News Releases

The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo) has been fostering five zebras following their seizure by conservation officers as part of an investigation under The Captive Wildlife Regulations. The Government of Saskatchewan has informed the City of Saskatoon that the legal proceedings have concluded and the Province has transferred ownership of the zebras to the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo effective March 31, 2024.

“Our team has done such an incredible job working with the zebras since they came into our care,” says Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager. “We are excited for the community to come out and learn more about these magnificent animals.”

With warmer temperatures on the horizon, the zebras will begin spending more time exploring their outdoor habitat. Zebras are native to Africa and do not grow thick winter coats like horses or other animals native to colder climates. The herd can typically handle weather down to about negative five degrees Celsius and will typically choose to spend more time in their indoor habitat when temperatures drop.

The Zoo is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visit saskatoon.ca/zoo to plan your next visit or learn more about the Zoo Season Pass.

Clarence Avenue will be closed between Isabella and Hilliard streets starting on Wednesday, April 3, at 8:00 a.m. for an emergency water connection replacement. 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.

The City of Saskatoon has come together with many partners to host a community Round Dance and Feast for the very first time this evening at the Cosmo Civic Centre.

A Round Dance is a traditional event in First Nations culture that celebrates community unity through the coming together of the community and its people. The theme for this historic event is miyo-pimatisiwin (MEE-oh pim-MAT-tiss-win), which means the “the good life for all” in the Plains Cree language.

“This Round Dance has come together thanks to a great collaboration of the Indigenous Technical Advisory Group, Elders, city staff, sponsors and partners. I am very grateful for everyone who has helped out,” says Mayor Charlie Clark. “An important part of the journey of Reconciliation is celebration and gathering together - movement and laughter are good medicine. We are living in difficult times, here in Saskatoon and around the world. This is an opportunity to express gratitude for the good in our lives and in our community and to acknowledge the continued work towards a good life for every resident of our city.”

Hosting a Round Dance is meaningful for the City, as it responds to TRC Calls to Action, continues to build relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples and shows the City’s dedication to Reconciliation is not just words on paper.

The City is grateful to have the guidance, support and the ability to learn from ceremonialists, cultural advisors and knowledge keepers for events such as these. There are diverse Indigenous culture and language groups here in Saskatoon with different teachings, perspectives and worldviews.

“In terms of Reconciliation and the Calls to Action, this event is moving the needle forward in a very tangible way,” says Indigenous Initiatives Director, Melissa Cote. “We are so excited to be co-hosting this historical event with Indigenous Technical Advisory Group and support from the City of Saskatoon United Staff for Networking and Strategy – or ‘COUSINS’ Group as we call them.”

A Community Feast took place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Round Dance began at 6 p.m. and will end at midnight.

The City acknowledges Nutrien for providing a financial contribution and others for in-kind contributions. The City would also like to recognize the support of numerous community organizations, volunteers, City staff and individuals that travelled from their home communities outside of Saskatoon to take part in this important event.

For more information, visit saskatooon.ca/rounddance.

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

NEW

LORNE AVE ROAD CLOSED FROM TAYLOR ST E TO 4TH ST E
(Tree pruning)
Start: April 2, 9:00 a.m. End: April 2, 3:00 p.m.

33RD ST W EB LANES CLOSED FROM AVE Y N TO AVE W N
(Sanitary sewer main repairs)
2-way traffic in WB lanes
Start: April 2, 9:00 a.m. End: April 2, 4:00 p.m.

2ND AVE S NB LANES CLOSED FROM 19TH ST E TO 20TH ST E
(Sign removal)
Work site will be closed between 09:00 and 15:00 daily
Start: April 2, 9:00 a.m. End: April 3, 3:00 p.m.

ONGOING

2ND AVE N NB MEDIAN & LEFT TURN LANE CLOSED FROM 26TH ST E TO QUEEN ST
(Sewer lining)
Start: April 1, 7:00 p.m. End: April 2, 6:00 a.m.

2ND AVE N SB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM QUEEN ST TO 26TH ST E
(Construction)
Start: April 1, 7:00 a.m. End: April 2, 5:00 p.m.

FAITHFULL AVE ROAD CLOSED FROM 60TH ST E TO 64TH ST E
(Water line)
Start: April 1, 8:00 a.m. End: April 4, 4:30 p.m.

BRIGHTON BLVD ROAD CLOSED FROM TASKAMANWA ST TO 8TH ST E
(Construction)
Use McOrmond Dr
Start: November 20, 2023, 7:00 a.m. End: November 18, 2024, 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.

Starting April 1, crews will be completing ongoing cycles of mowing and litter cleanup along City expressways. Please slow down when driving by work zones for the safety of crews working adjacent to the expressway.  

Drivers are also reminded to cover and secure their cargo when driving on the expressway. Unsecured cargo is the main source of expressway litter and drivers can be subject to ticketing, as per Waste Bylaw 8310.   

Securing cargo is not only important for protecting your vehicle and the items that you are carrying, but it is also a critical step in helping to prevent dangerous accidents. You are encouraged to use ratchet straps, bungee cords and/or tarps depending on what you are carrying. This will help to secure your cargo, minimize litter, and help keep everyone safe on the road.  

The Circle Drive/Expressway Mowing Program consists of maintenance and upkeep of higher speed roadways around Saskatoon. This program focuses primarily on maintenance items such as: litter removal, mowing, and trimming running April 1 until October 31. The roadways included within this program are main artery highways going to and from Saskatoon, Expressways (or freeway) roads and Circle Drive (highway).  

The City thanks drivers for their cooperation.