Category Archives: City of Saskatoon

Work the Civic Election

City of Saskatoon, VVCA, ,

Work the election. Get paid.

Saskatoon’s Civic Election is on November 9, 2020.
We’re hiring election workers (age 16+) to assist with various voting opportunities this fall. Positions range from $16/hour to $20/hour plus paid training.

Do you speak a language other than English?
Our goal is to recruit workers who speak languages represented in Saskatoon’s diverse community.

There are great reasons to get involved:
• Earn cash
• Build your résumé
• Get involved in your community

Apply before September 20 at saskatoon.ca/electionjobs or call 306-657-VOTE (8683).

BRT Update – August 2020

City of Saskatoon, VVCA,

Thank you for your continued interest in the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. These have been unusual and challenging times. The pandemic has more than ever emphasized how important public transit is to the functioning of a city, transporting essential workers to and from jobs and acting as a support for economic stability and social equity. BRT remains a crucial part of the City of Saskatoon’s growth plans and we are happy to provide you with an update on the progress of the project.

Project planning has continued according to projected timelines. The following developments have occurred, moving us ever closer to the launch of Bus Rapid Transit:

On March 29th, existing high frequency transit service (routes 8, 81, 82, 83, 84 and 86) was rerouted from the Sid Buckwold Bridge to Broadway Avenue. Routes 1 and 6 were rerouted from Broadway Avenue, to the Sid Buckwold Bridge, to maintain transit service along 8th Street west of Broadway Avenue.

Technical drawings have been received for each BRT station location, including design of the operational components.

Plans are being developed to build a pilot station to test the physical and technical requirements of each BRT station, to ensure they work well in all seasons. The testing phase will start upon installation and will be observed by a technical team including transit operators and staff.

Coordination between software companies continues to evolve to ensure the traffic signals and transit software systems will work together to provide Traffic Signal Priority (TSP).  Three intersections will be used as test sites.

We will continue to update you regularily as the project moves forward. Feel free to pass this newsletter along to anyone else you may feel would be interested.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Bus Rapid Transit project, please email us at brt@saskatoon.ca.

Saskatoon Transit Update

Saskatoon Transit has had major disruptions to normal business due to COVID-19; however, as many doors closed, Saskatoon Transit remained open providing an essential service. Modifications were made to keep customers and employees safe.

Due to the rapidly evolving changes to Saskatoon Transit service, please frequently visit SaskatoonTransit.ca or follow on Twitter at @stoontransit for current information.

Curb Side Swap 2020

City of Saskatoon, VVCA, ,

List your own event or partake in events created around the city to refresh your space—all while making room at the landfill. #yxeCurbsideSwap

Let’s redefine “what’s old is new again” Saskatoon!

Reduce the amount of garbage ending up in the landfill by giving away your stuff to someone or finding free stuff of your own. At a Curbside Swap, you place your unwanted items in good condition on your property (next to the sidewalk or curb) and mark them as free for anyone to pick up or go out on a treasure hunt of your own to find what your neighbours are giving away for free.

Plan a curbside swap this summer or join the annual city-wide curbside event on September 19, 2020.

Good Neighbour Guide

City of Saskatoon, VVCA,

The City is pleased to launch the first edition of Saskatoon’s Good Neighbour Guide. The Guide is intended to provide a handy overview of the most common bylaws, standards and regulations to help keep Saskatoon neighbourhoods safe, clean and beautiful.

The Guide includes information on:

  • Boulevard and Back Lane Maintenance
  • Property Drainage
  • Fences
  • Fire Pits
  • Garage and Yard Sales
  • Garbage, Recycling and Composting
  • Home-based Businesses
  • Home Development
  • Hot Tubs and Swimming Pools
  • Landscaping
  • Noise
  • Parking
  • Responsible Pet Ownership
  • Snow and Ice on Sidewalks
  • Untidy Properties
  • Making a Bylaw Complaint

For more information and to download a copy of the Guide, visit saskatoon.ca/goodneighbour.

14th Street Permanent Closure

City of Saskatoon, Nutana, VVCA, , , ,

The City of Saskatoon is undertaking the design of the permanent closure of 14th Street East
between Lansdowne Avenue and Temperance Street. This connection was recommended for
closure through the Nutana Neighbourhood Traffic Review which was conducted in 2014 and
adopted by Council in May 2015. The closure was installed temporarily in 2016. The permanent
closure has been approved by City Council.

Thank you to everyone that has provided input so far. We received your feedback via the design
charrette (September 2017), and multiple stakeholder working group meetings (Spring and
Summer 2018). We considered all of the concerns and feedback as we developed designs for
the permanent closure options.

The proposed design for the 14th Street permanent closure has been posted to Saskatoon.ca/ntr and will be discussed at the Teams Live meeting. We would appreciate the opportunity to get your thoughts on the design. There are two ways to participate and provide us with your feedback:

Microsoft Teams Live Event
Thursday, September 17th, 8:30 pm
Link to the meeting is available at Saskatoon.ca/ntr
You do not need to download the app to participate.

Project Information: Saskatoon.ca/ntr
Go to www.saskatoon.ca/ntr
Click on the 2014 accordion
Details for the meeting will be shown under the Nutana heading

Next Steps
 FALL 2020: Finalize design.
 WINTER 2021: Tender contract.
 SPRING/SUMMER 2021: Construct permanent closure.

Contact Us:
You may also submit your comments directly:
Email: Nathalie.Baudais@Saskatoon.ca
Phone: 306-986-3097

An informational video about the permanent closure will be posted to the Saskatoon.ca/ntr webpage one week prior to the meeting.

Neighbourhood Bikeways Project

City of Saskatoon, Nutana, VVCA,

The City is committed to promoting active transportation and providing transportation choices that are safe and comfortable for people of all ages and abilities year-round.

The Neighbourhood Bikeways Project was initiated in February 2020 to help identify measures to provide more travel choices and improve safety, accessibility and connectivity. The project included the evaluation and design of walking and cycling facility improvements for 14th Street, from Saskatchewan Crescent to Cumberland Avenue.

Thank you to everyone that has provided input so far. We received your feedback via Saskatoon.ca/engage, email, phone calls and in-person at the first meeting held on March 4, 2020.

We considered all of the concerns and feedback as we developed designs for the study area corridors. Information from the first round of engagement can be found at Saskatoon.ca/engage

The proposed design for 14th Street will be discussed at the Teams Live meeting and posted to Saskatoon.ca/engage after the meeting date. We would appreciate the opportunity to get your thoughts on our draft design. There are two ways to participate and provide us with your feedback:

Microsoft Teams Live Event
Thursday, September 17th, 7:00 pm
Link to the meeting is available at Saskatoon.ca/engage
You do not need to download the app to participate.
Note that the meeting will be recorded and posted to the engage page.

Online: Saskatoon.ca/Engage
Go to www.saskatoon.ca/engage
In the Filter Projects drop down menu select Neighbourhood Bikeways Project. Click Apply.
Click on the project tile to open the Engage page.
To join the discussion, log in with your Disqus, Facebook, Twitter or Google account.

You may also submit your comments directly:
Email: Carly.Grassing@Saskatoon.ca
Phone: 306-986-3663

Informational videos about the Bikeways project will be posted to the Engage Page one week prior to the meeting.

Clarence Ave water main project starts Monday, June 22

City of Saskatoon, VVCA News & Events, , ,

The City will be installing new water mains on Clarence Avenue between 8th Street and College Drive starting Monday, June 22 at 7:00 a.m. This work is expected to take  about 5 months to complete, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.  
Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the construction zone while this work is underway. 

Phase 1– Clarence Avenue from 8th  Street East to 12th  Street East – beginning June 22 for approximately  4  weeks.    
Phase 2– Clarence Avenue from 12th Street East to Colony Street – approximately 5 weeks. 
Phase 3 – Clarence Avenue from Colony Street to College Drive – approximately 6 weeks.    
Phase 4 – Temperance Street from Munroe Avenue to Wiggins Avenue – approximately  7 weeks. 

For more information on the Clarence Avenue Water Main Replacement Project, please visit saskatoon.ca/watermain. 

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.

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 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.