All posts by qexca

Our Second Big Dig – Weaver Park!

City of Saskatoon, Your Community

You are invited to com-and-go engagement event, Tue. Oct. 18 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. in the John Lake School gym (2606 Broadway Ave. S7J 0Z6), to learn more see here.

Many residents and businesses in low lying, older areas have been devastated multiple times by flooding where the storm water system does not have the capacity to adequately manage flash flooding.  Streets in these higher-risk flood areas were not designed to convey storm water like they are now in newer neighbourhoods.

The City of Saskatoon’s Flood Control Strategy (FCS) is underway with the near completion of a dry storm pond in W.W. Ashley District Park, and the beginning of dry storm pond construction in Churchill Park.  The dry ponds are designed to hold storm water that would otherwise cause flooding during intense rainfalls.  They are designed to drain within 24 hours so the area can continue to be utilized as park or recreational space outside of rainfall events.

Plans by Saskatoon Water are still on track for the third FCS project: construction of a dry storm pond on the north side of Weaver Park in 2023.  The project, which was approved by City Council on April 25, 2022, will help mitigate flooding near the intersections at Dufferin Ave. and Cascade St. and at Dufferin Ave. and Bute St.

Please, visit saskatoon.ca/engage and find the “Weaver Park Redesign” for a recorded presentation that includes the renderings, information on how the dry storm pond will function and an explanation on the various stages of construction.

Please, review the video presentation prior to the come-and-go event where you will have the opportunity to provide comments and ask questions.

For questions or concerns related to this project, please, contact:
Mitch McMann, Storm Water Utility Manager
Saskatoon Water, City of Saskatoon
222 3rd Avenue North Saskatoon, SK  S7K 0J5
Phone: 306-986-0914
E-mail: mitchell.mcmann@saskatoon.ca

Library Boxes

Your Community

The public library is, of course, an important resource to every city and community.
Private book exchange boxes add value by encouraging reading, making books more available and building community. Patrons may take a book and return it, keep and /or leave one in its place.

Over the past couple of years, I have found more book-houses popping up in Your Community.
There are now at least six, one or more in each neighbourhood.
In Exhibition: on Lorne Ave., and on Hilliard St. E.
In Queen Elizabeth: on Maple St., on Adelaide St. E. and on York Ave.
In West Haultain: on 4th St. E.

The “Librarians” are retirees, working folk, professionals, all of whom are interested in reading and encouraging others to read. They are all involved in the community.

Their motivation to erect book boxes is as varied as the books in them: For Rick, it was a winter woodworking project. Natasha’s was a gift from a friend, who built it from an old cupboard. She had appreciated the ones she had used while living in Kenya. Adrian was inspired by one he had seen that was created by an artist. Andrew made a few additions, to a Christmas gift from a family member, to reflect the couple’s interests. Another librarian received hers as a Mother’s Day gift from her children.

The rewards for their efforts are, primarily, seeing folks reading; having books being re-read and not thrown into a recycling bin. It’s interesting to watch the comings and goings, interact with their neighbours and make new friends. Interesting conversations have been started beside the library. Sometimes there are tangible rewards like treats left for the dog.

Most don’t monitor what others add to the library but some don’t include religious books or eroticism. When there are children’s books, they go quickly. It’s not always books that are left: CDs, puzzles, a Meccano set, crayons, crochet cotton – even plants have been left under a box.

The patrons of the libraries are of all ages: adults, children, young adults, all interests and come from all walks of life.

The neighbours have provided good support and use of the library. There has been little graffiti and comments have been complimentary.

It’s not just libraries. Don’t forget the Free Little Art Gallery can be found on Hilliard St. E
If you know of others, please, tell us where to look (info@qexca.ca).

If you search for “library boxes” online, you will find the “Little Free Library” organisation. Currently in Your Community, only the one on Hilliard St.is registered with the organisation.

Know your responsibilities and risks.
Provided that the library box does not include a permanent structure, there are no issues with erecting your library on City property, including the easement.
The City of Saskatoon and utility providers sometimes need access to public land, for example, to maintain underground utilities or build or repair sidewalks. This means that your library could be removed or damaged. The City and utility providers are not liable for damage to or removal of materials or structures on public land. The same guidelines apply as for Boulevard Gardens.

Can you match the photos to the locations? Do you know of any others Library Boxes in Your Community? Share a photo by email, Facebook or Instagram.

Ruth Street Water Main Rehabilitation Project

City of Saskatoon, Your Community

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Saskatoon is unable to hold in person open houses for key construction projects scheduled for the summer of 2021. This video describes water main maintenance and service connection work that will take place on Ruth Street between Broadway Avenue and Lorne Avenue.

Ruth Street


It is hoped that the presentation answers some of the questions area residents have. After watching, residents may contact the City of Saskatoon either by phone 306-975-2476 or e-mail constructionupdates@saskatoon.ca with further questions.

The work will be phased in order to minimize disruptions to area residents:
Phase 1 – Sidewalk Rehabilitation Work – Complete
Phase 2 – Sewer Service Connection Work – Complete
Phase 3 – Road Resurfacing Work – Underway

Due to the amount of rain the city received recently this project has been set back. To accommodate the still needed rehabilitation work along with repairing the damage the rain caused phase 3 will now be split into smaller parts, this repair work is currently being undertaken.

For details, view the Project Map and read the Project Update. The next project update is scheduled for Wednesday, August 3, 2022.

W. W. Ashley Park Storm Pond – Our Big Dig!

City of Saskatoon, Your Community

Update:

Monday, June 20, 2022: New pond passed with flying colours. The performance of the new storm pond, in W.W. Ashley Park, appears to have handled the influx of stormwater, exactly as intended.  It filled up “like an Olympic swimming pool” in just a few hours. Learn more in the StarPhoenix.

Many residents and businesses in low lying, older areas have been devastated multiple times by flooding where the storm water system does not have the capacity to adequately manage flash flooding.  Streets in these higher-risk flood areas were not designed to convey storm water like they are now in newer neighbourhoods.
The City of Saskatoon has upgrading the storm water system to improve flood protection to residential and business properties near the 1st Street/ Dufferin Avenue and Taylor Street/ Broadway Avenue intersections. This will impact the multi-purpose sport field at W.W. Ashley Park and some local roads during construction.

Phase 1 Excavation of the W.W. Ashley District Park Dry Storm Pond Project is complete.

Phase 2 – Landscape construction is now substantially complete.

Ashley Park aerial photo
Photo Courtesy City of Saskatoon

Phase 3 – Storm sewer construction and sidewalk and road rehabilitation work on Dufferin Ave. and Lansdowne Ave. from 1st St. E. to Taylor St. E. has been completed.

For questions or concerns related to this project please contact our Customer Care Centre at 306 975-2476 or email us at customercare@saskatoon.ca.
Transportation and Construction Division 306 975-2476
Construction and Design Department / Technical Services Department
City of Saskatoon 222 3rd Ave. N. Saskatoon SK  S7K 0J5
constructionupdates@saskatoon.ca 

Please be advised there is an error in our last project update (above).  The park is anticipated to be reopened to the public in the fall of 2022, not following the spring melt as indicated. This closure is required to allow for the proper establishment of the newly placed landscaping.  We apologize for this error and appreciate your patience with us as we work to reopen W.W. Ashley District Park.

Prime Minister at the Open Door Society’s Childcare Centre at Queen Elizabeth School

Your Community

Justin Trudeau’s fourth and final stop was at the Queen Elizabeth School Childcare Centre, run by the Saskatoon Open Door Society. There, he met with families to discuss early learning and childcare.

Last year, Ottawa signed a deal with the Government of Saskatchewan to reduce how much parents pay for childcare. The goal is to achieve $10-a-day licensed childcare in the next three to four years.

Laura Sciarpelletti, CBC News – May 25, 2022

Theatre in the Park

Your Community

wâhkôhtowin

This year’s SUM Theatre Theatre in the Park presentation is an original play offered free of charge in Weaver Park at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 27th.

The story focuses on finding greater connection to others through trust, empathy, and wahkotowin.  The Cree word wahkotowin means honouring and respecting the relationship and kinship between all things.

As COVID precautions, audience members will be seated at least 3 metres apart and masks will be required.

Come early and enjoy the activities that Your Community Association has planned before the play.

We are looking for a few volunteers to help distribute posters leading up to the event and to help on the 27th.  To volunteer, email Ashley at volunteers@qexca.ca.

If you are curious about this presentation you could take a look at last years photos to understand the experience you can expect this year.

Although the play is free, SUM Theatre relies on donations to be able to continue its work.

COVID-19 Resources

City of Saskatoon, National, Provincial, Your Community

Check this post frequently. These sites can be updated as new information is available.

Saskatoon
The latest from City Hall: With the arrival of the Government of Saskatchewan’s Re-Opening Roadmap Step 3, the gradual resumption of City programs and services continues.

Saskatchewan
Effective July 11, 2021, Saskatchewan entered Step Three of the Re-Opening Roadmap and the public health order relative to COVID-19 was lifted. All restrictions related to the public health order were removed as of that date.

Canada
The latest from Public Health Canada: Prevention and treatment information from our Federal government.

Prevent the Spread of Dutch Elm Disease

City of Saskatoon, Your Community



Prevent the spread of Dutch Elm Disease by not pruning elms during the provincial ban from Apr. 1 to Aug. 31.  Mother Nature thanks you.
It is illegal to use, transport, store or sell elm firewood. Be a responsible citizen and dispose of elm wood at the City Landfill.

If you suspect an elm tree is unhealthy – wilting, yellowing leaves beginning in late June – call Urban Forestry at 306-975-2890. Thanks for doing your part!

For more information, visit saskatoon.ca/dutchelmdisease.

Researcher calls for McPherson Avenue to be renamed.

City of Saskatoon, Your Community

Although spelled differently, McPherson Avenue is believed to be named after Sir David Lewis MacPherson.  Minister of the Interior under John A. MacDonald’s government in 1882, he was responsible for the policy of granting land to settlement companies in return for assurances of the number of settlers the companies would bring.  MacPherson gave the Temperance Colonization Society a land grant to establish their colony in Saskatoon.
From Exhibition LAP Final Report

According to historian Keith Carlson, temperance colony activist John Lake named the street in his honour after the politician intervened and stopped the surveying of long, narrow Metis river lots in the area.
Stephanie Danyluk, a historical researcher, is asking Saskatoon City Council to consider renaming McPherson Avenue, given its namesake’s “egregious” policy decisions while serving as Prime Minister John A. Macdonald’s minister of the interior.
From Saskatoon StarPhoenix, March 5 2021

Researcher Stephanie Danyluk penned a letter to City Council in which she noted
his mistreatment of Métis people asserting their land rights, citing it as a catalyst to the 1885 Riel Resistance.
From Global News, March 9 2021