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.

Saskatoon Transit has again partnered with the Saskatoon EX to offer free Transit service to Superpass holders during the Exhibition, August 8-13, 2023.  Riders looking to use Transit simply need to show the bus operator their Superpass or bracelet when boarding for a free ride.

Free Transit service will also be provided to children 10 & under on Wednesday, August 9, and older adults 65+ on Thursday, August 10.  

Service on Sunday night* will be extended with three special service routes from the Exhibition loop on the west side of Lorne Avenue, just south of Ruth Street. The additional service on Sunday night allows people to leave the event even after regular service is over. Regular fares apply ($3.00 per trip); fares can be purchased on your mobile phone using either the TGo or transit app, transfers and passes are also accepted.

• Bus #1 – to Downtown & Lawson Mall at 9:30pm, 10:15pm, 11 pm & 11:45pm  
• Bus #2 – to Market Mall, Centre Mall & University Heights at 9:45pm, 10:30pm & 11:15pm 
• Bus #3 – to Confederation & Downtown at 9:15pm, 10 pm, 10:45pm & 11:30pm  

Taking Transit is a great way to avoid the traffic and parking. Riders can plan their route to and from the EX using the Transit app (or Google Maps on desktop).

*Sunday night service will not be visible on trip planning apps. 

Have questions? Contact Transit Customer Service at 306-975-3100 or transit.services@saskatoon.ca.  

Direct bus service from the Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to experience the NF: Hope Tour at  SaskTel Centre  on Sunday, August 27 at 8 p.m., 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.    
   
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.   

Direct bus service from the Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to Sir Rod Stewart live at  SaskTel Centre  on Saturday, August 19 at 7:30 p.m., is available at the following times:     

• 6:10 p.m.   
• 6:30 p.m. 
• 6:50 p.m. 
• 7:10 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.   

Direct bus service from the Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to experience the Avenged Sevenfold: Life Is But A Dream Tour at  SaskTel Centre  on Wednesday, August 2 at 6:30 p.m., is available at the following times:     

• 5:15 p.m.   
• 5:55 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.    
   
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.   

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Rail has extended emergency rail track repair work on 22nd Street until the evening of Wednesday, July 26, 2023. 22nd Street between Avenue D and Avenue H remains closed. The intersections at 22nd Street and Avenue E, 22nd Street and Avenue F, and 22nd Street and Avenue G are closed. Business access between Avenue G and Avenue H will remain open.  

Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone. Motorists can expect delays in this area while construction is underway and are asked to choose alternate routes if possible or plan for delays.        

This closure impacts transit service on Routes 3, 60, and 65. Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit on desktop.                                          

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

22nd Street will be closed between Avenue D and Avenue H starting Monday, July 24, at 5 a.m. for emergency rail track repair work. The intersections at 22nd Street and Avenue E, 22nd Street and Avenue F, and 22nd Street and Avenue G will be closed during this project. Business access between Avenue G and Avenue H will remain open. 

Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone. Motorists can expect delays in this area while construction is underway and are asked to choose alternate routes if possible or plan for delays. This project is expected to take two days to complete, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.           

This closure impacts transit service on Routes 3, 60, and 65. Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit on desktop.                                         

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 experience All Elite Wrestling: Dynamite at  SaskTel Centre  on Wednesday, July 12 at 6 p.m., is available at the following times:     

• 4:45 p.m.   
• 5:25 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.    
   
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.   

Direct bus service from the Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to experience the Volbeat: Servant of the Road Tour at  SaskTel Centre  on Tuesday, July 18 at 7 p.m., is available at the following times:    

• 5:45 p.m.  
• 6:25 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.   
  
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.   

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.