News Releases

Millar Avenue will be closed between 58th and 57th streets starting this morning for unplanned hydrant repairs. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone. This project is expected to take one day 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.

Direct service from the Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to see the Saskatoon Blades take on the Red Deer Rebels at SaskTel Centre on Wednesday, December 4 at 7:00 p.m., is available at the following times:

• 5:45 p.m.
• 6:25 p.m.

Post-event drop-off is at 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. Typically, buses arrive onsite 30 minutes prior to the end of the event.

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.

City Council today unanimously approved the City of Saskatoon’s 2025 Adjusted Business Plan and Budget. After a day and a half of deliberations, the new City Council made key adjustments to the City’s fiscal plan, increasing investments in priority areas like community safety and snow and ice management, while doing so in an affordable way. To that end, City Council voted to increase the funding for the City’s snow and ice management program by an additional $500,000 bringing the total increase for this program to $1.6 million. City Council also voted to increase investment in policing by $8.5 million and added additional bylaw inspectors to address safety concerns.

The 2025 budget deliberations got off to a good start as the Administration revised its fiscal forecast by adding $2 million in investment income. “This is a welcome development,” says Chief Financial Officer, Clae Hack. “Investment revenue continues to outperform our expectations as bond yields have remained higher than forecasted and we continue to have higher bank interest than originally planned, despite several Bank of Canada interest rate reductions.”

City Council made additional adjustments during the deliberation process and, together, these measures trimmed the 2025 property tax increase by almost one full percentage point, as City Council landed on a 4.96 per cent property tax increase to help pay for crucial investments.

“I applaud the work of our new Council for working together to reduce the budget, while also investing in strong core services,” said Mayor Cynthia Block. “New support for homelessness, community safety and the snow and ice budget will help to meet the demands of our growing city.”

Despite the proposed property tax increase, the City of Saskatoon has among the lowest municipal property tax levels for both residential and non-residential properties in Canada.

The City’s 2025 budget address key priorities in a time of unprecedented growth. Estimates indicate that Saskatoon added more than 26,000 residents in just two years, and its population is estimated to be at or near 308,000 in 2024. This rapid growth, coupled with a strong labor market and one of Canada’s lowest unemployment rates, has driven unprecedented demand for City services.

At the same time, rising costs for service contracts, construction, materials, and supplies have placed significant pressure on service delivery. The 2025 budget tackled those challenges by responsibly investing in the core services that ensure the safety, mobility, and quality of life for all Saskatoon residents.

The City’s 2024-2025 Business Plan and Budget invests in the areas that matter most to the people of Saskatoon – transportation, public safety, and community support. In particular, the 2025 budget builds on the fiscal plan set out by City Council almost two years ago. It delivers record funding into essential projects, services, and programs that reflect the City’s ongoing efforts to balance fiscal sustainability with community priorities.

The City thanks all residents, organizations and business owners in Saskatoon who wrote in or spoke to City Council regarding the 2025 budget. We value all input received from the community at large.

The finalized 2024/2025 Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget document will be made available on saskatoon.ca/budget once ready.

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

NEW

CIRCLE DR E WB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED AT PRESTON AVE S
(Guardrail improvements)
Start: December 4, 7:00 p.m. End: December 5, 6:00 a.m.

ONGOING

MILLAR AVE ROAD CLOSED FROM 58TH ST E TO 57TH ST E
(Hydrant repair)
Start: December 3, 8:00 a.m. End: December 4, 5:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DR E WB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED AT PRESTON AVE S
(Guardrail improvements)
Start: December 3, 7:00 p.m. End: December 4, 6:00 a.m.

29TH ST W ROAD CLOSED FROM AVE B N TO AVE C N
(Service line replacement)
Start: December 3, 7:00 a.m. End: December 4, 6:00 p.m.

24TH ST E WB LANES CLOSED FROM 6TH AVE N TO 5TH AVE N
(SL&P)
Start: August 7, 8:00 a.m. End: December 6, 5:00 p.m.

19TH ST E EB LANES & WB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM 2ND AVE S TO 3RD AVE S
(Crane hoist)
Start: December 3, 7:00 a.m. End: December 7, 5:00 p.m.

19TH ST E EB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 2ND AVE S TO 3RD AVE S
(Construction)
Start: November 19, 7:00 a.m. End: December 11, 5:00 p.m.

4TH AVE N NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 22ND ST E TO 23RD ST E
(Vault repairs)
Start: September 16, 7:00 a.m. End: December 13, 4:00 p.m.

8TH ST E ROAD CLOSED FROM MCORMOND DR TO ZIMMERMAN RD
(Road construction)
No access to Zimmerman Rd from 8th St
Start: June 10, 7:00 a.m. End: December 20, 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: September 26, 2025, 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.

The City celebrates the contributions to our community from persons with disabilities on December 3, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Persons with disabilities add to the richness and diversity of our community and bring unique perspectives and strengths that benefit us all. This day is dedicated to celebrating the invaluable contributions of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life, including the workplace. 

In 2022, the disability rate for persons aged 15 years and over in Canada was 27 percent, which is nearly 8 million people. That’s why it is so important that we create and maintain a community that provides the supports and inclusivity that makes every resident feel valued and welcome regardless of abilities. It is also important to create and ensure that our work environments are spaces where everyone can thrive. 

This year and next, the City will develop an accessibility plan that aligns with the standards set out in the new Accessible Saskatchewan Act. This Act is designed to address barriers for people with disabilities in Saskatchewan. In accordance with the Act and working with an advisory committee that includes persons with disabilities and those who work and advocate for persons with disabilities, the City of Saskatoon will work to identify, remove, and prevent these barriers and make our community more inclusive and accessible. 

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was established in 1992 at the United National General Assembly. 
 
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The warming location at St. Mary’s on Avenue O South will be open as of December 2, 2024. St. Mary’s will be operated by the Salvation Army and will be open overnight from 11:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. every day of the week. This new location is in addition to the Saskatoon Indian and Métis Friendship Centre (SIMFC), which is open every day from 11:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.

On November 27, 2024, City Council approved a contribution of $200,000 in City funds to support the $1.2M Winter Navigation and Warming Centres capital project. The remaining $1M in funding was received from other levels of government, local community organizations and private contributions. The acquired funding will support:

• Evening warming centre operated by The Saskatoon Indian and Métis Friendship Centre located on Wall Street
• Overnight warming location for women operated by the Saskatoon Indian and Métis Friendship Centre located on Wall Street
• Overnight warming location for men at St. Mary’s Parish on 20th Street operated by the Salvation Army
• Additional overnight outreach services operated by Sawēyihtotān

“We are truly thankful to all our partners who have been actively engaged in a collaborative process and who have been instrumental in getting these two overnight warming locations operational,” says Pamela Goulden-McLeod, Director of Emergency Management Organization. “As temperatures drop, our priority is to provide a warm safe location for all residents during the winter. We recognize homelessness is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive community response and we remain committed to looking out for our most vulnerable residents and relatives.”

Additionally, there are many daytime warm-up locations available for those needing to find somewhere to get out of the cold weather. Posters with this information are printed and available through key partners in the community and an informational graphic is available on the Saskatoon Fire Department and City of Saskatoon social media channels for sharing.

For more information about the warming locations and the Saskatoon Winter Emergency Response Plan, visit saskatoon.ca/cold.

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

NEW

29TH ST W ROAD CLOSED FROM AVE B N TO AVE C N
(Service line replacement)
Start: December 3, 7:00 a.m. End: December 4, 6:00 p.m.

19TH ST E EB LANES & WB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM 2ND AVE S TO 3RD AVE S
(Crane hoist)
Start: December 3, 7:00 a.m. End: December 7, 5:00 p.m.

CONFEDERATION DR NB & SB VARIOUS LANES FROM GALT CRT TO 33RD ST W
(Environmental monitoring)
Start: December 3, 9:00 a.m. End: December 3, 12:00 p.m.

ASSINIBOINE DR WB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED AT WARMAN RD
(Construction)
Start: December 3, 9:00 a.m. End: December 3, 3:00 p.m.

8TH ST E WB CURB LANE & LEFT TURN LANE & EB CURB LANE CLOSED AT TO EMERSON AVE
(Groundwater monitoring)
Start: December 3, 9:00 a.m. End: December 3, 3:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DR E WB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED AT PRESTON AVE S
(Guardrail improvements)
Start: December 3, 7:00 p.m. End: December 4, 6:00 a.m.

ONGOING

24TH ST E WB LANES CLOSED FROM 6TH AVE N TO 5TH AVE N
(SL&P)
Start: August 7, 8:00 a.m. End: December 6, 5:00 p.m.

19TH ST E EB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 2ND AVE S TO 3RD AVE S
(Construction)
Start: November 19, 7:00 a.m. End: December 11, 5:00 p.m.

4TH AVE N NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 22ND ST E TO 23RD ST E
(Vault repairs)
Start: September 16, 7:00 a.m. End: December 13, 4:00 p.m.

8TH ST E ROAD CLOSED FROM MCORMOND DR TO ZIMMERMAN RD
(Road construction)
No access to Zimmerman Rd from 8th St
Start: June 10, 7:00 a.m. End: December 20, 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: September 26, 2025, 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.

As we approach the holiday season, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) wants to remind everyone about fire safety. The festive season is often a time for greater use of electric lights, candles, space heaters, fireplaces, stoves and live trees.  

Following a few simple tips will help make sure you and your family can prevent a fire from ruining your holidays: 

• Pick a tree with fresh green needles and make sure to water it daily. A dry tree can catch fire easily. 
• Have an emergency escape plan and make sure your Christmas tree and other decorations are not blocking exits such as windows or doors. 
• Check your holiday lights for frayed wires, damaged sockets, or loose bulb connections. 
• Give your heater a metre. Clothes, curtains, furniture and other combustible objects that are too close to a heat source can catch fire. 
• Watch what you heat. Unattended cooking can lead to a fire. 
• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Replace the batteries every year and replace the alarm every 10 years. 
• Avoid overloading circuits and electrical outlets. Too many plugs and extension cords can cause overheating and lead to a fire. 
• Consider using flameless candles when decorating your home. 
• Blow out a burning candle before you leave the room or before you go to bed. Never leave burning candles unattended. 
• Make sure all electrical cords are tucked away and kept neat and tidy. When cords are exposed, pets can be tempted to chew on them, or people could trip and fall. 
• Keep flammable objects away from the stove. Objects too close to the burner can catch fire. 
• Turn off all holiday lights before going to bed or leaving your home. Many electrical fires are started when outlets or wires overheat. 

SFD encourages you to take extra safety precautions this holiday season to make sure your time with family and friends remains free of unwanted fires. 

SFD wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season! 

Beginning this month, Saskatoon’s Green Cart collection will transition to a monthly schedule for winter (December, January, February, and March). This change was approved by City Council on June 4, 2024 and reflects feedback from residents and data from the first year of the city-wide Green Cart program.

Residents are advised to check their collection dates online at saskatoon.ca/collectioncalendar or by downloading the Saskatoon Waste Wizard app. Green cart collections will occur on the same day of the week as previous, but once every four weeks. Calendars for all curbside collection types are now available online. 

Saskatoon received eight centimetres of snow between Saturday night and Sunday morning. City and contractor snow crews are focused on getting high speed and high traffic streets, and intersections clear. Drivers are urged to use an abundance of caution on the roads this morning – due to the snow and extreme cold temperatures, ice treatments such as salt and sand can be less effective and roads may be slippery.

The snow event response follows the Priority Street system:

Priority 1 – Freeways and major arterials. This includes Circle Dr. and streets with three+ lanes each way like Idylwyld Dr., 22nd St and College Dr. In a typical snow event, these roads are graded or plowed within 12 hours of the snowfall.  

Priority 2 - Arterials with double-lanes and bus routes. Double-lane streets like Clarence Ave, McKercher Dr. and Millar Ave. These roads are graded in about 36 hours.

Priority 3 - Collector streets, remaining Business Improvement District streets and school zones. These streets take you through your neighbourhood like Louise Ave, Howell Ave., and Main St. These roads are graded within 72 hours of the end of the snowfall.

Drivers should be aware of changing weather that can affect road and sidewalk conditions and adjust their driving or walking for the conditions. Leave extra room and watch for blue and yellow flashing lights on road equipment.

Learn more about winter road maintenance at saskatoon.ca/snow and stay in the snow at http://www.saskatoon.ca/snowreport.