News Releases

The all-in-one shopping experience is back for a seventh year! Ride to all the malls this holiday season by taking the Jingle Bell Express–Route 1225! 

Starting December 2, Saskatoon Transit will offer this service on weekends throughout the month, and again with free fare on Boxing Day. Two buses will run in opposite directions between Saskatoon's five malls–Midtown, Confederation, Lawson Heights, Centre and Market.

“The Jingle Bell Express is a great way for riders to get their holiday shopping done, travel to work along the route, or experience the bus to new locations. This festive service provides convenient and hassle-free travel without the stress or frustration of winter driving and full parking lots,” says Cory Shrigley, Customer Service Manager, Saskatoon Transit.

Saskatoon Transit's Route 1225 buses will display a "Jingle Bell Express" message when in service, play holiday music, and be festively decorated.

Route information:

• On weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) regular fares apply: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Excluding December 30 and 31.
• Boxing Day (December 26) with free fare: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Search Route 1225 in the Transit App or Google Maps Transit to plan a trip or consult the route schedule on Saskatoon Transit’s website or call Transit Customer Service (306.975.3100) for help with trip planning. 

Jingle Bell Express riders can complete a short survey by scanning the QR code posters on the buses to have a chance to win one of five gift cards sponsored by participating malls.

Catch the holiday spirit and learn more about the Jingle Bell Express.

Following City Council approval on November 22, on-street parking in Saskatoon's pay parking zones will continue to be free for Saskatchewan veterans with SGI-issued veteran licence plates within the posted time restrictions on a permanent basis. 

Council approval came following a one-year pilot project that evaluated the impacts of a program on parking revenue, parking supply and usage. User feedback was also collected from stakeholders and it was found that impacts of a program modification would be minimal and that the pilot was well-received by users.  

”Through stakeholder engagement and research, it was found that amendments to the existing program could be made to provide a simplified and improved process for veteran parking similar to other  cities that are offering Veteran parking programs” says Matt Grazier, Director of Community Standards. “This is a program that we are pleased to offer as a small ‘thank you’ to Saskatchewan Veterans for their service to our city, province, and country.” 

Veterans who qualified under the previous City of Saskatoon Veteran Parking Program still qualify under the new program. This program applies for on-street pay parking zones only and does not include public or private parking lots. 

For more information, visit saskatoon.ca/veteranparking.

The City of Saskatoon is pleased to announce $200,000 funding from the Government of Canada under the Active Transportation Fund to support the implementation of its Active Transportation Plan. The Active Transportation Plan aims to provide more choices to move around Saskatoon by addressing infrastructure for cycling, walking and other modes of active transportation.  

“Residents of Saskatoon increasingly walk, bike, drive or use public transportation to get to their destinations. Our government is investing in these projects to ensure their commutes are safe and pleasant, and to encourage more people to take up active transportation. It is good for our health and for our environment,” says the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities. 

“This funding focuses on planning and education projects, which supports the goals of the Active Transportation Plan to have more places for walking and cycling safely, to build a culture for active transportation, and to encourage more people to walk and ride a bike,” says Jay Magus, Director of Transportation. 

The funding is divided between four active transportation projects, with $50,000 allocated for each:  

1. Millar Avenue from 43rd Street to Marquis Drive: Planning project that includes assessment, engagement and design of a multi-use pathway. 

2. College Drive from Preston Avenue to McOrmond Drive: Feasibility analysis to determine active transportation crossings at interchanges and rail crossings. 

3. Victoria Avenue from Taylor Street to Ruth Street: Planning project that includes assessment, engagement, and design of pedestrian improvements and an all ages and abilities cycling facility. 

4. Active Transportation Street Team: Provide an education program about the rules of the road and the existing bike network.  

“We continuously invest in making Saskatoon a great place to live. Providing active transportation options is one of many ways we are working to support our residents," says Magus.  

Learn more about the City of Saskatoon's Active Transportation Plan.

Over the next several weeks, visitors to the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo) will start to see the Zoo animals preparing for the cooler winter temperatures ahead. Many species including the snow leopard, lynx, bobcats, bison and caribou thrive in cooler temperatures thanks to some very cool natural adaptations.

“Caribou are well adapted to life in cold climates,” says Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager. “The herd at the Zoo is already working on developing their dense undercoat made up of ultra-fine fur and a longer overcoat of hollow guard hairs that will keep them warm throughout the winter. Caribou also have large, sharp hooves that act like snowshoes allowing them to walk on top of the snow.”

Other animals like the grizzly bears and prairie dogs, are getting ready to sleep away the cold winter days.

“Mistaya and Koda have started making their beds so to speak,” says Mitchell. “You might see the bears combing through the extra straw and leaves the zookeepers have placed throughout their habitat. Mistaya and Koda like to carefully select each leaf and piece of straw, only taking the best of the best back to their den to make their bed.”

Dingoes Maple and Euci will soon be off-exhibit as the cool weather settles in. While the dingoes love to play in the snow for brief periods of time, they will be spending most of their time in their indoor habitat in favour of warmer temperatures.

A reminder to purchase your 2023 Zoo Season Passes before December 31, 2022 to receive 2022 rates. Zoo Season Passes are available for purchase at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo or any Leisure Centre.

The Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., visit saskatoon.ca/zoo for more information or to plan your next visit.

Helping Canadians upgrade their homes to be more energy-efficient fights climate change, creates good jobs and helps save on monthly bills.

The Community Efficiency Financing initiative is offered through the Green Municipal Fund (GMF) delivered by FCM and funded by the Government of Canada. CEF helps communities of all sizes implement innovative local financing programs that directly help homeowners cut their greenhouse gas emissions, make their homes more energy-efficient, comfortable and affordable, while creating local jobs and keeping the local economy moving.

This initiative is one of the ways GMF continues to build on its 20-year record of supporting transformative environmental initiatives at the community level. The Government of Canada has invested $1.65 billion in the GMF since its inception, enabling municipalities to support projects like this that will leverage local resources to drive innovative solutions.

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Dozens of residents in Saskatoon’s Haultain and Queen Elizabeth neighbourhoods can rest a little easier knowing there is less of a likelihood of their properties flooding during intense rainfalls. A new dry storm pond in W.W. Ashley District Park, enjoyed as a newly developed park and sports field during dry weather, officially opened today.

The new dry storm pond is the first of nine to be completed under the Flood Control Strategy (FCS) which was approved by City Council in 2018. The second project is underway right now in Churchill Park and will open in fall 2023. In early 2023, construction will start on a dry storm pond in Weaver Park and six more FCS projects will be built between 2024 and 2027. The Government of Canada has contributed $21.6 million towards Saskatoon’s Flood Control Strategy through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund.

“Our Government is proud to be contributing to Saskatoon’s Flood Control Strategy,” said the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities. “By investing in disaster mitigation and adaptation, we are safeguarding Saskatonians’ homes and livelihoods against the natural events brought on by climate change and building more resilient Prairie communities.”

“The W.W. Ashley Park Dry Storm Pond has already proven to be a tremendous success,” said Saskatoon Mayor, Charlie Clark. “During a significant rain event this summer, it prevented flooding in an area of the city that historically experiences floods. It also provides accessible walking paths and retains recreational space and green space when not containing storm water. The City has plans for more dry ponds and will continue work on projects in the Flood Control Strategy to help minimize flooding in the highest risk locations in the city. Through continued partnerships, we’re able to deliver better infrastructure to residents that help mitigate damage from natural events.”

“We have a well thought out strategy in place to ensure all of our projects are built and functioning by 2027,” said Russ Munro, Director of Saskatoon Water. “Flooding is never ideal, but I think we were fortunate to witness how this first flood mitigation project actually ended up exceeding our expectations during the rainstorm on June 20^th. It demonstrated these projects are a solution when it comes to protecting neighbourhood homes from being devastated by floods.”

Dry storm ponds hold water that would otherwise cause nearby flooding during intense rainfalls. The water flows into storm drains, then through underground pipes into the dry storm pond, where it then flows toward and empties into the South Saskatchewan River.

Once the FCS projects are completed, the City anticipates seeing a substantial decrease in the amount of neighbourhood flooding in the top 10 highest risk areas of Saskatoon.

For more information about the FCS, visit saskatoon.ca/floodplan.

Saskatoon Transit received 40 bus stop nominations from residents during the 2022 edition of the Bus Stop Blues campaign.  

As part of the campaign, which is now in its fourth year, stop nominations are grouped into one of three categories: sidewalk/accessibility; new shelter/repair; or general maintenance. This year, 90% of the nominations were for either for a new shelter or repairs to an existing shelter.

A total of 19 nominations were received through this year’s campaign for a new shelter, all of which will be reviewed in detail.

“When determining a new shelter location, we look at safety and connectivity, property lines and also examine how a location request correlates to what is proposed within the future Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network,” says Cory Shrigley, Customer Support & Engagement Manager with Saskatoon Transit. “Boarding data, direction of travel, service frequency, and whether it serves multiple routes is also taken into consideration.”

Shrigley also notes that many of this year’s campaign nominations involved broken glass at existing bus shelters, these will all be addressed in the coming weeks. When the glass in a shelter is broken, it is cleaned up as soon as it can be, on the day it is reported to Saskatoon Transit, with glass typically replaced within a week. However, this summer many shelters were being smashed on the same day as glass was repaired with the total cost of replacing all glass in a shelter being $2,000.

“The Bus Stop Blues campaign is important to us, as it allows riders an opportunity to communicate where the priority areas are to improve the transit experience” says Shrigley. “Safety, reliability, and ease of access are essential to increasing ridership.”

“As we work towards a BRT system, Transit connectivity becomes even more important. We’re looking to the future in terms of the locations that make sense, along with responding to the needs of those we serve today,” says Taha Najam, Transit Planning Engineer.

The total investment for bus stop improvements from September 2022 – September 2023 is $100,000.

The International Council of Aging designated October 3 to 9, 2022, as Active Aging Week – a time to celebrate aging and the benefits of active living at any age.

Active Aging Week challenges society’s expectations of aging by showing that regardless of age or health conditions, adults over 50 can live life to the fullest.

“Recreation & Community Development prioritizes and encourages Active Aging through the variety of drop-in and registered programs offered at our Leisure Centres”, says Andrew Roberts, Director of Recreation & Community Development. Programs have been categorized as Fit Over 50 programs and provide a guide to physical activity for people 50+.

To celebrate Active Aging week, the City’s Recreation & Community Development department invites residents to stop by a Leisure Centre during Active Aging Week. An ambassador will be on location to talk about fall programs. It’s also a chance to win prizes, visit with friends and relax after exercising.

• Shaw Centre: Monday, October 3 (9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.)
• Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre: Tuesday, October 4 (9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.)
• Lakewood Civic Centre: Wednesday, October 5 (8:45 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.)
• Saskatoon Field House: Thursday, October 6 (9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.)
• Lawson Civic Centre: Friday, October 7 (10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.)

To learn more about Active Aging Week and programs available, visit saskatoon.ca/fitover50.

One more way to take Reconciliation action in conjunction with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Registration has opened for the 8th Wîcihitowin Indigenous Engagement Conference. After two years of meeting virtually, this year’s conference will be held in person at TCU Place on November 28-29. There is also an option to attend virtually.

The Wîcihitowin Conference has been an annual event since 2014 when a group of organizations in Saskatchewan came together to imagine and deliver the first event. “Wîcihitowin” is a Cree/Saulteaux term meaning “to help each other/to work together”. 

“I attended a residential school from 1958 to 1969,” says Residential School Survivor and conference advisor, Eugene Arcand. “This conference is to honour and learn from Residential School Survivors and those that have survived with resilience from the Sixties Scoop. I want to thank everyone who chooses to participate because showing up matters and these conversations matter.”

The conference provides a platform for those with acquired or lived experience to share their teachings. It also provides a forum to share resources and tools to support culturally respectful organizations. The event is for anyone working towards respectful Indigenous engagement and inclusion.

“The City of Saskatoon has been a proud partner of this event since its inception,” says the City’s Director of Indigenous Initiatives, Melissa Cote. “The program is always exceptional and the perspective of speakers so vast and varied. We feel humbled to be a part of this important event that so many people look forward to each year.”

Between 2007 and 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada travelled to all parts of Canada to bear witness to residential school experiences; to create a permanent historical record; and to engage and educate the public about Survivor experiences and intergenerational impacts. The theme of the 2022 Wîcihitowin Conference will be Bearing Witness in acknowledgement of this critical aspect of Reconciliation. 

This year’s speaker line-up includes the Commissioners of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: The Honourable Murray Sinclair, Grand Chief Wilton Littlechild, and Dr. Marie Wilson. Conference attendees will also hear from Chief Cadmus Delorme, Chief of the Cowessess First Nation, and others who are demonstrating leadership in the area of Reconciliation.

Executive-in-Residence at the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy and conference emcee, Neal Kewistep, says: “Bearing Witness is something that didn’t end with the completion of the TRC’s work. In keeping with the oral traditions of Indigenous Peoples, witnesses are called upon to be the keepers of history when a significant event happens. Bearing Witness is a way to acknowledge, validate, and legitimize the Truth.”

Registration is available at wicihitowin.ca. For conference updates, you can also follow Wîcihitowin YXE on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. 

The Wîcihitowin Indigenous Engagement Conference is made possible through contributions by the City of Saskatoon, United Way Saskatoon & Area, Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, Saskatchewan Health Authority, and Saskatoon Public Library. The organizing committee would also like to thank its many investors including Nutrien, the Saskatoon Community Foundation, Saskatchewan Health Quality Council, Discover Saskatoon, and many more.