News Releases
Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
2023 National Indigenous History Month
June 29, 2023 - 10:45am
- May 29: A Reconciliation Flag Raising Ceremony & Community Celebration was held in Civic Square to set the stage for the month ahead. The program included remarks from dignitaries and performances by Indigenous artists. The Reconciliation Flag, which represents a commitment to Reconciliation, remained raised for one week.
- May 29: The City unveiled its new Reconciliation Visual Identity and Community Tipi. The visual identity design, which is hand-painted on the Community Tipi, was developed through consultation with community - including Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Residential School Survivors - to include significant imagery capturing Saskatoon and our shared journey forward on the path to Reconciliation.
- June 21: The City participated in the Community Celebration in Victoria Park. The new Community Tipi was raised and programming was offered there throughout the day including: tipi teachings, Elder teachings, and several sessions on what went into the making of our new Reconciliation Visual Identity.
- June 28: The City co-presented Commemoration & Renaming on the Road to Reconciliation - a presentation to get people thinking about the importance of commemoration, naming, renaming. The presentation was provided by Métis artist and educator David Garneau and held at the Broadway Theatre.
Each June, we celebrate National Indigenous History Month to honour the history, heritage and diversity of Indigenous people. It's also an opportunity to recognize the strength of present-day Indigenous people and their communities.
This June, the City contributed to several initiatives intended to honour and learn from Indigenous Peoples. Some of these included:
The City continues to work with the Indigenous Technical Advisory Group (ITAG). The mandate of this group is to provide First Nations & Métis worldviews to lead the City of Saskatoon to improve the quality of life for future generations. As part of Indigenous History Month, the City would like to acknowledge the perspectives, wisdom, and advice that ITAG has provided us. Learn more about ITAG and meet our members at saskatoon.ca/ITAG.
Rescheduled: Dundonald Avenue closed between Caen and Mountbatten streets starting Friday
June 29, 2023 - 7:00am
Dundonald Avenue will be closed between Caen and Mountbatten streets starting Friday, June 30, at 8:00 a.m. for catch basin and manhole installation work. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone. This project is expected to take three weeks 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.
Summer Play Programs, Youth Centres and Travelling Sport Van begin Tuesday, July 4, 2023
June 28, 2023 - 9:00am
- Confederation –Wâhkôhtowin School (3555 John A. Macdonald Road)
- Dundonald - St. Peter School (202 Sumner Crescent)
- Forest Grove - St. Volodymyr School (302 Kellough Road)
- Silverwood Heights – Brownell School (274 Russell Road)
- Holiday Park - St. John School (1205 Avenue N South)
- Pleasant Hill - St. Mary Wellness & Education Centre (327 Avenue N South)
- Westmount - Westmount School (411 Avenue J North)
- Nutana (Arts Only) - Albert Community Centre (610 Clarence Avenue South)
Monday to Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Friday from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. - Lakeview (Sports Only) - Lakewood Civic Centre (1635 McKercher Drive)
Monday to Wednesday from 1:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Thursday 1:30 p.m.to 8:00 p.m. and Friday 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Summer Play Program
The City’s 45 Summer Play Program Sites will open for the season on Tuesday, July 4, 2023 and will operate until Wednesday, August 23, 2023.
Designed for children 2 to 12 years of age, these free drop-in programs include water play, sports, games and crafts. The summer play program operates at 30 paddling pool and 15 spray pad locations throughout the city. A list of locations is available at saskatoon.ca/play.
Play Programs operate Mondays to Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Fridays from 12:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Weekend Play Programs operate at select locations on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. beginning Saturday, July 8, through until Sunday, August 20, 2023. The weekend program will also run on the Monday of the August long weekend (August 7).
On opening day, the paddling pools require public health inspections, which will delay opening of some paddling pools. All pools are expected to be open by 3:00 p.m. on July 4. Dry programming will remain as scheduled.
Paddling Pools operate within Summer Play Program hours of operation. Fill and drain times for paddling pools vary - please check with staff to confirm hours. All spray pads are available daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., daily.
Please note, children under the age of 6 must be supervised by an adult or responsible youth (12 years or older) at all times during Play Program hours. To help preschool age children stay safe in and around the water, the City requires that all participants comply with the following policy: "For every 2 preschoolers under the age of 6, there must be one adult or responsible youth (12 years or older) within arm's length, supervising the preschoolers' water play and activity."
Visit saskatoon.ca/play for more information.
Youth Centres
The City’s 10 summer youth centres open for the season on Tuesday, July 4, 2023 and will operate until August 16, 2023. All youth, ages 12 to 16, are invited to drop in for sports and activities or hang out with friends in a friendly environment supervised by fun, qualified leaders.
Youth Centres are free to attend. Unless otherwise stated, hours of operation are Monday to Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Friday from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (closed Monday, August 7, 2023).
Youth Centre Locations:
MÈ TA WÈ TÀN Youth Centres:
Special Focus Youth Centres:
An opportunity to express yourself with unique art projects, music, and theatre.
Visit saskatoon.ca/youth for more information.
Daily Road Report, June 29, 2023
June 28, 2023 - 3:00pm
*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.
NEW
7TH AVE N NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM EMPRESS ST TO OSBORNE ST
(Sewer lining)
Start: June 29, 7:00 a.m. End: June 29, 7:00 p.m.
DUNDONALD AVE ROAD CLOSED FROM MOUNTBATTEN ST TO DIEPPE ST
(Catch basin & manhole installations)
Start: June 29, 8:00 a.m. End: July 20, 5:00 p.m.
NIGHTWORK
PRESTON AVE N NB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM COLLEGE DR TO PERIMETER RD
(Roadway resurfacing)
Start: June 29, 7:00 p.m. End: June 30, 6:00 a.m.
ONGOING
IDYLWYLD DR S NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM 20TH ST E TO 10TH ST E
(Bridge washing)
Start: June 28, 8:00 p.m. End: June 29, 6:00 a.m.
3RD AVE S EB & WB ALLEY CLOSURE FROM 3RD AVE S TO 4TH AVE S
(Spray foam install)
Start: June 23, 6:00 a.m. End: June 29, 4:30 p.m.
4TH AVE S ROAD CLOSED FROM 22ND ST E TO 20TH ST E
(Infrastructure upgrades)
Start: June 22, 7:00 a.m. End: June 30, 6:30 p.m.
MCORMOND DR NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM HORNER CRES TO BALTZAN BLVD
(Ramp tie in)
Start: June 19, 1:00 p.m. End: July 2, 4:30 p.m.
NEAULT RD SB RIGHT TURN BAY CLOSED FROM 33RD ST W TO 22ND ST W
(Storm sewer upgrades)
Start: June 19, 7:00 a.m. End: July 3, 5:00 p.m.
DIEFENBAKER DR SB CURB & CENTER LANE CLOSED FROM 22ND ST W TO FAIRLIGHT DR
(Sidewalk infill)
Start: June 20, 7:00 a.m. End: July 4, 6:00 p.m.
MCORMOND DR NB CURB LANE CLOSED AT STENSRUD RD
(Pavement & Curb work)
Start: May 15, 7:00 a.m. End: July 7, 4:00 p.m.
PRESTON AVE S SB ROAD CLOSED FROM 14TH ST E TO MAIN ST
(Roadway paving)
Start: June 26, 7:00 a.m. End: July 29, 5:00 p.m.
2ND AVE N NB PARKING LANE CLOSED FROM 26TH ST E TO QUEEN ST
(Building construction)
Start: June 12, 6:00 a.m. End: August 1, 4:30 p.m.
CIRCLE DR E EB LANES CLOSED FROM WARMAN RD TO PRESTON AVE N
(Bridge rehabilitation)
Two-way traffic will be maintained in the WB lanes
Start: June 25, 5:00 a.m. End: November 1, 5:00 p.m.
All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.
Reminder: 2023 property tax payments are due Friday, June 30
June 28, 2023 - 11:45am
- Internet Banking: pay your property tax online through your bank’s internet bill payment option. Please allow up to 2 business days for payment processing, some banks may take longer.
- Financial institutions: most allow you to pay your property tax while doing your regular business.
- City Hall Drop Boxes: place your property tax cheque payment in one of the two secure drop boxes located at City Hall; outside the main entrance, or inside the City Hall lobby. Do not deposit cash. City Hall is located at 222 3rd Avenue North.
- In-person: by cheque, cash or debit at City Hall up until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 30, 2023.
- Please note: Credit Cards cannot be used to pay property tax to the City of Saskatoon.
The City of Saskatoon reminds all property owners that 2023 Property Tax payments are due this Friday, June 30.
There are several property tax payment options available for property owners:
Are you interested in paying your property tax bill over 12 months? Once your property taxes are current, you can apply for the Tax Instalment Payment Plan Service (TIPPS) and pay your property taxes by monthly pre-authorized debit rather than one annual payment. You can join the TIPPS program anytime without any additional fee.
If you have already mailed in your 2023 Property Tax payment, you can check your account balance by calling our Automated Voice Response toll-free at 1-800-667-9944, or Corporate Revenue Customer Service at 306-975-2400.
A penalty of 1.25% per month will be applied to any 2023 property taxes left unpaid after June 30, 2023.
Visit saskatoon.ca/propertytax for more information.
Reminder: School Zone and Playground Zone reduced speed limits are in effect year-round
June 28, 2023 - 10:00am
- School Zone & Playground Zone reduced speeds are 30 km/h every day, all year from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Where School and Playground Zone signs do not include a posted speed limit sign, treat the sign as a caution and pay close attention through the area.
- Speed enforcement activities will be aligned with School Zone and Playground Zone effective hours.
The City is issuing a friendly reminder that reduced speed limits in school zones and playground zones are in effect year-round. With the end of the school year and summer season upon us, it is important to remember that speed limits in school and playground zones remain 30 km/h every day, all year from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The reduced speeds where children play allow a driver more time to react, a wider field of vision and a chance to come to a complete stop sooner.
Key points to remember:
Thanks for driving responsibly and adhering to reduced speed limits year-round!
Learn more at saskatoon.ca/speedlimit.
Celebrating Canada Day with fireworks
June 28, 2023 - 9:00am
- Carefully read and follow the manufacturer instructions.
- Exercise increased caution when handling and discharging any type of firework.
- Choose your location wisely. Fireworks can only be discharged on private property.
- Familiarize yourself with the space requirements for the type of firework being discharged. Requirements vary depending on the firework type.
- Ensure your location is free of overhead obstructions, is clear side-to-side and is a safe distance from combustible materials.
- Ensure that it is not windy and that all spectators are safely located to observe the display.
- Be sure to properly stabilize the firework according to manufacturer direction.
- Other than sparklers, never light or hold a lit firework in your hand.
- Always light the fuse at its tip.
- Never try to relight or fix the fuse on fireworks that did not go off.
- Have a supply of water available and use it to extinguish debris or smouldering embers before they cause injuries, property damage and/or fires.
- Keep in mind that you are solely responsible for any debris that may land on spectators or another’s property.
The Saskatoon Fire Department would like to remind residents and visitors of safe practices for purchasing, enjoying and disposing of fireworks. This Canada Day, low-hazard fireworks can only be discharged on private property between the hours of dusk and 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 1.
Low-hazard fireworks are designed for public recreational use. These fireworks travel less than 50m (160ft) high and include items such as roman candles, sparklers, fountains, wheels, volcanoes, mines and snakes.
High-hazard fireworks are designed for professionals and can only be purchased by persons holding a valid Fireworks Supervisor – Level I or Level II card issued by Natural Resources Canada.
Residents and spectators are reminded of the risks and obligations associated with fireworks:
For more information about fireworks safety, please visit saskatoon.ca/fireworks.
The Saskatoon Fire Department wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable Canada Day!
Dundonald Avenue closed between Caen and Mountbatten streets starting Thursday
June 28, 2023 - 7:00am
Dundonald Avenue will be closed between Caen and Mountbatten streets starting Thursday, June 29, at 8:00 a.m. for catch basin and manhole installation work. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone. This project is expected to take three weeks 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.
Saskatoon Transit will be implementing routing and service adjustments effective July 2, 2023
June 28, 2023 - 6:00am
Starting July 2, 2023, Saskatoon Transit will be implementing routing and service adjustments to enhance the transit experience.
Overview of what's changing:
Route 13 Avalon / Lawson Heights: The temporary detour in the Nutana neighborhood will become permanent, improving efficiency and schedule adherence. Look out for new bus stops along Clarence Ave.
Route 81/82 University / Centre Mall Route 84 Briarwood / Centre Mall Route 86 Rosewood / Centre Mall: There will be slight routing changes and stop adjustments to accommodate traffic calming devices and the proposed bike network. Look for new stop locations.
Route 43 City Centre / Evergreen Route 44 City Centre / Willowgrove Route 45City Centre / Arbor Creek Route 46 City Centre / 115th Street: Schedule adjustments throughout the day will ensure better schedule adherence.
Route 6 Market Mall via Preston / Broadway (name changes): To offer more clarity and eliminate confusion, Route 6 will be split into two distinct routes: Route 16 Eastview / University: Market Mall to University, then to Downtown. Route 6 Wilson Crescent / City Center: Market Mall to Eastview, Wilson Crescent, Broadway Ave, then to Downtown.
Make sure to download the Transit app to help with trip planning or visit SaskatoonTransit.ca for new maps and schedules.
Questions or concerns regarding these adjustments can be directed to Customer Service 306.975.3100 or transit.services@saskatoon.ca.
Thank you for your continued support and understanding as Saskatoon Transit works towards providing an improved transit experience for the residents of Saskatoon.
Canada Day Long Weekend: Adjusted holiday hours & civic services
June 27, 2023 - 3:30pm
It’s Canada Day on Saturday, July 1 and a long weekend ahead - always a fun kickoff to another great summer in Saskatoon!
When a statutory holiday falls on a weekend, it is typically observed by the City on the following Monday. The City of Saskatoon will have several adjusted civic services and hours of operation on Saturday, July 1, Canada Day, and also on Monday, July 3, check all details here.
Also, with warmer temperatures expected over the long weekend, the Extreme Heat Emergency Response will be activated from Friday, June 30 to Monday, July 3. For more information about the Extreme Heat Emergency Response, including a list of cool-down locations, please visit saskatoon.ca/heat.
The City of Saskatoon extends Happy Canada Day well-wishes to all residents and hopes that everyone in the community has a safe long weekend.
Visit saskatoon.ca for more information on City programs and services.