News Releases

The City of Saskatoon will have several adjusted civic services and hours of operation on the Easter Long Weekend, as follows:

CITY HALL

City Hall will be closed on Friday, March 29 and Monday, April 1. City Hall will reopen on Tuesday, April 2 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 Friday, March 29 and Monday, April 1.

SASKATOON PUBLIC LIBRARY

All Saskatoon Public Library locations will be closed on Friday, March 29.

SASKATOON TRANSIT

• Fixed-route transit will run holiday service hours on March 29 from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (normal fares apply).
  • Please consult the mobile app transit to plan your trip.
  • Visit saskatoontransit.ca
• OnDemand service will not be available on March 29
• Access Transit will operate holiday service hours on March 29 and April 1 from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.   
  • Trips must be booked in advance as per normal procedure
  • Customers are reminded that subscriptions do not apply on Statutory Holidays.
• Transit Customer Service Centre will be closed for walk-in customers on March 29, 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 Good Friday, March 29
• Motorists are reminded that all other parking requirements remain in effect, including parking time limits.
• Parking payment will be required in City-managed pay parking areas on Easter Monday, April 1.

MUNICIPAL IMPOUND LOT

• Vehicles will not be released to the public on Good Friday, March 29.
• Open for regular business on Saturday, March 31 from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. and on Easter Monday, April 1.
• Information on Vehicle Seizures

WASTE COLLECTIONS

Garbage, Recycling, and Organics have collections as scheduled.

MATERIAL RECOVERY CENTRE & LANDFILL

• The Material Recovery Centre and Landfill are open on Friday, March 29 and Monday, April 1 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 West Compost Depot remains closed for the season. It will open to the public on Monday, April 15. Check saskatoon.ca/compostdepot for more information.

WOODLAWN CEMETERY

• The cemetery office is closed on Good Friday, March 31 & Easter Monday, April 1.
• 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 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Forestry Farm Park - 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 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
  Good Friday & Easter Monday – CLOSED

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

• Lakewood Civic Centre
  Good Friday – CLOSED
  Easter Monday – OPEN Regular Hours of Operation (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.)

• Lawson Civic Centre
  Good Friday – CLOSED
  Easter Monday – OPEN Regular Hours of Operation (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.)

• Saskatoon Field House
  Good Friday – CLOSED
  Easter Monday – OPEN Regular Hours of Operation (6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.)

• Shaw Centre
  Good Friday – CLOSED
  Easter Monday – OPEN Regular Hours of Operation (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.)

• Terry Fox Track
  Good Friday – CLOSED
  Easter Monday – OPEN Regular Hours of Operation (10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.)

NOTIFYNOW

Residents are encouraged to sign-up to notifynow for 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. 

Despite ongoing operational and weather impacts this morning, Saskatoon Transit is maintaining full service this afternoon with no delays exceeding 15 minutes. However, detours and delays can be expected as operators navigate accessible streets.

Access Transit will continue trips for essential services and medical appointments. Customers are asked to reschedule leisure travel.  

OnDemand service will operate on cleared roadways that are accessible to operators. 

The Transit Customer Service Centre will be open for walk-in customers; however, customers are asked to call the phone lines if their trip to the Customer Service Centre is not essential. Phone lines (306-975-3100) will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

Winter Transit Tips:

• Stay up-to-date on current weather conditions.
• Dress for the weather.
• Winter driving conditions can result in delays, give yourself a little extra time to get to your destination.
• Saskatoon Transit’s Safe Bus program runs year-round. If you are lost, cold, scared, or hurt, hold up your hand (palm out) in the direction of an approaching Transit bus, or go to a parked bus, & the operator will stop, contact emergency services & provide shelter to the next terminal.
• Keep pathways clear and safe.

Stay informed, check Saskatoon Transit service alerts regarding detours or temporary bus stop closures and view real-time bus locations on third-party apps like Transit and Google Transit on desktop. Pin the routes you use often and receive service alert push notifications.

Visit saskatoon.ca for additional winter weather service impacts.

To report an issue or for more information, contact our Transit Customer Service Representatives at 306-975-3100.

With the City of Saskatoon receiving more than 25 cm of snow accumulation since Saturday morning and streets being impassable for light vehicles, the Roadways team has activated the Emergency Response Plan (ERP). Additionally, the City’s Emergency Operation Centre has been activated and is collaborating with critical infrastructure partners throughout the city. 

Residents remain encouraged to stay home if possible, to leave space for City and contractor crews to do their work and assist emergency services. 

While the snow has mainly stopped, strong gusting winds will create additional challenges causing drifts. Snow crews will continue to address known problem areas as the day progresses. 

The current focus now is to keep all highest Priority Streets open to maintain access to all emergency facilities. Additional contractor resources have been engaged from our emergency response list to support our ongoing efforts. A summary of the work underway includes: 

• Approximately 40% of Priority 1 Streets have been graded. They are slippery and sander trucks will be spreading sand throughout the day on these streets to increase traction. Some of the snow piles are fairly big, impacting sightlines at intersections, drivers should watch for pedestrians and turning vehicles.  
• By midnight tonight, Monday, March 4, we expect all Priority 1 Streets to be completed and will immediately proceed with grading on Priority 2 Streets, which are expected all to be graded by noon tomorrow.  
• After that, we will then start grading Priority 3 Streets and expect to complete them all by midnight on Thursday, March 7.  
• The plan is to move into residential areas and start clearing local streets during the night shift on Thursday, March 7. 
• Crews will move into industrial areas after all local streets in residential areas are completed. After that crews will be able to start to address alley access and problematic alleys may be addressed sooner pending available resources.   
• The need for the last phase of the plan, which involves city-wide snow removal, will be assessed in the coming days considering factors such as weather conditions and the proximity to the end of the winter season. 
• For a detailed timeline please review the Emergency Response Plan infographic.  

Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed about snow grading efforts and the list of Priority Streets by visiting saskatoon.ca/snow and following the City’s social media channels. Stay in the know by checking the latest Snow & Ice Report posted to saskatoon.ca/snowreport. A regularly-updated map of which Priority Streets have been completed is available at saskatoon.ca/prioritystreetsmap. 

Please do not push or blow snow into the street. This creates a greater risk for vehicles to get stuck. Instead, pile the snow on your property, as per Bylaw No. 8463 The Sidewalk Clearing Bylaw, 2005. 

OTHER IMPACTED CITY OPERATIONS: MARCH 4, 2024 

Saskatoon Transit 

• Operational impacts have resulted in reduced fixed-route service. Detours and delays are expected.  
• Outlying neighbourhoods, with particularly more impacts of snow accumulation, have limited operator access.   
• Access Transit will continue trips for essential services and medical appointments. Customers are asked to reschedule leisure travel.  
• OnDemand service will operate on cleared roadways that are accessible to operators. 
• The Transit Customer Service Centre will be open for walk-in customers; however customers are asked to call the phone lines if their trip to the Customer Service Centre is not essential. Phone lines (306-975-3100) will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. 
• For updates check the real-time mobile app, transit or visit saskatoontransit.ca/service-alerts.  

Leisure Facilities & Attractions 

• All Leisure Centres (Cosmo, Lakewood and Lawson Civic Centres, Saskatoon Field House and Shaw Centre) are closed Monday, March 4. 
• The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo is closed Monday, March 4.  
• City Indoor Rinks may be open subject to bookings and Saskatoon Minor Hockey. 

Saskatoon Landfill 

• The landfill is open but snowy and windy conditions exist so please proceed with caution. 

Recycling and Garbage Collections 

• Curbside cart collections are suspended for Monday, March 4. Collections will be rescheduled once the streets are accessible. Please watch for Service Alerts, updates on your Saskatoon Waste Wizard app or go to saskatoon.ca/collectioncalendar. 

Parks 

• Within 48 hours of snowfall, snow clearing occurs on sidewalks adjacent to parks and all lighted parkways and some unlighted pathways. Excludes crusher dust (unpaved) pathways. 

Building Standards 

• All scheduled building and plumbing inspections will be cancelled. Starting Monday, March 4 at 8 a.m., customers with scheduled inspections will be contacted and arrangements will be made to rebook. 

Visit saskatoon.ca/servicealerts for the latest impacts to City facilities and services. 

Today’s ongoing snowfall with high gusting winds causing drifting continues to make for challenging roadway conditions all throughout Saskatoon. City snow crews and contractors are working  hard and around the clock plowing, grading and sanding/salting to get Saskatoon moving, however Transit Schedules will be delayed. 

Today, Sunday, March 3, Transit will have reduced service for fixed route to Priority 1 Streets only.

• Please use the Transit App and Google Transit to see the live location of any bus on the road.
• Access Transit will operate as emergency services only, provided buses are able to access the area.

What Transit users can expect today:

• With blizzard-like conditions continuing in Saskatoon and anticipating an additional 10 to 15+ centimetres of snow,  expect Transit delays and frequency disruptions.
  • There will be frequency and route disruptions throughout today.
  • As roadway conditions improve, updates will be issued on the City’s website and the Transit app.
  • Thank you for your patience while we work through these challenging weather conditions.

Winter Transit Tips:

• Stay up-to-date on current weather conditions.
• Stay informed on the status of your bus. 
  • Transit service alerts regarding detours or temporary bus stop closures and real-time bus locations are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Transit on desktop.
  • Pin the routes you use often and receive service alert push notifications.
  • Check our service alerts page.
• Dress for the weather.
• Winter driving conditions can result in delays, give yourself a little extra time to get to your destination.
• Saskatoon Transit’s Safe Bus program runs year-round. If you are lost, cold, scared, or hurt, hold up your hand (palm out) in the direction of an approaching Transit bus, or go to a parked bus, & the operator will stop, contact emergency services & provide shelter to the next terminal.
• Keep pathways clear and safe.

Visit saskatoon.ca for additional winter weather service impacts.

To report an issue or for more information, contact our Transit Customer Service Representatives at 306-975-3100.

*** This PSA was earlier posted to our website/and to social media, February 2 at 1:30 p.m. but failed to connect with ours News Subscribers. Our apologies for the technology problem encountered resulting in this delay.***

Environment & Climate Change Canada’s latest Winter Storm Warning forecasts a major winter snowstorm over the weekend for Saskatoon with the potential for heavy snowfall of 25-40 cm, gusty winds, blowing snow, and reduced visibility at times.

With the wind picking up and snow moving into Saskatoon, City snow crews and contractors have been activated and are prepared to respond to this anticipated major snowstorm with plowing, grading and sanding/salting. The primary objective will be to maintain safety and mobility on Saskatoon’s Priority Streets despite the forecast for potentially harsh blizzard conditions.

The following equipment will be used to respond to the snowstorm:

• 17 City graders and 16 contractor graders (additional emergency contractor graders are available, if needed)
• 20 tandem sanders
• 10 snowplow trucks
• 10 one-ton sanders
• 8 sidewalk plows and 5 other pieces of equipment for clearing City-maintained sidewalks.

During this weekend’s snowfall, City crews will plow Circle Drive, expressways and accesses to Fire Stations and Hospitals to help minimize accumulation and maintain mobility and safety for motorists. City and contractor graders will grade city Priority Streets, and sanders will be applying de-icing material as required, beginning with Circle Drive and other high speed and high traffic streets, bridges and intersections.

Blowing snow and heavy drifting is expected to impact outlying parts of the city and City crews will keep a close eye on known problem areas, and some work may have to be redone due to strong winds and ongoing drifting. We appreciate your cooperation and patience as we navigate through these weather conditions.

When a snow event (5+ cm accumulation of snow) is declared, here’s how City snow crews/contractors will prioritize response:

• Priority 1 streets with three or more lanes like Circle Drive, Idylwyld, 22nd Street and College Drive will be plowed within 12 hours after the snowfall ends;
• Priority 2 streets with double lanes like Clarence Avenue, McKercher Drive and Millar Avenue, as well as Saskatoon Transit routes will be graded within 36 hours; and
• Priority 3 streets including school zones, Business Improvement District streets that don’t meet Priority 2 requirements and collector streets, as well as streets that take you through your neighbourhood like Louise Avenue, Howell Avenue and Main Street, will be graded within 72 hours.
• Check out the Priority Street Snow Grading map for more information on what the Priority Streets are throughout Saskatoon. This map is regularly updated to provide the status of snow grading operations.

Residential streets are not included in the City’s regular winter maintenance strategy; this snowstorm’s potential impact on neighbourhood roads will be assessed after Priority 1, 2 and 3 streets are cleared. The City will reassess the situation on Monday morning and make adjustments if needed.

Road conditions deteriorate when heavy snow accumulation combines with gusty winds. And, if Saskatoon receives a heavy, sustained snowfall, the possibility for low visibility and drifting from blizzard-like conditions, streets may be difficult to get around on. To allow our maintenance crews to clear Priority Streets, and for emergency vehicles to move about, the City asks residents to consider postponing non-essential travel and stay off the roads as much as possible Saturday evening and throughout Sunday. 

If you need to go out, adjust your 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. Please stay back at least 15 m from winter maintenance equipment. 

We appreciate everyone’s cooperation, patience and attention to safety as City snow crews and contractors will be working hard to keep Saskatoon moving this weekend and into next week.

With the likelihood of heavy snowfall this weekend, Saskatoon Transit is committed to providing safe, reliable and accessible transit services to residents.

What can you expect?

• Five (5) centimetres of snow: Expect delays
  • Service may be delayed in some areas of the city.
• Five (5) centimetres to 15 centimetres of snow: Expect delays and potential frequency disruptions.
  • There will likely be delays on many routes, particularly during peak times, such as rush hour.
• Blizzard, Ice Storm, more than 15 centimetres of snow: Expect delays and frequency disruptions.
  • There will be frequency reductions and direct route service from downtown to major terminals will go into effect.
  • As conditions improve updates will be issued on Transit Twitter, the website and the Transit app.

Winter Transit Tips:

• Stay up-to-date on current weather conditions.
• Stay informed on the status of your bus. 
  • Transit service alerts regarding detours or temporary bus stop closures and real-time bus locations are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Transit on desktop.
  • Pin the routes you use often and receive service alert push notifications.
  • Check our service alerts page and follow @stoontransit on X.
• Dress for the weather.
• Winter driving conditions can result in delays, give yourself a little extra time to get to your destination.
• Saskatoon Transit’s Safe Bus program runs year-round. If you are lost, cold, scared, or hurt, hold up your hand (palm out) in the direction of an approaching Transit bus, or go to a parked bus, & the operator will stop, contact emergency services & provide shelter to the next terminal.
• Keep pathways clear and safe.

Visit saskatoon.ca for additional winter weather service impacts.

To report an issue or for more information, contact City Customer Service Representatives at 306-975-3100.

Saskatoon Transit is warning residents of a Multi-Use-Go-Pass fare scam on social media and through a fraudulent website.  

The fraudulent social media account and posts are promoting a scam offer for a $2.35 Multi-Use-Go-Pass–the actual cost of a Multi-Use Pass is $8.50. Additionally, a website attached to this account is falsely claiming to be a Saskatoon Transit online page promoting "500 free travel cards" through an online survey. This deceptive scheme aims to trick individuals into purchasing a fake pass and disclosing personal information under the appearance of a competition. 

How to identify a potential scam: 

• The scam offers seem too good to be true.  
• The website may not be an official webpage or social media account page.  
• Requests for personal or financial information are a red flag.    

Helpful reminders to help protect residents from potential scammers:   

• The City never requests or collects credit card, bank accounts or any sort of personal information from customers via phone, text, social media, or email.   
• Never give out your personal or banking information, or credit card number via phone, text, social media, email, or on a non-trusted website. It is a best practice to block suspicious phone numbers, email addresses or social media accounts and delete them after reporting.   
• Do not click on suspicious web links.   
• Always verify information from trusted sources:  
  • Official website:  
    • Saskatoon.ca 
    • Saskatoontransit.ca or Transit.saskatoon.ca  
  • Social media channels:  
    • @cityofsaskatoon 
    • @stoontransit 

Scammers typically use the information gathered to get money or commit identity theft.  

Residents should contact their bank if they have become a victim of fraud, and report these types of phone or online scams to Saskatoon Police Service at saskatoonpolice.ca/onlinereporting/fraud/ or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center, 1-888-495-8501. 

Concerned residents may also call the City of Saskatoon to speak with a Customer Service Representative at 306-975-2400.   

Saskatoon received about 18 centimetres of snowfall since Sunday. Strong winds and dropping temperatures created challenging road conditions all throughout the city. The storm ended in the early evening and the fourth snow event of our season was declared.

City snow crews will continue to focus on grading snow on priority streets and applying de-icing materials to improve traction. Snow clearing from bridge walkways and city-maintained sidewalks and pathways is also underway. Additional pieces of equipment were mobilized yesterday to address spot drifting impacting mobility. Dedicated work will continue today to address any remaining problem areas throughout the city.

The City has 26 graders, 10 sanders, six plows and five sidewalk plows moving around the city to get Saskatoon moving. 

The snow event response follows the Priority Street system: 

Priority 1 – Freeways and major arterials. This includes Circle Dr. and streets with three+ lanes each way like Idylwyld Dr., 22nd St and College Dr. 

Priority 2 - Arterials with double-lanes and bus routes. Double-lane streets like Clarence Ave, McKercher Dr. and Millar Ave. 

Priority 3 - Collector streets, remaining Business Improvement District streets and school zones. These streets take you through your neighbourhood like Louise Ave, Howell Ave., and Main St. 

Today’s extreme cold will contribute to icy conditions and de-icing products used to improve traction do not work as well in these temperatures. Sanders will continue to apply de-icing materials and will focus on high speed and high traffic streets, bridge decks and intersections as they have the highest potential for serious collisions.  

Drivers, be aware of changing weather that can affect road and sidewalk conditions and adjust your driving for the conditions. Leave extra room and watch for blue and yellow flashing lights on road equipment. Take extra care to watch for pedestrians and cyclists. 

Learn more about winter road maintenance at saskatoon.ca/snow and stay in the snow at saskatoon.ca/snowreport. 

The City of Saskatoon will have several adjusted civic services and hours of operation on the Family Day Stat, Monday, February 19, as follows:

CITY HALL

City Hall will be closed on Monday, February 19 and will reopen on Tuesday, February 20 at 8:00 a.m.

ROADWAY DETOURS & CLOSURES

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

REMAI MODERN 

Remai Modern will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

SASKATOON PUBLIC LIBRARY

All Saskatoon Public Library locations will be closed on Monday, February 19.

SASKATOON TRANSIT

• Fixed route transit will run holiday service on Monday, February 19 – 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (normal fares apply).
  • Please consult the mobile app transit to plan your trip.
  • Visit saskatoontransit.ca for details. 
• OnDemand service will not be available on Monday, February 19.
• Access Transit will operate holiday service on Monday, February 19 – 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 Monday, February 19, 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, February 19.

• Motorists are reminded that all parking requirements remain in effect, including parking time limits.

MUNICIPAL IMPOUND LOT 

• The Impound Lot will be closed to the public on Monday, February 19.  Vehicles will be released to the public as usual on Tuesday, February 20. Information on Vehicle Seizures

WASTE COLLECTIONS

Garbage, Recycling, and Organics have collections as scheduled.

MATERIAL RECOVERY CENTRE & LANDFILL

• The Material Recovery Centre and Landfill are open on Monday, February 19 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 DEPOTS

• The compost depots are now closed for the season.

WOODLAWN CEMETERY

• The Cemetery Administration Office is closed on Monday, February 19.
• 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 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Forestry Farm Park - 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 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 – Facility Closed. Family Day Skating Event 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
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 5 p.m.
Shaw Centre – 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Terry Fox Track - Closed

INDOOR RINKS

Search the public and parent and tot schedules on Leisure Online at saskatoon.ca/leisureonline.

ACT Arena (Public Skating) - 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cosmo Arena (Family Day Skating Event) – 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

OUTDOOR RINK

Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval – 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

NOTIFYNOW

Residents are encouraged to sign-up to notifynow for 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. 

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.