News Releases

The Saskatoon Fire Department acknowledges that residents and visitors are looking for a place to cool down in the summer’s heat and might choose the river. If that is the case, we would like to stress the importance of doing so safely. The Saskatoon Fire Department cautions the community of the dangers associated with using the South Saskatchewan River.

As per City of Saskatoon Bylaw No. 4433, swimming in the South Saskatchewan River is prohibited within City limits. Wading, which is the act of walking through a body of water, is permitted unless otherwise posted.

Any large body of water offers an inviting environment to cool down in the summer; however, the underlying functions of the South Saskatchewan River, including strong currents and barriers to alter the flow of water, can result in a potentially dangerous situation. It’s important to remember that the South Saskatchewan River is unpredictable, and that the shore’s edge and riverbed are considered extremely unstable. Obstacles and discarded debris pose an additional threat to those choosing to use the river for recreational purposes.

Engaging in the consumption of drugs and/or alcohol when in or around the river presents an increased risk to one’s safety. These substances are capable of influencing your ability to function, and can therefore increase the likelihood of a water-related emergency.

The South Saskatchewan River can pose a significant danger when a lack of care and consideration is given to following safe practices around the river. Remember to always be cautious near larger bodies of water.

In an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Saskatoon continues to make strides in re-developing the environmental landscape throughout the city.

In an effort to increase local green innovation, climate change resiliency and infrastructure planning, the City has been approved for environmental funding amounting to roughly $500,000 from the Government of Canada, delivered through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

“Our city is at a pivotal time in how we grow and develop,” says Brenda Wallace, Director of Environmental and Corporate Initiatives“We have many opportunities to work with nature and leverage environmental initiatives for more sustainable prosperity. It’s important that these projects are not postponed for future generations; rather, we have the opportunity to act now while there are choices and options.“Through the funding received, we are able to shift toward an optimistic vision for a sustainable community.”

As growth continues, the City needs to be mindful of how old infrastructure is replaced, as well as how density is increased in established areas, and the way we interact with our environment.

“As Saskatoon continues on a course for growth, we need to be mindful of both new development areas and also abandoned, derelict, underutilized properties,” says Lesley Anderson, Director of Planning & Development. “The funding received for the Brownfield Renewal Strategy will support this major Plan for Growth initiative as we aim to assess and prioritize these types of sites along the City’s major corridors for revitalization.”

Funding from two infrastructure initiatives, the Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program (MCIP) and the Green Municipal Fund (GMF), were received for five of the City’s projects. These initiatives are about helping municipalities prepare for, and adapt to, climate change, while providing knowledge services to support sustainable community development, all with the target to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and improve the environment.

In January of this year, the City also received $125,000 for Climate Change Mitigation.

To learn more about Saskatoon’s environmental initiatives, visit saskatoon.ca/environment and for the Brownfield Renewal Strategy, visit saskatoon.ca/brownfield-renewal-strategy.

Plan for Growth projects are funded in part under the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund (PTIF) from the Government of Canada. The Government of Saskatchewan administers federal PTIF funding in the province. The City is funding the remainder of the Plan.

Visits to the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo) are about to get even more fun with the unveiling of the new Orano Fun Zone playground!  A state-of-the-art accessible playground, the Orano Fun Zone playground is an attraction of its own, certain to delight children of all ages.

The new playground features a variety of accessible components, including a nature-inspired themed PlayBoosterR Treehouse, OodlerR Swing, Talk Tubes, and much more!

“The new playground is an excellent addition to the Zoo,” says Tim Sinclair-Smith, Zoo Manager.  “We couldn’t be more grateful for the work of the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation and the generous contribution from Orano Canada.”

The playground replaces an older wooden play structure and is located in a new, more accessible area next to the orchard in the Zoo.  The major upgrade was made possible thanks to the efforts and dedication of the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation, which raises funds for capital projects and improvements within the Zoo.

“The Saskatoon Zoo Foundation could not be more excited for this playground.  Working closely with Orano and our other playtime partners to build an accessible playground inside the Zoo is a true testament of community spirit.  For a better tomorrow, we want our children to play today, and everyone involved is absolutely thrilled to see the playground’s addition to the wonderful experience the Zoo has to offer,” says Dawn Woroniuk, Executive Director, Saskatoon Zoo Foundation.

Through the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation, the project received a generous donation from Orano Canada Inc. as part of its commitment to invest in community initiatives in the regions where its employees reside.  Orano Canada Inc. has been exploring for uranium, developing uranium mines, and producing uranium concentrate in Saskatchewan for over 50 years.

“We are proud to invest in our community and to support a facility such as the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo that serves so many in Saskatoon, in our province, and many visitors from beyond our borders.  Despite the difficult times for our industry, Orano Canada has been planning for this contribution for some time and we are particularly pleased to have been able to contribute to the construction of this new, accessible playground as it allows all children to have the opportunity to play together,” says Tammy Van Lambalgen, Vice President Corporate Affairs & General Counsel of Orano Canada Inc.  “The Orano Fun Zone provides a space within the Zoo for young children to learn and develop many skills while they play.  It is an area that will be a fun stop for many families visiting the Zoo, including our own employees and their children.”

The Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.  Additional information, such as admission rates and details on the recently launched Season Pass, can be found at saskatoon.ca/zoo.

After more than 900 votes, the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo (Zoo) is pleased to announce that the infant Goeldi monkey has been named Calli.

“We wanted to extend a huge thank you to everyone that participated in selecting the name Calli for the newest member of the Goeldi troop,” said Tim Sinclair-Smith, Zoo Manager.

Calli was selected by popular vote after the Zoo narrowed down the selection to four potential names, including Calli, Maku, Tupi, and Sofia.

Citizens can see Calli and the rest of the Goeldi troop in the monkey enclosure at the Kinsmen Children’s Zoo exhibit year-round.

The Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.  Additional information, such as admission rates and details on the recently launched Season Pass, can be found online at saskatoon.ca/zoo.

The Saskatoon Police Service is investigating an incident where a truck narrowly missed a roadways worker and damaged specialized patching equipment.

“Fortunately no one was injured; however, one person was in the work zone at the time and three others were on their way from another site – each of them with families to get home to,” says Brandon Harris, Director of Roadways & Operations.

“With advance warning signs and plenty of pylons, there is absolutely no reason for any vehicle to be in that work zone and put lives at risk.”

It happened Sunday, July 15 at Circle Drive and Avenue C. A semi-truck and trailer knocked over two metal construction signs, drove over multiple orange pylons and for about six metres dragged the City’s new infrared pothole patching machine – which was loaded with propane tanks.

The worker who was at risk of being hurt was also attempting to alert the truck driver.

Drivers are required to slow to 60 km/h or the posted speed limit when they enter a work zone, and follow the directions of all signs in the area. City and contract workers are encouraged to report license plate numbers to the Saskatoon Police Service, which will follow up with the vehicle owner.

“My message for drivers is: unless you are part of that crew in that moment, you must not touch the pylons, signs or any other barriers,” says Harris. “These are in place to protect the people who are at work.”

The roadways crew was on day four of a pilot project that was testing the effectiveness of the infrared patching technology on restoring cracked asphalt before it developed into a pothole or more serious crack. The cost of restoring the damage to the one-of-a kind patcher is unknown as repairs and troubleshooting are ongoing.