News Releases

The City of Saskatoon and kakisiwew-ochapowace nation have entered into a one‑year Letter of Agreement to enhance access to City-operated recreation facilities for kakisiwew-ochapowace nation members living in Saskatoon.

This agreement is about removing barriers and creating more opportunities for people to come together in spaces that support health, wellness and connection,” said Mayor Cynthia Block. “We value our relationship with kakisiwew-ochapowace nation and this partnership reflects our shared commitment to reconciliation, collaboration and ensuring recreational opportunities are accessible to everyone who calls Saskatoon home.”

Through this agreement, kakisiwew-ochapowace nation is allowing members to participate in drop‑in programs at the City Leisure Centres, Outdoor Pools and Indoor Rinks. This initiative strengthens community wellness, supports inclusive access and reflects the City’s commitment to meaningful relationships with First Nations and to advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. 

“This partnership is about making sure our families have access to healthy living - spaces where they can be active, spend time together, and live miyo-pimâtisiwin, a good life. kakisiwew-ochapowace nation is excited about this partnership, and we are grateful to the City of Saskatoon for working with us in a good way to support the well-being of our citizens,” says Tyler George, Headperson for kakisiwew-ochapowace nation.

kakisiwew-ochapowace nation members will have access to drop‑in programming at the following City‑operated facilities:

• Leisure Centres: Lakewood, Lawson, Shaw, Cosmo, Saskatoon Field House and Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre (once renovations are complete)
• Outdoor Pools: Lathey, Riversdale, Mayfair and George Ward
• Indoor Rinks: ACT, Archibald, Cosmo and Lions Arenas (public skating only)

The partnership provides discounted bulk admission rates for Leisure Centres and Outdoor Pools and standard admissions rates for Indoor Rinks. All admissions have been pre-purchased by kakisiwew-ochapowace nation to ensure their members can access drop-in programming without cost at the point of entry. Initiated through kakisiwew-ochapowace nation’s proactive outreach, this collaboration reinforces a shared commitment to accessible, community‑focused recreation, and the City welcomes conversations with other First Nations interested in exploring similar opportunities.

As the weather continues to warm up, the Saskatoon Fire Department would like to advise the public to be mindful of ice conditions.

Ice thickness is no longer suitable for winter recreational use. The ice must reach a minimum thickness of at least eight inches to be considered safe. Fire crews will be updating the posted signage this week to read “No Skating” at each recreational storm pond.

Community members who use the ponds for recreational purposes assume all risk and maintenance responsibilities for the ice including removing personal belongings, as well as user safety.

Additionally, ice on the South Saskatchewan River has also started to melt. The ice that covers this body of water is unpredictable and is therefore never safe for winter recreational use. Residents are asked to never venture out onto the ice that covers sections of the South Saskatchewan River.

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 the South Saskatchewan River or a storm water retention pond.

For more information regarding the Recreational Uses of Storm Water Retention Ponds policy, visit saskatoon.ca/ponds.

On April 9, Canada will observe the National Day of Remembrance of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. This day commemorates the sacrifices made by members of the Canadian Corps during the Battle of Vimy Ridge in 1917.

In honour of this significant event, flags at all City of Saskatoon facilities will be flown at half-mast in respect of Canada’s veterans, and to remember the nearly 3,600 soldiers who lost their lives and more than 7,000 who were wounded on that fateful day.

The Battle of Vimy Ridge marked the first time that all four divisions of the Canadian Corps fought in a battle together in the First World War against a common enemy. The Battle is considered by many to be a turning point for our country and the beginning of Canada’s march towards nationhood.

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

NEW

SPADINA CRES W SB LANES CLOSED FROM 11TH ST W TO DUDLEY ST
(Manhole repairs)
Start: April 9, 8:00 a.m. End: April 9, 4:00 p.m.

COLLEGE DR EB LANES CLOSED FROM WIGGINS AVE N TO BOTTOMLEY AVE N
(Unplanned connection replacement)
Two-way traffic will be maintained in the WB lanes.
Start: April 9, 9:00 a.m. End: April 10, 1:00 p.m.

ONGOING

UNIVERSITY BRIDGE CLOSED 
(Arch repairs and Link construction)
Start: April 6, 7:00 a.m. End: June 1, 2026

COLLEGE DRIVE ROAD CLOSED FROM CLARENCE AVE N TO UNIVERSITY DR
(Link construction)
Start: April 6, 7:00 a.m. End: June 1, 2026

CIRCLE DRIVE EB CURB LANE AND ACCELERATION LANE CLOSED AT HIGHWAY 11 OVERPASS
(Overpass repairs)
Start: March 6, 7:00 a.m. End: April 30, 5:00 p.m.

ACADIA DR ROAD CLOSED FROM TAYLOR ST E TO AVONDALE RD
(Water main maintenance)
Start: March 23, 7:00 a.m. End: May 4, 5:00 p.m

20TH ST W WB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 1ST AVE S TO IDYLWYLD DR S
(SL&P work)
Start: March 9, 9:00 a.m. End: June 5, 5:30 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.