News Releases

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.

The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo is saddened to share that Kazi, the Zoo’s 19-year-old snow leopard, was humanely euthanized this past weekend following a period of veterinary care.

Kazi had been closely monitored by the Zoo’s animal care and veterinary teams as his health declined due to advanced age. After careful and ongoing assessment of his condition and quality of life, the difficult decision was made to euthanize him.

Kazi had just turned 19 in June. He played an important role in the Snow Leopard Species Survival Plan Program for several years before enjoying his retirement at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo. Kazi was born at the Toronto Zoo and later came to Saskatoon from the Edmonton Valley Zoo.

He was a valued member of the Zoo family and will be deeply missed by the staff who cared for him, as well as by the many visitors who came to know him over the years.

Snow leopards are often called the “ghosts of the mountains” because of their remarkable camouflage and elusive nature. Even in his habitat, Kazi could sometimes be hard to spot, often found resting high on his wooden structure or tucked beneath it near his favourite rock. For many guests, catching sight of Kazi was a special and memorable part of visiting the Zoo.

“Caring for animals also means making difficult decisions when their quality of life declines,” said Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager. “This was not a decision made lightly. Our team cared deeply for Kazi and we are grateful to the animal care and veterinary professionals who supported him with compassion every step of the way.”

Animals like Kazi create lasting connections with our community. We know many residents and visitors will share in this loss and we thank them for their care and compassion as our team mourns his passing.

The Zoo will set up two commemorative signs later this week outside the snow leopard habitat, where visitors will be welcome to leave a message for Kazi.

The Saskatoon Fire Department will resume its search operations for the individual who entered the weir late yesterday afternoon. The SFD boat 2 will search both banks and the river downstream from the Wier.

The personal watercraft (PWC) was recovered yesterday and turned over to the Saskatoon Police Service.

Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.

Saskatoon Fire Department water rescue crews were called at 4:49 p.m. Saturday to respond to reports of a jet ski rider in distress near the weir on the South Saskatchewan River adjacent to the train bridge and 33^rd Street East.

On arrival, fire crews began a rescue mission with a specialized vessel designed for weir rescue operations.

The rescue mission has transitioned to a recovery mission and the fire department continues the search for the missing jet ski operator. The public is asked to avoid the area.

This news release is being sent on behalf of Reconciliation Saskatoon.

Reconciliation Saskatoon invites everyone in the community to join the 2026 Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation on June 19, 2026, recognizing National Indigenous Peoples Day.

This year is a special year because it marks 10 years since the very first Rock Your Roots Walk and the formation of the Reconciliation Saskatoon collective. This year is also the 150^th Anniversary of Treaty 6, commemorating when First Nations and the Crown entered into the Treaty 6 agreement in 1876.

Event Details:

When: Friday, June 19, 2026

Time: 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

• Walk starts at 10:30 a.m.
• Program starts at 11:45 a.m. with the Grand Entry.

Where: Victoria Park

This walk brings the community together to honour the truth of the Residential schools and those who survived them, as well as demonstrate our collective commitment to Reconciliation. This year’s theme is “āhkamēyimok” which means “we all persevere”.

Following the walk, Reconciliation Saskatoon will present a program and host activities in the park, made possible by the generous contributions and support of numerous community partners who have helped ensure the continued growth and success of this event.

Attendees will have the chance to experience performances and hear from Elders and Residential School Survivors, who will share their perspectives on the importance of Reconciliation and passing this knowledge on to future generations.

Walk participants are encouraged to “Rock Your Roots” by wearing orange, donning contemporary or traditional regalia, or carrying signs that honour and celebrate their heritage.

Reconciliation Saskatoon recognizes the incredible support of Community Sponsors that make this event possible. For the full list of supporters and all event details visit: Reconciliation Saskatoon | Facebook

Rock Your Roots is organized by Reconciliation Saskatoon, which is co-chaired by the City of Saskatoon. The intent of this event is to answer the TRC Calls to Action by demonstrating a commitment to Reconciliation, honouring Residential School Survivors, and continuing work towards an inclusive community. The walk has been an annual one in Saskatoon since 2016.

With planned completion for the new 60-bed enhanced emergency shelter located at 170 31st Street East in spring 2027, an application to the City has been made to extend the current operation for the temporary location at 210 Pacific Avenue until May 31, 2027. The extension should allow sufficient time to complete construction and transition operations to the new location. 

210 Pacific Avenue began shelter operations on April 1, 2025. The current approval of 210 Pacific Avenue was for 18 months with an end date of September 30, 2026. The Government of Saskatchewan’s request is a new application for a period of operations from October 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027. 

This application requires the use of the “Emergency Residential Shelter” provisions of Zoning Bylaw No. 9990. City Council approval is required for the length of time of operation for a temporary Emergency Residential Shelter for a period of up to 18 months. City Council is also required to approve the lease, and the request for a below market value lease rate.

City Council can approve the recommended length of time or put forward a motion for an alternate period between 1 and 18 months. Considering the construction timeline for the new shelter facility at 31st Street East, an approval for any reduced period could result in an overall reduction of 40 shelter beds available in Saskatoon, which are currently operating in the temporary facility. 

Should City Council approve, no changes in operations are expected from how the site operates today and the current Safety and Security Plan will remain in effect. The Mustard Seed remains the Government of Saskatchewan’s service provider for this location.

The City Administration will request Council approval to begin negotiations with Muskeg Lake Cree Nation representatives and explore a strategic partnership toward the development of the Downtown Event and Entertainment District. Details are in a report to be presented at the June 24 Regular Business City Council meeting. 

The recommendation before Council is not to approve a final agreement. It is to authorize Administration to enter direct negotiations toward a potential development partnership.

“The seven Chiefs of the Saskatoon Tribal Council support this proposal to enter negotiations and the City is ready to talk more,” says Dan Willems, Director of Technical Services. “Early discussions have identified opportunities that could extend beyond entertainment and hospitality development to also include an operating partnership for the new convention centre and event centre, and finally, the lands for these venues potentially established as new urban reserves within Saskatoon.”

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 demonstrates practical leadership in reconciliation and supports the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Discussions such as these also are a response to Council’s earlier 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.”

Subject to Council approval, the negotiation work is anticipated to include:
• defining the proposed partnership structure; 
• roles and responsibilities;
• governance considerations;
• land and development arrangements; 
• operating opportunities; and,
• any financial or legal implications requiring future approval.

Once negotiations have progressed to the point where the key terms are sufficiently defined, the Administration would report back to City Council with the details of the proposed partnership and any recommendations required to advance implementation. 

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

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