News Releases

The watchful eyes and quick action of a Transit supervisor patrolling the downtown bus terminal earlier this week likely prevented bear spray incidents involving employees or customers.  

The Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) recently arrested several people related to the use and possession of bear spray between January 19 and 21.  In one incident on Tuesday, January 21, the patrolling Transit supervisor saw a group of people with cans of what looked like bear spray get on a bus; the supervisor immediately reported it to the SPS who subsequently searched the suspects and made arrests.   

Saskatoon Transit increased its uniformed presence in the bus terminals and on buses this year to improve safety for employees and customers.  

All supervisors and bus operators have a direct line to emergency services and protocol to follow when they notice suspicious activity.

University Bridge is closed due to an apparent encampment fire under the bridge. Traffic detours are in place. Fire crews remain on the scene; they are monitoring and extinguishing hot spots that have arisen due to the difficult access and confined space.  

City engineers have been on scene overnight, the bridge has been inspected and there are no structural concerns with the bridge. 

At 9:57 p.m. Sunday, January 19, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a report of a fire underneath the University Bridge closest to the east riverbank. When SFD crews arrived they identified smoke and flames coming from underneath the University Bridge.  

 As a result of the fire, heat has melted the 400 mm sanitary sewer line under the bridge. This has led to a break in the sewer line and sewage is leaking onto the riverbank. The Water Security Agency has been notified. 

Water and Wastewater crews are working to set up a bypass for the sewer line and doing modelling to ensure there is enough capacity so residents don’t experience sewer backups.  

University Bridge is expected to remain closed to traffic for most of the day, however the south side pedestrian walkway will be open and accessible from the top. The Meewasin trail underneath the bridge on the east side of the river will remain closed due to the sewage leak.  

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. 

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. 

The City of Saskatoon will have several adjusted civic services and hours of operation on Thanksgiving Day, Monday, October 14.

Wondering about what's open or closed this long weekend? Or want to check out parking requirements, the waste collection schedule, Saskatoon Transit schedule or hours at Leisure Centres, Saskatoon Public Library locations or at Remai Modern? How about tee off times for a last round of long weekend fall golf?

Check details here!

The City of Saskatoon wishes a safe and happy Thanksgiving long weekend for all residents.

For more information on the City's many programs and services, including details on upcoming deadlines for voters in this fall's 2024 Civic Election, visit saskatoon.ca