News Releases

The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo) is honoured and proud to be the recipient of the Thomas R. Baines award at the 2023 Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) Annual Awards of Excellence. 

The Thomas R. Baines award recognizes excellence in habitat design and development as well as the ability to apply unique approaches to animal care and welfare. 

The Small Mammal House opened on June 10, 2023 following extensive renovations to the exterior and interior of the former Children’s Zoo. The interior features an open space educational area where participants can see, hear and smell the animals providing a fully immersive learning experience. There are also three new habitats on the second floor and enhanced spaces for zookeepers to continue critical conservation work and provide the highest quality care for the animals that call the zoo home.

“It has been so rewarding to have this new space for our animals and to receive this award recognizing this fantastic addition to the Zoo is amazing,” says Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager. “A big thank you our zookeepers and our partner organizations including the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation, that came together to make this transformation a reality.”

The Saskatoon Zoo Foundation raises funds for capital improvements for the Zoo including $250,000 dedicated to the Small Mammal House. The Zoo would like to thank all the organizations that contributed to the Small Mammal House including:

• Saskatoon Zoo Foundation
• CandorBuild Construction Corporation
• Krawchuk Construction
• WD Plastics
• Metalshapes Manufacturing
• Kindrachuk Agrey Architecture
• 4Twenty Designs
• Rockscapes of Canada
• Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)

The Zoo is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and admission is by donation until March 31. Check out the award-winning Small Mammal House on your next visit to the Zoo.

For more information on the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo visit saskatoon.ca/zoo. 

For more information on CAZA visit caza.ca. 

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

NEW

CLARENCE AVE S ROAD CLOSED FROM HILLIARD ST E TO ADELAIDE ST E
(Water & sewer work)
Start: November 15, 8:00 a.m. End: November 15, 4:00 p.m.

BROADWAY AVE ROAD CLOSED FROM MAPLE ST E TO ISABELLA ST E
(Water main valve replacement)
Start: November 15, 8:00 a.m. End: November 15, 4:30 p.m.

33RD ST E EB CURB LANE CLOSED AT ALBERTA AVE
(Pole replacement)
Start: November 15, 9:00 a.m. End: November 15, 3:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR N SB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 45TH ST W TO 44TH ST E
(Cable fault repair)
Start: November 15, 9:00 a.m. End: November 15, 3:00 p.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.

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.

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, in partnership with the Decoration Day Service Committee, Saskatoon Heritage Society, Friends of the Forestry Farm House and Parks Canada, is extremely proud to be the recipient of a 2023 Saskatchewan Heritage Award in the category of Physical Heritage Conservation for the Next-of-Kin Memorial Avenue, Woodlawn Cemetery Centennial Project. 

“Our organizations came together to form the Next-of-Kin Memorial Avenue Centennial Committee and commemorate the 100th anniversary of the original dedication of the Next-of-Kin Memorial Avenue in Woodlawn Cemetery on June 18, 2023,” says Darren Crilly, Director of Parks. “A lot of great work by all of the respective partners was put into celebrating the occasion.” 

Hundreds of people including military veterans, politicians, family members, heritage community members and more gathered to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Next-of-Kin Memorial Avenue at Saskatoon’s Woodlawn Cemetery. Notably, this commemorative event saw the presence of nine veterans from World War II and the Korean War, five of whom are centenarians. The oldest among them aged 106 and was alive in 1923 when the Next-of-Kin Memorial Avenue was established. During the ceremony, The Honourable Russell Mirasty, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, unveiled a commemorative plaque dedicated to the 100th anniversary, ensuring a lasting memory of the sacrifices made by the Canadian Armed Forces members from Saskatchewan. 

Next-of-Kin Memorial Avenue was opened on June 17, 1923, before a crowd of 8,000 people. This beautiful avenue is a National Historic Site and serves as a living memorial to those who lost their lives in the Great War of 1914-1918. For each tree and marker, there is a story of a Canadian veteran. It runs from 33rd Street, through the Woodlawn Cemetery gates and on to the Soldiers Cairn. 

"Next -of Kin Memorial Avenue is the only surviving Road of Remembrance in Canada,” says Peggy Sarjeant, Past-President of the Saskatoon Heritage Society. “There were others across the country but they have succumbed primarily to municipal re-development. On this, its 100th Anniversary, the Avenue continues to stand as a living memorial, symbolizing the victory of life over death, its over-arching trees serving as a reminder of those poplar-lined roads of northern France. As we continue to care for this unique memorial, we remember the fallen who are memorialized on the trees lining the Avenue. We will not forget them.” 

About the Saskatchewan Heritage Awards 

The Heritage Awards event is a time to celebrate the remarkable work undertaken throughout the province. The projects being recognized represent a small sample of the rich diversity of heritage, both tangible and intangible, found right here in Saskatchewan. They are a testament to the value that individuals and communities place upon documenting, promoting, teaching, and safeguarding heritage for future generations.  

Visit for more information about Next-of-Kin Memorial Avenue. 

In honour of Louis Riel Day (November 16), several events are taking place in Saskatoon:

 Friendship Park Gathering
An annual gathering is held on November 16 in Friendship Park beside the Gabriel Dumont Statue (in the area of 325 Spadina Cres E in Friendship Park). This year's brief gathering begins at 10 a.m. and all are welcome. 

 Mini Moccasin Workshop
The Gabriel Dumont Workshop is holding this workshop at GDI (917 22nd St W) from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on November 16. Reserve your spot by calling 306-657-5715.

 Louis Riel & Métis Veterans Honouring
There will be a cultural event honouring Louis Riel and Métis veterans on November 15 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Remai Modern SaskTel Theatre (2nd floor). All are welcome and there is no charge for admission.

Louis Riel Day is an opportunity to reflect on our shared history and understand the important role the Métis community has played - and continues to play - in both our city and our country.

Riel led two popular Métis governments, was a central figure in Manitoba’s entry into Confederation, and led the 1885 resistance to Canadian encroachment on Métis lands, leading to his execution on Nov. 16, 1885. Riel is widely considered the most famous Métis leader and an important figurehead for Métis people in Western Canada.

Clarence Avenue will be closed from Hilliard to Adelaide streets for water and sewer work on Wednesday, November 15, 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.  

Broadway Avenue will be closed from Maple to Isabella streets for a water main valve replacement on Wednesday, November 15, 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.  

Direct bus service from the Special Events Stop to see Kiss at SaskTel Centre on Monday, November 13, at 7:30 p.m., is available at the following times:    

• 6:10 p.m. 
• 6:30 p.m. 
• 6:50 p.m. 
• 7:10 p.m. 
• 7:30 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.   

Saskatoon Transit is aware of an issue with the Transit app and other trip planner applications currently displaying inaccurate information regarding service hours on Saturday, November 11. Specifically, that there will be “no service” when planning a trip on Remembrance Day.

Saskatoon Transit is working to correct the information being displayed. Riders can use November 12 to plan trips and view schedules and routes reflecting holiday service hours on November 11.

Hours of Operation on November 11 and November 13:

• Fixed route transit will run holiday service on Saturday, November 11 – 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (normal fares apply).  
• OnDemand service will not be available on Saturday, November 11. 
• Access Transit will operate holiday service on Monday, November 13 – 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.    
  • Trips must be booked in advance as per normal procedures (8:15 a.m. to 10:45 p.m.).  
  • Customers are reminded that subscriptions do not apply on Statutory Holidays.  
• Transit Customer Service Centre will be closed for walk-in customers on Saturday, November 11, but phone lines (306-975-3100) will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

On November 11, Courtesy of RBC Royal Bank, Saskatoon Transit will provide complimentary bus transportation for everyone to and from the Remembrance Day Ceremony at SaskTel Centre.

Veterans and current Canadian Armed Forces members will be recognized with free transit service on all routes on November 11. Free bus service is offered to armed forces veterans and current serving personnel, including cadets, reservists, and one companion. Canadian Armed Forces transit users can identify themselves by wearing a military uniform or presenting military ID when they board.

For more information, visit SaskatoonTransit.ca

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

NEW

33RD ST W EB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE P N TO FAULKNER CRES
(Tree trimming)
Start: November 14, 9:00 a.m. End: November 14, 1:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR N NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM WILLINGDON PL TO 31ST ST W
(Pole replacement)
Start: November 14, 9:00 a.m. End: November 14, 3:00 p.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.

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

NEW

WANUSKEWIN RD WB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED AT ARTHUR ROSE AVE
(Traffic signal box replacement)
Start: November 10, 9:00 a.m. End: November 10, 1:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR N SB LEFT TURN LANE CLOSED FROM IDYLWYLD DR N TO 24TH ST E
(Junction box replacement)
Start: November 10, 12:00 p.m. End: November 10, 3:00 p.m.

ONGOING

CIRCLE DR W SB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED AT 33RD ST W 
(Damaged Median Barriers) 
Restriction will be lifted upon repair completion. 
Start: November 8, 7:00 a.m. End: November 10, 4:00 p.m. 

DUNDONALD AVE ROAD CLOSED FROM CAEN ST TO MOUNTBATTEN ST 
(Construction) 
Start: November 8, 7:00 a.m. End: November 10, 5:00 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.