News Releases
Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
Pruning Ban for Elm Trees Takes Effect April 1
March 31, 2025 - 2:00pm
- Not pruning elms during the provincial pruning ban (April 1 to August 31)
- Not bringing elm wood into the city, storing elm wood for more than a day, or burning elm firewood
- Only disposing of elm wood at the City Landfill
- Sanitizing tools after working on elm trees
- Not building treehouses in elm trees, as the nail and screw holes can attract elm bark beetles
- Reporting dead or dying elm trees or branches to the City or to a professional arborist
One in every four trees in Saskatoon is an elm tree and threatened by Dutch elm disease (DED). The City reminds residents that the provincial ban on pruning elm trees is from Tuesday, April 1 to Sunday, August 31, 2025.
Provincial regulations prohibit the storing, transport and use of elm wood for any purpose. This includes wood chips, firewood, wood slabs and branches. The only permitted movement of elm wood is to the City’s designated disposal site at the City Landfill.
What is DED?
DED is a serious disease caused by a fungus that clogs the elm tree’s water and nutrient conducting system, which eventually causes the tree to die. DED has wiped out millions of elms across Canada and the United States.
How to identify and report unhealthy elm trees and firewood
Elm trees with DED may start showing symptoms as early as June. Typically, the leaves will start to wilt and turn yellow, then curl and turn brown. If you suspect an unhealthy elm tree or are unsure of what type of firewood you have, take a photo and complete the online form at saskatoon.ca/dutchelmdisease or call 306-975-2476.
How is DED spread?
In Saskatchewan, the disease is spread by several species of elm bark beetles. These beetles can fly farther than two kilometres in search of elm trees. The DED fungus has tiny spores that stick to the body of the beetle. Elm bark beetles can carry these spores and infect other elm trees. The fungus can also be spread by infected pruning tools.
You can help prevent DED by:
To prune elm trees during the ban you must obtain a permit and are asked to call the City’s Parks Department at 306-975-2890 for more information. By following the provincial regulations and maintaining elm trees on your private property, all residents can help prevent the spread of DED in Saskatoon.
For more information on DED, visit saskatoon.ca/dutchelmdisease
Seasonal Opening of Zoo Gift Shop and Café at Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo
March 31, 2025 - 10:00am
The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo is excited to announce the seasonal opening of the Zoo Gift Shop and Café on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Visitors can explore a wide selection of toys, puzzles, games and plush items that showcase the wild and wonderful animals that call the Zoo home. Every purchase directly supports the Zoo’s conservation, research, education and enrichment programs.
The Zoo Gift Shop, located in the Zoo Admissions building, is the perfect place to purchase or renew your Zoo Season Pass. Enjoy unlimited visits and exclusive benefits including a 10% discount at the Zoo Gift Shop.
The Café, operated by the Saskatoon Zoo Society, will also open for the season on April 1, 2025. Located near the Small Mammal House, the Café has been remodeled to enhance our sustainability practices, incorporating eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems. The expanded menu will feature fresh food items such as salads, sandwiches and fruit cups. The Café has also switched to recyclable and compostable serving items, helping reduce waste and lessen its environmental impact. All proceeds from the Café support the education programs at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo.
The Zoo is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visit saskatoon.ca/zoo to plan your next visit.
Daily Road Report - March 31, 2025
March 28, 2025 - 3:00pm
*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.
NEW
PRESTON AVE N NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM PRESTON AVE N TO CIRCLE DR E
(SL&P cable work)
Intersections will remain open
Start: March 31, 8:00 a.m. End: April 1, 4:30 p.m.
SPADINA CRES E SB LANES CLOSED FROM QUEEN ST TO 25TH ST E
(Streetlight replacements)
Start: March 31, 10:00 a.m. End: March 31, 1:00 p.m.
NELSON RD NB LANES CLOSED AT ATTRIDGE DR
(Signal install)
Start: March 31, 10:00 a.m. End: March 31, 1:00 p.m.
ONGOING
BERINI DR SB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM ATTRIDGE DR TO WEBSTER ST
(Construction)
Start: March 17, 7:00 a.m. End: May 19, 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.
Weekend Road Report - March 29-30, 2025
March 28, 2025 - 2:30pm
*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.
NEW
CIRCLE DR E NB CURB LANE CLOSED AT TAYLOR ST E
(Streetlight replacements)
Start: March 30, 6:30 a.m. End: March 30, 8:30 a.m.
CIRCLE DR E NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM COLLEGE DR TO 14TH ST E
(Streetlight replacements)
Start: March 30, 8:00 a.m. End: March 30, 10:30 a.m.
COLLEGE DR EB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM CENTRAL AVE TO MCKERCHER DR
(Streetlight replacements)
Start: March 30, 10:30 a.m. End: March 30, 12:30 p.m.
ONGOING
BERINI DR SB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM ATTRIDGE DR TO WEBSTER ST
(Construction)
Start: March 17, 7:00 a.m. End: May 19, 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.
Crews cleaning up in Saskatoon following heavy snowfall
March 28, 2025 - 7:07am
The City of Saskatoon has declared a Snow Event following heavy snowfall Thursday and Friday morning, with 12 cm of snow accumulation. Strong winds have also created challenging road conditions with drifting and icy surfaces.
28 graders and 6 plows are working to clear snow from priority streets like freeways, arterial roads and collector streets. Snow will be stored on medians, boulevards and parking lanes to maintain mobility. 14 sanders are working to improve traction in icy areas, and 6 sidewalk plows are active clearing City-owned pathways and sidewalks.
Drivers should be aware to adjust driving habits by slowing down and increasing following distances between vehicles. Give road equipment the space it needs to operate, and watch for blue and yellow flashing lights.
The status of snow clearing throughout the city can be monitored through the Priority Street Snow Grading Map. More information, including the City’s level of service, can be found at saskatoon.ca/snow. Stay in the know by checking the latest Snow & Ice Report posted to saskatoon.ca/snowreport.
Bus service to Rush vs Mammoth
March 28, 2025 - 6:00am
- 5:45 p.m.
- 6:25 p.m.
Direct service from the Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to see the Saskatchewan Rush take on the Colorado Mammoth at SaskTel Centre on Saturday, March 29 at 7:00 p.m., is available at the following times:
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.
Daily Road Report - March 28, 2025
March 27, 2025 - 3:00pm
*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
BERINI DR SB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM ATTRIDGE DR TO WEBSTER ST
(Construction)
Start: March 17, 7:00 a.m. End: May 19, 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.
City set to host second annual Round Dance and Feast
March 27, 2025 - 2:00pm
The City’s second annual Round Dance and Feast is taking place this Friday, March 28 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 event is miyo-pimatisiwin (MEE-oh pim-MOT-tis-oo-win), which means “the good life for all” in the Plains Cree language.
“We had such an incredible response from our staff and community last year when we held our very first Round Dance and Feast, and we are experiencing that same level of enthusiasm for this year’s event,” says Melissa Cote, Director of Indigenous Initiatives.
Community members and City of Saskatoon employees have volunteered their time to ensure everything from set up to take down runs smoothly.
The City has also benefitted from having a few external partners help with the cost of hosting the Round Dance and Feast. “We’re grateful for the generous financial support from The Canadian Race Relations Foundation, Nutrien and the Saskatoon Public Library. We thank these organizations for contributing and helping us create an event that brings our community together,” says Cote.
Everyone is welcome to attend this family-friendly, alcohol-free event. The community feast takes place from 4:00-6:00 p.m. and the round dance begins at 6:00 p.m.
Media please note: Videography or photography of the feast is not permitted out of respect for ceremonial practices. Videography and photography of the round dance is permitted except when smudging and praying is happening during the giveaway ceremony and during the first dance. We request that any interviews with City of Saskatoon spokespeople take place on Friday morning, as we will not be able to accommodate interviews at the event.
City set to host second annual Round Dance and Feast
March 27, 2025 - 2:00pm
The City’s second annual Round Dance and Feast is taking place this Friday, March 28 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 event is miyo-pimatisiwin (MEE-oh pim-MOT-tis-oo-win), which means “the good life for all” in the Plains Cree language.
“We had such an incredible response from our staff and community last year when we held our very first Round Dance and Feast, and we are experiencing that same level of enthusiasm for this year’s event,” says Melissa Cote, Director of Indigenous Initiatives.
Community members and City of Saskatoon employees have volunteered their time to ensure everything from set up to take down runs smoothly.
The City has also benefitted from having a few external partners help with the cost of hosting the Round Dance and Feast. “We’re grateful for the generous financial support from The Canadian Race Relations Foundation, Nutrien and the Saskatoon Public Library. We thank these organizations for contributing and helping us create an event that brings our community together,” says Cote.
Everyone is welcome to attend this family-friendly, alcohol-free event. The community feast takes place from 4:00-6:00 p.m. and the round dance begins at 6:00 p.m.
Saskatoon Transit makes significant progress on frontline employee safety plan
March 27, 2025 - 1:30pm
Saskatoon Transit continues to concentrate on improving safety for employees and customers on the buses and at terminals. It has addressed all the initiatives in the Saskatoon Transit Frontline Employee Safety Plan, announced in June 2024, and will present a progress report on Tuesday, April 1, at City Council’s Standing Policy Committee on Transportation meeting.
In response to challenges with violence and aggression on buses and at terminals at the beginning of 2024, Saskatoon Transit management and Amalgamated Transit Union Local 615 committed to prioritizing 17 initiatives to improve workplace safety and foster a culture of safety within Saskatoon Transit.
The plan involves security measures, new processes for reporting incidents and protocols to maintain order on the bus, reduce negative interactions and prepare employees with the skills and resources they need to de-escalate situations. Transit will continue to focus on these initiatives, as many are new, and it can take time for noticeable differences.
Repeated customer surveys throughout 2024 in the Transit app support a correlation between the perception of safety and the number of negative interactions occurring. Saskatoon Transit will use employee feedback about what’s working or not to improve the programs and processes in the plan and continue to support the City’s Community Safety and Well-Being initiatives.