News Releases
Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
Saskatoon’s Next-of-Kin Memorial Avenue Centennial Project receives Heritage Saskatchewan Award
November 14, 2023 - 2:30pm
The City of Saskatoon, in partnership with the Decoration Day Service Committee, Saskatoon Heritage Society, Friends of the Forestry Farm House and Parks Canada, is extremely proud to be the recipient of a 2023 Saskatchewan Heritage Award in the category of Physical Heritage Conservation for the Next-of-Kin Memorial Avenue, Woodlawn Cemetery Centennial Project.
“Our organizations came together to form the Next-of-Kin Memorial Avenue Centennial Committee and commemorate the 100th anniversary of the original dedication of the Next-of-Kin Memorial Avenue in Woodlawn Cemetery on June 18, 2023,” says Darren Crilly, Director of Parks. “A lot of great work by all of the respective partners was put into celebrating the occasion.”
Hundreds of people including military veterans, politicians, family members, heritage community members and more gathered to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Next-of-Kin Memorial Avenue at Saskatoon’s Woodlawn Cemetery. Notably, this commemorative event saw the presence of nine veterans from World War II and the Korean War, five of whom are centenarians. The oldest among them aged 106 and was alive in 1923 when the Next-of-Kin Memorial Avenue was established. During the ceremony, The Honourable Russell Mirasty, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, unveiled a commemorative plaque dedicated to the 100th anniversary, ensuring a lasting memory of the sacrifices made by the Canadian Armed Forces members from Saskatchewan.
Next-of-Kin Memorial Avenue was opened on June 17, 1923, before a crowd of 8,000 people. This beautiful avenue is a National Historic Site and serves as a living memorial to those who lost their lives in the Great War of 1914-1918. For each tree and marker, there is a story of a Canadian veteran. It runs from 33rd Street, through the Woodlawn Cemetery gates and on to the Soldiers Cairn.
"Next -of Kin Memorial Avenue is the only surviving Road of Remembrance in Canada,” says Peggy Sarjeant, Past-President of the Saskatoon Heritage Society. “There were others across the country but they have succumbed primarily to municipal re-development. On this, its 100th Anniversary, the Avenue continues to stand as a living memorial, symbolizing the victory of life over death, its over-arching trees serving as a reminder of those poplar-lined roads of northern France. As we continue to care for this unique memorial, we remember the fallen who are memorialized on the trees lining the Avenue. We will not forget them.”
About the Saskatchewan Heritage Awards
The Heritage Awards event is a time to celebrate the remarkable work undertaken throughout the province. The projects being recognized represent a small sample of the rich diversity of heritage, both tangible and intangible, found right here in Saskatchewan. They are a testament to the value that individuals and communities place upon documenting, promoting, teaching, and safeguarding heritage for future generations.
Visit for more information about Next-of-Kin Memorial Avenue.
City recognizes Louis Riel Day, November 16
November 14, 2023 - 1:53pm
In honour of Louis Riel Day (November 16), several events are taking place in Saskatoon:
Friendship Park Gathering
An annual gathering is held on November 16 in Friendship Park beside the Gabriel Dumont Statue (in the area of 325 Spadina Cres E in Friendship Park). This year's brief gathering begins at 10 a.m. and all are welcome.
Mini Moccasin Workshop
The Gabriel Dumont Workshop is holding this workshop at GDI (917 22nd St W) from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on November 16. Reserve your spot by calling 306-657-5715.
Louis Riel & Métis Veterans Honouring
There will be a cultural event honouring Louis Riel and Métis veterans on November 15 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Remai Modern SaskTel Theatre (2nd floor). All are welcome and there is no charge for admission.
Louis Riel Day is an opportunity to reflect on our shared history and understand the important role the Métis community has played - and continues to play - in both our city and our country.
Riel led two popular Métis governments, was a central figure in Manitoba’s entry into Confederation, and led the 1885 resistance to Canadian encroachment on Métis lands, leading to his execution on Nov. 16, 1885. Riel is widely considered the most famous Métis leader and an important figurehead for Métis people in Western Canada.
Clarence Avenue closed from Hilliard to Adelaide streets on Wednesday
November 14, 2023 - 7:00am
Clarence Avenue will be closed from Hilliard to Adelaide streets for water and sewer work on Wednesday, November 15, starting at 8:00 a.m. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone. This project is expected to take one day to complete, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.
Saskatoon Transit may be affected by these detours. Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit on desktop.
For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.
Broadway Avenue closed from Maple to Isabella streets on Wednesday
November 14, 2023 - 6:00am
Broadway Avenue will be closed from Maple to Isabella streets for a water main valve replacement on Wednesday, November 15, starting at 8:00 a.m. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone. This project is expected to take one day to complete, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.
Saskatoon Transit may be affected by these detours. Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit on desktop.
For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.
Bus service to Kiss
November 13, 2023 - 6:00am
- 6:10 p.m.
- 6:30 p.m.
- 6:50 p.m.
- 7:10 p.m.
- 7:30 p.m.
Direct bus service from the Special Events Stop to see Kiss at SaskTel Centre on Monday, November 13, at 7:30 p.m., is available at the following times:
Post-event drop-off is the downtown terminal and regular fares apply ($3.00 per trip). Fare can be purchased on your mobile phone using either the TGo or transit app, transfers and passes are also accepted.
Plan your trip to events at SaskTel Centre on Route 333 using the Transit app up to two weeks in advance. Check out the Transit+ feature to help make connections that combine Transit with OnDemand Transit, riide, and Uber. Download the Transit app from the Apple Store or Google Play.
Transit service times for special events at SaskTel Centre and other popular destinations can always be found at SaskatoonTransit.ca/plan-my-trip/popular-destinations. Experience the convenience of using Saskatoon Transit to attend all your favourite events.
Saskatoon Transit operating on Remembrance Day with holiday service hours
November 10, 2023 - 3:39pm
- Fixed route transit will run holiday service on Saturday, November 11 – 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (normal fares apply).
- OnDemand service will not be available on Saturday, November 11.
- Access Transit will operate holiday service on Monday, November 13 – 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Trips must be booked in advance as per normal procedures (8:15 a.m. to 10:45 p.m.).
- Customers are reminded that subscriptions do not apply on Statutory Holidays.
- Transit Customer Service Centre will be closed for walk-in customers on Saturday, November 11, but phone lines (306-975-3100) will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Saskatoon Transit is aware of an issue with the Transit app and other trip planner applications currently displaying inaccurate information regarding service hours on Saturday, November 11. Specifically, that there will be “no service” when planning a trip on Remembrance Day.
Saskatoon Transit is working to correct the information being displayed. Riders can use November 12 to plan trips and view schedules and routes reflecting holiday service hours on November 11.
Hours of Operation on November 11 and November 13:
On November 11, Courtesy of RBC Royal Bank, Saskatoon Transit will provide complimentary bus transportation for everyone to and from the Remembrance Day Ceremony at SaskTel Centre.
Veterans and current Canadian Armed Forces members will be recognized with free transit service on all routes on November 11. Free bus service is offered to armed forces veterans and current serving personnel, including cadets, reservists, and one companion. Canadian Armed Forces transit users can identify themselves by wearing a military uniform or presenting military ID when they board.
For more information, visit SaskatoonTransit.ca
Daily Road Report - November 14, 2023
November 10, 2023 - 3:00pm
*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.
NEW
33RD ST W EB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE P N TO FAULKNER CRES
(Tree trimming)
Start: November 14, 9:00 a.m. End: November 14, 1:00 p.m.
IDYLWYLD DR N NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM WILLINGDON PL TO 31ST ST W
(Pole replacement)
Start: November 14, 9:00 a.m. End: November 14, 3:00 p.m.
ONGOING
22ND ST E EB CURB & CENTER LANE CLOSED FROM AUDITORIUM AVE TO 1ST AVE S
(Vault repairs)
Start: September 11, 7:00 a.m. End: November 30, 4:00 p.m.
NEAULT RD ROAD CLOSED FROM 22ND ST W TO WHELAN RD
(Construction)
Start: July 24, 7:00 a.m. End: December 15, 4:00 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.
Daily Road Report - November 10, 2023
November 9, 2023 - 3:00pm
*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.
NEW
WANUSKEWIN RD WB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED AT ARTHUR ROSE AVE
(Traffic signal box replacement)
Start: November 10, 9:00 a.m. End: November 10, 1:00 p.m.
IDYLWYLD DR N SB LEFT TURN LANE CLOSED FROM IDYLWYLD DR N TO 24TH ST E
(Junction box replacement)
Start: November 10, 12:00 p.m. End: November 10, 3:00 p.m.
ONGOING
CIRCLE DR W SB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED AT 33RD ST W
(Damaged Median Barriers)
Restriction will be lifted upon repair completion.
Start: November 8, 7:00 a.m. End: November 10, 4:00 p.m.
DUNDONALD AVE ROAD CLOSED FROM CAEN ST TO MOUNTBATTEN ST
(Construction)
Start: November 8, 7:00 a.m. End: November 10, 5:00 p.m.
22ND ST E EB CURB & CENTER LANE CLOSED FROM AUDITORIUM AVE TO 1ST AVE S
(Vault repairs)
Start: September 11, 7:00 a.m. End: November 30, 4:00 p.m.
NEAULT RD ROAD CLOSED FROM 22ND ST W TO WHELAN RD
(Construction)
Start: July 24, 7:00 a.m. End: December 15, 4:00 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.
City releases Preliminary 2024/2025 Detailed Operating and Capital Summary Budget
November 9, 2023 - 2:11pm
- The Preliminary 2024/2025 Detailed Operating and Capital Summary Budget
- The Preliminary 2024/2025 Detailed Capital Budget
- The 2024/2025 Preliminary Budget Introduction and Climate Budget
- The largest ever investment in the City’s Roadway Maintenance and Rehabilitation Programs, $72 million in 2024 and $78 million in 2025 (includes the Road Maintenance, Bridges and Transportation Service Lines);
- Investment in two new Firehalls to address emergency response for the City’s expanding neighbourhoods;
- The largest ever investment in the City’s Facility Maintenance Program to preserve and protect our assets, $10.8 million in 2024 and $11.8 million in 2025;
- Opening of the City’s Material Recovery Centre, a major achievement for the City as we work toward our 70% waste diversion goal;
- Investment into the City’s Snow and Ice Management Program to repay the 2022 Emergency Snow Response and to build funding to respond to future emergency/large-scale snow events; and
- Increased funding for several services including Fire, Parks, Street Lighting, Sidewalks, Transit and Street Sweeping, will help address public safety, protection, and servicing needs within Saskatoon, one of the fastest growing and diverse cities in Canada.
As part of the City’s Multi -Year Business Plan and Budget Process, the City produces three key documents to inform City Council and the public prior to its November Budget Deliberations. For the 2024/2025 two-year budget cycle, the documents include:
“In our prior multi-year budgets, we had released our three budget documents at the same time. This year, to allow for as much time as possible for City Council, stakeholders and residents to review the preliminary budget documents before budget deliberations, the 2024/2025 Preliminary Budget documents will now be released as they each become finalized by Administration,” says Clae Hack, Chief Financial Officer.
As such, the City has today released the Preliminary 2024/2025 Detailed Operating and Capital Summary Budget.
“Today’s budget release provides the background context and full details on the proposed funding requirements for the City’s 87 different Service Lines. It also reflects the approximately $35 million in budgetary decisions made by City Council over the course of dedicated Special Budget Meetings held over the summer,” adds Hack.
“City Council and Administration have continued to work together to address the unprecedented inflationary pressures faced not only by the City of Saskatoon, but many other municipalities across Canada. We are committed to investing the City’s budget wisely for today, and for the future, and delivering our services and programs with the most value for taxpayer dollars in our community for all residents who call Saskatoon home.”
Dedicating the key investments required to support the delivery of core services and maintain infrastructure are funding priorities within the Preliminary 2024/2025 Operating and Capital Budget. Some highlights include:
To date, City Council and Administration have made meaningful progress working toward finding the proper balance between delivering core service levels residents and businesses expect for taxpayer dollars, maintaining affordability and ensuring long-term financial sustainability.
Reflecting all the reductions already directed by City Council throughout the Special Budget Meetings held over summer, the Administration’s preliminary business plan and budget currently contains a yet-to-be-approved ‘starting point’ 7.14% property tax increase in 2024, and 5.7% in 2025. Still to be considered by City Council is the final full review of the City’s 87 distinct Service Lines and 58 additional Administrative Options. There will undoubtedly be a number of further changes made to finalize the 2024/2025 Business Plan and Budget.
City Council will seek to find the right balance, making its final investment decisions at the 2024/2025 Budget Deliberations set for November 28-30, 2023. Members of the public who wish to participate in the 2024/2025 final budget review by either submitting a letter and/or requesting to speak to City Council must arrange to do so before the cut-off, Monday, November 27, 2023, at 5 p.m.
Visit saskatoon.ca/budget
Daily Road Report - November 9, 2023
November 8, 2023 - 3:00pm
*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.
NEW
BROADWAY AVE ROAD CLOSED FROM MAPLE ST E TO ISABELLA ST E
(Water main valve replacement)
Start: November 9, 8:00 a.m. End: November 9, 4:30 p.m.
20TH ST W EB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE E S TO AVE D S
(Flushing)
Start: November 9, 9:00 a.m. End: November 9, 2:00 p.m.
CIRCLE DR E NB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED AT 108TH ST W
(Guardrail repair)
Start: November 9, 9:00 a.m. End: November 9, 3:00 p.m.
CLARENCE AVE S NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED AT AIRD ST
(Connection repair)
Start: November 9, 12:00 p.m. End: November 9, 3:00 p.m.
ONGOING
CIRCLE DR W SB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED AT 33RD ST W
(Damaged Median Barriers)
Restriction will be lifted upon repair completion.
Start: November 8, 7:00 a.m. End: November 10, 4:00 p.m.
DUNDONALD AVE ROAD CLOSED FROM CAEN ST TO MOUNTBATTEN ST
(Construction)
Start: November 8, 7:00 a.m. End: November 10, 5:00 p.m.
22ND ST E EB CURB & CENTER LANE CLOSED FROM AUDITORIUM AVE TO 1ST AVE S
(Vault repairs)
Start: September 11, 7:00 a.m. End: November 30, 4:00 p.m.
NEAULT RD ROAD CLOSED FROM 22ND ST W TO WHELAN RD
(Construction)
Start: July 24, 7:00 a.m. End: December 15, 4:00 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.