University Bridge will remain closed for the evening commute on Wednesday, June 21, for fire response within an encampment under the bridge. Spadina Crescent remains closed between 24th and 25th streets, under the University Bridge during this work. This is a complete closure with no access to the bridge during this time for drivers or pedestrians. The bridge will remain closed until further notice.  

For your safety and ours, pedestrians and cyclists are asked to please stay away from the barricaded walkways at University Bridge.  

We ask drivers to reroute their commute: 

•  From the east side of the bridge, drivers are encouraged to take Clarence Avenue to 12th Street and use the Broadway Bridge or use 8th street and use the Traffic Bridge or Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge.  
• From the west side of the bridge, drivers are encouraged to take alternate routes downtown and to use the Broadway Bridge, Traffic Bridge, or Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge.       

This closure impacts transit service on Routes 4, 43, 44, 45, 46 and 6. Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit on desktop.        

Please allow for additional travel time to reach destinations, and remember to respect all detour signage. 

For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction. 

University Bridge will be closed starting Wednesday, June 21, effective immediately as Saskatoon Fire Department continues to extinguish a fire that started within an encampment under the bridge. This is a complete closure and there will be no access to the bridge during this time. The pedestrian walkways will also be fully closed during this time. The fire is under control but a timeline of when the fire will be fully extinguished and bridge reopened is not known at this time. 

Spadina Crescent will be closed between 24th and 25th streets, under the University Bridge during this work.        

From the east side of the bridge, drivers are encouraged to take Clarence Avenue to 12th Street and use the Broadway Bridge. 

From the west side of the bridge, drivers are encouraged to take alternate routes downtown to use the Broadway Bridge. 

The closure of the University Bridge will impact transit service on Routes 4, 43, 44, 45, 46 and 6. Bus riders using these routes during the bridge closure are encouraged to allow extra time to get to their final destination. 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. 

To accommodate the Saskatoon Pride Festival and Pride Parade in the downtown area this weekend, detours, lane restrictions, and “no parking” signs will be in place guiding motorists around the event area.

Saskatoon Pride Festival event road restrictions set in place from Friday, June 16 at 2:00 p.m. to Sunday June 18 at 3:00 p.m.:

• The Traffic Bridge closed between 11th and 19th streets   
• Spadina Crescent closed between 2nd Avenue and 20th Street

The Pride Parade route will move from Kiwanis Park, with closures in place from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, June 17:

• Spadina Crescent closed between 24th and 25th streets under the University Bridge 
• 24th Street closed between Spadina Crescent and 4th Avenue
• 4th Avenue closed between 22nd and 24th streets 
• 22nd Street closed between 1st and 4th avenues
• 1st Avenue closed between 20th and 22nd streets
• 20th Street closed from 1st and 4th avenues
• 3rd Avenue closed between 19th and 20th streets
• Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge off-ramp to 1st Avenue closed

During the Pride Parade, Saskatoon Transit will implement minor route changes and set up temporary bus stops from approximately 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Downtown Terminal bus stops will operate as usual, except for Route 6 Broadway, 60 Confederation, and 65 Kensington. Route 6, 60, and 65 routes will have temporary bus stops on 23rd Street Eastbound, just east of 2nd Avenue. Route 8 City Centre and 81, 82, 84 and 86 Centre Mall will serve downtown via the Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge. Please note that Route 5 City Centre will not be able to reach the residences on 24th or 23rd Streets from approximately 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

For detailed information on bus stop closures, 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 need assistance, contact the dedicated Customer Service team at 306-975-3100.

Drivers are reminded to watch out for pedestrians. The City thanks everyone for their patience. 

For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.

Flip Flip hurraaaay! The 47^th Annual Civic Pancake Breakfast is next week with all proceeds from this annual fundraiser donated to United Way Saskatoon & Area for all the great work they do in our community. Mayor Charlie Clark, City Councillors and other celebrity pancake flippers will be in attendance! Bring your friends and plan to attend!

Event Details
Date: Thursday, June 15, 2023
Time: Breakfast served 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Location: Held outside rain or shine in Civic Square at 23^rd Street, beside City Hall
Cost: $7 pancake breakfast includes choice of toppings, sausages, coffee & juice
Payment method: Cash or Debit card

Expect an exciting lineup with Saskatoon Police Service and Saskatoon Fire Department vehicle displays, information booths, an entertainment stage with radio host Matt Bradley from Saskatoon Media Group as our MC, dancers, musicians, furry mascots (including Bruiser from the Saskatoon Rush and Poke Check from the Saskatoon Blades), the always anticipated wellness activity/relay race and more.

Back for this year – our Act of Kindness Board! 

The Saskatoon City Employees Credit Union and the City of Saskatoon have partnered to bring back the Act of Kindness Board to this year's Civic Pancake Breakfast. As we know, kindness is needed now more than ever. Consider buying an extra $7 ticket for someone in our community in need of a hot breakfast on June 15. The proceeds from unused tickets will go to United Way Saskatoon & Area.

This event is always butter... and better with the kind and generous support of our valued 2023 Sponsors:

CUPE 59
Federated Coop (FCL)
Saskatoon City Employees Credit Union
Saskatoon Media Group
Rawlco Radio
Sheraton Cavalier
Van Houtte Coffee Services
Discover Saskatoon
Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce
Handy Special Event Rentals
IAFF80 Saskatoon Firefighters Union
Saskatoon Civic Middle Management Association (SCMMA)
Complete Technologies
Vendasta

Help spread the word and bring your friends and family or your work team to this fun community fundraising event on Thursday, June 15. As always, the pancake breakfast kicks off what is sure to be a great summer in Saskatoon!

Visit saskatoon.ca/pancakes for more information.

It’s the much-anticipated May long weekend, always the kickoff to another great summer in Saskatoon!

The City will have several adjusted civic services and hours of operation on Victoria Day, Monday, May 22.

Be sure to check out what's open or closed, details on parking requirements and Saskatoon Transit holiday hours, and information on Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo, Leisure Centres, Waste Collections and more.

Check the City's detailed Victoria Day list here.

Have a safe long weekend everyone!

Monday, May 15 kicks off Spring BYXE Week! Many activities and events are planned throughout the week, including Bike to Work Day on Thursday, May 18. Local advocacy group, Saskatoon Cycles, is coordinating the events in partnership with the City, including the #BYXE Week scavenger hunt and Great Saskatoon Bike Passport Adventure.

Cycling is a convenient and low-cost form of everyday transportation that benefits Saskatoon by decreasing traffic congestion, noise and air pollution. Riding a bike is also great for physical and mental health; regular exercise leaves you feeling refreshed, energized and alert.

Where will the ride take you? BYXE Week is a great time to grab your bikes and explore Saskatoon and all its beauty as spring blooms. The 2023 Cycling Guide is now available, visit saskatoon.ca/byxe for bike routes and safety tips.

Bike to Work Day will be held on Thursday, May 18. Commuter Stations, sponsored by local organizations and businesses, will be serving refreshments and snacks for people on bikes during their morning (7-9 a.m.) and afternoon (4-6 p.m.) commutes. 

If you live too far away to ride your bike, consider taking Saskatoon Transit part of the way. All buses are equipped with front bike racks that are free and easy to use. Racks on the front of the buses hold two bicycles on a first-come, first-served basis, accommodating tires up to 2” wide. Plan your trip using the Transit app and Google Transit.

Share your pedal adventures with #BYXE on your social media channels and we may share them on our pages, plus you will be entered to win prizes!

Visit saskatooncycles.org/byxe for details about the week-long activities planned and join our Facebook Event for updates!

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.

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.