May 2026 brought a series of picture-worthy moments to Saskatoon, ranging from heartfelt Mother's Day art displays to the energetic start of the Saskatchewan Roughriders training camp, and the dramatic response to a fire in Hampton Village. Local photographers captured these and other memorable scenes throughout the month.
Highlights from the Month
The following moments were documented by Saskatoon StarPhoenix photographer Michelle Berg, Regina Leader-Post photographer Kayle Neis, and freelance contributors, along with some supplied photos. The dates correspond to the print editions in which they appeared.
May 2: Sentence Reserved
Wylie Gunnar Vermette appeared at the Saskatoon Court of King's Bench for his sentencing hearing on April 30. He had pleaded guilty in January to one count of dangerous driving causing death and two counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm, related to a fatal collision in the Kelsey Woodlawn area in 2024. (Michelle Berg, Saskatoon StarPhoenix)
May 5: The Bears' Necessities
Mistaya, one of two grizzly bears at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo, emerged from his winter torpor, a form of hibernation. Mistaya and his companion Koda have resided at the zoo since 2008 and celebrated their 20th birthdays last summer. (Michelle Berg, Saskatoon StarPhoenix)
May 8: Rookies Get Ready
Defensive back JuJu Hughes participated in drills during the 2026 Saskatchewan Roughriders rookie training camp at Griffiths Stadium. The rookies began camp on May 6, with main camp starting May 10. The Riders' season is set to begin on June 13. (Michelle Berg, Saskatoon StarPhoenix)
May 9: A Show for Mom
Vicki Chapman-Mager gave a tour of her Saskatoon home, which was filled with her artwork destined for a show in Nipawin. The exhibition was held in honor of her late mother, Shirley McIvor. (Michelle Berg, Saskatoon StarPhoenix)
May 13: Drill, Baby, Drill
Saskatchewan Roughriders running back Darrell Henderson Jr. led a drill during training camp at Griffiths Stadium in Saskatoon. (Michelle Berg, Saskatoon StarPhoenix)
May 15: She's Got Game
Hayley Gibson became the first player from Saskatchewan to earn a spot on the Team Canada women's roster for the annual Slo-Pitch Border Battle against Team U.S.A. "It's kind of cool that we can put Sask. on the map," said the Saskatchewan Raiders slugger. (Michelle Berg, Saskatoon StarPhoenix)
May 16: Prairie Homecoming
After nearly three decades away, Rob O'Flanagan returned to Saskatchewan from eastern Canada. He discovered a transformed province, one that had undergone economic growth and was now more prosperous than when he left. (Rob O'Flanagan, Saskatoon StarPhoenix)
May 19: Lewis Comes West
Federal NDP Leader Avi Lewis spent five days traveling across Saskatchewan, visiting communities and speaking with residents. Notably, his busy itinerary did not include a meeting with provincial NDP Leader Carla Beck. (Heywood Yu, Regina Leader-Post)
May 22: Bring On the Season
Defensive lineman Devin Adams displayed his enthusiasm during Saskatchewan Roughriders training camp at Griffiths Stadium. After a pre-season game on May 18 against Calgary, the Riders hosted Winnipeg on May 23 in Saskatoon. (Michelle Berg, Saskatoon StarPhoenix)
May 23: The Run of Her Life
Megan Wotherspoon, a Saskatoon teacher and runner, planned to run approximately 1,500 kilometers across the province to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada. She undertook this challenge as she turned 38, the same age her mother, Louise Tokaruk, was when she died of leukemia. (Michelle Berg, Saskatoon StarPhoenix)
