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

Residents of Saskatoon will soon be able to request public transit service using the Saskatoon Transit OnDemand app from designated stops to the nearest transit hub and vice-versa. The OnDemand Transit (ODT) service will connect the new neighbourhoods of Brighton/Rosewood, North Kensington and Blairmore with fixed route service, to fill service gaps in those areas.

“This is all about service,” says Tracey Davis, Interim Director, Saskatoon Transit.

“We want to provide people with as much flexibility as possible - especially in developing neighbourhoods where full public transit options don’t yet exist. Our OnDemand Transit service is just the thing to meet this challenge head on.”

The new ODT service will begin August 2 and will be fully integrated with the current fixed-route transit system. OnDemand will also be available in Transit, Saskatoon Transit’s all-in-one app to plan, track and pay for rides. Thanks to this integration, riders can, for the first-time plan trips that combine Saskatoon's OnDemand and fixed-route services. Passengers can plan a trip in Transit to their destination using a combination of OnDemand and fixed-route service, then link directly to the Saskatoon OnDemand app to request their ride. Trips can be requested in multiple ways: the Saskatoon Transit OnDemand mobile app, website, or phone (306-975-3100).

To make this all work in a coordinated effort is new AI technology paired with an app that allows trips to be booked in real time, or up to two weeks before riding. Spots can also be reserved for wheelchairs and bikes.

“The software is brilliant,” says Davis. “We’re able to connect buses directly to our customers when they need it, and to route the bus efficiently from rider pickup to drop-off.”

The new service to launch August 2, 2022, will connect Brighton/Rosewood, North Kensington and Blairmore to transit hubs Monday to Friday, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Direct service from the Special Events Stop (outside the 2nd Avenue Lofts at 23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to see John Fogerty at  SaskTel Centre  on Tuesday, July 19, is available at the following times: 

• 6:45 p.m. 
• 7:25 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 that helps make connections that combine Transit with riide and Uber. Transit does the work so you can travel with ease! 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 Customer Service Centre will be closed to walk-in customers Monday, July 18 through to Wednesday, July 20, due to unforeseen circumstances. The Customer Service Center info-line (306.975.3100) will continue to be available from 7:00AM – 7:00PM.

Stay connected with Saskatoon Transit:

• Call 306.975.3100 to speak with a Customer Service Representative 
• Email transit.services@saskatoon.ca or 
• SaskatoonTransit.ca for fare information, trip planning tool and all other inquiries.

Fare products are available for purchase on mobile devices through either the TGo or Transit app or at any of Saskatoon Transit’s vendor locations.

The Customer Service Centre is expected to resume walk-in hours on Thursday, July 21, 2022.

Direct service from the Special Events Stop (outside the 2nd Avenue Lofts at 23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to see Loud Luxury at  SaskTel Centre  on Friday, July 15, is available at the following times:  

• 6:15 p.m. 
• 6:35 p.m. 
• 6:55 p.m. 
• 7:15 p.m. 
• 7:35 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 that helps make connections that combine Transit with riide and Uber. Transit does the work so you can travel with ease! 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.  

Every year, the City of Saskatoon produces its Service, Savings and Sustainability (SSS) Report. The report focuses on the preceding calendar year and highlights the ways City employees worked to capture savings, enhance services for residents, and make improvements in the area of sustainability.

“The theme of the 2021 report is 2021: Resilience & Readiness,” says Celene Anger, the City’s Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer. “We wanted to tell the story of how we worked together to continue delivering and improving programs and services in the second year of a global pandemic, all while working to keep residents and staff safe.”

Initiatives featured in the 2021 report include:

• Doubling minor sidewalk repairs
• City Hall Lobby reconfigured to prioritize customer experience
• Improvements to Saskatoon.ca to make it more mobile friendly
• Reintroduction of prescribed fires to help ecological health
• LED street light upgrade completed
• Solid Waste Reduction & Diversion Plan unveiled
• Facility improvements to increase energy efficiency
• Use of recycled asphalt
• ePermitting improvements for building and development permits

The 2021 Service, Savings and Sustainability (SSS) Report reflects the City’s year-over-year commitment to find savings, explore and take on new challenges, and find practical, forward-thinking solutions to meet the changing needs of the community.

“At the City of Saskatoon, we have a strong commitment to continuous improvement and are always looking for new ways to improve performance and deliver value for taxpayer dollars,” says Anger.

The 2021 SSS Report will be presented as an information item at the Governance and Priorities Committee meeting on Monday, July 18. The report is available now at saskatoon.ca/SSSreport.

In response to the high temperatures this week, the Emergency Management Organization (EMO) has activated the Response Plan to support residents in Saskatoon, especially those vulnerable to the heat.

In 2019 the Cold Weather Strategy partners convened and identified a need for an Extreme Heat Response plan to ensure designated cooling spaces are in place for Saskatoon’s homeless population, greatly reducing their risk of heat exposure related illnesses during the summer months. This Strategy has continued to evolve to include water bottle distribution in 2021.  

In the summer of 2021, British Columbia experienced a significant Heat Dome. A review of the incident found that during the Heat Dome individuals 50 years and older, living in private residences, with health issues and social isolated were at significantly greater risk during extreme heat events. The City of Saskatoon has studied the impact of this Heat Dome and has determined that there is a need to expand the Extreme Heat Response Plan to include other Saskatoon residents who may be at increased risk during extended extreme heat events.

The Saskatoon Extreme Heat Response Plan will continue to have a coordinated response to ensure cooling locations, wellness checks and water bottle distribution for residents experiencing homelessness. Additional partners have joined, and are still being sought, for the Extreme Heat Response Plan this year. These additional partners will work together to coordinate activities to support Saskatoon residents who are older adults, living in private residences and may be at increased risk during the extreme heat events. 

Extreme Heat Response is not the sole responsibility of any one organization. It takes a whole community to ensure the safety of those vulnerable to extreme heat. Saskatoon EMO works with many partners in the Extreme Heat Response Plan. These include the Saskatchewan Heath Authority, the Saskatoon Housing Initiative Partnership, Environment and Climate Change Canada and many others.  

If your organization is interested in becoming a partner of the Saskatoon Extreme Heat Response Plan, please contact emo.eoc@saskatoon.ca.

Things to consider during days of extreme heat: 

Keep cool

• Have access to cool drinking water and drink regularly, even when not feeling thirsty
• Move to a cooler indoor space, if possible
• Draw curtains, shades or shutters to help block direct sunlight
• Close windows during the heat of the day to trap cooler air indoors
• Open windows overnight or whenever there is a cool breeze, keeping safety in mind
• Activate air conditioning or open windows in different areas to create a cross-breeze

Sun protection

• Limit physical activity and exposure to the outdoors during the hottest hours
• Wear light coloured and lightweight clothing
• Apply sunscreen and reapply regularly throughout the day
• Wear a hat or other head covering

Be a good neighbour

Residents can help those most vulnerable to this extreme and prolonged heat by sharing the designated cool down locations poster, checking on family, friends and neighbours and by alerting emergency services if you see someone in distress due to the extreme heat.   

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. Learn more at saskatoon.ca/watersafety.

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

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, simply and 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.

In an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Direct service from the Special Events Stop (outside the 2nd Avenue Lofts at 23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to see Summer Rewind at  SaskTel Centre  on Wednesday, July 13, is available at the following times: 

• 6:15 p.m. 
• 6:55 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 that helps make connections that combine Transit with riide and Uber. Transit does the work so you can travel with ease! 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.