Use of Drones

Flying Your Drone

The City regulates the operation of drones in outdoor public places to protect public safety and privacy.

Bylaw No. 5729 - Regulate and Control Use of Property Owned by Municipality, 1977:

"No person shall fly a remotely piloted aircraft in, on or above property owned by the city, or leased by the city, or under the jurisdiction and control of the city, except as permitted by the city."

Transport Canada has restrictions in place to ensure drones operate safely in both public or private areas. Requirements may include registering your drone and obtaining a pilot license, as well as restrictions on where drones can be flown. Visit their drone rules website to learn more.

Drone Permits

The City has two permit streams for drones based on the needs of operators:

Commercial - an annual permit for frequent drone operators who generally use drones for business purposes.

Limited - a on-time permit for approval of a specific flight plan.

Applications for both permit streams may be submitted using the online application form below. Review of complete applications may take up to two weeks. Operators with a valid annual commercial permit must notify the City of flight plans no later than 2 hours after each flight.

Application Requirements

In addition to the completed application form below, the following information must be submitted:

Commercial

• One of the following Pilot Certifications issued by Transport Canada:
  • Pilot Certificate - Advanced Operations
  • Pilot Certificate - Level 1 Complex Operations and RPAS Operator Certificate
  • Special Flight Operations Certificate for RPAS
• Proof of drone registration with Transport Canada
• Drone insurance policy - Aircraft Liability Insurance (minimum of $2 million)
• General liability insurance with additional insured City of Saskatoon endorsement
• If flying over an advertised event, a Special Flight Operations Certificate

Limited

• Detailed flight plan including dates, times, flight path, and any other information required to properly review the application
• Drone insurance policy - Aircraft Liability Insurance (minimum $2 million)
• General liability insurance with additional insured City of Saskatoon endorsement
• If flying over an advertised event, a Special Flight Operations Certificate

If flying a drone greater than 250 grams, the application requirements of commercial applications shall apply. 

Flight notifications and questions about drone permitting may be sent to: drones@saskatoon.ca