News Releases
Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
Record Dutch elm disease cases identified: City urges action for “ecological emergency’”
August 29, 2025 - 9:30am
- Never storing elm wood or branches. Don’t buy or take elm wood from anyone and don’t burn it.
- Following the provincial pruning ban (April 1 to August 31). Elm bark beetles are attracted to freshly cut wood and are most active during this time period.
- Disposing of elm wood at the Saskatoon Landfill. All disposal of elm wood at the Landfill is free.
- Do not take elm to the Compost Depot or put it in your green bin. Dispose of it immediately at the Saskatoon Landfill.
- 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
The City of Saskatoon has confirmed a record 12 positive cases of Dutch Elm Disease (DED) . These cases are widespread and not concentrated in any particular neighbourhood. In addition to the lab-confirmed cases, there are an additional seven trees elm inspectors have identified with very evident DED symptoms and will be removed proactively as a precaution These figures represent the greatest-ever number of DED cases in Saskatoon.
“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. This is not a minor issue—it is an ecological emergency.”
DED is a devastating and aggressive fungal infection that poses a critical threat to elm populations worldwide. Once introduced, it spreads rapidly often killing mature trees within a single growing season. The disease has already decimated millions of elms across North America and Europe, erasing entire urban canopies and altering ecosystems. Its impact is irreversible without swift and strategic intervention. Failure to act not only endangers the survival of these iconic trees but also compromises biodiversity, soil stability, and the aesthetic and environmental value of our communities.
City Council increased the Parks budget to prevent the spread of DED, but Hoang reminds Saskatoon residents they also have a role to play–by checking their properties for elm wood.
City staff have already disposed of 8720 kg of elm wood during neighbourhood sweeps in areas affected by previous DED tree removals. That’s more than the average weight of an African elephant, highlighting the scale and urgency of the response.
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.
Residents can help prevent Dutch elm disease by:
“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:
For more information on DED, visit saskatoon.ca/dutchelmdisease.
Ruth Street closed between Kelvin and Melrose avenues on Tuesday
August 29, 2025 - 7:00am
Ruth Street will be closed between Kelvin and Melrose avenues on Tuesday, September 2, starting at 8:00 a.m. for service connection maintenance. 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.
Bus service to Lainey Wilson
August 29, 2025 - 6:00am
- 5:40 p.m.
- 5:50 p.m.
- 6:00 p.m.
- 6:10 p.m.
- 6:20 p.m.
- 6:30 p.m.
- 6:40 p.m.
- 6:50 p.m.
- 7:00 p.m.
- 7:10 p.m.
- 7:20 p.m.
Direct service from the Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to see Lainey Wilson at SaskTel Centre on Saturday, August 30 at 7:00 p.m. is available at the following times:
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.
City of Saskatoon 2024 Annual Report now available online
August 28, 2025 - 3:22pm
- A higher interest rate environment brought better than expected investment returns.
- Operating revenues from Saskatoon Transit user fees continued to exceed budgeted revenue.
- Savings in software licenses and insurance costs also contributed to the overall surplus.
The City of Saskatoon has released its 2024 Annual Report to the public having received the opinion of the external auditor. Per The Cities Act, the 2024 Audited Financial Statements and Financial Reports were presented to City Council for information on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.
“The 2024 Annual Report highlights the City’s progress on major projects and initiatives across our 13 Business Lines, our achievements and ongoing priorities as set out in the Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget, and the City's financial position at the end of 2024,” says Clae Hack, Chief Financial Officer.
The City had a positive financial year in 2024 due to several contributing factors:
The City’s Financial Position remained in a healthy position at 2024 year-end with the balance of all reserves at $359.4 million.
Highlights of the Consolidated Financial Statements are included in the Summary of Consolidated Financial Statements (Appendix 2).
Award-winning financial reporting and top tier credit status continued in 2024
The City of Saskatoon received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Canadian Award for Financial Reporting for its 2023 Annual Report, marking the 17th time the City has received this prestigious honor. The 2024 Annual Report will once again be submitted to GFOA to determine its eligibility for another award.
S&P Global Ratings (S&P) reaffirmed the City of Saskatoon credit rating with the highest rating possible, a ‘AAA’ credit rating with a “Stable” outlook. The City has maintained the ‘AAA’/Stable credit rating for 23 years since S&P first began affirming the City’s credit rating in 2002.
The 2024 Annual Report reflects the City’s ongoing dedication to continuous improvement, accountability to the public we serve, transparency, and clarity in financial reporting.
Visit saskatoon.ca/finance to view the 2024 Annual Report.
Daily Road Report - August 29, 2025
August 28, 2025 - 3:00pm
*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.
NEW
1ST AVE S SB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 22ND ST E TO 21ST ST E
(Roofing)
Start: August 29, 5:00 a.m. End: August 29, 9:00 a.m.
SPADINA CRES E NB LANES CLOSED FROM 20TH ST E TO 21ST ST E
(Ukrainian Day in the Park)
Start: August 29, 6:00 a.m. End: August 31, 9:00 a.m.
BERINI DR NB LEFT TURN BAY CLOSED AT ATTRIDGE DR
(Link station construction)
Start: August 29, 7:00 a.m. End: August 29, 5:00 p.m.
TAYLOR ST E ROAD CLOSED AT EASTLAKE AVE
(Catch basin lead replacement)
Start: August 29, 8:00 a.m. End: August 29, 5:00 p.m.
TRAFFIC BRIDGE ROAD CLOSED FROM 19TH ST E TO 11TH ST E
(Nutrien Fireworks Festival)
Start: August 29, 9:00 a.m. End: August 31, 8:00 a.m.
ONGOING
TAYLOR ST E ROAD CLOSED FROM VICTORIA AVE TO EASTLAKE AVE
(Connection replacement)
Start: August 28, 8:00 a.m. End: August 29, 12:00 p.m.
CLARENCE AVE S NB CURB LANE CLOSED AT CIRCLE DR E
(Barrier repairs)
Closure will be in place daily from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Start: August 26, 9:00 a.m. End: August 29, 3:00 p.m.
ATTRIDGE DR WB CURB LANE CLOSED AT NELSON RD
(Link station construction)
Start: August 5, 7:00 a.m. End: August 29, 5:00 p.m.
ATTRIDGE DR EB CURB LANE CLOSED AT BERINI DR
(Link station construction)
Start: August 5, 7:00 a.m. End: August 29, 5:00 p.m.
LOWE RD SB RIGHT TURN & CURB LANE CLOSED FROM ATTRIDGE DR TO NELSON RD
(Link station construction)
Start: August 14, 7:00 a.m. End: August 29, 5:00 p.m.
BROADWAY AVE NB LANES CLOSED FROM 9TH ST E TO MAIN ST
(Link station construction)
Two-way traffic will be maintained in the SB lanes
Start: July 30, 7:00 a.m. End: August 29, 5:00 p.m.
PRESTON AVE S NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM HUNTER RD TO WILLIS CRES
(Link station construction)
Start: August 18, 7:00 a.m. End: August 29, 5:00 p.m.
CUMBERLAND AVE ROAD CLOSED AT 14TH ST
(Sewer work and road resurfacing)
Start: June 18, 7:00 a.m. End: August 29, 5:00 p.m.
22ND ST W EB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM AVE K N TO AVE M N
(Construction)
Start: August 26, 10:00 a.m. End: August 30, 5:00 p.m.
SPADINA CRES E ROAD CLOSED FROM 2ND AVE S TO 3RD AVE S
(Nutrien Fireworks Festival)
Start: August 28, 7:00 p.m. End: August 31, 10:00 a.m.
ASSINIBOINE DR EB LANES CLOSED FROM RAVINE DR TO CAPILANO DR
(Concrete replacements)
Start: August 25, 7:00 a.m. End: September 1, 5:00 p.m.
4TH AVE N SB LANES CLOSED FROM 23RD ST E TO 24TH ST E
(Water main maintenance)
Start: August 25, 7:00 a.m. End: September 2, 5:00 p.m.
24TH ST E EB LANES CLOSED FROM 3RD AVE N TO 4TH AVE N
(Water main maintenance)
Start: August 25, 7:00 a.m. End: September 2, 5:00 p.m.
23RD ST E ROAD CLOSED FROM 4TH AVE N TO 3RD AVE N
(Water main replacement)
Start: August 1, 7:00 a.m. End: September 3, 7:00 a.m.
RUTH ST E ROAD CLOSED FROM LOUISE AVE TO JARVIS DR
(Water main maintenance)
Start: August 18, 7:00 a.m. End: September 5, 5:00 p.m.
RUTH ST E INTERSECTION CLOSED FROM WIGGINS AVE S TO CUMBERLAND AVE S
(Water main lining)
Start: July 29, 7:00 a.m. End: September 8, 5:00 p.m.
PRESTON AVE N NB CURB LANE CLOSED AT 14TH ST E
(Link station construction)
Start: August 26, 9:00 a.m. End: September 8, 5:00 p.m.
MELVILLE ST ROAD CLOSED FROM JASPER AVE S TO PORTAGE AVE
(Sewer main installation)
Start: July 30, 7:00 a.m. End: September 9, 5:00 p.m.
PRESTON AVE N SB LANES CLOSED FROM 108TH ST W TO COLLEGE DR
(Link station construction)
Two-way traffic will be maintained in NB lanes
Start: August 18, 8:00 a.m. End: September 12, 5:00 p.m.
4TH AVE N NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED AT 22ND ST E
(Construction)
Start: August 13, 7:00 a.m. End: September 12, 5:00 p.m.
CUMBERLAND AVE S ROAD CLOSED FROM 8TH ST E TO MAIN ST
(Sewer work and road resurfacing)
Start: July 10, 7:00 a.m. End: September 12, 5:00 p.m.
MELVILLE ST INTERSECTION CLOSED AT JASPER AVE S
(Willows development)
Start: August 12, 7:00 a.m. End: September 12, 5:00 p.m.
BROADWAY AVE ROAD CLOSED FROM 3RD ST E TO 5TH ST E
(Water main maintenance)
Start: July 22, 7:00 a.m. End: September 15, 5:00 p.m.
VICTORIA AVE NB LANES CLOSED FROM 6TH ST E TO 8TH ST E
(Water main maintenance)
Start: August 27, 7:00 a.m. End: September 17, 5:30 p.m.
7TH AVE N ROAD CLOSED FROM OSBORNE ST TO 33RD ST E
(Construction)
Start: July 4, 7:00 a.m. End: September 20, 5:00 p.m.
BROADWAY AVE/BROADWAY BRIDGE CLOSED FROM 12TH ST E TO 20TH ST E
(Bridge rehabilitation)
Start: May 11, 7:00 p.m. End: October (Date TBA)
BRIGHTON BLVD ROAD CLOSED FROM TASKAMANWA ST TO 8TH ST E
(New road construction)
Use McOrmond Dr
Start: November 20, 7:00 a.m. End: November 28, 2025, 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.