News Releases

University Bridge is closed due to an apparent encampment fire under the bridge. Traffic detours are in place. Fire crews remain on the scene; they are monitoring and extinguishing hot spots that have arisen due to the difficult access and confined space.  

City engineers have been on scene overnight, the bridge has been inspected and there are no structural concerns with the bridge. 

At 9:57 p.m. Sunday, January 19, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a report of a fire underneath the University Bridge closest to the east riverbank. When SFD crews arrived they identified smoke and flames coming from underneath the University Bridge.  

 As a result of the fire, heat has melted the 400 mm sanitary sewer line under the bridge. This has led to a break in the sewer line and sewage is leaking onto the riverbank. The Water Security Agency has been notified. 

Water and Wastewater crews are working to set up a bypass for the sewer line and doing modelling to ensure there is enough capacity so residents don’t experience sewer backups.  

University Bridge is expected to remain closed to traffic for most of the day, however the south side pedestrian walkway will be open and accessible from the top. The Meewasin trail underneath the bridge on the east side of the river will remain closed due to the sewage leak.  

Saskatoon Transit will be affected by these detours. Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit on desktop. 

University bridge is shut down completely due to a fire under the bridge. Detours are in place. Drivers are asked to re-route their commute and pedestrians are asked to avoid University Bridge area while crews remain on scene.

Saskatoon Transit will be affected by these detours. Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit on desktop.

At 9:57 p.m. the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a report of a fire at Spadina Crescent and 25th Street East. SFD crews responded and identified smoke and flames coming from underneath the University Bridge. Assessments of this incident are ongoing.

More information will be shared once available.

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

NEW

HIGHWAY 5 EB & WB SPEED REDUCTIONS FROM MCORMOND DR TO HIGHWAY 41
(Flashing beacon installations)
Start: January 20, 9:00 a.m. End: January 20, 3:00 p.m.

ONGOING

4TH AVE N NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 22ND ST E TO 23RD ST E
(Vault work)
Start: January 6, 8:00 a.m. End: January 20, 5:00 p.m.

8TH ST E ROAD CLOSED FROM MCORMOND DR TO ZIMMERMAN RD
(Road construction)
No access to Zimmerman Rd from 8th St
Start: June 10, 7:00 a.m. End: January 24, 5:00 p.m.

BRIGHTON BLVD ROAD CLOSED FROM TASKAMANWA ST TO 8TH ST E
(Construction)
Use McOrmond Dr
Start: November 20, 7:00 a.m. End: September 26, 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.

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

NEW

25TH ST E EB LANES CLOSED FROM 2ND AVE N TO 3RD AVE N
(Building maintenance)
Start: January 19, 7:00 a.m. End: January 19, 5:00 p.m.

20TH ST W ROAD CLOSED FROM AVE W S TO AVE V S
(Repair water main )
Start: January 19, 8:00 a.m. End: January 19, 6:00 p.m.


ONGOING

4TH AVE N NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 22ND ST E TO 23RD ST E
(Vault work)
Start: January 6, 8:00 a.m. End: January 20, 5:00 p.m.

8TH ST E ROAD CLOSED FROM MCORMOND DR TO ZIMMERMAN RD
(Road construction)
No access to Zimmerman Rd from 8th St
Start: June 10, 7:00 a.m. End: January 24, 5:00 p.m.

BRIGHTON BLVD ROAD CLOSED FROM TASKAMANWA ST TO 8TH ST E
(Construction)
Use McOrmond Dr
Start: November 20, 7:00 a.m. End: September 26, 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.

20th Street will be closed between Avenues W and V on Sunday, January 19, starting at 8:00 a.m. for a water main repair. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone. This project is expected to take one day to complete, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Saskatoon Transit may be affected by these detours. Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit on desktop.

For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.

Direct service from the Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to see the Saskatoon Blades take on the Red Deer Rebels at SaskTel Centre on Friday, January 17 at 7:00 p.m., is available at the following times:

• 5:45 p.m.
• 6:25 p.m.

Direct service from the Special Events Stop to see Sum 41 at SaskTel Centre on Saturday, January 18 at 6:50 p.m., is available at the following times:

• 5:45 p.m.
• 6:15 p.m.

Direct service from the Special Events Stop to see the Saskatoon Blades take on the Swift Current Broncos at SaskTel Centre on Sunday, January 19 at 4:00 p.m., is available at the following times:

• 2:45 p.m.
• 3:25 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.

Environment & Climate Change Canada has issued a blowing snow advisory for Saskatoon and surrounding areas. Strong northwest winds, gusting up to 80 km/h and combined with falling snow, will reduce visibility while potentially covering lane markings, creating slippery surfaces and snow drifts and causing sudden changes in driving conditions, making travel hazardous. 

Conditions are anticipated to improve by Friday morning as winds subside and snow tapers off. 

The City urges residents to postpone non-essential travel on roads and sidewalks until conditions improve. Keeping traffic to a minimum ensures emergency vehicles can move safely and efficiently. 

City crews are closely monitoring road conditions and addressing snow and ice along priority streets and busy intersections. However, strong winds may blow sand and salt off treated surfaces, potentially leading to icy spots as temperatures drop. 

Open areas are particularly vulnerable to snow drifting, with some streets accumulating deep drifts. Please avoid driving through these drifts. Crews will clear them with graders and loaders when visibility improves. 

When approaching road maintenance equipment with blue and amber flashing lights, ensure you give operators plenty of space to work safely. 

For more information about winter road maintenance, visit saskatoon.ca/snow, and stay updated on current conditions with the Snow & Ice Report. 

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

NEW

WARMAN RD NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM HAZEN ST TO CIRCLE DR E
(Tree maintenance)
Start: January 17, 9:00 a.m. End: January 17, 3:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR S SB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 11TH ST E TO IDYLWYLD PL
(Minor bridge maintenance)
Start: January 17, 9:00 a.m. End: January 17, 3:00 p.m.

WARMAN RD NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM 7TH AVE N TO CAVERS ST
(Tree trimming)
Start: January 17, 9:00 a.m. End: January 17, 3:00 p.m.

ONGOING

108TH ST W ROAD CLOSED FROM MORAN AVE TO CENTRAL AVE
(Connection replacement)
Start: January 16, 7:00 a.m. End: January 17, 4:30 p.m.

4TH AVE N NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 22ND ST E TO 23RD ST E
(SL&P work)
Start: January 6, 8:00 a.m. End: January 20, 5:00 p.m.

8TH ST E ROAD CLOSED FROM MCORMOND DR TO ZIMMERMAN RD
(Road construction)
No access to Zimmerman Rd from 8th St
Start: June 10, 7:00 a.m. End: January 24, 5:00 p.m.

BRIGHTON BLVD ROAD CLOSED FROM TASKAMANWA ST TO 8TH ST E
(Construction)
Use McOrmond Dr
Start: November 20, 2023, 7:00 a.m. End: September 26, 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.

Following two separate online panel surveys conducted in late spring 2024, a strong majority of respondents say they are satisfied with life in Saskatoon. The 84 per cent satisfied response rate is consistent with the 2023 and 2021 results.

“The surveys reveal some very encouraging results,” says Carla Blumers, Director of Communications and Public Engagement. “The data reflect residents’ strong connection to city services and an appreciation for what Saskatoon has to offer as a community.”

The Governance and Priorities Committee of City Council will receive a report detailing the 2024 Civic Service Survey results at its January 21, 2025, public meeting.

A significant majority – almost three-quarters – of respondents indicate quality of life in Saskatoon is good or very good. Several surveys conducted by various organizations over the past year found levels of satisfaction and quality of life are falling across Canada. The quality of life results for Saskatoon reflect these trends as evidenced with a slight decline, but these measures still continue to receive high ratings.

The survey also helps to identify opportunities to improve by understanding the most important issues residents say our city faces. The surveys reveal homelessness and public safety are the issues that people are most concerned about with responses of 23 per cent and 21 per cent respectively.

“The feedback from residents is critically important to the path forward for our city, and I want to thank everyone who participated in the survey,” says Mayor Cynthia Block. “I am encouraged that residents continue to enjoy good quality of life in our city, and together we will work to ensure all people have housing and feel safe in their neighbourhoods.”

A total of 31 different city services were evaluated by respondents. The quality and value of those civic services continue to receive high ratings. Three-quarters or 75 per cent of respondents report they are satisfied with the quality of services provided by the City and slightly more – 78 per cent – responded they receive good or very good value from the services provided by the City of Saskatoon.

Key strengths include maintaining services for quality of drinking water, fire protection, reliability of electrical service, speed of water main break repairs and garbage collection. These five were also identified as key strengths in 2023.

Policing is shown as a priority for service improvement. This is a change from 2023 where police service was identified as a key strength.

Like the 2023 results, most respondents indicate they would like the City to provide more service for: 

• Affordable Housing (70%)                  
• Road Maintenance (66%)                 
• Snow & Ice Management (57%)    
• Police (51%)

Most respondents indicate they would like the City to provide the same level of service for:

• Fire Services (69%)
• Garbage Collection and Waste Reduction Programs and Services (64%)
• Parks Maintenance (64%)
• Recreation & Cultural Programs (58%) 

Although to a lesser degree when compared to 2023, respondents indicate they would like the City to provide less service for: 

• Community Grants (15%) 
• Planning and Growth (10%) 
• Recreation and Cultural Programs (10%) 
• Affordable housing (10%)

A summary of both surveys is available in the report. The detailed 2024 Civic Services Survey results are available at saskatoon.ca/civic-services-surveys.

“The 2024 results reflect a solid foundation to build upon in the future,” Blumers says. “The City will use the results to inform decisions related to strategic priorities, budgeting, and service delivery, as well as to highlight opportunities for continuous improvement.”

Administration will continue conducting both surveys on an annual basis with online panel participants.

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

NEW

108TH ST W ROAD CLOSED FROM MORAN AVE TO CENTRAL AVE
(Connection replacement)
Start: January 16, 7:00 a.m. End: January 17, 4:30 p.m.

AVE H N ROAD CLOSED FROM 36TH ST W TO 37TH ST W
(Sewer inspections)
Start: January 16, 8:00 a.m. End: January 16, 2:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DR E EB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM AVE C N TO AVE B N
(Underground maintenance)
Start: January 16, 9:00 a.m. End: January 16, 12:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR N NB CURB & CENTRE LANES CLOSED AT 51ST ST E
(Minor bridge maintenance)
Start: January 16, 9:00 a.m. End: January 16, 3:00 p.m.

PRIMROSE DR EB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM WARMAN RD TO PINEHOUSE DR
(Tree trimming)
Start: January 16, 9:00 a.m. End: January 16, 3:00 p.m.

LAURIER DR EB & WB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM CONFEDERATION DR TO CIRCLE DR W
(Manhole repair)
Start: January 16, 10:00 a.m. End: January 16, 1:00 p.m.

ONGOING

4TH AVE N NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 22ND ST E TO 23RD ST E
(SL&P work)
Start: January 6, 8:00 a.m. End: January 20, 5:00 p.m.

8TH ST E ROAD CLOSED FROM MCORMOND DR TO ZIMMERMAN RD
(Road construction)
No access to Zimmerman Rd from 8th St
Start: June 10, 7:00 a.m. End: January 24, 5:00 p.m.

BRIGHTON BLVD ROAD CLOSED FROM TASKAMANWA ST TO 8TH ST E
(Construction)
Use McOrmond Dr
Start: November 20, 2023, 7:00 a.m. End: September 26, 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.