News Releases

Residents in Saskatoon’s Brevoort Park neighbourhood can look forward to reduced flood risk as the City officially opens the newly upgraded Brevoort Park South. Now open to the public, the upgraded park offers enhanced flood protection alongside improved recreational amenities.

The project is the fourth of nine to be completed under the City's Flood Control Strategy (FCS), approved by City Council in 2018. The Government of Canada has contributed $21.6 million toward Saskatoon's Flood Control Strategy through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund.

“As extreme weather events become more and more common, good water infrastructure is more essential than ever for our communities,” said the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development. “This investment of $21.6 million in Saskatoon’s Flood Control Strategy from the Government of Canada is a great example of that. The reopening of Brevoort Park South means better protection against flooding, more resilient infrastructure, and a refurbished public space for people to enjoy.”

“Projects like this show the value of investing in smart, resilient infrastructure,” said Mayor Cynthia Block. “We’re already seeing the success of this project through improved flood protection and a renewed public space that residents can enjoy. By combining community amenities with critical infrastructure, we’re creating a stronger, more resilient Saskatoon for years to come.”

"The reopening of Brevoort Park South is a great example of how far we've come," says Russ Munro, Director of Saskatoon Water. "We're delivering infrastructure that protects neighbourhoods from floods while people can enjoy new and enhanced public spaces. With multiple projects now complete and others well underway, we're making steady progress toward a safer and more climate-resilient city."

The strategy has already proven very effective. During the rainfall last Monday, September 7, all the completed FCS projects successfully captured storm water and helped prevent floods in surrounding neighbourhoods. The Brevoort Park South underground storage system alone captured enough stormwater to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

With four projects now complete, Saskatoon's FCS moves forward. Construction is substantially complete on a fifth project in Cumberland Park, while a sixth project is underway in partnership with the University of Saskatchewan. The seventh and eighth active projects are under construction at Cahill Park, and the 25^th Street and 4^th Avenue South intersection, respectively. Once complete, these projects will help reduce flood risk in some of Saskatoon's highest-risk areas.

Construction on eight out of nine projects is expected to be complete by the end of 2027, with parks and public spaces reopening in 2028 following landscaping.

Together, these flood mitigation improvements help protect homes, businesses, and public infrastructure during major rain events. Storm water is collected through the City's drainage system and directed to dry ponds, underground storage facilities, or upgraded storm sewers where it can be safely managed and directed toward the South Saskatchewan River.

For more information about the FCS, visit saskatoon.ca/floodplan.

Before Koda’s passing, the Zoo’s animal care and veterinary teams observed changes that raised concern about a possible spinal injury. A post-mortem examination has now confirmed that Koda had a large tumour pressing on his upper spine.

Koda received daily visual health checks from his animal care team and was monitored regularly by veterinary professionals. His last full veterinary examination under anesthesia was completed in June 2024. At that time, there were no clinical signs of the tumour or a condition affecting his spine.

Full examinations for the Zoo’s grizzly bears are typically completed every two to three years, unless an animal’s health or behaviour indicates that an earlier examination is needed. Due to the tumour’s location, it would have required advanced diagnostic imaging, such as a CT scan, to be detected.

When changes in Koda’s condition were observed, animal care and veterinary staff responded promptly and closely assessed his comfort and quality of life. The tumour’s size and location meant it was not surgically treatable. While this finding is difficult, it provides further context for Koda’s recent decline in health and confirms that the difficult decision to humanely euthanize him was made with his comfort and quality of life as the priority.

The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo is grateful to the animal care and veterinary professionals who provided Koda with knowledgeable, dedicated and compassionate care throughout his life.

To learn more about Koda’s life, legacy and the original announcement from the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo, read the original news release: Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo mourns the loss of Koda the grizzly bear

Saskatoon Transit is preparing for the busy fall season and the new Saskatoon Transit Bylaw that is in effect September 1. Riders will begin seeing The Transit Code advertising campaign across the transit system and throughout the community. The campaign supports the new Saskatoon Transit Bylaw and helps customers understand expected behaviour on transit in simple, easy-to-understand language.

The Transit Code focuses on the actions that help create a safe, welcoming and respectful transit experience, including respecting others, paying your fare, offering priority seating when needed, keeping aisles clear and helping keep transit spaces clean.

"Most riders already get on board with The Transit Code every day," said Mike Moellenbeck, Director of Saskatoon Transit. "This campaign is about reinforcing the positive behaviours we see across the system and helping customers understand how we can all contribute to a better transit experience."

The new Saskatoon Transit Bylaw establishes clear and consistent expectations related to fare payment, customer conduct, transit property and enforcement. The Transit Code serves as the public-facing guide to those expectations while the bylaw provides the framework that supports them.

Over the coming weeks, customers will see Transit Code messages on buses, at terminals and shelters, online, on social media, through radio advertising and in community outreach activities.

With thousands of students returning to school and ridership increasing during the fall season, Saskatoon Transit and Saskatoon Police Service will also be conducting education and fare validation activities throughout the system. Riders can expect to see a more visible police presence at terminals, on buses and at other high-ridership locations. The focus is on education, awareness and compliance, helping customers understand expectations while supporting a safe and welcoming transit environment.

Customers can learn more about The Transit Code and the Saskatoon Transit Bylaw at SaskatoonTransit.ca/code.

The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo is deeply saddened to announce that Koda, one of the Zoo’s most recognized and beloved animals, was humanely euthanized following a recent decline in his health.

Koda was monitored daily by his dedicated animal care team as part of the Zoo’s routine animal welfare practices. When staff recently observed a decline in his health, they continued to monitor his condition, comfort and quality of life closely. Following consultation and careful consideration, the decision was made to humanely euthanize Koda.

“This was an exceptionally difficult decision for the entire animal care team,” said Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager. “Koda was deeply cared for by the staff who worked with him every day. Our priority was to make the most compassionate decision for him, guided by his welfare and quality of life.”

Koda’s journey began as an orphaned cub from the Jasper area. He was rescued and nurtured by zookeepers at the Edmonton Valley Zoo before being paired with Mistaya at the Calgary Zoo. The pair were later transferred to the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo, where Koda spent the past 18 years as a well-known and valued member of the Zoo family.

At the Saskatoon Zoo, Koda was supported by animal care specialists who observed him closely each day and tailored his care, training and enrichment to his individual needs. Through positive-reinforcement training, enrichment activities and daily monitoring, staff supported Koda’s physical and mental well-being throughout his life.

For many visitors and staff, Koda will be remembered for the joyful moments he shared with his brother, Mistaya, from playful wrestling and splashing in the pool to foraging together in their habitat. The Zoo’s celebration of the bears’ 20th birthday last year was a special opportunity to recognize Koda and the place he held in the hearts of staff and visitors.

Animal care specialists will also remember Koda’s enthusiasm for training sessions and his careful habit of checking Mistaya’s feeding area after meals, just in case his brother had left something behind.

The Zoo recognizes the close bond Koda and Mistaya shared. Animal care specialists will continue to monitor Mistaya closely, paying attention to his behaviour, activity and overall well-being. His daily care and enrichment plan will be adapted as needed to support him as he adjusts to this transition.

Throughout his life, Koda was an important ambassador for his species, helping visitors connect with the importance of wildlife conservation, habitat protection and responsible human-wildlife interactions.

Koda’s passing will be felt by visitors, staff and community members who came to know him over the years. The Zoo extends its appreciation to the animal care professionals who provided Koda with knowledgeable, compassionate and dedicated care throughout his life.

Community members are invited to sign a memorial card for Koda, which will be available at the Kinsmen Bear Habitat later this week. The card will provide an opportunity for visitors to share their memories and say goodbye to a bear who was an important part of the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo family for 18 years.

Thank you, Koda, for the memories. You will be missed.

The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) responded at 11:50 a.m. to a report of a person and dog in the river.

SFD launched two boats from the 33rd Street boat launch. They went to the individual’s last reported known location on the east side of the riverbank adjacent Spadina Crescent and Ravine Drive.

The fire crews conducted both a riverbank and water search and also began dive operations from the point the person was last seen.

Drone supports from the Saskatoon Police Service and Corman Park Police service also assisted to expand the search area from the air.

A fire department diver conducted rescue operations for approximately 60 minutes but was unable to locate the individual.

Another dive team will continue the search switching to sonar scan operations.

Initial reports indicated a dog was also in the water and self-rescued. However, further conversations with the fire rescue crews and police reveal that so far, no dog has been located.

More information will be released if it becomes available.

 

The City Administration recommends a shift to a utility-funded model for multi-unit residential garbage service, moving away from a property tax-based funding model. A report will be presented to City Council’s Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services (EU&CS) next Tuesday, August 4.

“Transitioning to a utility-funded model is an important step toward a more transparent and equitable waste management system,” says Brock Storey, Environmental Operations Manager. “Under the proposed approach, properties would pay directly for the garbage services they receive, based on bin size and collection frequency.”

At present, multi-unit garbage collection is funded through property taxes, meaning all property taxpayers contribute to the service regardless of whether they receive it. The City currently provides weekly garbage collection to over 80% of the Saskatoon’s multi-unit properties. Under the proposed model, the costs of collection, disposal and program administration would be recovered through utility fees, rather than through property taxes. This change would align multi-unit properties with the City’s curbside collection program which shifted to a utility-funded model for garbage in 2024.

If Administration's recommendations are endorsed by Committee, they will be presented to City Council at its meeting on August 26. If approved, Administration will begin developing the utility framework, billing systems and customer communications required to support the transition. The new funding model is recommended to take effect in January 2028.

Saskatoon City Council approved a new Transit bylaw today. The bylaw establishes clear, modern rules for using Saskatoon Transit and helps create a safer, cleaner and more comfortable experience for riders and employees.

“The vast majority of our customers use transit respectfully every day,” said Michael Moellenbeck, Director of Saskatoon Transit. “This bylaw sets clear expectations for everyone using the system and provides additional tools to address behaviours that impact safety, accessibility and the customer experience.”

The new bylaw replaces the existing fare bylaw and introduces a single framework covering fares, customer conduct, Transit property and enforcement measures.

What the approved bylaw covers:

• Fare payment and pass use;
• Customer responsibilities while riding transit, including keeping aisles clear respecting operators and fellow passengers, and protecting Transit property;
• Authority to address unacceptable behaviour and, where necessary, remove individuals from Transit property or restrict future access; and
• Administrative enforcement measures and appeal processes

The bylaw also establishes Saskatoon Transit fares and fees, including fare rates effective September 1, 2026 and future fare adjustments scheduled for January 1, 2027.

Saskatoon Transit will introduce The Transit Code, a public awareness campaign to help customers understand the new bylaw and the expectations for safe, respectful transit travel. Learn more at saskatoontransit.ca/Bylaw.