking within 10 metres of an intersection
• No parking in alleys unless active loading/unloading is taking place.

Transit

Saskatoon Transit Service will be modified effective Monday, as follows: 

• No university extras
• No high school extras
• Three (3) High Frequency Corridors (HFC) include the 8’s & 80’s (8^th Street), 60’s (22^nd Street) and 4’s & 40’s (University Heights)
  
  • will have 15 minute frequency Monday - Friday from start of day until approx. 7:00PM
  • after 7:00PM service will go to 30 minute frequency
  • will have 30 minute frequency Saturday & Sunday all day
• All other routes (excluding HFC)
  
  • will have 30 minute frequency from start of day until approximately 7:00PM
  • after 7:00PM service will go to 60 minute frequency
• Sunday service
  
  • HFC will have 30 minute frequency all day
  • All other routes will have 60 minute frequency
• Service may be added when possible to routes experiencing “full buses” and service may be removed from routes with empty buses, based on operational need

Transit will also monitor where full, standing room only buses are and try to put extra service onto those routes to enable people to maintain appropriate social distance. 

To assist with social distancing, Access Transit is scheduling direct trips as much as possible.

Waste Collections

A core service, waste collections continue as scheduled. During this time, residents are asked to help protect the health and safety of our staff and partners and reduce the spread of the virus by following these guidelines:

• Bag your garbage
• Ensure accessible cart placement (1.2 metres (4 feet) of unobstructed space on all sides) to avoid the need for drivers to handle the cart.
• Do NOT overfill carts or leave loose items on the ground
• Do NOT place used tissues and napkins in your cart or bin as they can become wind-blown when the lid opens during collection
• If you’re sick: place ANY item that has come into contact with your mouth, nose or eyes into your bagged garbage – even items that residents may normally place into your blue cart or bin (e.g. water/beverage bottles, pop cans, milk/juice cartons, etc.).

Landfill Payments

Beginning Monday, March 23, the City will stop accepting cash transactions at the Landfill to help reduce the spread of the virus.  Credit and debit card payments will remain available, as well as direct invoicing options for those haulers who have commercial accounts with the City.

Household Hazardous Waste Day

The upcoming Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Drop-off Day scheduled for Sunday, April 5 has been cancelled. If residents have HHW material that must be dealt with urgently, and if the situation permits, residents can consult the Waste Wizard to find other means of safe disposal for this material. If residents intend on dropping off materials at businesses that accept HHW, please contact them first to ensure they are open and in a position to accept them.

Purchasing Services

Purchasing Services is now closed to the public, meaning the City will no longer accepting paper or hard copy bid submissions. Starting March 19, the City will be begin accepting email bid submissions. Email bid submissions must meet the requirements within the solicitation document.

Projects currently posted on SaskTenders will have specific instructions issued via Addenda and include information and directions for successful bid submission. 

Any new projects posted to SaskTenders by the City will have the updated bid submission requirements within the solicitation document.

Bylaw Court Closed

All City Bylaw matters set for Court will not be heard between March 23 and May 31. Defendants do not need to do anything at this time, and no convictions of defendants will occur during the Bylaw Court closure.

The City will be reviewing these matters and will contact defendants or publish a notice. For more information, contact the City Solicitor's Office directly at 306-975-3270 or by email at city.solicitor@saskatoon.ca.

Updates will continue to be provided at saskatoon.ca/covid-19 and at saskatoonpolice.ca.

The City welcomes a decision of the provincial government to place further restrictions on social gatherings.

“Based on discussions with our Director of Emergency Management, City Council and Senior Administration I gave notice for a Special City Council meeting at 3:30 this afternoon,” says Mayor Charlie Clark.  “This was done in anticipation of needing to take further steps in addressing the growing concern that as we try to reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19, gathering in restaurants and bars was an ongoing risk in our community.

“Based on the announcement today by the provincial government that additional restrictions for bars and restaurants will be included in the Provincial State of Emergency restrictions, the Special City Council meeting is cancelled."

“We thank the Province for providing leadership with this difficult decision,” Mayor Clark says. “We know it has significant impacts on many local businesses”

Mayor Clark adds this decision will meet the local advice he is hearing from the City’s Emergency Management team about what is needed to keep our community as safe as possible at this time. 

Director of Emergency Management Organization Pamela Goulden-McLeod echoes Mayor Clark’s sentiment.

“The Saskatoon Emergency Management Organization would like to thank the Province of Saskatchewan for their leadership and direction in enacting the extended measures to support our provinces safety during this unprecedented event,” Goulden-McLeod says.

“The provincial government’s bravery in taking these extraordinary measures will make a significant difference within our communities. We value the hard work of our provincial partners and we continue to look forward working together in this ongoing rapidly changing situation.” 

*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.

NEW

1ST AVE N ROAD CLOSED FROM KING ST TO PRINCESS ST
(Water & sewer work)
Start: March 23, 8:00 a.m. End: March 24, 5:00 p.m.

DIEFENBAKER DR ROAD CLOSED FROM ST LAURENT CRES TO LLOYD CRES
(Valve replacement)
Start: March 23, 9:00 a.m. End: March 24, 5:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DR E WB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM PRESTON AVE TO PEMBINA AVE
(Streetlight cable replacement)
Start: March 23, 9:30 a.m. End: March 23, 3:30 p.m.

ONGOING

8TH ST E ROAD CLOSED FROM RANGE ROAD 3044 TO MCORMOND DR
(Trucking route)
Start: February 24, 7:00 a.m. End: October 26, 5:00 p.m.

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.
 

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

While the City of Saskatoon acknowledges the severity of the COVID-19 virus and the impact it is having on the community, the City and its construction partners will proceed as planned with the construction on the east half of the Sid Buckwold Bridge and the Idylwyld Drive ramps over 19^th Street.

This project is an essential service to residents and core City infrastructure. With a very limited window for construction projects of this magnitude, it is important that such work is completed safely and in the most ideal seasonal conditions. Construction is scheduled to begin on Monday, March 30. 

“Safety for our crews and for residents is our number one priority during this project,” says Rob Frank, Engineering Manager of Asset Preservation. “Strict worksite restrictions, social distancing, and other precautionary medical measures will be in place to protect both construction crews and residents and to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus.”

Major rehabilitation began on the 54-year-old structure last year to ensure it remains safe and structurally sound for years to come. Two-way traffic will be maintained throughout construction, however lane restrictions and traffic delays are expected.

From March 30 until mid-October, the northbound lanes heading into downtown will be closed and two-way traffic will be accommodated in the southbound lanes. The bridge walkway and stairs will also be closed for construction. The Meewasin trails will remain open, however there may be a closure directly under the south side of the bridge for a portion of the construction season.

The Sid Buckwold Bridge rehabilitation project includes:

• Resurfacing of the Idylwyld Drive ramps over 19^th Street 
• Walkway widening with taller barriers for improved pedestrian protection
• New drainage system to help better traction by reducing puddles and splashing
• Concrete deck repairs and asphalt replacement
• Strengthening of piers
• Barrier replacement

The City’s preservation plan, with the results of the Deck Testing Program, identified the need to rehabilitate the bridge. The project was phased over two years to allow two-way traffic over the bridge to be maintained throughout construction.

Necessary adjustments will be made to traffic signal timing and construction signage will be in place. The left turn onto 20^th Street from Idylwyld Drive northbound will not be permitted, however a U-turn will be implemented at Auditorium Avenue. Updated project information is posted at Saskatoon.ca/sidbuckwold and restrictions will be listed in the Daily Road Report.

The City of Saskatoon is utilizing $15 million of its federal Gas Tax Fund (GTF) allocations towards the Sid Buckwold Bridge rehabilitation project. The GTF in Saskatchewan is administered by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Government Relations.

The City thanks drivers and pedestrians for their patience while this necessary work is carried out. Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers. 

*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.

NEW

2ND AVE S ROAD CLOSED FROM 19TH ST E TO SAUNDERS PL
(Crane repairs)
Start: March 21, 5:00 a.m. End: March 21, 6:00 p.m.

CLARENCE AVE S SB LANES CLOSED FROM WILSON CRES TO GLASGOW ST
(Tree pruning)
Start: March 22, 8:00 a.m. End: March 22, 5:00 p.m.

NIGHTWORK

IDYLWYLD DR N SB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 33RD ST W TO 32ND ST W
(Red light camera work)
Start: March 20, 7:00 p.m. End: March 21, 6:00 a.m.

ONGOING

8TH ST E ROAD CLOSED FROM RANGE ROAD 3044 TO MCORMOND DR
(Trucking route)
Start: February 24, 7:00 a.m. End: October 26, 5:00 p.m.

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Diefenbaker Drive, between St. Laurent and Lloyd crescents, will be closed starting Monday, March 23 at 9:00 a.m. to replace a valve. This work is expected to take two days to complete, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.  

Saskatoon Transit will continue to operate as scheduled. Transit service alerts, regarding detours or temporary bus stop closures, and real-time bus locations are available on third party apps like Transit and Google Transit on desktop.  

We are constantly reassessing pandemic developments to ensure the safety and well-being of staff and citizens.  We have also continued to reassess the way we deliver public services to keep staff and residents safe when we are out in the community.

Transit fare suspension and rear door boarding effective Friday, March 20

To reduce the risk to Transit Operators during the COVID-19 pandemic, starting Friday, Saskatoon Transit will ask riders to get on and off buses by using the rear doors. Transit also reminds riders to keep a safe distance — at least one metre — from bus operators and fellow riders.

As a result, the City will also be suspending fares indefinitely.  The City will be determining how to compensate those affected by this and those details will be provided soon.

Anyone who requires personal mobility devices will be exempt from entering the rear doors and will be permitted to enter and exit through the front doors as usual.

Please note: all riders will be required to stay behind the front wheel wells and to keep the seats behind the operator free at all times. This measure will meet the new recommendation for social distancing released by the Province of Saskatchewan on Wednesday March 18.  Transit will also monitor where and when extra buses may need to be added onto routes to help people maintain appropriate social distance.

Saskatoon Transit is also reassuring customers of Transit’s daily cleaning protocols, which include regular hard surface wipe-downs with hospital-grade disinfectant and disinfectant misting treatments.

Parking Restrictions for Residential Parking Program Zones Suspended

Effective immediately parking restrictions for the Residential Parking Program zones are suspended until further notice.  In addition, overtime parking on all residential streets will no longer be enforced, to encourage residents to stay home and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Public safety-related parking restrictions remain in effect to maintain emergency access and traffic flow including:

• "No Stopping" signs
• "No Parking" signs
• "Accessible Parking" signs
• Fire Hydrants (maintain 1 metre from the centre of a fire hydrant)
• No parking within 10 metres of an intersection
• No parking in alleys unless active loading/unloading is taking place.

Further details on these parking restrictions are provided on the City of Saskatoon website: saskatoon.ca/moving-around/parking/understanding-parking-saskatoon

Building Standards

The decision to close City Hall to the public has a direct effect on the way we do business, including providing building inspections and permits:

• All building and plumbing inspections are suspended while the City explores options to provide inspections in a safe manner.
• Residential applications are limited to online.
• Property Information Disclosure (PID) applications accepted via building.standards@saskatoon.ca
• Plumbing permit applications accepted via plumbing.permits@saskatoon.ca
• Payments will be accepted via telephone at 306.975.2645.
• New commercial permit applications will not be accepted. The City is exploring opportunities to provide online access to this program.

As the situation is evolving, we will update the Building Standards webpages regularly if there are service limitations.

Questions? Reach out to our permit file support team by calling (306) 975-2645 Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What is the City doing to provide financial relief for citizens?

To offer assistance and best service to citizens experiencing the effects of the economic impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City is committed to providing increased flexibility and immediate short-term relief for your utility payments through the following changes:

Utility Services

We will continue to bill for utility services as normal.  However, to best serve the City’s customers in these extraordinary times, the City has made the following changes to current utility collections activities:

• Utility disconnections due to arrears will be suspended until September 30, 2020;
• Late payment charges will be suspended on all utility accounts until September 30, 2020; and
• We will continue to generate utility bill reminders and other related notices for customers who are in arrears to keep them informed of their current situation.

These measures are aimed at providing financial relief for customers who may not be able to afford to pay their bills on time.  By suspending late payment charges, utility customers will have the option to delay bill payments without putting themselves in additional financial hardship.  However, our staff will continue to work with the City’s utility customers regarding payment arrangements so as to not leave them in a difficult financial situation in the future.

Delaying disconnections will help ensure that all homes have access to water, allowing for proper handwashing and personal hygiene.

Have utility-related questions? Please call our Revenue Customer Service Representatives at 306-975-2400. We understand and will work with you.

2020 Property Taxes

Your 2020 Property Tax notice will be delivered by the end of May 2020.

To offer assistance and best service to citizens experiencing the effects of the economic impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City is committed to providing increased flexibility and immediate short-term relief for your 2020 Property Tax payment. On your notice, your 2020 Property Tax due date will still show as June 30, 2020. However:

• The City is extending to you, a three-month grace period, allowing you additional time to pay your 2020 Property Tax amount due.
• You will not incur any penalties on your 2020 taxes if your property tax payment is made in full before September 30, 2020.

Have property tax-related questions? Please call our Revenue Customer Service Representatives at 306-975-2400. We understand and will work with you.

Updates will continue to be provided at saskatoon.ca/covid-19 and at saskatoonpolice.ca

*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.

NIGHTWORK

33RD ST E EB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM IDYLWYLD DR N TO ALBERTA AVE
(Red light camera work)
Start: March 19, 7:00 p.m. End: March 20, 6:00 a.m.

IDYLWYLD DR N NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 33RD ST E TO 34TH ST E
(Red light camera work)
Start: March 19, 7:00 p.m. End: March 20, 6:00 a.m.

33RD ST E WB CURB LANE CLOSED AT IDYLWYLD DR N
(Red light camera work)
Start: March 19, 7:00 p.m. End: March 20, 6:00 a.m.

IDYLWYLD DR N SB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 33RD ST W TO 32ND ST W
(Red light camera work)
Start: March 20, 7:00 p.m. End: March 21, 6:00 a.m.

ONGOING

8TH ST E ROTATING LANE RESTRICTIONS AT PRESTON AVE S
(Red light camera installation)
Start: March 17, 9:00 a.m. End: March 20, 3:00 p.m.

AVE H N ROAD CLOSED FROM 31ST ST W TO 32ND ST W
(Sewer connection replacement)
Start: March 18, 8:00 a.m. End: March 20, 5:00 p.m.

8TH ST E ROAD CLOSED FROM RANGE ROAD 3044 TO MCORMOND DR
(Trucking route)
Start: February 24, 7:00 a.m. End: October 26, 5:00 p.m.

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

The City of Saskatoon is closing to the public all its facilities including City Hall; this follows the provincial government declaration of a public emergency for COVID-19 (coronavirus).

“While we are closed to the public, our business operations will continue to provide essential services for our residents as much as possible,” says City Manager Jeff Jorgenson.

Jorgenson says this move is an important preventative measure. It will help slow the rate of COVID-19 infection in Saskatoon and protect City staff, as well as vulnerable populations, which include seniors and people with compromised immune systems.

The City reminds the public that we offer many online services which are listed at: www.saskatoon.ca/onlineservices

“We continue to work with internal and external partners, including the Saskatchewan Health Authority, the Ministry of Health and the Public Health Agency of Canada on a proactive approach to deal with COVID-19,” Jorgenson says. 

The City continues to thank its staff and citizens for their patience and support. Jorgenson says as City leaders continue to respond to a rapidly evolving situation meanwhile promising to provide information as it becomes available.
The provincial health ministry encourages everyone to be mindful of good hand hygiene, cough etiquette and social distancing. For those who have risk factors such as old age, or underlying health issues, medical experts encourage those people to stay away from crowded areas.

The City of Saskatoon continues to encourage the community to reach out to those most vulnerable to COVID-19 and to those organizations that assist with our vulnerable homeless population.  

We are constantly reassessing the situation to ensure the safety and well-being of staff and residents.  We will also continue to reassess the way we deliver services to the public in order to keep staff and residents safe when we are out in the community.

Updates will continue to be provided at saskatoon.ca/covid-19 and at saskatoonpolice.ca

Water valve repairs will close a section of Avenue H between 22nd Street and 23rd Street on April 19, 2018. This work is scheduled to take one day to complete, barring unforeseen circumstances or weather delays.  

  What you can expect from us

• Avenue H will be closed to traffic between 22nd Street and 23rd Street on Thursday, April 19.
• Detour signs will be in place well in advance of the work zone, directing traffic around the area.
• Transit Route 3 Hudson Bay/ City Centre will be impacted by this construction zone. Please consult the app called Transit for details.

 How you can help us​​

• Drivers are advised to expect delays and may want to reroute their commute and avoid the area if possible.
• Plan your bus route in advance online at Saskatoontransit.ca or on your mobile device with the real-time Google Maps or Transit App.  
• Refer to the Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map for updates and more information.

The City thanks drivers for their patience while this necessary work is carried out. Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs, and barriers.

Weather permitting, the City will be resurfacing Warman Road southbound between Circle Drive and 7^th Avenue this weekend. The work will take place overnight on Saturday and Sunday (June 2 & 3) between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.

While work is underway, there will be a complete closure to southbound traffic at this location. Signage will advise road users to take an alternate route.

City crews will be returning to Warman Road during the summer months, when traffic volumes are lighter, in order to pave the stretch of roadway between 7^th Avenue and 33^rd Street. Due to its proximity to residential areas, and the potential for noise disruptions, paving at this location needs to take place during the day.

For updates on construction projects anytime, refer to the Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Road users are reminded to reduce speeds, stay alert and mind posted signage and barriers when encountering a construction zone.

Repairs to traffic signal lights at Warman Road and Assiniboine Drive are now complete. Normal operations have been fully restored at this intersection.

Yesterday afternoon, a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Warman Road and Assiniboine Drive caused considerable damage to the traffic control equipment and the concrete pad that supports it. This damage resulted in the intersection operating as a 3-way stop while crews worked to repair the concrete pad and restore the traffic control equipment.

Due to the substantial damage at this location, underground repairs were required. Underground work was completed overnight last night and crews replaced the traffic cabinet this morning. 

 What you can expect from us

• Traffic lights have been repaired and the intersection is fully operational. 

 How you can help us​​

• Road users can use normal routes.
• Visit saskatoon.ca/servicealerts or follow @YXEServiceAlert on Twitter for Traffic Detour updates.
• Refer to the Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map for updates and more information

The Shaw Centre competitive pool will be closed for maintenance from Friday, July 29, at 12:00 p.m., through Monday, September 5, 2016.  During this time, the leisure pool will remain open with modified access provided through the change rooms.  The Hamm Fitness Centre and Walking Track will also remain open to the public during this time.  Regularly scheduled programming for the competitive pool will resume on Tuesday, September 6.  Please refer to Drop-in Online at saskatoon.ca/dropinonline for up-to-date information on affected programs.

Maintenance closures will also occur in the change rooms and hot tub areas on the following dates (subject to change).  Access to alternate change rooms will be made available during this time:

• Competitive pool:  July 29 to September 5, inclusive;
• Women’s change room:  August 2 to 12;
• Men’s change room:  August 15 to 19;
• Family change room:  August 22 to 26; and
• Main Hot Tub:  August 18 to September 5, inclusive.

Visitors and patrons may notice slight construction odours in the building due to painting and work being done.

The Saskatoon Field House, Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre, Lakewood, Lawson and Cosmo Civic Centres, and Terry Fox Track will maintain regular hours during this time.  For drop-in programming information at any of the other six facilities, please refer to saskatoon.ca/dropinonline.

The City of Saskatoon and Shaw Centre thank patrons for their cooperation.  For more information on programming and services affected, please contact the facility at
306-975-7744.

The results are in on the 2016 Civic Services Survey and public engagement activities, which will help shape the City’s 2017 Business Plan and Budget. This year’s Civic Services Survey shows overall satisfaction with the level of services provided by the City remains high and is significantly higher than in 2013. Since 2013, overall satisfaction increased by 5% for telephone respondents and 10% for online respondents.

“I am very pleased to see this result,” says Catherine Gryba, General Manager of Corporate Performance. “In 2015, we established a performance target of overall satisfaction with civic services of 90% or more. Looking at 2016 survey results, it shows we are definitely moving in the right direction toward hitting that target.”

The majority of Civic Services Survey respondents continue to rate Saskatoon’s quality of life as high, and they feel the City is on the right track to becoming a better city 10 years from now. Each year, citizens are also asked to the name the most important issue facing the City. 

“In 2013, citizens were very concerned with the condition of roads and sidewalks,” says Gryba. “As a result of that feedback, we launched the most aggressive road improvement program in the community’s history, Building Better Roads, in 2014. That investment is definitely making a difference, and although roads continue to be cited as the most important issue, there are significantly fewer respondents saying this is an issue as compared to 2013.” 

Similar to 2015, citizens also prefer to pay for services and balance the operating budget using a combination of user fees and property tax increases. Annual survey results have always been considered in the development of the City’s business plans and budgets, but Gryba says additional engagement initiatives are also proving to be quite valuable, including an online budget tool called "Citizen Budget", and in-person surveys conducted at various locations throughout the City.

“Participation in the Citizen Budget was very strong this year with over 2,600 unique visitors and a total of 803 online submissions, which is an increase of 60% for online budget submissions and matches the number of participants in the 2016 Civic Services Survey online study.” 

Although participation for the in-person survey varies and cannot be considered statistically reliable, the responses still provide important input into the process. When the results of all engagement initiatives are combined, citizens generally support increases in service levels or an increase in spending on road maintenance. Besides road maintenance, there is also support for increases for affordable housing, transit, snow and ice management, and traffic management. 

“It’s interesting to see the needs and wants of citizens of varying demographics coming in as fairly consistent through each method of engagement,” says Gryba.

The 2016 Civic Services Survey and Citizen Budget engagement strategies support the Strategic Goal of Continuous Improvement and being the best-managed city in Canada. All results are available at saskatoon.ca/financialfuture and in the coming weeks the comments provided by on the Citizen Budget site will also be posted.  

The City of Saskatoon is pleased to announce that pet owners can now conveniently purchase and/or renew pet licenses online.

To purchase a new license online, pet owners can simply visit www.saskatoon.ca/go/petsonline and provide their contact details, pet, and payment information.  To renew a license, pet owners will need to have their personal ID and license tag number, which can be found on your pet license renewal form.  Renewal notices are sent out approximately one month prior to the expiration date.  New and renewed licenses purchased online take 24 hours to take effect.
Licenses can also be purchased in person at City Hall, the Saskatoon Animal Control Agency, the SPCA, SCAT Street Cat Rescue Inc., and participating veterinary clinics and pet supply stores.

All dogs and cats over four months of age must be licensed.  Annual cat license fees for spayed/neutered cats are $16 and $32 for non-spayed/neutered cats.  For spayed/neutered dogs, annual license fees are $27 and $54 for non-spayed/neutered dogs.

Enjoy the benefits for being a responsible pet owner and licensing your pet.  These benefits include the development and maintenance of off-leash recreation areas (OLRAs) and services dealing with dangerous animals.  Licensed pet owners also receive a Pet at Large (P.A.L.) card, which allows a one-time fine totaling up to $300 to be waived if your pet is found at-large and offers a return-to-home or safe shelter for your stray pet.

Responsible pet owners deserve treats too! If you like to save money or enjoy trying new things, you will like what the My Pet Matters Card has to offer! Visit www.mypetmatters.ca for full program information.

If you do not have your Pet License Renewal notice or if you have any questions regarding the online payment option, please call Customer Service at 306-975-2400 or 1-800-667-9944, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  For more information about Animal Services and pet licensing, please visit www.saskatoon.ca/go/animalservices.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

"CONTINUING STRONG ECONOMY”: ‘AAA’/STABLE CREDIT RATING AGAIN

For another year, the City of Saskatoon has earned the highest possible rating from international bond rating agency, Standard & Poor’s; S&P today reaffirmed its ‘AAA’/stable credit rating for Saskatoon - one of the hottest Canadian economies.

“Standard and Poor’s assessment again sends the message that the City’s budget process and resource allocation is open, accountable and transparent, and that Saskatoon has an economy that will keep our growth on track,” says His Worship Mayor Donald Atchison.

Every year Standard & Poor’s reviews the City’s finances and delivers the credit rating and supporting rationale in a report based on that study.

“This is exactly what we work toward every day,” says Acting Chief Financial Officer Kerry Tarasoff. “Saskatoon continues to be headed into healthy economic times, and S&P’s rating underlines that position.”

As it did last year, Standard & Poor’s continues to view the financial outlook for Saskatoon as stable. The agency is confident that cash flow and cash investments will increase to offset any rising debt. In other words, Saskatoon’s leading economy is expected to keep growing.

“Saskatoon's economic fundamentals are very strong, in our view” the report says. “We think Saskatoon is managing its growth well, and we expect this will continue.”

The City of Saskatoon demonstrates strong and prudent financial policies and solid management, and these have a positive impact on the credit profile. The City has received the ‘AAA’/stable credit rating every year for more than a decade.

Receiving a ‘AAA’ credit rating essentially means that the City of Saskatoon can borrow money at lower rates, and is viewed by financial institutions as having virtually no-risk with respect to defaulting on credit. The City of Saskatoon’s favorable budget performance, as well as its self-generated revenues, continue to place the City in a strong and stable financial position, supporting the City’s Strategic Goal of Asset and Financial Sustainability.

 For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases,  Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

Beginning at 8:30 a.m. on January 22, Cumberland Avenue South between Taylor Street and 1st Street will be closed while crews replace a sewer connection.  Drivers are encouraged to use Louise Street.

The roadway is expected to reopen by 6:00 p.m., weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.  The City thanks everyone for their patience. 

Drivers are reminded to allow extra time when travelling through the orange zone, watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Find up-to-date traffic detour information at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

On Wednesday, January 8, any required 2014 Assessment Notices will be mailed to the owner’s property or properties located in Saskatoon. The Assessment Notice lets owners know the assessed value of their property, which is then used to determine how much property tax must be paid. Property Tax Notices will be delivered in May 2014, once education rates are determined as part of the provincial budget. 

Since 2013, property owners have been paying property tax each year based on the value of their property as of January, 2011. Province-wide revaluations take place in Saskatchewan once every four years; 2013 was a revaluation year, and 2014 begins the second year in the four year assessment cycle.

“Our goal is to create and conduct property assessments that place fair, accurate, and equitable values on properties,” City Assessor Les Smith says. “Increases or decreases to the amount of property tax due to the 2013 revaluation are phased-in over the four year cycle,” adds Smith. “The annual tax bills will be adjusted each of the four years to include any appropriate phase-in adjustments.”

The City of Saskatoon collects taxes on behalf of the City, the Provincial Government for the Public and Separate School Boards, and the Saskatoon Public Library. Each taxing authority establishes its annual budget, and after taking into consideration other sources of revenue, determines the total revenue required through taxation.

The City uses a valuation approach that ensures property values are a reflection of the market value on a given date.  Factors like location (neighbourhood) of the property, traffic patterns around the property, views, and the property structure are all used to determine an assessment value. Adjustments are also made for other factors including size, age, style, garage, etc.

As this is a non-revaluation year, property owners have 30 days to appeal their assessment. Appeals can be made until February 10, 2014, by mail to: Secretary, Board of Revision, c/o City Clerk's Office, City Hall, 222 - 3rd Avenue North, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7K 0J5.

Property owners, visit saskatoon.ca and click on ’A’ for Assessment, or use the Property Assessment Online Tool which provides market and assessment information.  Property owners can also contact Assessment and Taxation at 306-975-3227 for additional information, or visit the Assessment and Taxation Division in person at 4-325 Third Ave N, located one block north of City Hall.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

Starting Monday, January 13, 2014 traffic will be restricted south of the 1st Avenue North and Circle Drive intersection while crews complete further work on the primary water main. This work had been scheduled for earlier in the month, but was cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.

The following restrictions will be in place: 

• No turning southbound on to 1st Avenue North from Circle Drive eastbound and westbound
• Local access only along 1st Avenue North between 40th Street and Circle Drive northbound and southbound
• No parking on sections of 1st Avenue North between 40th Street and Circle Drive.

It is expected that this work will take five days to complete, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Drivers are reminded to allow extra time when travelling through the orange zone, watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go!  Find up-to-date Traffic Detour information on our website at www.saskatoon.ca/traffic and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Every year, the City of Saskatoon sets up temporary drop-off sites to collect live trees from December 26 to January 31. Christmas trees should be dropped off unwrapped and unbound at the following locations:

• Primrose Drive Recycling Depot (next to Lawson Civic Centre)
• Edmonton Avenue Recycling Depot (at Edmonton Avenue and Avenue P)
• Meadowgreen Recycling Depot (22nd Street and Witney Avenue)
• Lowe Road Recycling Depot (Attridge Drive and Lowe Road)
• George Ward Pool parking lot (5th Street East and Grosvenor Avenue)
• Wildwood Golf Course parking lot (8th Street East)
• Doukhobor Cultural Society of Saskatchewan parking lot (17th Street West and Avenue I)

Live trees dropped off at these locations are chipped and composted or used as mulch. Artificial trees are not accepted for recycling and should be taken to the Landfill.

Our live tree recycling program is designed to reduce the amount of waste that goes to the Landfill and help grow a greener Saskatoon. For more information about recycling and waste handling, visit SaskatoonRecycles.ca.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

Due to the extreme cold weather conditions this morning, garbage trucks were not able to begin collection as scheduled for Route 2 (Arbor Creek, Forest Grove, Parkridge and Silverspring).  The temperature has increased slightly and collection on this route will be begin at 11:00 a.m. and extend into the evening until complete.  Residents on Garbage Collection Route 2 are asked to leave their black carts out until collection occurs.

Extremely cold temperatures affect the garbage trucks’ hydraulic and mechanical components, resulting in costly damage and breakdown to the trucks.

Recycling is being collected as scheduled today.  The City of Saskatoon thanks residents for their patience during this cold period.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

The Saskatoon Transit and Access Transit fare increases that were approved as part of the 2014 City of Saskatoon Budget will take effect starting February 1, 2014.

The new fees are as follows:

Single transit tickets will increase by $0.10 for adults, students and children making the new rates $2.40, $1.80 and $1.40.

The cost of a monthly pass will also increase. For adults it will increase from $78 to $81; students $56 to $57; children $47 to $48; and for seniors $26 to $27.

Cash fares will increase by $0.10 to $3.10 per ride for an adult, $2.60 for a student, and $2.10 for a child.

An important message to our customers:  Despite incorrect information that has circulated in the community, The City of Saskatoon is continuing to offer senior discounted bus passes.  Thank you for choosing Saskatoon Transit.

For more information on Saskatoon Transit fares, routes and schedules, visit www.saskatoon.ca and click on “T” for Transit or call 306-975-3100 and speak to a Customer Service Representative.  Access Transit customers can call 306-975-3555 for further information.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases,  Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

Beginning January 13, 2014, the entrance to the Saskatoon Waste Management Centre (landfill) will be limited to single lane traffic in both directions while crews install pipeline.  

Landfill customers are asked to be prepared for increased wait times during this period. Motorists are also reminded to keep safety as a top priority and watch for flag people and work crews in the area and obey all signs and barriers.   

The work is expected to last three weeks, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

Starting at 10:30 a.m. January 24, the eastbound curb lane on Circle Drive West between 33rd Street and Airport Drive will be closed while crews remove a damaged sign.

Restrictions are expected to be lifted by 2:00 p.m., weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.  The City thanks everyone for their patience.

Drivers are reminded to allow extra time when travelling through a work zone, watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Find up-to-date traffic detour information at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Beginning Monday, January 20, grader crews will be clearing compacted snow by neighbourhood on streets across the city. This is a proactive approach to reduce the snow pack on the roadways.  Snow pack on the roadways is what allows for the formation of ruts to develop.  As part of the increased level of service for snow management through the new dedicated road levy funding, provisions were made to include city-wide snow clearing.  The levy will be used to increase road reconstruction and rehabilitation, and increase road maintenance services.

The city-wide snow clearing will be performed only on streets that are not already designated on the priority street network for snow clearing.  These priority streets receive multiple clearings throughout the winter and do not have the applicable snow pack development.  Multiple two-grader crews will clear streets that are outside of the priority system in two neighbourhoods each day.  For residential neighbourhoods, the snow clearing will be performed during the weekdays, beginning with the first identified neighbourhoods Montgomery and Willowgrove.  The first week schedule follows and  subsequent schedules will be posted on the City’s website as the snow clearing progresses.

“The current snow pack across the city is approximately 4-5 inches, which means that ruts can and are developing at that depth.  The presence of the unseasonably warm weather we are experiencing can serve to accelerate the development of ruts that become more problematic as temperatures drop and the ruts freeze,” says Director of Public Works, Pat Hyde.  “To prevent this from happening now or in the spring after more snow has fallen, we are being proactive and clearing the streets as close to the pavement as we can.”

In order for an efficient clearing that maximizes and maintains wide driving lanes, and allows for storage of snow, all vehicles must be removed from the street.  Where and when possible, grader crews will do their best to leave at least one parking space clear for each house.  This may not always be achievable as the snow needs to be pushed to the side of the roads for storage. 

Yellow ‘No Parking’ sandwich board signs, supplemented with matching paper No Parking signs in some cases, will be posted 36 hours in advance of the scheduled clearing to notify drivers to move their vehicles.  The yellow, high-visibility sandwich boards will be posted throughout the neighbourhoods on the main roads, important intersections and high-volume traffic areas.  Vehicles left on the street within the designated neighbourhoods at 7:00 a.m. will be relocated and ticketed and ordered to pay a fine of $100 (no reduction available).  Drivers can locate their vehicle with the Find My Vehicle! application on the City’s website or by calling the Public Works customer service line at 306-975-2476 or public.works@saskatoon.ca

The street clearing schedule may be required to be changed as the program progresses, depending on the conditions of the streets.  If it snows, the clearing program will be on hold as crews are deployed to clear the priority streets.  Any neighbourhood/street that is cancelled will be rescheduled and No Parking signs will be re-posted again to notify residents.  Visit www.saskatoon.ca/go/snow to learn more about the City’s snow and ice management program or contact the Public Works customer service line at 306-975-2476 or public.works@saskatoon.ca.

Street Clearing Schedule – January 20 - 24

Monday, January 20 – Montgomery and Willowgrove

Tuesday, January 21 – Silverwood Heights and Wildwood

Wednesday, January 22 – Arbor Creek and Hampton Village

Thursday, January 23 – Fairhaven and Sutherland

Friday, January 24 – Lawson Heights and Silverspring

Traffic is currently restricted to one lane on Faithful Avenue between 51st Street and 52nd Street for an emergency water main repair.

All restrictions are expected to be lifted by the end of day January 7, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Drivers are reminded to allow extra time when travelling through the orange zone, watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Find up-to-date traffic detour information at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Starting at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, January 24, the 25th Street westbound median lane approaching 6th Avenue will be closed.  Crews require access to underground utilities.

It is expected the work will be completed by 3:00 p.m. that day, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.  The City thanks everyone for their patience.

Drivers are reminded to allow extra time when travelling through the orange zone, watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.
Know before you go! Find up-to-date traffic detour information at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Environment Canada has ended its wind warning for Saskatoon and area.  As a result, the City’s Level 1 Emergency Alert is over as well.

Over the course of Wednesday evening, January 15, the abnormal above freezing temperatures dropped which increased possibility slippery road conditions.  However, sanding crews worked overnight to address any problem roadways. 

City staff yesterday responded to a number of service disruptions or operational challenges throughout the day. An Emergency Level 1 Alert allowed for the sharing of information across civic departments and divisions.  

The following is an update on the City of Saskatoon services:
Saskatoon Light & Power (SL&P)

All systems are operating normally and at time of release there are no current power outages.

Credit Union Centre (CUC)

As of 11:12pm last night, there were no concerns raised by CUC staff.

Facilities

Operating normally

Transit

Normal operations
Public Works
Snow & Ice

Sanding crews worked overnight to address any problem roadways. A more detailed update will be available later today.

Saskatoon Landfill
The Landfill is open to the public for normal operations. 

Recycling and Garbage Collections
Garbage collection continues as normal today including neighbourhoods that may have been missed.  Also, many residents are reporting missing or damaged carts this morning.  To help us resolve the issue, please phone the Waste Stream Customer Service Line at 306-975-2486.

Solid waste truck operators attempted to upright as many carts as they could;  the City would like to thank everyone who took a few extra minutes to pick up overturned carts and cleaned up any spilled material throughout yesterday’s wind event.

Parks

Parks crews were able to address five tree-related calls last night.  Call volume is currently normal.

With the wind speeds down we do not expect an escalation of priority hazardous tree-damage service calls.  If City-owned trees are damaged and residents are concerned they may be a safety hazard, please phone the Parks division at 306-975-2890 which will be open until 4:45 p.m. today.  Afterwards, please call the 24-hour Public Works hotline at 306-975-2476.

Transportation
The traffic signal pole that was downed at Central Avenue and Attridge Drive is expected to be repaired this morning.
Information for Residents and Visitors

The City would again like to remind residents and visitors to keep safety a priority during and after extreme weather events such as this one.  In an emergency, residents are to phone 911 for immediate assistance.

Today, the City recommends residents examine their trees and property during the daylight hours to ensure the area is safe.
For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

Residents are reminded that in 2014, your garbage and recycling carts will continue to be emptied on the same day of the week as they were emptied in 2013; the scheduled day did not change for this year. Carts must be placed for collection no later than 7:00 a.m. on the scheduled collection day or it may be missed.

A few households have received incorrect schedules due to a printing error on the 2014 garbage and recycling collection calendars, “Let’s Roll”.  If you received the wrong schedule, please accept our apologies.  You may reference or print the correct schedule at SaskatoonRecycles.ca, or call 306-975-2486 for assistance and to request a new calendar.  

Residents are also reminded to please leave your garbage and recycling carts out if they’re not emptied on your scheduled collection day.  Weather conditions, mechanical failures and lane conditions can affect collections.

Garbage and Recycling Make-up Collection from Wednesday, January 1
Due to the New Year’s Day statutory holiday, recycling and garbage collection for Wednesday routes, will be collected tomorrow, Saturday, January 4.  If your cart is not emptied on Saturday, please leave it out for collection on Sunday. 

Our cart collection program is designed to reduce the amount of waste that goes to the Landfill and help grow a greener Saskatoon. For more information about recycling and waste handling, visit SaskatoonRecycles.ca.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

The City of Saskatoon’s website, www.saskatoon.ca, will undergo a temporary service disruption this Sunday evening, January 12; the disruption will last approximately 30 minutes, starting at 10:30 p.m.

The planned service work requires that we disrupt access to a number of our public facing Internet services.  From 10:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., the public website, all online service applications (Parking Ticket Payment, Submit your Meter Read, Leisure Online etc.) and email will be unavailable.  From 11:00 p.m. thru to midnight, there may also be brief interruptions until the maintenance work is complete. 

The City of Saskatoon is focused on continuous improvement and aims to provide the best high-quality services to meet the high expectations of our citizens. We apologize for any inconvenience to our citizens due to this brief disruption to our website.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

Clearing, sanding, salting and removal of snow this year has been successful at keeping City roads in good winter driving condition this season.  The City’s winter operations are running continuously and methods are adjusted as required in response to weather conditions.  For example, the extended extreme cold period required more frequent sanding and maintenance to address the icy conditions, so extra sanding crews are deployed on these days.

So far this winter, Saskatoon has experienced six snow events, with an expected three more months of winter left to go.  A snow event is defined as where a minimum of 5 centimetres of snowfall.  In each of these events, crews were out sanding and clearing during the snow event.  Once the snow fall ended, crews had completed the priority street system in advance of the 72-hour goal. 

“As a result of this snow clearing, City crews have hauled 2,700 tandem-axle loads of snow to the City’s snow storage sites,” Director of Public Works, Pat Hyde says.  “This is done to remove the snow windrows in the downtown core, the Business Improvement Districts and to provide storage room along the priority routes for the next snow events.” 

Over the next few weeks more snow windrows will be removed along the priority street network to provide for sufficient storage space.

The City listens to what residents are asking for and continues to make improvements to its budgeting and operations.  So far this winter, additional successes and new processes include:

Circle Drive
The City has implemented an improved process for snow storage and removal along Circle Drive.  Crews will remove as much of the snow as possible during snow clearing along the guard rails and protective barriers.  Then crews will return and remove any remaining snow within 48 hours, once clearing is completed on Circle Drive.  The first priority is Circle Drive South, Circle Drive North, and Senator Sid Buckwold Bridges, followed by the high speed overpasses along Circle Drive.  The City is working this week to complete the removal of snow ridges that have collected along the protective barriers and guard rails.  Once the high priority roadways are complete, the City will immediately remove all snow ridges along the remaining guard rails and protective barriers on Circle Drive.   

A new ‘rolling work zone’ snow removal process was developed and implemented.  The ‘rolling work zone’ allows for this work to be completed while minimizing traffic disruption and ensuring the safety of the crews and public while the operations are performed.

Business Improvement Districts
The Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) of the Downtown Partnership, Broadway, Riversdale and Central Avenue have had an improved snow clearing process applied where snow will be cleared from curb to curb during the priority street clearing during and following a snow event.  This will provide for an improved cleared area for parking along the curb lanes and streets that are cleared of snow to improve traffic flow. The BIDs will then have the snow windrows loaded out following the clearing within the following few days after clearing. 

NEW for this year is the use of contractor forces to perform snow clearing and removal with the following streetscape zones of the downtown core:  2nd Avenue (between 23rd Street and 19th Street) and 21st Street (from 1st Avenue to Spadina Crescent).

Use of Contractors
Contractors are being engaged earlier during a snow event to ensure that the priority street network is maintained and passable during a snow event.  It can also mean it can be cleared more quickly once the snowfall has ceased.  This leads to an improved traffic flow and provides for safer driving conditions for drivers.

Industrial Areas
As these are heavy traffic areas and are significant to the overall commerce of the city and its residents, additional snow clearing within the industrial areas has also been improved and expanded this year.  For those streets within these areas that are not already receiving snow clearing as part of the priority street network  additional clearing is being performed once the priority streets are completed.  This is improving traffic flow, improving access to these areas and preventing and/or minimizing the potential for rutting.  This approach will help avoid rutting within these zones, which can be very significant otherwise.  

School Zones
Currently snow removal has been initiated for all elementary school zones with the use of contract forces.  The clear out area of the school zones is being expanded to allow for an increased area for drop off/pick up zones, ease traffic congestion and improve the safety for children within these areas.  Schools located in the southwest, northeast and north side of the city are complete and schools in the northwest and southeast will be completed within one week. 

Sidewalks & Pathways
Changes for City crews has allowed for workers to be available 7 days/week for clearing the pathways and sidewalks that the city is responsible for snow clearing.  Previous to this winter sidewalk crews were not staffed over the weekends.  This allows for a much faster and efficient clearing process and improves the opportunities of those who utilize the pathways and sidewalks.

City Wide Clearing & Ruts
With warm weather forecasted over the next several days, the City is anticipating rutting to begin on those streets not on the priority street network.  Specifically, Public Works is watching those areas where there is limited room for traffic flow, where the potential for ruts is more severe.  The current average snow pack on streets is approximately 10 centimetres (4 inches).  In extreme cold, the snow contracts, then when temperatures rise again, the snow will “puff up” or expand and soften. It is during such conditions when roadways are more susceptible to the potential for ruts developing or for existing ruts to expand.  
To avoid an extreme rutting situation, as was experienced last year, funding through the new dedicated road levy provides for additional snow clearing.  Through this, a city-wide snow clearing is being planned for and scheduled to start the week of January 20 on all city streets, which include residential and industrial streets, that are not regularly cleared as part of the priority street snow clearing system.  Before the city wide clearing begins residents may report a severely rutted street online at www.saskatoon.ca/go/snow or to the customer service call centre at 306-975-2476.  More information about the city-wide snow clearing program will be provided over the next week. 

City crews are out addressing high-risk and trouble areas 24/7, as well as monitoring road conditions and sanding/salting as required.  With warmer temperatures expected, sanding efforts will be more effective to reduce icy conditions.  The City is pleased with its snow maintenance program and proud to serve Saskatoon residents, making it safe for drivers to move around the city.  For more information about the City’s Snow & Ice program, visit www.saskatoon.ca/go/snow.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

The Saskatoon Transit and Access Transit fare increases that were approved as part of the 2014 City of Saskatoon Budget will take effect starting February 1, 2014.

The new fees are as follows:
Single transit tickets will increase by $0.10 for adults, students and children making the new rates $2.40, $1.80 and $1.40.
The cost of a monthly pass will also increase. For adults it will increase from $78 to $81; students $56 to $57; children $47 to $48; and for seniors $26 to $27.
Cash fares will increase by $0.10 to $3.10 per ride for an adult, $2.60 for a student, and $2.10 for a child. 

For more information on Saskatoon Transit fares, routes and schedules, visit www.saskatoon.ca and click on “T” for Transit or call 306-975-3100 and speak to a Customer Service Representative. Access Transit customers can call 306-975-3555 for further information.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases,  Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

The Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval will be closed to the public for Provincial Championships from January 17 to 19, 2014; the Canada Cup Junior Selection Speed Skating Championships from January 22 to 26, 2014; and the Local Club Marathon on January 31 and February 1, 2014.

Following the competitions, the Oval will re-open to the public on January 19, 26 and February 1 at 4:00 p.m.

Regular hours of operation are Monday to Thursday from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10:15 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

For more information, please visit www.saskatoon.ca/go/rinks.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

Starting Monday, January 6, 2014 traffic will be restricted south of the 1st Avenue North and Circle Drive intersection while crews complete further work on the primary water main. The following restrictions will be in place: 

• No turning on to 1st Avenue North from Circle Drive eastbound and westbound 
• Local access only along 1st Avenue North between 40th Street and Circle Drive northbound and southbound
• No parking on sections of 1st Avenue North. 

It is expected that this work will take three days to complete, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Drivers are reminded to allow extra time when travelling through the orange zone, watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Find up-to-date traffic detour information at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

NEW

CIRCLE DR SB & NB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED AT HWY 16 CLOVERLEAF INTERSECTION
(Road paving)
Start: July 22, 7:00 p.m. End: July 23, 6:00 a.m.

CIRCLE DR SOUTH BRIDGE EB & WB CURB LANES CLOSED
(Bridge washing)
Start: July 22, 9:00 p.m. End: July 23, 6:00 a.m.

25TH ST EB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN IDYLWYLD DR & 1ST AVE N
(Weed trimming)
Start: July 23, 9:00 a.m. End: July 23, 6:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED NORTH OF 25TH STREET
(Driveway installation)
Start: July 23, 9:00 a.m. End: July 24, 6:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR & 23RD STREET INTERSECTION REDUCED TO ONE LANE IN ALL DIRECTIONS
(Shaw Cable manhole access)
Start: July 23, 7:00 p.m. End: July 24, 6:00 a.m.

ONGOING

20TH ST W EB AND WB LANES CLOSED ON 20TH ST W FROM AVE C S TO AVE D S
(Water Line Installation)
Start: July 22, 7:00 a.m. End: July 24, 6:00 p.m.
 

CENTRAL AVE SB LANES & NB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 111TH ST W TO GRAY AVE
(Water Main Lining)
Access to local businesses will be maintained. All other traffic will be detoured via Egbert Avenue
Start: July 15, 9:00 a.m. End: August, 5, 6:00 p.m.
 

3RD AVE N NB & SB LANES CLOSED 3RD AVE N FROM 25TH ST E TO 26TH ST E
(Water Main Lining)
Start: July 4, 9:00 a.m. End: July, 25, 6:00 p.m.
 

20TH ST W EB LANES CLOSED 20TH ST W FROM AVE G S TO AVE F S
(Streetscaping)
Two way traffic will be accommodated in the westbound lanes.
Start: July 2, 9:00 a.m. End: July, 30, 6:00 p.m.
 

8TH ST E EB CURB LANE CLOSED ON 8TH ST E FROM MUNROE AVE S TO CUMBERLAND AVE S
(Water Main Lining)
Start: June 23, 9:00 a.m. End: July, 29, 6:00 p.m.

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by check our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map, find traffic detour information on our saskatoon.ca homepage or subscribe to our Traffic Detour Service Alerts. you can also follow us on Twitter @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

Starting at 11:00 a.m. on January 13, 2014, traffic is restricted on Broadway Avenue between Maple Street and Isabella Street while City crews replace a water connection.

Motorists are advised to use Taylor Street to access either of Clarence Avenue or Victoria Avenue to bypass the maintenance work zone.

The work is expected to take two days to complete, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.  The City thanks everyone for their patience.

Drivers are reminded to allow extra time when travelling through a work zone, watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Find up-to-date traffic detour information at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

NEW

23RD ST E CLOSED BETWEEN 2ND AVE N & 3RD AVE N
(Road paving)
Start: August 21, 7:00 a.m. End: August 22, 6:00 p.m.

20TH ST & AVE B INTERSECTION FOUR-WAY STOP
(Traffic signal repairs)
Start: August 21, 9:00 a.m. End: August 21, 2:30 p.m.

COLLEGE DR EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN BOTTOMLEY AVE & CUMBERLAND AVE
(Light pole work)
Cumberland Ave SB curb (outside) lane closed south of College Dr intersection.
Start: August 21, 9:30 a.m. End: August 21, 1:00 p.m.

25TH ST EB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 3RD AVE TO SPADINA CRES
(Median cleaning)
No left turn to Kinsman Avenue northbound. 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th Ave intersections will remain open.
Start: August 21, 10:00 a.m. End: August 21, 1:00 p.m.

OVERNIGHT: IDYLWYLD DR SB CLOSED FROM 24TH ST TO 22ND ST
(Road paving)
Two way traffic set in NB lanes. 22nd St W WB curb (outside) lane also closed from Idylwyld Dr to Ave B
Start: August 21, 7:00 p.m. End: August 22, 6:00 a.m.

ONGOING

**AIRPORT DR NB LANES CLOSED ON FROM GATEWAY BLVD TO THE AIRPORT
(Roadway improvements)
Two-way traffic accommodated in the SB lanes. 45th St W closed from Koyl Ave to Airport Dr
Start: August 20, 1:00 p.m. End: October 29, 6:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR N SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 30TH ST W TO 29TH ST W
(Sidewalk installation)
Restrictions reset daily.
Start: August 20, 9:00 a.m. End: August 22, 3:00 p.m.

CENTRAL AVE CLOSED FROM GRAY AVE TO 110TH ST W
(Streetscaping)
Detour via Egbert Ave.
Start: August 17, 7:00 p.m. End: August 24, 6:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR N SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 25TH ST W TO 24TH ST E
(Streetscaping)
Traffic will merge to one lane. Right turn from 25th St EB to Idylwyld Dr SB will be maintained
Start: August 13, 12:00 p.m. End: August 27, 4:00 p.m.

20TH ST W WB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE F S TO AVE G S
(Streetscaping)
Two way traffic will be accommodated in the EB lanes. Speed reduced to 30km/h
Start: August 7, 9:00 a.m. End: September 4, 6:00 p.m..

KINGSMERE BLVD AND WHITESHORE CR (E. LEG) INTERSECTION CLOSED
(Water pipe boring)
Bus routes will be affected. Please watch for temporary bus stop locations and allow extra time in case of delays. Call Saskatoon Transit at 306-975-3100.
Start: August 7, 8:00 a.m. End: August 22, 6:00 p.m.

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by check our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map, find traffic detour information on our saskatoon.ca homepage or subscribe to our Traffic Detour Service Alerts. you can also follow us on Twitter @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

The City of Saskatoon Landfill will be closed this morning to the general public due to high winds and the safety concerns.  It is anticipated the Landfill may open to the general public later this afternoon if the wind speeds are reduced.  Should conditions change and the Landfill is to remain closed in the afternoon, the City will advise residents through a Public Service Announcement and through Facebook and Twitter.

The City apologizes for the inconvenience and thanks you for your patience.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

The city-wide snow maintenance program is on hold until further notice due to the cold weather Saskatoon is currently experiencing. With the recent unseasonable temperatures, the snow pack on roadways has become hard ice.  Crews are having difficulty grading iced-packed roads properly under these cold weather conditions.  The ice chunks that are being pushed to the side of the roadway are not staying in piles and are causing obstructions on the sidewalks. Environment Canada is forecasting more of the same cold temperatures over the next week.  

“While the graders are still making progress through these frozen ice conditions, the City must be responsible stewards of tax-payer dollars and provide the best service possible,” says Director of Public Works Pat Hyde.  “We will put this program on hold for now and focus more efforts on streets where ruts are already developing.  When warmer weather is forecasted and the snow pack softens, we will resume the city-wide clearing program and reschedule missed neighbourhoods.” 

For today (Wednesday), graders will only address the most problematic streets in the two neighbourhoods that were scheduled for today: Forest Grove and Dundonald.  The yellow No Parking sandwich board signs will be removed from the streets that are assessed as lower risk.  Any No Parking signs that were in place for Thursday in Lakeridge and Confederation Park were removed this morning.  These neighbourhoods, along with Massey Place and Briarwood, which were scheduled for Friday, will be rescheduled when the program resumes. 

Contractor and city crews will be re-assigned to clearing streets in the core neighbourhoods, where ruts are more prevalent, and other identified streets where ruts are becoming a problem.  Today, these streets are being assessed and a schedule will be developed.  

Residents may continue to report a rutted street using the online form at www.saskatoon.ca/go/snow or by calling the Snow & Ice Infoline at
306-975-2476.  The yellow sandwich board No Parking signs will be posted in advance for parking enforcement and relocation towing.  Some identified streets may be cleared of ruts without the use of the No Parking signs if on-street parking is not a significant issue.  

Since January 20, 14 neighbourhoods have been graded to reduce the snow pack that can lead to the development of deep ruts.  The overall feedback from residents has been positive, although many have expressed concerns with the windrows that can impact on-street parking.  

“This is the first time the City has enforced parking and used relocation towing for snow clearing,” says Hyde.  “While it’s been an adjustment for many residents, as they become more familiar with the process the compliance for removing vehicles from the streets is improving each day.  This allows us to provide a more effective process and the end result is better for all.” 

Daily Snow & Ice Updates are available at www.saskatoon.ca summarizing completed and scheduled snow maintenance operations day-by-day. 

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

CITY ADOPTS “AGRESSIVE APPROACH” FOR BRIDGE & OVERPASS SNOW CLEARING

The City has changed the way it clears snow from bridges and overpasses.  This action follows concerns that on December 30, 2013, accumulated snow along the barriers on the Circle Drive North bridge aided an out of control vehicle to jump the barrier and fall into the river.

“The City is extremely thankful the woman involved in this incident was able to get to safety without major injury and it wishes her a quick recovery,” Pat Hyde, Director of Public Works says.

At the meeting of City Council Monday evening January 6, 2014, Jeff Jorgenson, General Manager of Transportation & Utilities, advised Council and the public that he has directed an “aggressive approach” to the snow clearing practices on City bridges and overpasses.

“We have a new approach to clearing snow along the bridges and overpasses to prevent something like this from happening to anyone else,” Jorgensen says.

The City took immediate action to remove the snow following the incident and is using new procedures for regular clearing that will minimize the accumulation of snow along the guard rails and barriers.

“When a major snow fall occurs, snow is cleared first along Circle Drive, including the bridges and overpasses because of the high traffic and high speeds,” Jorgenson says. “Snow will be temporarily stored along the barriers in a safe manner, with crews returning to remove it from the high-traffic bridges within 48 hours.”

Previously, there was a maximum height allowance before snow was removed.  Over the past two weeks, engineers and crews have been modifying various methods to safely and effectively remove the snow quickly and efficiently.  Crews will begin removing accumulated snow along Circle Drive tonight, beginning with the outside lanes, using this new format:

1. A grader and a front-loader will plow it into a ridge,
2. A snow blower follows to remove it, and
3. Trucks will haul it away to the snow storage facilities or, in some cases, the snow can be safely stored at either end of the bridge, away from the roadway.

Signage will be in place to direct traffic around the work zone for the safety of crews and drivers.  Drivers are reminded to watch for signs, slow down and use extreme caution when passing this large equipment. Snow removal priority is the Circle Drive North and South bridges, and the Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge, followed by ten high-speed overpasses (22nd Street, for example), the Broadway and University bridges, and then the remaining overpasses. Drivers may notice accumulation along these areas, but there are strict monitoring procedures in place to ensure no safety hazards exist.

Given the recent power disruptions in Central and Eastern Canada, the Saskatoon Fire Department and the Emergency Measures Organization would like to remind everyone that in the event of loss of electrical power during cold weather requiring the use of an alternative source of power, the following key safety rules should be followed:

1) Gas powered portable generators used to supply electrical power should be positioned outside, in a well ventilated area, in order to avoid the dangers of in home carbon monoxide poisoning caused by the exhaust system.

2) All types of outdoor barbecues used for cooking during power outages must placed outside, in a well ventilated area. These appliances cannot be used inside due to the extreme risk for fire, explosion and carbon monoxide poisoning.

3) Do not leave candles burning unattended in a room. Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.

• Keep candles away from items that can catch fire such as clothing, books and magazines, or curtains – as they are all highly combustible.
• Use sturdy candle holders that will not tip or burn and are large enough to collect dripping wax.

4) Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning in your home by verifying your air intake vents for accumulation of snow and when warming up your vehicle, ensure that it is not close to air intake vents.

As Environment Canada forecasts, Saskatoon and area could face extreme gusts and sustained winds into this evening.  Environment Canada also forecasts falling temperatures, which may affect road conditions.

The City anticipated, and was prepared for, a number of service disruptions or operational challenges.

As a result, the City issued an Emergency Level 1 Alert; this opens up an information- sharing process across civic departments and divisions.  The following is a summary of service disruptions throughout the day, and the action that the City took to address them. 

OVERALL CITY OPERATIONS: JANUARY 15, 2014

Saskatoon Light & Power: promptly responded to all reported power outages and Service Alerts were issued in approximately 30 minute intervals
Public Works: operating normally
Transit: operating normally
Fire Department: responding to numerous calls regarding safety concerns

The City continues to be in contact with other external agencies which have not requested support at this point.

Saskatoon Light & Power (SL&P)

SL&P is able to keep up with outages and is not anticipating any long-term outages at this time.  Crews are able to respond, determine the cause and make repairs as necessary.  The wind creates challenges to crew safety, which is of utmost importance.  As a result, some repairs may have to wait until the wind speed diminishes significantly.  The bucket trucks are only certified up to 30 kilometres per hour (km/h).

Transit Division

If high winds persist into late afternoon, there may be traffic issues on all roads leading to Credit Union Centre (CUC) due to the sold-out Pink concert. There were some delays earlier in the day due to traffic signal loss of power, but service has been restored.  

Public Works Division

Snow & Ice

As Environment Canada forecasts a falling temperature and in light of today’s warm and slushy conditions, Public Works has the following operational plan in place:

Ten tandem sanders and four one-ton sanders are available to address deteriorating road conditions should the City experience freezing rain and/or snow.

If wind is the only weather issue, sanders will still be utilized to address the road conditions.  Wind can ‘polish’ the roadways to an icy surface.

The City has sufficient sand and salt supplies to address the conditions.

Area contractors (grader crews) and developing neighbourhood contractor loaders have been alerted to be prepared to mobilize, should the City experience snowfall or significant drifting conditions.

Additional staff will be available on Thursday, January 16 to augment crews with pre-scheduled load-out locations. They can also be utilized for addressing any resulting snow/freezing rain/drifting conditions.

The regular crew shift is on tonight and will be re-deployed as required to address potential storm conditions.  Again, if needed, Public Works will call in additional staff.

Saskatoon Landfill

The Landfill closed at 1:30 p.m. to the general public due to high winds and the associated safety concerns.

Unless safety becomes an issue, City garbage trucks and other commercial haulers will still be allowed on site but the blue transfer bins will not be accessible.

Recycling and Garbage Collections

By nature of what is in the recycling carts, they tend to be light-weight and the heavy winds are blowing many of them over.  However, Loraas Recycling continues collection as scheduled today.  Operators will turn carts upright for collection and pick-up as much material on the ground as possible in these windy conditions.  

Garbage collection continued as scheduled today in Eastview, Hampton Village, Stonebridge, Westview and Wildwood.  The heavy wind is blowing some of these carts over as well, and operators are turning them upright where possible in order to collect them, but may not be able to manage all of them in this weather.  If your garbage is not collected today as scheduled, garbage collection will resume tomorrow, Thursday, January 16.  Residents are asked to bring carts in and out of the wind, and place them out again by 7:00 a.m. for collection tomorrow. 

Residents are encouraged to be a good neighbour and pick up overturned carts and loose material on the ground where possible. 

Parks Division

A number of calls were received and at last word, Parks crews have confirmed seven City trees have been downed in the wind.  As a result, two pruning crews have been pulled off scheduled work and are exclusively responding to wind-related tree damage.

Tree damage assessment teams are out in the field responding to the calls and prioritizing responses and service by assessing level of hazard.

Phone systems have been modified in attempt to handle increased phone enquiries. We have confirmed that two external contractors are able to help out if deemed necessary.

Transportation Division

All traffic signals are now operational with power restored.

The only outstanding item is a traffic signal pole down at Central Avenue and Attridge Drive.  This will be replaced once the wind speeds are reduced below 30 km/h (the bucket trucks are only safety certified for up to 30 km/h).

Information for Residents and Visitors

The City would again like to remind residents to keep safety a priority during extreme weather events such as this one.  In an emergency, residents are to phone 911 for immediate assistance.

Should a power outage affect traffic lights, please remember to treat intersections as a four-way stop, pull over and call 306-975-2981 to report the outage. 

Residents are also reminded to avoid all downed power lines, and call 306-975-2621 to report a live wire emergency. 

If City-owned trees are damaged and residents are concerned they may be a safety hazard, please phone the Parks division at 306-975-2890 which will be open until 6:00 p.m. today.  After 6:00 p.m., January 15, 2014 you can call the 24-hour Public Works hotline at 306-975-2476.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

The City is clearing and removing snow on certain high-density parking streets in a proactive response to minimize the potential for ruts developing and creating driving issues. City crews are engaged in clearing and loading out the snow on the streets listed below which are prone to developing snow ruts and have no storage room along the curb lanes.  City crews are currently performing this work on both day and night shifts using four graders and one snow blower.  Five private contractor semi-trucks are being used for hauling snow to the City’s snow storage sites during the day shift, and nine are used during the night shift.

During this process - only the following streets listed on the DAY SHIFT will be posted with No Parking signs in advance of the scheduled date.  Vehicles that remain on the street at 6:30 a.m. on the scheduled date will be relocated to a nearby street.  Relocation towing will be utilized during each identified day shift as necessary until the day shift street locations are complete.

Streets listed for clearing during the NIGHT SHIFT will not be posted and relocation towing will not be utilized. 

Drivers can use the Find My Vehicle application at www.saskatoon.ca/go/snow or call 306-975-2476 to locate their vehicle.

Tuesday, January 14 – DAY SHIFT - City Park
5th Avenue - 22nd Street to Queen Street
3rd Avenue - 25th Street to Princess Street
7th Avenue - Queen Street to Warman Road
6th Avenue - 24th Street to 25th Street (stored on the  centre boulevard) 

Tuesday, January 14 – NIGHT SHIFT - General Areas
Airport Business Area
University Bridge
Broadway Bridge

Wednesday, January 15 – DAY SHIFT - City Park & Kelsey Woodlawn
4th Avenue - 25th Street to Queen Street
26th Street - 2nd Avenue to 5th Avenue
1st Avenue - 33rd Street to 40th Street

Wednesday, January 15 – NIGHT SHIFT – General Areas
Airport Business Area
Avenue C - 51st Street to Circle Drive North

Thursday, January 16 – DAY SHIFT – Mount Royal, Westmount & Meadow Green
Winnipeg Avenue - 18th Street to 20th Street
Witney Avenue - 20th Street to 22nd Street
Rusholme Road - Avenue H to Avenue W

Thursday, January 16 – NIGHT SHIFT – General Areas
Confederation Drive

Friday, January 17 – DAY SHIFT – Sutherland & Silverspring
Rutherford Crescent
Rutherford Way
Rutherford Lane
Konihowski Road - Central Avenue to Fedoruk Drive

Friday, January 17 – NIGHT SHIFT
Diefenbaker Drive

Saturday, January 18 – DAY SHIFT
Ruth Street - St. Henry Street to Louise Street

Saturday, January 18 – NIGHT SHIFT
Taylor Street

Sunday, January 19 - DAY SHIFT - Silverwood
Russell Road - Lenore Drive to Adilman Drive
Meilicke Road - Russell Road to Silverwood Road

Sunday, January 19 - NIGHT SHIFT
Taylor Street

This schedule is subject to change based on a new snow event or changing weather conditions where snow clearing equipment will be focused on the priority street network.  If the streets are rescheduled, new No Parking signage will be re-posted in advance to give residents an opportunity to move their vehicles. 

The City thanks residents for their patience and reminds everyone to please watch for crews and equipment on the road as they clear snow and apply de-icing material. Slow down and keep 15 metres behind maintenance equipment; be prepared to stop; and, if required, use extreme caution when passing.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

The City of Saskatoon (City) is pleased to invite independent artists or teams of artists to submit applications for its Placemaker Program that provides temporary public art to key commercial districts in Saskatoon. 

Proposals may be two or three dimensional work, installations, interventions. or digital media, such as video projection; proposals may offer participatory experiences or include performance components.

Applications may be submitted for either a completed work in the artist’s possession or for a proposed new work.  The City’s Visual Arts Placement Jury adjudicates the applications and selects the works to be exhibited, in consultation with representatives from the Downtown, Broadway, Riversdale, and Sutherland Business Improvement Districts and civic staff.

The deadline for applications is April 8, 2014.  For an information package and application form, please visit www.saskatoon.ca and search under “P” for Placemaker Program.

In partnership with PAVED Arts, the City is hosting a public art workshop for emerging artists to better understand the art commissioning process, what it is, how it works, the application process, and how to submit proposals.  The workshop will be Saturday, January 25th, 2014, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the boardroom of Ideas Inc. (near the Farmers Market - 120 Sonnenschein Place, Saskatoon).

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

Starting Thursday, January 9, 2014, crews will begin pruning trees on civic property in City Park as part of the City of Saskatoon’s (City) overall boulevard tree maintenance program.  Varsity View will follow on Monday, January 13, 2014.

The boulevard tree maintenance program follows a regular pruning cycle to help preserve the health and appearance of the City’s boulevard and park tree inventory. Maintenance crews will remove any broken, dead, weak, and diseased branches. Keeping sidewalks and roads free of any hazards, crews will also remove any tree parts that are obstructing pedestrian or vehicle traffic and maintain appropriate clearances from buildings, signs, streetlights, and utility wires.  Tree maintenance operations in these two neighbourhoods will continue until the end of March.

Tree maintenance often requires road restrictions.  The City reminds pedestrians, cyclists and drivers to ensure that safety is a priority by respecting the work zone appropriately and obeying all road restrictions and signage.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

The City of Saskatoon (City) Business License Program is pleased to announce the launch of Business License Online.  This new tool provides a convenient method for business operators to apply for or renew their Business License online.  It is safe, easy to use, and accepts payments from major credit cards.  New business license applications and renewals may continue to be submitted by mail or in person. 

“The City is very pleased to offer this online service to businesses,” says Alan Wallace, Director of Planning and Development.  “As part of the Saskatoon Strategic Plan, the City continues to offer a business-friendly environment by providing value-added services and improvements in efficiency.”

While new business license applications have been accepted online for the past year, the opportunity to renew online is now also available.  Instructions will be provided on the renewal notice mailed to business owners approximately two weeks prior to the expiration of their license.

As of December 31, 2013, there were 10,265 licensed businesses based out of Saskatoon, an increase of 3.2 percent since 2012.  As this number grows, the Business License Program works to enhance services to ensure that Saskatoon attracts and supports new and established businesses. 

To access Business License Online or to obtain more information, please visit www.saskatoon.ca/go/businesslicenseonline.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

The process underway for the City Wide Snow Clearing is to use graders to clear, or push, the snow from the roadway and into storage along the curbs.  The program is not designed as a load out or snow removal program.  This is a proactive approach designed to reduce the snow pack on roadways in order to prevent the potential for ruts to form as the snow pack increases through successive snowfalls and/or temperatures rise.

Through a blend of private contractor and Public Works, multiple grader crews continue in neighbourhoods on each side of the city, reducing the snow pack that can develop into ruts.  This is the first time in recent history that the City has undertaken a city-wide clearing such as this, but no one wants to experience the extreme rutting that occurred last winter.  This proactive street grading was initiated early before the snow pack was too deep, so even if more snow collects this winter, the risk for deep ruts developing is low. 

Streets will be graded and the snow will be pushed into piles along the curb, called windrows.  Graders will do their best to leave space for parking along the streets, but in some cases, it will not be possible.  As part of the increased level of service for snow management through the new dedicated road levy funding, provisions were made to include city-wide snow clearing, but does not include the removal of snow.  The levy will be used to increase road reconstruction and rehabilitation, and increase road maintenance services. 

This week, graders completed the following neighbourhoods:  Montgomery, Willowgrove, Wildwood, Silverwood Heights, Wildwood, Arbor Creek and Hampton Village.  Fairhaven and Sutherland will be completed today.  For most of these residents, it is the first time seeing the new Yellow ‘No Parking’ signs, and experiencing the parking enforcement (ticket) and vehicle relocation program.  Despite this, overall compliance has been very good, increasing each day and, as a result of the compliance, graders are able to move quickly through the streets without having to work around vehicles.

In order to reduce the inconvenience for residents, residential neighbourhoods are scheduled Monday to Friday only from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., when many vehicles are usually off the street.  The Parking enforcement start time was adjusted from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. to make the process more convenient for residents.  Other neighbourhoods, such as commercial and industrial areas with different traffic and parking patterns, will be scheduled for clearing during nights and/or on weekends. 

Yellow ‘No Parking’ sandwich board signs may be supplemented with matching paper ‘No Parking’ signs and will be posted 36 hours in advance of the scheduled street grading to notify drivers to move their vehicles.  The yellow, high-visibility sandwich boards will be posted throughout the neighbourhoods on the main roads, important intersections and high-volume traffic areas. Streets that have already been cleared prior to this program will not be graded again. These streets include those on the Priority Street Network (Priority 1, 2 & 3) that receive clearing during/after each snow event and receive regular maintenance between snow events.  Residents with no off-street parking are permitted to park on these streets (where regular signage permits) and will not receive a ticket.

Along with the neighbourhood schedule, PDF maps of each neighbourhood will be available at www.saskatoon.ca/go/snow.  The neighbourhood maps will show the boundary areas of the neighbourhood where grading will take place.  They will also outline each of the Priority Streets within the identified neighbourhood indicating parking options within the neighbourhoods.

Vehicles left on the street within the designated neighbourhoods at 7:00 a.m. will be relocated and issued a fine of $100 (no reduction available).  Drivers can locate their vehicle with the Find My Vehicle! application on the City’s website or by calling the Snow & Ice Infoline at 306-975-2476.

The street grading schedule may be required to be changed as the program progresses, depending on the conditions of the streets.  If it snows, grading may be on hold if these graders are required for the priority streets.  ‘No Parking’ signs will be removed immediately in any neighbourhood/street that is cancelled.   Signs will be re-posted when rescheduled to notify residents of the new date.  Visit www.saskatoon.ca/go/snow to learn more about the City’s snow and ice management program or contact the Public Works customer service line at 306-975-2476 or public.works@saskatoon.ca.

Street Clearing Schedule – January 27 - 31

A one-week schedule will be available on Thursday each week for the following week.  Visit www.saskatoon.ca/go/snow for the schedule. One east-side and one west-side neighbourhood will be graded each day. For the week of January 27-31, the following neighbourhoods are scheduled: 

Friday, January 24: Silverspring and Lawson Heights

Monday, January 27: Parkridge and Lakeview

Tuesday, January 28: Erindale and River Heights

Wednesday, January 29: Dundonald and Forest Grove

Thursday, January 30: Lakeridge and Confederation Park

Friday, January 31: Massey Place and Briarwood

The City thanks residents for their patience and reminds everyone to please watch for crews and equipment on the road as they clear snow and apply de-icing material. Slow down and keep 15 metres behind maintenance equipment; be prepared to stop; and, if required, use extreme caution when passing.

Environment Canada forecasts, Saskatoon and area could face extreme wind gusts of up to 100-110 kilometres per hour today, January 15, 2014. 

As the force of such high winds may be destructive, the City is prepared to handle potential service disruptions throughout the wind storm.  Crews from Saskatoon Light & Power, Public Works and Transportation will continue to monitor the situation throughout the day and promptly respond to issues as they arise.

The City would also like to remind residents to keep safety a priority during extreme weather events such as this one.  In an emergency, residents are to phone 911 for immediate assistance.

Should a power outage affect traffic lights, please remember to treat intersections as a four-way stop, pull over and call 306-975-2981 to report the outage. 

Residents are also reminded to avoid all downed power lines, and call 306-975-2621 to report a live wire emergency. 

If City-owned trees are damaged and residents are concerned they may be a safety hazard, please phone 306-975-2890 during regular office hours and 306-975-3300 after hours to report the problem to a representative from the Parks Division. 

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

NEW

AIRPORT DR NB LANES CLOSED BETWEEN GATEWAY BLVD & SASKATOON AIRPORT
(Road improvements)
Two-way traffic set in SB lanes. 45th St W also closed from Koyl Ave to Airport Dr.
Start: August 20, 1:00 p.m. End: October 29, 6:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED APPROACHING 29TH ST
(Sidewalk installation)
Restrictions will be reset daily
Start: August 20, 9:00 a.m. End: August 22, 3:00 p.m.

20TH ST W & AVE C INTERSECTION FOUR-WAY STOP
(Traffic signal repair)
Start: August 20, 9:00 a.m. End: August 20, 2:30 p.m.

OVERNIGHT: CIRCLE DR SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM ATTRIDGE DR TO COLLEGE DR
(Road paving)
Preston Ave on ramp to Circle Dr SB closed. Circle Dr SB off ramp to Attridge Dr closed.
Start: August 20, 7:00 p.m. End: August 21, 7:00 a.m.

ONGOING

1ST AVE N NB LANE CLOSED FROM CIRCLE DR E TO 42ND ST E
(Water & sewer work)
Turning onto 1st Ave from Circle Dr will be restricted. Detour: Use Faithfull Ave or Millar Ave
Start: August 19, 7:00 a.m. End: August 20, 6:00 p.m.

CENTRAL AVE CLOSED FROM GRAY AVE TO 110TH ST W
(Streetscaping)
Detour via Egbert Ave
Start: August 17, 7:00 p.m. End: August 24, 6:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR N SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM 25TH ST W TO 24TH ST E
(Streetscaping)
Traffic will merge to one lane. Right turn from 25th St EB to Idylwyld Dr SB will be maintained
Start: August 13, 12:00 p.m. End: August 27, 4:00 p.m.

20TH ST W WB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE F S TO AVE G S
(Streetscaping)
Two way traffic will be accommodated in the EB lanes. Speed reduced to 30km/h
Start: August 7, 9:00 a.m. End: September 4, 6:00 p.m.

KINGSMERE BLVD AND WHITESHORE CR (E. LEG) INTERSECTION CLOSED
(Water pipe boring)
Bus routes will be affected. Please watch for temporary bus stop locations and allow extra time in case of delays. Call Saskatoon Transit at 306-975-3100.
Start: August 7, 8:00 a.m. End: August 22, 6:00 p.m.

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map, find traffic detour information on our saskatoon.ca homepage or subscribe to our Traffic Detour Service Alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

Environment Canada forecasts the extreme gusts and winds in Saskatoon and area to drop off over the evening to more moderate levels after 10:00 p.m.  However, evening temperatures are expected to drop which increases the likelihood of slippery road conditions.  Sanding crews will be working on priority roads overnight and into the early morning hours.  Please give yourself extra time when traveling, as it will take time to cover the city with sand once temperatures start dropping.  
City staff responded to a number of service disruptions or operational challenges throughout the day.  An Emergency Level 1 Alert allowed for the sharing of information across civic departments and divisions.  The City continues to be in contact with other external agencies which have not requested support at this point.
The following is an update on the City of Saskatoon services:

Saskatoon Light & Power (SL&P)

SL&P staff have been reasonably able to keep up with outages and is not anticipating any long-term outages at this time. Although wind speeds are anticipated to drop over the evening, power outage may still occur.  Please contact (306) 975-2621 to report a power outage.  Crews will continue to respond, determine the cause and make repairs as necessary and safe to do so. Updates will continue to be provided through Service Alerts and on Facebook and Twitter.
 

Transit
Saskatoon Transit routes are currently on schedule and not experiencing any significant delays.  There are no anticipated delays for transit service for the sold out Pink! Concert or morning services.
 

Public Works
Snow & Ice
As Environment Canada forecasts a falling temperature and over the evening, Public Works has the following operational plan in place:
Ten tandem sanders and four one-ton sanders are available to address deteriorating road conditions should the City experience freezing rain and/or snow.
If wind is the only weather issue, sanders will still be utilized to address the road conditions.  Wind can ‘polish’ the roadways to an icy surface.
The City has sufficient sand and salt supplies to address the conditions.
Area contractors (grader crews) and developing neighbourhood contractor loaders have been alerted to be prepared to mobilize, should the City experience snowfall or significant drifting conditions.
Additional staff will be available on Thursday, January 16 to augment crews with pre-scheduled load-out locations. They can also be utilized for addressing any resulting snow/freezing rain/drifting conditions.
The regular crew shift is on tonight and will be re-deployed as required to address potential storm conditions. Public Works will call in additional staff if required.
Saskatoon Landfill
The Landfill closed at 1:30 p.m. to the general public due to high winds and the associated safety concerns. It is anticipated the Landfill will be open to the general public on Thursday, January 16. However, should conditions change and the Landfill is to remain closed, the City will advise residents through a Public Service Announcement and through Facebook and Twitter. 
Recycling and Garbage Collections
By nature of what is in the recycling carts, they tend to be light-weight and the heavy winds are blowing many of them over. However, Loraas Recycling continued with collection as scheduled today.  Operators turned carts upright for collection and picked-up as much material on the ground as possible in these windy conditions.
Garbage collection continued as scheduled today in Eastview, Hampton Village, Stonebridge, Westview and Wildwood.  The heavy wind was blowing some of these carts over as well, and operators turned them upright where possible in order to collect them, but may have missed isolated areas. If your garbage was not collected today as scheduled, garbage collection will resume tomorrow, Thursday, January 16.  Residents are asked, if they can, to bring carts in and out of the wind, and place them out again by 7:00 a.m. for collection tomorrow.
Many residents today picked up overturned carts and cleaned up the material that spilled.  Thanks for keeping our city beautiful. 

Parks

A number of calls were received by Parks crew regarding damage to City trees.  Tree damage assessment teams were out in the field responding to the calls and prioritizing responses and service by assessing level of hazard. Crews will continue to address high priority hazardous or potentially hazardous situations over the evening.  Other reports regarding damanaged trees will be addressed during regular business hours.  If public has a significant concern, please call the 24-hour Public Works hotline at 306-975-2476.
Transportation
The is a traffic signal pole that was downed at Central Avenue and Attridge Drive will have to be replaced by crews in the morning when the wind is at a safer level. All other traffic signals are now operational with power restored.
Information for Residents and Visitors

The City would again like to remind residents to keep safety a priority during extreme weather events such as this one.  In an emergency, residents are to phone 911 for immediate assistance.
Should a power outage affect traffic lights, please remember to treat intersections as a four-way stop, pull over and call 306-975-2981 to report the outage.
Residents are also reminded to avoid all downed power lines, and call 306-975-2621 to report a live wire emergency.
Additionally, the City recommends residents look at their trees and property during the daylight hours to ensure the area is safe.
Unless there are unusual conditions overnight, the next update from the City will be tomorrow morning at approximately 9:30 a.m.  Over the evening, please continue to watch for more information on Service Alerts.
For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.