News Releases
Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
33rd Street closed between Avenue K and Avenue J on Friday
April 27, 2023 - 9:45am
33rd Street will be closed between Avenue K and Avenue J on Friday, April 28, at 9:00 a.m. for catch basin replacement work. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around this project. This work is expected to take one day to complete, barring any unforeseen circumstances or weather delays.
Saskatoon Transit may be affected by these detours. Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit on desktop.
For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.
First phase of engagement for Downtown Event & Entertainment District designs to begin
April 27, 2023 - 9:00am
- An opt-in online public survey - Saskatoon residents, as well as those from other communities, can self-select to participate;
- Pop-up “storefronts” at malls and other convenient locations where the community is invited to stop by at their own convenience, see information, talk to City staff and provide feedback through worksheets or the online survey; and
- Many community-led workshops.
The City of Saskatoon is starting the exciting first phase of engagement for the Downtown Event & Entertainment District and we want to hear your ideas!
“The public is invited to come on the journey with us to create a thriving Downtown, built around great public gathering spaces and amenities,” says Dan Willems, Director of Technical Services.
In November 2018, City Council directed the Administration to plan for a Downtown event centre/arena and new or expanded convention centre as part of a Downtown Event & Entertainment District. Following public consultation in November 2022, City Council approved the purchase of the Midtown Shopping Centre North Parking Lot as the site for the future Downtown event centre/arena.
City staff are working on a comprehensive District Plan that will establish the Downtown as a hub for entertainment and culture, with vibrant spaces that are welcoming for everyone and attractive for new residential development. The District Plan will also guide the designs for the surrounding streets, parks and other public spaces to be accessible to all residents and visitors. Stantec, HOK and LMN have been hired to create conceptual designs for the new event centre/arena and convention centre, as well as the surrounding outdoor spaces.
The City is now seeking public input on things we should incorporate into the design of the District, new event centre/arena, and new or expanded convention centre and outdoor public space, so they are welcoming, inviting and accessible to all who visit or live in Saskatoon.
“What we hear from the community, along with research and funding considerations, will be considered in the development of the District Plan and conceptual designs for the Downtown event centre/arena and convention centre,” says Willems.
Engagement Opportunities
From April 27 to May 18 the public is invited to share their thoughts in the following ways:
A full listing of engagement opportunities is available on saskatoon.ca/engage.
Next Steps
Initial designs for the event centre/arena, convention centre and outdoor gathering spaces will be developed using community feedback, technical research and early budgeting.
The initial ideas, feedback and an early funding strategy will then be presented to City Council’s Governance & Priorities Committee in July 2023.
“After direction from Council, the City will be coming back to the public in the summer and late fall-early winter to get further thoughts and feedback,” Willems explains. “Final draft designs will be presented to City Council for decision and this is expected by the end of 2023.”
A timeline of the decision-making process and next steps for the public to get involved is available here.
Details including the complete background on the Downtown Event & Entertainment District, timelines and decisions are here: saskatoon.ca/eventdistrict.
2nd Avenue closed between 21st and 22nd streets on Friday
April 27, 2023 - 7:00am
2nd Avenue will be closed between 20th and 21st streets on Friday, April 28, at 7:00 a.m. for crane work. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone. This project is expected to take 12 hours to complete, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.
Saskatoon Transit may be affected by these detours. Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit on desktop.
For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.
Daily Road Report - April 27, 2023
April 26, 2023 - 3:15pm
*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.
NEW
LENORE DR EB CURB & CENTRE LANES CLOSED FROM WARMAN RD TO CREE CRES
(Catch basin repair)
Start: April 27, 8:00 a.m. End: April 27, 4:00 p.m.
CLARENCE AVE S NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED AT STONEBRIDGE BLVD
(Pole replacement)
Start: April 27, 9:00 a.m. End: April 27, 1:00 p.m.
AVE C N SB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 47TH ST W TO 45TH ST W
(Streetlight replacement)
Start: April 27, 9:00 a.m. End: April 27, 2:00 p.m.
IDYLWYLD DR N SB LANES CLOSED FROM 31ST ST E TO 29TH ST E
(Hydrant repairs)
Two-way traffic will be maintained in the NB lanes
Start: April 27, 9:00 a.m. End: April 27, 3:00 p.m.
NIGHTWORK
CIRCLE DR W NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM LAURIER DR TO CLANCY DR
(Median sweeping)
Start: April 26, 8:00 p.m. End: April 27, 6:00 a.m.
ONGOING
LORNE AVE SB LANES CLOSED FROM EXHIBITION GROUNDS RD TO JASPER AVE
(Water service)
Start: April 25, 7:00 a.m. End: April 28, 6:00 p.m.
BALTZAN BLVD ROAD CLOSED BETWEEN MARLETTE CRES AND ORBAN WAY
(Building construction)
Start: April 17, 7:00 a.m. End: May 5, 5:00 p.m.
CIRCLE DR E WB LANES CLOSED FROM ATTRIDGE DR TO WARMAN RD
(Bridge Rehab)
Two-way traffic will be maintained across the bridge. Max Load width is 4.5m
Start: February 28, 6:00 a.m. End: June 10, 7:00 p.m.
All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.
For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.
Saskatoon Transit signs contract with Nova Bus for first two battery-electric buses
April 26, 2023 - 1:30pm
Saskatoon Transit is taking the first step in electrifying its bus fleet by signing a contract for two Nova LFSe+ electric buses. These will be the first two permanent battery-electric buses in Saskatoon Transit’s fleet and the first in Saskatchewan.
The long-range battery-electric bus can travel more than 300 kilometres on a single charge. This will save Saskatoon Transit approximately $44,000 in fuel costs annually per bus and will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 60 tonnes per bus annually once in operation.
"Taking transit is already one of the best ways people can reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, but through electrification and other actions outlined in the Low Emissions Community Plan, we’re working to further reduce our impact on the climate,” says Terry Schmidt, General Manager of Transportation and Construction.
This is a critical step towards achieving climate targets outlined in the City of Saskatoon’s Low Emissions Community Plan and Climate Action Plan. Some of these targets include emission reductions of 55,000 tonnes CO2e by 2050, increasing transit trips to 5 per cent of total trips by 2030 and 10 per cent by 2050.
This $2.7 million investment in battery-electric buses was approved by City Council in December 2021. We expect delivery of these new buses in 2024.
“We are very excited that Saskatoon Transit will be experiencing the long-range electric version of the safe and reliable Nova Bus buses,” says Ralph Acs, President of Nova Bus. “Electrifying transit bus fleets is the smartest option for transit authorities to reduce GHG emissions, and we’re glad Saskatoon Transit is leading the way in Saskatchewan by acquiring the province’s first all-electric buses.”
More information
City of Saskatoon Climate Action Plan webpage
For more information about Saskatoon Transit, visit saskatoontransit.ca or follow @StoonTransit on Twitter. Plan your route in advance using Google Transit or the Transit App on your mobile device.
New summer hours at the zoo
April 26, 2023 - 10:00am
The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo will be switching to summer hours on Monday, May 1, 2023. The seasonal hours mean the Forestry Farm Park gates will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and new in 2023, the Zoo will be open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The last person will be admitted to the Zoo thirty minutes before close. Parking fees also come into effect on May 1.
The public is reminded that the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo is a pet-free park.
Visit saskatoon.ca/zoo to plan your next visit.
Daily Road Report - April 26, 2023
April 25, 2023 - 3:00pm
*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.
NEW
LENORE DR EB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM WARMAN RD TO CREE CRES
(Streetlight replacement)
Start: April 26, 8:00 a.m. End: April 26, 4:00 p.m.
22ND ST W WB CURB & CENTRE LANES CLOSED FROM AVE R N TO AVE S N
(Power pole replacement)
Start: April 26, 8:30 a.m. End: April 26, 1:30 p.m.
51ST ST E EB CURB LANE CLOSED AT IDYLWYLD SERVICE RD
(Streetlight pole replacements)
Start: April 26, 9:00 a.m. End: April 26, 11:00 a.m.
51ST ST E EB & WB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM CLEVELAND AVE TO MILLAR AVE
(Hydro vac)
Start: April 26, 9:00 a.m. End: April 26, 12:00 p.m.
AVE C N SB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM IDYLWYLD DR N TO 47TH ST E
(Streetlight replacements)
Start: April 26, 11:00 a.m. End: April 26, 3:00 p.m.
NIGHTWORK
CIRCLE DR W NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM LAURIER DR TO CLANCY DR
(Median sweeping)
Start: April 26, 8:00 p.m. End: April 27, 6:00 a.m.
ONGOING
20TH ST W ROAD CLOSED FROM AVE D S TO AVE E S
(Water & sewer connection repair)
Start: April 25, 8:00 a.m. End: April 26, 4:30 p.m.
LORNE AVE SB LANES CLOSED FROM EXHIBITION GROUNDS RD TO JASPER AVE
(Water service)
Start: April 25, 7:00 a.m. End: April 28, 6:00 p.m.
BALTZAN BLVD ROAD CLOSED BETWEEN MARLETTE CRES AND ORBAN WAY
(Building construction)
Start: April 17, 7:00 a.m. End: May 5, 5:00 p.m.
CIRCLE DR E WB LANES CLOSED FROM ATTRIDGE DR TO WARMAN RD
(Bridge Rehab)
Two-Way traffic will be maintained across the Bridge. Max Load width is 4.5m
Start: February 28, 6:00 a.m. End: June 10, 7:00 p.m.
All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.
For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.
Woodlawn Cemetery Guidelines for Gravesite Memorials
April 25, 2023 - 2:00pm
- Only approved monuments or memorials are considered permanent items and are permitted to remain in the cemetery year-round. All other items placed on a gravesite, flowerbed, monument, or concrete foundation are considered temporary and need to be removed weekly.
- Flowers and other items are permitted on the gravesite the day of the burial and will be left for a period of seven calendar days. After this time, items will be removed by the City. Please note, the City does not take responsibility for any removed, damaged, or missing items placed in the cemetery by the public.
- Families may establish a flowerbed at the gravesite upon approval from the Cemetery Office, except for military burials in the Field of Honour and flat marker areas. Annual flowers are allowed, provided they do not hang over the edge of the flowerbed or impede maintenance of adjacent gravesites. Flowerbeds must be approved by the Cemetery Office prior to installation to ensure they are within guidelines.
- Items not allowed in flowerbeds include shrubs, perennials, decorative fencing, rocks, stones, concrete, and breakable or fragile items.
- The City assumes no responsibility for the appearance, maintenance and fall cleanup of approved flowerbeds planted by the public. If flowerbeds are neglected, they will be removed.
As the weather warms, cemetery staff will begin spring cleanup of the cemetery grounds. The City of Saskatoon reminds visitors to the Woodlawn Cemetery of the guidelines in place for gravesite memorials. These guidelines are intended to maintain a pleasant environment and respect the final resting place of loved ones:
From May 1 to October 15:
Cemetery visiting hours are 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily. Please note, the washroom in the Woodlawn Cemetery Administration building is currently closed.
The Cemetery Office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding statutory holidays. For all inquiries, contact the Cemetery Office at 306-975-3308 or cemetery@saskatoon.ca.
City of Saskatoon golf courses are scheduled to open for the season on Friday, April 28, 2023
April 25, 2023 - 8:00am
The City of Saskatoon is ready to welcome golfers to Holiday Park, Wildwood, and Silverwood golf courses.
Holiday Park Golf Course (Phone: 306-975-3325, 1630 Avenue U South)
27 holes will open on Friday, April 28 at 9:00 a.m.
Wildwood Golf Course (Phone: 306-975-3320, 4050 8th Street East)
18 holes will open on Friday, April 28 at 9:00 a.m.
Silverwood Golf Course (Phone: 306-975-3314; 3503 Kinnear Avenue)
18 holes will open on Friday, April 28 at 9:00 a.m.
Tee time reservations are being accepted by phone, online at saskatoon.ca/golf or in person at the pro shops beginning Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at 9:00 a.m.
The driving ranges at Holiday Park and Silverwood are currently open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., daily.
Green cart collections & cost not affected: Corman Park Council rejects contractor’s organics composting facility application
April 24, 2023 - 6:30pm
In an 8-1 vote, the Rural Municipality of Corman Park Council declined a discretionary use application from Green Prairie Environmental (GPE). The application was to operate an organics composting facility located next to the GPE landfill that has been operating in the RM for many years.
Following a public procurement process, the City awarded in September 2020 a contract to GPE to provide organics processing services to support the City’s Curbside Organics Program.
The City’s contract with GPE requires a contingency plan in the event that GPE faces any challenges to fully deliver service. This was a pre-condition to moving forward.
Residents should know that any extra cost of the contingency will be carried by GPE and not the City.
The City continues to prepare for the launch of the program next week and collections will not be affected by this RM Council decision. All eligible residences will have their green bins by the end of this week.
Learn more about the City’s Green Cart Program.