News Releases

The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) is currently testing and monitoring ice thickness at storm water retention ponds around the city to verify their safety and integrity for recreational use.

The ice must reach a minimum thickness of at least eight inches to be considered safe for public recreational activities such as skating, broomball and hockey. Signage posted at each pond will indicate whether the pond is safe for recreational use. When the ice thickness reaches a minimum of eight inches and is considered safe, SFD will replace the “No Skating” symbol on site signs with a “Skating Permitted” image. While ice testing is underway, community members are asked to remain off storm pond ice surfaces until signage indicates the pond is safe to use.

As temperatures shift, SFD would like to caution the public about changing ice conditions. Residents are reminded to check the posted signage each time they consider using the pond. Community members are advised to always exercise an elevated level of caution when around any large body of water. Keep a close watch on children and pets when visiting trails, parks, or off-leash areas that may run adjacent to a storm water retention pond. Community members who use the ponds for recreational purposes assume all risk and maintenance responsibilities for the ice including shoveling, flooding, as well as user safety.

Only select storm water ponds are designated for recreational use. Please visit saskatoon.ca/ponds for a list of ponds permitting winter recreational use and to learn more about the Recreational Uses of Storm Water Retention Ponds policy.

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

NEW

2ND AVE N SB LEFT TURN BAY CLOSED FROM 24TH ST E TO 23RD ST E
(Sewer inspections)
Start: December 3, 9:00 a.m. End: December 3, 1:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DR S WB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM CIRCLE DR E TO PRESTON AVE S
(Guardrail repair)
Start: December 3, 9:00 a.m. End: December 3, 3:00 p.m.

ONGOING

AVE H N ROAD CLOSED FROM 30TH ST W TO 31ST ST W
(Connection replacement)
Start: December 2, 8:00 a.m. End: December 3, 12:00 p.m.

MELVILLE ST ROAD CLOSED FROM JASPER AVE S TO PORTAGE AVE
(Waterline construction)
Start: July 30, 7:00 a.m. End: December 3, 5:00 p.m.

25TH ST E EB LANES CLOSED FROM 6TH AVE N TO SPADINA CRES E
(Valve installation)
Start: November 3, 7:00 a.m. End: December 3, 5:00 p.m.

VALLEY RD EB CURB LANE CLOSED AT DUNDONALD AVE
(Ditch work)
Start: November 17, 7:00 a.m. End: December 5, 5:00 p.m.

BOYCHUK DR NB LANES CLOSED FROM AULD CRES TO MALCOLM PL
(Power line maintenance)
Two-way traffic will be maintained in SB lanes
Start: December 1, 7:00 a.m. End: December 5, 5:00 p.m.

MCORMOND DR NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM ASPEN RIDGE ST TO HENRY DAYDAY RD
(Construction)
Start: December 1, 9:00 a.m. End: December 5, 5:00 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.

Starting December 6, Saskatoon Transit’s Jingle Bell Express (Route 1225) returns, offering a convenient way to travel between the malls this holiday season.

Route 1225 will run on weekends in December, with free fares on Boxing Day (December 26). Two buses will circulate in opposite directions to connect holiday shoppers and commuters to Saskatoon’s five malls, Midtown, Confederation, Lawson Heights, Centre and Market, bypassing the hassles of winter driving and busy parking lots.

Route Information:

• Weekends (Saturdays and Sundays): 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  • Service excludes December 27 and 28.
  • Regular fares apply.
• Boxing Day (December 26): 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  • Free fares apply.

To plan a trip, search Route 1225 in the Transit App or Google Maps Transit, or check out the route schedule on Saskatoon Transit’s website.

For more information, visit saskatoontransit.ca/jingebell.

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

NEW

AVE H N ROAD CLOSED FROM 30TH ST W TO 31ST ST W
(Connection replacement)
Start: December 2, 8:00 a.m. End: December 3, 12:00 p.m.

WARMAN RD NB & SB CURB LANES CLOSED AT ASSINIBOINE DR
(Link station construction)
Start: December 2, 9:00 a.m. End: December 2, 12:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR S NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 2ND ST W TO KILBURN AVE
(Construction)
Start: December 2, 9:00 a.m. End: December 2, 1:00 p.m.

COLLEGE DR WB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM CAMPUS DR TO CUMBERLAND AVE N
(Link station construction)
Start: December 2, 9:00 a.m. End: December 2, 5:00 p.m.

MCCORMACK RD WB LANES CLOSED AT NEEDHAM CRES
(Sewer inspection)
Start: December 2, 10:00 a.m. End: December 2, 12:00 p.m.

WARMAN RD NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED AT ASSINIBOINE DR
(Link station construction)
Start: December 2, 12:00 p.m. End: December 2, 3:00 p.m.

ONGOING

25TH ST E EB LANES CLOSED FROM 6TH AVE N TO SPADINA CRES E
(Valve installation)
Start: November 3, 7:00 a.m. End: December 3, 5:00 p.m.

VALLEY RD EB CURB LANE CLOSED AT DUNDONALD AVE
(Ditch work)
Start: November 17, 7:00 a.m. End: December 5, 5:00 p.m.

BOYCHUK DR NB LANES CLOSED FROM AULD CRES TO MALCOLM PL
(Power line maintenance)
Two-way traffic will be maintained in SB lanes
Start: December 1, 7:00 a.m. End: December 5, 5:00 p.m.

MCORMOND DR NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM ASPEN RIDGE ST TO HENRY DAYDAY RD
(Construction)
Start: December 1, 9:00 a.m. End: December 5, 5:00 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.

The holiday season brings joy, warmth and increased fire risks. Extra lights, candles, space heaters, fireplaces and festive decorations can create hazards if not used safely. The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) reminds you to keep your celebrations safe with these simple tips:

Trees

• Choose a tree with fresh green needles and water it daily. A dry tree can catch fire easily.
• Have an emergency escape plan and make sure your Christmas tree and other decorations are not blocking exits such as windows or doors.

Electrical

• Check holiday lights for frayed wires, damaged sockets or loose bulbs.
• Avoid overloading circuits and electrical outlets. Too many plugs and extension cords can cause overheating and lead to a fire.
• Turn off all holiday lights before leaving home or going to bed.
• Make sure all electrical cords are tucked away and kept neat and tidy. When cords are exposed, pets can be tempted to chew on them, or people could trip and fall.

Heating

• Give your heater a metre. Clothes, curtains, furniture and other combustible objects that are too close to a heat source can catch fire.
• Never leave space heaters unattended.

Cooking

• Watch what you heat. Unattended cooking is a leading cause of kitchen fires.
• Keep flammable objects away from the stove. Objects too close to the burner can catch fire.

Candles

• Consider using flameless candles when decorating your home.
• If using real candles, blow them out before leaving the room or going to bed.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly.
• For non-sealed alarms: Replace old batteries yearly or when you hear a low-battery warning beep.
• For sealed alarms: Replace the alarm unit every 8-10 years, as the battery is not user-replaceable.

SFD encourages everyone to take extra precautions this holiday season to keep celebrations safe and free from fires.

SFD wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season!