The City of Saskatoon will observe the stat for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, on Monday, October 2, 2023.

Several civic services and hours of operation will be adjusted. To note, parking payment will be required on Saturday, September 30 and on Monday, October 2. Check the complete list of what's open and closed at the City, holiday hours for Saskatoon Transit, Leisure Centre hours and more here.

With the school year in full swing, Saskatoon Transit is experiencing typical increased demand, resulting in some buses reaching full capacity across the city, including Evergreen, Stonebridge, and Rosewood.

Full buses are inconvenient and stressful for students and parents alike. To address this increased demand, Saskatoon Transit is running larger capacity articulating buses on the routes with high schools and post-secondary institutions and deploying three additional buses as needed. Transit will continue to monitor the situation over the coming weeks.

When a bus is full, the transit operator logs the information location, route, time, and date. The head sign will read “Full Bus” and the operator will drive past bus stops - even when riders are waiting - until there is space for more people.

All available resources are being used with schedules being adjusted to accommodate, where possible. To help alleviate the situation and ensure a smoother experience for everyone involved, we offer some guidance:

• Departure time flexibility. Schedules can be tight, but if students have some flexibility in their daily routines, consider taking an earlier or later bus when the bus may be less crowded. The bus that drops students off just prior to the start of class tends to be busier than the earlier or next bus. 
• Use tracking and watch for service alerts. Saskatoon Transit has real-time transit tracking through third-party apps like Transit, or Google Maps on desktop. Real-time transit tracking shows you where your bus is and when the next bus arrives, which limits wait times at bus stops. Pin your preferred routes for service alert push notifications. 
• Be prepared to board. Having your fare ready and/or app open can help speed up the process and avoid any boarding delays.
• Find your spot. Quickly find an open seat or standing area in the event all seats are occupied
• Keep on moving. As riders exit the bus, passengers left standing are to continue moving back towards the rear of the bus to fill empty spaces or seats. This helps the operator understand bus capacity.
• Remove backpacks. Make space for people. If the bus is busy, do not take up available seating with bags or belongings. Keep items in your lap and feet on the floor.

Direct bus service from the Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to see Morgan Wallen in concert at  SaskTel Centre  on Friday, September 29 (stated earlier in error as Sunday) at 7:00 p.m., is available at the following times:   

• 5:15 p.m.  
• 5:35 p.m.  
• 5:55 p.m.
• 6:15 p.m.
• 6:35 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. Check out the Transit+ feature to help make connections that combine Transit with OnDemand Transit, riide, and Uber. Download the Transit app from the Apple Store or Google Play.    
 
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.  

Saskatoon Transit anticipates buses filling up on busy routes during peak commute times beginning Tuesday, September 5 as students head back to school and summer vacations wrap up.  Saskatoon Transit is prepared to provide a reliable service heading into the busiest season of the year, having made many improvements to its maintenance and operations over the past year.

When possible, larger capacity articulating buses will be used on the routes with high schools and post-secondary institutions, and three additional buses will be standing by to be deployed as needed. At this time last year, ridership numbers compared to pre-pandemic rates and some routes experienced full buses.

Tips for public transit riders

1. Adjust your departure time. Busier routes will have some increased frequency at peak times. If your regular bus is nearly full when you ride in August, consider taking the earlier or later bus to avoid a full bus. The bus that drops students off just prior to the start of class tends to be busier than the earlier or next bus.
2. Use tracking and watch for service alerts. Saskatoon Transit has real-time tracking through third party apps like Transit and Google Maps on desktop. Real-time transit tracking shows you where your bus is and when the next bus arrives, which limits wait times at bus stops. Pin your preferred routes for service alert push notifications.
3. Be prepared to board. Have your fare ready, app open and be ready to quickly find a seat.
4. Remove backpacks. Make space for people.   

When a bus is full, the head sign will read “Full Bus” and the operator will drive past bus stops - even when riders are waiting - until there is space for more people. During peak times, more than 80 buses are running to get people to their destinations. Real time tracking and ongoing communication with the bus helps Saskatoon Transit staff determine where more service is needed.

Student discounts

You can now purchase discounted high school and post-secondary passes on your mobile device with TGo and Transit apps. Post-secondary students must show their proof of enrollment at the Customer Service Centre downtown for the discount to be available in the app. Students attending the University of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Saskatchewan receive a U-PASS included with tuition. Learn more about mobile tickets for students at saskatoontransit/student.

The City of Saskatoon will have several adjusted civic services and hours of operation over the long weekend and on Labour Day, Monday, September 4.

It's the end of another great summer in Saskatoon but the weather ahead looks great! The upcoming long weekend is a great time to check out Saskatoon Forestry Park & Zoo, Nutrien Playland at Kinsmen Park, Leisure Centres, Remai Modern or maybe book a few rounds of golf!

Check out what's open or closed on the long weekend including information on parking requirements, Transit schedules, Waste Collection pick-up days, Landfill/Compost Depots and facility hours, and more - here.

The City of Saskatoon wishes everyone a relaxing and safe long weekend.

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

It’s Saskatchewan Day on Monday, August 7 – the weather ahead looks great, time to celebrate another summer long weekend in Saskatoon!

The City of Saskatoon will have several adjusted civic services and hours of operation over the long weekend and on Saskatchewan Day, Monday, August 7, 2023.

There's much to do in the city! Check the detailed information on long weekend parking requirements, Transit, Saskatoon Public Library, Remai Modern, Waste Collections, Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo, Leisure Centres, Outdoor Pools, Golf Courses, Nutrien Playland at Kinsmen Park and more here.

The City of Saskatoon wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable Saskatchewan Day long weekend!

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

Ahead of the warm temperatures this weekend, the Saskatoon Emergency Management Organization (EMO) will activate the Saskatoon Extreme Heat Emergency Response Plan from Friday, June 30 to Monday, July 3 to support residents in Saskatoon, especially those vulnerable to the heat.

The Saskatoon Extreme Heat Emergency Response Plan is a coordinated response that provides residents with access to cooling locations, outreach services, wellness checks and water distribution during extreme heat. Individuals and families experiencing distress from the heat can visit any of the designated cool-down locations throughout the city. Partner organizations will also distribute water to vulnerable residents and have access to misting tents to provide another way to cool down.  

Extreme heat can cause serious negative health impacts ranging from dehydration and heat exhaustion to heat stroke and potentially death. Extreme heat can be especially dangerous for individuals who live in a residence without air conditioning or a way to cool the home, are older adults, and who also have pre-existing health conditions. Residents can help those most vulnerable to the extreme and prolonged heat by checking on family, friends and neighbours, sharing cool-down locations and by alerting emergency services if they see someone in distress. 

In an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Other things to consider during days of extreme heat:  

Outdoor Events 

If you're planning to enjoy outdoor festivities, be sure to have a plan to stay hydrated and stay cool. Consider taking cool water with you. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, before you feel thirsty. Limit physical activity during the hottest hours and seek out shade to rest in. 

River Safety 

Although the South Saskatchewan River may provide a tempting option to cool down on hot days, EMO reminds residents that the river is unpredictable and swimming in the river is prohibited. The river has many hazards including changing currents and an unstable bottom. 

Pet Wellness 

On warm summer days, it’s important to keep your pets safe and comfortable. Considerations include: 

• Ensuring your pet has plenty of fresh water to drink 
• Monitoring your pet for signs of heat stress such as rapid panting 
• Never leaving pets in parked cars for any amount of time 
• Offering your pet a means to cool down such as a wading pool or damp towel

For more information on how to keep your pet safe this summer, contact your local veterinarian.

Working Safe 

As the humidex rises, those who work outdoors are encouraged to take necessary actions including: 

• Drink extra water, 
• Increase breaks out of the sun 
• Modify work duties to prevent heat illness

For safety tips and guidelines for employees working in hot conditions, visit the Government of Saskatchewan’s Working Outdoors page.

Transit Safe Bus Program 

As always, Saskatoon Transit offers the Safe Bus Program designed to assist anyone, of any age, that needs immediate shelter or needs to contact emergency services. If you need help, safely flag down a bus or go to a parked bus. Transit operators can contact emergency services directly through the on-bus radio system and will give the person in need a safe place to wait.

Smart Yard and Garden Watering

During heat waves, there is increased water usage. The City encourages residents to be water wise by watering your lawn and trees early in the morning and skip windy days to minimize evaporation. Smart watering helps the environment and can save you money during hot summer months. Follow these quick lawn care tips to be more efficient with your water and learn more ways to be water wise.    

For more information about the Saskatoon Extreme Heat Emergency Response plan and how to stay safe during extreme heat, visit saskatoon.ca/heat. 

The City of Saskatoon has reopened the University Bridge to traffic in time for the evening commute today, June 22. A full closure of the bridge was put in place late yesterday morning in response to a fire underneath the structure on June 21.  Repairs to the bridge following yesterday’s fire were completed earlier this afternoon. 

Transit service has resumed normal operations 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.         

We thank everyone for their patience and cooperation while Saskatoon Fire Department and City crews performed this necessary work.  

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

Direct bus service from the Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to see Nickelback at  SaskTel Centre  on Thursday, June 22 at 6:30 p.m., is available at the following times:   

• 5:10 p.m.
• 5:30 p.m.
• 5:50 p.m.
• 6:10 p.m.  
• 6:30 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.  

The University Bridge remains closed to motorists as crews work to repair core holes that were drilled in the bridge decking to aid the Saskatoon Fire Department in its response to a fire underneath the structure on June 21. 

 Fire crews cleared the scene and there is no longer a fire risk on the bridge. City crews have assessed the bridge and there does not appear to be any structural damage. It is anticipated that the bridge will be reopened by late-afternoon today, barring any delays or unforeseen circumstances.  Walkways on the bridge have been reopened for pedestrians and cyclists.  

Spadina Crescent, below the bridge between 24th and 25th streets, has now been reopened fully for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. 

For your safety and ours, all members of the public are asked to please stay away from unauthorized areas on any bridge structure and to contact Saskatoon Police Service if they witness any unauthorized access. 

Until the bridge is fully reopened, 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.