News Releases
Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
Daily Road Report - July 20
July 17, 2026 - 3:00pm
*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.
NEW
8TH ST E EB PARKING & CURB LANES CLOSED FROM MUNROE AVE S TO CAIRNS AVE
(Sidewalk repair)
Start: July 20, 7:00 a.m. End: July 20, 10:00 a.m.
TAYLOR ST E WB CLOSED FROM ROSEWOOD GATE N TO BRIARVALE RD
(Road microsurfacing)
Two-way traffic set in EB lanes.
Start: July 20, 7:00 a.m. End: July 21, 5:00 p.m.
WANUSKEWIN RD NB LANES CLOSED FROM ARTHUR ROSE AVE TO MARQUIS DR E
(Construction)
Two-way traffic in SB lanes
Start: July 20, 7:00 a.m. End: October 20, 6:00 p.m.
20TH ST W EB/WB/SB LANES CLOSED & NB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM OTTAWA AVE S TO MONTREAL AVE S
(Water main repair)
Start: July 20, 8:00 a.m. End: July 20, 5:00 p.m.
CLARENCE AVE N NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM 12TH ST E TO 12TH ST E
(Water main work)
Start: July 20, 9:00 a.m. End: July 20, 1:00 p.m.
25TH ST E EB CLOSED FROM 1ST AVE N TO 2ND AVE N
(SL&P upgrades)
Two-way traffic in WB lanes
Start: July 20, 9:00 a.m. End: August 7, 4:00 p.m.
ONGOING
CIRCLE DR E NB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM COLLEGE DR TO PRESTON AVE N
(Overnight road resurfacing)
Start: July 18, 7:00 p.m. End: July 20, 6:00 a.m.
8TH ST E EB LEFT TURN AND MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM CIRCLE DR E TO ACADIA DR & ACADIA DR TO MOSS AVE
(Overnight drilling)
Start: July 14, 7:00 p.m. End: July 21, 6:00 a.m.
ACADIA DR SB CLOSED FROM 8TH ST E TO HIGHLANDS CRES
(Overnight drilling)
Start: July 14, 7:00 p.m. End: July 21, 6:00 a.m.
AVE P N NB & WB PARKING & SIDEWALKS CLOSED AT 31ST ST W
(Traffic calming)
Start: July 16, 7:00 a.m. End: July 22, 5:00 p.m.
AVE P N NB & WB PARKING LANE & SIDEWALK CLOSED AT FAULKNER CRES
(Traffic calming)
Start: July 16, 7:00 a.m. End: July 22, 5:00 p.m.
20TH ST W ALL DIRECTIONS AT AVE P S
(Traffic signal upgrades)
Start: July 13, 9:00 a.m. End: July 22, 5:00 p.m.
20TH ST W WB PARKING LANE CLOSED FROM AVE S S TO AVE T S
(Concrete & landscaping work)
Start: June 25, 7:00 a.m. End: July 22, 5:00 p.m.
12TH ST E EB PARKING LANE CLOSED FROM BROADWAY AVE TO DUFFERIN AVE
(Sewer work)
Start: May 29, 7:00 a.m. End: July 24, 5:00 p.m.
24TH ST E WB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 1ST AVE N TO 2ND AVE N
(Building construction)
Start: June 16, 8:00 a.m. End: July 27, 5:00 p.m.
115TH ST E EB ROAD CLOSED FROM FOREST DR TO BERINI DR
(Sidewalk repair)
Start: July 14, 7:00 a.m. End: July 27, 5:00 p.m.
PRESTON AVE N SB FROM 14TH ST E TO MAIN ST
(Link Station Construction)
Two-way traffic in the NB lanes of 14th St
Start: July 6, 7:00 a.m. End: July 31, 5:00 p.m.
1ST AVE N NB PARKING LANE CLOSED FROM 24TH ST E TO 25TH ST E
(Building construction)
Start: June 15, 8:00 a.m. End: July 31, 5:00 p.m.
KENSINGTON BLVD CLOSED AT ELLS CRES
(Sewer work)
Start: July 7, 8:00 a.m. End: August 7, 5:00 p.m.
SPADINA CRES E NB REDUCED LANE WIDTH AT 25TH ST E
(Construction)
Start: April 28, 7:00 a.m. End: August 8, 5:00 p.m.
4TH AVE N NB & SB CLOSED FROM 24TH ST E TO 25TH ST E
(Water main work)
Start: June 29, 7:00 a.m. End: August 23, 5:00 p.m.
COLLEGE DR EB/WB FROM HOSPITAL DR TO CUMBERLAND AVE N
(Link College Dr Construction)
Two-way traffic in the EB lanes
Start: July 9, 7:00 a.m. End: August 28, 5:00 p.m.
1ST AVE N SB PARKING LANE CLOSED FROM 42ND A ST E TO CIRCLE DR E
(Building construction)
Start: May 1, 8:00 a.m. End: October 1, 5:00 p.m.
All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.
For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.
Weekend Road Report - July 18 & 19
July 17, 2026 - 2:30pm
*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.
NEW
HIGHWAY 16 NB OVERPASS CLOSED FROM IDYLWYLD DR N TO MARQUIS DR W
(Bridge washing)
Start: July 18, 6:00 a.m. End: July 18, 4:00 p.m.
CIRCLE DR S CLOSED FROM LORNE AVE TO CIRCLE DR S
(Road patching)
Start: July 18, 7:00 a.m. End: July 18, 9:00 p.m.
CIRCLE DR E NB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM COLLEGE DR TO PRESTON AVE N
(Overnight road resurfacing)
Start: July 18, 7:00 p.m. End: July 20, 6:00 a.m.
IDYLWYLD DR N NB EXIT RAMP CLOSED AT LORNE AVE
(Streetlight replacements)
Start: July 19, 6:00 a.m. End: July 19, 12:00 p.m.
33RD ST E WB & SB ROAD CLOSED FROM ONTARIO AVE TO ALBERTA AVE
(Road patching)
Two-way traffic in EB lanes
Start: July 19, 7:00 a.m. End: July 19, 1:00 p.m.
DIEFENBAKER DR NB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM CENTENNIAL DR TO SMALLWOOD CRES
(Road patching)
Start: July 19, 7:00 a.m. End: July 19, 3:00 p.m.
CONFEDERATION DR NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM LAURIER DR TO 22ND ST W
(Road patching)
Start: July 19, 7:00 a.m. End: July 19, 3:00 p.m.
AVE P N SB CLOSED & EB PARKING LANE CLOSED FROM RUSHOLME RD TO BEDFORD RD
(Road patching)
Start: July 19, 7:00 a.m. End: July 19, 3:00 p.m.
FAIRLIGHT DR EB MEDIAN & CURB LANES CLOSED FROM PENDYGRASSE RD TO OLMSTEAD RD
(Road patching)
EB traffic maintained in parking lane
Start: July 19, 7:00 a.m. End: July 19, 3:00 p.m.
2ND AVE N NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM KING ST TO PRINCESS ST
(Road patching)
Start: July 19, 7:00 a.m. End: July 19, 3:30 p.m.
CIRCLE DR S WB RAMP CLOSED FROM LORNE AVE TO CIRCLE DR S
(Road patching)
Start: July 19, 7:00 a.m. End: July 19, 9:00 p.m.
IDYLWYLD DR S NB MEDIAN & CENTER LANES CLOSED, WB/EB/SB LEFT TURN & MEDIAN LANES CLOSED AT 22ND ST E INTERSECTION
(Man hole repair)
Start: July 19, 8:00 a.m. End: July 19, 11:00 a.m.
CONFEDERATION DR SB RIGHT TURN LANE CLOSED AT LAURIER DR
(Man hole repair)
Start: July 19, 10:00 a.m. End: July 19, 12:00 p.m.
FAIRLIGHT CRES WB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM FAIRLIGHT DR TO FAIRMONT DR
(Man hole repairs)
Start: July 19, 11:00 a.m. End: July 19, 1:00 p.m.
ONGOING
WANUSKEWIN RD NB & SB CLOSED FROM ARTHUR ROSE AVE TO MARQUIS DR E
(Construction)
Start: April 27, 7:00 a.m. End: July 20, 5:00 p.m.
8TH ST E EB LEFT TURN AND MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM CIRCLE DR E TO ACADIA DR & ACADIA DR TO MOSS AVE
(Overnight drilling)
Start: July 14, 7:00 p.m. End: July 21, 6:00 a.m.
ACADIA DR SB CLOSED FROM 8TH ST E TO HIGHLANDS CRES
(Overnight drilling)
Start: July 14, 7:00 p.m. End: July 21, 6:00 a.m.
AVE P N NB & WB PARKING & SIDEWALKS CLOSED AT 31ST ST W
(Traffic calming)
Start: July 16, 7:00 a.m. End: July 22, 5:00 p.m.
AVE P N NB & WB PARKING LANE & SIDEWALK CLOSED AT FAULKNER CRES
(Traffic calming)
Start: July 16, 7:00 a.m. End: July 22, 5:00 p.m.
20TH ST W WB PARKING LANE CLOSED FROM AVE S S TO AVE T S
(Concrete & landscaping work)
Start: June 25, 7:00 a.m. End: July 22, 5:00 p.m.
20TH ST W ALL DIRECTIONS AT AVE P S
(Traffic signal upgrades)
Start: July 13, 9:00 a.m. End: July 22, 5:00 p.m.
12TH ST E EB PARKING LANE CLOSED FROM BROADWAY AVE TO DUFFERIN AVE
(Sewer work)
Start: May 29, 7:00 a.m. End: July 24, 5:00 p.m.
24TH ST E WB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 1ST AVE N TO 2ND AVE N
(Building construction)
Start: June 16, 8:00 a.m. End: July 27, 5:00 p.m.
115TH ST E EB ROAD CLOSED FROM FOREST DR TO BERINI DR
(Sidewalk repair)
Start: July 14, 7:00 a.m. End: July 27, 5:00 p.m.
PRESTON AVE N SB FROM 14TH ST E TO MAIN ST
(Link Station Construction)
Two-way traffic in the NB lanes of 14th St
Start: July 6, 7:00 a.m. End: July 31, 5:00 p.m.
1ST AVE N NB PARKING LANE CLOSED FROM 24TH ST E TO 25TH ST E
(Building construction)
Start: June 15, 8:00 a.m. End: July 31, 5:00 p.m.
KENSINGTON BLVD CLOSED AT ELLS CRES
(Sewer work)
Start: July 7, 8:00 a.m. End: August 7, 5:00 p.m.
SPADINA CRES E NB REDUCED LANE WIDTH AT 25TH ST E
(Construction)
Start: April 28, 7:00 a.m. End: August 8, 5:00 p.m.
4TH AVE N NB & SB CLOSED FROM 24TH ST E TO 25TH ST E
(Water main work)
Start: June 29, 7:00 a.m. End: August 23, 5:00 p.m.
COLLEGE DR EB/WB FROM HOSPITAL DR TO CUMBERLAND AVE N
(Link College Dr Construction)
Two-way traffic in the EB lanes
Start: July 9, 7:00 a.m. End: August 28, 5:00 p.m.
1ST AVE N SB PARKING LANE CLOSED FROM 42ND A ST E TO CIRCLE DR E
(Building construction)
Start: May 1, 8:00 a.m. End: October 1, 5:00 p.m.
All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.
For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.
University Bridge to remain closed to general traffic for near term
July 17, 2026 - 1:30pm
After discussions with emergency services and the Saskatchewan Health Authority, the decision to open the University Bridge to general traffic has been delayed temporarily to ensure that consistent emergency access to the hospitals and related services remains the priority. The current pedestrian access routes on the bridge will remain in place.
The Contractor has been making good progress, and the City will continue to work with them to complete Stage 1 work on College Drive from the bridge to Hospital Drive/University Drive. Opening the bridge to general traffic requires integration and coordination between the construction work on College Drive and the rehabilitation work of the arch on the bridge. Additional information on when general traffic will flow across the bridge will be shared as details are confirmed for both construction projects.
A reminder that the Royal University Hospital and Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital can still be accessed by patients and visitors. Stage 2 work from Hospital Drive to Cumberland Avenue has commenced on the north lanes of College Drive with one lane in each direction being accommodated on the south lanes.
The City thanks residents for their patience and understanding as these essential infrastructure projects continue and we ensure that public safety remains the priority.
Subscribe to the Daily Road Report for a full list of construction projects on priority roads by visiting saskatoon.ca/news-releases.
For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.
Next phase of Downtown Water main Lining project begins the week of July 20
July 17, 2026 - 10:00am
Crews will begin excavating and rehabilitating the water main on 25th Street East between Spadina Crescent East and 1st Avenue North the week of July 20, as part of the next phase of the Downtown Water main lining project
This phase of work is expected to continue through mid-to-late October, weather permitting and subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.
To reduce impacts, excavation crews will strive to maintain traffic flow along 25th Street where possible. However, temporary street and intersection closures will be required at various stages of the project, and detours will be in place.
Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, follow posted signage and use caution when travelling through the work zone. Detours will be in place to guide motorists around the work zone.
Residents and businesses within the work zone will have limited road access during construction. Temporary No Parking signs will be posted at least 72 hours before any street closures and will provide the most up-to-date information on closure dates and times.
Work on 4th Avenue between 24th Street and 25th Street is also continuing. Watermain replacement and storm sewer installation remain underway and are expected to be completed by mid-August, weather permitting and barring unforeseen circumstances.
For more information about current road restrictions and construction projects, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.
Overnight road resurfacing beginning on McOrmond Drive
July 17, 2026 - 9:00am
The City of Saskatoon would like to remind residents that overnight road resurfacing work will begin the week of July 20 on McOrmond Drive from Willowgrove Boulevard to Addison Road (northbound) and from Nelson Road to Kerr Road (southbound).
To help reduce overall impacts on motorists and traffic flow, crews will begin work each evening at 7 p.m., with the road reopening each morning at 7 a.m. throughout the duration of the project.
The work is expected to take approximately eight days, weather permitting and subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. Residents in the area can expect increased noise and vibration while heavy equipment is in operation.
Road resurfacing involves removing the old, deteriorated asphalt and replacing it with a new layer of hot mix asphalt. This treatment is used when the asphalt surface has reached the end of its service life, while the road structure beneath remains in good condition.
Drivers are encouraged to slow down, follow all posted signage and use caution when travelling through the work zone. The public is also encouraged to watch for a project schedule graphic on the City's social media channels outlining the planned phases of construction.
For more information about current road restrictions and construction projects, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.
Full closures of priority one roads starting this weekend and Monday
July 17, 2026 - 6:00am
Highway 16 NB overpass closed between Idylwyld Drive and Marquis Drive for bridge washing
Saturday, July 18 from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Circle Drive E NB median lane closed from College Drive to Preston Avenue for overnight road resurfacing
Saturday, July 18, Sunday, July 19 and Monday, July 20 daily from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following day.
Idylwyld Drive NB curb lane and exit to Ruth Street ramp closed for streetlight maintenance
Sunday, July 19 from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Confederation Drive NB and SB median lanes closed from 22nd Street W to Laurier Drive for road patching
Sunday, July 19 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
20th Street W closed from Ottawa Avenue to Montreal Avenue for water main work
Monday, July 20 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Various priority roadways will have closures and restrictions starting Saturday, July 18, Sunday, July 19 and Monday, July 20, 2026. Detour signs will be in place to guide motorists around the areas. The City thanks everyone for their patience. The closures will be as follows:
Closure end times are weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.
Saskatoon Transit may 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.
Subscribe to the Daily Road Report for a full list of construction projects on priority roads by visiting saskatoon.ca/news-releases.
For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.
River flow decreases; recreational activities can resume
July 16, 2026 - 3:27pm
As of today, the Water Security Agency advises flows on the South Saskatchewan River have decreased to levels of roughly 340 m³/s and they will continue to lower for the next few days. Recreational activities may resume, however such flow rates are still considered above the average flow rate and caution is always advised on the river.
On Friday, July 17, the City will reopen the public boat launch located in Kiwanis Park, north of the Broadway Bridge.
Additionally, the safety buoys, which were swept away by the strong current, will be reinstalled July 17 providing a visual safety reminder of the adjacent downstream weir.
Residents are reminded that Bylaw 4433 prohibits swimming in the South Saskatchewan River within city limits. The strong river current, a shifting riverbed and steep, slippery banks makes playing and swimming in the river extremely dangerous, even with normal water flows.
Daily Road Report - July 17
July 16, 2026 - 3:00pm
*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.
NEW
3RD AVE N SB CLOSED FROM 25TH ST E TO 24TH ST E
(Crane lift)
Two-way traffic in NB lanes
Start: July 17, 6:00 a.m. End: July 17, 4:00 p.m.
ONGOING
CIRCLE DR E SB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM PRESTON AVE N TO COLLEGE DR
(Overnight road resurfacing)
Start: July 15, 7:00 p.m. End: July 17, 6:00 a.m.
20TH ST W WB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 1ST AVE S TO IDYLWYLD DR S
(Man hole repair)
Start: March 9, 9:00 a.m. End: July 17, 4:00 p.m.
MCKERCHER DR NB PARKING & CURB LANES CLOSED FROM HOLLAND RD TO 8TH ST E
(Road work)
Start: July 1, 7:00 a.m. End: July 17, 4:00 p.m.
20TH ST W CURB LANE CLOSURES AT AVE H S
(Streetlight maintenance)
Start: July 13, 9:00 a.m. End: July 17, 5:00 p.m.
20TH ST W EB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM COLUMBIAN PL TO AVE M S
(Traffic calming)
Start: July 8, 7:00 a.m. End: July 17, 5:00 p.m.
22ND ST W EB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM AVE C S TO IDYLWYLD DR S
(Riversdale water main upgrades and streetscaping)
Start: June 29, 7:00 a.m. End: July 17, 5:00 p.m.
2ND AVE S NB & SB CLOSED FROM 19TH ST E TO SAUNDERS PL
(Crane hoist)
Start: July 13, 6:00 a.m. End: July 17, 5:00 p.m.
MELVILLE ST EB & WB CLOSED FROM PORTAGE AVE TO JASPER AVE S
(Construction)
Start: July 15, 7:00 a.m. End: July 17, 5:00 p.m.
2ND AVE N SB CLOSED FROM 25TH ST E TO 24TH ST E
(Container removal)
Start: July 16, 5:00 a.m. End: July 17, 5:00 p.m.
COLLEGE DR EB/WB UNIVERSITY BRIDGE
(College Dr Link Construction)
Closure of College Dr includes a full closure of the University Bridge at Spadina Cr E
Start: April 6, 7:00 a.m. End: July 17, 5:00 p.m.
WANUSKEWIN RD NB & SB CLOSED FROM ARTHUR ROSE AVE TO MARQUIS DR E
(Construction)
Start: April 27, 7:00 a.m. End: July 20, 5:00 p.m.
25TH ST E WB CLOSED FROM 2ND AVE N TO 1ST AVE N
(SL&P work)
Two-way traffic in EB lanes
Start: June 15, 9:00 a.m. End: July 17, 5:00 p.m.
SPADINA CRES E SB CLOSED FROM 25TH ST E TO 24TH ST E
(Sidewalk repair)
Start: July 16, 7:00 a.m. End: July 17, 5:00 p.m.
8TH ST E EB LEFT TURN AND MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM CIRCLE DR E TO ACADIA DR & FROM ACADIA DR TO MOSS AVE
(Overnight drilling)
Start: July 14, 7:00 p.m. End: July 21, 6:00 a.m.
ACADIA DR SB CLOSED FROM 8TH ST E TO HIGHLANDS CRES
(Overnight drilling)
Start: July 14, 7:00 p.m. End: July 21, 6:00 a.m.
AVE P N NB & WB PARKING LANE & SIDEWALK CLOSED AT 31ST ST W
(Traffic calming)
Start: July 16, 7:00 a.m. End: July 22, 5:00 p.m.
AVE P N NB & WB PARKING LANE & SIDEWALK CLOSED AT FAULKNER CRES
(Traffic calming)
Start: July 16, 7:00 a.m. End: July 22, 5:00 p.m.
20TH ST W WB PARKING LANE CLOSED FROM AVE S S TO AVE T S
(Concrete & landscaping work)
Start: June 25, 7:00 a.m. End: July 22, 5:00 p.m.
20TH ST W ALL DIRECTIONS AVE P S
(Traffic signal upgrades)
Start: July 13, 9:00 a.m. End: July 22, 5:00 p.m.
12TH ST E EB PARKING LANE CLOSED FROM BROADWAY AVE TO DUFFERIN AVE
(Sewer work)
Start: May 29, 7:00 a.m. End: July 24, 5:00 p.m.
24TH ST E WB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 1ST AVE N TO 2ND AVE N
(Building construction)
Start: June 16, 8:00 a.m. End: July 27, 5:00 p.m.
115TH ST E EB ROAD CLOSED FROM FOREST DR TO BERINI DR
(Sidewalk repair)
Start: July 14, 7:00 a.m. End: July 27, 5:00 p.m.
PRESTON AVE N SB FROM 14TH ST E TO MAIN ST
(Link Station Construction)
Two-way traffic in the NB lanes of 14th St
Start: July 6, 7:00 a.m. End: July 31, 5:00 p.m.
1ST AVE N NB PARKING LANE CLOSED FROM 24TH ST E TO 25TH ST E
(Building construction)
Start: June 15, 8:00 a.m. End: July 31, 5:00 p.m.
KENSINGTON BLVD CLOSED AT ELLS CRES
(Sewer work)
Start: July 7, 8:00 a.m. End: August 7, 5:00 p.m.
SPADINA CRES E NB REDUCED LANE WIDTH AT 25TH ST E
(Construction)
Start: April 28, 7:00 a.m. End: August 8, 5:00 p.m.
4TH AVE N NB & SB CLOSED FROM 24TH ST E TO 25TH ST E
(Water main work)
Start: June 29, 7:00 a.m. End: August 23, 5:00 p.m.
COLLEGE DR EB/WB FROM HOSPITAL DR TO CUMBERLAND AVE N
(Link College Dr Construction)
Two-way traffic in the EB lanes
Start: July 9, 7:00 a.m. End: August 28, 5:00 p.m.
1ST AVE N SB PARKING LANE CLOSED FROM 42ND A ST E TO CIRCLE DR E
(Building construction)
Start: May 1, 8:00 a.m. End: October 1, 5:00 p.m.
All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.
For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.
Memorial tree positive for DED, City saddened at necessary removal
July 16, 2026 - 10:30am
- Not storing, transporting, selling, purchasing or burning elm wood or branches at any time. These actions are illegal.
- Not pruning elm trees during the provincial pruning ban from April 1 to August 31. Pruning during this time attracts elm bark beetles, which can spread the disease to healthy trees.
- Disposing of all elm wood immediately at the City Landfill, where disposal is free.
Do not take elm wood to the Compost Depot or place it in your green bin.
Sadly, after testing positive for Dutch Elm Disease (DED), the City must take immediate action and remove one of the trees along the Memorial Avenue of Trees at Woodlawn Cemetery.
“This is a difficult thing to have to do and an action we have to take with a heavy heart,” says Director of Parks, Thai Hoang. “While any historic elm that must be removed is a loss, this hits a bit harder.”
The positive result came back earlier this week and according to the City’s DED rapid response plan, the elm must be immediately removed.
“The City has taken measures to protect these trees as much as is practical including inoculating trees against Dutch Elm Disease,” Hoang says. “However, that is not a fail-safe and because of the high likelihood of root grafting between trees, the disease easily spreads.”
The Memorial Avenue of Trees in Woodlawn cemetery was created at the urging of the Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire (IODE) to commemorate the men and women who had fallen during the First World War.
“It’s not simply a public memorial, but an intensely personal one -- none of these men was ever coming home,” says City Archivist Jeff O’Brien. “There would be no grave here in Saskatoon for people to stand at, no place to put flowers on, but you could have a tree in Woodlawn Cemetery -- growing in celebration of the specific person that had been lost.”
The tree that is being removed is in memory of, “The Officers of the Forever Scotland Camp.” While not dedicated to a specific soldier, sailor, nurse or airman, O’Brien says the memorial is just as important.
“The Memorial Avenue of Trees is unique in Canada, for the simple reason that it still exists,” O’Brien says. “There were at one time a number of these arboreal memorials in many cities such as Victoria, Montreal and Winnipeg, for example, but over the years, they’ve all been cut down.”
The Memorial Avenue of Trees is a National Historic Site. Parks Canada has been notified of the pending removal.
The Parks department will follow the direction of City Council in 1922 when it promised the IODE that it would replace the trees if necessary. This has been done as trees have previously died from drought or other issues.
Residents can take a few simple actions to help prevent the spread of DED by:
For more information about DED and to learn how to recognize the warning signs, visit saskatoon.ca/dutchelmdisease.
Circle Drive closures for road patching this weekend
July 16, 2026 - 9:00am
Circle Drive S to Lorne Avenue ramp
All day on Saturday, July 18
Lorne Avenue westbound ramp to Circle Drive S
All day on Sunday, July 19
Various Circle Drive lanes will have closures and restrictions for road patching on Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19, 2026. Detour signs will be in place to guide motorists around the event area. The City thanks everyone for their patience. The closures will be as follows:
Closure end times are barring any unforeseen circumstances. Rain is forecasted for this weekend and could impact closure end times depending on severity.
Saskatoon Transit may 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.
Read the Daily Road Report for a full list of construction projects on priority one roads.
For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.