News Releases

The City of Saskatoon is pleased to announce the adoption of a new Place Identity Framework to guide future place identity and place naming initiatives. City Council adopted the Place Identity Framework on May 21, 2025.
 

The purpose of the Framework is to work with all residents to explore the shared understanding that we all have about our home. The Framework will be a guide to how the City names public spaces, and will guide decisions on public art, commemoration and monuments including what cultural symbols, flags, emblems and coats of arms will be displayed. 
 

“The Place Identity Framework recognizes that not everyone has been included in how the City of Saskatoon has identified and visually represented itself,” says Stryker Calvez, Director of Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (REDI). “This is especially important for those who have called this place home since time immemorial. This framework acknowledges the inherent rights of Indigenous Peoples, those people raised here, and the newcomers who chose to make it their home. We all contribute to Saskatoon and, therefore, should have a say in the making of its identity.”

Place identity will have four guiding principles within the wider context of existing City policies, plans, projects and related initiatives:

• Build relationships- Commit to creating and sustaining relationships with residents, rights holders, stakeholders and community organizations to build a greater sense of place, identity and community.
• Be informed- Understand that place naming and place identity are informed by traditional knowledge, historical research and community insights.
• Be inclusive- Listen to the diverse perspectives and experiences of the residents of this city and commit to public input, transparency, education and communication when it comes to place identity.

• Be relevant- Understand our stories of Saskatoon and what connects us historically and balance that with celebrating our local culture when it comes to place naming, commemoration and symbols.
   

  Implementation of the Framework will include working with community and multiple internal departments within the City of Saskatoon to integrate place identity practices at the earliest stages when it comes to the planning of new public spaces. 
   

  “This is about recognizing change and accepting new perspectives while honouring and reflecting upon our shared past and creating a better, more inclusive future, for all residents” says Calvez.
   

City Council yesterday approved amendments to Bylaw No. 10079, The Animal Control Bylaw, 2025 (No.2) and Bylaw No. 10080, The Property Nuisance & Abatement Amendment Bylaw, 2025, to prohibit the feeding of wildlife on all public or private property in Saskatoon.

The new regulations aim to help reduce conflicts and promote a respectful coexistence with urban wildlife. The term “wildlife” is defined in accordance with provincial legislation, The Wildlife Act, 1998, and includes any vertebrate animal that is wild by nature in Saskatchewan (e.g., coyotes, foxes, racoons, rabbits, deer, etc.).

Key provisions of the amendments include:

• Feeding Ban: It is now prohibited to intentionally feed wildlife or leave attractants – such as food, food waste, compost or garbage – on any property with the intent of attracting wildlife or that could attract wildlife.
• Bird Feeding Exception: Residents may continue to feed birds on private property using a bird feeder that is above grade to prevent access to other wildlife.
• Enforcement and Penalties: A Notice of Violation may be issued for non-compliance. Fines are set at:
  • $250 for a first offence
  • $500 for a second offence
  • $1,000 for a third or subsequent offence

“These bylaw updates reflect best practices from other municipalities and support our efforts to maintain a safe and healthy urban environment,” says Parks Director, Thai Hoang. “Feeding dangerous wildlife, even unintentionally, can lead to increased risks and poor outcomes for both animals and residents.”

Residents are encouraged to review the updated bylaws and take steps to ensure their properties are free from wildlife attractants.

For more information on co-existing with urban wildlife, visit saskatoon.ca/wildlife.

Direct service from the Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to see the Saskatchewan Rattlers take on the Edmonton Stingers at SaskTel Centre on Thursday, May 22 at 7:30 p.m., is available at the following times:

• 6:15 p.m.
• 6:55 p.m.

Post-event drop-off is at the downtown terminal and regular fares apply ($3.00 per trip). Fare can be purchased on your mobile phone using either the TGo or transit app, transfers and passes are also accepted. Typically, buses arrive onsite 30 minutes prior to the end of the event.

Plan your trip to events at SaskTel Centre on Route 333 using the Transit app up to two weeks in advance. Check out the Transit+ feature to help make connections that combine Transit with OnDemand Transit, riide, and Uber. Download the Transit app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Transit service times for special events at SaskTel Centre and other popular destinations can always be found at SaskatoonTransit.ca/plan-my-trip/popular-destinations. Experience the convenience of using Saskatoon Transit to attend all your favourite events.

Today Saskatoon City Council approved the implementation of a City-wide organics collection program for multi-unit residential properties. The move builds on the success of the curbside green cart program for single-family homes and aims to ensure all residents have equal access to waste services.

The recommendation for a City-led multi-unit organics program stems from a yearlong pilot study that explored the most effective ways to provide organics diversion to multi-unit residential properties including apartments, condos and townhouse complexes. A report to the May 6, 2025 meeting of the Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services provided a detailed analysis of the options available to the City for multi-unit organics programs.

Engagement with pilot participants, including residents, property managers and condo boards, showed a preference for a City-led organics program. In addition to being the preferred option, it is projected to be the most cost efficient when compared to current market alternatives. Organic material gathered through the program would be handled at the City’s organic processing facility, which begins construction this July.

An implementation plan is being developed aiming to have a city-wide program fully operational in 2028.

To learn more about the pilot program, visit saskatoon.ca/multiorganics.