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Rogers outage affecting payment processing for various City of Saskatoon services

July 8, 2022 - 3:45 pm

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The public has been made aware today that telecommunications provider Rogers outage Friday, July 8 has resulted in widespread service disruption to wireless, cable and internet customers across Canada.

While Rogers is working to resolve their issue as soon as possible, at present, there is no timeline yet for the restoration of services. Until this issue is resolved, customers interacting with City of Saskatoon services should be prepared to use a payment method other than a debit card.

The following City of Saskatoon services are experiencing payment impacts due to the Rogers outage:

Watch for updates on City of Saskatoon services and the return of normal payment processing as we learn more from Rogers.

Visit saskatoon.ca for more information on City of Saskatoon services.

Access Transit adjusting service levels

July 6, 2022 - 8:15 am

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Beginning Thursday, July 7 Access Transit will shift, reduce or temporarily cancel some service over the next three weeks. 

Access Transit is adjusting service to temporarily reduce service levels based on available resources. While ridership continues to return to pre-pandemic levels, Saskatoon Transit took a balanced and careful approach with an eye on preserving as much service as possible.  

Reduced service will take effect starting on July 7 with the aim to begin adding back service hours in August if resources allow.  

Please continue to book trips 3 days in advance as early as 9:00 a.m. to avoid possible denials.  

Saskatoon Transit thanks riders for their patience and understanding.  

Getting around for Canada Day Celebrations: free bus service after fireworks

June 30, 2022 - 7:00 am

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Forget parking and traffic - leave the car at home! Make first and last mile connections to Saskatoon Transit routes with your bike, an Uber, or taxi as you head downtown for the Canada Day celebrations.

Planning your trip is easier than ever when you use Transit, Saskatoon Transit's recommended trip planning app. The Transit app works out suggested trips that easily combine public transit with options like Uber or Riide, and it also lets you pay your Saskatoon Transit fare with just a few taps. 

Transit will be running regular holiday service until 9:00 p.m. (normal fares apply).

After the fireworks, free buses will leave from locations on either side of the river (3rd Avenue northbound/north of 19th Street and Broadway Avenue southbound/south of 12th Street). Buses will stop when requested along the routes noted in the Canada Day 2022 special event bus map!

All Access Transit pickups and drop-offs for the event will be at the temporary stop on 2nd Ave just north of the Alt Hotel. Access Transit will extend its service hours until midnight so customers can take in the fireworks show. Trips must be booked in advance as per normal booking procedures and subscriptions do not apply on statutory holiday

Adjusted holiday hours & civic services for Canada Day, Friday, July 1

June 29, 2022 - 4:30 pm

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The City of Saskatoon will have a number of adjusted civic services and hours of operation on Canada Day. Wondering what’s open or closed? See full details on the City’s website.

Saskatoon Transit provides free Transit app upgrade for all riders: Transit Royale

June 29, 2022 - 8:15 am

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Saskatoon Transit offers upgraded Transit app experience to all customers

Saskatoon Transit is upgrading all its riders to Transit Royale, the new subscription in the Transit app–Saskatoon Transit’s official app for riders to plan, track, and pay for their trips. Today, Saskatoon Transit joins systems around the world in providing the world-class Royale app experience–at no cost–to all its riders.  

A Royale subscription unlocks additional features, new customization options, and complete access to the app across more than 300 cities supported worldwide. The subscription also provides access to power features such as:  

  • fun customizable themes  
  • ability to switch the app icon  
  • personalized emoji avatars–riders can become ‘celebrities’ on their local bus routes with leaderboards for users competing to help the most riders with GO crowdsourcing  

As the update rolls out beginning June 29, riders in Saskatoon will see a notification informing them that Saskatoon Transit is upgrading them to Transit Royale. From there, users can simply tap to redeem their free subscription.  

Saskatoon Transit began its partnership with Transit app in 2016 as the official app for riders. In June 2021, Saskatoon Transit launched mobile ticketing on the app. Thousands of Saskatoon Transit riders use Transit app every day to plan, track, and pay for their trips. Through Royale, Saskatoon Transit is deepening its partnership with Transit app to provide a top-rated mobility app free of outside advertising.  

Transit is available in the App Store or Google Play, or by visiting www.transitapp.com.  

Images showing the integration, are available at: https://bit.ly/3HDFlMK  

Press kit and visuals: www.transitapp.com/press  

As of today, face masks are no longer required to ride on Saskatoon Transit. Riders are welcome to continue wearing masks, if they choose. 

Local students to have art displayed on buses

June 23, 2022 - 3:45 pm

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After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Saskatoon Transit was pleased to unveil two pieces of art on the side of transit buses today. This is the third time a student art contest has been run by Saskatoon Transit and this year the contest was open to Grade 3 and Grade 7 students across the city.

“It is such an exciting opportunity for Saskatoon Transit to partner with the elementary schools on this project. These students should feel very proud and honoured when they see their artwork driving past on the side of a bus this summer,” says Tracey Davis, Acting Director, Saskatoon Transit. 

Grade 7 students Nuala, Neha, Radinsa and Marlee from Lakeridge School and Grade 3 students Reem, Ayan and Seth from Ecole Alvin Buckwold put their creativity to the test and were selected as this year’s best of show winners.

The winning pieces were chosen through a collaboration with the Remai Modern. Learning Program Coordinator Wendy Paterson judged the submissions based on how well they reflected the “Active Transportation” theme.

“Submissions clearly indicated students had reflected thoughtfully and imaginatively on the many ways people get around Saskatoon,” says Paterson. “Their collaborative depictions of communities that are themselves collaborative projects, were fittingly brimming with activity and colour, just like this community!”

The winning artwork will be displayed on the side of ten Saskatoon Transit buses traveling across Saskatoon throughout the summer.

“Congratulations to these students for showcasing the benefits of active transportation and exhibiting what it means to be environmentally responsible citizens,” says Superintendent Nicola Bishop-Yong with Saskatoon Public Schools. “Through our ‘Move to Grow’ initiative, our school division encourages students to pursue active transportation and make mindful choices that support their well-being, community, and world. I am proud of all the students who took part in this contest and expressed the importance of being community-minded stewards of the environment.”

“This partnership with the Remai, the Saskatoon Public School Board, and the Greater Saskatoon Catholic School Board helps support and promote art, especially local art, alongside how active transportation plays a critical part of public transit,” concludes Davis.

TRC Calls to Action inspire new piece of Indigenous art

June 22, 2022 - 9:15 am

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To coincide with Indigenous History Month and Indigenous Peoples Day, Saskatoon Transit has unveiled its fourth bus shelter displaying Indigenous artwork. These shelters reaffirm Saskatoon Transit’s commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #79 

This year’s shelter was created through a collaboration between the Saskatoon Survivors Circle and Indigenous artistJustine "Tini" StilbornStilborn worked to capture the reflections of the Survivors using visual art. She sought to tell the story of their past including the atrocities of residential schools, the Sixties Scoop, and those resulting from the child welfare and foster care system. But the artwork is also intended to capture the Survivors’ hopes for the future.  

Stilborn created her designs using Procreate and Adobe Illustrator which were then cut out of metal sheets by MetalShapes for installation at 885 Confederation Drive 

“The meetings between the Survivors and Justine were open and emotional conversations about what we wanted to communicate through this piece of art” says Survivor Frank Badger. 

We hope this will become a place and symbol of reconciliation, healing, and unity for all Indigenous people says Survivor Barb Badger. 

The artwork’s storytelling begins on the left panel, with the Sixties Scoop depicting young Indigenous children being taken from their homes and families. This panel was done in red to convey the stereotype of the red skin of Indigenous people and the bloodshed and pain experienced.  

The back panels illustrate Indigenous children’s involuntary assimilation to euro-western culture shown by the cutting of their hair. These panels also show Indigenous children being removed from their homes in more contemporary times, bridged by shoes that represent the unmarked graves of residential school children. The hands at the top reflect the broken connection between Indigenous generations and the yearning to reconnect. These panels were done in orange to align with orange shirt day and the Every Child Matters movement.  

The right panel is designed to elicit a sense of freedom as Indigenous people return to their cultural practices and reconnect with their ancestors. This panel is yellow to represent hope and joy.  

For the first time, art was also added to the ceiling of a bus shelter. “This piece depicts the dawn of a new day where Indigenous persons can celebrate their babies again without the fear of having them taken,” says Stilborn. “There are little faces in the clouds, drawn from the ultrasounds of my two daughters.”  

“Saskatoon Transit’s work with the Saskatoon Survivors Circle continues to advance reconciliation in Saskatoon,” says Mayor Charlie Clark. “The stories of the Survivors are the truth we must understand that leads us towards meaningful reconciliation. The beautiful work of art by this Indigenous artist is now a visual representation of the Survivors stories. Thank you to the Survivors Circle, to Justine, and to Saskatoon Transit for all being part of our shared journey towards reconciliation.” 

“Following the location of unmarked residential school graves, Saskatoon Transit was inspired to reach out to the Saskatoon Survivors Circle,” says Tracey Davis, Acting Director of Saskatoon Transit. “Truth and reconciliation go hand in handand this year was our opportunity to help tell those truths through this shelter installation.”  

“Art brings people together; it creates conversations, inspires and unifies our communities, and gives hope for the future,” says Melissa Cote, the City’s Director of Indigenous Initiatives. “This project is a perfect example of how art can be healing as well as an opportunity for learning.” 

The other three Saskatoon Transit bus shelters displaying Indigenous artwork are located at the following locations: 

  • In front of Aden Bowman Collegiate (1904 Clarence Ave S) 
  • 12th Street and Broadway Avenue 
  • E.D. Feehan on the north side of Rusholme Road, west of Avenue M 

Heavy Rain Update

June 21, 2022 - 9:45 am

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Yesterday, Saskatoon experienced heavy rain with accumulations concentrated in the south, east and north sides of the city. Upwards of 75 millimeters were received in some spots. City crews worked throughout the evening and overnight to address flooded intersections, popped manhole covers and other flood-related issues on roadways.

Water has receded from flooded streets and most intersections were clear for today’s commute except for a limited number of areas in the south east which still have barricades in place for driver and pedestrian safety. These barricades are anticipated to be removed by the end of day.

Saskatoon Transit

Saskatoon Transit routes are running as normal but will continue to detour around barricaded areas. The terminal at Market Mall is currently inaccessible because of detours in the area, so please use other stops. Check the Transit App for up-to-date information.

Leisure Facilities

Impacted facilities have re-opened today during regular operating hours. Exceptions are: Lions Arena and Lawson Civic Centre, where the pool is open but the fitness room remains closed due to water seepage.

Water & Waste Operations

Waste collection took place as scheduled except for a small area in the Avalon area yesterday. Drivers will return for garbage collection on these streets on Wednesday. A service alert will be shared with impacted households.

Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation

For the safety of all participants, workers and volunteers, the June 21 event has been cancelled. More on this here.

City Flood Protection Infrastructure

Currently, the City’s infrastructure continues to keep up with yesterday’s flood water, but we are monitoring the conditions very closely. More rain is forecasted for Saskatoon and area this week and the system will need several days to recover from Monday’s rainfall. Residents can help by not running washing machines, dishwashers or flushing toilets unless flushing is absolutely necessary.

Be Prepared & Keep Safe

When a rain event such as this occurs, there are things we can all do to keep safe:

  • Avoid flooded areas altogether if possible.
  • Do not remove barricades or drive into barricaded areas.
  • Stay out of the water whether you are in your car or if you are on foot.
  • Be mindful to avoid flooded areas on your commute to/from work or school – stay up to date with service alerts.
  • If you encounter flooding on a street, take an alternate route, as deep water can damage a vehicle and cause it to stall.
  • Do not remove manhole covers – it can be dangerous. Contact the City instead at 306-975-2476.
  • Do not go near drainage areas in parks and follow all signage in parks that may direct you to not enter when flooding occurs – these areas can also be very hazardous in storm-flow conditions
  • Emergencies: report stranded vehicles, missing or popped manholes and street or underpass flooding to the City of Saskatoon’s 24-Hour Customer Service Centre at 306-975-2476. Call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

Home Flood Protection

To reduce the risk of damage to property, residents should ensure downspouts disperse water at least two metres (six feet) away from the home foundation. Downpours like this can drop a tremendous amount of water in a relatively short period of time. All homes – even those that have never flooded before may have water seep in.

The City has information available for impacted residents on saskatoon.ca/homefloodprotection.

Dry storm ponds worked as intended such as at WW Ashley Park which was recently completed as part of the City’s Flood Control Strategy. Dry storm ponds are designed to hold water that would otherwise cause nearby flooding during intense rainfalls. The water flows from properties and roads into the dry storm pond, then slowly drains into the storm sewer.

For More Information

For up-to-date information, check back on this site or follow service alerts and the City’s social media channels.

Rock Your Roots CANCELLED due to safety concerns posed by extreme weather

June 20, 2022 - 5:45 pm

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Due to safety concerns posed by flooding and the risk of lightning, the Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation has been cancelled. The walk was scheduled to take place tomorrow, National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21).

The annual event is put on by Reconciliation Saskatoon, which the City of Saskatoon co-chairs along with the Office of the Treaty Commissioner. The intent is to answer the TRC Calls to Action by demonstrating a commitment to Reconciliation, honouring Residential School Survivors, and working towards an inclusive community.

Provided it’s safe to do so, the Rock Your Roots organizing committee encourages people to take their own walk of reconciliation at any time of day tomorrow – National Indigenous Peoples Day – and to post to social media using the hashtag #RockYourRoots.

The private events honouring Residential School Survivors will go ahead as planned. As of 5:00 p.m. June 20, the afternoon event hosted by the Saskatoon Indian & Métis Friendship Centre was going ahead. Check the National Indigenous Peoples Day 2022 Facebook Event Page for updates.

Heavy rain causing localized flooding, caution advised

June 20, 2022 - 3:15 pm

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Saskatoon has experienced heavy rain today with the east side of the city seeing the heaviest rain accumulations so far. 

Fire and water/sewer crews are responding to several calls related to flooding. Drivers are asked to immediately avoid Circle Drive between College Drive and Taylor Street and between Preston Avenue S and McEown Avenue on Louise Street. Barricades are now in place in these areas.

Residents are advised to avoid driving in these areas if possible and not to enter areas that have experienced localized flooding. Anyone encountering flooding on a street should take an alternate route, as deep water can damage a vehicle and cause it to stall. Please report emergencies such as stranded vehicles, missing manholes and street or underpass flooding to the 24 Hour Customer Service Centre at 306-975-2476.

To reduce the risk of damage to property, residents should ensure downspouts disperse water at least two metres (six feet) away from the home foundation.

Detours are in place for Saskatoon Transit routes 6, 19 and 83 - please check transit service alerts for the latest details.

Environment Canada is predicting the potential for more rain in the forecast this week.

For information about possible disruptions to City services due to potential heavy rain, including leisure services, detours, and closures, citizens are encouraged to monitor Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca or on Twitter follow @yxeservicealert.