News Releases

Following extensive planning and careful consideration, City officials have proposed the name “Link” to be used for the branding and marketing of the new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. This new bus service will fall under the master brand of Saskatoon Transit, but it will have its own visual identity to reflect the unique service while complementing the master brand. 

Research on BRT systems in cities across North America shows early introduction and adoption of a BRT system brand identity is essential to the success of the new transit service. A report will be presented July 17 to the Governance and Priorities Committee of City Council seeking approval for the new Saskatoon Transit BRT brand name and visual identity. 

City Administration worked with Entro, a global firm with specialized knowledge in this field, on brand development for the BRT. A comprehensive eight-step process guided the identification of a brand name and visual identity. Steps included a brand and site audit, stakeholder research, visioning, naming, brand development and validation, visual language, and guidelines.  

The proposed “Link” brand will refer exclusively to the rapid transit lines (routes) currently identified as the red, green, and blue lines. 

Through naming workshops and discussions held with the public and key groups/organizations in Saskatoon, the name was associated with words such as connectivity, welcoming, accessible, reliable, modern and clear/straightforward. Participants also identified that the name embodied concepts of connection, speed and network and was timeless and easy to understand. 

If approved by City Council, work on the Link brand, marketing and wayfinding signage will continue over the coming months. This will involve the implementation of a communications and marketing plan aimed to increase community awareness of the new brand name. Communications will be focused on informing the public before there are construction impacts and provide education on the new future transit service. 

With the final BRT funding announcement from the Investing in Canada’s Infrastructure Program (ICIP) on June 28, the project can now proceed to the detailed design, procurement and construction phases. The City has retained engineering and consulting firm CIMA+ to complete detailed designs and assist in the tendering and management of construction contracts.   

Construction of part of the transit signal priority (TSP) system and the start of construction of 14 of the BRT stations’ concrete platforms is expected to begin this summer. This work will continue with another 30 stations in 2025.  

Engagement activities have been ongoing over the last few years on streetscaping design elements, public art components, station design, feeder routes and other project features, and will continue until the system is launched. 

For more information on the project, visit saskatoon.ca/brt. 

The City is seeking a naming rights partner that will continue to build upon the vision and success of the Shaw Centre (leisure facility) now and into the future.

The leisure facility originally opened in 2009 with a vision to create a destination recreational facility built on partnerships and community values offering programs, activities and services in a diverse and inclusive setting. In the past 15 years, the leisure facility has not only lived up to, but exceeded the original vision.

Interested parties can review the Leisure Facility Naming Rights Opportunity Request For Proposals information available online through Biddingo. The submission deadline is Friday, July 19, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.

The facility’s original Naming and Promotional Benefits Agreement - which named the facility Shaw Centre - expired on March 31, 2024. City Council has provided approval to pursue a new naming rights agreement for the facility.

In exchange for an organization’s cash investment, the City will grant the organization recognition through naming rights of the facility and marketing opportunities.

The agreement will provide a number of benefits, at minimum:

• Chosen name and/or logo in a prominent location(s) on the exterior and interiorof the facility;
• Naming rights recognition on all marketing materials, including website, exterior signage, etc. related to the facility; and
• Additional opportunities for signage, marketing, activation, and business solutions are negotiable.

The facility is uniquely integrated between two high schools, Tommy Douglas Collegiate and Bethlehem Catholic High School and is internationally recognized as a state-of-the-art recreational facility. The facility has hosted a variety of elite aquatics events and activities in all aquatic disciplines (water polo, speed swimming, artistic swimming, diving). In the last 10 years, the facility has hosted two International Competitions, 18 National Competitions and 23 Western Canadian Championships.

The City of Saskatoon is pleased to announce Celene Anger as the City’s new General Manager of Community Services. Ms. Anger will begin her new role on July 15, 2024, replacing outgoing General Manager Lynne Lacroix whose retirement was announced earlier this year.

“Celene is an experienced leader with a passion for innovation, strategic thinking and relationship building,” says City Manager, Jeff Jorgenson. “She has demonstrated collaborative and values-based leadership throughout her career at the City and has a broad range of experience from overseeing major construction and design projects to leading several significant change and transformation projects across the organization. She is in a great position to oversee the important civic programs, services and infrastructure the Community Services division provides to the community.”

Celene’s extensive career at the City spans over a decade in various roles of increasing responsibility and leadership. In 2013, she first joined the City as a Project Engineer, later becoming Director of Construction and Design from 2015 to 2019 overseeing Broadway water, sewer and roadway rehabilitation and the first phases of Aspen Ridge and Kensington. After a short-term secondment as Chief Operating Officer at Remai Modern, Celene then joined the City’s executive leadership team as Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer in 2020.

“During her time as Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer, Celene has done a great job building a strong and effective team and leaves behind a solid foundation for the future growth and success of the Strategy and Transformation Division. And I have no doubt that she will continue to be successful in her new role with the exceptionally strong Community Services team”, said Jorgenson.

The City of Saskatoon congratulates Celene Anger on this new role, and we look forward to her continued contributions to making Saskatoon a great place to live, work, learn and play.

Following a discussion at the Public Hearing Meeting of City Council on June 27 and June 28, City Council approved amendments to the Official Community Plan (OCP) and Zoning Bylaw to meet the commitments under the Housing Accelerator Fund application.  

The approved amendments include: 

• Permitting up to four dwelling units per site in all residential zoning districts 
• Permitting multiple unit dwellings in the Transit Development Area (approximately an 800m distance or 10-minute walk from Bus Rapid Transit Stations)   
• Streamlining zoning regulations for Residential Care Homes (up to 15 people) 

The decision was made after an 18-hr Public Hearing in which 66 residents verbally gave their feedback and 391 residents submitted a written statement.  

"There is an urgent need to build more housing in our city," says Lesley Anderson, Director of Planning & Development. "These changes will not only accelerate housing projects but will also help address the immediate demand for affordable homes and lay the groundwork for more diverse housing options." 

The Housing Accelerator Fund will provide the City of Saskatoon with $41.325 million to implement the initiatives outlined in the City’s Housing Action Plan, which includes 13 initiatives that enable a variety of housing forms and densities to meet the diverse needs of the community.  

The City of Saskatoon has received a 25 per cent upfront advance to begin implementing the initiatives outlined in the Housing Action Plan. The remaining approved funding will be disbursed in installments annually over three years until 2026/27, provided the City continues to meet the terms and conditions of the agreement. 

Ongoing updates will be provided at saskatoon.ca/HAF. 

Saskatoon Transit today unveiled two unique pieces of student artwork for its 5th annual Student Art Contest. These pieces celebrate the vibrance of youth using active transportation and will be displayed on transit buses around Saskatoon. This contest is aimed at students in grades 3 and 7, as public and active transportation is part of the learning plan for those grades.  

"We are thrilled to partner with elementary schools on this project and extend a big thank you to all students who participated in this year's contest," says Cory Shrigley, Customer Support and Engagement Manager of Saskatoon Transit. "This artwork captures the spirit of active transportation and its role in our community. Students this summer should take great pride in seeing art created by their peers displayed on the side of Saskatoon Transit bus."  

The winning pieces were based on their reflection of the "Active Transportation" theme. They highlighted the importance of integrated transportation modes such as public transit, cycling, walking, e-scooters, car sharing, taxis, carpooling, and ride-sharing. 

• Grade 3 Winner: 
  • Ada, Vera, Skylar, Samar and Juliette  
  • École Alvin Buckwold School  
• Grade 7 Winner: 
  • Raowha 
  • Lakeridge School  

“Our school division promotes active transportation and encourages mindful choices that support student well-being and our community,” says Jennifer Haywood, Superintendent of Education at Saskatoon Public Schools. “This contest aligns with our curriculum and Move to Grow campaign, advocating for active ways to commute to school. 

“Congratulations to both schools for their creative artwork that brings these ideas to life in a beautiful visual, hopefully inspiring others to adopt healthier and more sustainable transportation habits.” 

Each winning artwork will be prominently displayed on five Saskatoon Transit buses, totalling ten buses, throughout the city.  

The City of Saskatoon is celebrating the completion of the McOrmond Drive Reservoir and Pump Station. This milestone marks a significant achievement in ensuring a reliable supply of clean water to residents and businesses in the northeast part of the city. The facility has been in operation since March.

“As Saskatoon continues to grow, the McOrmond Drive Reservoir and Pump Station is an important addition to our water management system,” said Russ Munro, Director of Saskatoon Water. “With a capacity to store 43 million litres of treated water from the Water Treatment Plant, the reservoir ensures consistent water availability for Evergreen, Aspen Ridge and Willowgrove.”

The reservoir was approved for federal and provincial funding through the New Building Canada Fund. The project cost is $56,850,000 (Federal: $14,678,775; Provincial: $14,678,775; City: $27,492,450). 

“Reliable and sustainable water infrastructure contributes to the basics of a well-run city,” said the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, PrairiesCan and CanNor, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “The completion of the McOrmond Drive Reservoir and Pump Station, with its capacity to store 43 million litres of treated water, will ensure consistent water availability and the continued well-being of residents in Evergreen, Aspen Ridge, and Willowgrove for years to come.”

“The Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to join the City of Saskatoon in recognizing the completion of this important project,” said the Honourable Don McMorris, Minister of Government Relations. “Together, we are investing in infrastructure that builds and protects this province. We are proud to support projects that help Saskatchewan grow and meet the needs of current and future residents.”

“As the city continues to face accelerated population growth, it is essential that residents have access to clean and safe water,” said Mayor Charlie Clark. “Adding the City’s fourth reservoir and a new pump station will deliver treated water to Saskatoon’s east-side neighbourhoods, helping the City prepare for the increasing demand from residents and businesses. Thank you to both the Provincial and Federal Governments in helping to support this critical infrastructure and the future growth of Saskatoon.”

In addition to enhancing the City's water distribution capabilities, the McOrmond Drive Reservoir and Pump Station is equipped with the most up-to-date pumping systems and controls. The water is stored in an underground concrete reservoir that is approximately six metres deep.

Saskatoon has three other reservoirs that help deliver water to nearby neighbourhoods: the 42^nd Street Reservoir, the Avenue H Reservoir, and the Acadia Drive Reservoir. For more information about the McOrmond Drive Reservoir and Pump Station, please visit saskatoon.ca/reservoir.

A significant piece of Saskatoon infrastructure that would have required extensive modifications to continue operating has been replaced. Construction on a new Spadina Lift Station and force main, which moves approximately 60 per cent of Saskatoon’s wastewater from the sanitary sewer system to the H. McIvor Weir Waste Water Treatment Plant, has wrapped up and has been in service for about three months. 

“The decision to construct a new lift station instead of modifying the existing one, which was built in the 1940s as a sewage disposal facility and repurposed as a lift station in the 1970s, made the most sense,” said Russ Munro, Director of Saskatoon Water. “The risk in modifying the old structure would have been significant and not feasible, both from an operational perspective and from a capital expenditure perspective.” 

Collaborative funding efforts from both federal and provincial governments highlighted the recognition of the project's importance and its impact on the community's well-being. The Government of Canada provided $7.2 million toward the Spadina Lift Station project under the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Government of Saskatchewan provided close to $6 million. The City of Saskatoon invested $4.8 million to cover the remaining contribution.

“Reliable and sustainable water infrastructure contributes to the basics of a well-run city,” said the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, PrairiesCan and CanNor, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “Today’s completion of the new Spadina Lift Station ensures better wastewater management and well-being for the community into the future.”

“Today, we celebrate the completion of a facility that will have a lasting impact on future generations,” said the Honourable Don McMorris, Minister of Government Relations. “As our cities continue to expand, it is important that critical infrastructure meet both current and future demands. Our government is committed to strengthening our communities through vital projects like this, ensuring a brighter future for all.”

“Saskatoon has experienced tremendous population and neighbourhood growth in recent decades,” said Mayor Charlie Clark. “This upgrade to the Spadina Lift Station is critical for ensuring we have the continued capacity to move the majority of Saskatoon’s wastewater safely and efficiently to the Wastewater Treatment Plant. This will benefit both today’s residents and future generations. Thanks to the Federal and Provincial Governments as funding partners in maintaining and modernizing this important infrastructure for our city.”

A second building on the same site was completed in 2016 and serves as a bypass lift station whenever needed. To learn more about the critical role Saskatoon’s 26 lift stations play in helping get wastewater to the treatment plant, visit saskatoon.ca/liftstations.

Reconciliation Saskatoon invites everyone in the community to join the 2024 Rock Your Roots: Walk for Reconciliation on June 21 — National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Event Details:
Friday, June 21
10:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Victoria Park

• 10:00 a.m. Gather in Victoria Park
• 10:30 -11:30 a.m. Reconciliation Walk along the river
• 11:30 -11:45 a.m. Walk ends in Victoria Park at Reconciliation Circle (near the Lions skate park)

After the walk, the Saskatoon Indian Métis Friendship Centre will host a free lunch, a program and activities in the 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.

“I had a dream of walking for Residential School Survivors that didn’t have a voice,” says Jamie Fiddler, Residential School Survivor. “This Rock Your Roots walk is a covenant of truth or ‘tāpwēwin’ and reconciliation or ‘miyo-wâhkôhtowin.’ As we are one family, we walk and heal together, going into the future.”

Participants of the walk are invited to “Rock Your Roots” by wearing orange or contemporary/cultural regalia, or carrying signs that celebrate their heritage. Knowledge Keepers will start the day with a ceremony. Residential School Survivors will be honoured by leading the walk. Along the route, an international cast of singers, dancers, and musicians will celebrate the diverse cultures of Saskatoon.

This year, organizers have several initiatives to reduce waste at the event through their Mother Earth team.  They encourage participants to bring their own water bottle, waste free snacks, and throw compostables and recyclable items in the right bins.

Reconciliation Saskatoon recognizes the incredible support of Community Investors that make this walk possible. For the full list of supporters and all event details, visit: www.ReconciliationSaskatoon.com/rock-your-roots   

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.

Every employee deserves to feel safe at work and Saskatoon Transit is actively taking measures to provide a safe environment for frontline employees and customers.

Saskatoon Transit is working with the Saskatoon Police Service (SPS), Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD), Amalgamated Transit Union Local 615 (ATU) and other community stakeholders to address concerns with transit bus and facility safety. This work is being done as part of a larger community safety strategy throughout our community that the City of Saskatoon, SPS and SFD are actively rolling out.

Bus operators, supervisors and customer service employees have been exposed to more aggressive and violent incidents this spring. Since the beginning of May, Saskatoon Transit has increased security patrols at the Downtown, Confederation Mall and Market Mall transit terminals along with additional supervisor ride-alongs with operators to have an increased uniformed presence on buses and at facilities.

Several other initiatives are underway as part of the Saskatoon Transit Frontline Employee Safety Plan to improve safety on buses and at terminals for employees and riders. The plan will enhance security, improve internal processes, expand employee training, augment mental health support for employees following an incident, strengthen coordination with emergency services and build a stronger culture of safety at Saskatoon Transit. Initiatives include:

1. Streamlined process for reporting an incident to SPS to assist the incident investigation.
2. Deployment of the Fire Community Support team to bus terminals and on bus routes with a higher number of reported incidents.
3. Running a public marketing campaign featuring frontline employees from Saskatoon Transit to increase the profile of bus operators in the community.
4. Developing a process to ban a problem customer from Saskatoon Transit buses and facilities.
5. Exploring the feasibility of installing CCTV cameras at the Downtown and Confederation Mall terminals.
6. Rolling out the new Workplace Violence Prevention Policy and updated Respectful and Harassment-free Workplace process and introducing the new Corporate Customer Conduct Standard.
7. Developing and delivering new customer service and de-escalation training for frontline Saskatoon Transit employees.
8. Enhanced mental health support for Saskatoon Transit employees.
9. Advocating for tougher sentences under the Criminal Code for assaults against a Saskatoon Transit employee.

Saskatoon Transit will continue to protect its employees and customers through these new initiatives and by working closely with SPS, SFD, ATU and other community stakeholders on the "One City" approach to Community Safety and Wellbeing strategy.

In addition to these new initiatives, all buses have a protective operator barrier and CCTV cameras with visible signage to inform passengers that their actions are being recorded.

The City of Saskatoon (City) has upgraded 20 Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) in and around Downtown to Touchless Accessible Pedestrian Signals. 

This initiative, made possible through funding from the Government of Canada's Canada Healthy Communities Initiative, marks a pivotal step in the city's commitment to ensuring accessibility and safety for all residents. The Canada Healthy Communities Initiative was established to fund small-scale infrastructure projects to create safer, more vibrant and inclusive communities. 

 "This initiative underscores our dedication to fostering an inclusive and safe city for all residents," says Jay Magus, Director Transportation. “The City remains committed to ongoing programs that retrofit older intersections with APS devices, meaning accessibility measures are consistently prioritized.”  

APS devices play a crucial role in aiding pedestrians with visual and/or hearing challenges by providing vital auditory and vibration cues, enabling safe street crossings.  These signals employ distinctive auditory sounds— a "cuckoo" for north/south and a "chirp" for east/west directions, supplemented by voice messages at select intersections. 

Many traffic signals Downtown have automatic walk lights; however, pedestrians were required to press the button to activate the auditory cues.  With Touchless APS, the audibles can be activated by waving your hand in front of the push button.   Pedestrians can still press the button, which includes a vibrating arrow.    

This comprehensive approach reflects Saskatoon's dedication to creating an inclusive urban environment where everyone can navigate streets safely and independently. 

More information about Accessible Pedestrian Signals can be found at saskatoon.ca/pedestriansafety.