The City of Saskatoon has been monitoring and actively engaged in assessing the impact of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and is in close contact with provincial and federal health agencies. The City has activated its Emergency Operations Centre to coordinate its planning efforts. The health, safety, and well-being of our employees and members of the public, and maintaining core services are our top priorities.
Every organization, business and person can play a role in helping keep us all safe. Responding most effectively will take a whole community approach. This will not come down to one organization or one person’s job to solve.
Residents are encouraged to sign up to notifynow for timely and targeted public safety messages, including COVID-19.
Check back for regular updates as information becomes available.
Unaffected City Services
The City assures residents that the following core services are being maintained:
- Saskatoon Fire Department
- Saskatoon Police Service
- Transit Services
- Waste & Recycling Collection
- Power, Water & Sewer Services
- Landfill Operations
- Winter Road Maintenance
- Construction & Major Projects
- Cemetery Services
Affected City Services
While City Hall and facilities are closed to the public, our business operations continue to provide important services for our residents as much as possible. Check back for updates to this list:
- Animal Services: Subsidized Spay & Neuter Program (updated March 19)
- Building Standards: Permits, Inspections, PID Applications, Payments (updated March 23)
- Business Licenses: New Licenses, Renewals (updated April 6)
- Bylaws: Bylaw Courts (updated March 20)
- Flag Raisings, Civic Square (updated March 27)
- Parking: Overtime Parking, Parking for People with a Disability, Public Pay Parking, Residential Parking Program (updated April 2)
- Purchasing Services (updated March 24)
- Waste & Recyling: Compost Depots, Paying at the Landfill, Household Glass Program, Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Days (updated April 15)
- Water Cross Connection: Reminder Notices and Deficiency Letters (updated March 24)
- Water Meters: AMI Upgrade Appointments (updated March 24)
Online Services
The City reminds the public that there are many online services which are listed at saskatoon.ca/onlineservices.
City Hall, City Buildings & Facilities
On March 19, the City closed public access to City Hall and all City buildings, including fire stations, leisure facilities and Saskatoon Public Library locations.
Utility Payments & Property Taxation
We understand the COVID-19 pandemic is causing financial challenges for many in our community. Learn about the immediate action the City has taken to allow residents more time to pay their taxes and utility bills:
- 2020 Property Taxes (updated March 30)
- Utility Payments (updated March 30)
Transit Services
Transit buses continue to run – visit transit.saskatoon.ca for updated route and schedule information. The public is being asked to only use transit if it is absolutely necessary for essential travel in order to aid in social distancing measures. Riders must enter and exit buses using the rear doors, excluding individuals who require personal mobility devices, and keep a fair distance from Operators and other riders. Payment of a fare is not required. More information, along with additional cleaning measures that are in place, can be found here (updated March 31).
Leisure Facilities, Attractions & Programs
Leisure facilities are closed until further notice, including all programs and third-party facility rentals. A complete list of facilities and information about compensation can be found in the frequently asked questions (updated April 9).
Updates to specific facilities and programs are noted below:
- Golf Courses (updated April 3)
- Gordon Howe Campground (updated March 24)
- Leisure Access Program (updated March 25)
- Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo, Season Passes (updated March 31)
Playgrounds, Parks, Dog Parks
Playground structures are closed until further notice. This was necessary because the shared surfaces people touch – especially playground equipment – should not be used right now for the health and safety of your family, and to eliminate the potential for gatherings at play.
As we recognize the importance of getting fresh air and exercise each day, spaces including trails, dog parks and public squares remain open. Visitors must maintain a safe, two-metre (six feet) distance away from others using outdoor public places, as shown on this information sheet. Sports fields should not be used for group or organized sports or activities that put you in close contact with others.
Bridge Walkways, Pedestrian Overpasses & Underpasses
Temporary access restrictions are now in place on many bridge walkways to allow for necessary social/physical distancing, or have been closed if they are not wide enough for users to keep a two-metre distance away from others. Crews have also posted signage to remind people to keep a safe distance at all times.
The CP Pedestrian Bridge and Sid Buckwold Bridge walkways are closed. The Traffic Bridge, Broadway Bridge and University Bridge, with walkways on both sides, are now operating as one-way only. Restrictions on all other City bridge walkways are found in the frequently asked questions. (Updated April 2)
City Events & Engagement Activities
All City-organized public events and in-person engagement activities have been cancelled until further notice. Online surveys already in progress will continue until their scheduled closing date. We will notify participants when events may be rescheduled.
