Contemplating Dutch Elm Disease and proposed changes to 22nd Street intersection coming up at City committee meetings

Just like in past years, the fee to dispose of elm wood at the landfill will be waived for all Saskatoon residents, if approved by city council. The recommendation comes as the City of Saskatoon tries to mitigate the spread of Dutch Elm Disease, an ailment that is spread by the Elm Bark Beetle and ends up killing the trees it affects. The City estimates that waiving the entrance and tipping fees for elm wood at the landfill will result in a revenue reduction of $130,000 to $200,000.

Also in 2025, the City plans to enhance its response plan for Dutch Elm Disease, which includes increased surveillance of the neighbourhoods where any trees have tested positive. The 2025 DED action plan will be reviewed and discussed Tuesday by the Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services.

Also on Tuesday, The City’s Transportation Committee will be reviewing some proposed changes to the intersection of 22nd Street West and Confederation Drive. Currently, there is no dedicated right-turn from 22nd Street onto the Circle Drive South ramp. Instead, drivers frequently use the shoulder to bypass the queue and turn right. Also, vehicles entering 22nd Street from Fairmont Drive must navigate across three lanes of traffic to make a left turn at Confederation Drive.

To improve safety and efficiency in and around the intersection, Administration is providing the committee with three options. Option One includes constructing a new right turn out at Fairlight Crescent and changing the existing Fairmont Drive access from a right turn out to right turn in.

Option Two would have the existing Fairmont Drive access changed from a right turn out to right turn in, as well as add some upgrades to the intersection of Fairmont Drive and Fairlight Drive.

Option Three would mean a new Fairlight Crescent Right turn out access, as well as changing the existing Fairmont Drive Access from a right turn out to a right turn in, and adding Fairmont Drive and Fairlight Drive intersection upgrades Administration recommends Option Three, however it will cost the most money, coming in at $2.97 million.