News Releases

Explore the prairie marsh like never before at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo). Students and families can examine the movement, respiration and adaptations of underwater life at the prairie marsh from the new accessible pier and lookout at the Saskatoon Zoo.

“We are very excited about this new enhancement to our facility and the educational opportunities it will provide for students and families visiting the Zoo,” says Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager. “We are so thankful for our continued partnership with the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation and the amazing work they do to raise funds for capital improvements to the Zoo.”

The new pier is fully accessible and enables wheelchair users to participate in pond-dipping activities. Net extenders are also available enabling users to have a deeper reach into the pond.

The wider dock not only improves viewing and mobility for all participants but also expands the capacity for school-based programming. Students will have the opportunity to learn more about the underwater invertebrates native to Saskatchewan, explore the importance of wetlands, and learn about the Sutherland Migratory Bird Sanctuary at the Forestry Farm Park.

Zoogoers can also explore the new pier by participating in the Saskatoon Zoo Society’s interpretive pond-dipping program available daily until September 2.

Construction of the new accessible pier was made possible thanks to the generous contribution from Greg and Olivia Yuel.

The Yuel's decision to donate to the Saskatoon Zoo's accessible pier represents their deeply rooted values of community support and inclusivity. Known for their work with The Rick Hansen Foundation, the Yuel’s are passionate about projects that directly benefit the community and promote accessibility for all individuals. Their dedication to enhancing recreational spaces reflects their belief in the power of nature and wildlife in childhood development. By supporting the Saskatoon Zoo’s accessible pier project, Greg and Olivia aim to create lasting impacts by ensuring that people of all abilities can enjoy and learn from the natural world in a safe and educational environment.

The pier is located at the back of the Zoo next to the pronghorn habitat. Be sure to explore this exciting new addition during your next visit.

The Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit saskatoon.ca/zoo to plan your next visit or learn more about the Zoo Season Pass.

The City of Saskatoon (City) has received a Provincial Traffic Safety Fund Grant to install a more visible pedestrian crossing at 22nd Street and Avenue X. The $78,000 grant, funded through photo speed enforcement proceeds, will go toward a pedestrian-activated signal at the intersection, as well as pavement markings and signage. 

“Right now, there are no pavement markings or illuminated signals to alert drivers of pedestrians crossing at this high-traffic location,” says Jay Magus, Director of Transportation. “Pedestrian safety will be significantly improved once the upgrade is complete.” 

With the pedestrian crossing improvements at 22nd Street and Avenue X, drivers will be required to stop at a red signal. It is expected to be operational by this fall. 

Provincial Traffic Safety Fund Grants are awarded to communities twice a year. The City will continue submitting funding applications to improve safety at other intersections and school zones throughout Saskatoon. 

For more information on pedestrian safety in Saskatoon, visit saskatoon.ca/pedestriansafety. 

Direct service from the Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to see the Saskatchewan Rattlers take on the Winnipeg Sea Bears at SaskTel Centre on Thursday, July 11 at 7:30 p.m., is available at the following times:

• 6:15 p.m.
• 6:55 p.m.

Direct service from the Special Events Stop to see the Saskatchewan Rattlers take on the Calgary Surge at SaskTel Centre on Sunday, July 14 at 4:00 p.m., is available at the following times:

• 2:45 p.m.
• 3:25 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.

Following extensive planning and careful consideration, City officials have proposed the name “Link” to be used for the branding and marketing of the new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. This new bus service will fall under the master brand of Saskatoon Transit, but it will have its own visual identity to reflect the unique service while complementing the master brand. 

Research on BRT systems in cities across North America shows early introduction and adoption of a BRT system brand identity is essential to the success of the new transit service. A report will be presented July 17 to the Governance and Priorities Committee of City Council seeking approval for the new Saskatoon Transit BRT brand name and visual identity. 

City Administration worked with Entro, a global firm with specialized knowledge in this field, on brand development for the BRT. A comprehensive eight-step process guided the identification of a brand name and visual identity. Steps included a brand and site audit, stakeholder research, visioning, naming, brand development and validation, visual language, and guidelines.  

The proposed “Link” brand will refer exclusively to the rapid transit lines (routes) currently identified as the red, green, and blue lines. 

Through naming workshops and discussions held with the public and key groups/organizations in Saskatoon, the name was associated with words such as connectivity, welcoming, accessible, reliable, modern and clear/straightforward. Participants also identified that the name embodied concepts of connection, speed and network and was timeless and easy to understand. 

If approved by City Council, work on the Link brand, marketing and wayfinding signage will continue over the coming months. This will involve the implementation of a communications and marketing plan aimed to increase community awareness of the new brand name. Communications will be focused on informing the public before there are construction impacts and provide education on the new future transit service. 

With the final BRT funding announcement from the Investing in Canada’s Infrastructure Program (ICIP) on June 28, the project can now proceed to the detailed design, procurement and construction phases. The City has retained engineering and consulting firm CIMA+ to complete detailed designs and assist in the tendering and management of construction contracts.   

Construction of part of the transit signal priority (TSP) system and the start of construction of 14 of the BRT stations’ concrete platforms is expected to begin this summer. This work will continue with another 30 stations in 2025.  

Engagement activities have been ongoing over the last few years on streetscaping design elements, public art components, station design, feeder routes and other project features, and will continue until the system is launched. 

For more information on the project, visit saskatoon.ca/brt. 

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

NEW

2ND AVE S ROAD CLOSED FROM 21ST ST E TO 23RD ST E
(Downtown Sidewalk Sale)
Start: July 11, 5:30 a.m. End: July 13, 7:00 p.m.

TAYLOR ST E EB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM SALISBURY DR TO MCEOWN AVE
(Storm main inspections)
Start: July 11, 9:00 a.m. End: July 11, 3:00 p.m.

20TH ST W EB & WB LANES CLOSED AT AVE W S
(Sanitary sewer lining)
Two-way traffic will be maintained in parking lanes
Start: July 11, 9:00 a.m. End: July 11, 3:00 p.m.

AVE W S NB & SB LANES CLOSED FROM 19TH ST W TO 20TH ST W
(Sanitary sewer lining)
Two-way traffic will be maintained in parking lanes
Start: July 11, 9:00 a.m. End: July 11, 3:00 p.m.

MARQUIS DR E EB LANES CLOSED FROM ARTHUR ROSE AVE TO BRODSKY AVE
(Roadway patching)
Start: July 11, 10:00 a.m. End: July 11, 3:00 p.m.

NIGHT WORK

COLLEGE DR WB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM CENTRAL AVE TO PRESTON AVE N
(Paving)
No access to Circle Drive SB from College Drive WB
Start: July 11, 6:30 p.m. End: July 12, 6:00 a.m.

CIRCLE DR E NB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM TAYLOR ST E TO COLLEGE DR
(Pavement markings)
Start: July 11, 7:00 p.m. End: July 12, 5:00 a.m.

HIGHWAY 11 SB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM VIC BLVD TO CITY LIMITS
(Road resurfacing)
Start: July 11, 7:00 p.m. End: July 12, 6:00 a.m.

ONGOING

COLLEGE DR WB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM CENTRAL AVE TO CIRCLE DR E
(Road resurfacing)
Start: July 9, 6:30 p.m. End: July 11, 6:00 a.m.

HIGHWAY 11 SB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM VIC BLVD TO KOLYNCHUK CRES
(Paving)
Start: July 10, 7:00 p.m. End: July 11, 6:00 a.m.

MCORMOND DR SB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM BRIGHTON GATE TO BRIGHTON COMMON
(Tree planting)
Start: July 8, 9:00 a.m. End: July 12, 4:30 p.m.

HIGHWAY 7 NB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM 11TH ST W TO 22ND ST W
(Road resurfacing)
Start: July 10, 11:00 a.m. End: July 13, 6:00 p.m.

MELVILLE ST EB LANES CLOSED FROM PORTAGE AVE TO BRAND RD
(Construction)
Start: June 25, 7:00 a.m. End: July 14, 5:00 p.m.

MELVILLE ST EB LANES CLOSED FROM LORNE AVE TO PORTAGE AVE
(Construction)
Start: June 7, 7:00 a.m. End: July 14, 5:00 p.m.

MCORMOND DR SB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM FEHEREGYHAZI BLVD TO DATTANI WAY
(Streetscaping)
Start: July 4, 7:00 a.m. End: July 21, 5:00 p.m.

COLLEGE DR EB MEDIAN & NEXT LANE CLOSED FROM CLARENCE AVE N TO UNIVERSITY DR
(Water main maintenance)
Start: April 29, 7:00 a.m. End: July 21, 5:00 p.m.

COLLEGE DR EB MEDIAN & NEXT LANES AND WB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM UNIVERSITY DR TO CUMBERLAND AVE N
(Water main maintenance)
Start: April 29, 7:00 a.m. End: July 21, 5:00 p.m.

FAIRLIGHT DR INTERSECTION CLOSED AT 11TH ST W
(Infrastructure improvements)
Start: June 17, 7:00 a.m. End: August 2, 5:00 p.m.

NEAULT RD ROAD CLOSED FROM 22ND ST W TO WHELAN RD
(Road construction)
Start: May 2, 9:00 a.m. End: August 12, 5:00 p.m.

20TH ST E WB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 1ST AVE S TO IDYLWYLD DR S
(Streetscaping)
Start: July 5, 7:00 a.m. End: August 22, 4:30 p.m.

8TH ST E ROAD CLOSED FROM MCORMOND DR TO ZIMMERMAN RD
(Road construction)
No access to Zimmerman Rd from 8th St
Start: June 10, 7:00 a.m. End: October 31, 5:00 p.m.

BRIGHTON BLVD ROAD CLOSED FROM TASKAMANWA ST TO 8TH ST E
(Construction)
Use McOrmond Dr
Start: November 20, 7:00 a.m. End: November 18, 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 College Drive westbound ramp to Circle Drive southbound will be closed on Thursday, July 11, starting at 6:30 p.m. for paving. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone. This project is expected to take one night 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.

2nd Avenue will be closed between 21st and 23rd streets starting on Thursday, July 11, at 5:30 a.m. for the Downtown Sidewalk Sale. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone. The event closures will be in place daily from 5:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for three days, 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.

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

NEW

BROADWAY AVE NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM 4TH ST E TO 6TH ST E
(Sewer lining)
Start: July 10, 9:00 a.m. End: July 10, 3:00 p.m.

TAYLOR ST E EB & WB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED AT MCEOWN AVE
(Storm main repair)
Start: July 10, 9:00 a.m. End: July 10, 3:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DR W SB CURB LANE CLOSED AT 33RD ST W
(Minor bridge maintenance)
Start: July 10, 9:00 a.m. End: July 10, 3:00 p.m.

HIGHWAY 7 NB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM 11TH ST W TO 22ND ST W
(Road resurfacing)
Start: July 10, 11:00 a.m. End: July 13, 6:00 p.m.

NIGHT WORK

HIGHWAY 11 SB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM VIC BLVD TO KOLYNCHUK CRES
(Paving)
Start: July 10, 7:00 p.m. End: July 11, 6:00 a.m.

ONGOING

CIRCLE DR S WB CENTRE LANE CLOSED AT VALLEY RD
(Pavement markings)
Start: July 9, 7:00 p.m. End: July 10, 5:00 a.m.

CIRCLE DR W NB CURB LANE CLOSED AT 11TH ST W
(Pavement markings)
Start: July 9, 7:00 p.m. End: July 10, 5:00 a.m.

HIGHWAY 11 SB RAMP & CURB LANE CLOSED FROM CIRCLE DR E TO VIC BLVD
(Road resurfacing)
Start: July 9, 7:00 p.m. End: July 10, 6:00 a.m.

CIRCLE DR W NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM LAURIER DR TO 33RD ST W
(Pavement markings)
Start: July 9, 7:00 p.m. End: July 10, 6:00 a.m.

HIGHWAY 7 NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 11TH ST TO RAILWAY CROSSING
(Paving)
Start: July 8, 7:00 a.m. End: July 10, 5:00 p.m.

COLLEGE DR WB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM CENTRAL AVE TO CIRCLE DR E
(Road resurfacing)
Start: July 9, 6:30 p.m. End: July 11, 6:00 a.m.

MCORMOND DR SB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM BRIGHTON GATE TO BRIGHTON COMMON
(Tree planting)
Start: July 8, 9:00 a.m. End: July 12, 4:30 p.m.

MELVILLE ST EB LANES CLOSED FROM PORTAGE AVE TO BRAND RD
(Construction)
Start: June 25, 7:00 a.m. End: July 14, 5:00 p.m.

MELVILLE ST EB LANES CLOSED FROM LORNE AVE TO PORTAGE AVE
(Construction)
Start: June 7, 7:00 a.m. End: July 14, 5:00 p.m.

MCORMOND DR SB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM FEHEREGYHAZI BLVD TO DATTANI WAY
(Streetscaping)
Start: July 4, 7:00 a.m. End: July 21, 5:00 p.m.

COLLEGE DR EB MEDIAN & NEXT LANE CLOSED FROM CLARENCE AVE N TO UNIVERSITY DR
(Water main maintenance)
Start: April 29, 7:00 a.m. End: July 21, 5:00 p.m.

COLLEGE DR EB MEDIAN & NEXT LANES AND WB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM UNIVERSITY DR TO CUMBERLAND AVE N
(Water main maintenance)
Start: April 29, 7:00 a.m. End: July 21, 5:00 p.m.

FAIRLIGHT DR INTERSECTION CLOSED AT 11TH ST W
(Infrastructure improvements)
Start: June 17, 7:00 a.m. End: August 2, 5:00 p.m.

NEAULT RD ROAD CLOSED FROM 22ND ST W TO WHELAN RD
(Road construction)
Start: May 2, 9:00 a.m. End: August 12, 5:00 p.m.

20TH ST E WB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 1ST AVE S TO IDYLWYLD DR S
(Streetscaping)
Start: July 5, 7:00 a.m. End: August 22, 4:30 p.m.

8TH ST E ROAD CLOSED FROM MCORMOND DR TO ZIMMERMAN RD
(Road construction)
No access to Zimmerman Rd from 8th St
Start: June 10, 7:00 a.m. End: October 31, 5:00 p.m.

BRIGHTON BLVD ROAD CLOSED FROM TASKAMANWA ST TO 8TH ST E
(Construction)
Use McOrmond Dr
Start: November 20, 7:00 a.m. End: November 18, 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.

As part of the City's Extreme Heat Response, all spray pads hours have been extended to 10:00 p.m. until Thursday, July 11.  Spray pads are open daily at 10:00 a.m. Visit saskatoon.ca/spraypads for a list of spray pad locations. 

There are over 60 locations across Saskatoon to cool off and take a break from the heat. View the list of Cool Down Locations to find a cooling location near you.

In anticipation of higher than normal temperatures this week, combined with the Air Quality Index, the Saskatoon Emergency Management Organization (EMO) will activate the Saskatoon Extreme Heat Emergency Response Plan from Monday, July 8 to Thursday, July 11 to support residents in Saskatoon, especially those vulnerable to the heat.

The Saskatoon Extreme Heat Emergency Response Plan is a coordinated response that provides residents with access to cooling locations, outreach services, wellness checks and water distribution during extreme heat. Individuals and families experiencing distress from the heat can visit any of the designated cool-down locations throughout the city. Partner organizations will also distribute water to vulnerable residents and have access to misting tents to provide another way to cool down.

Extreme Heat can cause serious negative health impacts ranging from dehydration and heat exhaustion to heat stroke and potentially death. Extreme heat can be especially dangerous for individuals who live in a residence without air conditioning or a way to cool the home, are older adults, and who also have re-existing health conditions. Residents can help those most vulnerable to this extreme and prolonged heat by checking on family, friends and neighbours, sharing the list of cool-down locations and by alerting emergency services if they see someone in distress due to the extreme heat.

In an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Other things to consider during days of extreme heat: 

River Safety

Although the South Saskatchewan River may provide a tempting option to cool down on hot days, EMO reminds residents that the river is unpredictable and swimming in the river is prohibited. The river has many hazards including changing currents and an unstable bottom.

Pet Wellness

On warm summer days, it’s important to keep your pets safe and comfortable. Considerations include:

• Ensuring your pet has plenty of fresh water to drink
• Monitoring your pet for signs of heat stress such as rapid panting
• Never leaving pets in parked cars for any amount of time
• Offering your pet a means to cool down such as a wading pool or damp towel

For more information on how to keep your pet safe this summer, contact your local veterinarian.

Working Safe

As the humidex rises, those who work outdoors are encouraged to take necessary actions including:

• Drink extra water,
• Increase breaks out of the sun
• Modify work duties to prevent heat illness

For safety tips and guidelines for employees working in hot conditions, visit the Government of Saskatchewan’s Working Outdoors page.

Transit Safe Bus Program

As always, Saskatoon Transit offers the Safe Bus Program designed to assist anyone, of any age, that needs immediate shelter or needs to contact emergency services. If you need help, simply and safely flag down a bus or go to a parked bus. Transit operators can contact emergency services directly through the on-bus radio system and will give the person in need a safe place to wait.

Smart Yard and Garden Watering

During heat waves, there is increased water usage. The City encourages residents to be water wise by watering your lawn and trees early in the morning and skip windy days to minimize evaporation. Smart watering helps the environment and can save you money during hot summer months. Follow these quick lawn care tips to be more efficient with your water and learn more ways to be water wise.

For more information about the Saskatoon Extreme Heat Emergency Response Plan and how to stay safe during extreme heat, visit saskatoon.ca/heat.