News Releases

The City of Saskatoon is gearing up to help residents make the most of the Easter long weekend. Several civic services and hours of operation will shift or be adjusted on Friday, April 3 and Monday, April 6. 

Wondering what’s open or closed, parking requirements, collection schedules, Saskatoon Transit hours and more? Thinking of visiting a Leisure Centre, Saskatoon Public Library location, the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo or Remai Modern Art Gallery?

Check all the details on the City’s holiday hours and fun activities you might like to take in over the long weekend, here.

Visit Saskatoon.ca for more information on City services and programs. 

Starting April 1, crews will be completing ongoing cycles of mowing and litter cleanup along City expressways. Please slow down when driving by work zones for the safety of crews working adjacent to the expressway. Maintain a safe following distance while driving and obey all posted signage.

Drivers are also reminded to cover and secure their cargo when driving on the expressway. Unsecured cargo is the main source of expressway litter and drivers can be subject to ticketing, as per Waste Bylaw 8310.

Securing cargo is not only important for protecting your vehicle and the items that you are carrying, but it is also a critical step in helping to prevent dangerous accidents. You are encouraged to use ratchet straps, bungee cords and/or tarps depending on what you are carrying. This will help to secure your cargo, minimize litter, and help keep everyone safe on the road.

The Circle Drive/Expressway Mowing Program consists of maintenance and upkeep of higher speed roadways around Saskatoon. This program focuses primarily on maintenance items such as: litter removal, mowing, and trimming running April 1 until October 31. The roadways included within this program are main artery highways going to and from Saskatoon, Expressways (or freeway) roads and Circle Drive (highway).

The City thanks drivers for their cooperation.

The City of Saskatoon is gearing up to help residents make the most of the Easter long weekend. Several civic services and hours of operation will shift or be adjusted on Friday, April 3 and Monday, April 6.

Here’s what you need to know for your planning:

CITY HALL

City Hall will be closed on Friday, April 3 and Monday, April 6 and will reopen on Tuesday, April 7 at 8 a.m.

ROADWAY DETOURS & CLOSURES

Check here for detailed long weekend road restrictions for priority one roadways.

REMAI MODERN

Remai Modern will be closed on Monday, April 6.

SASKATOON PUBLIC LIBRARY

All Saskatoon Public Library locations will be closed on Friday, April 3.

SASKATOON TRANSIT

• Fixed-route transit will run holiday service hours on Friday, April 3 – 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (normal fares apply).
  • Please consult the mobile app transit to plan your trip.
  • Visit saskatoontransit.ca for details.
• OnDemand service will not be available on Friday, April 3.
• Access Transit will operate holiday service hours on Friday, April 3, and Monday, April 6 – 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Trips must be booked in advance as per normal procedures.
  • Customers are reminded that subscriptions do not apply on Statutory Holidays.
• The Transit Customer Service Centre will be closed for walk-in customers on Friday, April 3, but phone lines (306.975.3100) will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

PAY PARKING

• Friday, April 3: Parking payment is not required.
• Monday, April 6: Parking payment will be required in City-managed pay parking areas.
• Motorists are reminded that all other parking requirements remain in effect, including parking time limits.

MUNICIPAL INPOUND LOT

• The Impound lot will be closed to the public on Friday, April 3.
• Open for regular business on Saturday, April 4 from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. and on Monday, April 6.
• Information on Vehicle Seizures

WASTE COLLECTIONS

Garbage, Recycling, and Organics collections continue as scheduled.

MATERIAL RECOVERY CENTRE & LANDFILL

• The Material Recovery Centre and Landfill are open on Friday, April 3 and Monday, April 6 from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
• Cash transactions are accepted, although Credit and Debit are recommended.
• More information at saskatoon.ca/mrc.

COMPOST DEPOT

• The Compost Depot is currently closed. The depot will re-open for the season on Monday, April 13.

WOODLAWN CEMETERY

• The Cemetery Administration Office is closed on Friday, April 3 and Monday, April 6.
• Cemetery grounds are open to the public 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily as per usual.

SASKATOON FORESTRY FARM PARK & ZOO

Regular Hours of Operation

• Zoo – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Forestry Farm Park - 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

LEISURE CENTRES

Search for drop-in program information including fitness and weight room hours, public swim sessions and fitness programs on Leisure Online at dropinschedule.saskatoon.ca

• Cosmo Civic Centre
  Friday, April 3 & Monday, April 6 – CLOSED
• Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre
  Closed for facility upgrade. Learn more at saskatoon.ca/harrybailey.
• Lakewood Civic Centre
  Friday, April 3 – CLOSED
  Monday, April 6 – OPEN Regular Hours of Operation (6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
• Lawson Civic Centre
  Friday, April 3 – CLOSED
  Monday, April 6 – OPEN Regular Hours of Operation (6:15 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.)
• Saskatoon Field House
  Friday, April 3 – CLOSED
  Monday, April 6 – OPEN Regular Hours of Operation (7 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
• Shaw Centre
  Friday, April 3 – CLOSED
  Monday, April 6 – OPEN Regular Hours of Operation (6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
• Terry Fox Track
  Friday, April 3 – CLOSED
  Monday, April 6 – OPEN Regular Hours of Operation (10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.)

NOTIFYNOW

Residents are encouraged to sign-up to notifynow for timely and targeted public safety messages. Notifynow is a free service. Tell us how to best reach you on your preferred communication device. Visit saskatoon.ca/notifynow for more information.

YXE SERVICE ALERTS

For information and updates on service disruptions such as power or water check saskatoon.ca/servicealerts or follow @yxeservicealert on Twitter.

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

NEW

TAYLOR ST E EB & WB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM KINGSMERE BLVD TO MCKERCHER DR
(Streetlight pole replacements)
Start: April 1, 8:00 a.m. End: April 1, 4:00 p.m.

8TH ST E EB CURB LANE CLOSED AT CIRCLE DR E SB ONRAMP
(Pole replacement)
Start: April 1, 9:00 a.m. End: April 1, 2:00 p.m.

BOYCHUK DR NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED AT ARNASON CRES
(Manhole repair)
Two-way traffic will be maintained in the parking lanes.
Start: April 1, 9:00 a.m. End: April 1, 5:00 p.m.

TAYLOR ST E WB LANES CLOSED AT SALISBURY DR
(Manhole repair)
Two-way traffic will be maintained in the EB lanes.
Start: April 1, 10:00 a.m. End: April 1, 6:00 p.m.

ONGOING

HIGHWAY 11 NB MEDIAN & CENTER LANES CLOSED AT CIRCLE DR OVERPASS
(Overpass repairs)
Start: March 17, 11:00 a.m. End: April 7, 8:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DRIVE EB CURB LANE AND ACCELERATION LANE CLOSED AT HIGHWAY 11 OVERPASS
(Overpass repairs)
Start: March 6, 7:00 a.m. End: April 30, 5:00 p.m.

ACADIA DR ROAD CLOSED FROM TAYLOR ST E TO AVONDALE RD
(Water main maintenance)
Start: March 23, 7:00 a.m. End: May 4, 5:00 p.m

20TH ST W WB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 1ST AVE S TO IDYLWYLD DR S
(SL&P work)
Start: March 9, 9:00 a.m. End: June 5, 5:30 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.

Spring is a busy time of year for projects in the yard, garden and around the home. Contractors and homeowners with a property adjacent to a park may wish to use the park as an access point for deliveries, equipment and/or vehicles related to their projects. 

The City would like to remind contractors and homeowners about the importance of gaining approval prior to using the park space, park linkage, greenspace or buffer strips as an access point for deliveries, equipment and/or vehicles to ensure the safety and enjoyment of these spaces for everyone. 

To obtain a permit, contractors and homeowners are required to: 

• Complete the Request Access to a Park online form at saskatoon.ca/parkaccess; 
• Complete the Request City Utility Line Locate online form at Locating Underground Utilities | Saskatoon.ca or Sask 1st – Call Before You Dig 
• Call Parks Customer Service at 306-975-3300.

Permit applications should be submitted at least one week prior to the date required.

Once the permit has been issued, the permit holder is responsible for: 

• Repairing any damage to City property at the homeowner's/contractor’s expense. As per Bylaw 7767 there are fines associated with park damage. 
• Removing all litter/debris and locate flags after the project is complete. 
• Expenses incurred by the City to repair damage. 
• Adhering to any restrictions set forth in the approval process, including limitations for vehicle access when the turf is wet. 
• Accepting liability for any injury to the public and for damages to public property. 
• Contacting the Parks Department after the work is complete for an inspection and to close the permit.

For more information or to request a Park Access Permit for your project, email parkaccess@saskatoon.ca, call 306-975-3300 or visit saskatoon.ca/parkaccess. 

Saskatoon Transit will provide direct service from the Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to SaskTel Centre for the Saskatoon Blades playoffs:

Saskatoon Blades vs Edmonton Oil Kings (Game three)
Tuesday, March 31 at 7:00 p.m. 
Buses depart at:

• 5:45 p.m.
• 6:25 p.m.

Saskatoon Blades vs Edmonton Oil Kings (Game four)
Wednesday, April 1 at 7:00 p.m. 
Buses depart at:

• 5:45 p.m.
• 6:25 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.

Cases of Dutch elm disease (DED) reached a record high in Saskatoon last season, putting the city’s beautiful elm canopy at risk. While the disease is serious, there are a few simple steps residents can take to slow the spread and help save our elms, starting with the provincial elm pruning ban.

One in every four trees in Saskatoon is an elm and threatened by DED. The City reminds residents that the provincial ban on pruning elm trees is in effect from April 1 to August 31, 2026.

Elm wood restrictions
It is illegal to store, transport or use elm wood for any purpose. The only permitted movement of elm wood is to the City Landfill, where it can be disposed of at no cost.

Watch for symptoms
Elm trees may begin showing signs of DED in June. Look for: 

• Yellowing leaves 
• Wilting leaves
• Leaves that curl and turn brown

If you suspect an unhealthy elm tree, or if you’re unsure whether your firewood is elm, take a photo and submit it at saskatoon.ca/dutchelmdisease or call Customer Care 306-975-2476.

What is DED?
DED is a serious fungal disease that blocks an elm tree’s ability to move water and nutrients. Once infected, most trees will die. DED has killed millions of elm trees across North America.

How DED spreads
DED spreads mainly through elm bark beetles, which can fly more than two kilometres in search of elm trees. The fungal spores stick to the beetle’s bodies and infect trees as they feed. The fungus can also be spread through root grafts and unsanitized pruning tools.

How you can help stop the spread

• Do not prune elm trees during the provincial pruning ban (April 1 to August 31)
• Do not bring elm wood into Saskatoon, store it or burn it as firewood 
• Dispose of all elm wood only at the City Landfill 
• Sanitize tools after working on elm trees
• Report dead or dying elm trees to the City

Need to prune during the ban?
Pruning elm trees during the provincial ban requires a permit. Call Customer Care at 306-975-2476 for more information.

By following the provincial regulations and maintaining elm trees on private property, residents can help slow the spread of DED in Saskatoon. 

For more information on DED, visit saskatoon.ca/dutchelmdisease.

The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo is excited to announce the seasonal opening of the Zoo Gift Shop and Café on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Visitors can explore a wide selection of toys, puzzles, games and plush items that showcase the wild and wonderful animals that call the Zoo home. Every purchase directly supports the Zoo’s conversation, research, education and enrichment programs.

Purchase or renew your Zoo Season Pass at the Zoo Gift Shop, located in the Zoo Admissions building. Season Passes include unlimited visits and a 10% discount at the Zoo Gift Shop and Café. Zoo Season Passes are valid from January 1 to December 31. Learn more at saskatoon.ca/zooseasonpass.

The Café, operated by the Saskatoon Zoo Society, will also open for the season on April 1, 2026. Located near the Small Mammal House, the Café features fresh food items such as salads, sandwiches and fruit cups. All proceeds from the Café support the education programs at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo.

The Zoo is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visit saskatoon.ca/zoo to plan your next visit.

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

NEW

COLLEGE DR WB LANES CLOSED AT MCKERCHER DR 
(Sign replacement)
Start: April 4, 7:00 a.m. End: April 4, 10:00 a.m.

FOUR-WAY STOP IN PLACE AT 8TH ST E & BOYCHUK DR 
(Bus Rapid Transit traffic signal work)
Start: April 6, 7:00 a.m. End: April 6, 1:30 p.m.
 

ONGOING

HIGHWAY 11 NB MEDIAN & CENTER LANES CLOSED AT CIRCLE DR OVERPASS
(Overpass repairs)
Start: March 17, 11:00 a.m. End: April 7, 8:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DRIVE EB CURB LANE AND ACCELERATION LANE CLOSED AT HIGHWAY 11 OVERPASS
(Overpass repairs)
Start: March 6, 7:00 a.m. End: April 30, 5:00 p.m.

ACADIA DR ROAD CLOSED FROM TAYLOR ST E TO AVONDALE RD
(Water main maintenance)
Start: March 23, 7:00 a.m. End: May 4, 5:00 p.m

20TH ST W WB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 1ST AVE S TO IDYLWYLD DR S
(SL&P work)
Start: March 9, 9:00 a.m. End: June 5, 5:30 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

CIRCLE DR W NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM CIRCLE PL TO AIRPORT DR
(Sign replacement)
Start: March 31, 9:00 a.m. End: March 31, 12:00 p.m.

22ND ST W WB MEDIAN & CENTRE LANES CLOSED AT AVE M N
(Sanitary manhole repair)
Start: March 31, 9:00 a.m. End: March 31, 5:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DR W SB LANES CLOSED FROM 33RD ST W TO LAURIER DR
(Sign replacement)
Start: March 31, 12:00 p.m. End: March 31, 3:00 p.m.
 

ONGOING

HIGHWAY 11 NB MEDIAN & CENTER LANES CLOSED AT CIRCLE DR OVERPASS
(Overpass repairs)
Start: March 17, 11:00 a.m. End: April 7, 8:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DRIVE EB CURB LANE AND ACCELERATION LANE CLOSED AT HIGHWAY 11 OVERPASS
(Overpass repairs)
Start: March 6, 7:00 a.m. End: April 30, 5:00 p.m.

ACADIA DR ROAD CLOSED FROM TAYLOR ST E TO AVONDALE RD
(Water main maintenance)
Start: March 23, 7:00 a.m. End: May 4, 5:00 p.m

20TH ST W WB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 1ST AVE S TO IDYLWYLD DR S
(SL&P work)
Start: March 9, 9:00 a.m. End: June 5, 5:30 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.