Ward Boundaries and Changes
The City of Saskatoon is divided into ten wards. The Cities Act stipulates that each ward must contain approximately the same population, with ward populations varying by no more than 10% from the average ward population (the City's total population divided by the ten wards).
The Municipal Wards Commission is currently undertaking the process of reviewing the ward boundaries in 2023. Public consultation is an important part of this review process. Once the new ward boundaries are determined in late 2023, they will take effect for the November 2024 Civic Election.
Currently, the populations of Ward 7 and Ward 2 are both outside the 10% variance, with Ward 7 being too high and Ward 2 being too low. Accordingly, the Municipal Wards Commission will establish new ward boundaries to be in effect for the city's next municipal election and school boards' elections in fall 2024. Of note, reconfiguring the ward boundaries to ensure all ten comply to the legislated population range will affect the boundaries of other wards as well.
Several principles guide the review process of ward boundaries:
- Geographic conditions and natural barriers, such as the river or major corridors;
- Population density and relative rate of population growth;
- Any special diversity or community of interest of residents;
- Maintain neighbourhood boundaries; and
- Minimize the amount of change.
Past ward boundary reviews were conducted for each of the last three elections, in 2012, 2016, and 2020.
The Municipal Wards Commission is required to file its decision with the City.
Final Report - 2019 Ward Boundary Review
Ward Boundary Q&As
How is the Municipal Wards Commission receiving feedback?
Citizens are able to provide feedback via three methods:
- Online through the City's engagement page
- Emailing or sending a written letter to City Clerk's Office
- Dropping off a submission at the Service Saskatoon Customer Kiosk in the City Hall lobby
How many submissions were received in 2019?
One hundred thirty-eight (138) online submissions were received through the engagement page. All feedback was considered by the Commission.
Why do ward boundaries have to change?
Due to factors like growth and construction, the population of some city wards has exceeded what is allowed under The Cities Act. The Act requires that each ward must contain –as nearly as is reasonably practicable– the same population and that ward populations cannot vary by more than 10% from the quotient, set by dividing the total population of the city by the number of wards into which it is divided. The Municipal Wards Commission must review ward boundaries at least once every three election cycles or when the population of a ward exceeds the acceptable variation limit of 10%.
When was the last review of ward boundaries in Saskatoon?
The last review of ward boundaries was in 2019.
What is the population estimate and which wards vary by more than 10%?
Saskatoon is growing and neighbourhoods are shifting. Recent population statistics show a total population of 285,445 (source: Sask Health 2022) and indicate the population of ward 7 exceeds the 10% variation limit, while the population of ward 2 is below. For these reasons, the Municipal Wards Commission must establish new ward boundaries.
Aside from population, what else is considered when determining ward boundaries?
The Municipal Wards Commission must also consider the following factors when establish ward boundaries:
- Current and prospective geographic conditions
- Density and relative rate of population growth
- Any special diversity or community of interest of residents
The Commission has traditionally respected community of interest in neighbourhoods by not drawing ward boundaries through neighbourhoods.
What is a community of interest?
A community of interest is a network of people who share the same knowledge, understanding, and topics of common interest. Its members take part in the community to exchange information, obtain answers to questions or problems, improve their understanding of a subject, or share common passions or to play.
Will I have an opportunity to review ward boundary options?
Yes. Following the first public consultation, the Municipal Wards Commission will review the draft boundary options. A second public consultation meeting will be held in order to receive additional citizen input prior to a final decision being made. Between the first and second public consultation citizens are invited to provide feedback online through www.saskatoon.ca/engage.
What happens if my ward boundary changes?
If your ward boundary changes, the shape of your ward and your city councillor change. This means you would vote in the new ward you will live in for the 2024 municipal election. Any change in wards does not affect your tax rate or anything else related to your residency.
Wondering which ward you live in?
Slowly type in the first letters of your address below, it will auto-populate and then select from the drop down.
Then enter your property's number and submit: