News Releases

On Saturday, Oct. 7, the City of Saskatoon launched a new anti-racism video in partnership with the City of Regina at the Saskatchewan Roughriders home game at Mosaic Stadium.

The video is a collaboration between a number of Saskatchewan sports organizations and athletes including the Saskatchewan Roughriders, the Saskatchewan Rattlers Basketball Team, Saskatoon Blades Hockey Team, USask Huskies, Fighting Sioux Lacrosse Team, Standing Buffalo Saskatchewan Lacrosse Association, and athletes Michael Linklater and Carol Lafayette-Boyd.

“Using the powerful influence of athletes, we’re seeking to shed light on racism in a way that’s inspiring, positive, and empowering,” says City of Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark. “We’re hoping this video will inspire people to speak up when they hear something wrong. Racism can only exist if we allow it to.”

“We build bridges of understanding and respect by engaging in open and honest conversations,” says City of Regina Mayor Sandra Masters. “When we speak up against prejudice and discrimination, we can help combat racism and create a more inclusive community for all residents.”

The City of Saskatoon’s 2022-25 Strategic Plan states that it’s a Council priority to advance work that contributes to the elimination of individual and systemic discrimination. In support of this, the City of Saskatoon shares anti-racism messages to raise the collective awareness about the presence of racism and discrimination and to encourage each of us to be a bridge.

Be a Bridge

• If you hear something wrong, offensive or hateful: step up, speak up.
• Racism is real and it’s happening all around us every day. But it doesn’t have to be that way—we can change the game.
• It’s up to current generations to change the story and create a legacy of healthy and inclusive societies.
• Be a Bridge to ending racism.
• Together we can ensure no one gets left behind.

The video can be accessed here: Be a Bridge to Ending Racism.

To coincide with Sisters in Spirit Day on October 4, Saskatoon Transit partnered with talented Indigenous artist Vanessa Hyggen, to unveil a new bus shelter at Preston Avenue and Adelaide Street. This is Saskatoon Transit’s fifth bus shelter in commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #79.  

This year’s bus shelter was created in collaboration with family and community members affected by the tragedy of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), as well as Two-Spirit individuals. Vanessa skillfully integrated the shared thoughts and emotions of the group. Her aim was to pay tribute to and raise awareness of the issues faced, provide a healing space, and encourage community members to speak out. The bus shelter stands as a tribute to the lives affected by this tragic issue, a call for justice, and a symbol of hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Scan the QR code on the front of the bus shelter to be directed to a webpage page that includes the full story behind the artwork, information on the committee members that inspired the piece, and previous bus shelter art projects. 

For more information, visit: saskatoon.ca/trc-bus-shelter-art 

The other four Saskatoon Transit bus shelters displaying Indigenous artwork are located at the following locations:  

• Confederation Drive & Massey Drive  
• Rusholme Road at E.D. Feehan High School 
• Broadway Avenue & 12 Street  
• Clarence Avenue at Aden Bowman Collegiate  

Faith Bosse, artwork committee member says: "I'm so thankful to have worked alongside the talented artists & family members who helped piece together this beautiful artwork over the past few months. As the daughter of an MMIW, it means so much to me to have something representing all of the families & our loved ones we have lost.” 

Paul Trottier, artwork committee member says: “This bus shelter helps to lift the veil of silence, it expresses the voice of those who are missing, those who cannot be heard. Those who are missing are a part of someone, a life, a future, a human being.  We want our loved ones back.” 

Vanessa Hyggen, Indigenous artist says: “I've been honoured to work with the families who shared their stories with me. I carried their words and stories on my heart for about 3 weeks before I began to draw. Once I started to draw though, I felt like the direction of the piece all came together. I met with the committee a couple of times, received feedback, then worked to incorporate the feedback. This piece is a story, and a feeling, and I can only hope that it will help to elevate their voices, and raise the issue of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, Girls and Two -Spirit People.” 

Charlie Clark, Mayor says: “Coinciding with the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, I am proud to be able to unveil this new shelter. The Bus Shelter Art projects placed around the city provide meaningful art displays that tie together learning, understanding, and steps towards reconciliation. I am very grateful for all of the community partners and city staff who helped make this happen. The willingness of community members to support our work in responding to the TRC Calls to Action continues to be invaluable.” 

Jim Puffalt, Director of Saskatoon Transit says: “We hope this bus shelter serves as an inclusive space where everyone, regardless of their background, feels valued and protected. With Vanessa and the committee members, we have crafted a beacon of awareness and a tribute to the strength of Indigenous cultures.” 

Crews are putting the finishing touches on Saskatoon’s Circle Drive North Bridge, which has been under construction since the beginning of March. All traffic restrictions will be removed by late afternoon Tuesday, October 3, 2023.

“Work progressed well over the past several months, and we are opening the bridge approximately three weeks ahead of schedule and within the $10.5 million budget,” says Todd Grabowski, City of Saskatoon Engineering Manager of Asset Preservation. “We’ve improved the overall life span of the 40-year-old bridge, ensuring it will last for several more decades.”

The Circle Drive North Bridge Rehabilitation project:

• Was a proactive construction project to optimize both the service life and the overall capital life cycle costs
• Started early in 2023 to ensure all the work was completed during one construction season rather than extending the work over two years
• Included asphalt and barrier replacements, drainage improvements, and concrete repairs to the bridge deck, piers and abutments
• Included minor repairs to the pedestrian bridge above Circle Drive North that connects Pembina Place to G.D. Archibald Park

The 275-metre-long bridge opened in 1983 at a cost of $11.8 million. In 2005, additional lanes were added on each side of the bridge and in 2007, the pedestrian bridge below opened. 

For more information about current and future construction, please visit saskatoon.ca/construction. 

A report to update the City of Saskatoon’s Noise Bylaw, 2003 to align with the Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) Vehicle Noise Policy will be presented to the Standing Policy Committee on Transportation on October 3, 2023.  

The proposed update to the Bylaw will enhance enforcement procedures and reduce ambiguity in compliance assessments, extending the ability of police officers to order sound testing of both motorcycles and other motor vehicles, which is an objective method to measure noise levels rather than determining subjectively when noise from motor vehicles is unreasonably loud or excessive. 

The proposed update will also include a noise level limit for motor vehicles while placing the noise level limit for motorcycles to the same standard. If approved by City Council, these changes would take effect on January 1, 2024. 

“This bylaw alignment with SGI’s policy addresses a longstanding challenge in enforcing noise bylaws, striving to reduce vehicle noise disruptions across our community,” said Nathalie Baudais, Transportation Engineering Manager. 

“This initiative reflects our efforts to improve the quality of life and health for people in our community.” 

Similar to the SGI Vehicle Noise Policy, police officers would have the ability to issue vehicle inspection tickets, requiring vehicle owners to take their vehicle for inspection to an SGI-certified vehicle inspection station, and complete all necessary repairs as part of SGI’s Unsafe Vehicle Program. 

All light vehicles in Saskatchewan, including passenger cars, pickup trucks, minivans, SUVs and motorcycles, must be equal to or quieter than 101.3 dB when tested, based on stationary measurements of exhaust noise. This noise test and policy is consistent with the Society of Automotive Engineers. 

For more information on the City of Saskatoon’s Noise Bylaw, visit www.saskatoon.ca/noise-bylaw 

It's almost here! Don't miss out on the chance to take part in the 2023 Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation on the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, Saturday, Sept. 30. Everyone is welcome; it's a family-friendly, no cost event. Wear an orange shirt or “rock your roots” by wearing traditional clothing representing your cultural heritage.

Along the walk route, participants will see cultural performances by: Ashong Family Drummers, Confucius Institute, Magic City Chorus, and Martial Arts Academy. In Victoria Park (where the walk ends), there will be traditional Indigenous dancers and drummers and the Northern Prairie Dancers doing Métis jigging. 

Event Details:
Saturday, Sept 30, 2023
10 to 11:30 a.m.

• Walk begins at CUMFI (315 Ave M S)
• Walk ends at Reconciliation Circle in Victoria Park, near the "Where Our Paths Cross" art installation (across the road from 422 Spadina Cres W)
• Following the walk, there will be short program followed by games in the park

Organizers suggest people plan to arrive early as the event site is expected to be busy. There is an optional pre-walk pancake breakfast outside CUMFI beginning at 8 a.m.

Rock Your Roots is put on by City co-chaired Reconciliation Saskatoon. The intent of this event is to answer the TRC Calls to Action by demonstrating a commitment to Reconciliation, honouring Residential School Survivors, and continuing work towards an inclusive community. The walk has been an annual one in Saskatoon since 2016.
 

Cynthia Block, Ward 6 Councillor says: “The chapter we’re writing now will be our legacy. I feel like we’re at the precipice of change in our community—I hope so. Rock Your Roots is about healing, building trust, and recommitting to reconciliation.”

Carrie Catherine, Coordinator of Reconciliation Saskatoon says: “The walk is an opportunity to honour Survivors and experience a future where Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples hold a shared understanding of our history, celebrate vibrant cultures and worldviews, have equitable systems that benefit us all, and build authentic relationships. We must listen to the truth of the past to build a better way forward.”

Melissa Cote, City of Saskatoon Director of Indigenous Initiatives says: “It’s not about surviving anymore, it’s about thriving—for our remaining Survivors and everyone affected by the residential school system. On September 30, we’ll walk together to honour all Survivors.”

Shirley Isbister, CUMFI President says: “There’s nothing better than seeing the orange shirts: it shows we’re taking a stand to make sure a new generation has a different life. We must continue to teach young people about our history, so it doesn’t repeat itself.”

Kathie Pruden Nansel, Regional Director, MN-S Western Region 2A says: “I honour all the Survivors and the way they’ve shared their truths. We need to make a commitment to them that we’ll continue making things better for all the future generations.”