News Releases

*** This PSA was earlier posted to our website/and to social media, February 2 at 1:30 p.m. but failed to connect with ours News Subscribers. Our apologies for the technology problem encountered resulting in this delay.***

Environment & Climate Change Canada’s latest Winter Storm Warning forecasts a major winter snowstorm over the weekend for Saskatoon with the potential for heavy snowfall of 25-40 cm, gusty winds, blowing snow, and reduced visibility at times.

With the wind picking up and snow moving into Saskatoon, City snow crews and contractors have been activated and are prepared to respond to this anticipated major snowstorm with plowing, grading and sanding/salting. The primary objective will be to maintain safety and mobility on Saskatoon’s Priority Streets despite the forecast for potentially harsh blizzard conditions.

The following equipment will be used to respond to the snowstorm:

• 17 City graders and 16 contractor graders (additional emergency contractor graders are available, if needed)
• 20 tandem sanders
• 10 snowplow trucks
• 10 one-ton sanders
• 8 sidewalk plows and 5 other pieces of equipment for clearing City-maintained sidewalks.

During this weekend’s snowfall, City crews will plow Circle Drive, expressways and accesses to Fire Stations and Hospitals to help minimize accumulation and maintain mobility and safety for motorists. City and contractor graders will grade city Priority Streets, and sanders will be applying de-icing material as required, beginning with Circle Drive and other high speed and high traffic streets, bridges and intersections.

Blowing snow and heavy drifting is expected to impact outlying parts of the city and City crews will keep a close eye on known problem areas, and some work may have to be redone due to strong winds and ongoing drifting. We appreciate your cooperation and patience as we navigate through these weather conditions.

When a snow event (5+ cm accumulation of snow) is declared, here’s how City snow crews/contractors will prioritize response:

• Priority 1 streets with three or more lanes like Circle Drive, Idylwyld, 22nd Street and College Drive will be plowed within 12 hours after the snowfall ends;
• Priority 2 streets with double lanes like Clarence Avenue, McKercher Drive and Millar Avenue, as well as Saskatoon Transit routes will be graded within 36 hours; and
• Priority 3 streets including school zones, Business Improvement District streets that don’t meet Priority 2 requirements and collector streets, as well as streets that take you through your neighbourhood like Louise Avenue, Howell Avenue and Main Street, will be graded within 72 hours.
• Check out the Priority Street Snow Grading map for more information on what the Priority Streets are throughout Saskatoon. This map is regularly updated to provide the status of snow grading operations.

Residential streets are not included in the City’s regular winter maintenance strategy; this snowstorm’s potential impact on neighbourhood roads will be assessed after Priority 1, 2 and 3 streets are cleared. The City will reassess the situation on Monday morning and make adjustments if needed.

Road conditions deteriorate when heavy snow accumulation combines with gusty winds. And, if Saskatoon receives a heavy, sustained snowfall, the possibility for low visibility and drifting from blizzard-like conditions, streets may be difficult to get around on. To allow our maintenance crews to clear Priority Streets, and for emergency vehicles to move about, the City asks residents to consider postponing non-essential travel and stay off the roads as much as possible Saturday evening and throughout Sunday. 

If you need to go out, adjust your driving for the road conditions, leave extra room in case you need to stop suddenly and watch for blue and yellow flashing lights on road equipment. Please stay back at least 15 m from winter maintenance equipment. 

We appreciate everyone’s cooperation, patience and attention to safety as City snow crews and contractors will be working hard to keep Saskatoon moving this weekend and into next week.

With the likelihood of heavy snowfall this weekend, Saskatoon Transit is committed to providing safe, reliable and accessible transit services to residents.

What can you expect?

• Five (5) centimetres of snow: Expect delays
  • Service may be delayed in some areas of the city.
• Five (5) centimetres to 15 centimetres of snow: Expect delays and potential frequency disruptions.
  • There will likely be delays on many routes, particularly during peak times, such as rush hour.
• Blizzard, Ice Storm, more than 15 centimetres of snow: Expect delays and frequency disruptions.
  • There will be frequency reductions and direct route service from downtown to major terminals will go into effect.
  • As conditions improve updates will be issued on Transit Twitter, the website and the Transit app.

Winter Transit Tips:

• Stay up-to-date on current weather conditions.
• Stay informed on the status of your bus. 
  • Transit service alerts regarding detours or temporary bus stop closures and real-time bus locations are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Transit on desktop.
  • Pin the routes you use often and receive service alert push notifications.
  • Check our service alerts page and follow @stoontransit on X.
• Dress for the weather.
• Winter driving conditions can result in delays, give yourself a little extra time to get to your destination.
• Saskatoon Transit’s Safe Bus program runs year-round. If you are lost, cold, scared, or hurt, hold up your hand (palm out) in the direction of an approaching Transit bus, or go to a parked bus, & the operator will stop, contact emergency services & provide shelter to the next terminal.
• Keep pathways clear and safe.

Visit saskatoon.ca for additional winter weather service impacts.

To report an issue or for more information, contact City Customer Service Representatives at 306-975-3100.

Saskatoon Transit is warning residents of a Multi-Use-Go-Pass fare scam on social media and through a fraudulent website.  

The fraudulent social media account and posts are promoting a scam offer for a $2.35 Multi-Use-Go-Pass–the actual cost of a Multi-Use Pass is $8.50. Additionally, a website attached to this account is falsely claiming to be a Saskatoon Transit online page promoting "500 free travel cards" through an online survey. This deceptive scheme aims to trick individuals into purchasing a fake pass and disclosing personal information under the appearance of a competition. 

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 via phone, text, social media, 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 Center, 1-888-495-8501. 

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

Saskatoon received about 18 centimetres of snowfall since Sunday. Strong winds and dropping temperatures created challenging road conditions all throughout the city. The storm ended in the early evening and the fourth snow event of our season was declared.

City snow crews will continue to focus on grading snow on priority streets and applying de-icing materials to improve traction. Snow clearing from bridge walkways and city-maintained sidewalks and pathways is also underway. Additional pieces of equipment were mobilized yesterday to address spot drifting impacting mobility. Dedicated work will continue today to address any remaining problem areas throughout the city.

The City has 26 graders, 10 sanders, six plows and five sidewalk plows moving around the city to get Saskatoon moving. 

The snow event response follows the Priority Street system: 

Priority 1 – Freeways and major arterials. This includes Circle Dr. and streets with three+ lanes each way like Idylwyld Dr., 22nd St and College Dr. 

Priority 2 - Arterials with double-lanes and bus routes. Double-lane streets like Clarence Ave, McKercher Dr. and Millar Ave. 

Priority 3 - Collector streets, remaining Business Improvement District streets and school zones. These streets take you through your neighbourhood like Louise Ave, Howell Ave., and Main St. 

Today’s extreme cold will contribute to icy conditions and de-icing products used to improve traction do not work as well in these temperatures. Sanders will continue to apply de-icing materials and will focus on high speed and high traffic streets, bridge decks and intersections as they have the highest potential for serious collisions.  

Drivers, be aware of changing weather that can affect road and sidewalk conditions and adjust your driving for the conditions. Leave extra room and watch for blue and yellow flashing lights on road equipment. Take extra care to watch for pedestrians and cyclists. 

Learn more about winter road maintenance at saskatoon.ca/snow and stay in the snow at saskatoon.ca/snowreport. 

The City of Saskatoon will have several adjusted civic services and hours of operation on the Family Day Stat, Monday, February 19, as follows:

CITY HALL

City Hall will be closed on Monday, February 19 and will reopen on Tuesday, February 20 at 8:00 a.m.

ROADWAY DETOURS & CLOSURES

Check here for detailed long weekend road restrictions for priority one roadways.

REMAI MODERN 

Remai Modern will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

SASKATOON PUBLIC LIBRARY

All Saskatoon Public Library locations will be closed on Monday, February 19.

SASKATOON TRANSIT

• Fixed route transit will run holiday service on Monday, February 19 – 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (normal fares apply).
  • Please consult the mobile app transit to plan your trip.
  • Visit saskatoontransit.ca for details. 
• OnDemand service will not be available on Monday, February 19.
• Access Transit will operate holiday service on Monday, February 19 – 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.   
  • Trips must be booked in advance as per normal procedures (8:15 a.m. to 10:45 p.m.). 
  • Customers are reminded that subscriptions do not apply on Statutory Holidays. 
• Transit Customer Service Centre will be closed for walk-in customers on Monday, February 19, but phone lines (306-975-3100) will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

PAY PARKING

Parking payment is not required on Monday, February 19.

• Motorists are reminded that all parking requirements remain in effect, including parking time limits.

MUNICIPAL IMPOUND LOT 

• The Impound Lot will be closed to the public on Monday, February 19.  Vehicles will be released to the public as usual on Tuesday, February 20. Information on Vehicle Seizures

WASTE COLLECTIONS

Garbage, Recycling, and Organics have collections as scheduled.

MATERIAL RECOVERY CENTRE & LANDFILL

• The Material Recovery Centre and Landfill are open on Monday, February 19 from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
• Cash transactions are accepted, although Credit and Debit are recommended.
• More information at saskatoon.ca/mrc.

COMPOST DEPOTS

• The compost depots are now closed for the season.

WOODLAWN CEMETERY

• The Cemetery Administration Office is closed on Monday, February 19.
• Cemetery grounds are open to the public 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily as per usual.

SASKATOON FORESTRY FARM PARK & ZOO

Regular Hours of Operation

• Zoo – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Forestry Farm Park - 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

LEISURE CENTRES

Search for drop-in program information including fitness and weight room hours, public swim sessions and fitness programs on Leisure Online at saskatoon.ca/leisureonline.

Cosmo Civic Centre – Facility Closed. Family Day Skating Event 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Lakewood Civic Centre – 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Lawson Civic Centre – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
Saskatoon Field House – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Shaw Centre – 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Terry Fox Track - Closed

INDOOR RINKS

Search the public and parent and tot schedules on Leisure Online at saskatoon.ca/leisureonline.

ACT Arena (Public Skating) - 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cosmo Arena (Family Day Skating Event) – 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

OUTDOOR RINK

Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval – 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

NOTIFYNOW

Residents are encouraged to sign-up to notifynow for timely and targeted public safety messages. Notifynow is a free service. Tell us how to best reach you on your preferred communication device. Visit saskatoon.ca/notifynow for more information.

YXE SERVICE ALERTS

For information and updates on service disruptions such as power or water check saskatoon.ca/servicealerts or follow @yxeservicealert on Twitter. 

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. 

Some of Saskatoon’s most travelled roads are scheduled for major upgrades this summer. Construction projects will include resurfacing the west bound lanes of Circle Drive North between Millar Avenue and Alberta Avenue, and resurfacing sections of Preston Avenue between Preston Crossing and 8th Street.

“There are several areas of Preston Avenue that are in rough shape and in need of new asphalt,” says Terry Schmidt, General Manager of Transportation and Construction. “We’ll also get to Wanuskewin Road to resurface both sides between 71st Street and Penner Road.” 

Many roads will be completely resurfaced following water main replacements. Replacing the decades old water mains with durable PVC piping will continue in several areas of Saskatoon, including Downtown.

“Downtown water main replacement work will happen in phases throughout the summer and fall to avoid closing several blocks at the same time, starting with 22nd Street East between 3rd Avenue and 4th Avenue.” 

About $67.19 million is earmarked for road and bridge construction and maintenance in 2023. One of the most significant construction zones is already set up on the Circle Drive North Bridge where crews are now two months into a nine-month long rehabilitation project. Sidewalk repairs and annual street maintenance programs like street sweeping, pothole and utility cut repairs, and line painting are now underway or about to start.

Also, this month, the Saskatoon Transit Downtown Terminal will be undergoing road and sidewalk work. For approximately one week, the Terminal will temporarily move to 3rd Avenue North, in front of City Hall. Bus stop locations will be marked in advance.

Saskatoon Light & Power (SL&P) is already working Downtown, upgrading the underground electrical vault on the west side of 2nd Avenue between 21st Street and 22nd Street. Work began in late April and is scheduled for completion by mid-June. This is a cornerstone project that will allow SL&P to proceed with additional electrical renewal projects to update Downtown power infrastructure.

Despite some street closures due to construction, Schmidt says Downtown businesses will remain open and accessible by sidewalk.

“There will be pedestrian and traffic detours Downtown and throughout the city all summer. We thank residents for their patience and are asking everyone to respect work zones.”

For more information on current and future construction, please visit saskatoon.ca/construction.

Time to hop into spring, looks like warmer days are ahead!
Many fun Easter long weekend activities await! How about ...

• planning a spring walk to go see the animals at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo
• strolling through Remai Modern to enjoy newest collections
• diving in for a family swim or workout at one of the City's Leisure Centres
• visiting a Saskatoon Public Library location to borrow some new books

Check out all the details on what's open or closed, what's happening with parking, waste collection, transit service and more including adjustments to civic services and hours of operation on Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, here.

The City has developed a comprehensive plan to establish a Downtown Event and Entertainment District to become a hub of commercial, cultural and community activity. City Council will discuss a report to approve the Downtown Event and Entertainment District vision statement and guiding principles at its meeting March 29, 2023. 

“This is a journey toward revitalizing downtown,” says Dan Willems, Director of Technical services. “A new event centre is just one aspect of the larger vison of creating an animated public area of thriving business and entertainment in Saskatoon’s Downtown, which is accessible to everyone.” 

A key component of that accessibility is the future Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. In November 2018, City Council directed the Administration to plan for the future of Saskatoon’s Downtown and that the focus of the planning work includes an entertainment district fully integrated with the BRT, not just an event centre and a convention facility.  

The guiding principles incorporate priorities, policies and strategic initiatives from referencing several previously approved documents, including the City’s 2022-2025 Strategic Plan, City Centre Plan, Imagine Idylwyld and the Official Community Plan. 

“With these plans in mind, the area will be developed sustainably and with a focus on Indigenous placemaking,” Willems says. “By offering residents and visitors a gathering place for entertainment and events, with a variety of restaurants, venues, shopping and nightlife, Saskatoon’s Downtown will become an economic driver for the city and the province.” 

The vision and principles have been created and refined through discussion with many stakeholders, including Council Committees, to create a robust and inclusive document. 

“We have developed our vision statement and eight guiding principles that will be the bedrock for how we move forward,” says Lesley Anderson, Director of Planning and Development. 

Vision Statement 

A safe and vibrant Downtown is a welcoming and inclusive place for all people to come together in cooperative spirit. The District supports a strong economy, strengthens our diverse community, and attracts people to live, work and play in the Downtown. 

Guiding Principles 

• Reconciliation by honouring Indigenous Peoples, histories, languages and culture
• A distinctive identity through placemaking/placekeeping 
• Architectural and public realm design excellence 
• Reliable and efficient transportation options 
• Downtown density with a focus on housing 
• Leadership in sustainability and resiliency 
• A robust and diverse economy 
• A healthy and safe community 

“There will be many opportunities for targeted and broad engagement for all residents and visitors to provide feedback on the project, as well as targeted engagement with stakeholders, rights holders and partners,” Anderson says. 

The vision and guiding principles are an important start towards planning for the District and there will be more to the journey, a continuation of working with the community and businesses, to ensure the Downtown District reflects the values, history and people of Saskatoon  

“Establishing a clear vision and guiding principles are foundational to creating a district that reflects and includes all of us,” says Councillor Cynthia Block who represents the downtown and is Council’s strategic lead for downtown development. “An event centre  and convention facility are tools, but evidence shows success comes from everything that builds up around them. A district roadmap gives us the best chance to succeed and makes it uniquely our own.” 

Block adds the City is developing a funding strategy that will have a minimal impact on taxes.  

“We are looking at funding tools that other cities have used successfully, as well as contributions from other orders of government,” she says. 

Once approved, the vision statement and guiding principles will be referenced in future reports related to the District Plan and how the guiding principles have influenced that work. 

Administration will continue to prepare District Plan-related reports to the Governance and Priorities Committee and City Council at major milestones throughout the District Plan process. 

The full report, including the full text of the vision statement and guiding principles, can be found on the meeting agenda.