News Releases

At the end of this week, three new sculptural “erratics” will be present in our landscape. These large artworks, collectively titled Modern Erratics, will arrive at the Forestry Farm Park, Diefenbaker Park and Material Recovery Centre.

Inspired by large glacier-deposited rocks called erratics, which are present across the Saskatchewan plains, the artworks recreate these natural forms using discarded plastic collected from Saskatchewan and the broader Prairie region. Using 3D scans of locally sourced stones, the artists created geometric, contemporary recreations of erratics that draw connections between materials carried by ancient ice sheets with present-day plastics that travel long distances and remain in the environment for generations.

To that end, the artists fabricated the sculptures by processing over 4,500 kilograms (10,000 lbs) of used plastic to form the erratics.

“Public art helps shape how people experience and connect with our shared spaces,” says Lesley Anderson, Director of Planning and Development with the City of Saskatoon. “Modern Erratics reflects Saskatoon’s commitment to meaningful, site-responsive artwork. By transforming plastic waste into large-scale sculptures, these installations invite people to think differently about materials, sustainability and our relationship with the land.”

Each sculpture incorporates materials connected to its location:

• Forestry Farm Park (1903 Forestry Farm Park Drive) uses recycled black and white plastic grain bags commonly used on prairie farms.
• Diefenbaker Park (St Henry Avenue, near the Optimist Hill parking lot) is made of colourful recycled bottle caps provided by SARCAN, reflecting materials commonly discarded in parks.
• Material Recovery Centre (42 Valley Road), the largest erratic, is constructed from decommissioned, shredded black, blue and green carts formerly used by households across the city.

Modern Erratics, created by Calgary-based artist duo Sans façon (Charles Blanc and Tristan Surtees), was selected through a competitive, juried process by the City’s Public Art Advisory Committee. The sculptures were commissioned through the City’s Percent for Art Program, which enhances public spaces by allocating up to one per cent of designated civic project budgets to public art. Funding for these works was provided through the 2022 Material Recovery Centre project budget.

“These artworks aim to foster a deeper connection between residents and the environment. They celebrate creativity, spark curiosity and encourage active participation, inviting the public to explore new relationships with the materials we use, reuse or discard,” says Anderson.

Developed through consultation with Indigenous advisors, sustainability professionals, as well as land and heritage experts, Modern Erratics explores material reuse, environmental responsibility and the realities of modern recycling systems. The sculptures will serve as prominent landmarks and sites of interest, encouraging residents and visitors to reflect on consumption, waste and the materials used in everyday life.

Residents can learn more about the artworks and the processes used to create them at free public events being hosted on Friday, June 26, 2026, including an artist talk with Sans façon. More information can be found at saskatoon.ca/publicart.

Artist Biography

For over twenty-five years artist duo Sans façon (Charles Blanc & Tristan Surtees) have been fascinated by the relationship between people and place. Based in Calgary, their diverse international practice includes ephemeral performances, large-scale permanent artworks, collaborative infrastructure projects and developing and implementing city-wide strategies involving artists in discourse with a city. Their work tempts interaction with the surroundings and is developed in close collaboration with communities, organizations and individuals, which have included City Councils, scholars, perfumers, composers, architects and engineers.

Their first work for Saskatoon, the temporary project Cacher pour mieux montrer, was realized in 2013 through the City’s Placemaker Program and was the recipient of an Americans for the Arts Public Art Network Award. Their work has continued to be recognized in multiple disciplines including the 2021 Canadian Society of Landscape Architecture Award of Excellence for their project 'Dale Hodges Park’.

Three years in the making, Modern Erratics will be their first permanent project in Saskatchewan.

Saskatoon Transit will be making service changes across the bus network on June 28, 2026. Service changes are introduced four times each year.

Riders can expect adjustments to run times designed to help buses stay on schedule, including Routes 1, 7, 17, 26 and 27.

Riders can expect adjustments to run times designed to help buses stay on schedule, including Routes 1 Exhibition and 7 Dundonald.

Service frequency will also improve on some routes. For example, Routes 26 Forest Grove and 27 Silverspring will run every 30 minutes during key daytime periods instead of every 40 minutes.

Visit saskatoontransit.ca/routes or use your favourite trip planning app to see how your route is affected. Contact Saskatoon Transit Customer Service at transit.services@saskatoon.ca or 306-975-3100 or stop by the Downtown terminal for printed schedules and maps. 

The City of Saskatoon thanks everyone who made the 50th Anniversary Civic Pancake Breakfast fundraiser a memorable and impactful event. From our celebrity servers flipping pancakes, to our talented and diverse entertainers and of course the many community members who joined us in support, your enthusiasm and generosity made it all possible – and led to our highest donation yet!

Thanks to a strong turnout and a sunny morning on June 18, the pancake breakfast raised $15,174 for United Way Saskatoon & Area, our highest donation total in the breakfast’s history. This milestone reflects the strength, spirit and generosity of our community.

Pancake Breakfast results year over year

2026: Total number of breakfast tickets sold: 1,476
2025: Total number of breakfast tickets sold: 1,044

Ticket sales by type year over year

2026: Regular $8 breakfast tickets sold: 1,277
2025: Regular $8 breakfast tickets sold: 1,044

2026: Act of Kindness $8 breakfast tickets purchased and donated:199
2025: Act of Kindness $8 breakfast tickets purchased and donated:115

Our community paid it forward with extra kindness

Thank you, Saskatoon, for generously thinking of others by purchasing 199 Act of Kindness tickets! These tickets helped more people enjoy a warm breakfast and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether used or unused, every dollar from the Act of Kindness tickets is included in our donation to United Way Saskatoon & Area.

The City of Saskatoon also thanks our valued breakfast sponsors. This year’s successful event would not be possible without your generous support:

Saskatoon City Employees Credit Union (SCECU), Saskatoon Civic Employees’ Union (CUPE59), Hamm Construction, The Society of United Professionals (SUP, IFPTE160), The International Association of Firefighters (IAFF80), Sheraton Cavalier, Butler Byers Insurance, Federated Co-op (FCL), Canteen, Night Owl Entertainment, Handy Special Events, Pelican Signs, Saskatoon Media Group, Rawlco Radio, Harvard Media.

Together, we continue to build a stronger, more connected Saskatoon. Thank you to all for being part of our record-breaking success!

The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo is saddened to share that Kazi, the Zoo’s 19-year-old snow leopard, was humanely euthanized this past weekend following a period of veterinary care.

Kazi had been closely monitored by the Zoo’s animal care and veterinary teams as his health declined due to advanced age. After careful and ongoing assessment of his condition and quality of life, the difficult decision was made to euthanize him.

Kazi had just turned 19 in June. He played an important role in the Snow Leopard Species Survival Plan Program for several years before enjoying his retirement at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo. Kazi was born at the Toronto Zoo and later came to Saskatoon from the Edmonton Valley Zoo.

He was a valued member of the Zoo family and will be deeply missed by the staff who cared for him, as well as by the many visitors who came to know him over the years.

Snow leopards are often called the “ghosts of the mountains” because of their remarkable camouflage and elusive nature. Even in his habitat, Kazi could sometimes be hard to spot, often found resting high on his wooden structure or tucked beneath it near his favourite rock. For many guests, catching sight of Kazi was a special and memorable part of visiting the Zoo.

“Caring for animals also means making difficult decisions when their quality of life declines,” said Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager. “This was not a decision made lightly. Our team cared deeply for Kazi and we are grateful to the animal care and veterinary professionals who supported him with compassion every step of the way.”

Animals like Kazi create lasting connections with our community. We know many residents and visitors will share in this loss and we thank them for their care and compassion as our team mourns his passing.

The Zoo will set up two commemorative signs later this week outside the snow leopard habitat, where visitors will be welcome to leave a message for Kazi.

The National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism is observed annually on June 23. In recognition of this day, flags at all City of Saskatoon facilities will be flown at half-mast. 

Flags across Canada are lowered on June 23 to honour the victims of the 1985 Air India bombing off the coast of Ireland, as well as all Canadians who have lost their lives to acts of terrorism.