Saskatoon experienced a severe blizzard with high amounts of snowfall and strong winds which have created drifting on roads and sidewalks. Freezing rain has also created a layer of ice underneath the snow. This is an incredibly challenging situation and the City is working 24/7 to respond and get Saskatoon moving again.  

Snow Clearing 

The majority of streets throughout the city are completely blocked with snow. Circle Drive is passable, but some ramps are not. College Drive, 8th Street, 22nd Street and Idywyld Drive have barely one lane open. All other Priority 1 streets are blocked with snow.  

Priority streets include Circle Drive, College Drive, Idylwyld Drive, 8th Street, 22nd Street, bridges, overpasses and ramps.

“Last night was a challenge as we were having to balance plowing and grading with helping emergency services rescue stranded motorists,” says Goran Saric, Director of Roadways, Fleet and Support. “We’re staying focused on our priority road system. Once the highest priority streets are cleared, we’ll move through the rest of the system, at times returning to the highest priority roads multiple times to improve mobility.” 

The City is asking residents to avoid unnecessary travel so clearing can continue and emergency vehicles can get through. If travel is necessary, adjust for driving conditions and watch for snow removal crews equipped with blue and amber flashing lights. Stay a safe distance behind and be prepared to stop quickly. Some traffic signs and signals are covered with snow, so drivers should practice extra caution at intersections.  

More information on the City’s snow clearing efforts can be found at saskatoon.ca/snow 

Civic Facilities and Service Impacts 
 
Saskatoon Transit

Transit service is suspended and will resume service once Priority 1 streets become accessible. Service will be expanded as conditions allow. For updates check the real-time mobile app, transit or visit saskatoontransit.ca/service-alerts. All non-essential Access Transit trips have been canceled. Affected customers will be contacted. Call 306-975-3555 with any questions or concerns. 

Garbage and Recycling

Garbage and Recycling collection for Monday has been suspended. Collection has been rescheduled for Saturday, November 14. The Landfill opening has been delayed. 

Leisure Services

Leisure Centres will remain closed today to all programming, rentals and Book-a-Visit drop-in activities. Shaw Centre (Bethlehem Gymnasium) and the Cliff Wright Branch Library in Lakewood Civic Centre will remain open as election polling stations from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Shaw, Cosmo, Lakewood and Lawson Civic Centres will also be open from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for election ballot drop-off locations. In addition, all City Arenas will remain closed until at least 4:00 p.m. 

For timely updates regarding all service disruptions visit saskatoon.ca/servicealerts or follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert.  

Civic Election - Monday, November 9

Polling locations for the 2020 Civic Election are scheduled to be open 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Election workers are experiencing difficulties getting to their polling places and some locations are not yet open. The Election Office asks voters for patience as City road crews work to respond to this weekend’s severe winter storm. As crews need time and space this morning, voters are encouraged to plan to visit polling locations this afternoon. For updates, visit saskatoon.ca/vote2020.

Emergency Preparedness  

The City has now moved into recovery mode.  

Continue to ensure your own safety over the coming days:  

• Reach out to people who may require support:  
• More than 300 people in Saskatoon are self-isolating due to COVID-19.  

• Consider whether any of your neighbours may need assistance, including those that are seniors or have disabilities.  

• If travel is necessary:  

• Equip yourself with an emergency kit containing warm clothes, blankets, candles, snacks and a shovel. 
• Try not to travel alone.  Have someone else who can assist you in the vehicle 
• Be sure to let someone know where you’re going and when you arrive.  
• Plan for delays.  

• Activate the GPS locator app on your smartphone (‘Find My’ on iPhone and ‘Find My Device’ on Android) to allow assigned contacts to track you.  

• A more detailed list of emergency preparedness tips can be found at saskatoon.ca/snowstorm2020  

Residents are encouraged to subscribe to NotifyNow for updates on public safety messages.   

For timely updates on snow and ice alerts visit saskatoon.ca/service-alerts and follow us at twitter.com/YXEServiceAlert. 

Although today is Election Day, we’re facing the aftermath of a major snow storm that blanketed the entire city.

Polling locations for the 2020 Civic Election are scheduled to be open 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Election workers are experiencing difficulties getting to their polling places and some locations are not yet open. The Election Office asks voters for patience as City road crews work to respond to this weekend’s severe winter storm. Crews need time and space this morning and voters are encouraged to plan to visit polling locations this afternoon.

The City’s snow removal strategy strives to maximize, as is safe and practical, people being able to move around the City today, accessing polling stations. While crews are working, voters are asked to consider walking to polling locations, if possible, or use Transit, as services become available. Please check the real-time app, transit or Google Maps Transit on desktop or SaskatoonTransit.ca for service alerts.

Polling Station Updates

As election workers navigate windblown and ice-covered roads, there will be delays in opening polling locations this morning. The Local Government Election Act, 2015 that governs municipal elections in Saskatchewan states that polling locations must close at 8:00 pm. Anyone in line at 8:00 p.m. will be able to vote. For updates, visit saskatoon.ca/vote2020.

Mail-in Ballot Drop-Off

In light of the winter storm and for the safety of citizens, voters will be able to drop off their completed mail-in ballot at any polling location across the city today. This is in addition to the previously announced locations, found at saskatoon.ca/mailballot.

Other important Election Day reminders:

• Confirm your voting location using the Poll Finder at saskatoon.ca/mypoll
• Bring your completed voter registration form or fill out at the poll: bit.ly/2020CivicRegistrationForm
• Masks are required per provincial health order

Visit saskatoon.ca/vote2020 for all election-related information.

As the winter storm continues to hit Saskatoon and impact road conditions, residents are asked to stay in their homes. If getting around the city is necessary, please consider Saskatoon Transit.

The Saskatoon Fire Department asks that if residents are driving and find themselves stranded, remember:

• don't panic
• stay in place with your vehicle
• call 306-975-8300 and if it is an emergency call 911

Responders will be contacted and once they arrive arrangements will be made to get stranded individuals to a safe location. Responders will be contacted from Fire, Police or Saskatoon Search and Rescue; and will be in uniforms and clearly identifiable.

Subscribe to NotifyNow for updates on public safety messages.

For timely updates on snow and ice alerts visit saskatoon.ca/service-alerts and follow us at twitter.com/YXEServiceAlert.

To ensure all Saskatoon residents have access to vote during the provincial election, Saskatoon Transit will offer a special pass that will allow for free transit service on Monday, October 26, 2020.

To obtain free transit service, patrons are required to download the free pass from SaskatoonTransit.ca. A printed pass is not required, electronic versions on mobile phones will be accepted and children can travel with parents showing a pass. Paper versions of the pass can also be obtained from the Saskatoon Transit Customer Service Centre, a Saskatoon Public Library, City Hall or at one of the City of Saskatoon Leisure Centres. Please contact Customer Service at 306-975-3100 if you having difficulty printing out a ticket or obtaining a pass. 

When entering a bus, patrons are required to wear a mask and present their pass to the operator to gain free access. Passes can be used multiple times on Access or fixed route transit and will expire at end of service on October 26, 2020.

Due to COVID-19 physical distancing requirements and the current phase of the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan, the City of Saskatoon already has a number of adjusted services in place. 

On Thanksgiving Day, Monday, October 12, 2020, there are several statutory holiday service adjustments. See full details on the City’s website.

Please visit saskatoon.ca/covid-19 for timely updates from the City of Saskatoon on everything you need to know to stay safe.

Happy Thanksgiving.

The City of Saskatoon and GFL Environmental will host the next Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Drop-off Day this Sunday, October 4 (9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.) at the Civic Operations Centre (57 Valley Road).

Saskatoon residents are invited to drop off their HHW materials for recycling and safe disposal, including aerosols, automotive fluids, batteries, cleaners, cylinders, light bulbs, medications, yard chemicals, vaping products, and more. Complete lists of acceptable and unacceptable items are available at saskatoon.ca/hazardouswaste.

Reminders:

• Avoid the line-up! As the demand for these events grows, unfortunately so do wait times. Residents should consider the following options:
  • Visit saskatoon.ca/wastewizard to find other means of recycling and safe disposal. Common items including batteries, light bulbs, paint, and used engine oil can be recycled by other means in the community
  • Bundle loads with family, friends, and neighbours to shorten the line-up.
• COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions will be in place to help reduce the spread of the virus. More info at saskatoon.ca/hazardouswaste.
• Please ensure all containers are safely sealed and contents are clearly marked.
• Help reduce emissions from idling and protect the health of other residents by turning off vehicles during long wait times.
• Approximate wait times will be posted periodically on the day of the event on the Facebook event page.
• The program is open to SASKATOON RESIDENTS ONLY for hazardous materials from RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES ONLY. Materials from agricultural, institutional, commercial, small business or industrial loads will NOT be accepted. For disposal/recycling of hazardous wastes from non-residential sources, please contact GFL Environmental at 306-244-9500.

Thank you for your patience and for helping us put waste in the right place!

The City is urging Saskatoon residents to wear an orange shirt on Wednesday, September 30^th to acknowledge the harm that was done to children in Indian Residential Schools and to honour the survivors, their families, and those in unmarked graves who did not make it home. Wearing orange is a way to acknowledge the legacy of residential schools and a commitment to the process of reconciliation.

“Wearing orange is a message to the world that you believe Every Child Matters,” says Melissa Cote, the City’s Director of Indigenous Initiatives. “Your orange shirt might spark interest from colleagues, family and friends – this presents the perfect opportunity to share your reasons for wearing orange. Everyone can help to raise public awareness in this way.”

“Thank you to all who use this day to educate themselves on how residential schools as a social engineering project changed the relationships with Indigenous Peoples in this country,” says Eugene Arcand, Chair of the Saskatoon Survivors Circle. “In this time of purification, we can all do better.”

The City has joined together with other organizations to offer the Orange Shirt Day ConnectR Reconciliation Challenge. The Reconciliation Challenge is a commitment to start or continue a journey of reconciliation by using the BeAConnectR.com website to learn more about Indigenous peoples' past and present experiences. You can choose to join the ConnectR Challenge Facebook Group if you want to share the experience and access guidance and support.

The City of Saskatoon co-chairs Reconciliation Saskatoon. Reconciliation Saskatoon is a community of over 115 organizations, non-profits, businesses and partners who have come together towards one mission: to initiate a citywide conversation about reconciliation and provide opportunities for everyone to engage in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.

The Orange Shirt Day ConnectR Reconciliation Challenge was made possible through the support of Nutrien and the Saskatoon Community Foundation and a partnership between Reconciliation Saskatoon and the Saskatoon Survivors Circle—a group of Elders that are residential school survivors who ensure that residential schools and their legacy are never forgotten.

The City is aware of a positive COVID-19 case impacting the City of Regina’s transit service. At this time, Saskatoon Transit is not impacted by this recent news.

The situation in Regina is an important reminder about the required steps in place protect the health and safety of bus riders, residents and employees.

Non-medical face masks are required when traveling on Saskatoon Transit as an added safety measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community. As students return to class and other activities resume this Fall, the mask requirement allows Saskatoon Transit to safely operate full-seated loads and meet demand on all fixed route and Access Transit buses.

Even if you have no symptoms, wearing a cloth or disposable mask is an extra measure we can all take to protect others around us, particularly in situations where two metres physical distancing cannot be maintained.

Visit Saskatoon.ca/covid-19 for information on mask requirements and other precautions.

The City of Saskatoon and GFL Environmental will host the next Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Drop-off Day this Sunday, September 13.

• Location: Civic Operations Centre (57 Valley Road) 
• Date & Time: Sunday, September 13 (9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.)

Saskatoon residents are invited to drop off their HHW materials for recycling and safe disposal, including aerosols, automotive fluids, batteries, cleaners, cylinders, light bulbs, medications, yard chemicals, vaping products, and more. Complete lists of acceptable and unacceptable items are available at saskatoon.ca/hazardouswaste.

Reminders:

• In response to COVID-19, updated guidelines and restrictions will be in place to help reduce the spread of the virus. More info at saskatoon.ca/hazardouswaste.
• Please ensure all containers are safely sealed and contents are clearly marked.
• To avoid potentially long line-ups and wait times, ask the Waste Wizard at  saskatoon.ca/wastewizard to find other means of recycling and safe disposal.
• Help reduce emissions from idling and protect the health of other residents by turning off vehicles during long wait times.
• Approximate wait times will be posted periodically on the day of the event on the Facebook event page.
• The program is open to SASKATOON RESIDENTS ONLY for hazardous materials from RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES ONLY. Materials from agricultural, institutional, commercial, small business, or industrial loads will NOT be accepted. For disposal/recycling of hazardous wastes from non-residential sources, please contact GFL Environmental at 306-244-9500.

Thank you for helping us put waste in the right place!

To protect the health and safety of bus riders, residents and employees, non-medical face masks are required when traveling on Saskatoon Transit beginning September 1; as an added safety measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community, masks are recommended, but not required, when accessing indoor City-operated facilities and services.

“Our community spirit is strong when we work as one community to keep our guard up,” says Anthony Tataryn, Assistant Fire Chief. “Even if you have no symptoms, wearing a cloth or disposable mask is an extra measure we can all take to protect others around us, particularly in situations where two metres physical distancing cannot be maintained.”

City Council approved the measure at its meeting Monday, August 31. The change will allow Saskatoon Transit to safely operate full-seated loads and meet demand on all fixed route and Access Transit buses.

“Fall means back to school and the resumption of some activities, so we’ve looked at how we can meet the increased demand for our services,” says James McDonald, Director of Saskatoon Transit. “With more people riding the bus, physical distancing is not always possible, so requiring the use of masks is the next step to protect the health and safety of our riders and our bus operators.”

“The City is in the process of reopening of the remaining indoor leisure centres and revising the programs that are delivered in those facilities,” says Andrew Roberts, Director of Recreation and Community Development. “We have safety measures in place throughout our leisure centres to ensure the safety of both our employees and our customers and the use of masks is seen as an added precaution indoors where physical distancing may be difficult to keep at all times.”

If at any point in the future the Province provides direction related to mask use by the public the City would follow the Provincial lead. 

The City will focus on educating and informing the public of COVID-19 safety precautions and the use of non-medical face coverings as an additional safety precaution, rather than enforcement. 

For the latest updates on City services including a list of convenient online services, visit saskatoon.ca/covid-19.