It’s Canada Day on Saturday, July 1 and a long weekend ahead - always a fun kickoff to another great summer in Saskatoon!

When a statutory holiday falls on a weekend, it is typically observed by the City on the following Monday. The City of Saskatoon will have several adjusted civic services and hours of operation on Saturday, July 1, Canada Day, and also on Monday, July 3, check all details here.

Also, with warmer temperatures expected over the long weekend, the Extreme Heat Emergency Response will be activated from Friday, June 30 to Monday, July 3.  For more information about the Extreme Heat Emergency Response, including a list of cool-down locations, please visit saskatoon.ca/heat.

The City of Saskatoon extends Happy Canada Day well-wishes to all residents and hopes that everyone in the community has a safe long weekend.

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

Forget parking and traffic - leave the car at home! Make first and last mile connections to Saskatoon Transit routes with your bike, an e-scooter, an Uber or a 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  also lets you pay your Saskatoon Transit fare with just a few taps. 

Transit will be running regular holiday service until 9 p.m. (normal fares apply) on Canada Day.

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 2023 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 operates until 11:45 p.m. for customers. Trips must be booked in advance as per normal booking procedures and subscriptions do not apply on statutory holidays.

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. 

University Bridge will remain closed for the evening commute on Wednesday, June 21, for fire response within an encampment under the bridge. Spadina Crescent remains closed between 24th and 25th streets, under the University Bridge during this work. This is a complete closure with no access to the bridge during this time for drivers or pedestrians. The bridge will remain closed until further notice.  

For your safety and ours, pedestrians and cyclists are asked to please stay away from the barricaded walkways at University Bridge.  

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. 

University Bridge will be closed starting Wednesday, June 21, effective immediately as Saskatoon Fire Department continues to extinguish a fire that started within an encampment under the bridge. This is a complete closure and there will be no access to the bridge during this time. The pedestrian walkways will also be fully closed during this time. The fire is under control but a timeline of when the fire will be fully extinguished and bridge reopened is not known at this time. 

Spadina Crescent will be closed between 24th and 25th streets, under the University Bridge during this work.        

From the east side of the bridge, drivers are encouraged to take Clarence Avenue to 12th Street and use the Broadway Bridge. 

From the west side of the bridge, drivers are encouraged to take alternate routes downtown to use the Broadway Bridge. 

The closure of the University Bridge will impact transit service on Routes 4, 43, 44, 45, 46 and 6. Bus riders using these routes during the bridge closure are encouraged to allow extra time to get to their final destination. 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. 

Starting July 2, 2023, Saskatoon Transit will be implementing routing and service adjustments to enhance the transit experience.

Overview of what's changing:

Route 13 Avalon / Lawson Heights: The temporary detour in the Nutana neighborhood will become permanent, improving efficiency and schedule adherence. Look out for new bus stops along Clarence Ave.

Route 81/82 University / Centre Mall Route 84 Briarwood / Centre Mall Route 86 Rosewood / Centre Mall: There will be slight routing changes and stop adjustments to accommodate traffic calming devices and the proposed bike network. Look for new stop locations.

Route 43 City Centre / Evergreen Route 44 City Centre / Willowgrove  Route 45City Centre / Arbor Creek Route 46 City Centre / 115^th Street: Schedule adjustments throughout the day will ensure better schedule adherence.

Route 6 Market Mall via Preston / Broadway (name changes): To offer more clarity and eliminate confusion, Route 6 will be split into two distinct routes: Route 16 Eastview / University: Market Mall to University, then to Downtown. Route 6 Wilson Crescent / City Center: Market Mall to Eastview, Wilson Crescent, Broadway Ave, then to Downtown.

Make sure to download the Transit app to help with trip planning or visit SaskatoonTransit.ca for new maps and schedules.

Questions or concerns regarding these adjustments can be directed to Customer Service 306.975.3100 or transit.services@saskatoon.ca.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding as Saskatoon Transit works towards providing an improved transit experience for the residents of Saskatoon.

To accommodate the Saskatoon Pride Festival and Pride Parade in the downtown area this weekend, detours, lane restrictions, and “no parking” signs will be in place guiding motorists around the event area.

Saskatoon Pride Festival event road restrictions set in place from Friday, June 16 at 2:00 p.m. to Sunday June 18 at 3:00 p.m.:

• The Traffic Bridge closed between 11th and 19th streets   
• Spadina Crescent closed between 2nd Avenue and 20th Street

The Pride Parade route will move from Kiwanis Park, with closures in place from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, June 17:

• Spadina Crescent closed between 24th and 25th streets under the University Bridge 
• 24th Street closed between Spadina Crescent and 4th Avenue
• 4th Avenue closed between 22nd and 24th streets 
• 22nd Street closed between 1st and 4th avenues
• 1st Avenue closed between 20th and 22nd streets
• 20th Street closed from 1st and 4th avenues
• 3rd Avenue closed between 19th and 20th streets
• Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge off-ramp to 1st Avenue closed

During the Pride Parade, Saskatoon Transit will implement minor route changes and set up temporary bus stops from approximately 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Downtown Terminal bus stops will operate as usual, except for Route 6 Broadway, 60 Confederation, and 65 Kensington. Route 6, 60, and 65 routes will have temporary bus stops on 23rd Street Eastbound, just east of 2nd Avenue. Route 8 City Centre and 81, 82, 84 and 86 Centre Mall will serve downtown via the Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge. Please note that Route 5 City Centre will not be able to reach the residences on 24th or 23rd Streets from approximately 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

For detailed information on bus stop closures, Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit on desktop.  If you have any questions or need assistance, contact the dedicated Customer Service team at 306-975-3100.

Drivers are reminded to watch out for pedestrians. The City thanks everyone for their patience. 

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

In anticipation of higher than normal temperatures this weekend, the Saskatoon Emergency Management Organization (EMO) will activate the Saskatoon Extreme Heat Emergency Response Plan from Sunday, June 11 to Wednesday, June 14 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 this extreme and prolonged heat by checking on family, friends and neighbours, sharing the cool-down locations poster and by alerting emergency services if they see someone in distress due to the extreme heat.

In an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Other things to consider during days of 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.

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.

Saskatoon 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.