News Releases

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

ONGOING

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.

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.

Looking for City of Saskatoon rates and fees effective January 1, 2024?

Check this master list - it details 2024 rates and fees for civic services, utilities, parking, Saskatoon Transit, business development, parks, recreation & attractions, and more.

Visit saskatoon.ca for more information on City of Saskatoon services and programs.

Saskatoon City Council has approved in principle the Connecting Avenue C: Walking and Cycling Improvements project report, which details plans for the All Ages and Abilities (AAA) cycling route. 

“The initiative aligns with Saskatoon’s Growth Plan and Active Transportation Plan, focused on cultivating a vibrant, sustainable and accessible community for present and future generations,” says Jay Magus, Director of Transportation. 

Avenue C, a north-south route, from Spadina Crescent West to 45th Street West, is slated for a transformative transportation upgrade in three phases, which are aimed at fostering accessibility, comfort, convenience and safety for pedestrians and cyclists. 

Improvements will be completed in three phases, with the highest priority segments being completed first. It’s recommended for Spadina Crescent to Jamieson Street to be completed in Phase One, Jamieson Street to 38th Street in Phase Two and 38th Street to 45th Street for Phase Three. 

Vehicle travel lanes for the entire proposed stretch are planned to be maintained with varied options for separate Active Transportation pathways. *See Attachments

This project responds to the City’s pledge outlined in the Active Transportation Plan, emphasizing economic, health, environmental, societal and safety benefits that robust active transportation infrastructure brings. 

The Connecting Avenue C: Walking and Cycling Improvements project encompasses sidewalks, protected bike lanes, neighbourhood bikeways and shared-use pathways, including safety measures such as curb extensions, raised crosswalks and accessibility ramp installations. 

Extensive community involvement occurred across three phases integrated into the design process, reflecting the city's commitment to engaging residents in shaping their environment. 

Pending detailed design refinements and funding considerations in upcoming City Council discussions, this project signifies Saskatoon's dedication to creating a more connected and accessible city for its residents. 

For more information on the City of Saskatoon’s Active Transportation Plan, visit saskatoon.ca/ActiveTransportation. 

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.     

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.

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.

• 6:15 p.m.   
• 6:55 p.m.   

Friday, December 22, at 7 p.m.   

• 5:45 p.m.   
• 6:25 p.m.   

Saturday, December 23, at 11 a.m.

• 9:45 a.m.   
• 10:25 a.m.   

Saturday, December 23, at 3 p.m.

• 1:45 p.m.   
• 2:25 p.m.   

Saturday, December 23, at 7 p.m.

• 5:45 p.m.   
• 6:25 p.m.   

Sunday, December 24, at 1 p.m.

• 11:45 a.m.   
• 12:25 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.   

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

• 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.

Compost Depots

• The Compost Depot Commercial Hauler Season Permit fee remains $150 for 2024.

Curbside Garbage

• 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.

Waste-Related Handling Services

• 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.

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

• Tax Certificates (EPTSC): $35 per certificate
• Tax Searches:  $15 per search

Parking Services

• 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.

Special Permits

Special permit information is available at saskatoon.ca/trafficpermits.
Rates are effective January 1, 2024

• Sidewalk Crossing permit application fee: $575.00
• Truck permit application fee:
  • $125.00 for blanket annual
  • $52.50 for daily

Saskatoon Transit and Access Transit

• In 2024, all transit fares remain the same.
• Visit Saskatoon Transit for information on fares.

Business & Development

• Business License fees for call categories will increase by 10% effective January 1, 2024. Visit Business Licenses for rates.

Building and Plumbing Permits

• 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.

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.

*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.

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 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.