All posts by VVCA

Library online programs

City of Saskatoon, VVCA News & Events, , ,

Although Saskatoon Public Libraries are closed, we are excited to have now launched our online summer programs. Your local residents may want to do some of these summer programs with their families.

Knowlympics – June 1 – August 31
The Knowlympics is an all-ages summer learning program that encourages Saskatoon residents to discover a love of lifelong learning through various challenges that promote various forms of literacy development.

TD Summer Reading Club – June 1 – August 31
The TD Summer Reading Club (TDSRC) is Canada’s biggest bilingual summer reading program for kids. SPL has presented the TDSRC for a number of years but it will be presented slightly differently this summer.

Other Summer Online Programming  
Note: soon this link will have information to include more summer programs.

Escape Rooms: Solve a series of puzzles to get out of a locked room and progress through the game to the end!

Geocaching: Geocaches will be created and placed near SPL branches. They’ll direct patrons to walks or views to enjoy while social distancing.

Personality Quizzes: Which classic book are you? What type of library patron are you? Discover more about yourself and share your results with friends!

Story Laboratory: Join us for a picture book and a fun activity or craft based on it! 

Trivia: Test your knowledge and keep your brain in shape! These quizzes will end with recommendations of SPL resources to visit for more info.

What’s your story? Teen Storytelling Challenge
It will run from June 8 – August 15 2020, with an online gala on August 31. 

This summer, Saskatoon Library is asking: What’s Your Story? Beginning June 1, 2020, teens aged 13 to 18 are invited to share their creative stories.  For every story you submit, your name will be entered into a draw for a spectacular prize! 
Categories:

  • Short Story: one story up to eight pages on any theme (Fiction or Memoir), or one spoken word video, maximum 5 minutes in length.
  • Poetry: up to four pages of poetry in any style, or one spoken word video, maximum 5 minutes in length.
  • Comic Book: one story up to eight pages on any theme (pages can be scanned into a digital document for submission)
  • Book Trailer: one video introducing a favourite story, no more than two minutes in length
  • Photo Essay: one series of no more than ten photos that tell a story or document an event
  • Serial Video Story: one series of short videos that tell a story.  Series must contain no more than 10 videos, each 15 seconds in length.

Clarence Water Main Work

City of Saskatoon, Nutana, VVCA News & Events, ,

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Saskatoon has reviewed all construction projects planned for 2020. It has been determined that the Clarence Avenue Water Main Replacement Project will proceed as planned, but with some modifications to the original planned construction area (see map). This work includes essential upgrades to existing infrastructure that, if delayed, could mean further, unplanned disruptions. The replacement of older water mains brings several benefits:  Decreased susceptibility to breakage, failures and service disruptions  Restoration of roadways, resulting in smooth ‘like new’ surfaces  Replacement or rehabilitation of sidewalks within the work area To ensure the least amount of restrictions to driveway access and parking, construction will be phased:

 Phase 1:
o Clarence Avenue from 8th Street East to 12th Street East, including the intersection of Clarence Avenue and 12th Street East

 Phase 2:
o Clarence Avenue from 12th Street East to Colony Street

 Phase 3:
o Clarence Avenue from Colony Street to College Drive

 Phase 4:
o Temperance Street from Munroe Avenue to Wiggins Avenue
o Munroe Avenue between Temperance Street and back lane of 1200 block of Temperance Street
o Back Lane of 1200 block of Temperance Street
o Wiggins Avenue between back lane of 1200 block of Temperance Street and Temperance Street

During this project, all lead water service connections and sewer service connections between College Drive and 8th Street East, and on the 1200 block of Temperance Street, will be replaced.

Good Food Delivery

VVCA News & Events, ,

CHEP Good Food is a local food security non-profit, focusing on affordability and accessibility of fresh food. During COVID-19, we are offering a grocery delivery service called Good Food Delivery; a poster is attached. This program is open to everyone, and anyone can order, but our main focus is families and community members who are vulnerable, low income, or cannot leave their homes.

Good-Food-DeliveryDownload

Street Sweeping Spring 2020

City of Saskatoon, VVCA News & Events,

Street Sweeping started this week – coming soon to your neighbourhood! Please share/retweet City of Saskatoon sweeping ads on your social channels to get the word out: Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Campaign images are attached here if you prefer to create your own posts.

While on our pages, learn more about the community challenge for KIDS OF ALL AGES, started by our friend, street sweeping kid James! Direct link to YouTube video if you don’t see the posts.

Find your sweep day at saskatoon.ca/sweep and watch for yellow No Parking signs. Thank you very much for sharing this information with your neighbours. With so many people at home, we expect more vehicles to tow this year, and we’d much rather people move them in time.

2020 Civic Election

City of Saskatoon, VVCA News & Events,

The City of Saskatoon Election Office has prepared the Candidate Information Guide  for anyone seeking election or re-election for mayor, city councillor, or school board trustee on November 9, 2020. The digital guide is now available at saskatoon.ca/CandidateInfo.

The guide includes information on the responsibilities and time commitment of elected office, candidate eligibility, the nomination process, and key dates. The first key date is June 1, which marks the start of the campaign expense period. This is the date candidates can begin to spend money on their campaign.

The 2020 Civic Election Office located at 226 Cardinal Crescent will open on July 2, but election officials are available now to answer any questions from candidates or clarify information contained in the guide. Candidates can email elections@saskatoon.ca or call 306-657-8683 (VOTE).

Civic Elections are held in order to elect a mayor and 10 councillors, one for each of the city’s 10 wards. The City of Saskatoon also conducts elections for both the Saskatoon Public Schools and Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools in order to elect their respective school board trustees.

In accordance with legislation, the civic election is scheduled for November 9, 2020.  The Election Office is adapting its plans to ensure public safety measures are in place for the election and will respond accordingly to any COVID-19 directives issued by the Province. For more information and the latest election updates, visit saskatoon.ca/election2020 or follow the City on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Ward 6 Virtual Block Party

City of Saskatoon, Nutana, VVCA News & Events, , ,

Councillor Cynthia Block will host a Virtual Block Party on June 4 at 7pm through Facebook Live to learn more about what is happening in your neighbourhood. The Mayor will also join our event to help answer your questions.

What’s on your mind? Let’s talk.

• Roads and Sidewalks
• Taxes
• Climate
• Core Services
• Safety
• Something else?
Submit your questions in advance at:
bit.ly/ward6blockparty

https://www.facebook.com/events/244738846840265/

To add a little Block Party flavour, the Mayor and Cynthia will each make a potluck dish, and make a contactless delivery following the event. All you have to do is share one of your favourite recipes in the event comments to be eligible for the draw. Cut off time to submit is 7pm on June 4.

Saskatoon Council on Aging

VVCA News & Events,

The safety of older adults and the community is paramount. The Saskatoon Council on Aging is playing their part to flatten the curve for our healthcare system. They have cancelled programs and activities until June. Phone lines remain open and staff are working remotely. Any senior needing help to get groceries or need a friendly volunteer caller may contact a new volunteer group called the YXE Community Response to COVID-19. Their email is yxecovid19help@gmail.com. Their hotline is 306-361-4357. There are also many other organizations that are helping. To keep updated visit our website www.scoa.ca and click on the COVID-19 banner.

Thank you for your continued supports and information out to your communities.

Calling bird-lovers

VVCA News & Events, , ,

Calling all bird-loving walkers! 

Birds in Real Danger, Saskatoon (B.I.R.D.S) aims to reduce bird-window strikes in the city, and we need your help to do it! All you need is a camera (your phone works great!), some paper, a pen, and a few bags, and you can help document evidence of birds injured or killed by window strikes.

Hundreds of birds are treated at Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation after striking windows – and those are just the ones lucky enough to survive the impact and be found by a caring person.

With the ongoing development of larger buildings, many covered in glass and on or near the riverbank, the City of Saskatoon may well see an increase in the number of bird injuries and mortalities from collisions with glass structures. By documenting occurrences of bird collisions with windows, and by educating the public on the issue, BIRDS aims to gain support for the adoption of bird-friendly guidelines for buildings. 

If you’d like to join us in looking for evidence of window strikes in Saskatoon’s downtown area, on the University campus, or even in your own neighborhood, contact us at lswr@sasktel.net. 

Your regular walk might just save the birds!

Saskatoon Transit to resume June 8

City of Saskatoon, VVCA News & Events, ,

Saskatoon Transit to resume fare collection: to align with Re-Open SK Phase 3

As the province and our community move toward re-opening amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Saskatoon Transit will resume loading passengers and collecting fares at the front doors starting June 8, 2020.  

“Our team will always keep the safety of our customers and employees at the forefront of everything we do, which is why we went to rear door boarding and suspended fare collection.” says Jim McDonald, Director, Saskatoon Transit. “Saskatoon Transit is proud to provide transportation services our customers can rely on as we move into Phase Three of the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan.”   

New measures:  
·  Front door loading and fare collection will resume effective June 8, 2020.   
·  Vinyl panels are being installed as protective barriers for operators. Operators have also been issued gloves and re-useable masks for protection of themselves and riders. 
·   One-way passenger flow: boarding through the front and exiting through the rear doors of the bus. 
o   Exceptions will be made for customers with mobility aids to exit through the front of the bus.   
·  Transit riders are encouraged to follow the recommendations for using face masks or face coverings on buses and at bus stops. The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends wearing a non-medical mask where physical distancing is not possible or is unpredictable. 
·  Saskatoon Transit will continue to monitor capacity on buses, and customers may experience pass-ups. 
o   Riders are encouraged to use the mobile app called “transit” to check the schedules in advance and attempt to travel at non-peak times as much as possible.

“Following the guidance of the Chief Medical Health Officer and drawing on the best practices of the transit industry worldwide, Saskatoon Transit has implemented additional safety measures. We’ll also continue with many of the procedures and practices already at work to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic,” McDonald says.   

Measures already in place that will continue:  
·        Enhanced bus cleaning and sanitizing   
·        Additional personal protective equipment for Access Transit operators   
·        Communication to staff and riders encouraging good personal hygiene 
·        Rear door loading with no fare collection until June 7, 2020  

As restrictions begin to lift and people gradually return to some activities they did prior to March 2020, Saskatoon Transit wants to ensure everyone gets where they need to be as safely and efficiently as possible.   

For more information, visit SaskatoonTranist.ca or call 306-975-3100. 

Residential Parking Program Reinstated May 25, 2020

City of Saskatoon, VVCA News & Events, ,

Residential Parking Program Reinstated Monday, May 25, 2020 – Use Existing/Expired Permits

The Residential Parking Program (RPP) is being reinstated effective May 25, 2020. As City Hall remains closed to the public, existing permits issued for the 2019-2020 season will continue to be honoured until new permits are available for purchase.

If you do not have an existing permit and require one, please contact Customer Service at 306-975-2400 or revenue@saskatoon.ca. Existing 2019-2020 permits will be issued free of charge as a temporary measure. All eligibility requirements remain in effect and proof of residency, as well as vehicle and licence information will be required when requesting permits.

Issuance of RPP permits for 2020-2021 are expected to resume later this year, and full payment of the annual fees will be due at that time. Once these dates are available, additional notification will be provided to residents in the RPP.

City Parks Events Cancelled Till July

City of Saskatoon, VVCA News & Events, , ,

Sport Fields:

The City of Saskatoon (City) is constantly reassessing pandemic developments to ensure the safety and well-being of staff and residents. At this time we are following the information being shared through Saskatoon Emergency Management Organization (EMO) who is in contact regularly with the provincial and federal health agencies. Under the current Public Health Order, all private and public gatherings – inside and out – are limited to a maximum of 10 people. Effective immediately, City Administration will not be approving any sport field rental requests for the months of April, May and June including and up to Tuesday June 30, 2020. Please note that this may be extended depending on the direction from the Government of Saskatchewan.

To assist with sport field operations and allocation planning, the Recreation and Community Development Division will send out a brief survey next week with a deadline to receive information the following week.

The most recent information around COVID-19 can be found on the City of website at: www.saskatoon.ca/covid-19. This website also includes further information around frequently asked questions, including affected City services.

Updates will continue to be provided on the City’s website.

If you have specific questions related to your sport field rental, please email allocations@saskatoon.ca.

Outdoor Special Events:

The City of Saskatoon (City) is constantly reassessing pandemic developments to ensure the safety and well-being of staff and citizens. At this time we are following the information being shared through Saskatoon Emergency Management Organization (EMO) who is in contact regularly with the provincial and federal health agencies. We must follow federal and provincial regulations and requirements related to COVID-19 prevention. Under the current Public Health Order, all private and public gatherings – inside and out – are limited to a maximum of 10 people. Effective immediately, City Administration will not be approving any outdoor special events for the months of April, May and June including up to Tuesday June 30, 2020. Please note that this may be extended depending on the direction from the Government of Saskatchewan.

The most recent information around COVID-19 can be found on the City of website at: www.saskatoon.ca/covid-19. This website also includes further information around frequently asked questions, including affected City services.

Updates will continue to be provided on the City’s website.

If you have specific questions related to your outdoor special event, please email specialevents@saskatoon.ca.

COVID-19 Resources for Seniors

VVCA News & Events, ,

The safety of older adults and the community is paramount. The Saskatoon Council on Aging is playing their part to flatten the curve for our healthcare system. We have cancelled programs and activities until June. Our phone lines remain open and staff are working remotely. Any senior needing help to get groceries or need a friendly volunteer caller may contact a new volunteer group called the YXE Community Response to COVID-19. Their email is yxecovid19help@gmail.com. Their hotline is 306-361-4357. There are also many other organizations that are helping. To keep updated visit our website www.scoa.ca and click on the COVID-19 banner.

Resources for Seniors

Notify Now signup

City of Saskatoon, VVCA News & Events,

With the COVID-19 situation changing rapidly, Saskatoon residents are reminded to sign-up for notifynow, an important free public safety messaging service from the City of Saskatoon.

The notifynow system can send important public safety messages to citizens in a timely, trusted, and targeted manner. It’s important that when you sign-up, you tell us how to best reach you. Choose one or several of these communication methods:
· via a voice message to your home, work
· call to your cell phone
· email
· text message

You can also add family member’s addresses, such as your child’s school or parents’ home, through the customization tools.

It’s easy to sign-up for notifynow! Visit saskatoon.ca/notifynow