News Releases

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

NEW

1ST AVE N NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 22ND ST E TO 23RD ST E
(Construction)
Start: March 20, 7:00 a.m. End: March 20, 9:00 a.m.

23RD ST E EB CURB LANE CLOSED AT 1ST AVE N
(Construction)
Start: March 20, 9:00 a.m. End: March 20, 5:00 p.m.

ONGOING

HIGHWAY 11 NB MEDIAN & CENTER LANES CLOSED AT CIRCLE DR OVERPASS
(Overpass repairs)
Start: March 17, 11:00 a.m. End: April 7, 8:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DRIVE EB CURB LANE AND ACCELERATION LANE CLOSED AT HIGHWAY 11 OVERPASS
(Overpass repairs)
Start: March 6, 7:00 a.m. End: April 30, 5:00 p.m.

20TH ST W WB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 1ST AVE S TO IDYLWYLD DR S
(SL&P work)
Start: March 9, 9:00 a.m. End: June 5, 5:30 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.

At its March 25, 2026, Regular Meeting, Saskatoon City Council will consider two reports related to the Downtown Event and Entertainment District (the District). Together, the reports focus on how the City can continue progress toward building a vibrant Downtown, including work on a long-term funding strategy regardless of Council’s decision on a proposed Private Partner agreement.

One report provides additional information requested by Council in October 2025 related to the approval report on the Private Partner Agreement Framework. Specifically, the report provides additional details related to the financial projections, fees and commissions, and performance management and reporting.

“OVG360 has the necessary experience and credentials to not only run a successful operation but it also values and understands the importance of social responsibility and leadership in our community,” says Dan Willems, Director of Technical Services. “The fact that we attracted the interest of a world-class expert in facility management reaffirms the potential and the strength of the overall vision for a Downtown Event and Entertainment District in Saskatoon.”

The October 2025 report sets out the agreement framework for a private operating partnership with OVG, one of the world’s leading full-service facility management teams. It has over 300 client-partners around the globe that span arenas, stadiums, convention centres and performing arts centres.

Between a contribution up-front and yearly revenues from the proposed operating partnership with OVG, the City projects $250 million in net cash flow over a 15-year agreement, with an exercised option for a 15-year extension. This includes a $15 million up-front capital investment and an additional $235 million in forecasted operating revenue sharing over a potential 30 years.

The agreement will also address important community benefits including maximizing economic opportunities for traditionally marginalized groups, employment that will work with existing employees and unions, and benefits for community non-profit events.

The second information report lays out the City’s approach toward advancing the Downtown Event and Entertainment District as a ‘city-building’ initiative - one designed to maintain and bolster Saskatoon’s long term national competitiveness and market position in attracting major touring events and large conventions while strengthening Downtown as a key economic and cultural hub.

No matter what decision is made by City Council around a potential Private Partnership agreement, work will continue toward making the District a reality. This will include a funding strategy refresh, working with community partners as well as working with other levels of government to secure the funding needed.

“The funding strategy is a living framework that will be refined over time as firm commitments and the necessary legislative authority are confirmed for specific funding sources,” Willems says. “While securing a Private Partnership has been a priority of the work to date, we still have other funding options that we are working on to help realize the vision of a Downtown where people can live, work and play.”

For more 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

22ND ST E EB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM PACIFIC AVE TO 1ST AVE N
(Construction)
Start: March 19, 9:00 a.m. End: March 19, 3:00 p.m.

WANUSKEWIN RD NB LANES CLOSED FROM ARTHUR ROSE AVE TO MARQUIS DR E
(Construction)
Start: March 19, 9:00 a.m. End: March 19, 3:00 p.m.

22ND ST E WB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 1ST AVE N TO PACIFIC AVE
(Construction)
Start: March 19, 1:00 p.m. End: March 19, 4:00 p.m.

ONGOING

HIGHWAY 11 NB MEDIAN & CENTER LANES CLOSED AT CIRCLE DR OVERPASS
(Overpass repairs)
Start: March 17, 11:00 a.m. End: April 7, 8:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DRIVE EB CURB LANE AND ACCELERATION LANE CLOSED AT HIGHWAY 11 OVERPASS
(Overpass repairs)
Start: March 6, 7:00 a.m. End: April 30, 5:00 p.m.

20TH ST W WB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 1ST AVE S TO IDYLWYLD DR S
(SL&P work)
Start: March 9, 9:00 a.m. End: June 5, 5:30 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.

Direct service from the Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to see the Saskatoon Blades take on the Brandon Wheat Kings at SaskTel Centre on Wednesday, March 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 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.

Repairs to the damaged sanitary sewer pipe under the University Bridge are now complete. Normal operation of the wastewater system has resumed. Road restrictions are being removed with all vehicle lanes open for this evening.

On Wednesday morning (March 18, 2026) after rush hour, there will be a short-duration restriction required for the westbound curb lane for City crews to safely remove the temporary bypass pipe that is currently on the north walkway. Barring unforeseen circumstances, the pedestrian walkway and all vehicle lanes are expected to be open for normal traffic flow by early Wednesday afternoon.