Attention all Saskatoon Transit users!  

Please be aware the Downtown Transit Terminal will undergo a short-term construction project from May 8-14, 2023. The rehabilitation work aims to fix the structural deficiencies of the road surface and missing sections of curb at the terminal. 

The project has been scheduled in May to minimize the impact on transit riders and residents. The terminal will be moved along 3rd Avenue from 23rd Street to 24th Street with minimal effects on transit service and schedules. Wayfinding will be available to help locate transfers and buses, and transit staff will be on hand to assist. 

Please note the sidewalks on both sides of the existing terminal will stay open, and the Transit Customer Service Centre will maintain regular hours of operation. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to make improvements. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at transit.services@saskatoon.ca or 306.975.3100. Thank you for your cooperation and support. 

Some of Saskatoon’s most travelled roads are scheduled for major upgrades this summer. Construction projects will include resurfacing the west bound lanes of Circle Drive North between Millar Avenue and Alberta Avenue, and resurfacing sections of Preston Avenue between Preston Crossing and 8th Street.

“There are several areas of Preston Avenue that are in rough shape and in need of new asphalt,” says Terry Schmidt, General Manager of Transportation and Construction. “We’ll also get to Wanuskewin Road to resurface both sides between 71st Street and Penner Road.” 

Many roads will be completely resurfaced following water main replacements. Replacing the decades old water mains with durable PVC piping will continue in several areas of Saskatoon, including Downtown.

“Downtown water main replacement work will happen in phases throughout the summer and fall to avoid closing several blocks at the same time, starting with 22nd Street East between 3rd Avenue and 4th Avenue.” 

About $67.19 million is earmarked for road and bridge construction and maintenance in 2023. One of the most significant construction zones is already set up on the Circle Drive North Bridge where crews are now two months into a nine-month long rehabilitation project. Sidewalk repairs and annual street maintenance programs like street sweeping, pothole and utility cut repairs, and line painting are now underway or about to start.

Also, this month, the Saskatoon Transit Downtown Terminal will be undergoing road and sidewalk work. For approximately one week, the Terminal will temporarily move to 3rd Avenue North, in front of City Hall. Bus stop locations will be marked in advance.

Saskatoon Light & Power (SL&P) is already working Downtown, upgrading the underground electrical vault on the west side of 2nd Avenue between 21st Street and 22nd Street. Work began in late April and is scheduled for completion by mid-June. This is a cornerstone project that will allow SL&P to proceed with additional electrical renewal projects to update Downtown power infrastructure.

Despite some street closures due to construction, Schmidt says Downtown businesses will remain open and accessible by sidewalk.

“There will be pedestrian and traffic detours Downtown and throughout the city all summer. We thank residents for their patience and are asking everyone to respect work zones.”

For more information on current and future construction, please visit saskatoon.ca/construction.

Saskatoon Transit has received the prestigious 2023 Smart Cities Award for its partnership with Preteckt, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology company, to enhance Transit’s bus maintenance operations. The award recognizes Saskatoon Transit’s innovative use of Preteckt’s AI-powered predictive maintenance with its bus operations.

“We want to provide better reliability with even safer vehicles on the road,” says Tracey Davis, Saskatoon Transit Maintenance Manager. “This technology works with our existing systems at Saskatoon Transit and is a great application of AI to bus maintenance. This technology developed by Preteckt detects issues in buses before they become critical interruptions to service and empowers our technicians to make these repairs earlier than currently possible. We noticed immediate benefits, like reductions in parts and labour costs, which will become part of our regular maintenance practices.”

“Being the first city fleet in Canada to source our technology through a competitive process means a lot to us, and we’re looking forward to working with more fleets and cities in Canada,” says Krish Inbarajan, CEO of Preteckt. Inbarajan congratulated Saskatoon Transit on its leadership in incorporating AI technology into its maintenance operation.

Preteckt’s expansion into transit authorities across North America has been successful, with 10 commercial contracts and several pilots already underway. The company’s AI technology sifts through billions of data points from vehicles to identify or flag potential maintenance issues.

The Saskatoon Transit – Preteckt partnership highlights integration of advanced technology and will be essential to providing reliable, safe, and efficient transportation services.

About Preteckt

Preteckt is a Hamilton-founded, Memphis-based AI company focused on maintenance to increase vehicle availability, improve safety, and reduce costs to support maintenance staff and enable the future of work. The technology was initially developed for trucking but has since expanded to serve other fleets such as transit and school buses. Preteckt supports existing gas and diesel engines and is bringing its technology to electric vehicles in partnership with several fleets. The Preteckt team is passionate to serve the maintainers in the industry. Maintenance, maintainers, and digital workflow is its initial focus area.

Direct bus service from the Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to see Shania Twain live at  SaskTel Centre  on Friday, May 12 at 7:30 p.m., is available at the following times:   

• 6:10 p.m.  
• 6:30 p.m.  
• 6:50 p.m. 
• 7:10 p.m. 
• 7:30 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.    
 
Plan your trip to events at SaskTel Centre on Route 333 using the Transit  app up to two weeks in advance.   
 
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.  

Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, His Worship Charlie Clark, Mayor of Saskatoon, and Josipa Petrunić, President and CEO of the Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC), announced a joint investment of $420,000 to plan for the electrification of Saskatoon Transit’s bus fleet.

With this funding, Saskatoon Transit will create a five-phase strategy that will review the costs, assess the risks and advantages, and identify the infrastructure and internal resources needed to transition to a low-carbon fleet. This plan will guide the City of Saskatoon’s efforts to meet their goal of electrifying their entire fleet.

By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is growing our country’s economy, increasing the resiliency of our communities, and improving the lives of Canadians.

Quotes

“The electrification of our transportation sector is one of the most impactful measures we can take to reduce our emissions and build a clean economy. This funding will allow Saskatoon Transit to plan for the successful electrification of their bus fleet, which will provide quieter, cleaner transit options to the city’s residents. Our government will continue working with its partners in Saskatchewan and across the country to build public transit systems Canadians can rely on.”

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities

“This important funding will allow Saskatoon to take crucial steps towards modernizing and electrifying our bus fleet. The recent electric bus pilot project showed just some of the possible benefits that can be realized through rapidly evolving technology in the field of transportation. Moving people efficiently and reducing costs while also taking steps to meet targets from our Low Emissions Community Plan will help to ensure a modern and sustainable public transportation system for residents of Saskatoon.”

His Worship Charlie Clark, Mayor of Saskatoon

“At CUTRIC, we know that sustainability is a continuous journey. We are committed to taking significant strides toward a net zero future, and our collaborative effort with the City of Saskatoon and Saskatoon Transit is a testament to that. This project is not just about modernizing fleets; it’s about taking responsibility for the future of our communities and the health and well-being of our citizens. We’re proud to be part of history in Saskatchewan.” 

Josipa Petrunić, President & CEO, Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC)

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada is investing $336,000 for this project, and the City of Saskatoon is contributing $84,000. 
• Launched in 2021, the $2.75B Zero Emission Transit Fund offers support to public transit and school bus operators across Canada who are electrifying their fleets. 
• The Government of Canada is investing $10 million through the Zero Emission Transit Fund over five years to help transit bus operators to complete planning work and increase their level of readiness to transition to zero emission bus fleets.
• CUTRIC’s mission is to support the commercialization of technologies through industry-led collaborative research, development, demonstration, and integration projects that bring innovative design to Canada’s low-carbon smart mobility ecosystem.
• This project aligns with Saskatoon’s Low Emissions Community Plan, a long-term roadmap for the City to achieve its greenhouse gas reduction targets.

Associated links

• Building Canada's public transit future: Healthy and sustainable modes of transportation for all
• Zero Emission Transit Fund
• Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium
• Saskatoon Climate Action Plan – Progress Report 2021

Time to hop into spring, looks like warmer days are ahead!
Many fun Easter long weekend activities await! How about ...

• planning a spring walk to go see the animals at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo
• strolling through Remai Modern to enjoy newest collections
• diving in for a family swim or workout at one of the City's Leisure Centres
• visiting a Saskatoon Public Library location to borrow some new books

Check out all the details on what's open or closed, what's happening with parking, waste collection, transit service and more including adjustments to civic services and hours of operation on Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, here.

The City has developed a comprehensive plan to establish a Downtown Event and Entertainment District to become a hub of commercial, cultural and community activity. City Council will discuss a report to approve the Downtown Event and Entertainment District vision statement and guiding principles at its meeting March 29, 2023. 

“This is a journey toward revitalizing downtown,” says Dan Willems, Director of Technical services. “A new event centre is just one aspect of the larger vison of creating an animated public area of thriving business and entertainment in Saskatoon’s Downtown, which is accessible to everyone.” 

A key component of that accessibility is the future Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. In November 2018, City Council directed the Administration to plan for the future of Saskatoon’s Downtown and that the focus of the planning work includes an entertainment district fully integrated with the BRT, not just an event centre and a convention facility.  

The guiding principles incorporate priorities, policies and strategic initiatives from referencing several previously approved documents, including the City’s 2022-2025 Strategic Plan, City Centre Plan, Imagine Idylwyld and the Official Community Plan. 

“With these plans in mind, the area will be developed sustainably and with a focus on Indigenous placemaking,” Willems says. “By offering residents and visitors a gathering place for entertainment and events, with a variety of restaurants, venues, shopping and nightlife, Saskatoon’s Downtown will become an economic driver for the city and the province.” 

The vision and principles have been created and refined through discussion with many stakeholders, including Council Committees, to create a robust and inclusive document. 

“We have developed our vision statement and eight guiding principles that will be the bedrock for how we move forward,” says Lesley Anderson, Director of Planning and Development. 

Vision Statement 

A safe and vibrant Downtown is a welcoming and inclusive place for all people to come together in cooperative spirit. The District supports a strong economy, strengthens our diverse community, and attracts people to live, work and play in the Downtown. 

Guiding Principles 

• Reconciliation by honouring Indigenous Peoples, histories, languages and culture
• A distinctive identity through placemaking/placekeeping 
• Architectural and public realm design excellence 
• Reliable and efficient transportation options 
• Downtown density with a focus on housing 
• Leadership in sustainability and resiliency 
• A robust and diverse economy 
• A healthy and safe community 

“There will be many opportunities for targeted and broad engagement for all residents and visitors to provide feedback on the project, as well as targeted engagement with stakeholders, rights holders and partners,” Anderson says. 

The vision and guiding principles are an important start towards planning for the District and there will be more to the journey, a continuation of working with the community and businesses, to ensure the Downtown District reflects the values, history and people of Saskatoon  

“Establishing a clear vision and guiding principles are foundational to creating a district that reflects and includes all of us,” says Councillor Cynthia Block who represents the downtown and is Council’s strategic lead for downtown development. “An event centre  and convention facility are tools, but evidence shows success comes from everything that builds up around them. A district roadmap gives us the best chance to succeed and makes it uniquely our own.” 

Block adds the City is developing a funding strategy that will have a minimal impact on taxes.  

“We are looking at funding tools that other cities have used successfully, as well as contributions from other orders of government,” she says. 

Once approved, the vision statement and guiding principles will be referenced in future reports related to the District Plan and how the guiding principles have influenced that work. 

Administration will continue to prepare District Plan-related reports to the Governance and Priorities Committee and City Council at major milestones throughout the District Plan process. 

The full report, including the full text of the vision statement and guiding principles, can be found on the meeting agenda.

Negative interactions where an operator was directly impacted by a member of the public have decreased, shows a report being presented to City Council’s Standing Policy on Transportation on March 7. The report summarizes incidents on buses and around Transit facilities.  

Negative interactions overall impacting operators are down by approximately 50% in 2022 when compared to the years prior; however, negative interactions between transit passengers and members of the public at transit stops and terminals trend up year over year.  

The most common negative attributes associated with interactions impacting operators are verbal altercations, intoxication, and acts of aggression. The most common negative attributes associated with passenger and public interactions are intoxication and verbal altercations. That said, Mike Moellenbeck, Operations Manager for Saskatoon Transit stresses, all such incidents remain rare. 

“While we take all negative interactions and assaults impacting operators very seriously, thankfully they remain very rare. There are about two operator assault incidents for every one million rides,” says Moellenbeck. 

Aside from physical force – including a push – assault also includes spitting or throwing items. Negative interactions include assault, intoxication, aggression, fare dispute, harassing behaviour or road rage against an operator. 

“We are all aware of greater mental health concerns and social distress in communities nation-wide; Saskatoon is no different,” he says.  “Saskatoon Transit will always support its Operators and riders and look at ways to enhance training and safety protocols to create a more positive workplace and ride experience.”  

Moellenbeck adds that the Plexiglas operator safety barriers Council approved in November 2020 are being installed with about one-third of the fleet complete. The remainder is expected to be installed this spring. 

A Saskatoon Transit bus was involved in a serious collision with a pedestrian this morning at the intersection of College Drive and Cumberland Avenue. 

Saskatoon Transit is cooperating fully with the police investigation: no charges have been laid against the Transit Operator.

Counseling services have been made available to the Operator and our Transit team affected by this incident.

Additionally, as is the practice anytime a Transit bus is involved in a traffic incident, there will be an internal investigation conducted by Saskatoon Transit.

Looking for some fun activities to take in over the Family Day long weekend?

• How about going for a swim and play at a Leisure Centre?
• Looks like mild weather, maybe skating indoors or outside?
• A relaxing museum visit to Remai Modern?
• Fun and fresh air at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo?

The City has you covered!  

Check out the City’s holiday hours of operation and adjusted civic services and also find information on what's happening on Family Day, Monday, February 20 with Saskatoon Transit services & the Transit Customer Service Center,  parking requirements, the Municipal Impound Lot, Waste Collection, Landfill hours, Woodlawn Cemetery & more.

Have a safe and happy long weekend Saskatoon!

Visit saskatoon.ca for more information on City programs and services.