News Releases

Residents can now more easily share their feedback on City projects and initiatives with the launch of a modernized Engage Saskatoon webpage. The upgraded page makes it simple to explore current engagement projects, stay informed and provide feedback on initiatives that matter the most to you.

"We're excited to launch a modern platform that makes it easier for people to discover and connect with City projects and share their perspectives," says Carla Blumers, Director of Communications and Public Engagement. "Public feedback plays an important role in shaping City programs and initiatives, and this new online hub creates more opportunities for residents to provide their input.

Designed with users in mind, the new Engage Saskatoon webpage offers a streamlined experience and allows the City to provide a variety of ways to participate, ranging from surveys, discussion forums, interactive maps and polls. Community members who choose to create an account can follow projects that interest them, receive updates and personalize their engagement experience, making it easier to stay connected to City initiatives and opportunities for public input.

A new Development Applications Hub also brings together engagement opportunities on land use and development applications in one convenient location, making it easier for residents to find information and share feedback.

Engage Saskatoon is designed to be both approachable, accessible and easy to use, supporting the City's commitment to meaningful public participation on civic matters.

"Whether you live, work or play in Saskatoon, you’re invited to create an account, explore current opportunities and help shape the future of our city," Blumers says.

Visit Engage Saskatoon to learn more and get started.

The reopening of Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre has been delayed and the facility will not open in fall 2026 as previously anticipated.

During inspection and testing of the pool, deficiencies were identified that must be corrected before the project can proceed to pool tiling and finishing. The contractor is addressing these issues. While a confirmed reopening date is not yet available, the City is currently projecting a winter opening.

“While we know this update is disappointing for residents and user groups who have been looking forward to the reopening of Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre, it is important that the remaining work be completed properly before the facility opens,” says Dan Willems, Director of Technical Services. “We appreciate the patience of clubs, user groups and the community as we work toward reopening the facility.”

When Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre reopens, it will continue to serve a range of community needs within the City’s aquatic system, including training, instruction, club programming, public swimming and other aquatic recreation opportunities. The work underway is part of a major renewal project that will modernize key aquatic and building systems, improve accessibility and help ensure Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre can continue serving the community for years to come. 

For project updates and information, visit saskatoon.ca/harrybailey.

The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo is celebrating the birth of a baby caribou, an exciting addition that highlights the Zoo’s commitment to conservation, education and animal welfare.

The male calf was born on Thursday, June 25, 2026, to mother Mira. He weighed 9.4 kilograms at birth and has since grown to 12.8 kilograms. Mom and baby are currently receiving care behind the scenes while the Zoo’s Animal Care Specialists closely monitor their progress and support this important early bonding period. The pair are expected to begin exploring their habitat this week.

The calf has been named Lyall Petrie in honour of Dr. Lyall Petrie, who was a mentor and friend to hundreds of veterinary students at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in large animal medicine. Dr. Petrie passed away on May 5, 2026.

“Our Animal Care Specialists are providing Mira and her calf with the time, space and support they need during these important early days,” said Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager, Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo. “It is especially meaningful to name this calf Lyall Petrie in honour of Dr. Petrie, whose guidance, generosity and dedication left a lasting mark on so many in the veterinary community.”

Visitors can expect to see Lyall gradually become more active, stay close to Mira and begin exploring the caribou habitat as the pair continue to settle in. Visibility may vary from day to day as our team continue to prioritize the health, comfort and routine of both animals.

Caribou, also known as reindeer, are the same species, Rangifer tarandus. Listed as Vulnerable, caribou face risks including habitat loss, human development and climate change. They are well adapted to cold climates, with a dense undercoat and longer hollow guard hairs for warmth. Their broad hooves help them move across snow and soft ground, and both males and females grow antlers.

The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo is proud to support the Caribou Conservation Alliance. The birth of this calf helps raise awareness about the importance of protecting caribou and their habitats for future generations.

Plan your next visit and learn more about the Saskatoon Zoo animals, conservation work and programs at saskatoon.ca/zoo.

A Saskatoon Court has imposed a $7,000 penalty on a business convicted of unlawfully selling bear spray and failing to record the information of the buyer. The total fine, which includes a $2,000 victim surcharge pursuant to The Victims of Crime Act, is $1,500 for unlawfully selling the bear spray and $3,500 for failing to record the buyer’s information.

The decision, made in Saskatoon Bylaw Court June 30, was the first fine issued by the Court under the City’s updated Business Licence Bylaw. Earlier this year, with help from officials in the City Community Standards Department, the Saskatoon Police Service accused a business operating in the 500 block of 20^th Street, West of breaking the Bylaw.

“One of the primary goals of the bylaw changes is deterrence,” says Mark Wilson, City of Saskatoon Licensing and Permitting Manager. “Since City Council made the amendments to the bylaw, we’ve subsequently heard from multiple retailers who have decided to stop selling bear spray.”

City Council passed the amendments a year ago. They require a purchaser to be at least 18-years-old and provide two pieces of government-issued identification. The name, ID number, date of birth and address of the purchaser must be recorded by the business and made available to the City.

The bear spray must be stored in a secure area, out of view of customers and only products containing the manufacturer’s serial number may be sold.

“Businesses that choose to sell bear spray have a responsibility to do so in accordance with the amendments to the Business License Bylaw. When violations are identified, enforcement helps maintain the integrity of those regulations and supports the collective efforts of police, the City, retailers and the community,” says Doug McNeil, Inspector in charge of the Saskatoon Police Service Community Engagement Division.

“We support measures that promote responsible sales and help reduce opportunities for misuse. Compliance with the bylaw is an important part of a broader community effort to improve public safety.”

Wildlife control products, commonly referred to as bear spray, are designed to repel wildlife through spraying pressurized liquid containing oil made from hot peppers. It causes burning eyes, strained breathing as well as nasal and throat irritation.

The product is not intended for use on humans or in an urban setting.

Police officers and City officials have engaged business managers to ensure they understand the bylaw requirements which have received wide support.

Court information # 110949

There is now one more reason to visit the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park with the opening of a new nine-hole disc golf course.

“We’re excited to add disc golf to the experiences available at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park,” said Jeff Mitchell, manager of the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo. “It’s a great way to get active outdoors, enjoy the park and try something new. We invite everyone to come out and give the course a try.”

Players of all skill levels are welcome to bring their discs and enjoy the course while visiting the park. The course begins east of the fishing pond and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations are required.

The Forestry Farm Park is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Visit saskatoon.ca/forestryfarm to plan your next visit.

Residents are strongly warned against all recreational activities on the river, including boating, paddling, swimming, floating, fishing from the shoreline and other water-based activities. The public is also advised to avoid approaching the river’s edge, as fast-moving water, unstable banks and submerged hazards can create dangerous situations. Pets should also be kept at a safe distance from the River.

The public boat launch beneath the Broadway Bridge and River Access points in the Meewasin Valley will be closed. River safety devices will be monitored regularly during high-flow conditions.

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.

Additional Information

Over the past week, the South Saskatchewan River Basin headwaters received significant precipitation, with observed rainfall amounts generally higher than previously forecast.

This means more water is on the way into Lake Diefenbaker and downstream through Saskatoon.

The Water Security Agency advises river flows are expected to increase from the already elevated present rate of approximately 270 cubic metres per second (m³/s) increasing to approximately 770 m³/s by Monday July 6.

This flow rate is higher than what was experienced last month and are expected well into next week.

The South Saskatchewan River is very unpredictable. Aside from the changing, dangerously fast currents and unstable bottom, the river will have many additional hazards right now such as fallen branches, hidden material like broken concrete and floating debris that will pose a threat to anyone in or near the water.

Saskatoon Water 
Saskatoon Water is prepared for the greater flows. While expecting more sediment and cloudiness in the river, processes are in place to handle extra clarification that may be needed. Water service is not expected to be impacted by the rising river levels.

Bridges 
The rising and faster flowing water is not expected to pose any threat to bridges nor cause any significant challenges for construction projects. The City’s Asset Preservation team continues to talk with contractors working on both the Broadway Bridge and the University Bridge to ensure their staff remain safe.

Swimming is prohibited in the South Saskatchewan River
As mentioned, 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.

A man has been fined a total of $11,200 for damaging the Circle Drive overpass earlier this year at Highways #11 and #16.

It happened March 5, when a semi-trailer flatbed on Highway 11 was hauling a large, tracked excavator and struck the cloverleaf overpass for Highway 16. The impact sheared off the top part of the excavator and caused significant damage to the outer edge of the overhead structure.

In Bylaw Court Wednesday, June 24, the truck driver pleaded guilty to damaging City infrastructure under The Traffic Bylaw. The Court accepted a joint submission from the City Bylaw Prosecutor and the driver in which the driver would pay a fine of $8,000 plus a victim surcharge of $3,200.

Under the Bylaw, the maximum fine for an individual is $10,000. The court granted the driver 18-months to pay the $11,200.

A Traffic Bylaw charge against Regina-based Bowline Logistics, the corporation which owns the vehicle, is adjourned for plea until July 8.

The City has subsequently submitted a claim to Bowline's and the driver’s insurer and is awaiting a reply to recover the overpass repair costs.

City Council has directed Administration to start negotiations with Muskeg Lake Cree Nation to explore a strategic partnership toward the development of the Downtown Event and Entertainment District.

Council provided the direction at its June 24 Regular Business City Council meeting, following consideration of a report outlining the opportunity. Council’s decision does not approve a final agreement. It authorizes Administration to begin direct negotiations toward a potential development partnership.

“Great cities are built through strong partnerships and a willingness to think differently about the future. By authorizing these discussions, Council is creating the opportunity to explore a unique partnership with Muskeg Lake Cree Nation and what that partnership could mean for both communities,” says Mayor Cynthia Block.

“This is an important first step, not a final decision. The goal of these discussions is to determine whether there is a path forward that delivers mutual benefit, creates new opportunities, and reflects the shared ambitions of Muskeg Lake Cree Nation and the City of Saskatoon.”

“We are encouraged that Saskatoon City Council has accepted the Administration report and supported beginning discussions with Muskeg Lake Cree Nation regarding a potential partnership in the Downtown Event and Entertainment District,” says Muskeg Lake Cree Nation Chief Kelly Wolfe. “This is an important first step, but it is still an early step. There is significant work ahead, and any potential agreement will need to be carefully considered and approved by both Councils.”

“Muskeg Lake has a long-standing and meaningful relationship with the City of Saskatoon. In 1988, our Nation established Asimakaniseekan Askiy, which translates to ‘Soldiers’ Land,’ as Canada’s first commercial urban reserve. Through strong relationships with the business sector, the urban reserve is now home to approximately 50 businesses and supports more than 750 jobs. It has added significant value to Saskatoon through employment, business activity and the service fees paid to the City under the urban reserve’s municipal services agreement. It is also home to Lakeside Medical Centre, the largest non-hospital medical facility in Saskatchewan.

We are optimistic about what this opportunity could mean for our citizens and for the revitalization of downtown Saskatoon. At the same time, we want to manage expectations. These discussions are only beginning, and our priority will be ensuring that any potential partnership is responsible, sustainable and protects the long-term interests of Muskeg Lake Cree Nation.”

“The seven Chiefs of the Saskatoon Tribal Council support this proposal, and the City is ready to move into the next stage of discussions,” says Dan Willems, Director of Technical Services. “In our early conversations we have identified some potential opportunities that could take this beyond simply the development of the entertainment and hospitality piece of the District but could include an operation partnership for the convention centre and an event centre. The additional possibility of looking at establishing these lands as a new urban reserve is also something that could be on the table.”

With eight urban reserves, plus three at various stages of the approval process and two in the beginning stages, Saskatoon has long been recognized as a national leader in urban reserve creation and partnership-based economic development with First Nations. Saskatoon is also home to Canada’s first commercial urban reserve, established by Muskeg Lake Cree Nation in 1988.

Willems says this approach reflects practical leadership in reconciliation and supports the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. The negotiations also respond to earlier Council direction to explore Indigenous placemaking and partnership opportunities as part of the District’s development.

“By creating meaningful opportunities for Indigenous ownership, economic development, operations, employment, career development, cultural expression and Indigenous placemaking and placekeeping, the District can move beyond symbolic recognition and embed reconciliation directly into one of Saskatoon’s most significant city-building initiatives.”

As next steps, Administration will begin formal negotiations with Muskeg Lake Cree Nation representatives and continue to refine the potential partnership terms. Once negotiations have advanced to the point where key terms are sufficiently defined, Administration will report back to City Council with details of the proposed partnership and any recommendations required to support implementation.

Administration will also report back to City Council every two months on the progress of negotiations.

Any substantive financial commitments, land disposition, governance arrangements, financial agreements or legal agreements would be subject to future City Council approval. Any future agreement would also be subject to Muskeg Lake Cree Nation’s own governance and approval processes.

At the end of this week, three new sculptural “erratics” will be present in our landscape. These large artworks, collectively titled Modern Erratics, will arrive at the Forestry Farm Park, Diefenbaker Park and Material Recovery Centre.

Inspired by large glacier-deposited rocks called erratics, which are present across the Saskatchewan plains, the artworks recreate these natural forms using discarded plastic collected from Saskatchewan and the broader Prairie region. Using 3D scans of locally sourced stones, the artists created geometric, contemporary recreations of erratics that draw connections between materials carried by ancient ice sheets with present-day plastics that travel long distances and remain in the environment for generations.

To that end, the artists fabricated the sculptures by processing over 4,500 kilograms (10,000 lbs) of used plastic to form the erratics.

“Public art helps shape how people experience and connect with our shared spaces,” says Lesley Anderson, Director of Planning and Development with the City of Saskatoon. “Modern Erratics reflects Saskatoon’s commitment to meaningful, site-responsive artwork. By transforming plastic waste into large-scale sculptures, these installations invite people to think differently about materials, sustainability and our relationship with the land.”

Each sculpture incorporates materials connected to its location:

• Forestry Farm Park (1903 Forestry Farm Park Drive) uses recycled black and white plastic grain bags commonly used on prairie farms.
• Diefenbaker Park (St Henry Avenue, near the Optimist Hill parking lot) is made of colourful recycled bottle caps provided by SARCAN, reflecting materials commonly discarded in parks.
• Material Recovery Centre (42 Valley Road), the largest erratic, is constructed from decommissioned, shredded black, blue and green carts formerly used by households across the city.

Modern Erratics, created by Calgary-based artist duo Sans façon (Charles Blanc and Tristan Surtees), was selected through a competitive, juried process by the City’s Public Art Advisory Committee. The sculptures were commissioned through the City’s Percent for Art Program, which enhances public spaces by allocating up to one per cent of designated civic project budgets to public art. Funding for these works was provided through the 2022 Material Recovery Centre project budget.

“These artworks aim to foster a deeper connection between residents and the environment. They celebrate creativity, spark curiosity and encourage active participation, inviting the public to explore new relationships with the materials we use, reuse or discard,” says Anderson.

Developed through consultation with Indigenous advisors, sustainability professionals, as well as land and heritage experts, Modern Erratics explores material reuse, environmental responsibility and the realities of modern recycling systems. The sculptures will serve as prominent landmarks and sites of interest, encouraging residents and visitors to reflect on consumption, waste and the materials used in everyday life.

Residents can learn more about the artworks and the processes used to create them at free public events being hosted on Friday, June 26, 2026, including an artist talk with Sans façon. More information can be found at saskatoon.ca/publicart.

Artist Biography

For over twenty-five years artist duo Sans façon (Charles Blanc & Tristan Surtees) have been fascinated by the relationship between people and place. Based in Calgary, their diverse international practice includes ephemeral performances, large-scale permanent artworks, collaborative infrastructure projects and developing and implementing city-wide strategies involving artists in discourse with a city. Their work tempts interaction with the surroundings and is developed in close collaboration with communities, organizations and individuals, which have included City Councils, scholars, perfumers, composers, architects and engineers.

Their first work for Saskatoon, the temporary project Cacher pour mieux montrer, was realized in 2013 through the City’s Placemaker Program and was the recipient of an Americans for the Arts Public Art Network Award. Their work has continued to be recognized in multiple disciplines including the 2021 Canadian Society of Landscape Architecture Award of Excellence for their project 'Dale Hodges Park’.

Three years in the making, Modern Erratics will be their first permanent project in Saskatchewan.