News Releases

The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) is aware of information circulating on social media over the past few days, which claims that the City has granted a permit for an encampment. This is false. The permit that was issued is a burn permit to hold a public smudge event. 

SFD must clarify that the fire department or the City would never issue a permit for an encampment. Our experiences in other municipalities have shown that large encampments can create significant health and various safety risks. We have frequently responded to fires at encampments and it is our priority to find alternative solutions that provide viable and dignified options for those in need. 

The City recognizes that homelessness is a complex issue requiring a comprehensive community response. The City is committed to actively engaging all partners in a collaborative process moving forward. Saskatoon EMO has activated an Internal Emergency Operations Centre with multiple City Departments to coordinate the internal response to homelessness in Saskatoon.  

A report will be presented by Planning and Development and EMO to Council next week regarding Winter Navigation and Warming Centres this winter. This report will be public at the end of the day. 

Furthermore, winter warming locations have been in operation since October and more opened last night.  

Information about the Saskatoon Emergency Winter Response Plan is available at saskatoon.ca/cold. This includes the warming location poster. 

Saskatoon Emergency Management Organization (EMO), in partnership with community organizations, is seeking funding from City Council to support the operation of Winter Navigation and Warming Centres for this winter. 

The plan, which seeks to address the safety and well-being of residents experiencing homelessness during winter months, will be presented at the Regular Business Meeting of City Council on November 27, 2024. 

The report, which will be on the Public Agenda at 4:00 p.m., outlines a collaborative effort between numerous community partners and identifies the locations and funding sources that will be available this winter to support the establishment of Winter Navigation and Warming Centres, including:

• Evening warming centre operated by The Saskatoon Indian and Métis Friendship Centre located on Wall Street
• Overnight warming location for women operated by the Saskatoon Indian and Métis Friendship Centre located on Wall Street
• Overnight warming location for men at St. Mary’s Parish on 20th Street operated by the Salvation Army
• Overnight outreach services operated by Sawēyihtotān

The total funding requirement to operate the centres and outreach until March 31, 2025 is estimated to be $1.2 million. The funding is to be used for all necessary staffing, operations and utilities to run the centres and outreach throughout the winter:

• Staffing at each site, including site security, emergency medical responders and operations staff
• Additional contracts for janitorial and facility maintenance services
• Program supplies
• Administrative costs
• Rent, heat, electricity, water and potential repairs at each facility

Extensive efforts have been made to secure funding to support these essential services which includes financial contributions from the Provincial, Indigenous and Federal Governments as well as community foundations and private donations all totaling $1 million. An investment of $200,000 from the City’s Reserve for Capital Expenditures is being recommended to help fill the funding gap and to bring the total to $1.2 million. 

In related work, Administration is actively developing a new Saskatoon Homelessness Action Plan along with community partners. With a comprehensive approach, the aim is to develop a more robust year-round plan that is supported by substantial and stable funding from both the Federal and Provincial governments. The goal is to create a long-term funding model to alleviate the annual search for funding and locations.

City snow crews, with help from contractors, continue plowing and grading priority streets and sidewalks after 17cm of snow fell Monday night until Wednesday at 3 a.m. Today, there are 27 graders, 13 snowplows and 15 sanders working on Saskatoon’s streets. 

 What you can expect from us

1. Completing plowing and grading on Priority 1 streets: Circle Dr and streets with three+ lanes each way, including Idylwyld Dr, 22nd St and College Dr within the first 12 hours after the end of snowfall.
2. Sidewalk clearing at City facilities and on Meewasin Trail, pathways along major routes, walkways over bridges and overpasses within 48 hours.
3. Grading on Priority 2 double-lane streets, including Clarence Ave, McKercher Dr and Millar Ave after Priority 1 streets are graded; this takes about 36 hours to complete after the end of the snowfall.
4. Grading on Priority 3 streets that take you through your neighbourhood, including Louise Ave, Howell Ave and Main St, begins after Priority 2 streets are completed.
5. Loaders will clear a path for vehicles in outlying neighbourhoods where the heavy wind and snow drifts completely block a street.

 How you can help us

1. Anticipate winter driving conditions and adjust your driving. This includes slowing down and allowing more space between vehicles.
2. When you see blue and amber flashing lights on snow crew equipment, please slow down, remain at least 15 metres (2.5 car lengths) behind, and be prepared to stop.
3. Clear your business sidewalks within 24 hours and residential sidewalks within 48 hours. Please keep sidewalk snow on your property, as it is illegal to push it onto the street and can create a risk for vehicles to get stuck.

Learn about winter road maintenance at saskatoon.ca/snow. Stay in the Snow by checking the latest Snow & Ice Report posted to saskatoon.ca/SnowReport. 

More than 12 centimetres of snow accumulated in Saskatoon so far today since Monday night. The City of Saskatoon’s focus is on keeping the driving lanes of Circle Drive and other highly travelled roads such as Idylwyld Drive, College Drive, 8th Street and 22nd Street, clear for safe travel. Road crews are spreading salt and sand at high-risk locations like busy intersections, bridge decks and ramps to reduce icing and help with traction.  

Strong gusting winds are creating additional challenges with visibility, blowing salt and sand away, and re-developing snow drifts. Crews continue to address known problem areas and additional contractor resources have been engaged to support ongoing efforts.  

Saskatoon Transit operations are experiencing weather-related delays: 

• Fixed-route service is generally running late due to snow and slippery road conditions. Detours and delays are expected until roadways and bus stops are fully cleared. Operators may not be able to access some streets in outlying neighbourhoods where more snow and snow drifts are occurring.    

• Access Transit service is experiencing delays. Service will continue to be prioritized for essential trips, including medical appointments. Customers are encouraged to reschedule any non-essential or leisure trips. 

• OnDemand service will operate on cleared roadways that are accessible to operators.  

• The Transit Customer Service Centre is open for walk-in customers from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; however customers are asked to call 306-975-3100 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. if their trip to the Customer Service Centre is not essential. For updates check the real-time mobile app, transit or visit saskatoontransit.ca/service-alerts. 

While clearing snow, please do not push or blow it into the street. This creates a greater risk for vehicles to get stuck. Instead, pile the snow on your property, as per Bylaw No. 8463 The Sidewalk Clearing Bylaw, 2005. 

Residents are encouraged to stay informed about snow grading efforts and the list of Priority Streets by visiting saskatoon.ca/snow and following the City’s social media channels. Stay in the know by checking the latest Snow & Ice Report posted to saskatoon.ca/snowreport.  

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

NEW

AIRPORT DR SB RIGHT TURN BAY CLOSED FROM CLAYPOOL DR TO CYNTHIA ST
(Pipe installation)
Start: November 20, 9:00 a.m. End: November 20, 1:00 p.m.

ONGOING

CLAYPOOL DR EB CURB LANE CLOSED AT MCCLOCKLIN RD
(Construction)
Start: November 19, 8:00 a.m. End: November 20, 5:00 p.m.

8TH ST E WB LANES CLOSED AT MCORMOND DR
(Intersection construction)
Two-way traffic will be maintained in EB lanes
Start: September 23, 7:00 a.m. End: November 22, 4:30 p.m.

8TH ST E ROAD CLOSED FROM MCORMOND DR TO ZIMMERMAN RD
(Road construction)
No access to Zimmerman Rd from 8th St
Start: June 10, 7:00 a.m. End: November 22, 5:00 p.m.

24TH ST E WB LANES CLOSED FROM 6TH AVE N TO 5TH AVE N
(SL&P construction)
Start: August 7, 8:00 a.m. End: November 27, 5:00 p.m.

4TH AVE N NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 22ND ST E TO 23RD ST E
(Vault repairs)
Start: September 16, 7:00 a.m. End: November 29, 4:00 p.m.

19TH ST E EB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 2ND AVE S TO 3RD AVE S
(Construction)
Start: November 19, 7:00 a.m. End: December 11, 5:00 p.m.

BRIGHTON BLVD ROAD CLOSED FROM TASKAMANWA ST TO 8TH ST E
(Construction)
Use McOrmond Dr
Start: November 20, 2023, 7:00 a.m. End: September 26, 2025, 5:00 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.