News Releases

Saskatoon families may feel a stronger sense of safety in areas where their young children learn and play as changes to School Zones and new Playground Zones start tomorrow, September 1.  

Speed limits in School Zones at elementary schools will be 30 km/h every day, all year from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Additionally, some school zone boundaries were adjusted and the reduced speed limit was removed from High School Zones. U-turns are still restricted at all schools between posted School Zone signs. 

“Slowing from 50 km/h to 30 km/h where children play gives the driver more time to react, a wider field of vision and a chance to come to a complete stop sooner,” says Jay Magus, Director of Transportation. “Children are more vulnerable to severe injury in a crash than adults, so should a crash occur, it is less likely that it would have severe consequences at a reduced speed.” 

Playground Zones are new in Saskatoon and require drivers to slow to 30 km/h as posted, when passing areas where children play. Where School and Playground Zone signs do not include a posted speed limit, treat the sign as a caution and pay close attention through the area. 

Speed enforcement activities will be aligned with the new School Zone and Playground Zone effective hours.  

“It’s critical for people to slow down in these areas where young children play and learn,” said Dale Solie, Inspector, Saskatoon Police Service.  “Initially our focus will be to educate and raise awareness of the school zone and playground changes; however, enforcement will occur where necessary.” 

Vehicle speed and pedestrian safety have been the top concerns of residents who participated in 77 Neighbourhood Traffic Reviews between 2013 and 2021, and many people felt that vulnerable people, such as children, were at risk of injury.  

Following a city-wide speed limit review for residential streets in 2021, City Council approved changes to extend School Zones to year-round with longer hours and implement playground zones. Learn more at saskatoon.ca/speedlimit. 

To accommodate the Nutrien Firework's Festival in the downtown area on Friday, September 2 and Saturday, September 3, detours, lane restrictions, and “no parking” signs will be in place guiding motorists around the event area. This event is expected to take four days to complete, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances. 

If there are weather impacts, the firework festival will take place on Sunday, September 4, with detours being removed on Monday, September 5. 

1st Avenue will be closed between Princess Street and 3rd Avenue starting Thursday, September 1, at 7:00 a.m. for water main replacement work. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone. This project is expected to take 20 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.  

7th Avenue will be closed between 33rd and Empress streets starting Wednesday, August 31, at 8:00 a.m. for valve repair work. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around this detour. This project is expected to take two days 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. 

The Circle Drive overpass at 33rd Street will be closed on Wednesday, August 31 at 7:00 p.m. for bridge and deck washing work. All traffic must use the exit ramps to continue moving northbound and southbound on Circle Drive. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around this work. This project is expected to take 11 hours to complete, barring 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.    

Adelaide Street will be closed between St. George and St. Patrick avenues on Wednesday, August 31, at 7:00 a.m. for service line replacement work. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone. This project is expected to take six 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. 

With artistic illustrations revealed Monday, the public has its first look at what a future event centre/arena could look like at either of two potential Downtown locations and now City Council wants to hear from residents, businesses and other community partners on the opportunities and challenges of those two potential sites. 

“We have a chance to make decisions that will shape the downtown and the city for the next 50 years and beyond,” says Mayor Charlie Clark. 

This engagement method reflects the “consult level” of the International Association for Public Participation using a qualitative approach. Results will be shared publicly and presented to City Council in November to be considered as part of the final decision on the location for the future event centre/arena site. 

The event centre/arena site and surrounding area, will be developed as a shared public space where everyone feels comfortable and welcome. Coupled with a convention centre, it will act as an anchor for the rest of the District development. The future Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system will connect the District to the entire city, boosting revitalization of the Downtown.  

The District will also be a destination and gathering place for all of Saskatchewan and beyond. 

"We already know that many more people travel from outside Saskatoon for concerts and events, and we want to continue to offer those events and opportunities for all of us to enjoy well into the future,” says Councillor Troy Davies, co-chair, Downtown Event & Entertainment District Advisory Group. “This will be a game changer for Saskatoon and the province -- we are building this facility for our kids and grandkids.” 

By offering residents and visitors a gathering place for entertainment and events, with a variety of restaurants, venues, shopping and nightlife, Saskatoon’s Downtown will become an economic driver for the city and the province. 

The creation of a successful District will have significant benefits for Saskatoon — a new Downtown event centre/arena, a new or enhanced convention centre, and the future BRT are the key public infrastructure investments that will drive further investment in the Downtown area, Saskatoon, and Saskatchewan -- helping businesses attract the workforce and talent they demand. 

Following further engagement and consultation with elders and community partners, the area would be developed sustainably with Indigenous placemaking a focus.  

More information on The Journey to the District is available on saskatoon.ca/eventdistrict.