24th Street Storm Sewer Project
A storm water management project consisting of a new storm sewer pipe is being presented to City Council for approval in June 2025. If approved, the project will be constructed to reduce the flood risk at the intersection of 24th Street and 3rd Avenue and near the intersection of 25th Street and 4th Avenue. This area has a history of significant flooding and is expected to experience future flooding with climate change.
The scope of the proposed project includes the installation of a new storm water pipe on 25th Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues, on 4th Avenue between 24th and 25th Streets, and on 24th Street between 3rd Avenue and the river. A new outfall will be constructed on the riverbank to discharge the storm water into the river.
Besides the new outfall on the riverbank, there will be no permanent change to the above-ground features within the project area.
The image below indicates the location of the proposed storm sewer pipe installation and outfall.
Why is there such a high risk of flooding in this area?
Flooding only occurs during significant rain events. Neighbourhoods developed prior to 1989 were not constructed to the same design standards and storage requirements in place today. Significant rain events are now managed through wet and dry ponds, which have the ability to collect high volumes of storm water.
How will this project impact the risk of flooding in the area?
The proposed new storm sewer will reduce flooding for properties during a 1 in 10-year rainstorm around the intersection of 24th Street and 3rd Avenue, and 25th Street and 4th Avenue. Instead of storm water ponding on the street and possibly entering nearby basements, the storm water is proposed to be transported to the river to mitigate flooding for the area.
How will the nearby area be impacted?
Roadways will be closed during construction. Closures will be phased to minimize disruption to traffic and businesses as much as possible. If applicable, alley and alternative accesses will need to be utilized. If no alternate access is available, the project team will work with residents and businesses to maintain access as much as possible. Sidewalks will remain open as much as possible. Street access to businesses and residences will be impacted when the road is closed.
When will construction occur?
If the project is approved by Council in June 2025, the proposed timeline is below:
- 25th Street new storm sewer installation: Summer 2026
- 4thAvenue new storm sewer installation: Summer 2026
- 24th Street new storm sewer and outfall installation: May to October 2027
- Riverbank landscape establishment: October 2027 to Fall 2028
Will trees be impacted by the project?
One City-owned tree is planned to be removed during this project, and removal of trees/vegetation located on the riverbank will be minimized to the extent possible. The project will provide necessary compensation, for the tree removal, as outlined in City Council Policy C09-011 Trees on City Property.
What is the Flood Control Strategy?
If you've ever experienced flood damage, you know how devastating it can be. Though parts of Saskatoon have always been susceptible to flooding, and flood protection measures to date have helped, climate change is expected to bring more frequent and intense storms.
In December 2018, City Council approved implementation of the nine-year $54 million Flood Control Strategy to mitigate flooding in ten areas that experience frequent flooding. The 24th Street Project is the eighth project proposed to receive upgrades as part of this Strategy.
Visit the Flood Control Strategy page for more information.
How is the project being funded?
In 2019, the Government of Canada (Government) approved 40% cost sharing of the Flood Control Strategy's total estimated eligible expenses of $54.1 million, up to a maximum of $21.6 million through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund. The City approved Storm Water Utility funding of $32.4 million through previously approved increases to the Storm Water Management Charge to cover the other 60% of the expenses.