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The ongoing closure of the University Bridge in Saskatoon has prompted some changes to this year’s Canada Day festivities.
Organizers of the city’s Canada Day celebration said the bridge closure means the fireworks will be launched from Rotary Park starting at 10 p.m. on July 1, in a similar setup to last year’s celebrations.
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“Rotary park will be closed to attendees and have road restrictions,” organizers said in a statement. “This will not adversely affect local residents who will have access passes delivered to their homes.”
This year’s festivities will include food trucks on the Traffic Bridge, vendors and entertainment at River Landing, a wellness zone and face painting in KW Nasser Plaza and other activities and entertainment along the riverbank between River Landing and the Pump House. Family activities including bouncy castles will be up and running in Friendship Park.
The fun all starts at noon on July 1, but organizers noted that food trucks are often up and running at 11 a.m.
More details can be found on the event’s website.
Road closures
A number of roads in Saskatoon’s downtown will be closed or have lane restrictions in place between Monday evening and Thursday morning to accommodate the city’s Canada Day celebrations.
The city said the closures will take effect at 5 p.m. on Monday, with the routes expected to reopen to traffic at 8 a.m. on Thursday. The routes that will be closed or restricted include:
- Spadina Crescent from the Second Avenue South roundabout to Fourth Avenue South;
- The Traffic Bridge from 19th Street East to 11th Street East;
- Second Avenue South from Saunders Place to Spadina;
- Saskatchewan Crescent East from Idylwyld Crescent to Broadway Avenue;
- McPherson Avenue from Saskatchewan Crescent East to 11th Street East; and
- Eastlake Avenue from 12th Street East to Saskatchewan Crescent East.
Fire department preaches fireworks safety
The Saskatoon Fire Department is encouraging everyone who plans to mark the holiday with fireworks to ensure they’re doing so safely.
The fire department said “low-hazard fireworks” like Roman candles, sparklers and fountains can be launched between dusk and 11 p.m. on Wednesday.
Everyone holding an amateur fireworks display on Wednesday was encouraged to carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s directions and choose a location on private property that is free of overhead obstructions and flammable materials, with enough space to launch the fireworks safely.
Those planning to launch fireworks were also advised to be conscious of the wind direction and speed, and ensure spectators are located in a safe area.
“Be sure to properly stabilize the firework according to manufacturer direction,” the fire department said in a statement. “Other than sparklers, never light or hold a lit firework in your hand.”
Anyone launching fireworks should also have a supply of water available in case of an emergency and to extinguish any smouldering embers. Fuses should only be lit at the tip, the fire department added, and nobody should re-light or attempt to repair a fuse after a firework fails to ignite.
“Keep in mind that you are solely responsible for any debris that may land on spectators or another’s property,” the fire department added.
Saskatoon Transit offering free rides after fireworks display
Saskatoon Transit is offering free bus service to help spectators get home after the fireworks display on Wednesday.
The city said transit buses will operate on holiday hours until 9 p.m., then free bus service will depart from Third Avenue and 19th Street on the north side of the river, and Victoria Avenue and 11th Street on the south side.
“Customers are encouraged to use real-time apps like Transit or Google Maps Transit to plan their trips on July 1,” the city said in a statement.
“However, trip planning for travel after the fireworks will not be available on these apps, so riders are advised to plan their post-fireworks travel in advance and refer to the Canada Day 2026 Special Event Bus Map.”
Access Transit, meanwhile, will operate on holiday hours until 11 p.m.
“Per normal booking procedures, trips must be booked in advance, and subscriptions do not apply on statutory holidays,” the city noted.
“All Access Transit pickups and drop-offs for Canada Day events downtown will be at the temporary stop on 19th Street and 2nd Avenue near the Nutrien Tower.”
What’s open and closed on Canada Day?
A number of civic facilities and services in Saskatoon will be changing their hours on Canada Day.
Saskatoon City Hall will be closed on Wednesday, re-opening on Thursday morning at 8 a.m. Saskatoon Public Library branches will also be closed for the day, while Saskatoon Transit will operate on its holiday schedule between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Parking is free on Wednesday, but the city noted that time limits remain in effect.
Waste collection will proceed as scheduled on Wednesday, the city added, and the city’s landfill will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. The Compost Depot will also be open between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
The Remai Modern gallery will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, and the Forestry Farm Park & Zoo will be open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
The Woodlawn Cemetary office is closed on Wednesday, but the grounds are open to the public between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.
The Cosmo Civic Centre will be closed on Wednesday, while the Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre remains closed for upgrade work. The Lakewood Civic Centre’s doors will be open from noon to 8:30 p.m., while the Lawson Civic Centre will operate from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Saskatoon Field House will be open from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the city said, while the Shaw Centre will be open from noon to 8:30 p.m. The Terry Fox Track will be closed on Canada Day.
The Nutrien Playland at Kinsmen Park will be up and running between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Wednesday, and the city said its golf courses will also be operating on regular hours.
Public swimming is available on Wednesday at the Lathey, George Ward, Riversdale and Mayfair pools from 1-6 p.m., while family and lane swimming will be offered at the George Ward and Riversdale pools from 11 a.m to 1 p.m.
