News Releases

With the coordinated support of several community-based, Indigenous and provincial government organizations, the process of removing an encampment on private property at 20th Street and Avenue K South began this morning.

“Encampments are removed because they begin to become unsafe for both the residents living in them and the schools, services, businesses and neighbourhoods around them,” says Deputy Fire Chief Yvonne Raymer.

“Every agency involved in this has the same goal: to ensure people are safe and that they are living in a safe environment,” Raymer says. “We connect people to housing, shelter, health services and other supports as part of addressing the serious safety concerns at the encampment site.”

The partner agencies acknowledge this action is an emotional and complex issue and are determined to approach it with respect and compassion.

Our community has heard a lot of talk in the news and social media that encampments or “Tent Cities” are a reasonable solution to the shelter and housing crisis Saskatoon faces. A few seconds of video on a digital platform often does not tell the full story though.

Encampment sites can present significant fire, sanitation and public safety risks. Safety concerns increase as encampments grow. These concerns are clear and present at encampments and the risk is the same for 20th Street and Avenue K South.

“Since midnight October 5, we’ve been called to four fires at encampments,” Raymer says. “One destroyed a tent and spread to nearby trees in Optimist Park, another, just six hours later, spread to brush and trees in the same park and another in the backyard of a vacant property destroyed a makeshift shelter and damaged a fence and just last night one got out of control in a park off Idylwyld Drive.”

Other activities observed and documented at and very near the site include: possible gang activity, suspected domestic violence, assaults and open drug use.

Encampments where people are living outdoors without access to basic amenities and services are not a long-term housing solution, especially as the weather grows colder and potentially fatal. The City has an important role to play, but lasting solutions require coordinated action among governments, Indigenous organizations, housing providers and community agencies.

Tribal Chief Mark Arcand of the Saskatoon Tribal Council says encampments are too dangerous and he does not support them.

“At the Avenue K site, there’s too much violence and gang activity, including drugs and sex trafficking happening there, and it is spilling out onto our other programs.

“We offer supports at our outdoor washroom project just a block away; we have supportive housing just across the street and we have the Sawēyihtotān outreach program. Some relatives in the encampment had been seeking supports, but in the last few weeks, we have seen an escalation of violence throughout that neighbourhood and seen that relatives who had been interested in supports are now refusing them.

“The real solution is for people to access the supports they need, to get housing, addiction treatment, medical care, and connection to culture, in a safe environment. This won’t happen as long as they are at an encampment. Instead, the most vulnerable relatives will continue to be at risk from the activities occurring there and their cycle will continue.”

The Saskatoon Police Service stresses safety for everyone is top of mind.

“Our Service is committed to working with our partners to ensure we maintain peace and prevent violence,” says Saskatoon Police Chief Cameron McBride. “Officers are tasked with ensuring we assist in an orderly and peaceful transition for residents from the encampment.”

Partner agency supports are available: Before any site response, efforts are made to connect individuals with shelter, housing, transportation and other services.

Today, there are community organizations able to provide social service and sheltering opportunities for anyone at the encampment who wants them and transportation to connect people to these important supports. These organizations include: The Saskatoon Tribal Council - Sawēyihtotān, Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI), Salvation Army caseworkers and the Ministry of Social Services income assistance and housing case workers.

Ministry of Social Services staff will continue to connect with individuals to provide income supports and emergency shelter options. This includes referrals to available shelter spaces, friends and family, detox services or hotels if available shelter spaces did not meet their needs. They will also help make connections with other human service providers and community-based organizations providing services such as mental health and addictions and medical supports.

“We are concerned for the health and safety of everyone living in the encampment, particularly as winter approaches,” says CUMFI President Shirley Isbister.

“While the closure of an encampment is never the complete solution, I’m hopeful that this is an important step in connecting people to housing and supports.

“CUMFI is ready to assist through housing navigation, cultural supports and connections to services that can help them move toward greater stability. We want people to know there are supports available, and they do not have to navigate these challenges alone.”

To reiterate, removing an encampment alone does not solve homelessness. That's why the community response includes outreach, supports and ongoing collaboration with community partners.

While we recognize the challenges people face, we also have an obligation to address significant wider community safety risks and work toward safer, more sustainable alternatives.

Direct bus service to Saskatoon Blades games this weekend at SaskTel Centre from the Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue):

Saskatoon Blades versus Moose Jaw Warriors on Friday, October 9, starting at 7:00 p.m. Buses will depart at the following times:

• 5:50 p.m.
• 6:30 p.m.

Saskatoon Blades versus Regina Pats on Saturday, October 10, starting at 7:00 p.m. Buses will depart at the following times:

• 5:50 p.m.
• 6:30 p.m.

Regular fares apply ($3.25 per trip) and can be purchased on your mobile phone using either the TGo or Transit apps, transfers and passes are also accepted.

Post-event drop-off is at the downtown terminal. Typically, buses arrive on site 30 minutes prior to the end of the event.

Plan your trip to 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.

Enjoy the ease of using Saskatoon Transit for all your favourite events. Transit schedules for special events at SaskTel Centre and other popular spots are available at saskatoontransit.ca.

Residents are encouraged to plan ahead, the City of Saskatoon will have several adjusted civic services, and holiday hours of operation, on Thanksgiving Day, Monday, October 12.

Find out what's open or closed and information on transit schedules, waste collection, parking requirements, Leisure Centres, that last round of fall golf and more, here

The City wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable long weekend.

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

NEW

1ST AVE N SB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED AT 26TH ST E
(Sewer work)
Start: October 8, 7:00 a.m. End: October 8, 3:00 p.m.

TAYLOR ST E WB DRIVING LANES & EB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM HERITAGE WAY TO MCKERCHER DR
(Water main work)
Start: October 8, 7:00 a.m. End: October 8, 5:00 p.m.

CLARENCE AVE S NB & SB TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS FROM 5TH ST E TO 4TH ST E
(Sewer work)
Start: October 8, 7:00 a.m. End: October 8, 5:00 p.m.

22ND ST W WB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM AVE F N TO AVE G N
(Road resurfacing)
Start: October 8, 7:00 a.m. End: October 8, 6:00 p.m.

SPADINA CRES E NB FROM 20TH ST E TO 21ST ST E
(SARScene Conference (Special Event))
Start: October 8, 7:00 a.m. End: October 8, 7:00 p.m.

CLARENCE AVE S NB & EB & WB CLOSED AT 14TH ST E
(Manhole repair)
Two-way traffic maintained in SB lanes
Start: October 8, 9:00 a.m. End: October 8, 12:00 p.m.

VIC BLVD EB RAMP CLOSED TO NB HIGHWAY 11
(Road work)
Start: October 8, 9:00 a.m. End: October 8, 3:00 p.m.

TAYLOR ST E WB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM MCKERCHER DR TO KINGSMERE BLVD
(Landscaping)
Start: October 8, 9:00 a.m. End: October 8, 3:00 p.m.

COLLEGE DR EB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED AT MCKERCHER DR
(SL&P work)
Start: October 8, 9:00 a.m. End: October 8, 3:00 p.m.

ACADIA DR SB & EB PARKING LANES CLOSED AT HAIGHT CRES
(Light pole maintenance)
Start: October 8, 10:00 a.m. End: October 8, 5:00 p.m.

EVERGREEN BLVD CLOSED FROM KLOPPENBURG CRES TO KLOPPENBURG LINK
(Sewer maintenance)
Start: October 8, 11:00 a.m. End: October 8, 2:00 p.m.

PRESTON AVE S SB/WB FROM ARLINGTON AVE TO WILSON CRES
(Link Station Construction)
Start: October 8, 1:00 p.m. End: October 9, 5:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DR E NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED AT COLLEGE DR
(Overnight road weather system installation)
Start: October 8, 7:00 p.m. End: October 9, 5:00 a.m.

22ND ST W EB MEDIAN, CENTRE & LEFT TURN LANES CLOSED FROM AVE X S TO AVE W S
(Overnight sewer work)
Start: October 8, 7:00 p.m. End: October 9, 6:00 a.m.

MCKERCHER DR NB CLOSED FROM TAYLOR ST E TO HERITAGE CRES
(Overnight sewer work)
Start: October 8, 9:00 p.m. End: October 9, 5:00 a.m.

ONGOING

BROADWAY AVE SB CURB LANE CLOSED AT SASKATCHEWAN CRES E
(Overnight road weather system installation)
Start: October 7, 7:00 p.m. End: October 8, 5:00 a.m.

PRESTON AVE S NB/SB AT WILSON CRES
(Link Station Construction)
Start: September 29, 11:00 a.m. End: October 8, 12:00 p.m.

SPADINA CRES E SB CLOSED FROM 21ST ST E TO 20TH ST E
(Traffic calming)
Start: October 5, 7:00 a.m. End: October 9, 4:00 p.m.

WANUSKEWIN RD NB CLOSED FROM MARQUIS DR W TO 72ND ST E
(Construction)
Two-way traffic maintained in NB lanes
Start: May 11, 9:00 a.m. End: October 9, 5:00 p.m.

PRESTON AVE N NB/SB FROM 14TH ST E TO FIELD HOUSE RD
(Link Station Construction)
Start: September 11, 12:00 p.m. End: October 9, 5:00 p.m.

4TH AVE N CLOSED FROM 26TH ST E TO 25TH ST E
(Water main work)
Start: September 21, 7:00 a.m. End: October 9, 5:00 p.m.

25TH ST E WB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 2ND AVE N TO 1ST AVE N
(Water main work)
Start: September 1, 7:00 a.m. End: October 15, 5:00 p.m.

25TH ST E INTERSECTION CLOSED AT 4TH AVE N
(Water main work)
Start: September 21, 7:00 a.m. End: October 16, 5:00 p.m.

25TH ST E INTERSECTION CLOSED AT 6TH AVE N
(Water main work)
25th St WB curb lane will remain open
Start: October 5, 7:00 a.m. End: October 18, 5:00 p.m.

TAYLOR ST E CLOSED FROM VICTORIA AVE TO EASTLAKE AVE
(Manhole repairs)
Start: October 5, 7:00 a.m. End: October 18, 5:00 p.m.

CENTRAL AVE NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM SOMERS RD TO FEDORUK DR
(Road work)
Start: August 17, 9:00 a.m. End: October 19, 5:00 p.m.

FEDORUK DR EB LANES CLOSED AT CENTRAL AVE
(Road work)
Start: August 17, 9:00 a.m. End: October 19, 5:00 p.m.

25TH ST E SOUTH PART OF INTERSECTION CLOSED AT 3RD AVE N
(Water main work)
25th St WB curb lane traffic maintained
Start: October 6, 7:00 a.m. End: October 19, 5:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DR E NB SPEED REDUCTION FROM HIGHWAY 11 TO HIGHWAY 16
(Slope repair)
Start: October 5, 7:00 a.m. End: October 19, 5:00 p.m.

25TH ST E INTERSECTION CLOSED AT 1ST AVE N
(Road paving)
Start: October 5, 7:00 a.m. End: October 21, 5:00 p.m.

TAYLOR ST E CLOSED FROM LORNE AVE TO ST GEORGE AVE
(Water main construction)
Start: September 23, 7:00 a.m. End: October 23, 4:00 p.m.

VICTORIA AVE INTERSECTION CLOSED AT 1ST ST E
(Construction)
Start: October 1, 7:00 a.m. End: October 29, 4:00 p.m.

VICTORIA AVE SB PARKING LANE CLOSED FROM 2ND ST E TO TAYLOR ST E
(Water main work)
Start: September 18, 7:00 a.m. End: October 30, 5:00 p.m.

COLLEGE DR WB TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS FROM CLARENCE AVE TO CUMBERLAND AVENUE  
(Link Construction)  
Two-way traffic with one lane in each direction to be maintained in the EB lanes. Wiggins Ave open for WB to NB and SB to WB right turns only. University Dr NB between Elliot St and College Dr is closed.  
Start: September 4, 7:00 a.m. End: October 30, 7:00 p.m.

8TH ST E EB LEFT TURN LANE CLOSED AT LANSDOWNE AVE 
(Water main work) 
Start: September 9, 7:00 a.m. End: October 31, 5:00 p.m.

WANUSKEWIN RD CLOSED AT 72ND ST E
(Pipeline work)
Start: July 27, 7:00 a.m. End: October 31, 5:00 p.m.

71ST ST E ALL DIRECTIONS FROM IDYLWYLD DR N TO WAKOOMA ST  
(Median upgrade)  
Start: August 7, 10:00 a.m. End: October 31, 5:00 p.m.

33RD ST W EB PARKING LANE CLOSED FROM AVE C S TO AVE B S
(Water main work)
Start: October 6, 7:00 a.m. End: October 31, 5:00 p.m.

BROADWAY AVE NB PARKING LANE CLOSED FROM 4TH ST E TO 6TH ST E
(Water main work)
Start: October 7, 7:00 a.m. End: November 7, 5:00 p.m.

12TH ST E INTERSECTION CLOSED AT DUFFERIN AVE
(Water main construction)
Start: September 23, 7:00 a.m. End: November 17, 4:00 p.m.

BROADWAY AVE SB PARKING LANE & SIDEWALK CLOSED FROM MAIN ST TO 9TH ST E
(Building construction)
Start: August 31, 8:00 a.m. End: November 30, 4:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DR E SB SPEED REDUCTION FROM ATTRIDGE DR TO COLLEGE DR
(Sewer maintenance)
Start: September 28, 10:00 a.m. End: December 1, 6:00 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.

Residents are encouraged to plan ahead, there will be several adjusted civic services and hours of operation on Thanksgiving Day, Monday, October 12.

The City wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable long weekend.

CITY HALL

City Hall will be closed on Monday, October 12, and will reopen on Tuesday, October 13, at 8 a.m.

REMAI MODERN

Remai Modern will be closed on Monday, October 12.

SASKATOON PUBLIC LIBRARY

All Saskatoon Public Library locations will be closed on Monday, October 12.

SASKATOON TRANSIT

• Fixed-route transit will operate holiday service hours on Monday, October 12, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (normal fares apply).
  • For real-time bus locations, service alerts, and trip planning, use the Transit app
  • Visit saskatoontransit.ca
• OnDemand service will not be available on Monday, October 12
• Access Transit will operate holiday service hours on Monday, October 12, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Trips must be booked in advance as per normal procedures
  • Customers are reminded that subscriptions do not apply on Statutory Holidays
• Transit Customer Service Centre will be closed for walk-in customers on Monday, October 12, but phone lines (306.975.3100) will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

PAY PARKING

• Parking payment will not be required on Monday, October 12.
• Motorists are reminded that all parking requirements remain in effect, including parking time limits.

MUNICIPAL IMPOUND LOT

• Vehicles will not be released to the public on Monday, October 12.
• Open for regular business on Saturday, October 10 from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
• Information on Vehicle Seizures

WASTE COLLECTIONS

Garbage, Recycling and Organics have collections as scheduled.
Check your Collection Calendar here.

MATERIAL RECOVERY CENTRE & LANDFILL

• The Material Recovery Centre and Landfill are open on Monday, October 12 from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
• Cash transactions are accepted, although Credit and Debit are recommended.
• More information at saskatoon.ca/mrc.

COMPOST DEPOT

The Compost Depot is open on Monday, October 12 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

WOODLAWN CEMETERY

• The cemetery office is closed on Monday, October 12.
• Cemetery grounds are open to the public from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily as usual.

SASKATOON FORESTRY FARM PARK & ZOO

Regular Hours of Operation

• Zoo – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Forestry Farm Park - 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

LEISURE CENTRES

Search for drop-in program information including fitness and weight room hours, public swim sessions and fitness programs on Leisure Online at dropinschedule.saskatoon.ca. 

• Cosmo Civic Centre - Closed
• Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre - Closed for facility upgrade. Learn more at saskatoon.ca/harrybailey.
• Lakewood Civic Centre – 12 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Lawson Civic Centre – 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Saskatoon Field House – 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Shaw Centre – 12 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Terry Fox Track - Closed

GOLF COURSES

Holiday Park, Wildwood and Silverwood golf courses are open regular hours operation – tee times begin at 8 a.m.

• Last day of operation for Holiday Park Executive 9, Monday, October 12
• Holiday Park and Silverwood driving ranges are open regular hours of operation – 8:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last bucket sold at 5:30 p.m.)

INDOOR RINKS

Regular hours of operation.

• Parent & Tot Skating at ACT & Cosmo Arenas – 2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.

NOTIFYNOW

Residents are encouraged to sign-up for notifynow to receive timely and targeted public safety messages. Notifynow is a free service. Tell us how to best reach you on your preferred communication device. Visit saskatoon.ca/notifynow for more information.

YXE SERVICE ALERTS

For information and updates on service disruptions such as power or water check saskatoon.ca/servicealerts or follow @yxeservicealert on Twitter.