News Releases

*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.

NEW

8TH ST E EB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM MCPHERSON AVE TO MELROSE AVE
(Tree trimming)
Start: February 27, 9:00 a.m. End: February 27, 3:00 p.m.
 

ONGOING

2ND AVE CLOSED FROM 23RD ST TO 24TH ST 
(Unplanned water main repairs)
Start: February 26, 9:00 a.m. End: February 27, 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.

The City of Saskatoon invites residents and media to City Hall for the official kickoff of Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Month.

Attendees will hear impactful remarks from special guests who will speak to the importance of diversity, inclusion, and the community’s ongoing commitment to combating racism.

This open gathering offers an opportunity to capture meaningful stories, connect with community leaders, and highlight initiatives that strengthen equity and understanding across Saskatoon.

When: February 27, 2026

Time: 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Where: City Hall, Council Chambers

Speakers include:

• Saskatoon Mayor, Cynthia Block
• Saskatchewan Human Right Commission (SHRC) Chief Commissioner, Treena Sikora
• Youth Ambassador, Linda Gvenetadze
• Ali Abukar, Chief Executive Officer, Saskatoon Open Door Society

Councillor Senos Timon will act as Master of Ceremonies.

Attendees will also be treated to a cultural performance by spoken word poet Ahmad Majid.

Following the program in Council Chambers, the Race Relations Flag will be raised in Civic Square where it will remain raised for one week.

Since 1990, Saskatoon City Council has proclaimed March Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Month — an opportunity to heighten awareness about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Several activities are planned for the month of March in recognition of cultural diversity and race relations. To learn more, visit saskatoon.ca/RaceRelations.

2nd Avenue is closed between 23rd and 24th Streets today, February 26, for unplanned water main repairs. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the area. This project is expected to take one day to complete, 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.

For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.

The City of Saskatoon has a new roadmap for the future.

On February 25, 2026, City Council approved the new 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, adopting ten Council priorities and three priorities for High-Performing Organizations to make Saskatoon a city that works for everyone.

“Looking ahead, this Strategic Plan provides a clear path for how Administration will advance City Council’s priorities over the coming four years,” says City Manager Jeff Jorgenson. “It positions us to respond to the opportunities and pressures that come with a growing city.”

The 2026–2029 Strategic Plan will guide the City’s efforts to build a safer, more inclusive Saskatoon with a resilient economy that meets the evolving needs of the city’s residents.

“The next four years give us a meaningful opportunity to shape Saskatoon in ways residents will feel every day, from addressing homelessness to enhancing community safety and keeping life affordable,” says Mayor Cynthia Block. “By focusing on strong public service, modern transportation, responsible financial stewardship and a supportive environment for local business, we can build a Saskatoon that is safe, vibrant, committed to Reconciliation and prepared for what’s ahead.”

The 2026–2029 Strategic Plan was developed through a comprehensive process that includes research and engagement with Council, Administration, residents and many city departments and teams. Based on that consultation process, the City will focus on the following ten Council priorities and three main areas to help the City deliver the programs and services that residents rely on.

To learn more about the 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, watch our video message from Mayor Cynthia Block and City Manager Jeff Jorgenson.

The City of Saskatoon (City) closed 2025 in a strong financial position with a surplus of $18.85 million within the Utility programs – a positive variance of 4.2 per cent for the City Utilities and maintaining a near-balanced operating budget for Civic Operations. There was a small operating deficit of $195,616, which is an overage of 0.03 per cent on the approved $663 million operating budget. A report outlining the Preliminary Year-End Financial Results as at December 31, 2025, will be presented to the Standing Policy Committee on Finance at its March 4, 2026, meeting.

“Our utility surpluses will help offset upcoming expenditures in the water and wastewater utilities, such as upgrading aging assets and supporting the construction of a new, second Water Treatment Plant,” says Kari Smith, Director of Finance. “The minor operating deficit shows the City kept overall spending very close to plan and delivered strong financial oversight throughout the year.”

Operating Budget Highlights

• Saskatoon Transit and Access Transit: $2.69 million surplus, mainly due to fuel rates being lower than expected.
• Waste Handling Services (Landfill): $1.51 million surplus driven by higher-than-expected revenues.
• Snow and Ice Management: $3.03 million deficit following eight snow events (including full residential street clearing in early 2025) and a total of 16 winter weather events throughout the season.

The Administration recommends covering the operating deficit with funds from the Fiscal Stabilization Reserve. If approved, this will leave $16.84 million in that reserve and $7.73 million in the Snow and Ice Management Contingency Reserve to help manage any future budget shortfalls.

City Utilities Highlights

• Water Utility: $8,076,885 surplus
• Wastewater Utility: $5,807,769 surplus
• Saskatoon Light & Power: $3,485,464 surplus
• Waste Services Utility: $1,168,114 surplus
• Storm Water Management Utility: $312,836 surplus

Together, these results reflect a 4.2% overall surplus across City utilities. Surplus funds will be transferred to their respective stabilization, capital or replacement reserves. The transfer of surplus funding into the capital reserves will help fund future Utility projects, including building a second Water Treatment Plant, and could reduce future borrowing or rate increase requirements. Details provided in Appendix 4 of the report.

The preliminary year-end results remain subject to the City’s annual external audit. The 2025 Annual Report will be released this summer.

The City of Saskatoon continues to hold a ‘AAA’/Stable credit rating, maintained for 24 consecutive years – reflecting Saskatoon’s strong and consistent financial management.

For more information, visit saskatoon.ca/budget

*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.

NEW

CONFEDERATION DR NB CURB & CENTER LANES CLOSED FROM 22ND ST W TO LAURIER DR
(Pole replacement)
Start: February 26, 9:00 a.m. End: February 26, 3:00 p.m.

8TH ST E EB & WB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM MCPHERSON AVE TO VICTORIA AVE
(Tree maintenance)
Start: February 26, 9:00 a.m. End: February 26, 3:00 p.m.

MCORMOND DR NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM HENRY DAYDAY RD TO RANGE ROAD 3050
(Pole repair)
Start: February 26, 10:00 a.m. End: February 26, 2:00 p.m.

ONGOING

JUNOR AVE SB LANES CLOSED FROM MCCLOCKLIN RD TO 37TH ST W
(Storm pond and storm trunk sewer maintenance)
Start: February 23, 8:00 a.m. End: February 26, 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.

*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.

NEW

51ST ST E WB CURB LANE CLOSED AT MILLAR AVE 
(Pole repair)
Start: February 25, 9:00 a.m. End: February 25, 1:00 p.m.

BROADWAY AVE NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM 6TH ST E TO 8TH ST E
(Tree maintenance)
Start: February 25, 9:00 a.m. End: February 25, 3:00 p.m.

AVE P N ROAD CLOSED FROM RUSHOLME RD TO 29TH ST W
(Tree maintenance )
Start: February 25, 9:00 a.m. End: February 25, 3:00 p.m.

CENTRAL AVE NB LANES CLOSED FROM 109TH ST W TO 111TH ST W
(Pole replacement)
Start: February 25, 10:00 a.m. End: February 25, 1:00 p.m.

ONGOING

JUNOR AVE SB LANES CLOSED FROM MCCLOCKLIN RD TO 37TH ST W
(Storm pond and storm trunk sewer maintenance)
Start: February 23, 8:00 a.m. End: February 26, 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.

-30-

A Saskatoon business is accused of failing to comply with City bear spray sales and recording procedures under the City’s Business Licence Bylaw. 

The charges come following an investigation by the Saskatoon Police Service, aided by officials of the City Community Standards Department.

The charges are the first under recent amendments made to the Business Licence Bylaw. In July 2025, City Council changed the Bylaw to establish purchase and recording requirements for Saskatoon businesses selling bear spray.

The new rules are based on engagement with the business community, best practices and successes already in place at some sporting goods stores. The measures are also similar to processes in other Canadian municipalities.

Police officers and City officials have engaged business managers to ensure they understand the bylaw requirements which have received wide support.

Wildlife control products, commonly referred to as bear spray, are designed to repel wildlife through spraying pressurized liquid containing oil made from hot peppers. It causes burning eyes, strained breathing as well as nasal and throat irritation.

The product is not intended for use on humans or in an urban setting.

The purchaser must be at least 18-years-old and provide two pieces of government-issued identification. The name, ID number, date of birth and address of the purchaser must be recorded by the business and made available to the City.

Bear spray must be stored in a secure area, out of view of customers and only products containing the manufacturer’s serial number may be sold.

Court information # 110949

Saskatoon Transit will provide direct service from the Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to SaskTel Centre for the following events this week:

Megadeth
Tuesday, February 24 at 7:00 p.m. 
Buses depart at:

• 5:45 p.m.
• 6:25 p.m.

Saskatoon Blades vs Penticton Vees
Wednesday, February 25 at 7:00 p.m. 
Buses depart at:

• 5:45 p.m.
• 6:25 p.m.

Post-event drop-off is at the downtown terminal and regular fares apply ($3.00 per trip). Fare can be purchased on your mobile phone using either the TGo or transit app, transfers and passes are also accepted. Typically, buses arrive onsite 30 minutes prior to the end of the event.

Plan your trip to events at SaskTel Centre on Route 333 using the Transit app up to two weeks in advance. Check out the Transit+ feature to help make connections that combine Transit with OnDemand Transit, riide, and Uber. Download the Transit app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Transit service times for special events at SaskTel Centre and other popular destinations can always be found at SaskatoonTransit.ca/plan-my-trip/popular-destinations. Experience the convenience of using Saskatoon Transit to attend all your favourite events.

-30-

City and contractor snow crews will begin clearing the priority street network tonight after Saskatoon received over approximately 7cm of snow on Monday, February 23. This is the 7th snow event of the season.

Snow accumulation is not expected to affect Saskatoon Transit or waste collection.

What you can expect from us

1. Crews will grade Priority 1 streets like Circle Dr and streets with three+ lanes each way like Idylwyld Dr, 22nd St and College Dr.
2. By 12 hours in, we plan to move onto Priority 2 double-lane streets like Clarence Ave, McKercher Dr and Millar Ave.
3. Next, we will get to the Priority 3 streets that take you through your neighbourhood like Louise Ave, Howell Ave and Main St.
4. We will also clear City facility sidewalks, Meewasin Trail, pathways along major routes, and walkways over bridges and overpasses within 48 hours.

How you can help us

1. When you see the blue and amber flashing lights of snow crews, please slow down, remain at least 15 metres (2.5 car lengths) behind, and be prepared to stop.
2. Anticipate winter driving conditions and adjust your driving. This includes slowing down and allowing more space between vehicles.
3. Clear your business sidewalks within 24 hours and residential sidewalks within 48 hours. Please keep this snow on your property.

Learn about winter road maintenance at saskatoon.ca/snow and check the latest Snow & Ice Report posted to saskatoon.ca/SnowReport.