The Community Development Branch builds community capacity to respond to opportunities, issues and concerns at the neighbourhood level. This is accomplished through facilitation, consultation and training. We also build partnerships, share information and offer grants to community organizations.
We offer training and support to help build the capacity of Saskatoon’s 44 community associations. These volunteer-run, non-profit organizations deliver affordable sport, recreation, culture and park programs in their neighbourhoods.
We administer grants to community based organizations to make sport, culture, recreation and social programs more accessible.
We promote partnerships between organizations. Through our work with the Cultural Diversity and Race Relations program, the Gang Strategy, Graffiti Reduction Task Force and the Immigration Action Plan, our Branch facilitates information sharing and collaboration that strengthens groups and promotes inclusion.
We also support and build capacity in Saskatoon’s Arts and Cultural communities with funding and placement of Public Art throughout the city.
We facilitate residents’ active participation in the community through our Community Engagement process. As a liaison between the community and City, we share information and encourage dialogue.
We provide accessible programming opportunities through our summer playground and youth centre programs and through our Leisure Access Program for low income residents.
We provide supports to the Aboriginal community with respect to sport, culture and recreation initiatives through leadership development, grant funding and program delivery.
We empower residents to create healthier and more active communities.