News Releases

Changes to the Accessible Parking Permit Program approved by City Council earlier this year will take effect on October 1, 2024. 

The Accessible Parking Permit Program is an optional program allowing users with a valid SaskAbilities placard to park for free in paid parking areas. The program also allows users to park in paid parking zones, loading zones, and on-street accessible parking zones for longer than the posted time limits.

“A review of the program was undertaken in consultation with users and stakeholder organizations. The review focused on modernizing the program while ensuring it continues to meet the needs of users,” says Matt Grazier, Director of Community Standards. “There is an opportunity for us to better promote the program and the benefits it can provide as well as enhance communication with users.”

Changes to the program include:

1. Enhanced communication with users – The City will continue to work with SaskAbilities to improve promotion of the program. Users may also sign up to receive emailed renewal notices and information about future changes to the program. More information about the program's benefits will also be provided to users when they purchase a parking permit starting October 1.
2. Fee and time limit change – The review concluded that the existing permit fees and time limits may no longer be appropriate. Two changes were approved for these items:
   1. Increasing permit fees through a phased-in approach
      1. Starting October 1, 2024, permit fees will be $60 annually
      2. Starting October 1, 2025, permit fees will be $100 annually
      3. Rationale - The user fees for the program have not been changed since 1981, when administrative costs were lower and on-street parking rates were $0.50/hour. Both parking rates and administrative costs have increased over time, requiring an increase in the permit fee. This may mean that the program is no longer cost-effective for some users who do not frequently park in paid parking zones.
      4. Users who are residents of Saskatoon and qualify as low income may apply to receive a permit at a 50 per cent discounted rate.
   2. Reducing time limits from 72 hours to four hours
      1. Rationale - On-street parking is a public asset that serves the needs of a variety of user groups. The review concluded that a 4-hour time restriction was more appropriate to meet the intent of on-street parking. The program has historically allowed users to park on the street for up to 72 hours in paid parking areas. During the review, it was generally accepted that 72 hours is excessive in areas with high demand for on-street parking. Paid parking zones are established to encourage vehicle turnover helping to ensure that adequate supply of on-street parking is available for those who need it.

Questions or comments about the upcoming changes can be directed to parking.permits@saskatoon.ca.

Registration for the City’s Fall recreation programs begins Sunday, August 18, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. by logging into to your account on Leisure Online at leisureonline.saskatoon.ca, or by calling 306-975-2800.

Registration for private and semi-private swim lessons and multi-level lessons for families will open on Monday, August 19.  Registrations are accepted by phone only. Call the Leisure Centre that you are interested in taking lessons at to register.

Opening night for registration is very busy, and the City sincerely thanks residents for their patience. While additional online and telephone resources are in place to make the process run as smoothly as possible, there will be many people registering at once.

We recommend having a list of alternative options ready in case you do not get into your first choice. Join the wait list - every full program has an online wait list and new classes may be created if there is enough demand. Lastly, consider other nearby Leisure Centres if your preferred location isn't available.

When registering with Leisure Online, please note the following:

• Do not use Internet Explorer to complete transactions. Compatible web browsers include Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari. Ensure your web browser is up to date. Online transactions are not supported using a device or operating system older than Windows 10, Mac OS 10.14, Android 9, iPhone 8.

• Visa and MasterCard are accepted forms of payment for online transactions.  Phone to make a payment with American Express. Cash and debit cards are accepted in person.
   
• Leisure program registrations processed through Leisure Online are charged an additional $1.00 (+GST) convenience fee on each program registration. This fee was introduced March 1, 2024 after City Council approved the fee during the 2024-25 budget process in November of 2023.
   
• From 5:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 18, images will also be removed from the registered programs page to improve the load time of the page when a high volume of users are on the site at the same time.
   
• Ensure you have an active Leisure Online registration account and know your username and password prior to registration night.  If you are unable to access your account, call any Leisure Centre to have your account reset.

The Fall Leisure Guide, which is Saskatoon’s go-to source for fitness programs, recreational activities and arts and culture opportunities for all ages and abilities, was released on August 2. It is available online at saskatoon.ca/leisureguide or for pick up at any City leisure facility, Saskatoon library or over 120 retail locations throughout Saskatoon and limited surrounding areas that the StarPhoenix is sold.

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

NEW

SPADINA CRES W ROAD CLOSED FROM AVE A S TO AVE E S
(YXE Urban Games)
Start: August 15, 7:00 a.m. End: August 18, 6:00 p.m.

22ND ST W EB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED AT AVE B S
(Sewer inspections)
Start: August 15, 9:00 a.m. End: August 15, 1:00 p.m.

NIGHT WORK

COLLEGE DR WB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM CIRCLE DR E TO PRESTON AVE N
(Road resurfacing)
Start: August 15, 6:00 p.m. End: August 15, 9:00 p.m.

8TH ST E WB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM BOYCHUK DR TO ARLINGTON AVE
(Pavement marking)
All intersections will remain open to traffic and business access will be maintained.
Start: August 15, 7:00 p.m. End: August 16, 5:00 a.m.

CIRCLE DR E EB & WB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM PRESTON AVE N TO SPADINA CRES E
(Bridge washing)
Start: August 15, 8:00 p.m. End: August 16, 6:00 a.m.

ONGOING

20TH ST E ROAD CLOSED FROM 1ST AVE S TO IDYLWYLD DR S
(Paving)
Start: August 12, 7:00 a.m. End: August 15, 2:00 p.m.

MCORMOND DR SB CURB LANE/RIGHT TURN LANE CLOSED FROM MCCRORY LINK TO FEDORUK DR
(Streetscaping)
Start: July 26, 7:00 a.m. End: August 15, 4:30 p.m.

AVE H N ROAD CLOSED FROM 23RD ST W TO BEDFORD RD
(Connection replacement)
Start: August 14, 7:00 a.m. End: August 15, 5:00 p.m.

COLLEGE DR EB & WB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM MUNROE AVE N TO WIGGINS AVE N
(Water main maintenance)
Start: July 21, 9:00 a.m. End: August 19, 7:00 a.m.

COLLEGE DR EB LANES CLOSED FROM WIGGINS AVE N TO CUMBERLAND AVE N
(Water main maintenance)
Two-way traffic will be maintained in WB lanes
Start: July 21, 9:00 a.m. End: August 19, 7:00 a.m.

MCORMOND DR NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM STENSRUD RD TO BALTZAN BLVD
(Construction)
Start: August 8, 8:00 a.m. End: August 19, 5:00 p.m.

MELVILLE ST INTERSECTION CLOSED AT PORTAGE AVE
(Construction)
Start: July 31, 7:00 a.m. End: August 23, 5:00 p.m.

11TH ST W EB LANES CLOSED FROM CRESCENT BLVD TO FAIRLIGHT DR
(Infrastructure improvements)
Start: July 31, 7:00 a.m. End: August 28, 4:00 p.m.

20TH ST W EB CURB LANE CLOSED AT AVE E S
(Water main work)
Start: August 7, 7:00 a.m. End: September 3, 4:30 p.m.

7TH AVE N ROAD CLOSED FROM OSBORNE ST TO WINDSOR ST
(Water main maintenance)
Start: August 8, 7:00 a.m. End: September 8, 5:00 p.m.

KENSINGTON GATE INTERSECTION CLOSED AT NEAULT RD
(Construction)
Start: May 2, 9:00 a.m. End: August 31, 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: October 31, 5:00 p.m.

BRIGHTON BLVD ROAD CLOSED FROM TASKAMANWA ST TO 8TH ST E
(Construction)
Use McOrmond Dr
Start: November 20, 7:00 a.m. End: November 18, 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 the end of August approaches, the City’s summer programming and attractions will be wrapping up for the season.  The last days of operation will be:

• Summer Youth Centres – Thursday, August 15
• Summer Playground Programs & Paddling Pools - Last day for weekend programming is Sunday, August 18 and last day of weekday programming is Wednesday, August 21.  Locations will have staggered closing times.  Refer to the Where to Play Google Map at saskatoon.ca/play for hours of operation on the last day of operation.
• George Ward and Mayfair Outdoor Pools - Sunday, August 18
• Lathey Outdoor Pool - Sunday, August 25
• Riversdale Outdoor Pool – Monday, September 2
• Spray Pads - Monday, September 2
• Nutrien Playland at Kinsmen Park - Monday, September 2

The City is pleased to announce construction has commenced on the facility upgrades at Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre. 

Hipperson Construction's bid for the Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre renovation was officially accepted by the City on June 27, 2024.  Following, Hipperson Construction began construction mobilization and officially began the facility upgrade project on August 12, 2024. The planned substantial completion date is March 31, 2026, with the City scheduling a full reopening of the renovated facility for late Spring 2026.

Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre was built in 1975 and many of the components are nearing the end of their functional life.

The project will include the following upgrades to the facility:

• Accessibility and inclusivity improvements to ensure the building and its features will be a welcoming space for the entire community.
• Upgrades to the 50-metre pool basin.
• Change room and washroom renovations to better serve customers and families.
• Water treatment and building mechanical system upgrades for improved efficiency. 
• Flat roof upgrades including vapor barrier and insulation to increase energy efficiency and air quality.

 For future updates and information regarding the project, visit saskatoon.ca/harrybailey.

Spadina Crescent will be closed between Avenues A and E starting on Thursday, August 15, at 7:00 a.m. for YXE Urban Games. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone. This closure is expected to last four days, 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.

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

NEW

AVE H N ROAD CLOSED FROM 23RD ST W TO BEDFORD RD
(Connection replacement)
Start: August 14, 7:00 a.m. End: August 15, 5:00 p.m.

33RD ST W VARIOUS EB & WB SINGLE LANE CLOSURES AT AVE W N
(Crosswalk removal)
Start: August 14, 8:00 a.m. End: August 14, 1:00 p.m.

TAYLOR ST E EB LANES CLOSED FROM MCKERCHER DR TO WEYAKWIN DR
(Crack sealing)
Two-way traffic will be maintained in WB lanes
Start: August 14, 9:00 a.m. End: August 14, 12:00 p.m.

33RD ST W EB & WB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM AVE H N TO AVE I N
(Sanitary main repair)
Start: August 14, 9:00 a.m. End: August 14, 1:00 p.m.

1ST AVE N NB LANES CLOSED FROM 26TH ST E TO QUEEN ST
(Roadway patching)
Start: August 14, 9:00 a.m. End: August 14, 3:00 p.m.

2ND AVE N SB LANES CLOSED FROM KING ST TO QUEEN ST
(Roadway patching)
Two-way traffic will be maintained in NB lanes
Start: August 14, 9:00 a.m. End: August 14, 3:00 p.m.

QUEEN ST WB LANES CLOSED AT 2ND AVE N
(Roadway patching)
Start: August 14, 9:00 a.m. End: August 14, 3:00 p.m.

TAYLOR ST E WB LANES CLOSED FROM HERITAGE CRES TO MCKERCHER DR
(Crack sealing)
Two-way traffic will be maintained in EB lanes
Start: August 14, 12:00 p.m. End: August 14, 3:00 p.m.

ONGOING

PRESTON AVE S NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM ARLINGTON AVE TO WILSON CRES
(Concrete work)
Start: August 13, 9:00 a.m. End: August 14, 3:00 p.m.

20TH ST E ROAD CLOSED FROM 1ST AVE S TO IDYLWYLD DR S
(Paving)
Start: August 12, 7:00 a.m. End: August 14, 4:30 p.m.

BRIGHTON BLVD WEST OF ROUND-A-BOUT CLOSED AT TASKAMANWA ST
(Service installations)
Start: July 31, 7:00 a.m. End: August 14, 5:00 p.m.

MCORMOND DR SB CURB LANE/RIGHT TURN LANE CLOSED FROM MCCRORY LINK TO FEDORUK DR
(Streetscaping)
Start: July 26, 7:00 a.m. End: August 15, 4:30 p.m.

11TH ST W EB LANES CLOSED FROM CRESCENT BLVD TO FAIRLIGHT DR
(Infrastructure improvements)
Start: July 31, 7:00 a.m. End: August 17, 4:00 p.m.

COLLEGE DR EB & WB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM MUNROE AVE N TO WIGGINS AVE N
(Water main maintenance)
Start: July 21, 9:00 a.m. End: August 19, 7:00 a.m.

COLLEGE DR EB LANES CLOSED FROM WIGGINS AVE N TO CUMBERLAND AVE N
(Water main maintenance)
Two-way traffic will be maintained in WB lanes
Start: July 21, 9:00 a.m. End: August 19, 7:00 a.m.

MCORMOND DR NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM STENSRUD RD TO BALTZAN BLVD
(Construction)
Start: August 8, 8:00 a.m. End: August 19, 5:00 p.m.

MELVILLE ST INTERSECTION CLOSED AT PORTAGE AVE
(Construction)
Start: July 31, 7:00 a.m. End: August 23, 5:00 p.m.

20TH ST W EB CURB LANE CLOSED AT AVE E S
(Water main work)
Start: August 7, 7:00 a.m. End: September 3, 4:30 p.m.

7TH AVE N ROAD CLOSED FROM OSBORNE ST TO WINDSOR ST
(Water main maintenance)
Start: August 8, 7:00 a.m. End: September 8, 5:00 p.m.

KENSINGTON GATE INTERSECTION CLOSED AT NEAULT RD
(Construction)
Start: May 2, 9:00 a.m. End: August 31, 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: October 31, 5:00 p.m.

BRIGHTON BLVD ROAD CLOSED FROM TASKAMANWA ST TO 8TH ST E
(Construction)
Use McOrmond Dr
Start: November 20, 7:00 a.m. End: November 18, 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 of Saskatoon is pleased to provide an update regarding the recent blue-green algae testing conducted on July 30, 2024 with samples collected from Briarwood Pond. Laboratory results have been received, confirming the presence of blue-green algae in local water samples, however the levels of cyanotoxins detected are significantly lower than safety thresholds.

The test results indicate that the cyanotoxins present in sampling were found to be  thirty times lower than the provincial safety guidelines established by the Healthy Beaches Program. This means that the water quality remains within safe parameters for recreational use and poses no immediate health risks to the public. The City will continue to monitor and re-test based on visual assessment.

In the interest of public safety, all recreational water activities will still be prohibited until further notice and signage around the pond will remain in place.

Residents with pets also are still advised to avoid the pond. When ingested, water with blue-green algae can cause sickness and/or death in animals depending on the level of toxicity.

Health Precautions:

• Symptoms: Contact with or ingestion of blue-green algae toxins can cause symptoms such as skin irritation, nausea, vomiting, and respiratory distress.
• Emergency: If you or your pets experience any symptoms after contact with the water, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.

Your cooperation in adhering to these safety measures is greatly appreciated.

Every year, Saskatoon Transit partners with Saskatoon Folkfest to provide free transit service for ePassport holders. This year, the event runs from August 15 to 17. To enjoy free service, simply show a Folkfest ePassport or wristband to the bus operator when boarding.

For convenient travel, hop on Route 150. Service starts 20 minutes before Folkfest opening and connects to all pavilions every 20 minutes.

The Folkfest Bus Terminal serves as the main transfer point for Route 150 and is located on the south side of 23rd Street, facing east in front of the Francis Morrison Library. Additionally, routes 1 and 19 provide service to Prairieland Park, offering another easy option for Folkfest explorers.

Folkfest Transit Service Hours:  

• Thursday, August 15 from 4:40 p.m. to 12:20 a.m.  
• Friday, August 16 from 4:40 p.m. to 12:20 a.m.  
• Saturday, August 17 from 2:40 p.m. to 12:20 a.m.  

Avoid the traffic and parking–celebrate culture and community by taking Saskatoon Transit!
Plan trips using the real-time mobile app Transit or Google Maps. Multi-modal options are available in the Transit app to seamlessly integrate trips with active transportation, OnDemand Transit, riide or Uber using the Transit+ feature. By combining transportation modes, wait times and costs can be minimized.

For more information, visit SaskatoonTransit.ca. 

Have questions? Contact Transit Customer Service at 306-975-3100 or transit.services@saskatoon.ca.  

Avenue H will be closed between 23rd Street and Bedford Road starting on Wednesday, August 14, at 7:00 a.m. for a connection replacement. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone. This project is expected to take two days 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.