News Releases

The City of Saskatoon will have several adjusted civic services and hours of operation on the stat holiday, Labour Day, Monday, September 2.

Find out what's open or closed,  and what's happening with parking requirements, Saskatoon Transit/Access Transit operating hours, waste collection schedules, Leisure Centres, Saskatoon Public Library, Remai Modern and more.

Enjoy these last days of summer...how about a final pool day! Riversdale Pool will have its last day of operation on Monday, September 2!

Check all Labour Day stat details here

The City hopes all residents have a safe and enjoyable last long weekend of summer!

Visit saskatoon.ca to learn more about the many programs and services we offer.

Starting on September 1, Saskatoon Transit will launch a new program offering free fares for children in Grade 8 and under. This program allows elementary school-age children to ride all Saskatoon Transit and Access Transit services for free without needing to scan a fare pass or show any documentation (such as an ID) simply by boarding the bus based on their grade level.

On June 26, City Council approved the elimination of child fares to provide families with a low-cost transportation option and encourage the use of public transit in the community. Saskatoon joins other Canadian cities, including the City of Regina, in offering free transit fares for children.

“The goal of the program is to make public transit more accessible and affordable for Saskatoon families,” said Michael Moellenbeck, Director of Saskatoon Transit. “By removing the cost barrier, we’re able to provide all children the opportunity to get around the community safely and easily, whether it’s to school, extracurricular activities, or family outings.”

The free child fare initiative was developed after extensive community engagement in Spring 2024, during which Saskatoon Transit engaged with schools, community organizations, Transit staff, members of the public, and other transit agencies across the country. Based on the feedback received, City Council adopted a simple and seamless program.

To monitor the program’s impact, Saskatoon Transit will collaborate with local school boards and organizations to assess any operational savings and efficiency improvements. A report on the outcomes will be presented to City Council in Summer 2025.

For more information about the free child fare program, and how to plan your trip, visit SaskatoonTransit.ca.

The Downtown Transit Terminal on 23rd Street will undergo a short-term construction project from August 26 to 31, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances. This rehabilitation work involves roadway resurfacing and curb drainage in the terminal's westbound lane.  

Several bus routes will be temporarily relocated during this project to the east side of 3rd Avenue between 22nd and 23rd streets: 

• Routes 2 and 5 will be temporarily relocated from August 26 to 28.  
• Routes 8 and 80s will be temporarily relocated from August 26 to 31. 

Temporary bus stop signage and transit staff will help locate transfers and buses, and “no parking” signs will be set up at the temporary terminal route locations. Detours will guide motorists around the work zone. 

Please note the sidewalks of the existing terminal will remain open, and the Transit Customer Service Centre will maintain regular hours of operation.

Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit on desktop.       

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 patience and for following traffic detour signs for everyone’s safety. 

The 2024 Civic Election is a great opportunity for you to participate in the democratic process and support Elections Saskatoon in our commitment to administer a successful civic election in 2024. 

It will take hiring a large team of election workers and officials to ensure all voting locations function properly at all early voting opportunities and on Election Day, November 13, 2024. We will hire approximately 500-600 election workers. 

• We want to include youth workers at the booth! Are you aged sixteen plus? Apply today!  
• Do you speak another language? Elections Saskatoon is committed to hiring workers who speak languages representative of Saskatoon's diverse community. 

Interested? To be considered as an applicant for election worker duties, you must meet the following requirements: 

• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada.          
• Must not be related to a candidate running in either the municipal or school board election.             
• Must be available to attend mandatory paid training sessions in the month of October (hands-on training is required for some positions). 
• You’ll need to have access to an email address, Elections Saskatoon will use it to contact you.     

There are five types of election worker positions we will be hiring for to support the 2024 Civic Election; the pay rates are included for each: 

1.  Poll Supervisor (PS) – approximately 80 positions are available. 
2.  Issuing Deputy Returning Officer (iDRO) – approximately 300 positions are available. 
3.  Receiving Deputy Returning Officer (rDRO) – approximately 80 positions are available. 
4.  Poll Clerk – approximately 80 positions are available. 
5.  Standby Workers  

There are great reasons to get involved and work the 2024 Civic Election, join us! 

• Earn extra cash; paid training will take place in October 2024 
• Gain experience, build your resume 
• Experience hands-on learning 
• Serve your community 
• Expand your network of contacts 

It’s easy to apply. Fill out our online application before September 23. 2024; it’s found at saskatoon.ca/electionjobs. If you applied earlier, you do not need to resend. We will contact successful applicants. 

Do you have questions about working the election?  Email election.workers@saskatoon.ca or call 306-657-VOTE (8683).  

Visit saskatoon.ca/vote2024 it’s your trusted source for all election-related information. The Elections Saskatoon Office is located at
200-145 1st Avenue N in Saskatoon. 

The 2024 Civic Election is November 13, 2024. Eligible voters in Saskatoon will cast their ballot for local government leadership: Mayor, City Councillors and School Board Trustees for the next four-year term.  

The Downtown Transit Terminal on 23rd Street will undergo a short-term construction project from August 21 to 27, 2024, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances. This rehabilitation work involves roadway resurfacing and curb drainage in the terminal's westbound lane. 

Several bus routes will be temporarily relocated during this project to the east side of 3rd Avenue between 22nd and 23rd streets:

• Routes 2, 5, and 15 will be temporarily relocated from August 21 to 23.
• Routes 8 and 80s will be temporarily relocated from August 21 to 27.

Temporary bus stop signage and transit staff will help locate transfers and buses, and “no parking” signs will be set up at the temporary terminal route locations. Detours will guide motorists around the work zone.

Please note the sidewalks of the existing terminal will remain open, and the Transit Customer Service Centre will maintain regular hours of operation. 

Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit.      

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.                           

When classes resume in September, Saskatoon Transit wants customers to know that buses will be busy and some buses during morning and afternoon rush hours may be too full to take on more passengers. If you plan to take the bus during morning or afternoon rush hour peak times, please plan ahead to avoid delays that can happen with peak riding times.

Trips on routes in all areas of the city can fill up; however, it’s typically felt on routes to and from high schools and post-secondary schools in the morning and afternoon. This was an issue during the previous school year and ridership is expected to be higher this fall, exacerbating the overcapacity issue.

“Saskatoon Transit is gearing up for its busiest season as students head back to class. Unfortunately, the demand is here faster than the new buses on order, so we expect buses to be very full with limited extra buses to add to service,” says Mike Moellenbeck, Director of Saskatoon Transit. “We apologize to customers who are affected and are committed to addressing the overcapacity routes as best we can with the limited options.”

All available buses are on the road and there may not be enough to meet the frequency or capacity needed on some routes to take everyone at peak times. The eight new buses arriving at the end of the year will help with some of the issues and Saskatoon Transit will be in a good position to meet the demand by the end of 2025 when the next order of 20 buses arrives.  

Where someone with a car may leave earlier to avoid rush-hour traffic, someone using public transit  may want to consider taking an earlier bus if possible, to avoid delays that can happen with everyone trying to get to work and school at the same time," Moellenbeck adds.

September is a busy time for Saskatoon Transit. “Be bus ready” for back-to-school and follow these tips for taking transit this September:

1. Download the real-time mobile app Transit or Google Maps and plan your September trips with the new fall schedule.
2. Check on options for routes, stops and times to get to your destination. If possible, an earlier bus might help avoid delays that can happen with peak riding times.
3. Be ready to hop on when the bus comes with your pass ready to scan. All riders are expected to pay bus fare.
4. Make space for others: Move to the back of the bus and lower your backpack.
5. If you can stand, please offer your seat to someone who isn’t as steady.

A 10-year fleet renewal funding plan was approved in 2023 to increase and improve the reliability of the fleet. Eight new buses will arrive this winter and another 20 are expected by the end of 2025, as the lead time on bus delivery can be up to 18 months. Saskatoon Transit made several changes to operations and maintenance to improve the overall service delivery following a 2022 City Auditor review.

Saskatoon Transit ridership continues to grow and is anticipated to match or surpass the 2019 peak of 13.2 million rides in 2024. Year-to-date ridership at July 31, 2024 is approximately 18% higher than July 31, 2023 year-to-date ridership.

The City of Saskatoon will have several adjusted civic services and holiday hours of operation on the civic holiday, Saskatchewan Day, Monday, August 5.

Find out parking requirements, what's open or closed, holiday operating schedules for Leisure Centres, outdoor pools,  Saskatoon Transit/Access Transit, Saskatoon Public Library locations, Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo, Remai Modern, waste collection schedules and much more here.

The City of Saskatoon hopes everyone enjoys a relaxing and safe holiday long weekend.

Visit saskatoon.ca to learn more about the City of Saskatoon's many programs and services.

The City of Saskatoon will have several adjusted civic services and hours of operation for the civic holiday, Saskatchewan Day, Monday, August 5. Find out what's open or closed, holiday operating schedules and more below.

CITY HALL

City Hall will be closed on Monday, August 5, and will reopen on Tuesday, August 6, at 8 a.m.

ROADWAY DETOURS & CLOSURES

Check here for detailed long weekend road restrictions for priority one roadways.

REMAI MODERN 

Remai Modern will be closed on Monday, August 5.

SASKATOON PUBLIC LIBRARY

All Saskatoon Public Library locations will be closed on Monday, August 5. During July and August, all libraries are closed on Sundays.  

SASKATOON TRANSIT

• Fixed-route transit will run holiday service hours on August 5 from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (normal fares apply).
  • Please consult the mobile app transit to plan your trip.Please consult the mobile app transit to plan your trip.
  • Visit saskatoontransit.ca
• OnDemand service will not be available on August 5.
• Access Transit will operate holiday service hours on August 5 from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.  
  • Trips must be booked in advance as per normal procedures (8:15 a.m. to 10:45 p.m.).
  • Customers are reminded that subscriptions do not apply on Statutory Holidays.
• Transit Customer Service Centre will be closed for walk-in customers on August 5, but phone lines (306-975-3100) will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

PAY PARKING

• Parking payment is not required on Monday, August 5.
• Motorists are reminded that all other parking requirements remain in effect, including parking time limits.

MUNICIPAL IMPOUND LOT

• Vehicles will not be released to the public on Monday, August 5.
• Open for regular business on Saturday, August 3 from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
• Information on Vehicle Seizures

WASTE COLLECTIONS

Garbage, Recycling, and Organics have collections as scheduled. Check your Collection Calendar here.

MATERIAL RECOVERY CENTRE & LANDFILL

• The Material Recovery Centre and Landfill are open on Monday, August 5 from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
• Cash transactions are accepted, although Credit and Debit are recommended.
• More information at saskatoon.ca/mrc.

COMPOST DEPOT

The Compost Depot is open on Monday, August 5 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

WOODLAWN CEMETERY

• The cemetery office is closed on Monday, August 5.
• Cemetery grounds are open to the public 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily as per usual.

SASKATOON FORESTRY FARM PARK & ZOO

Regular Hours of Operation

• Zoo – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Zoo Train – 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

• Forestry Farm Park - 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

LEISURE CENTRES

Search for drop-in program information including fitness and weight room hours, public swim sessions and fitness programs on Leisure Online at saskatoon.ca/leisureonline.

• Cosmo Civic Centre - Closed
• Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre - Closed for facility upgrade. Learn more at saskatoon.ca/harrybailey.

• Lakewood Civic Centre – 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Lawson Civic Centre – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Saskatoon Field House – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Shaw Centre – 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.

• Terry Fox Track - Closed

NUTRIEN PLAYLAND AT KINSMEN

Open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

GOLF COURSES

• Holiday Park, Wildwood and Silverwood golf courses are open regular hours operation – tee times begin at 6 a.m.
• Holiday Park and Silverwood driving ranges are open regular hours of operation - 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (last bucket sold at 8 p.m.)

OUTDOOR POOLS

• Lathey & Mayfair Pools – Public Swim from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• George Ward & Riversdale Pools
  • Family and Lane Swim from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Public Swim from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

NOTIFYNOW

Residents are encouraged to sign-up for notifynow to receive timely and targeted public safety messages. Notifynow is a free service. Tell us how to best reach you on your preferred communication device. Visit saskatoon.ca/notifynow for more information.

YXE SERVICE ALERTS

For information and updates on service disruptions such as power or water check saskatoon.ca/servicealerts or follow @yxeservicealert on Twitter. 

Saskatoon Transit and Amalgamated Transit Union Local 615 released videos featuring frontline employees sharing their experience working in public transit and a message for residents and customers. When people watch their stories, we hope they will recognize them as individuals who deserve empathy and respect so they can do their jobs and get home safely at the end of their day.  

Bus operators, supervisors and customer service employees have been exposed to more aggressive and violent incidents since the spring. Every employee deserves to feel safe at work and Saskatoon Transit is actively taking measures to provide a safe environment for frontline employees and customers. 

The campaign is one of the initiatives in Saskatoon Transit’s frontline employee and customer safety plan that was rolled out in mid-June to reduce negative interactions for our frontline employees and customers.   

The series includes Saskatoon Transit bus operators Stevie and David, customer service representative Manisha and operations supervisor Noureddine. Watch the videos at transit.saskatoon.ca/TransitSafety.   

Saskatoon Transit and Access Transit are actively working with supporting teams to resolve disruptions caused by a widespread Microsoft system outage that has affected internal software.

Saskatoon Transit disruptions:

• Incoming phone lines.
• Real-time bus location updates on Transit and other trip-planning apps.
• Service alerts for detours or service interruptions.
• Mobile ticketing purchases are intermittently unavailable in the Transit and TGo apps. Fares already purchased in the apps remain available for use.
  • The OnDemand Transit app remains unaffected.
• The Customer Service Centre is experiencing a high volume of inquiries. Customers can contact the Saskatoon Transit Customer Service team via email at transit.services@saskatoon.ca.

Access Transit disruptions:

• Incoming phone lines
• Customers can connect with the Access Transit team via email at accesstransit@saskatoon.ca.

Despite these disruptions, the downtown Customer Service Centre remains open for physical ticket purchases.

Your patience is appreciated as this is resolved.