The City of Saskatoon has restored access to most of its online services and phone lines. The remaining services will be brought back online in the coming days. These services as well as in-person transactions, such as electronic payments and account balance inquiries, may see intermittent disruptions over the coming days. 

The civic facilities experiencing disruptions to booking services, electronic payments, and/or billing include – but are not limited to – City Hall, Transit Customer Service, Wildwood and Silverwood Golf Courses, and Gordon Howe Campground.   

Yesterday, an error associated with network communications between the City of Saskatoon’s data centres impacted electronic payment options as well as some phone lines and online functions.  

The City thanks residents for their patience while we work to bring affected services back as soon as possible.

An error associated with network communications between the City of Saskatoon’s data centres has temporarily impacted several services including electronic payment options and online booking systems.  

This is not a result of a cyber-attack. 

We are working to restore these services as quickly as possible but anticipate this issue will persist until tomorrow, potentially being resolved by the end of the day. Until full service is restored, residents are encouraged to follow @YXEServiceAlert on Twitter for service disruptions (Saskatoon Light & Power, Water, Transit, Roads). 

Please visit Saskatoon.ca for a full up-to-date listing of City services currently disrupted. 

The National Day of Mourning is on Wednesday, April 28, 2021. In recognition, flags at all City of Saskatoon facilities will fly at half-mast for the day.

The National Day of Mourning, held annually on April 28, was officially recognized by the federal government in 1991 and commemorates workers who have been killed, injured or suffered illness due to workplace related hazards and incidents. 

As the City continues to finalize its vision of a vibrant Downtown into the future, some key components are clear and will require:

• A new entertainment facility/arena
• A convention centre
• A high functioning transit system (including Bus Rapid Transit)

Other Downtown priorities include upgrades to roadway, walking and cycling infrastructure, Fire Hall #1 replacement, advancement of the outdoor festival sites along the riverbank, and reducing homelessness.

Achieving this vision of enhanced vibrancy Downtown is fundamental to the City’s future success.  We have been and continue to be a destination city because of the vision and amenities put in place by our predecessors. Approximately 50 years ago, the train station became Midtown Plaza, Sid Buckwold Bridge opened, and the Meewasin vision became a reality. This is a similar moment in the City’s life, planning for a Downtown that will meet the needs of the future. To maintain our competitive advantage and position, we must continue to provide world class amenities that support our quality of life and our economic foundation.

In a report for the Governance and Priorities Committee, three main projects -- an arena, a convention centre, and the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system -- are outlined as key priorities with the potential to transform Downtown, boost our economy, and further increase our attractiveness and improve our quality of life.

“Sasktel Centre and TCU Place are both nearing the end of their useful service lives and, without substantial renovations, cannot maintain market competitiveness in their current state,” says Lesley Anderson, Director of Planning and Development.

“Locating a new arena Downtown would have many mutual benefits for other major facilities such as the convention centre, and existing Downtown attractions including dining, hotels, and retail – creating the conditions for a fully-animated event and entertainment district.”

“A Bus Rapid Transit system, which has already received City Council approval to proceed, is an integral piece of building a successful and thriving entertainment district in Downtown Saskatoon,” notes Dan Willems, Director of Technical Services.

“Advancing a plan to provide core entertainment amenities located in Downtown which are supported by a rapid, reliable transit system will strengthen our position as a destination city.”

Construction of these types of amenities has been accomplished in many other jurisdictions through use of multiple funding streams, many of which have not been used before in Saskatoon.  Examples of funding tools used elsewhere for similar projects include taxes on hotel room and other short-term accommodation rentals, motor vehicle rental charges, and tax increment financing, to name a few.  Exploration and implementation of non-traditional funding sources will be key to achieving the vision of Saskatoon’s future in a way that minimizes reliance on property tax.

The Administration estimates that over a 25 year-period, there will be the potential for significant revenue generated to offset the need to rely on property taxes for these projects. These sources include a combination of new possible revenue streams and existing funding, such as the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program contributions expected from all three levels of government.  This combination of funding would be more than enough to cover the estimated costs of a new downtown arena, upgraded convention centre, and BRT.

“The aim of this funding/financing strategy is to minimize contributions from property taxes to pay for the bundle of sub-projects within this transformational project. It also attempts to improve fairness by generating revenues from those who benefit from the amenities, particularly, non-residents who tend to benefit from tourism-based infrastructure,” says Mike Jordan, Chief Public Policy and Government Relations Officer.

“However, achieving this outcome requires a substantial long-term investment and a partnership between the City, other orders of government, and industry.” 

The report will be presented to GPC at its April 19 meeting.

The City of Saskatoon and GFL Environmental Inc. will host the first Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Drop-off Day of the year this Sunday.

• Location: Civic Operations Centre (57 Valley Road) 
• Date & Time: Sunday, April 11 (9:00 am - 3:30 pm)

Saskatoon residents are invited to drop off their HHW materials for recycling and safe disposal, including aerosols, automotive fluids, batteries, cleaners, cylinders, light bulbs, medications, yard chemicals, vaping products, and more. Complete lists of acceptable and unacceptable items are available at saskatoon.ca/hazardouswaste.

Reminders:

• In response to COVID-19, updated guidelines and restrictions will be in place to help reduce the spread of the virus. More info at saskatoon.ca/hazardouswaste.
• Please ensure all containers are safely sealed and contents are clearly marked.
• To avoid potentially long line-ups and wait times, ask the Waste Wizard at  saskatoon.ca/wastewizard to find other means of recycling and safe disposal.
• Help reduce emissions from idling and protect the health of other residents by turning off vehicles during long wait times.
• Approximate wait times will be posted periodically on the day of the event on the Facebook event page.

Thank you for helping us put waste in the right place!

Due to COVID-19 physical distancing requirements and the current phase of the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan, the City of Saskatoon already has a number of adjusted services in place. 

The City of Saskatoon will have a number of adjusted civic services and altered holiday hours over the holiday season. Wondering what’s open or closed. See full details on the City’s website.

Please visit saskatoon.ca/covid-19 for timely updates from the City of Saskatoon on everything you need to know to stay safe.

High winds and combination of rain and then blowing snow are causing slight snow accumulation, icy conditions on roadways, bridges, intersections and sidewalks, and reduced visibility around the city. Crews are clearing snow off Circle Drive and other expressways, at locations where snow has drifted onto the roadway, monitoring high traffic roads, and applying de-icing material as required. For the most up-to-date weather forecast for Saskatoon, please visit Environment Canada. 

Saskatoon residents should note the following during this weather event:  

• If possible, stay off the roads when poor conditions are forecast or underway.  
• Drivers that do venture out should be prepared for icy roads, snow accumulation and reduced visibility due to blowing snow and drifting. A reminder to keep an eye out for snow equipment – stay at least 2-3 vehicle lengths behind and be prepared to stop quickly.  
• Wet and blowing snow can cover traffic signals and road signs. Stay aware at intersections and, when safe to do so, covered traffic lights and road signs should be reported to the City’s 24/7 Customer Care Centre at 306-975-2476 or customercare@saskatoon.ca.  

Saskatoon Light & Power staff are dealing with service interruptions and issues as they occur. Service Alerts with regular updates will also be issued when outages occur.  

Saskatoon Transit continues regular service, however, may be affected by any changes in weather. Transit service alerts and real-time bus information is available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit on desktop. 

The City Landfill is temporarily closed to the public due to reduced visibility and blowing debris. Curbside waste collections will continue as scheduled or until further notice. Residents are reminded to store their waste carts as soon as possible after collection to avoid tipped carts and wind-blown litter. Further updates will be made available at saskatoon.ca/waste. 

The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo is closed due to inclement weather. The Zoo is expected to re-open at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 30. 

A combination of freezing rain, snow, and strong winds can result in tree branch failure. To report storm damaged trees please call Urban Forestry at 306-975-2890 (Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.) or the 24-hour Customer Service Centre at 306-975-2476 (after hours and weekends). For more information, visit saskatoon.ca/treeinspections.  

The flags at Saskatoon civic buildings have been lowered today to mark one year since the first case of COVID-19 was identified in Saskatchewan. Flags will remain at half-mast through the weekend.

“The impact of COVID-19 on our community has been profound. Our lives have all changed dramatically in this past year, since the first case was found in our province on March 12,” says Mayor Charlie Clark.

“Since then, 401 Saskatchewan lives have been lost and this has had a tremendous toll on families. Essential services workers have stepped up heroically to keep our city running and worked tirelessly to keep us safe.

“Today, and over the weekend, is a chance for us all to remember those whose lives have been lost and to show gratitude for all of the sacrifice and service through this very challenging year.”

On this day and every day, Saskatoon Transit asks the community to “lift each other up” and work together to treat others with dignity and respect.  

Today, February 24, is Pink Shirt Day. In support of this global kindness movement, Saskatoon Transit vehicles can be spotted around the city sporting pink t-shirt decals. The decals will stay up for the entire day. 

About Pink Shirt Day 
Inspired by an act of kindness in small-town Nova Scotia, Pink Shirt Day acts to raise awareness of bullying in schools, workplaces, homes and online, as well as raise funds to support programs that foster children’s healthy self-esteem. To learn more, visit www.pinkshirtday.ca. 

Get Social 
If you see our fleet vehicles out with pink shirts, snap a picture and tag @stoontransit with #PinkShirtDay on Twitter. 

On February 24, 2021, we encourage everyone to practice kindness and wear pink to symbolize that you do not tolerate bullying.