News Releases

As temperatures soar this weekend, the City of Saskatoon has reopened the spray pads today to provide some extra summer fun and an opportunity for residents to cool down.

All spray pads are open except for Robert Hunter, Thornton and Wallace Parks, as the water lines were already blown out for winter.

Hours of operation:

• Spray pads near schools will be on Saturday – Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• All other spray pads will be open Saturday – Monday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

All spray pads are activated by push buttons located near the spray features.

To find a spray pad location near you, visit saskatoon.ca/spraypads.

A site located at 210 Pacific Avenue has been identified as a potential site for a temporary 30 to 40 bed enhanced emergency residential shelter. The site was formerly operated by the Saskatchewan Transportation Company and is now owned by the City. With some renovation, it will be suitable for a shelter and meet most of the City Council-approved criteria:

• Room for approximately 30 beds each
• Beds in an open shelter-type hall (with movable wall systems or partitions)
• Some private rooms (accessed internally)
• An area suitable for office space for site staff
• Showers, bathrooms, kitchen
• Internal and external gathering spaces (amenity spaces) available on site be considered
• Proximity to other services should be considered
• Zoned appropriately if possible, or applicable for designation under the City’s Emergency Residential Shelter zoning provision
• On February 28, 2024 City Council also directed that any site be at least 250 metres from an elementary school in the Saskatoon Public School or Greater Saskatoon Catholic School system.

If the site receives the necessary approvals by City Council, it is anticipated to open as a temporary 30 to 40 bed enhanced emergency shelter in Winter 2024. Before the site may be used as a temporary "Emergency Residential Shelter", as per the City of Saskatoon Zoning Bylaw, City Council must approve the duration of the shelter for a temporary operation up to 18 months. This building will be leased to the Government of Saskatchewan. City Council is also required to approve the lease, and the request for a below market value lease rate.

The City has led the site-selection process and the Government of Saskatchewan is investing up to $250,000 for renovations. The Province will also provide operational funding for shelter services. Further details will be included in a report to be presented to City Council at its meeting Wednesday, September 25, 2024.

Neighbourhood Information Sessions will be held on September 16, 2024 with representatives from the City and the Province’s service provider, The Mustard Seed. Area residents and business will be invited to attend to learn about shelter operations as well as plans for safety and security around the facility.

The search continues for a longer-term solution for an enhanced emergency shelter site. Since October 2023, City Administration has been actively working with the Government of Saskatchewan to identify locations for temporary and permanent emergency shelters. The City Administration continues to work with the Government of Saskatchewan to identify a longer-term site, or sites, for enhanced emergency shelter spaces. Site options for a permanent location are undergoing the final stages of diligence processes.

Background

In October 2023, the Government of Saskatchewan announced a Provincial Approach to Homelessness that included funding for 60 new enhanced emergency shelter spaces in Saskatoon.

Enhanced emergency shelters provide clients with full access to shelter (24 hours per day, seven days per week). Clients are also provided three meals per day, case planning and access to wrap-around supports to address wellness and cultural needs, with assistance in connecting to services and help to transition to appropriate housing. 

The City agreed to lead the site-selection process after receiving City Council direction. Since then, City officials have continued to work with the Government of Saskatchewan to find suitable locations to meet those needs.

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

NEW

8TH ST E EB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM PRESTON AVE N TO CAMPBELL AVE
(SaskEnergy)
Start: September 9, 7:00 a.m. End: September 12, 5:00 p.m.

KENSINGTON GATE INTERSECTION CLOSED AT NEAULT RD
(Construction)
Start: September 9, 9:00 a.m. End: September 30, 4:00 p.m.

ADILMAN DR WB RIGHT TURN BAY CLOSED AT WANUSKEWIN RD
(Underground maintenance)
Start: September 9, 9:00 a.m. End: September 9, 3:00 p.m.

WANUSKEWIN RD SB LEFT TURN BAY CLOSED AT ADILMAN DR
(Underground maintenance)
Start: September 9, 9:00 a.m. End: September 9, 3:00 p.m.

COLLEGE DR WB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM CIRCLE DR E TO PRESTON AVE N
(Minor bridge maintenance)
Start: September 9, 9:00 a.m. End: September 9, 3:00 p.m.

AVE W S ROAD CLOSED FROM 19TH ST W TO 21ST ST W
(Crack sealing)
20th St intersection remains open
Start: September 9, 9:00 a.m. End: September 9, 3:00 p.m.

NIGHT WORK

IDYLWYLD DR N NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM MARQUIS DR E TO 71ST ST E
(Pavement markings)
Start: September 9, 7:00 p.m. End: September 10, 6:00 a.m.

22ND ST W EB & WB LEFT TURN BAYS CLOSED AT AVE D S
(Sanitary sewer lining)
Start: September 9, 7:00 p.m. End: September 10, 7:00 a.m.

CIRCLE DR E NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 8TH ST E TO 14TH ST E
(Pavement markings)
Start: September 9, 8:00 p.m. End: September 10, 6:00 a.m.

CIRCLE DR E SB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM COLLEGE DR TO 14TH ST E
(Pavement markings)
Start: September 9, 8:00 p.m. End: September 10, 6:00 a.m.

ONGOING

IDYLWYLD DR N NB MEDIAN & CENTRE LANES CLOSED FROM MARQUIS DR E TO 71ST ST E
(Pavement markings)
Start: September 8, 7:00 p.m. End: September 9, 5:00 a.m.

8TH ST E EB LANES CLOSED FROM BOYCHUK DR TO WESS RD
(Road resurfacing)
Start: September 7, 7:00 a.m. End: September 9, 6:00 a.m.

MELVILLE ST INTERSECTION CLOSED AT PORTAGE AVE
(Construction)
Start: July 31, 7:00 a.m. End: September 9, 1:00 p.m.

20TH ST W EB CURB LANE CLOSED AT AVE E S
(Water main maintenance)
Start: August 7, 7:00 a.m. End: September 9, 4:30 p.m.

20TH ST E WB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 2ND AVE S TO 1ST AVE S
(Streetscaping)
Start: September 3, 7:00 a.m. End: September 10, 7:00 a.m.

FAITHFULL AVE ROAD CLOSED FROM 43RD ST E TO 44TH ST E
(Water main maintenance)
Start: September 3, 7:00 a.m. End: September 12, 5:00 p.m.

COLLEGE DR EB LANES CLOSED FROM CLARENCE AVE N TO WIGGINS AVE N
(Water main maintenance)
Start: August 19, 7:00 a.m. End: September 16, 5:00 p.m.

7TH AVE N ROAD CLOSED FROM OSBORNE ST TO WINDSOR ST
(Water main maintenance)
Start: August 8, 7:00 a.m. End: October 4, 4:00 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.

24TH ST E WB LANES CLOSED FROM 6TH AVE N TO 5TH AVE N
(SL&P construction)
Start: August 7, 8:00 a.m. End: November 7, 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.

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

NEW

BROADWAY AVE ROAD CLOSED FROM 8TH ST E TO 12TH ST E
(Broadway Street Fair)
Start: September 7, 6:00 a.m. End: September 7, 8:00 p.m.

3RD AVE N NB CURB & MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM 24TH ST E TO 25TH ST E
(Bracket installation)
Start: September 7, 6:00 a.m. End: September 8, 4:30 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR N NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 25TH ST E TO 26TH ST W
(Paving)
Start: September 7, 7:00 a.m. End: September 7, 7:00 p.m.

8TH ST E EB LANES CLOSED FROM BOYCHUK DR TO WESS RD
(Road resurfacing)
Start: September 7, 7:00 a.m. End: September 9, 6:00 a.m.

NEAULT RD SB LANES CLOSED AT 33RD ST W
(Signal installation)
Two-way traffic will be maintained in NB lanes
Start: September 8, 6:00 a.m. End: September 8, 10:00 a.m.

COLLEGE DR EB & WB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM CAMPUS DR TO ADMINISTRATION PL
(Streetlight pole replacements)
Start: September 8, 6:30 a.m. End: September 8, 12:30 p.m.

CIRCLE DR E NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM 14TH ST E TO COLLEGE DR
(Cable fault repair)
Start: September 8, 6:30 a.m. End: September 8, 12:30 p.m.

PRESTON AVE N NB LANES CLOSED FROM 14TH ST E TO COLLEGE DR
(Roadway patching)
Two-way traffic will be maintained in SB lanes
Start: September 8, 7:00 a.m. End: September 8, 12:30 p.m.

108TH ST W ROAD CLOSED FROM LANYON AVE TO BRYANS AVE
(Roadway patching)
Start: September 8, 7:00 a.m. End: September 8, 3:00 p.m.

3RD AVE N NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED AT 33RD ST E
(Valve repair)
Start: September 8, 8:00 a.m. End: September 8, 5:00 p.m.

PRESTON AVE S NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM ARLINGTON AVE TO WILSON CRES
(Concrete work)
Start: September 8, 9:00 a.m. End: September 8, 5:00 p.m.

NIGHT WORK

WARMAN RD SB LEFT TURN BAY CLOSED AT CIRCLE DR E
(Sanitary sewer lining)
Start: September 7, 5:00 p.m. End: September 8, 6:00 a.m.

MILLAR AVE NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM 43RD ST E TO 45TH ST E
(Sanitary sewer lining)
Start: September 7, 5:00 p.m. End: September 8, 7:00 a.m.

HIGHWAY 16 WB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM DELARONDE CRT TO CIRCLE DR E
(Pavement markings)
Start: September 7, 7:00 p.m. End: September 8, 5:00 a.m.

HIGHWAY 16 WB CURB LANE CLOSED AT BOYCHUK DR
(Pavement markings)
Start: September 7, 7:00 p.m. End: September 8, 5:00 a.m.

HIGHWAY 16 WB CURB LANE CLOSED AT ZIMMERMAN RD
(Pavement markings)
Start: September 7, 7:00 p.m. End: September 8, 6:00 a.m.

IDYLWYLD DR N NB MEDIAN & CENTRE LANES CLOSED FROM MARQUIS DR E TO 71ST ST E
(Pavement markings)
Start: September 8, 7:00 p.m. End: September 9, 5:00 a.m.

ONGOING

HIGHWAY 16 EB CURB LANE CLOSED AT BOYCHUK DR
(Pavement markings)
Access to/from Boychuk Dr will be maintained
Start: September 6, 7:00 p.m. End: September 7, 5:00 a.m.

MILLAR AVE NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM 43RD ST E TO 45TH ST E
(Sanitary sewer lining)
Start: September 6, 7:00 p.m. End: September 7, 6:00 a.m.

MCORMOND DR NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM FEHEREGYHAZI BLVD TO HENRY DAYDAY RD
(Streetscaping)
Start: August 21, 7:00 a.m. End: September 7, 4:30 p.m.

PRESTON AVE S NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 8TH ST E TO MAIN ST
(Gas main repair)
Start: September 3, 7:00 a.m. End: September 7, 4:30 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR N SB LANES CLOSED FROM 31ST ST W TO 29TH ST W
(Water main maintenance)
Two-way traffic will be maintained in NB lanes
Start: September 6, 7:00 a.m. End: September 8, 5:00 p.m.

MELVILLE ST INTERSECTION CLOSED AT PORTAGE AVE
(Construction)
Start: July 31, 7:00 a.m. End: September 9, 1:00 p.m.

20TH ST W EB CURB LANE CLOSED AT AVE E S
(Water main maintenance)
Start: August 7, 7:00 a.m. End: September 9, 4:30 p.m.

20TH ST E WB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 2ND AVE S TO 1ST AVE S
(Streetscaping)
Start: September 3, 7:00 a.m. End: September 10, 7:00 a.m.

FAITHFULL AVE ROAD CLOSED FROM 43RD ST E TO 44TH ST E
(Water main maintenance)
Start: September 3, 7:00 a.m. End: September 12, 5:00 p.m.

COLLEGE DR EB LANES CLOSED FROM CLARENCE AVE N TO WIGGINS AVE N
(Water main maintenance)
Start: August 19, 7:00 a.m. End: September 16, 5:00 p.m.

7TH AVE N ROAD CLOSED FROM OSBORNE ST TO WINDSOR ST
(Water main maintenance)
Start: August 8, 7:00 a.m. End: October 4, 4:00 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.

24TH ST E WB LANES CLOSED FROM 6TH AVE N TO 5TH AVE N
(SL&P construction)
Start: August 7, 8:00 a.m. End: November 7, 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.

Melville Street will be closed between Portage Avenue and Brand Road starting Monday, September 9, at 7:00 a.m. for construction. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone. This project is expected to take four days 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 8th Street ramp to Circle Drive northbound will be closed starting on Monday, September 9, at 8:00 p.m. for pavement markings. 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.

Broadway Avenue will be closed between 8th and 12th streets on Saturday, September 7, starting at 6:00 a.m. for the Broadway Street Fair. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone. Roadways are expected to open after 8:00 p.m., 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

SPADINA CRES E ROAD CLOSED FROM 22ND ST E TO 23RD ST E
(Colliers Cup Charity Street Hockey Tournament)
Start: September 6, 5:00 a.m. End: September 6, 9:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR N SB LANES CLOSED FROM 31ST ST W TO 29TH ST W
(Water main maintenance)
Two-way traffic will be maintained in NB lanes
Start: September 6, 7:00 a.m. End: September 8, 5:00 p.m.

NIGHT WORK

HIGHWAY 16 EB MEDIAN LANE & LEFT TURN LANE CLOSED AT ZIMMERMAN RD
(Pavement markings)
Start: September 6, 7:00 p.m. End: September 6, 5:00 a.m.

HIGHWAY 16 EB CURB LANE CLOSED AT CIRCLE DR E
(Pavement markings)
Start: September 6, 7:00 p.m. End: September 6, 5:30 a.m.

HIGHWAY 16 EB CURB LANE CLOSED AT BOYCHUK DR
(Pavement markings)
Access to/from Boychuk Dr will be maintained
Start: September 6, 7:00 p.m. End: September 7, 5:00 a.m.

MILLAR AVE NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM 43RD ST E TO 45TH ST E
(Sanitary sewer lining)
Start: September 6, 7:00 p.m. End: September 7, 6:00 a.m.

ONGOING

WARMAN RD SB LEFT TURN LANE CLOSED AT CIRCLE DR E
(Sanitary sewer lining)
Start: September 5, 7:00 p.m. End: September 6, 6:00 a.m.

11TH ST W EB LANES CLOSED FROM CRESCENT BLVD TO FAIRLIGHT DR
(Infrastructure improvements)
Start: July 31, 7:00 a.m. End: September 6, 4:00 p.m.

BRIGHTON BLVD WEST SIDE OF ROUND-A-BOUT CLOSED AT TASKAMANWA ST
(Service install)
Start: July 31, 7:00 a.m. End: September 6, 5:00 p.m.

MCORMOND DR NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM FEHEREGYHAZI BLVD TO HENRY DAYDAY RD
(Streetscaping)
Start: August 21, 7:00 a.m. End: September 7, 4:30 p.m.

PRESTON AVE S NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 8TH ST E TO MAIN ST
(Gas main repair)
Start: September 3, 7:00 a.m. End: September 7, 4:30 p.m.

MELVILLE ST INTERSECTION CLOSED AT PORTAGE AVE
(Construction)
Start: July 31, 7:00 a.m. End: September 9, 1:00 p.m.

20TH ST W EB CURB LANE CLOSED AT AVE E S
(Water main maintenance)
Start: August 7, 7:00 a.m. End: September 9, 4:30 p.m.

20TH ST E WB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 2ND AVE S TO 1ST AVE S
(Streetscaping)
Start: September 3, 7:00 a.m. End: September 10, 7:00 a.m.

FAITHFULL AVE ROAD CLOSED FROM 43RD ST E TO 44TH ST E
(Water main maintenance)
Start: September 3, 7:00 a.m. End: September 12, 5:00 p.m.

COLLEGE DR EB LANES CLOSED FROM CLARENCE AVE N TO WIGGINS AVE N
(Water main maintenance)
Start: August 19, 7:00 a.m. End: September 16, 5:00 p.m.

7TH AVE N ROAD CLOSED FROM OSBORNE ST TO WINDSOR ST
(Water main maintenance)
Start: August 8, 7:00 a.m. End: October 4, 4:00 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.

24TH ST E WB LANES CLOSED FROM 6TH AVE N TO 5TH AVE N
(SL&P construction)
Start: August 7, 8:00 a.m. End: November 7, 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 City of Saskatoon Parks Department has confirmed new positive cases of Dutch elm disease (DED) in three elm trees in the Varsity View neighbourhood, one case in North Park and two in Westmount.  

“We cannot be clearer than this: do not store elm wood on your property,” says Thai Hoang, Director of Parks. “Keeping elm wood – whether it is to burn in your fire pit or for other uses – threatens our historic tree canopy which we all love so much. About a quarter of our urban forest is elm.” 

Hoang says Parks has conducted 91 tests and so far, received results from 54 trees. 

“From those, there have been six trees that have tested positive for Dutch Elm Disease. As part of our response we will be removing a total of eight trees.” 

While Hoang points out City Council increased the Parks budget to prevent the spread of DED, he reminds Saskatoon residents they need to check their properties for Elm. City staff have already seized 2000 kg of elm wood in sweeps of the Varsity View neighbourhood following a previous DED tree removal.  

Hoang says typically the leaves on American elm trees with DED will start to wilt and turn yellow, then curl and turn brown. He says if anyone suspects an unhealthy elm tree or are unsure of what type of firewood they have, they can take a photo and complete the online form or call Urban Forestry at 306-975-2890. 

Hoang reminds residents they can help prevent Dutch elm disease by:  

• Never storing elm wood or branches. Don’t buy or take elm wood from anyone and don’t burn it. 
• Not pruning elms during the provincial pruning ban (April 1 to August 31). 
• Disposing of elm wood at the Saskatoon Landfill. 
• Do not take elm to the compost depot or put it in your green bin. Dispose of it immediately, disposal of residential elm wood at the Landfill is free.  

This is a visual representation of what Woodlawn Cemetery would look like if all its memorial and historic elms were lost to DED.

“We’re getting a better idea of how the Saskatoon landscape would change if DED were to keep progressing, but it can be curtailed, get rid of elm wood and if you’re not sure what you have send us a picture.” 

The City has already initiated its DED Response Plan, which includes:  

• Immediate removal of the positive tree(s) and disposal at the City landfill  
• Increased surveillance of the surrounding area to search for stored elm wood  
• Sampling of symptomatic trees within one kilometre of the infected tree  
• Continuing regular elm surveillance and cyclical pruning of trees in parks and on boulevards  

What will happen in impacted areas? 

Parks staff will be conducting surveillance around impacted areas. Surveillance of these areas includes checking every property for elm firewood or brush and removing it when it is found. If residents are not home, staff will remove the elm wood and leave an Elm Infraction Notice with a note indicating that the wood was removed. 

As part of the Forest Resource Management Act, the Provincial Dutch Elm Disease Regulations, 2005 allow inspectors to enter private property to inspect for elm wood, remove elm wood and sample private elm trees. In accordance with the regulations, property owners will be asked to remove and dispose of infected elm trees. 

What is DED? 

DED is a serious disease caused by a fungus that clogs the elm tree’s water and nutrient conducting system, which eventually causes the tree to die. DED was introduced in North America in the 1930s and has since wiped out millions of elms across Canada and the United States. In Saskatoon, elms make up 25% of our urban forest. 

How is DED spread? 

In Saskatchewan, the disease is spread by several species of elm bark beetles. These beetles can fly farther than two kilometres in search of elm trees. The DED fungus has tiny spores that stick to the body of the beetle. Elm bark beetles can carry these spores and infect other elm trees. The fungus can also be spread by infected pruning tools. 

For more information on DED, visit saskatoon.ca/dutchelmdisease. 

Spadina Crescent will be closed between 22nd and 23rd streets on Friday, September 6, starting at 5:00 a.m. for the Colliers Cup Charity Street Hockey Tournament. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the event. Roadways are expected to reopen after 9:00 p.m., 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.