News Releases

More water is on its way from Gardiner Dam: the speed and height of the river is rising which increases safety risks. The Water Security Agency advises river flows are expected to increase from the elevated current rate of approximately 240 cubic metres per second (m³/s) to approximately 700 m³/s starting on Sunday.

It’s expected the river will rise by about 60 cm or approximately two feet. However, that is not high enough to cause flooding of riverbank areas such as the Meewasin Valley Trail. High flows are anticipated for the next week.

“This represents a significant increase and with that, there’s an increase in the potential dangers on or around the river,” says Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) Deputy Chief Sean Thody.

Deputy Chief Thody urges anyone who may be around the river and along the riverbank to keep their distance, adding swimming in the river is prohibited in Saskatoon.

“Although the river may provide a tempting option to cool down on hot days, the South Saskatchewan is unpredictable. Aside from the changing, dangerously fast currents and unstable bottom, it will have many additional hazards right now such as fallen branches, hidden material like broken concrete and floating debris that will pose a threat to anyone in or near the water.”

Thody further warns SFD is not allowed to put rescue divers in the water above 450 m³/s because it poses a safety risk to the divers.

The Fire Department is working with the Meewasin Valley Authority and will monitor the water flows and will advise everyone including recreational user groups of the greater flow rate. Saskatchewan Search and Rescue suggests the following guidelines for paddling activity: 

• <250 m³/s – Novice paddler; flatwater conditions 
• 250–400 m³/s– Intermediate paddler; those with moving water experience 
• 400–600 m³/s – Expert paddler; paddlers with moving water experience 
• 600–800 m³/s – Only expert paddlers with whitewater experience 
• >800 m³/s – Dangerous – Stay off the water 

Saskatoon Water 
Saskatoon Water is prepared for the greater flows. While expecting more sediment and cloudiness in the river, processes are in place to handle extra clarification that may be needed. Water service is not expected to be impacted by the rising river levels.

Bridges 
The rising and faster flowing water is not expected to pose any threat to bridges nor cause any significant challenges for construction projects. The City’s Asset Preservation team continues to talk with contractors working on both the Broadway Bridge and the University Bridge to ensure their staff remain safe.

Swimming is prohibited in the South Saskatchewan River
As mentioned, Bylaw No. 4433 prohibits swimming in the South Saskatchewan River within city limits.

View weir from a safe distance 
The South Saskatchewan River is equipped with a weir to alter the flow and discharge of water along the river. This barrier produces a powerful backwash of water that can trap objects and people. The weir must never be approached and should only be viewed from designated areas along Spadina Crescent East.

Pet safety 
Just as a fast river poses risks to humans, it is also risky to pets. Pet owners are reminded to keep a close watch on their pets – especially in off-leash areas where they could get into the river. The best advice is to avoid these areas for the coming days.

Water rescue tips 
If you witness someone in distress in the river: 

• Call 911 immediately to report the incident, noting details about the individual, time and situation. 
• Keep track of recognizable landmarks around the area where the individual was first seen in distress in the water. 
• Coach the individual from the shore edge on the below noted tips for water self-rescue. 

If you are in distress in the river: 

• Stay calm. 
• Keep your head above the water. 
• Remove any heavy or bulky clothing items. 
• Don’t fight the current; move with the current as you work your way to the shore edge.

Always be cautious near the river. In an emergency, call 911 immediately. 

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

NEW

IDYLWYLD DR SB CURB LANES FROM TAYLOR ST TO RUTH ST
(Overnight road resurfacing)
Start: June 4, 7:00 p.m. End: June 5, 6:00 a.m.

IDYLWYLD DR NB CURB LANES OVER TAYLOR ST BRIDGE
(Overnight road resurfacing)
Start: June 4, 7:00 p.m. End: June 5, 6:00 a.m.

BRIGHTON BLVD ROAD CLOSED FROM 8TH ST E TO NAZARALI WAY
(Brighton Boulevard Roundabout Landscaping)
Start: June 5, 7:00 a.m. End: June 6, 5:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR SB MEDIAN LANES FROM TAYLOR ST TO RUTH ST
(Overnight road resurfacing)
Start: June 5, 7:00 p.m. End: June 6, 6:00 a.m.

IDYLWYLD DR NB MEDIAN LANES OVER TAYLOR ST BRIDGE
(Overnight road resurfacing)
Start: June 5, 7:00 p.m. End: June 6, 6:00 a.m.

ONGOING

KENSINGTON BLVD ROAD CLOSED FROM ELLS CRES TO ELLS CRES
(Homeland Trenching)
Start: May 27, 8:00 a.m. End: June 10, 5:00 p.m.

2ND AVE N SB CLOSED FROM 25TH ST E TO 24TH ST E
(Saskatoon New Central Library)
24th St WB curb lane closed
Start: June 4, 6:00 a.m. End: June 11, 6:00 p.m.

BERINI DR SB CLOSED FROM 115TH ST E TO ROGERS RD
(Concrete repair)
Two-way traffic in NB lanes
Start: June 1, 7:00 a.m. End: June 12, 5:00 p.m.

WANUSKEWIN RD NB & SB CLOSED FROM ARTHUR ROSE AVE TO MARQUIS DR E
(Construction)
Start: April 27, 7:00 a.m. End: June 14, 5:00 p.m.

COLLEGE DR EB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM MUNROE AVE N TO WIGGINS AVE N
(Construction)
Start: June 1, 7:00 a.m. End: June 15, 5:00 p.m.

115TH ST E WB LANES CLOSED FROM KENDERDINE RD TO BERINI DR
(Concrete Preservation)
Two-way traffic
Start: June 4, 7:00 a.m. End: June 18, 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.

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.

WANUSKEWIN RD NB CLOSED FROM MARQUIS DR W TO 72ND ST E
(Construction)
Two-way traffic in NB 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.
 

On Tuesday, June 9, City Administration will present an approval report to the Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services (EU&CS) to expand services at the City’s Material Recovery Centre (MRC).

Through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF), the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan will contribute funding for the project, which includes establishing a permanent facility for household hazardous waste (HHW) drop-off as well as the acquisition of new equipment and roll-off bins.

“The Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF) supports the development of the essential water, wastewater, stormwater and solid waste infrastructure needed to build more homes, faster,” said the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development. “Investments like these support our government’s goal of addressing the housing crisis head-on by helping cities like Saskatoon grow the way they need to.”

“The Government of Saskatchewan strongly believes in the importance of infrastructure to help grow and build a stronger province,” said the Honourable Eric Schmalz, Minister of Government Relations. “The funding for this project is an important next step for the city, with our government looking forward to its completion and providing a permanent option for residents to dispose of household waste.”

“This investment makes a real difference for our community,” said Mayor Cynthia Block. “A permanent household hazardous waste facility will help residents safely dispose of materials year‑round, while protecting workers, neighbourhoods and our environment. We’re proud to work with our federal and provincial partners to deliver infrastructure that supports a healthier, more sustainable Saskatoon.”

“We’re very pleased to receive this funding from the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund,” says Brendan Lemke, Director of Water & Waste Operations. “A permanent HHW facility, along with new equipment and roll-off bins, will better serve residents as our city grows. These investments will improve how we safely manage waste while supporting our long-term waste diversion goals.”

Through CHIF, the Material Recovery Centre Expansion Project was approved for $4,925,508 in eligible costs, of which $3,611,875 is funded by federal and provincial partners. The remaining $1,313,633 will be funded through existing City capital sources, with no new capital funding required. If approved, the HHW facility could be operational in 2027.

Participation in the City’s seasonal HHW drop-off program has grown steadily since its introduction, with depot visits increasing from 2,257 in 2024 to 2,715 in 2025 – a 20 per cent year‑over‑year increase – and total material collected rising from 60.33 tonnes to 69.88 tonnes. This trend demonstrates strong public demand despite the program’s limited, once‑weekly seasonal schedule. To better meet this demand and support overall growth at the MRC, the proposed expansion includes both a permanent, enclosed HHW facility and new equipment. Together, these investments will enable year-round HHW collection, improve site operations and material handling, and enhance the safe management of hazardous and bulky waste, reducing risks such as fires, chemical reactions, and worker exposure.

To learn more about the Material Recovery Centre, visit saskatoon.ca/mrc.