News Releases

The Standing Policy Committee on Transportation is being asked to change the approved dedicated centre-running transit lanes on First Avenue from contraflow to operating with adjacent traffic flow. The approval report for the April 7, 2026, meeting considers a parking analysis, an examination of traffic flow and other technical requirements along with a discussion of public engagement to date. The proposed change aligns with the revisions made to the dedicated transit lanes design approved by Council in June of 2025 for the College Drive Link corridor.

“There are a lot of exciting developments for the Link project as we get ever closer to system launch in 2028,” says Dan Willems, Director of Technical Services. “Completing the functional design of the segment along First Avenue is another important milestone in operationalizing Saskatoon’s bus rapid transit system to move residents across the city more effectively, efficiently and economically.”

The adjacent traffic flow design matches driver, cyclist and pedestrian expectations, as well as aligns with the dedicated transit lanes previously approved by City Council for the College Drive Link corridor. A consistent approach to how the dedicated transit lanes will operate will also provide a level of safety and comfort for the bus operators and riders. While travel time for vehicles through the corridor during peak hours is expected to increase slightly, the First Avenue corridor and intersections will provide adequate levels of service for pedestrians and vehicles, and an improved level of service for transit users. The parking study further indicates adequate parking supply will remain. The design has undergone a Road Safety Audit (RSA) and additional safety audits will be completed throughout the design phase and after the corridor is constructed and in operation.

“We are less than two years away from Link rolling out,” says Willems. “While it seems like there is still a lot of heavy lifting to do, the team has been making exceptional progress over the last few years. Everyone is working hard to make the best system possible for Saskatoon while remaining mindful of budgetary restraints and working with stakeholders and the public whenever appropriate.”

An information report will be considered at the same meeting providing an update on the Link project to date. Both reports and the meeting agenda can be found on our website. For more information on the Link rapid transit project, please visit saskatoon.ca/link.

The City’s third annual Round Dance and Feast is taking place this Friday, March 27 at the Cosmo Civic Centre.

A Round Dance is a traditional event in First Nations culture that celebrates community unity through the coming together of the community and its people. The theme for this event is miyo-pimatisiwin (MEE-oh pim-MOT-tis-oo-win), which means “the good life for all” in the Plains Cree language.

“We’re very proud to host this community Round Dance and Feast where everyone is welcome,” says Melissa Cote, Director of Indigenous Initiatives. “Round Dances bring the community together which cultivates a sense of unity and belonging for all people regardless of their age, culture or background.”

The City’s objectives in holding this event include responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's (TRC) Calls to Action, demonstrating its commitment to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP), building relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, and demonstrating that the City of Saskatoon’s commitment to Reconciliation is not just words on paper.

Community members and City of Saskatoon employees have volunteered their time to ensure everything from set up to take down runs smoothly.

The City also received financial support from external partners to help cover the costs associated with hosting the Round Dance and Feast. “We’re grateful for the generous financial support from The Canadian Race Relations Foundation, Affinity Credit Union, the Saskatoon Public Library and the Government of Saskatchewan First Nations and Métis Relations Unit. We thank these organizations for contributing and helping us create an event that brings our community together,” says Cote.

The Round Dance and Feast is a family-friendly, alcohol and drug free event. The community feast takes place from 3:00-6:00 p.m. and the round dance begins at 6:00 p.m.

Media please note: Videography or photography of the feast is not permitted out of respect for ceremonial practices. Videography and photography of the round dance is permitted except when smudging and praying is happening during the giveaway ceremony and during the first dance. We request that any interviews with City of Saskatoon spokespeople take place on Friday morning, as we will not be able to accommodate interviews at the event.

Saskatoon City Council has decided not to pursue a private operating partner for the Downtown Event and Entertainment District and supported the Administration to continue to advance the project through a refreshed funding strategy and continued collaboration with community and government partners.

Council made the decision following its review of two reports at its March 25, 2026, Regular Meeting, including additional information requested in October 2025 related to the proposed Private Partner Agreement Framework.

While Council chose not to move forward with a private partner, it reaffirmed its commitment to the Downtown Event and Entertainment District as a city-building initiative critical to Saskatoon’s long-term competitiveness and Downtown vitality.

“Work will continue toward making the District a reality,” said Dan Willems, Director of Technical Services. “The vision remains a Downtown where people can live, work and play, supported by modern event and entertainment venues that strengthen our economic and cultural foundation.”

An information report presented to Council outlined the City’s approach to advancing the District through alternative pathways, including a reinvigoration of the funding model. This work will focus on refining funding tools, securing legislative authority where required, and continuing discussions with community partners and other levels of government.

“The funding strategy is a living framework that will be refined over time as firm commitments and the necessary authority are secured for specific funding sources,” Willems said. “While securing a private partnership had been an important part of our work to date, there are still many other funding options that can help bring the District vision to life.”

The City will also continue foundational planning work to ensure Saskatoon remains competitive in attracting major touring events and large conventions, while reinforcing Downtown as a key economic and cultural hub.

Further updates will be provided as the funding strategy refresh and engagement with partners progresses.

For more information on the Downtown Event and Entertainment District please visit saskatoon.ca/eventdistrict.

At its March 25, 2026, Regular Meeting, Saskatoon City Council will consider two reports related to the Downtown Event and Entertainment District (the District). Together, the reports focus on how the City can continue progress toward building a vibrant Downtown, including work on a long-term funding strategy regardless of Council’s decision on a proposed Private Partner agreement.

One report provides additional information requested by Council in October 2025 related to the approval report on the Private Partner Agreement Framework. Specifically, the report provides additional details related to the financial projections, fees and commissions, and performance management and reporting.

“OVG360 has the necessary experience and credentials to not only run a successful operation but it also values and understands the importance of social responsibility and leadership in our community,” says Dan Willems, Director of Technical Services. “The fact that we attracted the interest of a world-class expert in facility management reaffirms the potential and the strength of the overall vision for a Downtown Event and Entertainment District in Saskatoon.”

The October 2025 report sets out the agreement framework for a private operating partnership with OVG, one of the world’s leading full-service facility management teams. It has over 300 client-partners around the globe that span arenas, stadiums, convention centres and performing arts centres.

Between a contribution up-front and yearly revenues from the proposed operating partnership with OVG, the City projects $250 million in net cash flow over a 15-year agreement, with an exercised option for a 15-year extension. This includes a $15 million up-front capital investment and an additional $235 million in forecasted operating revenue sharing over a potential 30 years.

The agreement will also address important community benefits including maximizing economic opportunities for traditionally marginalized groups, employment that will work with existing employees and unions, and benefits for community non-profit events.

The second information report lays out the City’s approach toward advancing the Downtown Event and Entertainment District as a ‘city-building’ initiative - one designed to maintain and bolster Saskatoon’s long term national competitiveness and market position in attracting major touring events and large conventions while strengthening Downtown as a key economic and cultural hub.

No matter what decision is made by City Council around a potential Private Partnership agreement, work will continue toward making the District a reality. This will include a funding strategy refresh, working with community partners as well as working with other levels of government to secure the funding needed.

“The funding strategy is a living framework that will be refined over time as firm commitments and the necessary legislative authority are confirmed for specific funding sources,” Willems says. “While securing a Private Partnership has been a priority of the work to date, we still have other funding options that we are working on to help realize the vision of a Downtown where people can live, work and play.”

For more information on the Downtown Event and Entertainment District please visit saskatoon.ca/eventdistrict.

The northbound curb lane on Circle Drive is closed at the 108th Street overpass after an over-height load hit the structure around 5 p.m Wednesday, March 11.

City of Saskatoon staff and structural engineers went immediately to the scene following the collision. Structural engineers have completed an assessment and confirmed the overpass is safe for use.

Police also attended the scene and questioned the truck driver.

Crews are working to safely remove loose concrete, and the Circle Drive northbound curb lane will remain closed while debris from the impact is cleared.

Drivers are asked to follow all posted signs and detours.

The City will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.

Starting March 20, Saskatoon Transit will improve customer convenience with the launch of new reloadable smart cards. These cards will integrate with the current Masabi mobile ticketing platform, allowing riders to tap their new card or device on the same validator.

This upgrade creates a unified fare system that aims to reduce boarding confusion, eliminate the need for multiple validators, and improve how customers purchase, manage, and use their fare products.

“This modernization improves convenience for riders today while aligning Saskatoon Transit with an industry-leading fare system,” says Mike Moellenbeck, Director of Saskatoon Transit. “By bringing smart cards and mobile ticketing together on one system, we’re making transit simpler, more flexible, and ready to support future payment options.”

New smart cards will be available for Adult, Senior, and High School riders and can be purchased or reloaded at the Transit Customer Service Centre and participating vendors. Cash will continue to be accepted onboard.

Customers with existing smart cards can swap them at the Transit Customer Service Centre and participating vendors to waive the $5 activation fee. To transfer remaining balances or fare products, visit the Transit Customer Service Centre. Current cards will be phased out by August 31, 2026, and must be scanned on the existing fare box until exchanged.

Learn more about new reloadable smart cards, vendor locations, and pass options by visiting saskatoontransit.ca/fares.

Have questions? Contact Transit Customer Service at 306.975.3100 or transit.services@saskatoon.ca.