News Releases

Environment Canada issued a blowing snow advisory today to prepare people for strong winds with light snow that may create visibility issues tomorrow.  Drifting may occur, especially on streets adjacent to open areas.  Drivers should adjust their driving with changing conditions.

Crews will plow Circle Drive as drifting occurs and grade snow along streets with drifting. Sand will be applied to improve traction, with a focus on Circle Drive and other major streets, bridge decks and intersections. The wind will make this challenging, as it will blow away sand as it is applied.

Environment Canada suggests that if visibility is reduced while driving, slow down, watch for taillights ahead and be prepared to stop.

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

NEW

No projects are scheduled to start on Priority 1 streets as of this date.

ONGOING

No projects are ongoing on Priority 1 streets as of this date.

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 City reminds patrons masks continue to be required to access indoor City-operated facilities and services and while traveling on Saskatoon Transit. City Council approved the action at its special meeting on February 8, 2022 to ensure the safety of staff and the public who are accessing City services.

Among these facilities are City Hall, Leisure Centres (Cosmo, Lakewood and Lawson Civic Centres, Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre, Saskatoon Field House and Shaw Centre), Indoor Rinks (ACT, Archibald, Cosmo, Lions, and Gordie Howe Kinsmen), indoor spaces at Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo and the downtown Saskatoon Transit Customer Service Centre.

Patrons will also be required to wear masks in Holiday Park, Silverwood and Wildwood golf course pro shops once they open on March 15.

The following exceptions apply: 

• Patrons that are 18 and older utilizing weight rooms, fitness classes, courts and the walking tracks;
• Individuals and on-ice officials for the duration of their sport or activity (does not include Public Skating and Parent & Tot Skating);
• Youth athletes under the age of 18 while they are participating in sports for the duration of the sport only;
• All patrons must remove their mask while in the water;
• Children under the age of 2 / aged 3 to 12 if they are not reasonably able to;
• Individuals who, in the determination of a health professional, are unable to wear a face covering due to a particular medical condition and have received written confirmation;
• Individuals who, due to cognitive impairment, an intellectual disability, or a severe mental health condition, are unable to understand the requirement; and
• Anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

Updates to the COVID-19 protocols at civic facilities are posted on saskatoon.ca/covid-19

Construction of a dry storm pond to help reduce neighbourhood flooding during significant rain events is underway in Churchill Park. Work began in the park in February and the project will be completed in 2023.

“Investing in climate-resilient infrastructure will protect communities from extreme weather events such as floods,” says the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities. “The Churchill Park dry storm pond will help increase Saskatoon’s resilience in the face of increased occurrences of floods while providing a recreation area and preserving green space. Our Government will continue to work with our provincial and municipal partners to improve residents’ safety and build stronger communities."

“This is the second of nine planned projects under the Flood Control Strategy that was approved by City Council in 2018,” says Acting Director of Saskatoon Water, Pam Hamoline. “Once complete, it will reduce the flood risk for properties near the intersections of Ruth Street at Cairns Avenue and York Avenue, and Bute Street at Munroe Avenue and Albert Avenue.”

Dry storm ponds hold water that would otherwise cause flooding in intersections and nearby properties during intense rainfalls. The water flows into the pond instead, then slowly drains into the storm sewer system. Whenever dry, it is used as recreational or park space.

Flood Control Strategy (FCS) projects have been planned to reduce flooding in neighbourhoods that were established prior to 1989, when improved storm water infrastructure standards were established. The first FCS project in W.W. Ashley District Park was successfully completed in late 2021 and will fully open later this year.

The Government of Canada is contributing 40% of the eligible construction costs up to a maximum of $21.6 million toward the nine FCS projects. The City is funding the remaining construction costs through the Storm Water Utility Capital Program and revenue generated from Storm Water Utility charges.

For more information about the FCS program and future project locations, visit saskatoon.ca/floodplan.

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

NEW

CIRCLE DR WB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM 22ND ST W TO CLANCY DR
(Cable fault repair)
Start: March 9, 9:00 a.m. End: March 9, 3:00 p.m.

ONGOING

No projects are ongoing on Priority 1 streets as of this date.

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.

Claypool Drive is open again for traffic in and out of Hampton Village neighbourhood after major snow drifting overnight Monday. The City thanks residents for their patience.

City crews are working through priority streets with graders and plows to address localized problems with snow accumulation or drifting.

Public Skating and Parent and Tot Skating are ending for the season at the City of Saskatoon indoor rinks, as follows:

Archibald Arena (1410 Windsor Street, 306-975-3313)
Last day of Public Skating: Sunday, March 13 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Last day of Parent and Tot Skate: Wednesday, March 9 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Lions Arena (2205 McEown Avenue, 306-975-3306)
Last day of Public Skating: Tuesday, March 29 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.)
Last day of Parent and Tot Skate: Thursday, March 31 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Cosmo Arena (3130 Laurier Drive, 306-975-3370)
Last day of Public Skating: Friday March 18 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Last day of Parent and Tot Skate: Friday, March 18 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.

ACT Arena (107 - 105th Street East, 306-975-3316)
Last day of Public Skating: Sunday, March 20 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Last day of Parent and Tot Skating: Thursday, March 17 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Ice Rentals
Lions Arena will remain open throughout the spring and summer, for ice rental only. ACT Arena will be temporarily closed for maintenance.  Please call the Allocations Office at 306-975-3366 for ice rental information.

Search pubic and parent & tot skate times on Leisure Online at saskatoon.ca/leisureonline. 
 

Strong winds and drifting snow last evening and overnight have created an icy glaze over Saskatoon roads and sidewalks. The wind has also created extreme drifting on Claypool Drive, which is temporarily closed due to stuck vehicles.

City crews are working throughout the city this morning, applying sand to improve traction with a focus on Circle Drive and other major streets, bridges and intersections. Strong winds persist which makes sanding a challenge because it doesn’t stick as it is applied. The City is working on clearing Claypool Drive and will advise when it reopens.

Pedestrians are advised to be cautious on icy sidewalks as they venture out. Drivers should be prepared for icy roads and reduced visibility while keeping an eye out for snow clearing and sanding equipment, staying at least 2-3 vehicle lengths behind.

Environment Canada issued a blowing snow advisory today to prepare people for strong winds with light snow that may create visibility issues this afternoon and into the night. Icy conditions may develop due to wet streets and dropping temperatures.  Drivers should adjust their driving with changing road conditions.

Crews will be applying sand to improve traction, with a focus on Circle Drive and other major streets, bridge decks and intersections. The wind will make this challenging, as it will blow away sand as it is applied. Environment Canada suggests that if visibility is reduced while driving, slow down, watch for taillights ahead and be prepared to stop.

The strong wind may create deep snow drifts in wide open areas with current snow accumulation. These areas will be graded or snow will be removed with loaders if it prevents people from accessing the area once the visibility improves.