News Releases

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

NEW

MCKERCHER DR SB CURB LANE CLOSED AT ACADIA DR
(Hydrant replacement)
Start: March 5, 9:00 a.m. End: March 5, 3:00 p.m.

ONGOING

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.

Despite ongoing operational and weather impacts this morning, Saskatoon Transit is maintaining full service this afternoon with no delays exceeding 15 minutes. However, detours and delays can be expected as operators navigate accessible streets.

Access Transit will continue trips for essential services and medical appointments. Customers are asked to reschedule leisure travel.  

OnDemand service will operate on cleared roadways that are accessible to operators. 

The Transit Customer Service Centre will be open for walk-in customers; however, customers are asked to call the phone lines if their trip to the Customer Service Centre is not essential. Phone lines (306-975-3100) will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

Winter Transit Tips:

• Stay up-to-date on current weather conditions.
• Dress for the weather.
• Winter driving conditions can result in delays, give yourself a little extra time to get to your destination.
• Saskatoon Transit’s Safe Bus program runs year-round. If you are lost, cold, scared, or hurt, hold up your hand (palm out) in the direction of an approaching Transit bus, or go to a parked bus, & the operator will stop, contact emergency services & provide shelter to the next terminal.
• Keep pathways clear and safe.

Stay informed, check Saskatoon Transit service alerts regarding detours or temporary bus stop closures and view real-time bus locations on third-party apps like Transit and Google Transit on desktop. Pin the routes you use often and receive service alert push notifications.

Visit saskatoon.ca for additional winter weather service impacts.

To report an issue or for more information, contact our Transit Customer Service Representatives at 306-975-3100.

Saskatoon is Our Home and We Live in Harmony with Each Other. Stop Racial Discrimination.

The City has extended the 2024 Living in Harmony Awards deadline by one day due to the unexpected closure of high schools today. Some classrooms have contacted the City to request this extra time as they work on finalizing their submissions. The new deadline is Thursday, March 7 at 5 p.m. Nomination/submission forms are available at saskatoon.ca/LivingInHarmony.

Living in Harmony Awards recognize outstanding achievements in contributing to community harmony through the elimination of racial discrimination in our community. They can be awarded to an individual or organization. Students and school groups can send in submissions that speak to inclusivity and anti-racism using any expressive form (photos, art, written, video, etc.).

The award winners are selected by the City of Saskatoon's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee and are named on March 21 – the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. March is also proclaimed Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Month annually by Saskatoon City Council.

The Living in Harmony Awards are part of the City’s commitment to making Saskatoon an inclusive and equitable space where racism has no place.

With the City of Saskatoon receiving more than 25 cm of snow accumulation since Saturday morning and streets being impassable for light vehicles, the Roadways team has activated the Emergency Response Plan (ERP). Additionally, the City’s Emergency Operation Centre has been activated and is collaborating with critical infrastructure partners throughout the city. 

Residents remain encouraged to stay home if possible, to leave space for City and contractor crews to do their work and assist emergency services. 

While the snow has mainly stopped, strong gusting winds will create additional challenges causing drifts. Snow crews will continue to address known problem areas as the day progresses. 

The current focus now is to keep all highest Priority Streets open to maintain access to all emergency facilities. Additional contractor resources have been engaged from our emergency response list to support our ongoing efforts. A summary of the work underway includes: 

• Approximately 40% of Priority 1 Streets have been graded. They are slippery and sander trucks will be spreading sand throughout the day on these streets to increase traction. Some of the snow piles are fairly big, impacting sightlines at intersections, drivers should watch for pedestrians and turning vehicles.  
• By midnight tonight, Monday, March 4, we expect all Priority 1 Streets to be completed and will immediately proceed with grading on Priority 2 Streets, which are expected all to be graded by noon tomorrow.  
• After that, we will then start grading Priority 3 Streets and expect to complete them all by midnight on Thursday, March 7.  
• The plan is to move into residential areas and start clearing local streets during the night shift on Thursday, March 7. 
• Crews will move into industrial areas after all local streets in residential areas are completed. After that crews will be able to start to address alley access and problematic alleys may be addressed sooner pending available resources.   
• The need for the last phase of the plan, which involves city-wide snow removal, will be assessed in the coming days considering factors such as weather conditions and the proximity to the end of the winter season. 
• For a detailed timeline please review the Emergency Response Plan infographic.  

Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed about snow grading efforts and the list of Priority Streets by visiting saskatoon.ca/snow and following the City’s social media channels. Stay in the know by checking the latest Snow & Ice Report posted to saskatoon.ca/snowreport. A regularly-updated map of which Priority Streets have been completed is available at saskatoon.ca/prioritystreetsmap. 

Please do not push or blow snow into the street. This creates a greater risk for vehicles to get stuck. Instead, pile the snow on your property, as per Bylaw No. 8463 The Sidewalk Clearing Bylaw, 2005. 

OTHER IMPACTED CITY OPERATIONS: MARCH 4, 2024 

Saskatoon Transit 

• Operational impacts have resulted in reduced fixed-route service. Detours and delays are expected.  
• Outlying neighbourhoods, with particularly more impacts of snow accumulation, have limited operator access.   
• Access Transit will continue trips for essential services and medical appointments. Customers are asked to reschedule leisure travel.  
• OnDemand service will operate on cleared roadways that are accessible to operators. 
• The Transit Customer Service Centre will be open for walk-in customers; however customers are asked to call the phone lines if their trip to the Customer Service Centre is not essential. Phone lines (306-975-3100) will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. 
• For updates check the real-time mobile app, transit or visit saskatoontransit.ca/service-alerts.  

Leisure Facilities & Attractions 

• All Leisure Centres (Cosmo, Lakewood and Lawson Civic Centres, Saskatoon Field House and Shaw Centre) are closed Monday, March 4. 
• The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo is closed Monday, March 4.  
• City Indoor Rinks may be open subject to bookings and Saskatoon Minor Hockey. 

Saskatoon Landfill 

• The landfill is open but snowy and windy conditions exist so please proceed with caution. 

Recycling and Garbage Collections 

• Curbside cart collections are suspended for Monday, March 4. Collections will be rescheduled once the streets are accessible. Please watch for Service Alerts, updates on your Saskatoon Waste Wizard app or go to saskatoon.ca/collectioncalendar. 

Parks 

• Within 48 hours of snowfall, snow clearing occurs on sidewalks adjacent to parks and all lighted parkways and some unlighted pathways. Excludes crusher dust (unpaved) pathways. 

Building Standards 

• All scheduled building and plumbing inspections will be cancelled. Starting Monday, March 4 at 8 a.m., customers with scheduled inspections will be contacted and arrangements will be made to rebook. 

Visit saskatoon.ca/servicealerts for the latest impacts to City facilities and services. 

With the City of Saskatoon experiencing severe weather conditions resulting in more than 25 cm of snow accumulation and impassable local streets in residential neighborhoods, the Roadways team has activated the Emergency Response Plan (ERP). Additionally, the City’s Emergency Operation Centre has been activated and is currently collaborating with critical infrastructure partners throughout the city. 

Residents are strongly encouraged to stay home if possible, to avoid getting stuck in the deep snow and to leave space for City and contractor crews to do their work. 

The current focus now and as snow continues to fall is on keeping Circle Drive and all highest Priority Streets open to maintain access to all emergency facilities. Additional contractor resources have been engaged from our emergency response list to support our ongoing efforts. 

Once snowfall stops, all priority streets will be graded within the next four days (96 hours). For a detailed timeline please review the Emergency Response Plan infographic. Once the Priority Streets are done, crews will move to grading all local streets in residential areas within the subsequent three days (within seven days after snowfall stops). Following this, all local streets in industrial areas will be graded within the following three days (within 10 days after snowfall stops). 

The need for the last phase of the plan, which involves city-wide snow removal, will be assessed in the coming days considering factors such as weather conditions and the proximity to the end of the winter season. 

After the snow stops falling, a regularly-updated map of which Priority Streets have been completed is available at saskatoon.ca/prioritystreetsmap. 

The purpose of the ERP is to guide the Roadways team through a phased approach during major snowstorms, maintaining public safety and restoring mobility on Saskatoon streets and sidewalks. The plan outlines specific criteria for activation, including snow accumulation exceeding 25 cm and/or a combination of snow, freezing rain, and wind severely impacting mobility to the extent that light vehicles cannot travel on city streets. 

Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed about snow grading efforts by visiting saskatoon.ca/snow and following the City’s social media channels. Stay in the know by checking the latest Snow & Ice Report posted to saskatoon.ca/snowreport. 

Transit service is being maintained as roadways are cleared and are accessible to operators. Detours and delays are expected.  Outlying neighbourhoods - with particularly more snow accumulation - have limited operator access. Access Transit operates as emergency services only, provided buses can access the area. For updates check the real-time mobile app, transit or visit saskatoontransit.ca/service-alerts. Call 306-975-3555 with any questions or concerns.  

All Leisure Centres (Cosmo, Lakewood and Lawson Civic Centres, Saskatoon Field House and Shaw Centre) are closed as of this afternoon for staff and customer safety. The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo is also closed due to limitations to access the main gate. The City Landfill is open but snowy conditions exist. Saskatoon Public Library locations are also closed to the public this afternoon for regular business. Visit saskatoon.ca/servicealerts for the latest impacts to City facilities and services.