Saskatoon lifts restrictions on river recreation

People view the South Saskatchewan River in Saskatoon on July 16, 2026. (Hayatullah Amanat/CTV News)

The City of Saskatoon says recreational activities can resume on the South Saskatchewan River as water flows have decreased.

In an update sent Thursday afternoon, the city said river flows have decreased to about 340 cubic metres per second and are expected to continue falling over the next few days.

While river recreation can resume, the city says “such flow rates are still considered above the average flow rate and caution is always advised on the river.”

On July 2, the city closed the public boat launch beneath the Broadway Bridge and river access points in the Meewasin Valley due to rising water levels. At the time, residents were asked to avoid all recreational activities.

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Due to significant rainfall in the South Saskatchewan River Basin, the city warned river flows could nearly triple, rising from about 270 cubic metres per second to roughly 770 cubic metres per second.

In the update, the city says the public boat launch at Kiwanis Park, north of the Broadway Bridge, will reopen Friday.

Safety buoys that were swept away by the strong current will also be reinstalled Friday. The buoys provide a visual reminder of the weir located downstream.

Despite the improving conditions, the city is reminding residents that swimming in the South Saskatchewan River within city limits is prohibited under a city bylaw.