News Releases

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.

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.