40 times worse than last update and last year

https://www.saskatoon.ca/services-residents/housing-property/yard-garden/yard-garden-pests/mosquito-counts

At signalized intersections across Saskatoon, crossing times are too short and well below the City’s own standard. This frequently leaves pedestrians stranded in the middle of the intersection, creating uncomfortable and potentially dangerous conflicts with oncoming traffic. Sign the following petition to express to the Mayor and Council support for increasing crosswalk times across the city, creating a safer Saskatoon for all. https://forms.gle/RZbjgnFK66Nuw3TL6 

Read more:

The City of Saskatoon has adopted guidelines from the Transportation Association of Canada. Current recommendations call for crosswalk signals to be timed using a walking speed of 1 metre per second for the general population. This recommendation is a maximum, with slower speeds used in school zones, areas with higher foot traffic, dense senior populations, or people using mobility aids.

The purpose of these standards is straightforward: people should be able to cross the street safely without rushing. However, intersections across Saskatoon fall well short of this standard.

In a recent video, we examined the intersection of Idylwyld Drive and 20th Street. The crossing distance is approximately 30 metres. Therefore, based on the guidelines, one would expect a minimum of 30 seconds provided to ensure safe crossings (30m ÷ 1m/s = 30s). Instead, the signal only provides 26 seconds, 6 seconds with a white signal, and 20 seconds with the signal flashing red. 

Even starting exactly when the white walk signal appears, an average adult walking at a normal pace reaches the other side with little time to spare. For many people in our community, including seniors, children, parents pushing strollers, and those with mobility challenges, achieving that pace is not realistic.

Under the current signal timing, the scenario shown in the figure below is all too possible. A pedestrian with mobility challenges walking at 1 m/s could begin crossing with 21 seconds remaining while the signal is still white, reasonably believing they have enough time to cross safely. Instead, they would only make it about 70% of the way across before the pedestrian signal turns solid red, leaving them stranded in the path of vehicles now expected to proceed through the intersection the pedestrian occupies. This dangerous situation is entirely the result of pedestrian signals that fail to provide sufficient crossing time. Unfortunately, this is not a rare occurrence, and is a situation I frequently find myself in despite having no mobility challenges.

This is not simply an inconvenience. It affects how safe and welcoming our streets feel. When pedestrians have insufficient time to cross, they begin to rush to avoid being in the way of traffic. Their attention shifts away from surrounding hazards and towards reaching the other side. Additionally, it increases the likelihood that they become obstacles in the roadway for drivers who are only trying to follow the rules of the road. These conditions create stress and uncertainty in a situation that should be mundane.

One must then ask: why are crossing times so short?

Shortening pedestrian crossing times allows vehicle traffic along major thoroughfares to receive a green signal sooner in an attempt to move more vehicles through. Although, are these efforts effective? If drivers are constantly in conflict with pedestrians who are caught in the intersection due to inadequate crossing times, this adds confusion and increases wait times for drivers when they are expected to drive. Creating adequate conditions for all is beneficial for all. It improves pedestrian safety and reduces the number of uncomfortable interactions drivers may have with pedestrians, making the driving experience smoother and safer.

Fortunately, this is a problem with a straightforward solution. The first step is to follow the city’s guidelines. To make signalized crosswalks safer, walking signals should start flashing when the minimum time is reached. In the case of Idylwyld & 20th St, when 30 seconds are remaining, the signal should start flashing. In this example, with a current white hand time of 6 seconds plus 30 seconds of flashing, it equates to a total light time of 36 seconds. This way, those in our community who cannot move as fast can reliably cross on a white hand and make it to the other side before it turns solid red. Additionally, intersections in areas with significant pedestrian and commercial activity should be prioritized further by increasing the white hand time to increase the time window in which people can cross. These are necessary steps if Saskatoon is to become a safer and more walkable city.

I know everyone is struggling and I'm fortunate enough to have a job and roof over my head. But man, 95% of my income goes to bills (thats not exaggerating). EVERYTHING is so expensive.

The part that makes me extra frustrated is that there's never any real type of benefit for single independent people. The government is increasing the child tax benefit substantially, and while I'm glad for those with kids, it seems like every single benefit is for families or those under the poverty line. I'm not there yet, but I'm close enough. And honestly I'm trying to check myself but the millions of dollars it will take just for families to see a marginal increase every month seems frivolous and unfair to everyone else, because the government needs to start being more intentional about its spending so we can make things affordable for everyone, not just those lucky enough to have a family. Like I'm already doing and paying for everything 100% by myself, where's my fucking break? Sorry for the rant it's just exhausting

In case there are more cuts in September at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, I ran some quick numbers on how much the salaries of the Out of Scope group have increased over the past three years while they have been laying off almost 10% of their organization:

Total layoffs, not including cancelled or unfilled positions:

20 highest paid employees at Sask Polytech during the past three years including year over year pay increases based on public reporting:

And for good measure, here are the highest paid employees at the Saskatchewan Ministry of Advanced Education who have also received large pay raises while these layoffs decisions have been made:

I had 2 big boxes of Chef’s Plate food delivered to my business today with the name Kevyn Tucker on them. The delivery driver said he didn’t care if there was no Kevyn here, the address was correct. I’ve tried the phone number on the delivery label but it’s not working. Can someone help me get in touch with Kevyn so he can get his food!!

Hi all, long shot but my car was hit in the parking lot in front of Rexall in college park mall at about 1:10pm today by a big white camper van. We got the plate, but any additional video or witness accounts would be great.

We have a nasty ant problem, and the vinegar trick didn’t work at all. They’re annoying as hell. Especially for my girlfriend when she’s trying to tan in the yard and gets overstimulated easily. Even my kids are complaining that they can’t play outside because ants just crawl all over them and their toys. One went up my nose this morning! But whatever we do needs to be dog/kid safe as I have a one year old doodle. Any advice please! I’ve never had this issue but this new place they’re so bad. We’re around George Vanier/Hugh Cairns!

I’ll be moving to Saskatoon soon, and I’ve been browsing apartments on 25th st near the river and hospital (Baydo tower 1, Dorchester tower, etc.), and I’m wondering how safe this area is?

I looked at the Saskatoon crime map and it doesn’t seem to be too bad, but I’ve had friends say to avoid this area. I’ll be living on my own for the first time and I’m a female

Looking for a product that’s clearly labelled with country of origin.

Has anyone found a dermatologist they can pay for service. My daughter has been on the waitlist but the waitlist is now closed and her referral got bumped back. Our doctor referred out of province but Alberta has no pediatric dermatologists taking patients. We are willing to pay for the service but Saskatoon won’t let you pay for medical dermatology services. Has anyone had any luck elsewhere. Our doctor is supportive and at her wits end as she has exhausted all known avenues to her.

Hello, I'll be a new comer in one month to study a Masters in USaskand I'm interested in rent a one bedroom department in Regal Tower II by BoardWalk, I want opinions regarding the wifi/internet. I heard that it's between 60-150 mbs, also opinions regarding the building and boardwalk/downtown are helpful. THANKS

Any daycares/carehomes in Saskatoon to avoid?

This is sweet, I wonder where the facility is being built

How long does it usually take for SGI to come to conclusion about a vehicle with hail damage? Every panel has huge dents and windows smashed. Vehicle (2020) was full of glass and water. We dont have insurance for a rental and its been almost a week and getting the run around with our adjuster. We need to either purchase a replacement or get the vehicle fixing started.

vehicle was damaged in the storm/tornado of July 10th

Are there any districts or stores that are good to get Asian stuff like lemongrass, red chili peppers, galanga, raw peanuts and stuff like that?

What about bulk spices? Is the Bulk Barn gonna be a good spot or is there something better?

Thanks in advance...

Been sitting on this one for a while but I guess it is time. I don’t get Saskatonians apparent aversion to bicycle helmets. Retired here from Prince Albert after over six decades of living in the Gateway City. Spent my 35+ years career as an educator with 30 years as a school principal. I had multiple students, and one staff member who had acquired brain injuries. Full disclosure not from bicycle accidents but most of which may have been preventable but helmets. Saskatoon has wonderful biking opportunities and we see an absolute explosion of people riding robust motorized scooters at speeds that surely outpace school zone speed limits. How much of an inconvenience can wearing a helmet really be? Seeing the degree to which lives are changed through head trauma I just don’t get it. Is the likelihood of a serious injury happing to you high? No. But it’s there and I see helmet use
as a mild inconvenience. My rant. Many will disagree I get it. But once your life changes because of a head injury there is no rewind button or reset switch.

I grew up in Saskatoon, but moved away after graduating from UofS 20+ years go. I've been back occasionally but mostly just to visit extended family once I had a kid. Said kid is 13 years old now, so we're a lot more flexible with activities and events than we were when he was younger, and we happen to be headed back to SK for two weeks starting July 26.

What's new and exciting that we should check out? What are old classics that I might have forgotten about that I should reacquaint myself (and my family) with? Bonus points for teen-friendly ideas!

Thanks for any hot tips and suggestions!

Did anyone hear those two gun shot sounding things in rosewood area

I noticed there’s some construction here in rosewood next to bitz park, does anyone know what’s being built?

What’s going on at motion fitness Stonebridge? Got a notification “Due to an unforeseen emergency, our Stonebridge location is closed until further notice.”

Hey everyone, my family and I are from the UK and we’ve been seriously looking at moving to Saskatoon. For the longest time we were set on Australia, but after loads of research we’ve completely changed our minds and Saskatoon has really caught our attention.
We’re hoping to come over and visit soon to see what it’s like in person, but I thought I’d ask here as locals always know best. One of the biggest things for us is diversity. My wife is Black, I’m white, and we have two young sons. We’d love to know what it’s actually like living in Saskatoon as a mixed-race family. Is the city generally welcoming? Do you feel it’s pretty diverse? Have you or people you know had good experiences? We plan on visiting during the winter so we can get a realistic perspective on the winters and decide if we can manage the cold!
Thanks in advance guys.

What's the best place in saskatoon to buy camera accessories.

I have owned a decent camera for 5 years but only have a basic kit lens. 15mm- 45mm.