News Releases

University bridge is shut down completely due to a fire under the bridge. Detours are in place. Drivers are asked to re-route their commute and pedestrians are asked to avoid University Bridge area while crews remain on scene.

Saskatoon Transit will be affected by these detours. Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit on desktop.

At 9:57 p.m. the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a report of a fire at Spadina Crescent and 25th Street East. SFD crews responded and identified smoke and flames coming from underneath the University Bridge. Assessments of this incident are ongoing.

More information will be shared once available.

This afternoon, Saskatoon Light & Power experienced two separate power outages that affected customers in various areas of the city. Both outages were promptly addressed, and power was restored quickly.

The first outage lasted six minutes and affected east-central neighbourhoods, including Holliston, Adelaide Churchill, Haultain, Greystone Heights, Varsity View, Brevoort Park, Eastview and Nutana Park. The second event, lasting 17 minutes, impacted approximately 35,000 customers across the majority of the west, north, and east regions of the SL&P franchise area.

The outages were caused by the failure of a device called a Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) at the Taylor Street Substation. The RTU is a computer that enables remote operation of the substation. When the RTU failed, it inadvertently caused a switch to open, leading to the outages. The failed unit has been disconnected to prevent further disruptions, and its replacement is being prioritized for the coming weeks.

Today’s outages were unrelated to last week’s power issues caused by a mechanical failure of a switch at a different substation. The two incidents appear to be an unfortunate coincidence.

Saskatoon Light & Power prides itself on maintaining one of Canada's best reliability scores among electricity providers. Although equipment failures can happen from frequent use and exposure to the environment, SL&P’s team is committed to quickly resolving these issues to minimize any impact on customers.

For more information on Saskatoon Light & Power, or to view the outage map, visit Saskatoon.ca/SL&P.

Saskatoon Transit is operating today; however, customers are advised to expect delays of up to 20 minutes or longer for fixed-route service. Due to deep snow accumulation on the roads, bus operators may stop in the driving lane to pick up passengers and not pull into bus stops to avoid getting stuck.

Several detours are in place already this morning around streets where there’s a risk of a bus getting stuck. These are identified as Snow Event Detours in service alert messages.

Stay informed with the real-time mobile apps, transit and Google or visit saskatoontransit.ca/service-alerts for updates on routes that are delayed longer than 20 minutes and for Snow Event Detours. If you can’t use these tools, please call our customer service centre at 306-975-3100 an hour before your trip for an update. 

Access Transit

Access Transit customers are strongly encouraged to reschedule non-urgent trips today and Monday. A trip may be cancelled if the street or sidewalk/path to the pick-up location is full of snow, for the safety of the customer and operator.

Customers should also prepare for delays as operators navigate traffic and road conditions. In the event a paratransit bus gets stuck in deep snow, onboard customers will be required to wait.

Customer service phone lines are busy for both Access Transit and fixed-route and extra staff is on hand to handle calls as quickly as possible.  

Keeping all transit services operational during snow events is a key priority, and we are committed to helping residents get where they need to go safely. Thank you for your patience and understanding as our frontline employees navigate this busy, snow day.  

Environment and Climate Change Canada is forecasting 10 to 20 cm of snowfall this weekend, and the City is fully prepared to respond. Snowfall of more than five cm can significantly impact driving conditions, creating slick, snow-covered roads and reduced visibility, while increasing the chances of vehicles getting stuck. Crews will work to keep roadways as safe and passable as possible. 

“We are monitoring the forecast, and are prepared to act,” says Goran Saric, Director of Roadways, Fleet and Support. “We will focus on keeping Circle Drive and other major routes clear during the snowfall while addressing icy spots with sand and salt. Once the snow stops, a coordinated cleanup effort will be launched on priority streets.” 

The City’s Snow Event process will activate if five or more centimetres of snow accumulates. Additional contractor graders will join City crews to clear freeways, arterial roads and collector streets. Snow will be stored on medians, boulevards and parking lanes to maintain road capacity. Local or neighbourhood streets are not included in regular snow grading and maintenance. 

Driving conditions will likely be challenging during and after the snowfall. Residents are urged to adjust their driving habits by slowing down, increasing following distances and watching for blue and amber flashing lights on snow-clearing equipment. 

“All critical infrastructure service providers—including emergency workers --are prepared to ensure these services continue,” says Pamela Goulden-McLeod, Director of Emergency Management Organization.

“We ask residents to prepare to stay at home as much as possible on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning to allow roadways crews to work and to help emergency vehicles get around. If you have to travel, please check the highway hotline prior to heading out of town. And please – let’s continue to help out family, friends and neighbours as we always do.”   

Transit service will remain operational; however, service can be delayed or interrupted by collisions, blown-in streets and bus stops that are not accessible from snowfall and drifts. The priority snow grading system accounts for all bus routes; however, it can take a few days to get them all cleared. 

“We’re prepared to offer full service, although we encourage riders to check for service alerts before heading out and to dress warmly in case they have a longer wait at a stop,” says Mike Moellenbeck, Director of Saskatoon Transit. “The buses can experience the same delays as everyone else when there are collisions and heavy snow drifts.” 

For updates check the real-time mobile app, transit or visit saskatoontransit.ca/service-alerts.  

The status of snow clearing throughout the City can be monitored through the Priority Street Snow Grading Map. Learn about winter road maintenance at saskatoon.ca/snow. Stay in the know by checking the latest Snow & Ice Report posted to saskatoon.ca/SnowReport. 

More than 12 centimetres of snow accumulated in Saskatoon so far today since Monday night. The City of Saskatoon’s focus is on keeping the driving lanes of Circle Drive and other highly travelled roads such as Idylwyld Drive, College Drive, 8th Street and 22nd Street, clear for safe travel. Road crews are spreading salt and sand at high-risk locations like busy intersections, bridge decks and ramps to reduce icing and help with traction.  

Strong gusting winds are creating additional challenges with visibility, blowing salt and sand away, and re-developing snow drifts. Crews continue to address known problem areas and additional contractor resources have been engaged to support ongoing efforts.  

Saskatoon Transit operations are experiencing weather-related delays: 

• Fixed-route service is generally running late due to snow and slippery road conditions. Detours and delays are expected until roadways and bus stops are fully cleared. Operators may not be able to access some streets in outlying neighbourhoods where more snow and snow drifts are occurring.    

• Access Transit service is experiencing delays. Service will continue to be prioritized for essential trips, including medical appointments. Customers are encouraged to reschedule any non-essential or leisure trips. 

• OnDemand service will operate on cleared roadways that are accessible to operators.  

• The Transit Customer Service Centre is open for walk-in customers from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; however customers are asked to call 306-975-3100 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. if their trip to the Customer Service Centre is not essential. For updates check the real-time mobile app, transit or visit saskatoontransit.ca/service-alerts. 

While clearing snow, please do not push or blow it into the street. This creates a greater risk for vehicles to get stuck. Instead, pile the snow on your property, as per Bylaw No. 8463 The Sidewalk Clearing Bylaw, 2005. 

Residents are encouraged to stay informed about snow grading efforts and the list of Priority Streets by visiting saskatoon.ca/snow and following the City’s social media channels. Stay in the know by checking the latest Snow & Ice Report posted to saskatoon.ca/snowreport.  

Courtesy of RBC, Saskatoon Transit will offer free rides to the Remembrance Day Service at SaskTel Centre on Monday, November 11. The program begins at 10 a.m., with buses leaving from:

• Downtown Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue):
  • Service every 20 minutes starting at 9 a.m., with the final bus leaving by 10:20 a.m.
• Market Mall:
  • Buses will depart from the mall transit terminal at 9:45 a.m.
• Centre Mall:
  • Buses will also leave from the mall transit terminal at 9:45 a.m.

Return trips from SaskTel Centre will begin immediately following the close of the ceremony.

Free Service for Canadian Armed Forces
Veterans and current Canadian Armed Forces members will be recognized with free transit service all day throughout the system on November 11.

This free bus service is available to veterans, current personnel, cadets, reservists, and a companion. Canadian Armed Forces Transit riders can identify themselves by wearing a military uniform or showing military ID or a CF1 card when boarding.

Providing free transit to veterans and current Canadian Armed Forces members is a way to recognize their significant dedication to the community and Canada.

Trips can be planned using the mobile app Transit or Google Maps Transit in advance to help find the best route.

For more information about Transit Remembrance Day hours and service, visit saskatoontransit.ca.

Saskatoon Transit is warning residents of a “Saskatoon Public Transport Card” fare scam on social media and through a fraudulent website.

A fraudulent social media account is advertising a scam offer for a $2.00 Go-Pass that supposedly provides six months of unlimited travel. Additionally, a linked website falsely impersonates as an official Saskatoon Transit page, promoting the opportunity to receive one of 500 limited edition cards for six months of unlimited travel through an online survey. This deceptive tactic seeks to mislead individuals into purchasing a fake pass and sharing their personal information.

To find the complete list of fare prices for Saskatoon Transit, visit: saskatoontransit.ca/fares-passes.

How to identify a potential scam:

• The scam offers seem too good to be true.
• The website may not be an official webpage or social media account page.
• Requests for personal or financial information are a red flag.

Helpful reminders to help protect residents from potential scammers: 

• The City never requests or collects credit card, bank accounts or any sort of personal information from customers via phone, text, social media, or email. 
• Never give out your personal or banking information, or credit card number over the phone, by text, on social media, by email, or on a non-trusted website. It is a best practice to block suspicious phone numbers, email addresses or social media accounts and delete them after reporting. 
• Do not click on suspicious web links. 

• Always verify information from trusted sources:
  • Official website:
    • Saskatoon.ca
    • Saskatoontransit.ca or Transit.saskatoon.ca
  • Social media channels:
    • @cityofsaskatoon
    • @stoontransit

Scammers typically use the information gathered to get money or commit identity theft.

Residents should contact their bank if they have become a victim of fraud and report these types of phone or online scams to Saskatoon Police Service at saskatoonpolice.ca/onlinereporting/fraud/ or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, 1-888-495-8501.

Concerned residents may also call the City of Saskatoon to speak with a Customer Service Representative at 306-975-2400. 

Every employee deserves to feel safe at work and Saskatoon Transit is actively taking measures to provide a safe environment for frontline employees and customers.

Saskatoon Transit is working with the Saskatoon Police Service (SPS), Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD), Amalgamated Transit Union Local 615 (ATU) and other community stakeholders to address concerns with transit bus and facility safety. This work is being done as part of a larger community safety strategy throughout our community that the City of Saskatoon, SPS and SFD are actively rolling out.

Bus operators, supervisors and customer service employees have been exposed to more aggressive and violent incidents this spring. Since the beginning of May, Saskatoon Transit has increased security patrols at the Downtown, Confederation Mall and Market Mall transit terminals along with additional supervisor ride-alongs with operators to have an increased uniformed presence on buses and at facilities.

Several other initiatives are underway as part of the Saskatoon Transit Frontline Employee Safety Plan to improve safety on buses and at terminals for employees and riders. The plan will enhance security, improve internal processes, expand employee training, augment mental health support for employees following an incident, strengthen coordination with emergency services and build a stronger culture of safety at Saskatoon Transit. Initiatives include:

1. Streamlined process for reporting an incident to SPS to assist the incident investigation.
2. Deployment of the Fire Community Support team to bus terminals and on bus routes with a higher number of reported incidents.
3. Running a public marketing campaign featuring frontline employees from Saskatoon Transit to increase the profile of bus operators in the community.
4. Developing a process to ban a problem customer from Saskatoon Transit buses and facilities.
5. Exploring the feasibility of installing CCTV cameras at the Downtown and Confederation Mall terminals.
6. Rolling out the new Workplace Violence Prevention Policy and updated Respectful and Harassment-free Workplace process and introducing the new Corporate Customer Conduct Standard.
7. Developing and delivering new customer service and de-escalation training for frontline Saskatoon Transit employees.
8. Enhanced mental health support for Saskatoon Transit employees.
9. Advocating for tougher sentences under the Criminal Code for assaults against a Saskatoon Transit employee.

Saskatoon Transit will continue to protect its employees and customers through these new initiatives and by working closely with SPS, SFD, ATU and other community stakeholders on the "One City" approach to Community Safety and Wellbeing strategy.

In addition to these new initiatives, all buses have a protective operator barrier and CCTV cameras with visible signage to inform passengers that their actions are being recorded.

To coincide with Sisters in Spirit Day on October 4, Saskatoon Transit partnered with talented Indigenous artist Vanessa Hyggen, to unveil a new bus shelter at Preston Avenue and Adelaide Street. This is Saskatoon Transit’s fifth bus shelter in commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #79 (PDF).  

This year’s bus shelter was created in collaboration with family and community members affected by the tragedy of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), as well as Two-Spirit individuals. Vanessa skillfully integrated the shared thoughts and emotions of the group. Her aim was to pay tribute to and raise awareness of the issues faced, provide a healing space, and encourage community members to speak out. The bus shelter stands as a tribute to the lives affected by this tragic issue, a call for justice, and a symbol of hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Scan the QR code on the front of the bus shelter to be directed to a webpage page that includes the full story behind the artwork, information on the committee members that inspired the piece, and previous bus shelter art projects. 

For more information, visit: saskatoon.ca/trc-bus-shelter-art 

The other four Saskatoon Transit bus shelters displaying Indigenous artwork are located at the following locations:  

• Confederation Drive & Massey Drive  
• Rusholme Road at E.D. Feehan High School 
• Broadway Avenue & 12 Street  
• Clarence Avenue at Aden Bowman Collegiate  

Faith Bosse, artwork committee member says: "I'm so thankful to have worked alongside the talented artists & family members who helped piece together this beautiful artwork over the past few months. As the daughter of an MMIW, it means so much to me to have something representing all of the families & our loved ones we have lost.” 

Paul Trottier, artwork committee member says: “This bus shelter helps to lift the veil of silence, it expresses the voice of those who are missing, those who cannot be heard. Those who are missing are a part of someone, a life, a future, a human being.  We want our loved ones back.” 

Vanessa Hyggen, Indigenous artist says: “I've been honoured to work with the families who shared their stories with me. I carried their words and stories on my heart for about 3 weeks before I began to draw. Once I started to draw though, I felt like the direction of the piece all came together. I met with the committee a couple of times, received feedback, then worked to incorporate the feedback. This piece is a story, and a feeling, and I can only hope that it will help to elevate their voices, and raise the issue of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, Girls and Two -Spirit People.” 

Charlie Clark, Mayor says: “Coinciding with the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, I am proud to be able to unveil this new shelter. The Bus Shelter Art projects placed around the city provide meaningful art displays that tie together learning, understanding, and steps towards reconciliation. I am very grateful for all of the community partners and city staff who helped make this happen. The willingness of community members to support our work in responding to the TRC Calls to Action continues to be invaluable.” 

Jim Puffalt, Director of Saskatoon Transit says: “We hope this bus shelter serves as an inclusive space where everyone, regardless of their background, feels valued and protected. With Vanessa and the committee members, we have crafted a beacon of awareness and a tribute to the strength of Indigenous cultures.” 

Attention all Saskatoon Transit users!  

Please be aware the Downtown Transit Terminal will undergo a short-term construction project from May 8-14, 2023. The rehabilitation work aims to fix the structural deficiencies of the road surface and missing sections of curb at the terminal. 

The project has been scheduled in May to minimize the impact on transit riders and residents. The terminal will be moved along 3rd Avenue from 23rd Street to 24th Street with minimal effects on transit service and schedules. Wayfinding will be available to help locate transfers and buses, and transit staff will be on hand to assist. 

Please note the sidewalks on both sides of the existing terminal will stay open, and the Transit Customer Service Centre will maintain regular hours of operation. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to make improvements. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at transit.services@saskatoon.ca or 306.975.3100. Thank you for your cooperation and support.