News Releases
Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
Ringing in the New Year with fireworks
December 29, 2021 - 9:00am
- Carefully read and follow the manufacturer instructions.
- Exercise increased caution when handling and discharging any type of firework.
- Choose your location wisely. Fireworks can only be discharged on private property.
- Familiarize yourself with the space requirements for the type of firework being discharged. Requirements vary depending on the firework type.
- Ensure your location is free of overhead obstructions, is clear side-to-side and is a safe distance from combustible materials.
- Ensure that it is not windy and that all spectators are safely located to observe the display.
- Be sure to properly stabilize the firework according to manufacturer direction.
- Other than sparklers, never light or hold a lit firework in your hand.
- Always light the fuse at its tip.
- Never try to relight or fix the fuse on fireworks that did not go off.
- Have a supply of water or snow available and use it to extinguish debris or smouldering embers before they cause injuries, property damage and/or fires.
- Keep in mind that you are solely responsible for any debris that may land on spectators or another’s property.
The Saskatoon Fire Department would like to remind residents and visitors of safe practices for purchasing, enjoying and disposing of fireworks. This New Year’s Eve, Friday, December 31st, low-hazard fireworks can only be discharged on private property between the hours of dusk on New Year’s Eve and 12:15 a.m. on New Year’s Day.
Low-hazard fireworks are designed for public recreational use. These fireworks travel less than 50m (160ft) high and include items such as roman candles, sparklers, fountains, wheels, volcanoes, mines and snakes.
High-hazard fireworks are designed for professionals and can only be purchased by persons holding a valid Fireworks Supervisor – Level I or Level II card issued by Natural Resources Canada.
Residents and spectators are reminded of the risks and obligations associated with fireworks:
The Saskatoon Fire Department wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable New Year’s Eve!
For more information about fireworks safety, please visit saskatoon.ca/fireworks.
Snow may affect morning driving conditions; Snow event clean-up begins
December 27, 2021 - 1:07am
Morning commuters may want to leave early and use caution, as roads may be icy after more than 12 cm of snowfall.
City crews have been working on the main lanes of Circle Drive and sanders have been applying deicing material as required, focusing on high-speed expressways, intersections, and bridge decks. Graders have been grading the major arterials overnight.
A snow event was declared this morning with contractor assistance coming in to complete all priority street grading within 72 hours and clearing of city-maintained sidewalks, bridge walkways and pathways within 48 hours. Please watch for their blue and amber flashing lights and leave room for road equipment to do their work.
When safe to do so, please report icy road conditions to the 24-hour Customer Care Centre at 306-975-2476. Learn about winter road maintenance at saskatoon.ca/snow.
Holiday Road Report - December 25-29, 2021
December 24, 2021 - 3:00pm
*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.
NEW
No projects are scheduled to start on Priority 1 streets as of this date.
ONGOING
No projects are ongoing on Priority 1 streets as of this date.
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.
Daily Road Report - December 24, 2021
December 23, 2021 - 3:00pm
*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.
NEW
No projects are scheduled to start on Priority 1 streets as of this date.
ONGOING
No projects are ongoing on Priority 1 streets as of this date.
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.
Make a safe choice & ride the bus for FREE on New Year’s Eve
December 23, 2021 - 6:00am
Once again, SGI and Saskatoon Transit have partnered to offer free late-night transit service on New Year’s Eve.
“Having free Transit service on New Year’s Eve removes any financial barrier to planning a safe ride home after a night out,” says Jim McDonald, Director, Saskatoon Transit. “We encourage everyone to plan their route before heading out using the real-time mobile app Transit.”
Residents are encouraged to think about using a variety of transportation modes on busy nights like New Year’s Eve. Multi-modal options are available on the Transit app. You can plan your trip taking the bus out of the downtown or busy areas and book your ride share for the short distance home all from inside the app. Transit+ seamlessly integrates a Riide vehicle with a transit connection, hailing a Riide to connect your bus journey with a vehicle for hire.
By combining modes of transportation residents can minimize wait times and costs.
Free bus service will be available on Friday, December 31, from 7:00 p.m. until 3:00 a.m. on January 1 (times may vary slightly by route).
Masks are required on Transit. Click here for more information on current health and safety measures in place on Saskatoon Transit.
For a transit schedule go to SaskatoonTranist.ca/route-and-schedules, use the transit app or call 306.975.3100 for help with trip planning.
“I can’t stress this enough: plan for a safe ride home. There is no reason for impaired driving, especially on New Year’s Eve,” McDonald says. “We are thankful to have SGI as a partner in providing free transit service on New Year’s Eve.”
Access Transit is free for registered customers as well but must be reserved.
Recreational pond use – ice thickness testing complete
December 22, 2021 - 10:28am
The Saskatoon Fire Department has completed ice thickness testing at storm water retention ponds around the City. The ice must reach a minimum thickness of at least eight inches to be considered safe for public recreational use. All recreational ponds, excluding Bev Dyck Pond have surpassed the minimum required thickness. Bev Dyck Pond is not safe for recreational use at this time. Signage has been updated accordingly at each pond.
Residents are reminded to check the posted signage each time they consider using the pond. If the sign displays a green “Skating Permitted” icon, the ice has been confirmed safe to use. Community members who use the ponds for recreational purposes assume all risk and maintenance responsibilities for the ice including shoveling, flooding, as well as user safety.
Only select storm water ponds are designated for recreational use. Please visit www.saskatoon.ca/ponds for a list of ponds permitting winter recreational use and to learn more about the Recreational Uses of Storm Water Retention Ponds policy.
Daily Road Report - December 23, 2021
December 22, 2021 - 3:00pm
*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.
NEW
No projects are scheduled to start on Priority 1 streets as of this date.
ONGOING
No projects are ongoing on Priority 1 streets as of this date.
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.
Daily Road Report - December 22, 2021
December 21, 2021 - 3:00pm
*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.
NEW
CIRCLE DR E NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM TAYLOR ST E TO 8TH ST E
(Streetlight pole replacement)
Start: December 22, 9:00 a.m. End: December 22, 11:00 a.m.
ONGOING
No projects are ongoing on Priority 1 streets as of this date.
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.
Adjusted Holiday Hours & Civic Services including Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Year’s Day
December 21, 2021 - 7:06am
The City of Saskatoon will have a number of adjusted civic services and hours of operation over the holidays. Wondering what’s open or closed? See full details on the City’s website.
Adjusted Holiday Hours & Civic Services including Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Year’s Day
December 21, 2021 - 4:41am
- Monday, December 27 & Tuesday, December 28 (reopens Wednesday, December 29 at 8:00 a.m.)
- Monday, January 3 (reopens January 4 at 8:00 a.m.)
- Parking payment is not required on Christmas Day, December 25 and New Year’s Day, January 1.
- Motorists are reminded that all other parking requirements remain in effect, including parking time limits.
- Vehicles will not be released to the public December 25 & 26, or on January 1.
- All locations will be closed on December 25 & 26, and January 1.
- Closed early at 5:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve, December 24 and New Year’s Eve, December 31.
- Closed on December 25 and January 1. All other days are regular winter hours (7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m).
- Both locations closed for the season; re-opening April 2022
- Waste Collections are not impacted this year as the holidays fall on weekends.
- Registration for the 2022 Subscription Green Cart season begins January 5, 2022. Full details on the Early Bird Rate and more at saskatoon.ca/greencart
- Saskatoon Transit will operate with Holiday Service on December 25, 26 & January 1.
- Please check the routes and schedules on the website or the real-time mobile app, Transit for details.
- Route 1225 - Jingle Bell Express will provide free service all day on Boxing Day, December 26.
- Will operate with Holiday Service on December 27, 28 and January 3. Holiday Service hours are 8:15 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- Access Transit subscriptions do not apply on Statutory Holidays
- In partnership with SGI, Saskatoon Transit is offering free service on ALL routes after 7:00 p.m. on New Year’s Eve!
- Will be closed for walk-in customers on December 25 & 26 and January 1.
- Customer Service phone lines will be available from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.)
- All rinks will be closed December 25, 26 & January 1. Lions and Gordie Howe Kinsmen arenas will be closed from December 20 to January 1, 2022.
- The holiday public and parent & tot skating schedules are listed on Leisure Online and at saskatoon.ca/indoorrinks
- December 24: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- December 25: Closed
- December 26: Closed
- December 31: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- January 1: Closed
- December 24: 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- December 25: Closed
- December 26: 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- December 31: 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- January 1: 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- December 24: 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- December 25: Closed
- December 26: 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- December 31: 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- January 1: 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- December 24: 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- December 25: Closed
- December 26: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- December 31: 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- January 1: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- December 24: 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- December 25: Closed
- December 26: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- December 31: 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- January 1: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- December 24: 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- December 25: Closed
- December 26: 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- December 31: 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- January 1: 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- December 24: Closed
- December 25: Closed
- December 26: Closed
- December 27: Closed
- December 31: Closed
- January 1: Closed
- Zoo 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Forestry Farm Park 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The City of Saskatoon will have a number of adjusted civic services and hours of operation over the holidays, as follows:
CITY HALL
All Administrative Offices are closed on the following days:
PAY PARKING
MUNICIPAL IMPOUND LOT
SASKATOON PUBLIC LIBRARY
LANDFILL
COMPOST DEPOTS
WASTE COLLECTIONS
TRANSIT SERVICES
Saskatoon Transit:
For more information, please call Transit Customer Service at 306-975-3100
Access Transit:
Transit Customer Service Center:
INDOOR RINKS
LEISURE CENTRES
Search for drop-in program information including fitness and weight room hours, public swim sessions and fitness programs on Leisure Online at saskatoon.ca/leisureonline
Cosmo Civic Centre
Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre
Lakewood Civic Centre
Lawson Civic Centre
Saskatoon Field House
Shaw Centre
Terry Fox Track
SASKATOON FORESTRY FARM PARK & ZOO
December 25: Closed
Regular Hours of Operation December 26 & January 1:
REMAI MODERN
Closed on Christmas Day, December 25. Open on Boxing Day, December 26 and New Year’s Day (January 1) from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
NOTIFYNOW
Residents are encouraged to sign-up to notifynow for timely and targeted public safety messages, including COVID-19. 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.