News Releases

A report for the October 29 regular business meeting of City Council sets out the proposed agreement framework for a private operating partnership with OVG360 (OVG), one of the world’s leading full-service facility management teams with over 300 client-partners that span arenas, stadiums, convention centres and performing arts centres globally.

“We are pleased to bring forward a proposed agreement framework for the operation of the future facility, which was developed with OVG through a competitive bidding process” says Dan Willems, Director of Technical Services. “We are looking forward to getting Council’s feedback and direction on this important step.”

Willems adds the report is another step toward achieving a funding plan and not an approval for any construction to start.

The procurement process started in January 2024 when City Council approved a procurement approach for a private partner for operations management of one or both of the anchor facilities for the Downtown Event and Entertainment District. An RFP was issued to pre-qualified proponents in February 2024 and closed on April 25, 2024. After the evaluation of proposals, the submission from OVG was deemed the highest scoring and negotiations commenced.

Additional Project Background 

August 2024 

August 14: Downtown Event and Entertainment District – Private Partner Agreement Framework. Forwarded to City Council August 28 meeting as an approval report or at such time OVG was able to be in attendance.

September 2024 

September 25: Downtown Event and Entertainment District – Private Partner Agreement Framework Update provided a brief update on the status of OVG’s efforts to advance internal OVG reviews of the Agreement Framework. The Administration was to provide an update report to City Council with any proposed Agreement Framework modifications at such time that OVG was available to attend.

April 2025 

April 9: Downtown Event and Entertainment District – Private Partner Agreement Framework Update outlined the Administration’s intention to pause on bringing forward the private partner Agreement Framework to City Council for review and approval for up to six months. This pause was intended to allow time to monitor and reassess the economic and political environment in relation to the Agreement Framework.

At this point, City Council is being asked to consider the private partner Agreement Framework and set in motion negotiations for a Master Agreement based on the terms set out in the report.

Representatives from OVG360 will be present at the meeting and will make a presentation.

Please visit Frequently Asked Questions for additional context.

For further information on the Downtown Event and Entertainment District please visit saskatoon.ca/eventdistrict.

*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.

NEW

WARMAN RD SB CURB & PARTIAL LEFT TURN BAY CLOSED AT ASSINIBOINE DR
(Traffic signal work)
Start: October 23, 6:00 a.m. End: October 23, 11:00 a.m.

PRESTON AVE N NB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM ADELAIDE ST E TO ARMISTICE WAY
(Sewer construction)
Start: October 23, 7:00 a.m. End: October 23, 9:00 p.m.

WARMAN RD SB CURB LANE CLOSED AT 5TH AVE N
(Link station construction)
Start: October 23, 7:00 a.m. End: October 29, 5:00 p.m.

21ST ST E NB & SB DRIVING LANES CLOSED AT 21ST ST E
(Water main maintenance)
Two-way traffic will be maintained in parking lanes
Start: October 23, 7:00 a.m. End: November 14, 5:00 p.m.

22ND ST W WB CURB & CENTER LANES CLOSED FROM AVE J N TO AVE K N
(Catch basin repairs)
Start: October 23, 9:00 a.m. End: October 23, 11:00 a.m.

IDYLWYLD DR N NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 39TH ST E TO 40TH ST E
(Flushing)
Start: October 23, 9:00 a.m. End: October 23, 11:00 a.m.

108TH ST W VARIOUS SINGLE LANE CLOSURES AT CIRCLE DR E
(Surveying)
A pilot truck will be used for this work
Start: October 23, 9:00 a.m. End: October 23, 11:00 a.m.

CUMBERLAND AVE S ROAD CLOSED FROM MAIN ST TO 10TH ST E
(Water main construction)
Start: October 23, 10:00 a.m. End: October 23, 11:00 a.m.

8TH ST E VARIOUS SINGLE LANE CLOSURES FROM CAMPBELL AVE TO EMERSON AVE
(Monitoring)
A pilot truck will be used for this work
Start: October 23, 10:00 a.m. End: October 23, 4:00 p.m.

22ND ST W WB CURB & CENTER LANES CLOSED FROM AVE I N TO AVE J N
(Manhole repair)
Start: October 23, 11:00 a.m. End: October 23, 1:00 p.m.

22ND ST W WB CURB & CENTRE LANES CLOSED AT AVE E N
(Construction)
Start: October 23, 1:00 p.m. End: October 23, 3:00 p.m.

ONGOING

8TH ST E EB & WB CURB LANES CLOSED AT MCKERCHER DR
(Link station construction)
Start: September 3, 7:00 a.m. End: October 23, 5:00 p.m.

8TH ST E WB & EB RIGHT TURN BAYS CLOSED AT MCKERCHER DR
(Link station construction)
Start: September 12, 7:00 a.m. End: October 23, 5:00 p.m.

ASSINIBOINE DR ROAD CLOSED FROM RAVINE DR TO CAPILANO DR
(Roadway paving)
Start: October 22, 7:00 a.m. End: October 23, 5:00 p.m.

RUTH ST E INTERSECTION CLOSED FROM WIGGINS AVE S TO CUMBERLAND AVE S
(Construction)
Start: July 29, 7:00 a.m. End: October 24, 5:00 p.m.

33RD ST W EB CURB LANE CLOSED AT AVE P N
(Intersection upgrades)
Start: October 22, 9:00 a.m. End: October 25, 5:00 p.m.

7TH AVE N SB LANES CLOSED FROM OSBORNE ST TO 33RD ST E
(Concrete replacement)
Start: October 20, 7:00 a.m. End: October 27, 5:00 p.m.

4TH AVE N ROAD CLOSED AT 24TH ST E
(Construction)
Start: October 22, 7:00 a.m. End: October 28, 5:00 p.m.

25TH ST E WB LEFT TURN LANE CLOSED FROM 4TH AVE N TO 3RD AVE N
(Message board installation)
Start: October 21, 7:00 a.m. End: October 28, 5:00 p.m.

1ST AVE S NB RIGHT TURN LANE CLOSED AT 20TH ST E
(Message board installation)
Start: October 21, 7:00 a.m. End: October 28, 5:00 p.m.

BERINI DR SB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM ATTRIDGE DR TO WEBSTER ST
(Construction)
Start: September 18, 8:00 a.m. End: October 28, 5:00 p.m.

PRESTON AVE S SB LEFT TURN LANE CLOSED AT ARMISTICE WAY
(Sanitary sewer lining)
Start: October 9, 7:00 a.m. End: October 30, 5:00 p.m.

MELVILLE ST INTERSECTION CLOSED AT JASPER AVE S
(Willows development)
Start: August 12, 7:00 a.m. End: October 31, 5:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DR W SB SPEED REDUCTION FROM AIRPORT DR TO 33RD ST W
(Construction)
Start: October 6, 9:00 a.m. End: October 31, 5:00 p.m.

MELVILLE ST ROAD CLOSED FROM JASPER AVE S TO PORTAGE AVE
(Sewer main installation)
Start: July 30, 7:00 a.m. End: October 31, 5:00 p.m.

BROADWAY AVE/BROADWAY BRIDGE CLOSED FROM 12TH ST E TO 20TH ST E
(Bridge rehabilitation)
Start: May 11, 7:00 p.m. End: October (Date TBA)

PRESTON AVE S SB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM LOUISE AVE TO EAST DRIVE
(Laydown area)
Start: October 9, 7:00 a.m. End: November 5, 5:00 p.m.

BRIGHTON BLVD ROAD CLOSED FROM TASKAMANWA ST TO 8TH ST E
(New road construction)
Use McOrmond Dr
Start: November 20, 7:00 a.m. End: November 28, 2025, 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.

4th Avenue will be closed between 19th and 20th streets starting Thursday, October 23, at 7:00 a.m. for water main maintenance. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the area. This project is expected to take three weeks 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.

*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.

NEW

PRESTON AVE N NB TRAFFIC SQUEEZED OVER FROM LOUISE ST TO ADELAIDE ST E
(Sewer construction)
Start: October 22, 7:00 a.m. End: October 22, 9:00 p.m.

ASSINIBOINE DR ROAD CLOSED FROM RAVINE DR TO CAPILANO DR
(Roadway paving)
Start: October 22, 7:00 a.m. End: October 23, 5:00 p.m.

4TH AVE N ROAD CLOSED AT 24TH ST E
(Construction)
Start: October 22, 7:00 a.m. End: October 28, 5:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR S NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM AUDITORIUM AVE TO 22ND ST E
(Construction)
Start: October 22, 9:00 a.m. End: October 22, 12:00 p.m.

22ND ST W WB MEDIAN & CENTER LANES CLOSED FROM AVE L N TO AVE M N
(Manhole repair)
Start: October 22, 9:00 a.m. End: October 22, 12:00 p.m.

33RD ST W WB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM AVE P N TO EDMONTON AVE
(Construction)
Start: October 22, 9:00 a.m. End: October 22, 1:00 p.m.

33RD ST W EB CURB LANE CLOSED AT AVE P N
(Intersection upgrades)
Start: October 22, 9:00 a.m. End: October 25, 5:00 p.m.

CUMBERLAND AVE S ROAD CLOSED FROM MAIN ST TO 10TH ST E
(Water main maintenance)
Start: October 22, 10:00 a.m. End: October 22, 11:00 a.m.

22ND ST W SB CURB LANE CLOSED AT AVE M N
(Manhole repair)
Start: October 22, 12:00 p.m. End: October 22, 3:00 p.m.

ONGOING

BROADWAY AVE ROAD CLOSED FROM WILLOW ST E TO ISABELLA ST E
(Connection Replacement)
Start: October 21, 8:00 a.m. End: October 22, 12:00 p.m.

LORNE AVE ROAD CLOSED FROM 6TH ST E TO 8TH ST E
(Roadway paving)
Start: October 16, 7:00 a.m. End: October 22, 5:00 p.m.

8TH ST E EB & WB CURB LANES CLOSED AT MCKERCHER DR
(Link station construction)
Start: September 3, 7:00 a.m. End: October 23, 5:00 p.m.

8TH ST E WB & EB RIGHT TURN BAYS CLOSED AT MCKERCHER DR
(Link station construction)
Start: September 12, 7:00 a.m. End: October 23, 5:00 p.m.

RUTH ST E INTERSECTION CLOSED FROM WIGGINS AVE S TO CUMBERLAND AVE S
(Construction)
Start: July 29, 7:00 a.m. End: October 24, 5:00 p.m.

7TH AVE N SB LANES CLOSED FROM OSBORNE ST TO 33RD ST E
(Concrete replacement)
Start: October 20, 7:00 a.m. End: October 27, 5:00 p.m.

25TH ST E WB LEFT TURN LANE CLOSED FROM 4TH AVE N TO 3RD AVE N
(Message board installation)
Start: October 21, 7:00 a.m. End: October 28, 5:00 p.m.

1ST AVE S NB RIGHT TURN LANE CLOSED AT 20TH ST E
(Message board installation)
Start: October 21, 7:00 a.m. End: October 28, 5:00 p.m.

BERINI DR SB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM ATTRIDGE DR TO WEBSTER ST
(Construction)
Start: September 18, 8:00 a.m. End: October 28, 5:00 p.m.

PRESTON AVE S SB LEFT TURN LANE CLOSED AT ARMISTICE WAY
(Sanitary sewer lining)
Start: October 9, 7:00 a.m. End: October 30, 5:00 p.m.

MELVILLE ST INTERSECTION CLOSED AT JASPER AVE S
(Willows development)
Start: August 12, 7:00 a.m. End: October 31, 5:00 p.m.

MELVILLE ST ROAD CLOSED FROM JASPER AVE S TO PORTAGE AVE
(Sewer main installation)
Start: July 30, 7:00 a.m. End: October 31, 5:00 p.m.

BROADWAY AVE/BROADWAY BRIDGE CLOSED FROM 12TH ST E TO 20TH ST E
(Bridge rehabilitation)
Start: May 11, 7:00 p.m. End: October (Date TBA)

PRESTON AVE S SB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM LOUISE AVE TO EAST DRIVE
(Laydown area)
Start: October 9, 7:00 a.m. End: November 5, 5:00 p.m.

BRIGHTON BLVD ROAD CLOSED FROM TASKAMANWA ST TO 8TH ST E
(New road construction)
Use McOrmond Dr
Start: November 20, 7:00 a.m. End: November 28, 2025, 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.

Everyone in Saskatoon is invited to come to one of two come-and-go information events to be held on October 23^rd and October 27^th, where the future configuration of the Link rapid transit project along 1^st Avenue will be displayed and City staff and the design Consultant will be available to answer questions. The come-and-go events will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown and have been scheduled to give people the opportunity to come view the concept design. This marks another major milestone in the project as construction moves forward toward a goal of a 2028 service launch.

“The 1^st Avenue section of the Link route is important as it is the only corridor where all three rapid transit lines will converge, and it will move a large number of people from, to and through Downtown,” says Terry Schmidt, General Manager of Transportation and Construction. “These events will give people the opportunity to see where stations will be located as well as give them an idea of how transit, traffic, pedestrians and cyclists will move along 1^st Avenue once Link is operational.”

People are invited to attend one of the two events:

October 23 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Hilton Garden Inn 90 22nd St E
Garden South Centre Room

October 27 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Hilton Garden Inn 90 22nd St E
Garden South Centre Room

In addition, a stakeholder-specific event will be held for residents and businesses directly along 1^st Avenue between 19^th Street and 25^th Street and 21^st Street between 1^st Avenue and 3^rd Avenue on October 22^nd.

More information can be found at saskatoon.ca/link1st.

Cumberland Avenue will be closed between Main and 10th streets on Wednesday, October 22, starting at 10:00 a.m. for water main maintenance. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the area. This project is expected to take one hour 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.

4th Avenue will be closed between 23rd and 24th streets starting Wednesday, October 22, at 7:00 a.m. for water main maintenance. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the area. This project is expected to take one week 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.

Direct service from the Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to see Sarah McLachlan at SaskTel Centre on Tuesday, October 21 at 7:30 p.m. is available at the following times:

• 6:15 p.m.
• 6:55 p.m.

Post-event drop-off is at 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. Typically, buses arrive onsite 30 minutes prior to the end of the event.

Plan your trip to events at SaskTel Centre on Route 333 using the Transit app up to two weeks in advance. Check out the Transit+ feature to help make connections that combine Transit with OnDemand Transit, riide, and Uber. Download the Transit app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

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.

*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.

NEW

33RD ST W EB CURB LANE CLOSED AT AVE P N
(Underground maintenance)
Start: October 21, 7:00 a.m. End: October 21, 4:00 p.m.

PRESTON AVE S NB LANE CLOSED FROM LOUISE ST TO ADELAIDE ST E
(Sanitary sewer lining)
Traffic will be squeezed into parking lane
Start: October 21, 7:00 a.m. End: October 21, 9:00 p.m.

25TH ST E WB LEFT TURN LANE CLOSED FROM 4TH AVE N TO 3RD AVE N
(Message board installation)
Start: October 21, 7:00 a.m. End: October 28, 5:00 p.m.

1ST AVE S NB RIGHT TURN LANE CLOSED AT 20TH ST E
(Message board installation)
Start: October 21, 7:00 a.m. End: October 28, 5:00 p.m.

WARMAN RD SB MEDIAN & LEFT TURN LANES & NB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM CAVERS ST TO CIRCLE DR E
(Link station construction)
Start: October 21, 7:00 a.m. End: October 21, 5:00 p.m.

BROADWAY AVE ROAD CLOSED FROM WILLOW ST E TO ISABELLA ST E
(Connection Replacement)
Start: October 21, 8:00 a.m. End: October 22, 12:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR N SB LEFT TURN & MEDIAN LANES CLOSED AT 25TH ST E
(Water main maintenance)
Start: October 21, 9:00 a.m. End: October 21, 12:00 p.m.

22ND ST W WB CURB & CENTER LANES CLOSED FROM AVE V N TO AVE W N
(Manhole repair)
Start: October 21, 9:00 a.m. End: October 21, 12:00 p.m.

STONEBRIDGE BLVD EB LEFT TURN LANE CLOSED AT COPE LANE
(Electrical work)
Start: October 21, 9:00 a.m. End: October 21, 12:00 p.m.

22ND ST W WB MEDIAN & CENTRE LANES CLOSED FROM AVE W N TO AVE Y N
(Manhole repair)
Start: October 21, 12:00 p.m. End: October 21, 3:00 p.m.

ONGOING

MCKERCHER DR SB & NB LEFT TURN LANES CLOSED AT 8TH ST E
(Link station construction)
Start: October 20, 7:00 a.m. End: October 21, 5:00 p.m.

8TH ST E WB & EB LEFT TURN LANES CLOSED AT MCKERCHER DR
(Link station construction)
Start: October 20, 7:00 a.m. End: October 21, 5:00 p.m.

ASSINIBOINE DR ROAD CLOSED FROM CHURCHILL DR TO STURGEON DR
(Roadway paving)
Start: October 20, 7:00 a.m. End: October 21, 5:00 p.m.

23RD ST E ROAD CLOSED FROM 3RD AVE N TO 4TH AVE N
(Water main maintenance)
Start: August 1, 7:00 a.m. End: October 21, 5:00 p.m.

LORNE AVE ROAD CLOSED FROM 6TH ST E TO 8TH ST E
(Roadway paving)
Start: October 16, 7:00 a.m. End: October 22, 5:00 p.m.

8TH ST E EB & WB CURB LANES CLOSED AT MCKERCHER DR
(Link station construction)
Start: September 3, 7:00 a.m. End: October 23, 5:00 p.m.

8TH ST E WB & EB RIGHT TURN BAYS CLOSED AT MCKERCHER DR
(Link station construction)
Start: September 12, 7:00 a.m. End: October 23, 5:00 p.m.

RUTH ST E INTERSECTION CLOSED FROM WIGGINS AVE S TO CUMBERLAND AVE S
(Construction)
Start: July 29, 7:00 a.m. End: October 24, 5:00 p.m.

7TH AVE N SB LANES CLOSED FROM OSBORNE ST TO 33RD ST E
(Concrete replacement)
Start: October 20, 7:00 a.m. End: October 27, 5:00 p.m.

BERINI DR SB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM ATTRIDGE DR TO WEBSTER ST
(Construction)
Start: September 18, 8:00 a.m. End: October 28, 5:00 p.m.

PRESTON AVE S SB LEFT TURN LANE CLOSED AT ARMISTICE WAY
(Sanitary sewer lining)
Start: October 9, 7:00 a.m. End: October 30, 5:00 p.m.

MELVILLE ST INTERSECTION CLOSED AT JASPER AVE S
(Willows development)
Start: August 12, 7:00 a.m. End: October 31, 5:00 p.m.

MELVILLE ST ROAD CLOSED FROM JASPER AVE S TO PORTAGE AVE
(Sewer main installation)
Start: July 30, 7:00 a.m. End: October 31, 5:00 p.m.

BROADWAY AVE/BROADWAY BRIDGE CLOSED FROM 12TH ST E TO 20TH ST E
(Bridge rehabilitation)
Start: May 11, 7:00 p.m. End: October (Date TBA)

PRESTON AVE S SB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM LOUISE AVE TO EAST DRIVE
(Laydown area)
Start: October 9, 7:00 a.m. End: November 5, 5:00 p.m.

BRIGHTON BLVD ROAD CLOSED FROM TASKAMANWA ST TO 8TH ST E
(New road construction)
Use McOrmond Dr
Start: November 20, 7:00 a.m. End: November 28, 2025, 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.

4th Avenue will be closed between 23rd and 24th streets starting Tuesday, October 21, at 7:00 a.m. for water main maintenance. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the area. This project is expected to take one week 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.