1. City Hall
  2. City Council, Boards & Committees
  3. Interacting with Council & Committees

Interacting with Council & Committees

City Council and its Committees make decisions in public meetings. Residents are welcome to watch meetings, submit written comments, and, when appropriate, request to speak directly to Council or a Committee.

This page explains how to follow meetings, participate, and understand Council’s role.

City Council and Council Committees

City Council

City Council is the governing body of the City of Saskatoon and is made up of the Mayor and ten City Councillors (one from each ward)

City Council meets to make decisions on bylaws, budgets, policies, and major City initiatives.

Governance and Priorities Committee (GPC)

Made up of all members of City Council, the Governance and Priorities Committee is a committee of City Council that:

  • Sets Council’s strategic priorities
  • Oversees governance matters
  • Provides direction on major corporate initiatives

Standing Policy Committees

City Council has four Standing Policy Committees, made up entirely of five City Councillors and the Mayor as ex-officio on each. These committees review matters within their assigned policy areas and make recommendations to City Council.

Standing Policy Committees include:

  • Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services
  • Planning, Development and Community Services
  • Finance
  • Transportation

Advisory Committees of Council

In addition to City Council and Council Committees, City Council has established five Advisory Committees.
 
Advisory Committees are made up of volunteer members of the public and stakeholder representatives appointed by City Council. Their role is to provide independent, non‑advocacy policy advice to City Council on matters within their specific mandate.
 
Advisory Committees:
  • Do not make decisions
  • Do not deal with day‑to‑day administrative matters
  • Provide advice to City Council through a Standing Policy Committee
  • Meet publicly, unless otherwise permitted by law
 
City Council has established the following Advisory Committees:

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee (DEIAC)

Provides advice on policies, programs, and initiatives that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within the community and City services.

Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee (MHAC)

Provides advice on the conservation, protection, and promotion of Saskatoon’s heritage resources, including buildings, sites, and districts.

Public Art Advisory Committee (PAAC)

Provides advice on public art policies, programs, and projects, including the selection and placement of public art within the city.

Saskatoon Accessibility Advisory Committee (SAAC)

Provides advice on improving accessibility and removing barriers for persons with disabilities in City facilities, programs, services, and public spaces.

Saskatoon Environmental Advisory Committee (SEAC)

Provides advice on environmental sustainability, climate action, and environmental policy matters affecting the city.

Meeting Schedule

The Council and Committee meeting schedule can be found on the Civic Events Calendar for the year or by viewing  upcoming meetings at www.saskatoon.ca/meetings. 

Agendas and Minutes (Decisions)

Agendas and meeting minutes (decisions) for City Council and all Council Committees are available at www.saskatoon.ca/meetings. 
  • Agendas are posted Wednesday at 4 p.m., one week before the meeting.
  • Minutes and video are posting following approval.

Watch a Meeting

Public meetings of Council and Committee meetings are:

You also attend meetings in person. Virtual participation can be arranged when required.

Regular Business and Public Hearing meetings of City Council are broadcast live on Rogers tv (Channel 10), and Rogers Ignite (Channel 105). Broadcasts begin at 9:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Submitting Written Comments or Requesting to Speak

Members of the public may:

  • Submit written comments, or
  • Request to speak to City Council or a Council Committee

This is done using the Write to Council form. 

  • If your submission is not related to a matter on an agenda, it will be referred by the City Clerk to the appropriate Council Committee or Administration.  
  • If a report or issue is already on an agenda, you may submit comments or request to make a presentation.  

Presentations

  • Presentations are limited to five (5) minutes. 
  • Any audio or visual presentations are included in your five minute limit. 
  • Council or Committee members may ask questions following your presentation.

Submission Deadlines

To ensure your submission is included:

  • New matters:
    Must be received by 12:00 noon on the Tuesday preceding the week of the meeting
  • Matters already on an agenda:
    Must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the Monday of the meeting week

Deadlines remain the same even if Monday is a holiday.

Public Notices

Public Notices are available:

 

Conduct in the Public Gallery

All persons attending a meeting must:

  • Refrain from addressing Council or Committee members unless permitted
  • Maintain quiet and order
  • Avoid disrupting proceedings through words, gestures, or actions (including applause or signage)
  • Refrain from using cellular phones
  • Ensure recording or photographic equipment is silent and does not interfere with the meeting

 

Accessibility at Council and Committee Meetings

The City of Saskatoon is committed to providing accessible participation.

  • Council and Standing Policy Committee meetings are held in the Council Chamber, City Hall
    (222 – 3rd Avenue North)
  • Most other committee meetings are held in Committee Room E, City Hall
    (accessed from the 4th Avenue entrance, Door 1 and 1A)

Both locations are wheelchair accessible.

Accessibility features include:

  • Assisted listening devices in the Council Chamber
  • Enhanced sound system in Committee Room E
  • Closed captioning on all livestreamed meetings

If you need assistance with visual materials or other accommodations, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 306‑975‑3240.

Role of City Council and the Administration

City Council

City Council’s powers are set out in The Cities Act and other provincial legislation. Council:

  • Determines programs and services
  • Sets service levels
  • Allocates financial and human resources
  • Makes decisions only during official public meetings

Administration

The City Manager and Administration:

  • Carry out the policies and directions of City Council
  • Oversee the day‑to‑day operations of the City

 

Need More Information?

The City Clerk’s Office can help answer questions about City Council and its Committees.

Because different rules apply to different committees, residents are encouraged to contact the City Clerk’s Office directly for clarification at 306‑975‑3240.