News Releases

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.

It appears the scammers are at it again.

The City wants to warn residents about an identified scam involving text messages demanding payment for unpaid parking tickets. The City does not use any texting services. You can check to see if you have an unpaid ticket on our website and entering your drivers’ license number.

Helpful reminders for residents:

• These types of demanding pay calls, Robocalls, texts or emails are never sent from the City of Saskatoon.
• The City never requests or collects credit card or bank account information from customers via phone, text or email.
• Never give out your personal or banking information, or credit card number over the phone, by text or email. It is a best practice to block suspicious phone numbers and delete after reporting.
• Do not to click on suspicious web links.

Scammers typically use the information they gather this way to get money or commit identity theft. Previous public service announcements from the City have warned residents about scams involving fake text messages and emails, both demanding payment from customers they said ‘owed money’.

Residents should contact their bank if they have become a victim of fraud, and also report these types of phone or online scams to Saskatoon Police Service at saskatoonpolice.ca/onlinereporting/fraud or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center, 1-888-495-8501.

Concerned residents may also call the City of Saskatoon to speak with a Customer Service Representative at 306-975-2400.