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Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
Winter Leisure Guide available Friday, November 17; Program registration begins Sunday, December 3, 2023
November 16, 2023 - 1:30pm
- Registered and drop-in fitness programs available at the Leisure Centres this season;
- Youth activities such as the Winter Play Program, Learn to Skate, and Lil’ & Mini Movers Active Games;
- Free events for youth and families on days off school including Multi-Sport Sampler (January 22), School Break Camps (February 20-22), Family Day Skate (February 19) and Movies in the Gym (March 4);
- Parent & Tot and public skating at the indoor rinks;
- Free outdoor skating at the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval and over 50 outdoor community rinks in neighbourhoods across the city;
- Cross-country skiing at groomed trails around Saskatoon; and
- Community Association programs and activities.
The City of Saskatoon Leisure Guide is the community’s go-to source for sport, culture and recreation information in Saskatoon.
The Winter Leisure Guide will be available online at saskatoon.ca/leisureguide and on display at pick-up locations throughout Saskatoon beginning Friday, November 17. Pick up the guide from any City leisure facility, Saskatoon public library or anywhere the StarPhoenix is sold. Visit saskatoon.ca/leisureguide for a complete list of pick-up locations.
Included in the guide is everything you need to know about Lifesaving Society Canada swimming lessons. If your most recent swim lessons were with Red Cross prior to 2023; please refer to the transfer chart on pages 16 to 18 of the Leisure Guide.
Other highlights of the Winter Leisure Guide (January 1 to March 31, 2024) include information on:
Lakewood and Lawson Civic Centres and Shaw Centre offer parented splash time, family, public and lane swimming drop-in sessions. Please note, parent & tot swim has been renamed parented splash time and continues to be for children under the age of six and a supervising adult. Children must be always within arm’s length of an adult (maximum two children per adult).
For more information on the Winter Leisure Guide, visit saskatoon.ca/leisureguide.
Mark your calendars! Registration for Winter programs begins Sunday, December 3, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. by logging into to your account on leisureonline.saskatoon.ca, or by calling 306-975-2800.
Private & Semi-Private swim lessons registrations will open on Monday, December 4. Registrations are accepted by phone only. Call the Leisure Centre you are interested in taking lessons at to register. This change is being piloted in effort to reduce wait times for phone line registrations.
For more information on how to be prepared for registration, visit saskatoon.ca/register.
Pilot project for the installation of Accessible Loading Zones to improve inclusivity and accessibility for Saskatoon Residents
November 16, 2023 - 11:00am
The City of Saskatoon is pleased to announce the launch of a pilot project that will see the installation of accessible loading zones to foster inclusivity and accessibility.
Three locations have agreed to partake in the pilot and have accessible loading zones installed: Sutherland Elementary School, Luther Special Care Home and the Sturdy Stone Centre.
The accessible loading zones have been installed at Sutherland Elementary School and Luther Special Care Home this fall. The installation will take place at the Study Stone Centre in 2024 as it will be coordinated with other preservation construction.
“"Accessibility for all!" is the resounding message behind this initiative, emphasizing the city's commitment to providing equal opportunities for education, healthcare and community engagement,” says Jay Magus, Director of Transportation.
“By prioritizing inclusivity, we are taking a significant step toward creating a more accessible and welcoming environment for all members of our community.”
This pilot project is designed to provide individuals with limited mobility the opportunity to access education, healthcare and community services with greater ease and convenience. The newly established loading zones will feature a range of accessibility-enhancing elements, including accessibility ramps, clear side zones and dimensions tailored to accommodate both rear and side loading vehicles.
Respectful use of the designated loading zones is imperative. We urge all community members, including parents, school staff and students to familiarize themselves with the guidelines and help maintain the effectiveness of these crucial accessibility features.
This pilot project stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between the City, educational institutions, organizations like SaskAbilities and the Saskatoon Council on Aging, business improvement districts and the local community. By working together, we can create a more inclusive environment that benefits us all.
2024 Civic Election: New ward boundaries established by Municipal Wards Commission
November 15, 2023 - 4:48pm
- Confederation Urban Centre, currently Ward 3, moves to join Ward 2
- Nutana Park, currently Ward 7, moves to join Ward 9
- Geographic conditions and natural barriers, such as the river or major corridors;
- Population density and relative rate of population growth;
- Any special diversity or community of interest of residents;
- Maintain neighbourhood boundaries; and
- Limiting the number of ward changes.
Early planning for Saskatoon’s 2024 Municipal/School Boards elections continues. One of the first planning steps is to review the boundaries of the city’s ten current wards to ensure they all have similar population numbers, in accordance with The Cities Act. Ward boundary reviews must be completed no less than 180 days prior to a general municipal election.
As such, having considered feedback from two public engagement sessions, an online survey, written submissions and phone calls from residents, the Municipal Wards Commission has now established the new ward boundaries that will be in effect for Saskatoon’s next Municipal/School Boards elections to be held on November 13, 2024.
The new ward boundaries incorporate the following changes from the existing ward boundaries:
Several general principles guided the Commission’s review process of ward boundaries, in addition to the legislated requirement of +/- 10% population variance, including:
Public engagement was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, residents were asked to provide feedback on three presented options for ward boundary changes. Based on feedback received in phase one (summer 2023), two revised ward boundary options were then presented in phase two (fall 2023) for public feedback.
After careful consideration of all submissions, the Municipal Ward Commission’s full administrative report will be presented to City Council as information on Wednesday, November 22, 2023. The report details the rationale used to inform the Commission in reviewing Saskatoon’s ten wards and also presents a map of the new boundaries. 2023 Public Engagement Summary
The City will continue to create ongoing public awareness around these ward boundary changes to help inform residents on the ward they reside in.
For more information visit saskatoon.ca/wardboundaries or call 306-975-3240.
Daily Road Report - November 16, 2023
November 15, 2023 - 3:00pm
*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.
NEW
22ND ST W EB & WB MEDIAN & NEXT LANES CLOSED FROM AVE R N TO AVE S S
(Emergency connection replacement)
Start: November 16, 9:00 a.m. End: November 16, 5:00 p.m.
ONGOING
MCORMOND DR SB LANES CLOSED FROM BRIGHTON CIRCLE TO BRIGHTON COMMON
(Jersey barrier relocation)
Start: October 4, 7:00 a.m. End: November 16, 7:00 a.m.
CONFEDERATION DR NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM GALT CRT TO 33RD ST W
(Environmental monitoring)
Start: November 15, 9:00 a.m. End: November 16, 4:30 p.m.
22ND ST E EB CURB & CENTER LANE CLOSED FROM AUDITORIUM AVE TO 1ST AVE S
(Vault repairs)
Start: September 11, 7:00 a.m. End: November 30, 4:00 p.m.
NEAULT RD ROAD CLOSED FROM 22ND ST W TO WHELAN RD
(Construction)
Start: July 24, 7:00 a.m. End: December 15, 4:00 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.
Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo receives industry excellence award for Small Mammal House
November 15, 2023 - 10:00am
- Saskatoon Zoo Foundation
- CandorBuild Construction Corporation
- Krawchuk Construction
- WD Plastics
- Metalshapes Manufacturing
- Kindrachuk Agrey Architecture
- 4Twenty Designs
- Rockscapes of Canada
- Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)
The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo) is honoured and proud to be the recipient of the Thomas R. Baines award at the 2023 Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) Annual Awards of Excellence.
The Thomas R. Baines award recognizes excellence in habitat design and development as well as the ability to apply unique approaches to animal care and welfare.
The Small Mammal House opened on June 10, 2023 following extensive renovations to the exterior and interior of the former Children’s Zoo. The interior features an open space educational area where participants can see, hear and smell the animals providing a fully immersive learning experience. There are also three new habitats on the second floor and enhanced spaces for zookeepers to continue critical conservation work and provide the highest quality care for the animals that call the zoo home.
“It has been so rewarding to have this new space for our animals and to receive this award recognizing this fantastic addition to the Zoo is amazing,” says Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager. “A big thank you our zookeepers and our partner organizations including the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation, that came together to make this transformation a reality.”
The Saskatoon Zoo Foundation raises funds for capital improvements for the Zoo including $250,000 dedicated to the Small Mammal House. The Zoo would like to thank all the organizations that contributed to the Small Mammal House including:
The Zoo is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and admission is by donation until March 31. Check out the award-winning Small Mammal House on your next visit to the Zoo.
For more information on the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo visit saskatoon.ca/zoo.
For more information on CAZA visit caza.ca.
Daily Road Report - November 15, 2023
November 14, 2023 - 3:00pm
*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.
NEW
CLARENCE AVE S ROAD CLOSED FROM HILLIARD ST E TO ADELAIDE ST E
(Water & sewer work)
Start: November 15, 8:00 a.m. End: November 15, 4:00 p.m.
BROADWAY AVE ROAD CLOSED FROM MAPLE ST E TO ISABELLA ST E
(Water main valve replacement)
Start: November 15, 8:00 a.m. End: November 15, 4:30 p.m.
33RD ST E EB CURB LANE CLOSED AT ALBERTA AVE
(Pole replacement)
Start: November 15, 9:00 a.m. End: November 15, 3:00 p.m.
IDYLWYLD DR N SB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 45TH ST W TO 44TH ST E
(Cable fault repair)
Start: November 15, 9:00 a.m. End: November 15, 3:00 p.m.
CONFEDERATION DR NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM GALT CRT TO 33RD ST W
(Environmental monitoring)
Start: November 15, 9:00 a.m. End: November 16, 4:30 p.m.
ONGOING
MCORMOND DR SB LANES CLOSED FROM BRIGHTON CIRCLE TO BRIGHTON COMMON
(Jersey barrier relocation)
Start: October 4, 7:00 a.m. End: November 16, 7:00 a.m.
22ND ST E EB CURB & CENTER LANE CLOSED FROM AUDITORIUM AVE TO 1ST AVE S
(Vault repairs)
Start: September 11, 7:00 a.m. End: November 30, 4:00 p.m.
NEAULT RD ROAD CLOSED FROM 22ND ST W TO WHELAN RD
(Construction)
Start: July 24, 7:00 a.m. End: December 15, 4:00 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.
Saskatoon’s Next-of-Kin Memorial Avenue Centennial Project receives Heritage Saskatchewan Award
November 14, 2023 - 2:30pm
The City of Saskatoon, in partnership with the Decoration Day Service Committee, Saskatoon Heritage Society, Friends of the Forestry Farm House and Parks Canada, is extremely proud to be the recipient of a 2023 Saskatchewan Heritage Award in the category of Physical Heritage Conservation for the Next-of-Kin Memorial Avenue, Woodlawn Cemetery Centennial Project.
“Our organizations came together to form the Next-of-Kin Memorial Avenue Centennial Committee and commemorate the 100th anniversary of the original dedication of the Next-of-Kin Memorial Avenue in Woodlawn Cemetery on June 18, 2023,” says Darren Crilly, Director of Parks. “A lot of great work by all of the respective partners was put into celebrating the occasion.”
Hundreds of people including military veterans, politicians, family members, heritage community members and more gathered to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Next-of-Kin Memorial Avenue at Saskatoon’s Woodlawn Cemetery. Notably, this commemorative event saw the presence of nine veterans from World War II and the Korean War, five of whom are centenarians. The oldest among them aged 106 and was alive in 1923 when the Next-of-Kin Memorial Avenue was established. During the ceremony, The Honourable Russell Mirasty, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, unveiled a commemorative plaque dedicated to the 100th anniversary, ensuring a lasting memory of the sacrifices made by the Canadian Armed Forces members from Saskatchewan.
Next-of-Kin Memorial Avenue was opened on June 17, 1923, before a crowd of 8,000 people. This beautiful avenue is a National Historic Site and serves as a living memorial to those who lost their lives in the Great War of 1914-1918. For each tree and marker, there is a story of a Canadian veteran. It runs from 33rd Street, through the Woodlawn Cemetery gates and on to the Soldiers Cairn.
"Next -of Kin Memorial Avenue is the only surviving Road of Remembrance in Canada,” says Peggy Sarjeant, Past-President of the Saskatoon Heritage Society. “There were others across the country but they have succumbed primarily to municipal re-development. On this, its 100th Anniversary, the Avenue continues to stand as a living memorial, symbolizing the victory of life over death, its over-arching trees serving as a reminder of those poplar-lined roads of northern France. As we continue to care for this unique memorial, we remember the fallen who are memorialized on the trees lining the Avenue. We will not forget them.”
About the Saskatchewan Heritage Awards
The Heritage Awards event is a time to celebrate the remarkable work undertaken throughout the province. The projects being recognized represent a small sample of the rich diversity of heritage, both tangible and intangible, found right here in Saskatchewan. They are a testament to the value that individuals and communities place upon documenting, promoting, teaching, and safeguarding heritage for future generations.
Visit for more information about Next-of-Kin Memorial Avenue.
City recognizes Louis Riel Day, November 16
November 14, 2023 - 1:53pm
In honour of Louis Riel Day (November 16), several events are taking place in Saskatoon:
Friendship Park Gathering
An annual gathering is held on November 16 in Friendship Park beside the Gabriel Dumont Statue (in the area of 325 Spadina Cres E in Friendship Park). This year's brief gathering begins at 10 a.m. and all are welcome.
Mini Moccasin Workshop
The Gabriel Dumont Workshop is holding this workshop at GDI (917 22nd St W) from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on November 16. Reserve your spot by calling 306-657-5715.
Louis Riel & Métis Veterans Honouring
There will be a cultural event honouring Louis Riel and Métis veterans on November 15 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Remai Modern SaskTel Theatre (2nd floor). All are welcome and there is no charge for admission.
Louis Riel Day is an opportunity to reflect on our shared history and understand the important role the Métis community has played - and continues to play - in both our city and our country.
Riel led two popular Métis governments, was a central figure in Manitoba’s entry into Confederation, and led the 1885 resistance to Canadian encroachment on Métis lands, leading to his execution on Nov. 16, 1885. Riel is widely considered the most famous Métis leader and an important figurehead for Métis people in Western Canada.
Clarence Avenue closed from Hilliard to Adelaide streets on Wednesday
November 14, 2023 - 7:00am
Clarence Avenue will be closed from Hilliard to Adelaide streets for water and sewer work on Wednesday, November 15, starting at 8:00 a.m. 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.
Broadway Avenue closed from Maple to Isabella streets on Wednesday
November 14, 2023 - 6:00am
Broadway Avenue will be closed from Maple to Isabella streets for a water main valve replacement on Wednesday, November 15, starting at 8:00 a.m. 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.