News Releases

Saskatoon City Council has decided not to pursue a private operating partner for the Downtown Event and Entertainment District and supported the Administration to continue to advance the project through a refreshed funding strategy and continued collaboration with community and government partners.

Council made the decision following its review of two reports at its March 25, 2026, Regular Meeting, including additional information requested in October 2025 related to the proposed Private Partner Agreement Framework.

While Council chose not to move forward with a private partner, it reaffirmed its commitment to the Downtown Event and Entertainment District as a city-building initiative critical to Saskatoon’s long-term competitiveness and Downtown vitality.

“Work will continue toward making the District a reality,” said Dan Willems, Director of Technical Services. “The vision remains a Downtown where people can live, work and play, supported by modern event and entertainment venues that strengthen our economic and cultural foundation.”

An information report presented to Council outlined the City’s approach to advancing the District through alternative pathways, including a reinvigoration of the funding model. This work will focus on refining funding tools, securing legislative authority where required, and continuing discussions with community partners and other levels of government.

“The funding strategy is a living framework that will be refined over time as firm commitments and the necessary authority are secured for specific funding sources,” Willems said. “While securing a private partnership had been an important part of our work to date, there are still many other funding options that can help bring the District vision to life.”

The City will also continue foundational planning work to ensure Saskatoon remains competitive in attracting major touring events and large conventions, while reinforcing Downtown as a key economic and cultural hub.

Further updates will be provided as the funding strategy refresh and engagement with partners progresses.

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

Avenue H north will be closed between 34th and 35th Street west starting Thursday, March 26 to replace a broken sewer. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the area. This project is expected to take two 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.

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

NEW

1ST AVE N SB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 25TH ST E TO 24TH ST E
(Link construction)
Start: March 26, 8:00 a.m. End: March 26, 3:00 p.m.

24TH ST E WB CURB LANE CLOSED AT 1ST AVE N 
(Link construction)
Start: March 26, 8:00 a.m. End: March 26, 5:00 p.m.

25TH ST E EB CURB LANE CLOSED AT 1ST AVE N
(Link construction)
Start: March 26, 8:00 a.m. End: March 26, 5:00 p.m.

FAIRLIGHT DR WB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM DIEFENBAKER DR TO GROPPER CRES
(SaskPower maintenance)
Start: March 26, 9:00 a.m. End: March 26, 11:00 a.m.

CIRCLE DR E WB CURB LANE CLOSED BETWEEN VENTURE CRES & 1ST AVE N
(Underground maintenance)
Start: March 26, 9:00 a.m. End: March 26, 12:00 p.m.

CONFEDERATION DR SB LEFT TURN LANE CLOSED AT LAURIER DR
(Pole repair)
Start: March 26, 9:00 a.m. End: March 26, 1:00 p.m.

KERR RD EB CURB LANE CLOSED AT KENDERDINE RD
(Pole replacement)
Start: March 26, 11:00 a.m. End: March 26, 12:00 p.m.

1ST AVE N NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 24TH ST E TO 25TH ST E
(Link construction)
Start: March 26, 2:00 p.m. End: March 26, 5:00 p.m.

ONGOING

ACADIA DR ROAD CLOSED FROM TAYLOR ST E TO AVONDALE RD
(Water main maintenance)
Start: March 23, 7:00 a.m. End: May 4, 5:00 p.m

TAYLOR ST E WB CURB LANE CLOSED AT ACADIA DR
(Water main maintenance)
Start: March 23, 7:00 a.m. End: May 4, 5:00 p.m.

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.

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Trees on City property, such as boulevards, medians, parks and natural areas, are valuable assets and an integral part of Saskatoon’s urban forest. The City’s Tree Protection Bylaw is there to protect trees located on City property.

Residents and contractors are reminded that a Tree Permit is required for any construction, major landscaping or demolition work within six metres of a City tree. This includes placing heavy equipment or materials near a tree, unless they are on a paved surface like a driveway, street or path. Tree Permits are free and typically processed within four business days.

The Bylaw also prohibits several activities without prior approval from the City. These include but are not limited to:

• Pruning, removing or relocating a City tree
• Applying pesticides or harmful chemicals 
• Interfering with a tree’s access to water, air or nutrients
• Removing protective barriers
• Carving into the bark or attaching items to the tree

A permit is not required in the following situations: 

• Placing lights or extension cords on a City tree during the winter months (October to March), provided they do not pose a hazard or harm the tree
• Minor landscaping such as hand digging or mowing
• Trees in back lanes

Not sure if there are City trees on your worksite? Use the Tree Inventory tool available on the Tree Permits webpage at saskatoon.ca/treepermits. 

For more information or to submit a permit application, visit saskatoon.ca/treepermits.

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

NEW

1ST AVE N NB AND SB CURB LANES CLOSED FROM 23RD ST E TO 24TH ST E
(Link construction)
Start: March 25, 7:00 a.m. End: March 25, 1:00 p.m.

SPADINA CRES E SB UNDERPASS LANES CLOSED AT 25TH ST E UNIVERSITY BRIDGE
(Sewer work)
Start: March 25, 9:00 a.m. End: March 25, 7:00 p.m.

24TH ST E EB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM ONTARIO AVE TO 1ST AVE N
(Link construction)
Sb curb lane closed
Start: March 25, 1:00 p.m. End: March 25, 7:00 p.m.
 

ONGOING

ACADIA DR ROAD CLOSED FROM TAYLOR ST E TO AVONDALE RD
(Water main maintenance)
Start: March 23, 7:00 a.m. End: May 4, 5:00 p.m

TAYLOR ST E WB CURB LANE CLOSED AT ACADIA DR
(Water main maintenance)
Start: March 23, 7:00 a.m. End: May 4, 5:00 p.m.

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.

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