News Releases
Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
Cumberland Avenue closed from Cascade to Bute streets starting Thursday
December 21, 2023 - 8:00am
Cumberland Avenue will be closed from Cascade to Bute streets for service connection repairs starting on Thursday, December 21, at 8:00 a.m. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone. This project is expected to take two days 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.
City Council directs review to remove minimum off-street parking requirements
December 21, 2023 - 7:00am
At the Regular Business meeting on December 20, 2023, City Council voted to direct Administration to review and make recommendations for the removal of minimum parking requirements from the Zoning Bylaw. This will allow developers, homeowners and businesses to decide how much onsite parking to provide on their properties, rather than it being mandated by the City.
“Removal of minimum parking requirements provides flexibility for property owners to make decisions on how to most efficiently use their own land,” says Lesley Anderson, Director of Planning and Development. “While accessible parking and bicycle parking will still be required, removing mandatory minimums as many other cities have done across North America has been shown to reduce permit wait times, improve affordable housing opportunities as space is opened up for more homes, and also supports the City’s goals for sustainability and environmental leadership by reducing regulations that incentivize automobile use and supporting more sustainable transportation options.”
To support the City’s Housing Accelerator Fund Application to the Federal Government, at its Regular Meeting, November 22, 2023, Council approved a motion for City Administration to bring forward a proposed Zoning Bylaw amendment to remove parking requirements from areas defined within the Corridor Areas and report back to a Public Hearing in the first quarter of 2024. Today’s decision directs Administration to develop recommendations for areas across the City and to bring those forward to Committee and Council as required.
“Only off-street parking will be affected by the removal of minimum parking requirements. On-street parking and the Residential Parking Program (RPP) are outside of the scope of this review,” says Anderson. “Impacts for on-street parking will be monitored and will be managed separately.”
Engagement on the removal of parking will be completed in 2024. More information can be found at the project’s Engage page, including more background on parking requirements and an in-depth frequently-asked-questions document on parking.
Bus service to Cirque du Soleil Corteo
December 21, 2023 - 6:00am
- 6:15 p.m.
- 6:55 p.m.
- 5:45 p.m.
- 6:25 p.m.
- 9:45 a.m.
- 10:25 a.m.
- 1:45 p.m.
- 2:25 p.m.
- 5:45 p.m.
- 6:25 p.m.
- 11:45 a.m.
- 12:25 p.m.
Direct bus service from the Special Events Stop (outside the 2nd Avenue Lofts at 23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to experience Cirque du Soleil Corteo at SaskTel Centre is available at the following times this week:
Thursday, December 21, at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, December 22, at 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 23, at 11 a.m.
Saturday, December 23, at 3 p.m.
Saturday, December 23, at 7 p.m.
Sunday, December 24, at 1 p.m.
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.
City of Saskatoon 2024 Rates and Fees effective January 1, 2024
December 20, 2023 - 4:35pm
- In 2024, there are no increases to Landfill entry fees, tipping fees, specific disposal fees, or the discount for small loads.
- Visit saskatoon.ca/mrc for current rates and fees.
- The Compost Depot Commercial Hauler Season Permit fee remains $150 for 2024.
- In January 2024, the cost of curbside residential garbage services (black cart) will be removed from property taxes and transition to a monthly utility rate.
- A fixed utility rate of approximately $9.92 per month will be in place from January to June 2024 for all households with rollout black cart garbage services.
- The new utility fees, based on cart size you choose, will not start until mid-year following cart swaps. To see the rates and cart sizes, visit saskatoon.ca/blackcart.
- Curbside Residential Recycling Program (blue Cart) fees per household will remain at $7.47 per month in 2024.
- Multi-Unit Residential Recycling Program fees per household will increase to $4.10 per month in 2024.
- Curbside Residential Organics Program (green cart) fees per household will increase to to a monthly average of $7.29 per month in 2024.
- Tax Certificates (EPTSC): $35 per certificate
- Tax Searches: $15 per search
- There are various rate and fee changes effective January 1, 2024, for Parking Services.
- Hourly pay parking rate will increase from $2.00 to $2.50.
- Fine amounts for parking tickets will increase from $30 to $35 and from $50 to $60 for tickets unpaid 14 days after issue date.
- ParkedIn App will now be charging an additional $0.15 convenience fee on each transaction. Visit Public Pay Parking for rate information.
- There are various fee changes for the Impound Lot. Visit Vehicle Seizures for rate information.
- Sidewalk Crossing permit application fee: $575.00
- Truck permit application fee:
- $125.00 for blanket annual
- $52.50 for daily
- In 2024, all transit fares remain the same.
- Visit Saskatoon Transit for information on fares.
- Business License fees for call categories will increase by 10% effective January 1, 2024. Visit Business Licenses for rates.
- There are various rate and fee changes effective January 1, 2024 for both building and plumbing permits.
- For a full list of 2024 Building Permit Fees visit saskatoon.ca/permitfees.
- For a full list of 2024 Plumbing Permit Fees visit saskatoon.ca/plumbingpermit.
The following rates and fees for City of Saskatoon services take effect on January 1, 2024.
SERVICES FOR RESIDENTS
Animal Services – Pet Licenses
There are various rate and fee changes effective January 1, 2024, for Animal Services. Visit saskatoon.ca/petlicensing for current rates.
Material Recovery Centre & Landfill
Compost Depots
Curbside Garbage
Waste-Related Handling Services
2024 Saskatoon Light & Power Electrical Rates
Effective January 1, 2024, Saskatoon Light & Power (SL&P) customers will see an increase in the Carbon Charge rate on their utility bills. For residential customers, the increase will vary depending on their electrical consumption but will amount to 0.3% on average. This is a result of the Carbon Tax on emissions from electricity generation, which was established in 2019 and has increased annually. The Carbon Charge rate is applied on a kilowatt-hour (kWh) basis.
The City has historically set its rates to match those established by SaskPower. This is to ensure there are no inequities between utility customers regardless of where their property is located, within the SL&P franchise area or SaskPower’s.
Water and Wastewater
In 2024, water and wastewater rates will increase by an average rate of 4.6%.
Late Payment Penalties on Property Taxes effective January 1, 2024
Current Property Tax: For property tax levied in the current year that remains outstanding beyond the June 30 payment deadline, the penalty is increasing from 1.25% to 1.75% per month.
Property Tax in Arrears: For Property Tax Arrears, where a property tax balance remains outstanding beyond December 31 of the year the property tax was levied in, the penalty is increasing from 1.5% to 2.25% per month.
Visit saskatoon.ca/propertytax for more information, or call 306-975-2400.
Corporate Revenue Service Requests – Online or requested by phone 306-975-2400
Parking Services
Special Permits
Special permit information is available at saskatoon.ca/trafficpermits.
Rates are effective January 1, 2024
Saskatoon Transit and Access Transit
Business & Development
Building and Plumbing Permits
PARKS, RECREATION & ATTRACTIONS
Leisure Centres
There are various rate changes for Leisure Centres effective January 1, 2024. Visit saskatoon.ca/admissions for 2024 rates.
Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo
There are various rate and fee changes effective January 1, 2024, for the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo. Visit saskatoon.ca/zoo for 2024 admission rates and Saskatoon.ca/zoorentals for rental rates.
Indoor Registered Swim Lessons
Rates are effective April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2026
30 Minutes: $90.75
45 Minutes: $119.00
60 Minutes: $136.25
Outdoor Registered Swim Lessons
Rates are effective April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025
30 Minutes: $77.25
45 Minutes: $101.25
60 Minutes: $115.75
Gordon Howe Campground
There are various rate and fee changes for golf courses effective January 1, 2024. Visit saskatoon.ca/camp for 2024 rates.
Golf Courses
There are various rate and fee changes for golf courses effective April 1, 2024. Visit saskatoon.ca/golf for 2024 rates.
Special Events Applications Fees
Fees are effective January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024. All rates listed exclude GST.
Level 1: $35.00
Level 2: $70.00
Level 3: $140.00
Visit saskatoon.ca/specialevents for more information.
Sport Fields
Rates are effective January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024. The following rates are per game (2 hours). All rates listed exclude GST.
Class 1 (with lights): $142.00
Class 1 (without lights): $70.00
Class 2: $68.00
Class 3: $60.00
Visit saskatoon.ca/sportfields for more information.
Nutrien Playland at Kinsmen Park
General Admission (single ticket) - $3.00
Play Pack (12 tickets) $30.00
Visit saskatoon.ca/nutrienplayland for more information.
Outdoor Pools
There are various rate changes for outdoor pools.
Visit saskatoon.ca/outdoorpools for 2024 rates.
Indoor Arenas
Rates and fees effective October 1,2024 to September 30, 2025
Arena Rates and Fees
Prime-Time Ice: $305 /hr
Non-Prime Ice: $200/ hr
Summer Ice: $200/hr
Dry Arena Rental: $80/hr
Dry Arena Daily: $720 /hr
Public Skating
Adults: $6.50
Youth: $4.50
Family: 13.00
Woodlawn Cemetery
Visit saskatoon.ca/woodlawn for 2024 rates.
Visit saskatoon.ca to learn more about the civic services and programs Saskatoon residents value and rely on.
Daily Road Report - December 21, 2023
December 20, 2023 - 3:00pm
*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.
NEW
LORNE AVE INTERSECTION CLOSED AT 3RD ST E
(Manhole repair)
Start: December 21, 8:00 a.m. End: December 21, 4:00 p.m.
DIEFENBAKER DR EB DRIVING LANES AND WB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED AT DOUGLAS CRES
(Emergency connection replacement)
EB traffic will be maintained in the parking lane
Start: December 21, 8:00 a.m. End: December 22, 5:00 p.m.
CUMBERLAND AVE S ROAD CLOSED FROM CASCADE ST TO BUTE ST
(Service connection replacement)
Start: December 21, 8:00 a.m. End: December 22, 5:00 p.m.
ONGOING
NEAULT RD ROAD CLOSED FROM 22ND ST W TO WHELAN RD
(Construction)
Start: July 24, 7:00 a.m. End: December 21, 4:00 p.m.
BRIGHTON BLVD ROAD CLOSED FROM TASKAMANWA ST TO 8TH ST E
(Construction)
Use McOrmond Dr to 8th St
Start: November 20, 7:00 a.m. End: November 18, 2024
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.
Recreational pond use – ice thickness testing in progress
December 20, 2023 - 11:00am
The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) is currently testing and monitoring ice thickness at storm water retention ponds around the city to verify their safety and integrity for recreational use.
The ice must reach a minimum thickness of at least eight inches to be considered safe for public recreational activities such as skating, broomball and hockey. Signage posted at each pond will indicate whether the pond is safe for recreational use. When the ice thickness reaches a minimum of eight inches and is considered safe, SFD will replace the “No Skating” symbol on site signs with a “Skating Permitted” image. While ice testing is underway, community members are asked to remain off storm pond ice surfaces until signage indicates the pond is safe to use.
As the weather continues to sporadically warm and cool, SFD would like to caution the public of changing ice conditions. Residents are reminded to check the posted signage each time they consider using the pond. Community members are advised to always exercise an elevated level of caution when around any large body of water. Keep a close watch on children and pets when visiting trails, parks, or off-leash areas that may run adjacent to a storm water retention pond. 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 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.
Neault Road reopens December 21
December 20, 2023 - 7:00am
Neault Road will reopen between 22nd and 33rd streets for the afternoon commute on Thursday, December 21. New street lighting has been installed, with new signage and pavement markings in place. Single lanes of traffic will be open in each direction with reduced speed limits throughout the winter as this remains an active construction zone.
The final phase of the Neault Road project is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2024. Drivers can expect road restrictions when the final phase of the project starts. Full road closures are not expected for this last phase of the project.
For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.
Lorne Avenue intersection closed at 3rd Street on Thursday
December 20, 2023 - 6:00am
Lorne Avenue will be closed at the 3rd Street intersection for a manhole repair on Thursday, December 21, 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.
Adjusted civic services & holiday hours of operation, including Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day
December 19, 2023 - 3:50pm
The City of Saskatoon will have several adjusted civic services and hours over the holidays, including Christmas Eve, December 24, Christmas Day, December 25, Boxing Day, December 26, and New Year’s Day, January 1.
Check detailed information on holiday parking requirements, what's open or closed, hours of operation at all Leisure Facilities, the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo, Saskatoon Public Library and Remai Modern, Saskatoon Transit holiday service, information on waste collection over the holidays and much more here.
The City of Saskatoon wishes all residents a happy and safe holiday season, and a prosperous new year.
Visit saskatoon.ca for more information on civic services and programs.
Adjusted civic services & holiday hours of operation: Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day
December 19, 2023 - 3:39pm
- Fixed route transit will run holiday service on December 25, 26 and January 1. – 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (normal fares apply).
- Please consult the mobile app transit to plan your trip.
- Visit SaskatoonTransit.ca for details.
- Route 1225 - Jingle Bell Express will provide free service on Boxing Day, Tuesday, December 26 – 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- In partnership with SGI, Saskatoon Transit is offering free service on ALL routes on New Year’s Eve, Sunday, December 31 – 7 p.m. to 3 a.m.
- OnDemand service will not be available on December 25, 26 and January 1.
- Access Transit will operate holiday service on December 25, 26 and January 1. – 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.).
- In partnership with SGI, Access Transit is offering free service on New Year’s Eve, Sunday, December 31 – 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.
- Customers are reminded that subscriptions do not apply on Statutory Holidays.
- Transit Customer Service Centre will be closed for walk-in customers on December 25, 26 and January 1, 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.
- The Material Recovery Centre and Landfill are closed on Monday, December 25 and Monday, January. They are open all other days from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Cash transactions are accepted, although Credit and Debit are recommended.
- More information at saskatoon.ca/mrc
- The Cemetery Administration Office is closed on Monday, December 25; Tuesday, December 26; and Monday, January 1, 2024.
- Cemetery grounds are open to the public 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily as per usual.
- Zoo – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Forestry Farm Park - 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- December 24: All rinks close at 4 p.m.
- December 25 & 26: All rinks will be closed.
- December 31: All rinks close at 4 p.m.
The City of Saskatoon will have several adjusted civic services and hours throughout the holidays, including Christmas Eve, December 24, Christmas Day, December 25, Boxing Day, December 26, and New Year’s Day, January 1 as follows:
CITY HALL
All Administrative Offices are closed on Christmas Day, December 25 and on Boxing Day, December 26. City Hall will reopen Wednesday, December 27 at 8 a.m. City Hall will also be closed on New Year’s Day, January 1, and will reopen January 2 at 8 a.m.
ROADWAY DETOURS & CLOSURES
See here for detailed long weekend road restrictions for priority one roadways.
REMAI MODERN
Remai Modern will be closed on December 25 and December 26. Remai Modern will be open on December 31 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., and closed on New Year’s Day, January 1.
SASKATOON PUBLIC LIBRARY
All Saskatoon Public Library locations will be closed on December 25 and January 1. All locations will close at 5 pm on December 24 and December 31. All Library locations will be open on Boxing Day, December 26.
SASKATOON TRANSIT
PAY PARKING
Parking payment is not required on Christmas Day, Monday, December 25 and on New Year’s Day, Monday, January 1. Parking payment is required on Boxing Day, December 26. Motorists are reminded that all parking requirements remain in effect, including parking time limits.
MUNICIPAL IMPOUND LOT
The Impound Lot will be closed to the public on Monday, December 25 and Monday, January 1. Vehicles will be released to the public as usual on Tuesday, December 26. Information on Vehicle Seizures
WASTE COLLECTIONS
NEW COLLECTION SCHEDULE effective January 2024!
Please check your collection schedule at saskatoon.ca/collectioncalendar or download the Saskatoon Waste Wizard app.
Garbage, Recycling, and Organics have collections as scheduled. However, please note, for all residents with collections on Monday, December 25 and on Monday, January 1, collections have been rescheduled for the following Saturday, December 30 and Saturday, January 6 respectively.
MATERIAL RECOVERY CENTRE & LANDFILL
COMPOST DEPOTS
The compost depots are now closed for the season.
WOODLAWN CEMETERY
SASKATOON FORESTRY FARM PARK & ZOO
December 25: Closed
Regular Hours of Operation December 26 and January 1.
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.
Christmas Eve (Dec 24)
Saskatoon Field House – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Shaw Centre – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Lawson Civic Centre – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Lakewood Civic Centre – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cosmo Civic Centre – 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Terry Fox Track - Closed
Christmas Day (Dec 25)
All sites are closed
Boxing Day (Dec 26)
Saskatoon Field House – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Shaw Centre – 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Lawson Civic Centre – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Lakewood Civic Centre – 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cosmo Civic Centre - Closed
Terry Fox Track - Closed
New Year’s Eve (Dec 31)
Saskatoon Field House – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Shaw Centre – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Lawson Civic Centre – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Lakewood Civic Centre – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cosmo Civic Centre – 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Terry Fox Track - Closed
New Year’s Day (Jan 1)
Saskatoon Field House – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Shaw Centre – 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Lawson Civic Centre – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Lakewood Civic Centre – 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cosmo Civic Centre - Closed
Terry Fox Track - Closed
INDOOR RINKS
Search the public and parent and tot schedules on Leisure Online at saskatoon.ca/leisureonline.
NOTIFYNOW
Residents are encouraged to sign-up to notifynow for timely and targeted public safety messages. 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.