News Releases
Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
Get ready to rock your roots on September 30!
September 20, 2023 - 11:00am
The 2023 Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation will take place on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30) between 10:00 and 11:30 a.m. The walk will begin at Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI) and end at the “Where Our Paths Cross” Reconciliation Circle art installation in Victoria Park (across the road from 422 Spadina Cres W).
Rock Your Roots is put on by Reconciliation Saskatoon, which the City of Saskatoon co-chairs along with the Office of the Treaty Commissioner (OTC). The event, which has seen attendance in the thousands in past years, was first held in 2016. The intent of this event is to answer the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action by demonstrating a commitment to Reconciliation, honouring Residential School Survivors, and continuing work towards an inclusive community.
The event is called “Rock Your Roots” as a reminder to be proud of where you came from and the diversity in our community. Cultural performers from our community are invited to "rock their roots" along the route as a celebration of our cultural differences. The significance of doing a walk can be attributed to the Sunday walks in residential schools; this was often the only time when siblings and cousins of different genders might be reunited.
The Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation is an acknowledgment of the multi-generational impacts of residential schools. It’s one way to demonstrate a commitment to Reconciliation and to equal opportunities for every member of our community.
This event is open to all and is family-friendly. Workplaces and organizations are encouraged to send a team and to consider showcasing their organization’s support by carrying a banner during the walk. Participants are invited to wear an EveryChildMatters orange shirt or their traditional cultural clothing. For timely updates, you can join or follow the Rock Your Roots: Walk for Reconciliation Facebook Event.
Broadway Avenue intersection closed at Hilliard Street on Thursday
September 20, 2023 - 6:00am
The intersection at Broadway Avenue and Hilliard Street will be closed on Thursday, September 21 starting at 8:00 a.m. for catch basin repairs. 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.
Daily Road Report - September 20, 2023
September 19, 2023 - 3:00pm
*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.
NEW
AVE H N INTERSECTION CLOSED AT 36TH ST W
(Roadway patching)
Start: September 20, 7:00 a.m. End: September 20, 3:00 p.m.
20TH ST W EB & WB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM AVE N S TO AVE O S
(Roadway patching)
Start: September 20, 7:00 a.m. End: September 20, 3:00 p.m.
TAYLOR ST E EB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM BROADWAY AVE TO WILLIAM AVE
(Construction)
Start: September 20, 9:00 a.m. End: September 20, 12:00 p.m.
PRESTON AVE S NB LEFT TURN LANE CLOSED AT TAYLOR ST E
(Traffic signal work)
Start: September 20, 9:00 a.m. End: September 20, 12:30 p.m.
MCKERCHER DR SB CURB & NEXT LANE CLOSED FROM COLLEGE DR TO BOYCHUK DR
(Streetlight pole replacements)
Start: September 20, 9:00 a.m. End: September 20, 2:00 p.m.
ONGOING
DUNDONALD AVE ROAD CLOSED FROM MOUNTBATTEN ST TO DIEPPE ST
(Catch basin & manhole installations)
Start: September 5, 8:00 a.m. End: September 20, 5:00 p.m.
HIGHWAY 11 NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM CIRCLE DR E TO HIGHWAY 16
(Bridge maintenance)
Start: September 19, 9:00 a.m. End: September 22, 3:00 p.m.
BALTZAN BLVD ROAD CLOSED FROM HORNER CRES TO ORBAN WAY
(Service connections)
Start: September 11, 7:00 a.m. End: September 22, 4:30 p.m.
2ND AVE N NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM QUEEN ST TO KING ST
(Sidewalk repairs)
Start: September 18, 7:00 a.m. End: September 22, 5:00 p.m.
SPADINA CRES E NB LANES CLOSED FROM 22ND ST E TO 23RD ST E
(Storm pipe repair)
Start: September 19, 7:00 a.m. End: September 29, 4:30 p.m.
CLARENCE AVE N NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM AIRD ST TO OSLER ST
(Contractor work)
Start: July 21, 7:00 a.m. End: September 29, 6:00 p.m.
MELVILLE ST INTERSECTION CLOSED AT JASPER AVE
(Infrastructure upgrades)
Start: August 8, 7:00 a.m. End: October 7, 5:00 p.m.
BROADWAY AVE NB & SB CLOSED FROM 5TH ST E TO 8TH ST E
(watermain work)
Start: September 11, 7:00 a.m. End: October 15, 4:30 p.m.
4TH AVE S SB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED AT 19TH ST E
(SL&P manhole repair)
Start: September 18, 7:00 a.m. End: October 20, 5:00 p.m.
CIRCLE DR E EB LANES CLOSED FROM WARMAN RD TO PRESTON AVE N
(Bridge rehabilitation)
Two-way traffic will be maintained in the WB lanes.
Start: June 25, 5:00 a.m. End: November 1, 5:00 p.m.
NEAULT RD ROAD CLOSED FROM 22ND ST W TO WHELAN RD
(Construction)
Start: July 24, 7:00 a.m. End: November 3, 4:00 p.m.
22ND ST E EB CURB & CENTER LANE FROM AUDITORIUM AVE TO 1ST AVE S
(Vault Repairs)
Start: September 11, 7:00 a.m. End: November 30, 4:00 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.
Avenue H intersection closed at 26th Street starting Wednesday
September 19, 2023 - 6:00am
The intersection at Avenue H and 26th Street will be closed starting Wednesday, September 20, at 7:00 a.m. for roadway patching. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone. This project is expected to take two days 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.
Daily Road Report - September 19, 2023
September 18, 2023 - 3:00pm
*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.
NEW
SPADINA CRES E NB LANES CLOSED FROM 22ND ST E TO 23RD ST E
(Storm pipe repairs)
Start: September 19, 7:00 a.m. End: September 29, 4:30 p.m.
CIRCLE DR S WB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM ST HENRY AVE TO SPADINA CRES W
(Construction)
Start: September 19, 9:00 a.m. End: September 19, 3:00 p.m.
HIGHWAY 11 NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM CIRCLE DR E TO HIGHWAY 16
(Bridge maintenance)
Start: September 19, 9:00 a.m. End: September 22, 3:00 p.m.
2ND AVE S SB LANES CLOSED FROM 22ND ST E TO 21ST ST E
(Vault work)
Start: September 19, 2:30 p.m. End: September 19, 8:30 p.m.
NIGHTWORK
20TH ST E WB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 1ST AVE S TO IDYLWYLD DR S
(SL&P Vault work)
Start: September 19, 6:00 p.m. End: September 20, 12:00 a.m.
ONGOING
DUNDONALD AVE ROAD CLOSED FROM MOUNTBATTEN ST TO DIEPPE ST
(Catch basin & manhole installations)
Start: September 5, 8:00 a.m. End: September 20, 5:00 p.m.
BALTZAN BLVD ROAD CLOSED FROM HORNER CRES TO ORBAN WAY
(Service connections)
Start: September 11, 7:00 a.m. End: September 22, 4:30 p.m.
2ND AVE N NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM QUEEN ST TO KING ST
(Sidewalk repairs)
Start: September 18, 7:00 a.m. End: September 22, 5:00 p.m.
CLARENCE AVE N NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM AIRD ST TO OSLER ST
(Contractor work)
Start: July 21, 7:00 a.m. End: September 29, 6:00 p.m.
MELVILLE ST INTERSECTION CLOSED AT JASPER AVE
(Infrastructure upgrades)
Start: August 8, 7:00 a.m. End: October 7, 5:00 p.m.
BROADWAY AVE ROAD CLOSED FROM 5TH ST E TO 8TH ST E
(Water main work)
Start: September 11, 7:00 a.m. End: October 15, 4:30 p.m.
4TH AVE S SB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED AT 19TH ST E
(SL&P manhole repair)
Start: September 18, 7:00 a.m. End: October 20, 5:00 p.m.
CIRCLE DR E EB LANES CLOSED FROM WARMAN RD TO PRESTON AVE N
(Bridge rehabilitation)
Two-way traffic will be maintained in the WB lanes.
Start: June 25, 5:00 a.m. End: November 1, 5:00 p.m.
NEAULT RD ROAD CLOSED FROM 22ND ST W TO WHELAN RD
(Construction)
Start: July 24, 7:00 a.m. End: November 3, 4:00 p.m.
22ND ST E EB CURB & CENTER LANE FROM AUDITORIUM AVE TO 1ST AVE S
(Vault Repairs)
Start: September 11, 7:00 a.m. End: November 30, 4:00 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.
Reminder: In-person public engagement today on proposed options to change ward boundaries
September 17, 2023 - 11:15pm
- Confederation Urban Centre currently Ward 3 – would move to join Ward 2
- Nutana Park currently Ward 7 – would move to join Ward 9
- Hudson Bay Park currently Ward 1 – would move to join Ward 2
- Downtown currently Ward 6 – would move to join Ward 1
- Nutana Park currently Ward 7 – would move to join Ward 6
- Provide your feedback online through a brief survey @ saskatoon.ca/engage/ward-boundaries
- Email the City Clerk’s Office at city.clerks@saskatoon.ca
- Write a letter to the City Clerk’s Office, 222-3rd Avenue North, Saskatoon, SK S7K 0J5
- Drop off your comments at the Service Saskatoon Customer Kiosk located in the Lobby of City Hall
One of the early planning steps for the City of Saskatoon’s civic election to be held in fall 2024 is to have the Municipal Wards Commission review the boundaries of the ten current wards in the city to ensure they all have similar population numbers, according to The Cities Act.
Under the existing provisions of The Cities Act, Ward 2 and Ward 7 are currently outside of the allowable +/-10% population variance threshold that triggers a ward boundary review.
The Municipal Wards Commission is now presenting Option A and Option B ward boundary changes for public input having considered feedback received from residents at the first public engagement held in June 2023. In putting forward these two options, The Commission has also considered current density, future population growth, geographic barriers, limiting change, communities of interest, and maintaining neighbourhood boundaries. Review the ward boundary review background and June 2023 engagement results
Option A: Proposed Ward Moves
Option B: Proposed Ward Moves
There are several ways to share your input on the proposed ward boundary options:
Plan to attend Public Engagement Session #2 today, Monday, September 18, 2023, from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Committee Room E, City Hall. Use entrance #1 at the corner of 4th Ave and 23rd St East. Public parking is available in the City Hall staff lot after 6:00 p.m.
Or share your input before October 3, 2023, through these options:
Ward boundary reviews must be completed no less than 180 days before a general municipal election. The Municipal Wards Commission was created following The Municipal Wards Commission Bylaw and currently consists of: King’s Bench Justice Richard Danyliuk, U of S Political Studies Professor Dr. Kathy Walker, and City Clerk Adam Tittemore.
Following a review of all public feedback collected through this second public engagement offering, the Municipal Wards Commission will establish the new ward boundaries and file its report with City Council in fall 2023.
The new ward boundaries will take effect for the City of Saskatoon municipal and school Board trustee elections to be held in November of 2024.
Review the rationale used to develop Option A and Option B, ward maps, previous engagement results, background information and online survey at saskatoon.ca/wardboundaries or call 306-975-3240.
Navigating full buses: Tips for students during back-to-school
September 15, 2023 - 5:00pm
- Departure time flexibility. Schedules can be tight, but if students have some flexibility in their daily routines, consider taking an earlier or later bus when the bus may be less crowded. The bus that drops students off just prior to the start of class tends to be busier than the earlier or next bus.
- Use tracking and watch for service alerts. Saskatoon Transit has real-time transit tracking through third-party apps like Transit, or Google Maps on desktop. Real-time transit tracking shows you where your bus is and when the next bus arrives, which limits wait times at bus stops. Pin your preferred routes for service alert push notifications.
- Be prepared to board. Having your fare ready and/or app open can help speed up the process and avoid any boarding delays.
- Find your spot. Quickly find an open seat or standing area in the event all seats are occupied
- Keep on moving. As riders exit the bus, passengers left standing are to continue moving back towards the rear of the bus to fill empty spaces or seats. This helps the operator understand bus capacity.
- Remove backpacks. Make space for people. If the bus is busy, do not take up available seating with bags or belongings. Keep items in your lap and feet on the floor.
With the school year in full swing, Saskatoon Transit is experiencing typical increased demand, resulting in some buses reaching full capacity across the city, including Evergreen, Stonebridge, and Rosewood.
Full buses are inconvenient and stressful for students and parents alike. To address this increased demand, Saskatoon Transit is running larger capacity articulating buses on the routes with high schools and post-secondary institutions and deploying three additional buses as needed. Transit will continue to monitor the situation over the coming weeks.
When a bus is full, the transit operator logs the information location, route, time, and date. The head sign will read “Full Bus” and the operator will drive past bus stops - even when riders are waiting - until there is space for more people.
All available resources are being used with schedules being adjusted to accommodate, where possible. To help alleviate the situation and ensure a smoother experience for everyone involved, we offer some guidance:
Daily Road Report - September 18, 2023
September 15, 2023 - 3:00pm
*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.
NEW
2ND AVE N NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM QUEEN ST TO KING ST
(Sidewalk repairs)
Start: September 18, 7:00 a.m. End: September 22, 5:00 p.m.
4TH AVE S SB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED AT 19TH ST E
(Manhole repair)
Start: September 18, 7:00 a.m. End: October 20, 5:00 p.m.
NIGHTWORK
IDYLWYLD DR N SB CURB LANE & RIGHT TURN LANE CLOSED AT MARQUIS DR W
(Road resurfacing)
Start: September 17, 7:00 p.m. End: September 18, 6:00 a.m.
ONGOING
DUNDONALD AVE ROAD CLOSED FROM MOUNTBATTEN ST TO DIEPPE ST
(Catch basin & manhole installations)
Start: September 5, 8:00 a.m. End: September 20, 5:00 p.m.
BALTZAN BLVD ROAD CLOSED FROM HORNER CRES TO ORBAN WAY
(Service connections)
Start: September 11, 7:00 a.m. End: September 22, 4:30 p.m.
CLARENCE AVE N NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM AIRD ST TO OSLER ST
(Contractor work)
Start: July 21, 7:00 a.m. End: September 29, 6:00 p.m.
MELVILLE ST INTERSECTION CLOSED AT JASPER AVE
(Infrastructure upgrades)
Start: August 8, 7:00 a.m. End: October 7, 5:00 p.m.
BROADWAY AVE ROAD CLOSED FROM 5TH ST E TO 8TH ST E
(Water main work)
Start: September 11, 7:00 a.m. End: October 15, 4:30 p.m.
CIRCLE DR E EB LANES CLOSED FROM WARMAN RD TO PRESTON AVE N
(Bridge rehabilitation)
Two-way traffic will be maintained in the WB lanes.
Start: June 25, 5:00 a.m. End: November 1, 5:00 p.m.
NEAULT RD ROAD CLOSED FROM 22ND ST W TO WHELAN RD
(Construction)
Start: July 24, 7:00 a.m. End: November 3, 4:00 p.m.
22ND ST E EB CURB & CENTER LANE CLOSED FROM AUDITORIUM AVE TO 1ST AVE S
(Vault Repairs)
Start: September 11, 7:00 a.m. End: November 30, 4:00 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.
Weekend Road Report - September 16-17, 2023
September 15, 2023 - 2:30pm
*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.
NEW
33RD ST W ROAD CLOSED FROM AVE F N TO AVE C N
(33rd Street Fair)
Start: September 16, 5:00 a.m. End: September 16, 8:00 p.m.
IDYLWYLD DR N NB LANES CLOSED FROM 25TH ST E TO 27TH ST W
(Car wash connections)
Two-way traffic will be maintained in the SB lanes
Start: September 16, 7:00 a.m. End: September 17, 6:00 p.m.
LORNE AVE ROAD CLOSED FROM TAYLOR ST E TO 1ST ST E
(Valve repairs)
Start: September 16, 8:00 a.m. End: September 16, 4:00 p.m.
MCKERCHER DR NB OFFRAMP & EB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM MCKERCHER DR TO COLLEGE DR
(Streetlight pole replacements)
Start: September 17, 6:00 a.m. End: September 17, 12:00 p.m.
COLLEGE DR EB MEDIAN & CENTER LANES CLOSED AT UNIVERSITY DR
(Roadway patching)
Start: September 17, 7:00 a.m. End: September 17, 3:00 p.m.
MCKERCHER DR SB MEDIAN AND CENTER LANES CLOSED FROM COLLEGE DR TO BOYCHUK DR
(Roadway patching)
Start: September 17, 7:00 a.m. End: September 17, 3:00 p.m.
SPADINA CRES E SB LANES CLOSED FROM DUKE ST TO QUEEN ST
(Roadway patching)
Start: September 17, 7:00 a.m. End: September 17, 3:00 p.m.
TAYLOR ST E EB MEDIAN & LEFT TURN LANE CLOSED; WB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM HERITAGE WAY TO HERITAGE CRES
(Pole wiring)
Start: September 17, 8:00 a.m. End: September 17, 2:00 p.m.
20TH ST W VARIOUS ROAD RESTRICTIONS FROM AVE P S TO AVE C S
(Walk for Megan)
Police led walk along the route
Start: September 17, 9:00 a.m. End: September 17, 11:00 a.m.
NIGHTWORK
IDYLWYLD DR N SB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM 71ST ST W TO MARQUIS DR W
(Road resurfacing)
Start: September 16, 7:00 p.m. End: September 17, 6:00 a.m.
IDYLWYLD DR N SB CURB LANE & RIGHT TURN LANE CLOSED AT MARQUIS DR W
(Road resurfacing)
Start: September 17, 7:00 p.m. End: September 18, 6:00 a.m.
IDYLWYLD DR N SB MEDIAN LANE & LEFT TURN LANES CLOSED FROM 71ST ST W TO MARQUIS DR W
(Road resurfacing)
Start: September 15, 7:00 p.m. End: September 16, 6:00 a.m.
ONGOING
DUNDONALD AVE ROAD CLOSED FROM MOUNTBATTEN ST TO DIEPPE ST
(Catch basin & manhole installations)
Start: September 5, 8:00 a.m. End: September 20, 5:00 p.m.
BALTZAN BLVD ROAD CLOSED FROM HORNER CRES TO ORBAN WAY
(Service connections)
Start: September 11, 7:00 a.m. End: September 22, 4:30 p.m.
CLARENCE AVE N NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM AIRD ST TO OSLER ST
(Contractor work)
Start: July 21, 7:00 a.m. End: September 29, 6:00 p.m.
MELVILLE ST INTERSECTION CLOSED AT JASPER AVE
(Infrastructure upgrades)
Start: August 8, 7:00 a.m. End: October 7, 5:00 p.m.
BROADWAY AVE ROAD CLOSED FROM 5TH ST E TO 8TH ST E
(Water main work)
Start: September 11, 7:00 a.m. End: October 15, 4:30 p.m.
CIRCLE DR E EB LANES CLOSED FROM WARMAN RD TO PRESTON AVE N
(Bridge rehabilitation)
Two-way traffic will be maintained in the WB lanes.
Start: June 25, 5:00 a.m. End: November 1, 5:00 p.m.
NEAULT RD ROAD CLOSED FROM 22ND ST W TO WHELAN RD
(Construction)
Start: July 24, 7:00 a.m. End: November 3, 4:00 p.m.
22ND ST E EB CURB & CENTER LANE CLOSED FROM AUDITORIUM AVE TO 1ST AVE S
(Vault Repairs)
Start: September 11, 7:00 a.m. End: November 30, 4:00 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.
Construction around Saskatoon progressing as planned and on schedule
September 15, 2023 - 11:00am
- Construction on the westbound side of the Circle Drive North bridge wrapped up in July and crews continue to work on the eastbound side. The bridge rehabilitation began in February and is expected to fully reopen in October. Work on the 40-year-old bridge includes new asphalt and barriers, improvements to drainage and concrete, and repairs to the piers and abutments.
- Several road resurfacing projects on some of the city’s busiest roads are complete, including Circle Drive North (westbound lanes) between Alberta Avenue and Millar Avenue. Sections of Preston Avenue between 8th Street and Preston Crossing and Wanuskewin Road from 71st Street to Penner Road have also been resurfaced.
- Water main replacement projects continue throughout various parts of the city, including Downtown and in sections of River Heights, 33rd Street West, and Varsity View. Road and sidewalk upgrades in the Saskatoon Transit Downtown Terminal are complete.
Road construction in Saskatoon is moving along on schedule and on budget this summer. The City of Saskatoon earmarked $67.17 million for 2023 road and bridge maintenance and construction.
“The weather this summer has been good for construction and over the past several years, we’ve improved and coordinated road and sidewalk work to happen at the same time as water main replacements,” says Terry Schmidt, General Manager of Transportation and Construction. “All of this results in efficiency and cost savings while reducing prolonged impacts to residents.”
The City has been busy with electrical infrastructure upgrades as well. Saskatoon Light and Power has finished improvements to the underground electrical vault Downtown on 2nd Avenue between 21st Street and 22nd Street. Over the next few months, electricians will work on recommissioning the vault, but no additional road or sidewalk disruptions are expected.
More information about major construction projects can be found at saskatoon.ca/construction. The page includes links to the Road Restrictions and Construction Projects Map as well as how to sign up to receive the Daily Road Report.
We thank residents for their pave-tience during construction. We know it can be a real ‘pain in the asphalt.’