News Releases

A man has been fined a total of $11,200 for damaging the Circle Drive overpass earlier this year at Highways #11 and #16.

It happened March 5, when a semi-trailer flatbed on Highway 11 was hauling a large, tracked excavator and struck the cloverleaf overpass for Highway 16. The impact sheared off the top part of the excavator and caused significant damage to the outer edge of the overhead structure.

In Bylaw Court Wednesday, June 24, the truck driver pleaded guilty to damaging City infrastructure under The Traffic Bylaw. The Court accepted a joint submission from the City Bylaw Prosecutor and the driver in which the driver would pay a fine of $8,000 plus a victim surcharge of $3,200.

Under the Bylaw, the maximum fine for an individual is $10,000. The court granted the driver 18-months to pay the $11,200.

A Traffic Bylaw charge against Regina-based Bowline Logistics, the corporation which owns the vehicle, is adjourned for plea until July 8.

The City has subsequently submitted a claim to Bowline's and the driver’s insurer and is awaiting a reply to recover the overpass repair costs.

Summer Play Program

Free drop-in fun designed for children ages 2 to 12. The Summer Play Program offers water play, sports, games, and crafts at locations across the city. Join the fun at 29 paddling pools, 16 spray pads, and 2 schools. Find a location near you at saskatoon.ca/play.

Hours of Operation July 2 - August 19 (closed Monday, August 3):

• Monday -Thursday: 10:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
• Friday: 12:00 p.m. -  4:30 p.m.

Select locations are open Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., starting July 5 through August 16. Plus, these locations are open Monday, August 3 for the long weekend.

As a pilot project for 2026, 6 (Adelaide Park, Avalon, College Park, Sutherland, Westmount and Westview Heights) locations will have extended hours of:

• Monday - Thursday: 11:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Friday: 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Please note the following:

• Opening Day Notice: Paddling pools require public health inspections before opening, which may cause delays. All pools are expected to open by 5:00 p.m. on July 2. Dryland programming will continue as scheduled.
• Operating Hours:
  • Paddling Pools follow Summer Play Program hours. Fill and drain times vary - please check with staff.
  • Spray Pads: Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Supervision Policy:
  • Children under the age of 6 must be supervised by an adult or responsible youth (12 years or older) at all times during Play Program hours. To help preschool age children stay safe in and around the water, the City requires that all participants comply with the following policy: "For every 2 preschoolers under the age of 6, there must be one adult or responsible youth (12 years or older) within arm's length, supervising the preschoolers' water play and activity."
• Schedule Changes & Alerts:
  • Visit the Where to Play Google Map or Service Alerts for updates.

Youth Centres

The City’s 9 summer youth centres will open for the season on Thursday, July 2 and operate until August 12. All youth, ages 12 to 16, are invited to drop in for sports and activities or hang out with friends in a friendly environment supervised by fun, qualified leaders.

Youth Centres are free to attend. Unless otherwise stated, hours of operation are Monday to Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Friday from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (closed Monday, August 3).

Youth Centre Locations:

• Confederation –Wâhkôhtowin School (3555 Miyo-Wâhkôhtowin Rd)
• Dundonald - St. Peter School (202 Sumner Crescent)
• Eastview- Pope John Paul School (3035 Arlington Ave.)
• Forest Grove - St. Volodymyr School (302 Kellough Road)
• Silverwood Heights – Silverwood Heights School (403 Silverwood Rd)

MÈ TA WÈ TÀN Youth Centres:

• Pleasant Hill - St. Mary Wellness & Education Centre (327 Avenue N South)
• Westmount - Westmount School (411 Avenue J North)

Special Focus Youth Centres:

• New-Pilot! Riversdale Outdoor Youth Centre – Riversdale Pool park space (822 Avenue H South)
  Monday to Thursday from 12:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. and Friday from 1:30 – 5:15 p.m.
• Lakewood Sports Only Youth Centre - Lakewood Civic Centre (1635 McKercher Drive)

Monday to Wednesday from 1:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Thursday 1:30 p.m.to 8:00 p.m. and Friday 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Travelling Summer Play Van:

The summer play van travels to a different location each day with skilled Recreation Leaders who will offer a variety of sports and art activities. Equipment is provided for all activities.

Locations are updated weekly on the Google Where to Hang Map found at saskatoon.ca/youth. The program runs from July 2 to Wednesday, August 12, 2026 (cancelled August 3) with operating hours of Monday to Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday 1:30 to 5:00 p.m.

On Wednesdays from 10:30 to 12:00 p.m., the Sustainability Department will offer a series of fun, hands-on activities focused on water conversation at the travelling summer play van. This collaboration runs in support of Be Water Wise Week (July 5 - 11) and encourages families to build smart water habits at home and in the community.

Travelling Skateboard Van & Skateboard Sites 
Youth are also invited to practise boarding with our skilled skateboard leaders who travel to different sites each day. Equipment is provided or you can bring your own deck. Program runs from July 3 to August 12, 2026 (cancelled August 3).

Skateboard leaders are at the following locations at these hours:

• Charlottetown Park (behind Cosmo Civic Centre, 3130 Laurier Drive)
  Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Lions Skate Park (next to Riversdale Pool, 622 Spadina Crescent West)
  Monday and Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Forest Park (adjacent to Centennial High School, 215 Nelson Road)
  Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Umea Park (behind Lawson Civic Centre, 225 Primrose Drive)
  Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• W.W. Ashley Park (beside Lathey Pool, 815 Taylor Street)
  Friday from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Skateboard sites without the skateboard program include:

• Lakewood Park (behind Lakewood Civic Centre, 1635 McKercher Road)
• Morris T. Cherneskey Park (beside Shaw Centre, 122 Bowlt Cres)

All skateboard sites are open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. For more information, please call 306-975-3378 or visit www.saskatoon.ca/skateboard.

City Council has directed Administration to start negotiations with Muskeg Lake Cree Nation to explore a strategic partnership toward the development of the Downtown Event and Entertainment District.

Council provided the direction at its June 24 Regular Business City Council meeting, following consideration of a report outlining the opportunity. Council’s decision does not approve a final agreement. It authorizes Administration to begin direct negotiations toward a potential development partnership.

“Great cities are built through strong partnerships and a willingness to think differently about the future. By authorizing these discussions, Council is creating the opportunity to explore a unique partnership with Muskeg Lake Cree Nation and what that partnership could mean for both communities,” says Mayor Cynthia Block.

“This is an important first step, not a final decision. The goal of these discussions is to determine whether there is a path forward that delivers mutual benefit, creates new opportunities, and reflects the shared ambitions of Muskeg Lake Cree Nation and the City of Saskatoon.”

“We are encouraged that Saskatoon City Council has accepted the Administration report and supported beginning discussions with Muskeg Lake Cree Nation regarding a potential partnership in the Downtown Event and Entertainment District,” says Muskeg Lake Cree Nation Chief Kelly Wolfe. “This is an important first step, but it is still an early step. There is significant work ahead, and any potential agreement will need to be carefully considered and approved by both Councils.”

“Muskeg Lake has a long-standing and meaningful relationship with the City of Saskatoon. In 1988, our Nation established Asimakaniseekan Askiy, which translates to ‘Soldiers’ Land,’ as Canada’s first commercial urban reserve. Through strong relationships with the business sector, the urban reserve is now home to approximately 50 businesses and supports more than 750 jobs. It has added significant value to Saskatoon through employment, business activity and the service fees paid to the City under the urban reserve’s municipal services agreement. It is also home to Lakeside Medical Centre, the largest non-hospital medical facility in Saskatchewan.

We are optimistic about what this opportunity could mean for our citizens and for the revitalization of downtown Saskatoon. At the same time, we want to manage expectations. These discussions are only beginning, and our priority will be ensuring that any potential partnership is responsible, sustainable and protects the long-term interests of Muskeg Lake Cree Nation.”

“The seven Chiefs of the Saskatoon Tribal Council support this proposal, and the City is ready to move into the next stage of discussions,” says Dan Willems, Director of Technical Services. “In our early conversations we have identified some potential opportunities that could take this beyond simply the development of the entertainment and hospitality piece of the District but could include an operation partnership for the convention centre and an event centre. The additional possibility of looking at establishing these lands as a new urban reserve is also something that could be on the table.”

With eight urban reserves, plus three at various stages of the approval process and two in the beginning stages, Saskatoon has long been recognized as a national leader in urban reserve creation and partnership-based economic development with First Nations. Saskatoon is also home to Canada’s first commercial urban reserve, established by Muskeg Lake Cree Nation in 1988.

Willems says this approach reflects practical leadership in reconciliation and supports the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. The negotiations also respond to earlier Council direction to explore Indigenous placemaking and partnership opportunities as part of the District’s development.

“By creating meaningful opportunities for Indigenous ownership, economic development, operations, employment, career development, cultural expression and Indigenous placemaking and placekeeping, the District can move beyond symbolic recognition and embed reconciliation directly into one of Saskatoon’s most significant city-building initiatives.”

As next steps, Administration will begin formal negotiations with Muskeg Lake Cree Nation representatives and continue to refine the potential partnership terms. Once negotiations have advanced to the point where key terms are sufficiently defined, Administration will report back to City Council with details of the proposed partnership and any recommendations required to support implementation.

Administration will also report back to City Council every two months on the progress of negotiations.

Any substantive financial commitments, land disposition, governance arrangements, financial agreements or legal agreements would be subject to future City Council approval. Any future agreement would also be subject to Muskeg Lake Cree Nation’s own governance and approval processes.

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

NEW

MEADOWS PKY SB LANES CLOSED FROM MEADOWS BLVD TO ZIMMERMAN RD
(Road repair)
Two-way traffic in NB lanes
Start: June 25, 7:00 a.m. End: June 25, 11:00 a.m.

CIRCLE DR E WB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM VENTURE CRES TO 1ST AVE N
(Power line maintenance)
Start: June 25, 7:00 a.m. End: June 25, 3:00 p.m.

MELVILLE ST CLOSED FROM LORNE AVE TO JASPER AVE
(Sewer maintenance)
Start: June 25, 7:00 a.m. End: June 25, 5:00 p.m.

20TH ST W WB PARKING LANE CLOSED FROM AVE S S TO AVE T S
(Concrete & landscaping work)
Start: June 25, 7:00 a.m. End: July 22, 5:00 p.m.

108TH ST W EB & WB CLOSED FROM MORAN AVE TO CENTRAL AVE
(Sewer maintenance)
Start: June 25, 8:00 a.m. End: June 26, 12:00 p.m.

TAYLOR ST E WB ROAD CLOSED AT WIGGINS AVE S
(Manhole repair)
Start: June 25, 9:00 a.m. End: June 25, 12:00 p.m.

ACADIA DR NB ROAD CLOSED FROM HAIGHT CRES TO PARKDALE RD
(Road patching)
Start: June 25, 9:00 a.m. End: June 25, 3:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR S NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 6TH ST W TO 8TH ST W
(Streetlight maintenance)
Start: June 25, 9:00 a.m. End: June 25, 3:00 p.m.

ACADIA DR SB CLOSED FROM CARLETON DR TO MCGILL ST
(Road patching)
Start: June 25, 9:00 a.m. End: June 25, 3:00 p.m.

FAIRLIGHT DR EB CLOSED FROM PENDYGRASSE RD TO OLMSTEAD RD
(Sewer maintenance)
Start: June 25, 9:00 a.m. End: June 25, 5:00 p.m.

NIGHTINGALE RD EB & WB CLOSED FROM KENSINGTON BLVD TO MCARTHUR LANE
(Water main repair)
Start: June 25, 1:00 p.m. End: June 25, 5:00 p.m.

ONGOING

COLLEGE DR WB CURBLANE CLOSED FROM CENTRAL AVE TO PRESTON AVE N
(Overnight pavement line painting)
Start: June 24, 7:00 p.m. End: June 25, 6:00 a.m.

IDYLWYLD DR S NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 7TH ST E TO 11TH ST E
(Overnight bridge washing)
Start: June 24, 8:00 p.m. End: June 25, 6:00 a.m.

IDYLWYLD DR S SB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 11TH ST W TO 7TH ST E
(Overnight bridge washing)
Start: June 24, 8:00 p.m. End: June 25, 6:00 a.m.

AVE H S ROAD CLOSED FROM 22ND ST W TO 20TH ST W
(Water main work)
Start: June 15, 7:00 a.m. End: June 29, 5:00 p.m.

8TH ST E SB/WB/EB CUMBERLAND AVE INTERSECTION
(Link Station Construction)
Start: June 8, 7:00 a.m. End: June 30, 5:00 p.m.

MCKERCHER DR SB CURB & PARKING LANE CLOSED FROM 8TH ST E TO HOLLAND RD
(Construction)
Start: June 24, 7:00 a.m. End: June 30, 5:00 p.m.

3RD AVE N NB PARKING LANE CLOSED FROM 23RD ST E TO 25TH ST E
(Temporary water line installation)
Start: June 16, 7:00 a.m. End: June 30, 5:00 p.m.

24TH ST E EB & WB PARKING LANES CLOSED FROM 5TH AVE N TO 3RD AVE N
(Temporary water line installation)
Start: June 16, 7:00 a.m. End: June 30, 5:00 p.m.

4TH AVE N NB & SB PARKING LANES CLOSED FROM 24TH ST E TO 25TH ST E
(Temporary water line installation)
Start: June 16, 7:00 a.m. End: June 30, 5:00 p.m.

5TH AVE N NB & SB PARKING LANES CLOSED FROM 24TH ST E TO 25TH ST E
(Temporary water line installation)
Start: June 16, 7:00 a.m. End: June 30, 5:00 p.m.

3RD AVE S NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM 19TH ST E TO 22ND ST E
(Median restoration)
Start: June 15, 7:00 a.m. End: July 1, 5:00 p.m.

PRESTON AVE S NB FROM LOUISE AVE TO ADELAIDE ST E
(Link Station Construction)
Two-way traffic to be maintained in the SB lanes
Start: June 8, 7:00 a.m. End: July 3, 5:00 p.m.

20TH ST W WB PARKING & CURB LANE CLOSURE. FROM AVE B S TO AVE B S
(Streetscaping)
Start: June 8, 7:00 a.m. End: July 5, 5:00 p.m.

25TH ST E WB CLOSED FROM 2ND AVE N TO 1ST AVE N
(SL&P work)
Two-way traffic in EB lanes
Start: June 15, 9:00 a.m. End: July 10, 5:00 p.m.

24TH ST E WB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 1ST AVE N TO 2ND AVE N
(Building construction)
Start: June 16, 8:00 a.m. End: July 10, 5:00 p.m.

12TH ST E EB PARKING LANE CLOSED FROM BROADWAY AVE TO DUFFERIN AVE
(Sewer work)
Start: May 29, 7:00 a.m. End: July 12, 5:00 p.m.

COLLEGE DR EB/WB UNIVERSITY BRIDGE
(College Dr Link Construction)
Closure of College Dr includes a full closure of the University Bridge at Spadina Cr E
Start: April 6, 7:00 a.m. End: July 13, 5:00 p.m.

1ST AVE N NB PARKING LANE CLOSED FROM 24TH ST E TO 25TH ST E
(Building construction)
Start: June 15, 8:00 a.m. End: July 31, 5:00 p.m.

SPADINA CRES E NB REDUCED LANE WIDTH AT 25TH ST E
(Construction)
Start: April 28, 7:00 a.m. End: August 8, 5:00 p.m.

1ST AVE N SB PARKING LANE CLOSED FROM 42ND A ST E TO CIRCLE DR E
(Building construction)
Start: May 1, 8:00 a.m. End: October 1, 5:00 p.m.

WANUSKEWIN RD NB CLOSED FROM ARTHUR ROSE AVE TO 72ND ST E
(Construction)
Two-way traffic in SB lanes
Start: May 11, 9:00 a.m. End: October 9, 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.