News Releases

Saskatoon Transit is warning residents of a Multi-Use-Go-Pass fare scam on social media and through a fraudulent website.  

The fraudulent social media account and posts are promoting a scam offer for a $2.35 Multi-Use-Go-Pass–the actual cost of a Multi-Use Pass is $8.50. Additionally, a website attached to this account is falsely claiming to be a Saskatoon Transit online page promoting "500 free travel cards" through an online survey. This deceptive scheme aims to trick individuals into purchasing a fake pass and disclosing personal information under the appearance of a competition. 

How to identify a potential scam: 

• The scam offers seem too good to be true.  
• The website may not be an official webpage or social media account page.  
• Requests for personal or financial information are a red flag.    

Helpful reminders to help protect residents from potential scammers:   

• The City never requests or collects credit card, bank accounts or any sort of personal information from customers via phone, text, social media, or email.   
• Never give out your personal or banking information, or credit card number via phone, text, social media, email, or on a non-trusted website. It is a best practice to block suspicious phone numbers, email addresses or social media accounts and delete them after reporting.   
• Do not click on suspicious web links.   
• Always verify information from trusted sources:  
  • Official website:  
    • Saskatoon.ca 
    • Saskatoontransit.ca or Transit.saskatoon.ca  
  • Social media channels:  
    • @cityofsaskatoon 
    • @stoontransit 

Scammers typically use the information gathered to get money or commit identity theft.  

Residents should contact their bank if they have become a victim of fraud, and report these types of phone or online scams to Saskatoon Police Service at saskatoonpolice.ca/onlinereporting/fraud/ or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center, 1-888-495-8501. 

Concerned residents may also call the City of Saskatoon to speak with a Customer Service Representative at 306-975-2400.   

City Council today endorsed a motion to expand the site selection criteria for shelter spaces to be at least 250 metres from an elementary school (Public or Catholic).

This means the proposed location for the emergency shelter in former Fire Station #5 on Central Avenue will not proceed.

The City will continue to support the Government of Saskatchewan in its Provincial Approach to Homelessness through identifying sites for two new locations, each having approximately 30 shelter beds.

The process to date: how did we get here?

Late last year, the Government of Saskatchewan requested the City take the lead role in identifying sites for emergency shelters. The criteria the City developed to search for sites were as follows:

• Room for approximately 30 beds each
• Beds in an open shelter-type hall (with movable wall systems or partitions)
• Some private rooms (accessed internally)
• An area suitable for office space for site staff
• Showers, bathrooms, kitchen
• Internal and external gathering spaces (amenity spaces) available on site be considered
• Proximity to other services should be considered
• Zoned appropriately if possible, or applicable for consideration under the City’s Emergency Residential Shelter zoning provisions

Based on the above selection criteria, former Fire Station #5 on Central Avenue had been identified as a site for one of the emergency shelter locations.

What’s changed?

After hearing community concerns, City Council has directed the Administration use the previously approved criteria and added one additional criterion as follows:

• At least 250 metres from an elementary school in the Saskatoon Public School or Greater Saskatoon Catholic School system.

As a result, all neighbourhood information sessions scheduled for Sutherland area residents and businesses will be cancelled and the Administration will seek alternate sites that meet the new criteria. 

The City will hold a gathering at City Hall on Friday, March 1 to kick off Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Month (March). This gathering will take place between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. in Council Chambers at Saskatoon City Hall. The event is open to all.

Attendees will hear remarks from special guests about the importance of diversity and inclusion and combatting racism in our community. Speakers include: Mayor Charlie Clark, Saskatoon Tribal Chief Mark Arcand, Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission Chief Commissioner Treena Skiora, Executive Director of People Bridge Advocacy Senos Timon, and Métis youth Autumn Calvez.

Chair of the City's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, Amanda Guthrie, will act as Master of Ceremonies.

Attendees will also be treated to cultural performances by Sushmitta Dutta, Ameya School of Dance (“Bollywood Solo”), and USask Confucius Institute (“Chinese Lion Dance”).

Following the program in Council Chambers, the Race Relations Flag will be raised in Civic Square where it will remain raised for one week. 

Since 1990, Saskatoon City Council has proclaimed March Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Month — an opportunity to heighten awareness about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Several activities are planned for the month of March in recognition of cultural diversity and race relations. To learn more, visit saskatoon.ca/RaceRelations.

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

NEW

33RD ST W MEDIAN LANES CLOSED AT AVE Y N
(Manhole repairs)
Start: February 29, 9:00 a.m. End: February 29, 3:00 p.m.

MCKERCHER DR SB CURB LANE CLOSED AT ACADIA DR
(Hydrant replacement)
Start: February 29, 9:00 a.m. End: February 29, 3:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DR E WB CURB LANE CLOSED AT WARMAN RD
(Directional boring)
Closure will be set up from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
Start: February 29, 9:00 a.m. End: March 1, 3:00 p.m.

ONGOING

CENTRAL AVE NB CURB LANE CLOSED AT GRAY AVE
(Directional boring)
Start: February 27, 10:00 a.m. End: March 1, 6:00 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.

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

NEW

No new projects are scheduled to start on this date.

ONGOING

CENTRAL AVE NB CURB LANE CLOSED AT GRAY AVE
(Directional boring)
Start: February 27, 10:00 a.m. End: March 1, 5:00 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.