News Releases

Lawson Civic Centre will be closed for building maintenance from Tuesday, December 5 to Monday, December 25, 2023, inclusive.  Programs and rentals will not be available, and the facility will be closed during this time. 

The Rusty Macdonald Branch Library will remain open, with access through their main entrance only.

The City of Saskatoon and Lawson Civic Centre thank patrons for their cooperation.  The Saskatoon Field House, Shaw Centre, Cosmo Civic Centre, Lakewood Civic Centre and Terry Fox Track will maintain regular hours during this time.   Visit Leisure Online at saskatoon.ca/leisureonline for facility hours of operation and drop-in schedules.

LeisureCard holders who do not plan to use their LeisureCard at any other leisure facility during the shutdown, may hand it in to the customer service staff prior to the closure to receive a date extension for the 20 days Lawson Civic Centre is closed. Your card will be ready for pick-up at the front desk once the site has re-opened.

Taylor Street will be closed from Victoria to Broadway avenues for water main repairs on Saturday, November 18, starting at 8:00 a.m. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone. This project is expected to take one day 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.    

Stonebridge Boulevard will be closed from Clarence Avenue to Cope Way for junction box replacement on Saturday, November 18, starting at 8:00 a.m. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone. This project is expected to take one day 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.    

The downtown area will have various road closures and lane restrictions in effect on Sunday, November 19 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for the Santa Claus Parade. There will be no access to the parade route between Spadina Crescent, Avenue A, 19th Street, 3rd Avenue, 20th Street, 4th Avenue, 22nd Street, and 1st Avenue.    

Road users are encouraged to allow extra time to reach their downtown destination as there will be parking restrictions, and the area will be busy. 

For service alerts about bus stop closures, real-time bus locations, and next bus arrivals use the mobile app Transit or Google Transit on desktop. Customer Service is also available at 306-975-3100 to help answer any questions.     

Drivers are reminded to watch out for pedestrians. The City thanks everyone for their patience.  

For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction. 

Direct bus service from the Special Events Stop to see the Saskatoon Blades take on the Moose Jaw Warriors at SaskTel Centre on Friday, November 17, at 7:00 p.m., is available at the following times:    

• 5:45 p.m.   
• 6:25 p.m.   

Direct bus service from the Special Events Stop to see the Saskatoon Blades take on the Swift Current Broncos at SaskTel Centre on Saturday, November 18, at 7:00 p.m., is available at the following times:    

• 5:45 p.m.   
• 6:25 p.m.   

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. 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

PRESTON AVE N EB RIGHT TURN BAY CLOSED MALL ENTRANCE
(Sign maintenance)
Start: November 17, 7:00 a.m. End: November 17, 3:00 p.m.

BRIGHTON BLVD ROAD CLOSED FROM TASKAMANWA ST TO 8TH ST E
(Construction)
Use McOrmond Dr to 8th St.
Start: November 17, 7:00 a.m. End: November 15, 2024

IDYLWYLD DR S SB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM 22ND ST W TO AUDITORIUM AVE
(Manhole repairs)
Start: November 17, 9:00 a.m. End: November 19, 7:00 a.m.

MELVILLE ST EB LANES CLOSED AT PORTAGE AVE
(Hydrovac)
Start: November 17, 9:30 a.m. End: November 17, 11:30 a.m.

ONGOING

22ND ST E EB CURB & CENTER LANE CLOSED FROM AUDITORIUM AVE TO 1ST AVE S            
(Vault repairs)   
Start: September 11, 7:00 a.m. End: November 30, 4:00 p.m.       

NEAULT RD ROAD CLOSED FROM 22ND ST W TO WHELAN RD           
(Construction)   
Start: July 24, 7:00 a.m. End: December 15, 4:00 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.

The City of Saskatoon Leisure Guide is the community’s go-to source for sport, culture and recreation information in Saskatoon.  

The Winter Leisure Guide will be available online at saskatoon.ca/leisureguide and on display at pick-up locations throughout Saskatoon beginning Friday, November 17. Pick up the guide from any City leisure facility, Saskatoon public library or anywhere the StarPhoenix is sold. Visit saskatoon.ca/leisureguide for a complete list of pick-up locations.

Included in the guide is everything you need to know about Lifesaving Society Canada swimming lessons.  If your most recent swim lessons were with Red Cross prior to 2023; please refer to the transfer chart on pages 16 to 18 of the Leisure Guide.

Other highlights of the Winter Leisure Guide (January 1 to March 31, 2024) include information on:

• Registered and drop-in fitness programs available at the Leisure Centres this season;
• Youth activities such as the Winter Play Program, Learn to Skate, and Lil’ & Mini Movers Active Games;
• Free events for youth and families on days off school including Multi-Sport Sampler (January 22), School Break Camps (February 20-22), Family Day Skate (February 19) and Movies in the Gym (March 4);
• Parent & Tot and public skating at the indoor rinks; 
• Free outdoor skating at the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval and over 50 outdoor community rinks in neighbourhoods across the city;
• Cross-country skiing at groomed trails around Saskatoon; and
• Community Association programs and activities.

Lakewood and Lawson Civic Centres and Shaw Centre offer parented splash time, family, public and lane swimming drop-in sessions.  Please note, parent & tot swim has been renamed parented splash time and continues to be for children under the age of six and a supervising adult.  Children must be always within arm’s length of an adult (maximum two children per adult).

For more information on the Winter Leisure Guide, visit saskatoon.ca/leisureguide.

Mark your calendars! Registration for Winter programs begins Sunday, December 3, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. by logging into to your account on leisureonline.saskatoon.ca, or by calling 306-975-2800.

Private & Semi-Private swim lessons registrations will open on Monday, December 4.  Registrations are accepted by phone only. Call the Leisure Centre you are interested in taking lessons at to register. This change is being piloted in effort to reduce wait times for phone line registrations.

For more information on how to be prepared for registration, visit saskatoon.ca/register.

The City of Saskatoon is pleased to announce the launch of a pilot project that will see the installation of accessible loading zones to foster inclusivity and accessibility. 

Three locations have agreed to partake in the pilot and have accessible loading zones installed: Sutherland Elementary School, Luther Special Care Home and the Sturdy Stone Centre. 

The accessible loading zones have been installed at Sutherland Elementary School and Luther Special Care Home this fall. The installation will take place at the Study Stone Centre in 2024 as it will be coordinated with other preservation construction. 

“"Accessibility for all!" is the resounding message behind this initiative, emphasizing the city's commitment to providing equal opportunities for education, healthcare and community engagement,” says Jay Magus, Director of Transportation. 

“By prioritizing inclusivity, we are taking a significant step toward creating a more accessible and welcoming environment for all members of our community.” 

This pilot project is designed to provide individuals with limited mobility the opportunity to access education, healthcare and community services with greater ease and convenience. The newly established loading zones will feature a range of accessibility-enhancing elements, including accessibility ramps, clear side zones and dimensions tailored to accommodate both rear and side loading vehicles. 

Respectful use of the designated loading zones is imperative. We urge all community members, including parents, school staff and students to familiarize themselves with the guidelines and help maintain the effectiveness of these crucial accessibility features. 

This pilot project stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between the City, educational institutions, organizations like SaskAbilities and the Saskatoon Council on Aging, business improvement districts and the local community. By working together, we can create a more inclusive environment that benefits us all. 

Early planning for Saskatoon’s 2024 Municipal/School Boards elections continues. One of the first planning steps is to review the boundaries of the city’s ten current wards to ensure they all have similar population numbers, in accordance with The Cities Act. Ward boundary reviews must be completed no less than 180 days prior to a general municipal election.

As such, having considered feedback from two public engagement sessions, an online survey, written submissions and phone calls from residents, the Municipal Wards Commission has now established the new ward boundaries that will be in effect for Saskatoon’s next Municipal/School Boards elections to be held on November 13, 2024.

The new ward boundaries incorporate the following changes from the existing ward boundaries:

• Confederation Urban Centre, currently Ward 3, moves to join Ward 2
• Nutana Park, currently Ward 7, moves to join Ward 9

Several general principles guided the Commission’s review process of ward boundaries, in addition to the legislated requirement of +/- 10% population variance, including:

• Geographic conditions and natural barriers, such as the river or major corridors;
• Population density and relative rate of population growth;
• Any special diversity or community of interest of residents;
• Maintain neighbourhood boundaries; and
• Limiting the number of ward changes.

Public engagement was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, residents were asked to provide feedback on three presented options for ward boundary changes. Based on feedback received in phase one (summer 2023), two revised ward boundary options were then presented in phase two (fall 2023) for public feedback.

After careful consideration of all submissions, the Municipal Ward Commission’s full administrative report will be presented to City Council as information on Wednesday, November 22, 2023. The report details the rationale used to inform the Commission in reviewing Saskatoon’s ten wards and also presents a map of the new boundaries. 2023 Public Engagement Summary

The City will continue to create ongoing public awareness around these ward boundary changes to help inform residents on the ward they reside in.

For more information visit saskatoon.ca/wardboundaries or call 306-975-3240.

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

NEW

22ND ST W EB & WB MEDIAN & NEXT LANES CLOSED FROM AVE R N TO AVE S S
(Emergency connection replacement)
Start: November 16, 9:00 a.m. End: November 16, 5:00 p.m.

ONGOING

MCORMOND DR SB LANES CLOSED FROM BRIGHTON CIRCLE TO BRIGHTON COMMON 
(Jersey barrier relocation) 
Start: October 4, 7:00 a.m. End: November 16, 7:00 a.m.

CONFEDERATION DR NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM GALT CRT TO 33RD ST W 
(Environmental monitoring) 
Start: November 15, 9:00 a.m. End: November 16, 4:30 p.m.

22ND ST E EB CURB & CENTER LANE CLOSED FROM AUDITORIUM AVE TO 1ST AVE S           
(Vault repairs)  
Start: September 11, 7:00 a.m. End: November 30, 4:00 p.m. 

NEAULT RD ROAD CLOSED FROM 22ND ST W TO WHELAN RD          
(Construction)  
Start: July 24, 7:00 a.m. End: December 15, 4:00 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.