News Releases

If City Council approves a plan to consider two feasible sites for a future Downtown event centre/arena, the public will have the opportunity to provide feedback through a process of public engagement that would begin in the coming days.

A report will be presented to the August 29 meeting of City Council outlining a detailed technical study of potential Downtown locations for a new event centre/arena, which will become one of the key anchors of the future Downtown Event & Entertainment District.

Five different site options for the Downtown event centre/arena were initially studied to determine if they were a suitable size for a modern event facility, with a capacity comparable to the existing SaskTel Centre. Sites determined to be too small were eliminated from further consideration, while the remaining sites were ranked in accordance with nine evaluation criteria. After thoroughly studying the evaluation criteria, two sites are considered viable options:

• Site A – Midtown Shopping Centre North Parking Lot
• Site B – North Downtown/City Yards

Public engagement on the two locations was not possible until one of the sites was available following lengthy real estate discussions. The Council report includes an engagement plan for approval.

“Based on the technical criteria, the Midtown location is the highest scoring site and affirmed by two external consultants,” says Dan Willems, Director of Technical Services.

“The public engagement will be an opportunity to hear from residents, businesses and other community partners on the opportunities and challenges of both potential sites. The public feedback, along with the technical rankings, will give City Council the information it needs to make the final decision on the event centre/arena location.”

From August 30 to October 3 the City will seek public input in several ways:

August 30 to September 5:

• A representative sample survey (that includes a telephone and online panel survey) for Saskatoon residents.

September 13 to October 3:

• An opt-in online public survey (Saskatoon residents, as well as those from other communities, can self-select to participate);
• An opt-in survey for local businesses and organizations; and
• Intercept surveys to hear from residents across Saskatoon.

This engagement method reflects the “consult level” of the International Association for Public Participation using a qualitative approach. Results will be shared publicly and presented to City Council in November to be considered as part of the final decision on the location for the future event centre/arena site.

“Since 2018, when City Council decided a future event centre/arena should be located Downtown, a lot of research, consideration and effort has gotten us to this point,” Willems says. “The goal evolved beyond the need for a new event centre/arena to envision a revitalized Downtown that is welcoming for everyone to work, play and live.”

The event centre/arena site, along with the convention centre, will act as an anchor for the rest of the District development. The future Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system will connect the District to the entire city, boosting revitalization of the Downtown area.

 “The vision of an event and entertainment district is one of a shared public space where everyone feels comfortable and welcome,” he says.

The area would be developed sustainably with Indigenous placemaking a focus. By offering residents and visitors a gathering place for entertainment and events, with a variety of restaurants, venues, shopping and nightlife, Saskatoon’s Downtown will become an economic driver for the city and the province.

“The creation of a successful District will have significant benefits for Saskatoon — a new Downtown event centre/arena, a new or enhanced convention centre, and the future BRT are the key public infrastructure investments that will drive further investment in the Downtown area, in Saskatoon and in Saskatchewan.”

The report being considered by City Council can be found at saskatoon.ca/agendas. If approved, more information will be made available starting Tuesday, August 30 on saskatoon.ca/eventdistrict.

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

NEW

LENORE DR EB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED AT CYPRESS CRT
(Fencing)
Start: August 25, 7:00 a.m. End: August 29, 4:30 p.m.

ZIMMERMAN RD NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM HIGHWAY 16 TO MEADOWS BLVD
(Crack sealing)
Start: August 25, 7:00 a.m. End: August 25, 12:00 p.m.

ZIMMERMAN RD NB & SB CURB LANES CLOSED FROM HIGHWAY 16 TO MEADOWS BLVD
(Crack sealing)
Start: August 25, 12:00 p.m. End: August 25, 4:00 p.m.

NIGHTWORK

CIRCLE DR S WB CENTRE LANE CLOSED AT VALLEY RD
(Roadway paving)
Start: August 24, 7:00 p.m. End: August 25, 6:00 a.m.

CIRCLE DR S NB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM VALLEY RD TO 11TH ST W
(Roadway paving)
Start: August 24, 7:00 p.m. End: August 25, 6:00 a.m.

4TH AVE S NB PARKING & CURB LANES CLOSED FROM 20TH ST E TO 21ST ST E
(Vault roof replacement)
Start: August 23, 5:30 p.m. End: August 25, 9:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DR E WB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM FAITHFULL AVE TO IDYLWYLD DR N
(Concrete work)
Start: August 23, 7:00 p.m. End: August 29, 5:00 p.m.

ONGOING

AVE C N SB CURB LANE CLOSED AT 47TH ST W
(Concrete repair)
Start: August 24, 10:30 a.m. End: August 25, 5:00 p.m.

RUTH ST E WB LANES CLOSED FROM LANSDOWNE AVE TO BROADWAY AVE
(Sidewalk repair)
Two-way traffic will be maintained in EB lanes
Start: August 18, 7:00 a.m. End: August 25, 6:00 p.m.

BOYCHUK DR NB PARKING LANE CLOSED FROM HUNTINGTON PL TO LAURENTIAN DR
(Pedestrian ramps)
Start: August 19, 7:00 a.m. End: August 26, 5:00 p.m.

33RD ST W ROAD CLOSED FROM NEAULT RD TO KENSINGTON RD
(Road reconstruction)
Start: August 24, 9:00 a.m. End: August 27, 6:00 p.m.

1ST AVE N NB CURB & PARKING LANES CLOSED FROM 24TH ST E TO 25TH ST E
(Construction)
Start: August 22, 9:00 a.m. End: August 28, 5:00 p.m.

22ND ST W EB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM AVE E S TO AVE D S
(Sidewalk replacement)
Start: August 16, 7:00 a.m. End: August 29, 9:00 a.m.

RUTH ST E WB LANES CLOSED FROM CLARENCE AVE S TO LANSDOWNE AVE
(Sidewalk replacements)
Two-way traffic maintained in EB lanes
Start: August 24, 7:00 a.m. End: August 30, 4:30 p.m.

1ST AVE N SB LANES CLOSED FROM DUKE ST TO KING ST
(Concrete repair)
Start: August 24, 7:30 a.m. End: August 30, 5:00 p.m.

33RD ST E EB LEFT TURN LANE & WB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED AT WARMAN RD
(Construction)
Start: August 20, 7:00 a.m. End: September 2, 5:00 p.m.

MCORMOND DR ROAD CLOSED AT BRIGHTON BLVD
(New road construction)
Start: June 6, 7:00 a.m. End: September 9, 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.

On September 1, 1972, the City of Saskatoon completed a $160,000 renovation to expand the Sutherland Forest Nursery Station to include an animal park. Since then, a wide variety of exotic species and western Canadian animals have called the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo home.

“It’s pretty amazing to look back and reflect on all of the animals that have become part of the Zoo family over the past 50 years,” says Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager. “We have had some amazing animal ambassadors over the years, including grizzly bears Mistaya and Koda who have called the Zoo home for more than 15 years”.

Since opening the expanded facility in 1972, the Zoo has become home to several species of animals. Some animals have incredible stories of survival like Sammis the pronghorn who was delivered via c-section by a conservation officer after his mother was hit by a car. Sammis was brought to the zoo where he was bottle fed and is now thriving as part of the pronghorn herd. Many other zoo residents like the red-tailed hawk, snowy owls and bald eagles sustained injuries preventing them from being able to survive in the wild, and several other species like the snow leopard and Goeldi’s monkeys participate in important conservation research and education programs to ensure the survival of their species.

To celebrate the milestone, the Zoo will be organizing a variety of enrichment activities for the animals at the Zoo and will be offering a special 50^th anniversary daily admission rate on Thursday, September 1, 2022. Daily admission rates will be $5 for adults (18+), $5 for youth (6-18) and $10 for families (a group of up to seven individuals with a maximum of 2 adults). Children under 6 always receive FREE admission to the Zoo. Parking fees will remain in effect at $4 per vehicle.

“Our animals will be very excited to see what our team has in store for them to mark the occasion,” says Mitchell. “Our zookeepers have been working on a variety of enrichment activities that will promote mental and physical stimulation and also provide an opportunity for the animals to participate in the celebrations. We encourage everyone to come out and visit our species ambassadors and see some of the fun activities we have in store for them.”

The Zoo is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Visit saskatoon.ca/zoo to plan your visit.

Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo Background

Established in 1913, the Sutherland Forest Nursery Station researched and produced trees adapted for growth in the prairie climate. For over 50 years, millions of seedlings were grown and shipped to farms throughout the Prairie Provinces, helping to ensure the success of prairie farming by providing protection from harsh weather and beautification of the landscape. The Nursery Station was closed in 1965 and was purchased by the City of Saskatoon and re-opened in 1972 as the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo. Today, the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo is a National Historic Site boasting restored heritage buildings, carefully-crafted garden spaces and Saskatchewan’s only CAZA accredited zoo.

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

NEW

AVE H N ROAD CLOSED FROM 29TH ST W TO 30TH ST W
(Roadway patching)
Start: August 24, 7:00 a.m. End: August 24, 3:00 p.m.

RUTH ST E WB LANES CLOSED CLARENCE AVE S TO LANSDOWNE AVE
(Sidewalk replacements)
Two-way traffic will be maintained in EB lanes
Start: August 24, 7:00 a.m. End: August 30, 4:30 p.m.

1ST AVE N SB LANES CLOSED FROM DUKE ST TO KING ST
(Concrete repair)
Start: August 24, 7:30 a.m. End: August 30, 5:00 p.m.

TAYLOR ST W EB & WB PARKING LANES CLOSED FROM LORNE AVE TO VICTORIA AVE
(Crack sealing)
Start: August 24, 9:00 a.m. End: August 24, 12:00 p.m.

33RD ST W ROAD CLOSED FROM NEAULT RD TO KENSINGTON RD
(Reconstruction)
Start: August 24, 9:00 a.m. End: August 27, 6:00 p.m.

AVE C N SB CURB LANE CLOSED AT 47TH ST W
(Concrete repair)
Start: August 24, 10:30 a.m. End: August 25, 5:00 p.m.

TAYLOR ST E EB & WB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM MCKINNON AVE S TO BROADWAY AVE
(Crack sealing)
Start: August 24, 12:00 p.m. End: August 24, 3:00 p.m.

NIGHTWORK

CIRCLE DR S WB CENTRE LANE CLOSED AT VALLEY RD
(Roadway paving)
Start: August 24, 7:00 p.m. End: August 25, 6:00 a.m.

CIRCLE DR S NB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM VALLEY RD TO 11TH ST W
(Roadway paving)
Start: August 24, 7:00 p.m. End: August 25, 6:00 a.m.

CIRCLE DR W SB LANES CLOSED AT 33RD ST W
(Bridge washing)
Start: August 24, 7:00 p.m. End: August 25, 6:00 a.m.

MCORMOND DR VARIOUS NB LANES CLOSED FROM STENSRUD RD TO FEDORUK DR
(Crack sealing)
Start: August 22, 7:00 p.m. End: August 24, 5:00 a.m.

ONGOING

DIEFENBAKER DR NB DRIVING & PARKING LANE CLOSED FROM LAURIER DR TO DOUGLAS CRES
(Sidewalk repair)
Start: August 2, 7:00 a.m. End: August 24, 2:00 p.m.

RUTH ST E WB LANES CLOSED FROM LANSDOWNE AVE TO BROADWAY AVE
(Sidewalk repair)
Two-way traffic will be maintained in EB lanes
Start: August 18, 7:00 a.m. End: August 25, 6:00 p.m.

4TH AVE S NB PARKING LANE & CURB LANES CLOSED FROM 20TH ST E TO 21ST ST E
(Vault roof replacement)
Start: August 23, 5:30 p.m. End: August 25, 9:00 p.m.

BOYCHUK DR NB PARKING LANE CLOSED FROM HUNTINGTON PL TO LAURENTIAN DR
(Pedestrian ramps)
Start: August 19, 7:00 a.m. End: August 26, 5:00 p.m.

1ST AVE N NB CURB & PARKING LANES CLOSED FROM 24TH ST E TO 25TH ST E
(Construction)
Start: August 22, 9:00 a.m. End: August 28, 5:00 p.m.

22ND ST W EB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM AVE E S TO AVE D S
(Sidewalk replacement)
Start: August 16, 7:00 a.m. End: August 29, 9:00 a.m.

CIRCLE DR E WB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM FAITHFULL AVE TO IDYLWYLD DR N
(Concrete work)
Start: August 23, 7:00 p.m. End: August 29, 5:00 p.m.

33RD ST E EB LEFT TURN LANE & WB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED AT WARMAN RD
(Construction)
Start: August 20, 7:00 a.m. End: September 2, 5:00 p.m.

MCORMOND DR ROAD CLOSED AT BRIGHTON BLVD
(New road construction)
Start: June 6, 7:00 a.m. End: September 9, 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.

The Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation has been rescheduled for September 30, following the cancellation on June 21 due to extreme weather. The event will take place on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30) between 10:00 and 11:30 a.m. The walk will begin at Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI) and end at the “Where our Paths Cross” Reconciliation Circle art installation in Victoria Park (across the road from 422 Spadina Cres W).

“The significance of a walk can be attributed to the Sunday walks in residential schools; this was often the only time when siblings and cousins of different genders might be reunited,” says Judy Pelly, a Residential School Survivor and member of the Rock Your Roots Walk organizing committee. “It’s meaningful to see Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples come together in this way.”

Rock Your Roots is put on by Reconciliation Saskatoon, which the City of Saskatoon co-chairs along with the Office of the Treaty Commissioner. The event, which has seen attendance in the thousands in past years, was first held in 2016. The intent of this event is to answer the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action by demonstrating a commitment to Reconciliation, honouring Residential School Survivors, and continuing work towards an inclusive community.

“This walk is an opportunity to learn about and honour First Nation and Métis residential school survivors,” says Shirley Isbister, President of Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI). “It’s an inclusive event that welcomes everyone to come out and participate. We look forward to being together.”

Individuals of all ages are invited to attend—alone or as part of a group. Workplaces and other organizations are encouraged to send a team and invited to come outfitted with banners showcasing their organization’s support for Reconciliation. Many schools will be closed for the day in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation which presents an opportunity for parents to bring their children and partake in this powerful Reconciliation event together. Cultural performers will 'rock their roots' to start and end the walk, sharing their culture and showcasing Saskatoon's incredible diversity.

“Rock Your Roots is an opportunity to bring our community together to understand and be educated on residential schools and how they have negatively impacted Indigenous peoples,” says Saskatoon Tribal Chief Mark Arcand. “This walk is a symbol of Reconciliation and a commitment to change for the better, so that all people can have a good quality of life.”

“Rock Your Roots represents an acknowledgment of the multi-generational impacts of residential schools and a commitment to Reconciliation,” says Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark. “It’s a public demonstration of support for residential school attendees and those lost. It’s a promise to work towards a future that affords every member of our community equal opportunity.”

This event is open to all and there is no charge for participating. Walk participants are invited to wear their cultural dress or symbols, an EveryChildMatters shirt, or any other orange shirt. For the latest event information, follow the Rock Your Roots Facebook Event.