News Releases
Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
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.’
Marquis Drive road restrictions at Idylwyld Drive starting Saturday night
September 15, 2023 - 9:45am
Marquis Drive will have overnight road restrictions at Idylwyld Drive starting Saturday night, September 15 at 7:00 p.m. for road resurfacing. Marquis Drive will reopen daily at 7:00 a.m. Idylwyld Drive northbound and southbound will remain open throughout this project. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone. This project is expected to take two nights to complete, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.
Saturday, September 16:
Marquis Drive intersection will be closed at Idylwyld Drive. This will restrict access to northbound and southbound lanes on Idylwyld Drive.
Sunday, September 17:
Idylwyld Drive northbound curb lanes will be closed at Marquis Drive. There will be no access from the east side of Marquis Drive to Idylwyld Drive during this closure.
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.
McKercher Drive northbound offramp to College Drive closed on Sunday
September 15, 2023 - 8:00am
McKercher Drive northbound offramp to College Drive eastbound will be closed on Sunday, September 17, starting at 6:00 a.m. for streetlight pole replacement work. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone. This project is expected to take six hours 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.
Lorne Avenue closed between Taylor and 1st streets on Saturday
September 15, 2023 - 7:00am
Lorne Avenue will be closed between Taylor and 1st streets on Saturday, September 16, starting at 8:00 a.m. for valve 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.
33rd Street closed between avenues F and C on Saturday
September 15, 2023 - 6:00am
33rd Street will be closed between avenues F and C on Saturday, September 16, starting at 5:00 a.m. for the 33rd Street Fair. Roadways are expected to reopen by 8:00 p.m., 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 15, 2023
September 14, 2023 - 3:00pm
*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.
NEW
3RD AVE N ROAD CLOSED FROM 26TH ST E TO QUEEN ST
(Roadway patching)
Start: September 15, 7:00 a.m. End: September 15, 3:00 p.m.
MCORMOND DR NB CURB LANE CLOSED AT BALTZAN BLVD
(Construction)
Start: September 15, 7:00 a.m. End: September 15, 5:00 p.m.
NIGHTWORK
IDYLWYLD DR N SB MEDIAN LANE & LEFT TURN LANES CLOSED FROM 71ST ST W TO MARQUIS DR W
(Roadway paving)
Start: September 15, 7:00 p.m. End: September 16, 6:00 a.m.
IDYLWYLD DR N SB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM 71ST ST W TO WAKOOMA ST
(Road resurfacing)
Start: September 14, 7:00 p.m. End: September 15, 6:00 a.m.
ONGOING
22ND ST E FULL CLOSURE FROM 4TH AVE N TO 5TH AVE N
(Anode Work)
Start: September 11, 7:00 a.m. End: September 15, 5:00 p.m.
4TH AVE N NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 23RD ST E TO 24TH ST E
(Sidewalk construction)
Start: September 11, 7:00 a.m. End: September 15, 5:00 p.m.
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.
Keeping Saskatoon’s urban forest beautiful: Fall watering tips for healthy trees
September 14, 2023 - 1:00pm
-
Adequate water is critical for the establishment of new trees and beneficial to the health of established trees.
-
The amount of water that a tree requires depends on the type of soil, the age of the tree, the species of tree, plant site characteristics and the amount of rainfall.
-
Simply watering the grass or turf around a tree does not supply enough moisture for the tree’s root system.
-
The best method is to let a hose flow slowly, about 15cm (6”) away from the tree trunk, until the area is moist to a depth of 6-9 inches.
-
It is important to soak the area outside of the root zone to encourage the roots to grow out in a radial – or circular – pattern.
-
In late autumn, before the ground freezes and after the trees drop their leaves, give them a deep watering and ensure that the water reaches their roots. This will make your trees and shrubs strong enough to handle winter storms and high winds.
Trees help to make our communities beautiful and improve our quality of life by helping to regulate our climate, reduce air pollution, protect our soil and water resources, and provide habitat for wildlife. Protecting and conserving urban forests through proper management is vital to sustaining healthy communities. Saskatoon is well-known for its oasis of trees. Residents and visitors enjoy the benefits and quality of life they provide.
Unfortunately, urban trees are often faced with difficult environmental conditions and tree care is not only about pruning and trimming the trees, but it also includes watering them. When it comes to fall tree care, it is not a matter of whether you should water the trees in and around your property in autumn but knowing the right time and quantity. The City has some great seasonal tips to help residents keep trees healthy and ready for the spring.
Watering tips
Does snowmelt offer enough moisture?
The problem with snowmelt is that snow sits atop frozen ground. Even if we get a mild day or two mid-winter, the tree’s roots cannot access the water. Watering deeply before the ground freezes gives roots access to it on milder days and in early spring before the ground thaws. Ensuring the soil is moist at least 1-2 feet down encourages proper root growth.
For more information on how to keep trees healthy visit saskatoon.ca/treecare