News Releases

Enjoy Canada Day celebrations without the stress of traffic and parking by taking Saskatoon Transit. Customers are also reminded that new fare adjustments for 2026 take effect on July 1.

Fixed-route service will run holiday hours until 9 p.m. on Canada Day. After the fireworks, free bus service will depart from two locations:

• North of river: 3rd Avenue and 19th Street
• South of river: Victoria Avenue and 11th Street

Access Transit will run holiday hours until 11 p.m. Per normal booking procedures, trips must be booked in advance, and subscriptions do not apply on statutory holidays. All Access Transit pickups and drop-offs for Canada Day events downtown will be at the temporary stop on 19th Street and 2nd Avenue near the Nutrien Tower.

Customers are encouraged to use real-time apps like Transit or Google Maps Transit to plan their trips on July 1. However, trip planning for travel after the fireworks will not be available on these apps, so riders are advised to plan their post-fireworks travel in advance and refer to the Canada Day 2026 Special Event Bus Map.

For Canada Day Service information, visit: saskatoontransit.ca.

For 2026 fare adjustment information, visit: saskatoontransit.ca/fares.

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 are permitted on private property between dusk and 11:00 p.m. on Wednesday, 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:

• 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.

For more information about fireworks safety, please visit saskatoon.ca/fireworks.

The Saskatoon Fire Department wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable Canada Day!

The Saskatoon Fire Department urges the public to remain cautious for the next week around the South Saskatchewan River.

Even though river levels and flow rates have and will be declining to more typical levels in the following week, there is the potential that conditions could change rapidly.

Recreational activities may resume in a more typical fashion -- keeping safety top of mind.

The Saskatchewan Water Security Agency says releases from lake Diefenbaker will remain at 160 m³/s until the end of next week, subject to review early next week. Based on power production requirements, flows at Saskatoon may fluctuate on a daily basis.

The Water Security Agency issued an Advisory Wednesday for the North Saskatchewan River and Saskatchewan River systems. It does not include the South Saskatchewan River through Saskatoon.

The Fire Department again stresses that while the river may provide a tempting option to cool down on hot days, the South Saskatchewan is unpredictable. Aside from the changing currents and unstable bottom, it may still have many additional hazards right now such as fallen branches, hidden material and floating debris that will pose a threat to anyone in or near the water.

Swimming is prohibited in the South Saskatchewan River
Bylaw No. 4433 prohibits swimming in the South Saskatchewan River within city limits.

View weir from a safe distance 
The South Saskatchewan River is equipped with a weir to alter the flow and discharge of water along the river. This barrier produces a powerful backwash of water that can trap objects and people. The weir must never be approached and should only be viewed from designated areas along Spadina Crescent East.

Pet safety 
Just as the river may pose risks to humans, it is also risky for pets. Pet owners are reminded to keep a close watch on their pets – especially in off-leash areas where they could get into the river.

Water rescue tips 
If you witness someone in distress in the river:

• Call 911 immediately to report the incident, noting details about the individual, time and situation.
• Keep track of recognizable landmarks around the area where the individual was first seen in distress in the water.
• Coach the individual from the shore edge on the below noted tips for water self-rescue.

If you are in distress in the river:

• Stay calm.
• Keep your head above the water.
• Remove any heavy or bulky clothing items.
• Don’t fight the current; move with the current as you work your way to the shore edge.

Always be cautious near the river. In an emergency, call 911 immediately.