City Recreation Programs

City of Saskatoon, VVCA News & Events, , ,

FREE programs offered by the City of Saskatoon.

Taking to the Court
FREE one day event for boys ages 10 -14 to get active, learn and practice a mix of sports. Snacks and lunch provided.
Monday, October 26 (originally scheduled to run October 9) from 9:00am-4:00pm
Cosmo Civic Centre Gymnasium (3130 Laurier Drive)

Multi-Sport Sampler Tennis Session
FREE Ages 9-14 years.  A great opportunity for youth to engage in physical activity while developing new and improved skills in tennis.
Monday, November 9 (was originally scheduled for November 6) from 1:00pm-4;00pm
Lakewood Indoor Tennis Centre (1635 McKercher Drive)

Drop N Shop
FREE Ages 6-12 yrs. This holiday season entrust your children with certified leaders who will supervise a number of child-friendly activities including arts and crafts, giving opportunity to get away and get your shopping done!

Lakewood Civic Centre (1635 McKercher Drive)Saturday, November 28 from 1:00pm-4:00pm
Saturday, December 5 from 1:00pm-4:00pm

White Buffalo Youth Lodge (602 20th St. W)
Saturday, December 12 from 1:00pm-4:00pm


Programs/ Events Cancelled in Fall 2020 Due to COVID-19
Fall Freestyle, Fast & Female Champ Chat, Girls in Motion and Multisport Sampler Bowling Session

Run for the Cure 2020

VVCA, , ,

This year, since we can’t meet in person, the Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind experience with both physical and virtual components.

On Run Day, Varsity View community residents will join the live-streamed online opening ceremonies at 9:30 am CST before heading out to walk or run in the neighbourhood. Several 1 KM and 5 KM routes are set up in the city for people to use on Run Day. The North Route and the Central Route are the routes closest to the Varsity View community but residents are welcome to use any route they would like to take.

Being physically apart won’t stop us from coming together to change the future of breast cancer. Join us and run or walk your way on October 4th. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Saskatoon CIBC Run for the Cure Committee through their facebook group “Saskatoon – Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run For the Cure”. Register today at cibcrunforthecure.com.

Outdoor Festival Site

City of Saskatoon, VVCA, ,

The Permanent Outdoor Festival Feasibility Team is working to identify, select, study and plan for the future development of a City of Saskatoon Permanent Outdoor Site.  Consultants from HTFC Planning & Design are leading the feasibility study on behalf of the City of Saskatoon.

Why a Permanent Outdoor Festival Site?

The riverbank parks near downtown were not designed or constructed to accommodate large outdoor events hosted over multiple days.  As a result, the riverbank parks are susceptible to mechanical and physical damages associated with staging large scale extended events.  Continued use of the riverbank parks by a number of large scale outdoor events has resulted in deteriorating turf and tree conditions.  

The Permanent Outdoor Festival Site Feasibility Study will identify both a location(s) and design plan for a permanent centrally-located festival site, which would take into consideration all the typical needs of outdoor events, including access to water, power, staging, parking, accessibility needs, etc.  The study will also take into account infrastructure requirements for such a festival site to ensure protection and long-term sustainability of any associated green infrastructure.

Online Survey

Our Team is looking to get your input on these three topics:

  • Which of the three sites do you prefer and why?
  • What should be the criteria for an ideal permanent outdoor festival site?
  • What program elements and features would you want to see?

The easiest way to provide your input on these topics is by completing this online survey.  The survey will be open for responses from 8:00am on Thursday, September 17th until 5:00pm on Tuesday, September 28th.

More information: https://www.saskatoon.ca/engage/permanent-outdoor-festival-site

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.

Fall Basketball League – UPDATE

VVCA News & Events, ,

Registration for 2020 Fall/Winter SMBA league can be found at www.smba.ca

RETURN TO PLAY PLAN

We are SUPER EXCITED to get back on the court and have great phased in plan for you:

Minis (Grade 5 & 6) and Bantam (Grade 7 & 8) Registration is open! Most sessions will be at the Martinsville Athletic Pavillion. Each individual will be responsible for travel to and from Martensville.

Click here to begin your registration: http://smba.ca/   Please click on “Register Here” on the top of the page for the link.

Registration closes September 25; so don’t delay! (there will be no late registration, if you wish to get on the wait list please email randi.mac@shaw.ca)

Dunkaroos and Spuds full program will run January to March  2021. Registration will open in mid October – watch SMBA website for details.

Junior and Senior (formerly Midget and Juvenile) will run programming Jan to Mar 2021 if not sooner and Registration will open Mid-October.

*We will be adhering strictly to the COVID 19 rules for our return to play.  All details about practices and games will be sent out when we have more details. Registration will be through our website, but community coordinators will be forming teams and finding coaches.  There will be movement of players depending on numbers and the division chosen. Please be aware that you may not play for your home community. *

YAS Basketball Camps are open this summer

VVCA News & Events, ,

Important Notice from YAS
July 2, 2020

Effective June 29, 2020 Young Athlete Saskatchewan Inc. (YAS)
Sports School, a registered Saskatchewan corporate entity, has been
authorized by the Government of Saskatchewan to hold its 2020
weekly youth basketball camps during July and August in Saskatoon
and Regina.

Accordingly, YAS has immediately re-commenced accepting registrations
for its camps scheduled for the week of July 20 to 24, July 27 to 31
and continuing for its weekly camps scheduled throughout August.
Registrations for camps will continue until camps reach COVID-19
enrolment limits. Visit the YAS web site for additional details and to
register on line www.yas.ca

All youths who were registered for YAS camps back in February and
early March, prior to the COVID-19 shut down, remain registered,
with the following exception:
Those who were registered for camps in Saskatoon during the weeks of July 6 to 10 and July 13 to 17 are notified that those camps have been withdrawn due to the City of Saskatoon not yet approving the rental of its Cosmo Civic Centre gym at which those camps were scheduled. Parents and guardians of youths registered for YAS camps July 6 to 10 and July 13 to 17 in Saskatoon are requested to contact the YAS office immediately in order to request a transfer to another YAS 2020 camp later during the summer or to receive a full refund of their camp fees.

The FREE YAS Mini-Camps scheduled for July 2 and 3 in each city
have been withdrawn, with the possibility that they may be re-
scheduled for later during this summer or early fall.

YAS basketball camps are headed by certified teachers who are also
accomplished basketball coaches. Accordingly, the YAS basketball
skills-development curriculum will be followed as it has been during
past summers. This will include basketball skills instruction, drills,
scientific skills testing, and follow-up skills-reinforcement competitions.
It will also include regular-game scrimmages.

A COVID-19 questionnaire that every youth registered for
YAS 2020 basketball camp will be required to bring with them to their
camp head instructor (certified teacher), every camp morning.

Every YAS staff member will also be required to adhere on an ongoing
basis and strictly to Saskatchewan Government COVID-19 restrictions.

Regular and additional sanitizing precautions will be taken at the gyms.

Questions and Clarifications,
Dr. Robb Hall, B.A., B.Ed., M.Ed. (admin) Ph.D. (EDPA)
YAS Camps Director
rhall@yas.ca

Radio Summer Camp 2020

VVCA News & Events, ,

CFCR is launching our first ever Radio Summer Camp, a youth empowerment project focused on skill-building in the realms of Radio, Media, and Podcasting! It is a free camp, with very limited capacity of 6 youth, age 12-16. We will accept applications until Aug 1.

Participants will be immersed in a creative, supportive online atmosphere where they will learn and be challenged through daily activities. The intended outcome will be for the youth to walk away feeling empowered, with all of the skills to host their own live radio or spoken word program. The final projects produced during camp will hit the airwaves. Due to COVID-19, this camp will be done over zoom, from home. More and more things are opening up, but we have chosen to move forward with an at-home version. More information and the application link can be found at cfcr.ca.

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.