News Releases
Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
33rd Street closed between Avenue P and Valens Drive on Saturday
May 12, 2023 - 8:00am
33rd Street will be closed between Avenue P and Valens Drive on Saturday, May 13, at 9:00 a.m. for catch basin replacement work. The intersection at 33rd Street and Howell Avenue will be closed during this project. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around this work. This project 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.
51st Street closed between Millar Avenue and Warman Road starting Saturday
May 12, 2023 - 7:00am
51st Street will be closed between Millar Avenue and Warman Road starting Saturday, May 13, at 7:00 a.m. for railway track replacement work. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone. This project is expected to take 2 days to complete, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.
Saskatoon Transit may be affected by this detour. 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.
Bus service to Shania Twain
May 12, 2023 - 6:00am
- 6:10 p.m.
- 6:30 p.m.
- 6:50 p.m.
- 7:10 p.m.
- 7:30 p.m.
Direct bus service from the Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to see Shania Twain live at SaskTel Centre on Friday, May 12 at 7:30 p.m., is available at the following times:
Post event drop-off is the downtown terminal and regular fares apply ($3.00 per trip). Fare can be purchased on your mobile phone using either the TGo or transit app, transfers and passes are also accepted.
Plan your trip to events at SaskTel Centre on Route 333 using the Transit app up to two weeks in advance.
Transit service times for special events at SaskTel Centre and other popular destinations can always be found at SaskatoonTransit.ca/plan-my-trip/popular-destinations. Experience the convenience of using Saskatoon Transit to attend all your favourite events.
City Awards New Animal Services Contracts for Bylaw Enforcement & Poundkeeping Services
May 11, 2023 - 11:00am
The City has awarded new contracts for both the provision of Animal Control and Dangerous Animals Bylaw Enforcement (Bylaw Enforcement) and Poundkeeping Services to the Saskatoon Animal Control Agency (or SACA). The agreement follows a public competitive procurement process and independent oversight to maintain fairness in selecting a provider for these services.
The City has an Animal Control Program that includes the provision of Bylaw Enforcement and Poundkeeping Services. The current contracts for both Bylaw Enforcement and Poundkeeping Services have been in place a long time and are ending December 31, 2023. To ensure due diligence for best value procurement, the City, after consulting with existing proponents, issued a new Request for Proposals (RFP) for 2024 and beyond to seek qualified organizations to provide these services.
An independent third-party Fairness Monitor was also contracted and participated in the entire RFP process to ensure consistency and transparency in application of the City’s procurement policies.
Following the evaluation of all proposals on non-price rated criteria such as strategy, experience and qualifications, the contracts for Bylaw Enforcement and Poundkeeping Services have been awarded to SACA who satisfied the mandatory requirements with the lowest cost to the City. SACA and the City will enter into a four-year contract, with an option to extend the agreement for two additional four-year terms.
Familiar to the community for nearly two decades, SACA has been successfully providing animal control services and Bylaw Enforcement duties in Saskatoon since 2004.
There will be no interruption in service to the public or animals in need of Poundkeeping Services. Effective January 1, 2024, SACA will operate Poundkeeping Services from the same City of Saskatoon-owned facility at 5028 Clarence Avenue South. As is the case with the current contract, animal adoption services will be the responsibility of the contractor if animals are not claimed after the allotted time at the pound.
The City wishes to thank the current provider, Saskatoon SPCA, for their many years of Poundkeeping Services as well as their contributions to the community and the welfare of animals in Saskatoon.
An information report outlining the full details of the procurement process will be presented to the Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services at its June 7, 2023 meeting.
Evening expressway sweeping starts Monday
May 11, 2023 - 10:00am
City and contractor crews have been busy sweeping up road debris to clean streets and reduce dust in the air since the snow melted. Starting Monday, May 15, motorists should expect delays on expressways, including Circle Drive, Monday to Thursday evenings from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. This project is expected to be completed by May 26, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.
Motorists should stay back a minimum of 15 metres (about 2.5 car lengths), and when passing, should use extreme caution and slow to 60 km/h. The street sweeping vehicles will travel with a Saskatoon Police Service escort to enforce speeding and other work zone infractions. On and off ramps will be temporarily closed while sweeping is being completed.
Saskatoon Police Service and pilot vehicles will use flashing lights and message boards to warn drivers to slow down as they approach the moving work zone. Motorists must slow down and respect all work zones, including mobile work zones, detours, flashing lights, barriers and workers outside of equipment.
The km/h charge for travelling in excess of the posted speed limit in a construction zone is double. Driving 20 km/h over the speed limit will cost you $440; 40 km over will cost $1,008.
The City thanks motorists for their patience while this necessary work is carried out.
Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo retains CAZA accreditation
May 11, 2023 - 9:00am
The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo) is honoured to have once again achieved its accreditation through Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA). CAZA accreditation signifies excellence in animal care and management and a commitment to conservation and education. The Zoo is the only CAZA accredited facility in Saskatchewan.
“We are so proud to maintain our CAZA accreditation,” says Jeff Mitchell Zoo Manager. “I really want to thank our incredible team at the Zoo who work tirelessly to provide the highest-quality animal care and continue to contribute to conservation and education initiatives that enhance animal welfare.”
Every five years, CAZA requires zoos to successfully complete the accreditation process to be a member of the association. The accreditation process provides a format for the Zoo to undertake a rigorous self-examination and includes a multi-day site visit to complete the adjudication. The granting of accreditation is for five years, and the Zoo may be reviewed or inspected at anytime within the five-year accreditation period.
About CAZA
Founded in 1975, CAZA is a private charitable organization representing the country’s leading zoological parks and aquariums. CAZA is committed to the advancement of accredited zoos and aquariums as humane agencies of animal welfare, conservation, science and education. For more information visit caza.ca.
Ready to roll? BYXE Week is May 15-21!
May 9, 2023 - 11:00am
Monday, May 15 kicks off Spring BYXE Week! Many activities and events are planned throughout the week, including Bike to Work Day on Thursday, May 18. Local advocacy group, Saskatoon Cycles, is coordinating the events in partnership with the City, including the #BYXE Week scavenger hunt and Great Saskatoon Bike Passport Adventure.
Cycling is a convenient and low-cost form of everyday transportation that benefits Saskatoon by decreasing traffic congestion, noise and air pollution. Riding a bike is also great for physical and mental health; regular exercise leaves you feeling refreshed, energized and alert.
Where will the ride take you? BYXE Week is a great time to grab your bikes and explore Saskatoon and all its beauty as spring blooms. The 2023 Cycling Guide is now available, visit saskatoon.ca/byxe for bike routes and safety tips.
Bike to Work Day will be held on Thursday, May 18. Commuter Stations, sponsored by local organizations and businesses, will be serving refreshments and snacks for people on bikes during their morning (7-9 a.m.) and afternoon (4-6 p.m.) commutes.
If you live too far away to ride your bike, consider taking Saskatoon Transit part of the way. All buses are equipped with front bike racks that are free and easy to use. Racks on the front of the buses hold two bicycles on a first-come, first-served basis, accommodating tires up to 2” wide. Plan your trip using the Transit app and Google Transit.
Share your pedal adventures with #BYXE on your social media channels and we may share them on our pages, plus you will be entered to win prizes!
Visit saskatooncycles.org/byxe for details about the week-long activities planned and join our Facebook Event for updates!
Daily Road Report - May 11, 2023
May 10, 2023 - 3:00pm
*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.
NEW
IDYLWYLD DR N SB LANES CLOSED FROM 33RD ST W TO 32ND ST W
(Tree pruning)
Two-way traffic will be maintained in NB lanes
Start: May 11, 5:00 a.m. End: May 11, 6:00 a.m.
CIRCLE DR W SB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 33RD ST W TO LAURIER DR
(Guardrail repair)
Start: May 11, 9:00 a.m. End: May 11, 12:00 p.m.
TAYLOR ST E ROAD CLOSED FROM GROSVENOR CRES TO PRESTON AVE S
(Emergency connection replacement)
Start: May 11, 9:00 a.m. End: May 12, 5:00 p.m.
CIRCLE DR E NB ACCELERATION LANE CLOSED AT HIGHWAY 16
(Guardrail repair)
Start: May 11, 12:00 p.m. End: May 11, 3:00 p.m.
NIGHTWORK
CONFEDERATION DR NB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM 22ND ST W TO LAURIER DR
(Line marking)
Start: May 11, 7:00 p.m. End: May 12, 5:00 a.m.
ONGOING
2ND AVE S ROAD CLOSED FROM 21ST ST E TO 22ND ST E
(Vault construction)
Start: May 10, 7:00 a.m. End: May 11, 4:30 p.m.
BALTZAN BLVD ROAD CLOSED AT HORNER CRES
(Building construction)
Start: April 17, 7:00 a.m. End: May 12, 5:00 p.m.
8TH ST W WB LANES CLOSED FROM LORNE AVE TO COY AVE
(Pedestrian ramp work)
Start: May 10, 9:00 a.m. End: May 12, 6:00 p.m.
22ND ST E ROAD CLOSED FROM 3RD AVE N TO 4TH AVE N
(Infrastructure upgrades)
Start: May 1, 7:00 a.m. End: May 14, 7:00 p.m.
PRESTON AVE S SB LANES CLOSED FROM 14TH ST E TO MAIN ST
(Concrete replacement)
Two-way traffic will be maintained in the NB lanes
Start: May 8, 7:00 a.m. End: May 27, 5:00 p.m.
NEAULT RD NB & SB LANES SPEED REDUCED FROM 22ND ST W TO 33RD ST W
(Topsoil stripping)
Start: November 19, 9:00 a.m. End: June 2, 4:00 p.m.
CIRCLE DR E WB LANES CLOSED FROM ATTRIDGE DR TO WARMAN RD
(Bridge Rehabilitation)
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.
CLARENCE AVE N NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM TEMPERANCE ST TO UNIVERSITY DR
(Construction)
Start: May 1, 7:00 a.m. End: June 25, 5:00 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.
Nutrien Playland at Kinsmen Park opens for the season on Sunday, May 14, 2023
May 10, 2023 - 1:00pm
Nutrien Playland at Kinsmen Park (945 Spadina Crescent East) will open for the season on Sunday, May 14, 2023.
Hours of operation are as follows:
May and June
Monday to Friday: 2:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
July to September 5
Daily: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Admission is $2.90 for a single ticket and $29.00 for a play pack (12 tickets). One ticket per ride is required for the Canpotex train, Ferris wheel and carousel. Children under the age of 6 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Children under the age of 2 ride for free.
The children’s play area is free to enjoy and includes water spray features, sand play and a climbing area. The spray pad will open June 1, 2023 and operate daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Turn moments into memories and host your birthday party or corporate event at Nutrien Playland! Daytime and after-hours bookings are now being accepted for Playland Parties. There are also affordable rental options available for schools and daycares. Visit saskatoon.ca/playlandparties for all the details and to book now.
New this season, Nutrien Playland at Kinsmen Park will host a colouring contest for youth ages 12 and under to celebrate the magic of play! Colouring pages will be available for pick up at the ticket kiosk or online at saskatoon.ca/nutrienplayland. Entries will be on display in the train station and draws will take place on May 31, June 30, July 31 and August 31 for a play pack.
For more information about Nutrien Playland at Kinsmen Park, please visit saskatoon.ca/nutrienplayland.
Taylor Street closed between Grosvenor Crescent and Preston Avenue starting Thursday
May 10, 2023 - 12:00pm
Taylor Street will be closed between Grosvenor Crescent and Preston Avenue starting Thursday, May 11 at 9:00 a.m. for connection replacement work. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone. This project is expected to take two days 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.