News Releases

While celebrating the arrival of the Year of the Dragon, the Saskatoon Fire Department would like to remind residents and visitors of safe practices for purchasing, enjoying and disposing of fireworks. At the City Council Meeting on September 27, 2023, Bylaw 7990 was amended to permit low hazard fireworks in recognition of the Lunar New Year. Discharging low-hazard fireworks is now permitted on private property from dusk on Chinese New Year's Eve, Friday, February 9, until 12:15 a.m. on Chinese New Year's Day, Saturday, February 10. 

Low-hazard fireworks are designed for public recreational use. These fireworks travel less than 50m (160ft) high and include items such as roman candles, sparklers, fountains, wheels, volcanoes, mines and snakes. 

High-hazard fireworks are designed for professionals and can only be purchased by persons holding a valid Fireworks Supervisor – Level I or Level II card issued by Natural Resources Canada. 

Residents and spectators are reminded of the risks and obligations associated with fireworks:  

• Carefully read and follow the manufacturer instructions.  
• Exercise increased caution when handling and discharging any type of firework.  
• Choose your location wisely. Fireworks can only be discharged on private property.   
• Familiarize yourself with the space requirements for the type of firework being discharged. Requirements vary depending on the firework type.
• Ensure your location is free of overhead obstructions, is clear side-to-side and is a safe distance from combustible materials.  
• Ensure that it is not windy and that all spectators are safely located to observe the display.  
• Be sure to properly stabilize the firework according to manufacturer direction.  
• Other than sparklers, never light or hold a lit firework in your hand.  
• Always light the fuse at its tip.  
• Never try to relight or fix the fuse on fireworks that did not go off.  
• Have a supply of water available and use it to extinguish debris or smouldering embers before they cause injuries, property damage and/or fires.   
• Keep in mind that you are solely responsible for any debris that may land on spectators or another’s property.  

For more information about fireworks safety, please visit saskatoon.ca/fireworks. 

Saskatoon is Our Home and We Live in Harmony with Each Other. Stop Racial Discrimination.

The City has opened the 2024 Call for Submissions for its annual Living in Harmony Awards. These awards recognize outstanding achievements in contributing to community harmony through the elimination of racial discrimination in our community. They are presented annually in March, which the City of Saskatoon has proclaimed Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Month since 1990. 

Any individual or organization that is contributing to the elimination of racism in Saskatoon is eligible. Students and school groups are also invited to send in submissions that speak to inclusivity and anti-racism using any expressive form (photos, art, written, video, etc.). 

Nominations are being accepted until 3 p.m. on March 6, 2024. The nomination forms are available at saskatoon.ca/LivingInHarmony. 

The Living in Harmony Awards are part of the City’s commitment to making Saskatoon an inclusive and equitable space where racism has no place. The Living in Harmony awards winners are selected by the City of Saskatoon's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee. These names will be announced on March 21, 2024, which is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Snow began overnight in Saskatoon and is expected to continue throughout the day. Sanders and plows worked through the night, and remain on the go this morning, focusing on Circle Drive and applying de-icing materials as it continues to snow.  

The priority while it snows is to keep the driving lanes clear along Circle Drive and the busiest freeway and arterial streets. Crews are applying de-icing materials along priority streets, focusing on bridge decks and intersections.  

Drivers should adjust their driving for the road conditions, leave extra room and time for their commute.  

Please watch for blue and amber flashing lights on road maintenance equipment and leave room for the operators to do their work.  

Direct bus service from the Special Events Stop to see Rivalry Series: Canada vs USA at SaskTel Centre on Wednesday, February 7, at 7:00 p.m., is available at the following times:    

• 5:45 p.m. 
• 6:25 p.m. 

Post-event drop-off is 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.   

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

NEW

BROADWAY AVE ROAD CLOSED FROM ISABELLA ST E TO MAPLE ST E
(Valve replacement)
Start: February 7, 8:00 a.m. End: February 7, 5:00 p.m.

2ND AVE S SB LANES CLOSED FROM 22ND ST E TO 21ST ST E
(Sanitary main repair)
Start: February 7, 9:00 a.m. End: February 7, 3:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DR E NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM HIGHWAY 16 TO DELARONDE RD
(Street light replacements)
Start: February 7, 9:30 a.m. End: February 7, 1:30 p.m.

ONGOING

BRIGHTON BLVD ROAD CLOSED FROM TASKAMANWA ST TO 8TH ST E
(Construction)
Use McOrmond Dr
Start: November 20, 2023, 7:00 a.m. End: November 18, 2024, 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.

Direct bus service from the Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to experience the Saskatoon Blades take on the Lethbridge Hurricanes at SaskTel Centre on Tuesday, February 6, at 7 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.

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

NEW

33RD ST W EB & WB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM AVE D N TO AVE E N
(Sanitary sewer inspection)
Start: February 6, 9:00 a.m. End: February 6, 3:00 p.m.

ONGOING

MELVILLE ST ROAD CLOSED FROM PORTAGE AVE TO JASPER AVE S
(Hydrovac)
Start: February 5, 7:00 a.m. End: February 6, 3:00 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: November 18, 2024, 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.

February school break makes for a wonderful time to enjoy winter activities and create family memories. If you’re planning a staycation while your kids are home from school, you’re in luck because the City has opportunities for you.

Family Day Skate Event (Free, Drop-in Event)
Monday, February 19, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Everyone welcome!  Bring your skates and safety gear and enjoy an afternoon of fun with your family. Non-skating activities including martial arts, arts and crafts and face painting. Please dress warmly.

The event will be held at Cosmo Civic Centre & Arena, 3130 Laurier Drive.

For more information on the Family Day Skate event, please call 306-975-3378.

Leisure Centres & Indoor Rinks Bonus Programming

Visit one of the six Leisure Centres where you can enjoy swimming, waterslides, court sports, and more. Or try one of the indoor rinks for public skating and Parent and Tot skating. Facility schedules are available online at saskatoon.ca/leisureonline. Bonus swimming and skating are added during the February school break.

Family Fun February Promotion
From Friday, February 16 to Sunday, February 25, take advantage of a special Family Fun February promotion and receive 20% off your next Family, Adult, or Youth Leisure Centre general admission at the Leisure Centres and indoor rinks. Good for use at Cosmo, Lakewood, and Lawson Civic Centres; Saskatoon Field House; Shaw Centre; and ACT, Archibald, Cosmo and Lions Arenas. Please visit saskatoon.ca/funfebruary to print your coupon or display it on your smartphone at your next visit. Plus, enter to win a one-month Family LeisureCard when you redeem your coupon.

Additionally, each Family LeisureCard purchased in February will automatically be entered to win a leisure prize pack which includes which includes a $50 leisure gift card, duffle bag and water bottle.

School Break Camp (Free, Registered Program)
For ages 10 to 14.  It’s a chance to have fun and try new activities from qualified instructors. Spots are still available in the following session:

• Learn to Métis Jigging (Cosmo Civic Centre, 3130 Laurier Drive)
  Tuesday, February 20, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  Registration Code:  CD1380-02 

Register online at leisureonline.saskatoon.ca or call or visit any Leisure Centre.

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a freezing rain warning for Saskatoon.  A combination of snow and rain and/or freezing drizzle is expected throughout Sunday. City crews are actively responding to the situation. Icy conditions can develop due to the combination of moisture and cold roads and sidewalks.   

City crews will be continuously monitoring conditions and applying salt as required to address potential icy conditions, focusing on high speed and high traffic streets, bridges, and intersections along priority streets.  Salt is an effective tool to address icy conditions during mild winter temperatures. Crews are ready to initiate plowing and snow grading if the snow accumulates. 

Drivers should adjust their driving for the road conditions, leave extra room in case you need to stop suddenly and watch for blue and yellow flashing lights on road equipment.

Learn about winter road maintenance at saskatoon.ca/snow.  Stay in the snow with the Snow & Ice Report at saskatoon.ca/snowreport.