SASKATOON – Just hours away from ringing in a New Year and one thing is for sure, 2014 has some big shoes to fill if it wants to live up to 2013 in and around Saskatoon.
Here’s a look at ten of Global Saskatoon’s most viewed and talked about stories from 2013:
Sask Flood 2013
2013 began with a large accumulation of snow in the province leading to massive spring runoff and late floodwaters on the South Saskatchewan River.
Runoff levels were well above normal throughout the entire southern half of Saskatchewan, forcing many communities to declare states of emergency in April.
Watch the video below: Communities declare state of emergency
Flood threats eventually receded after the effects of flood-ravaged Alberta were felt in Saskatchewan.
Lloydminster Tragedy
Emergency services were called to a tragic collision southeast of Lloydminster, Sask. in the summer.
A northbound semi tanker truck hauling crude oil and an eastbound car collided July 27 resulting in the deaths of six youth.
Watch the video below: Six dead after vehicle collision near Lloydminster
Circle Drive South Bridge
After much anticipation, Circle Drive came full circle when the south bridge opened to local motorists.
Dignitaries and the public gathered at the new Circle Drive South Bridge July 31 to officially open the bridge.
Watch the video below: Saskatoon celebrates Circle Drive South Bridge opening
Construction on the $300 million project began in 2010 and encompasses the six-lane bridge, 10 kilometres of freeway and five interchanges.
Human Rights Complaints
Multiple complaints were filed to the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission regarding religion in the public sphere and transgender rights.
Throughout the year, conversations continually resurfaced as the City of Saskatoon looked for a happy medium with Christmas messages on buses and civic prayer.
Also, a rally in May led to a complaint filed to the commission after a transgender bride was denied the experience of trying on gowns at a Saskatoon bridal boutique.
Watch the video below: Rally supports transgendered bride
The matter was settled through mediation with the bride and store owner.
Lanigan Hazing
In September, RCMP charged eleven people after a hazing party left high school students with injuries outside of Lanigan, Sask.
Mounties investigated after receiving a complaint of an assault that occurred at an annual freshie party which included the hazing of grade 9 and 10 students by seniors.
Watch the video below: Teens charged after freshie week hazing
Some of the hazing included pouring chocolate syrup, flour and eggs on the victims as well as paddling with hockey sticks.
Michael Sean Stanley
A Canada-wide manhunt began Oct. 1 when convicted sex offender Michael Sean Stanley removed his electronic monitoring bracelet in Lloydminster, Sask.
After numerous school lockdowns and unconfirmed sighting, the search ended with Stanley being found in Seattle, Washington.
Watch the video below: Stanley located but not in custody in the United States.
He was later charged with harassment in the U.S.
Senator Expense Scandal
The Senate scandal on Parliament Hill shone a spotlight on Saskatchewan Senator Pamela Wallin, who was accused of making questionable financial claims on taxpayer dollars.
The Wall government expressed its stance on the matter and the Senate.
Watch the video below: Wallin audit reveals grey area in Senate expense claims
Wallin and two other senators were suspended in November.
Grey Cup 101
The province where green is the colour and football is the game, played out like a CFL fairytale at Mosaic Stadium.
On Nov. 24, in a 45-23 victory over the Hamilton Tigercats, the Saskatchewan Roughriders won their fourth Grey Cup in front of Rider Nation.
Watch the video below: Saskatoon’s Grey Cup celebration
PotashCorp Layoffs
Revenue from Potash currently accounts for 3.5 per cent of Saskatchewan’s $11 billion budget, but prices have dipped leading to cuts.
PotashCorp announced in December that it was laying off about 18 per cent of its workforce, with the biggest hit in its home province of Saskatchewan.
The Saskatoon-based company says the decision is necessary because of soft demand for potash and phosphates.
Watch the video below: Impact of PotashCorp layoffs felt across Saskatchewan
Saskatoon Budget 2014
2014 will greet Saskatonians with a 7.43 per cent hike in property taxes, the largest increase in decades.
Better roads, reduced traffic congestion and better snow removal are all things city hall says will be made possible in the New Year thanks to the hike.
That works out to an increase of $108 annually for a house assessed at $325,000.
Thanks for allowing Global Saskatoon to share stories that matter and happy New Year.
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