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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation takes place tomorrow (June 21) on National Indigenous Peoples Day. This walk is one way to demonstrate a commitment to Reconciliation, honour Residential School Survivors, and work towards an inclusive community.

Everyone is welcome to attend and join the walk. Cultural performers from across the city have been invited to ‘rock their roots’ along the walk route by sharing a piece of their culture and showcasing Saskatoon’s incredible diversity. Walk participants are welcome to wear their cultural regalia, an EveryChildMatters shirt, or any other orange shirt.

Rock Your Roots is put on by Reconciliation Saskatoon, which the City of Saskatoon co-chairs along with the Office of the Treaty Commissioner. The event, attended by thousands in past years, was first held in 2016 with attendance growing each year. The intent is to answer the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action.

Rock Your Roots will go ahead, rain or shine. The walk takes place between 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Participants should arrive for 10:00 a.m. at the start location—in Victoria Park across from Legion Branch 63 on Spadina Crescent West. A news release with more information is available here. Or visit saskatoon.ca/Indigenous.

Batter up and plan to attend the City of Saskatoon's Annual Civic Pancake Breakfast this morning!

Civic Pancake Breakfast Event Details:
When: Thursday, June 16, 2022  
Time: Breakfast served 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Location: Held outside in Civic Square at 23^rd Street, beside City Hall
Cost: $7 breakfast includes choice of whip, syrup or berry toppings, sausages, coffee & juice
Payment method: Cash or Debit card

As always, all proceeds from this important community fundraiser will be 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 from our community will be in attendance! Bring your friends and come downtown this morning!

We have an exciting lineup today including Saskatoon Police Service vehicle displays, an entertainment stage with various ethnic dancers including a tribute to Ukraine, Métis fiddlers, musicians, furry mascots, the always anticipated and fun-to-watch team relay race (8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.), public engagement booth, and more!

New this year: You can help pay it forward through the Act of Kindness Board!

Since we've not had this important fundraiser in a couple of years, we're hoping we can all help pay it forward with an extra push for kindness through our collective donations. The Saskatoon City Employees Credit Union and the City of Saskatoon have partnered to bring an Act of Kindness Board to this year's Civic Pancake Breakfast. You’ll have the option to purchase an extra $7 ticket to donate to someone in need of a hot breakfast today!

The City of Saskatoon is proud to host this annual zero-waste event with compostable, recyclable, and reusable supplies.

In advance, we thank all our valued sponsors who helped to make this fundraising event possible, successful, and sure to be a well-attended community event!

All are welcome!  Hope to catch you on the flip side at today’s pancake breakfast!

After a two year pause due to COVID, the Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation is back in-person for the community to gather together and celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21) at 10:00 a.m.

Rock Your Roots is put on by Reconciliation Saskatoon, which the City of Saskatoon co-chairs along with the Office of the Treaty Commissioner. The event, attended by thousands in past years, was first held in 2016 with attendance growing each year. The intent is to answer the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action by demonstrating a commitment to Reconciliation, honouring Residential School Survivors, and working towards an inclusive community.

“The significance of a walk can be attributed to the Sunday walks in residential schools; this was often the only time when siblings and cousins of different genders might be reunited,” says Judy Pelly, a Residential School Survivor and member of the Rock Your Roots Walk organizing committee. “It’s meaningful for organizers to see Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples come together in this way.”

Individuals of all ages are invited to attend, including groups representing organizations, workplaces, and schools. Cultural performers from across the city have been invited to ‘rock their roots’ along the walk route by sharing a piece of their culture and showcasing Saskatoon’s incredible diversity.

“This walk is an opportunity to learn about and honour Indigenous history as well as celebrate the cultural mosaic that is our community,” says Shirley Isbister, President of the Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI). “It’s an inclusive event that welcomes everyone to participate; I’m really hoping that we’ll see a great turnout.”

“Rock Your Roots is an opportunity to bring our community together to understand and be educated on residential schools that have negatively impacted Indigenous peoples,” says Saskatoon Tribal Chief Mark Arcand. “This walk is a sign of Reconciliation and a commitment to change for the better, so that all people can have a quality of life.”

Walk participants are invited to wear their cultural regalia, an EveryChildMatters shirt, or any other orange shirt. Rock Your Roots t-shirts – with all proceeds directed to programming and activities for Rock Your Roots – can be ordered by emailing RockYourRootstshirts@gmail.com.

“Rock Your Roots represents an acknowledgment of the multi-generational impacts of residential schools and a commitment to Reconciliation,” says Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark. “It’s a public demonstration of support for residential school attendees and those lost. It’s a promise to work towards a future that affords every member of our community equal opportunity.”

The Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation event takes place on National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21) in Victoria Park between 10:00 and 11:30 a.m. The start location is in Victoria Park near Legion Branch 63 on Spadina Crescent West. All are welcome. More information is available at saskatoon.ca/Indigenous.