What is happening?

As part of the Housing Action Plan, the City is developing a new Development Incentives Program. This program is designed to support the City’s goals for growth, revitalization, and housing development. It will replace the current Vacant Lot and Adaptive Reuse (VLAR) Incentive Program and focus on encouraging development in key areas such as the City Centre and Corridor Growth Areas.

The proposed development incentives include:

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Incentive Administration

Options to streamline the application process are being reviewed to improve accessibility and efficiency.

How to get involved?

Thank you for your interest. The deadline for submitting comments for the New Development Incentives Program has now passed to help us meet our reporting timelines. 
 

About the Vacant Lot and Adaptive Reuse Incentive Program

The Vacant Lot and Adaptive Reuse (VLAR) Incentive Program was introduced in 2011 to promote infill development and the reuse of vacant buildings in Saskatoon’s established neighbourhoods.

A full review of the VLAR program is being completed to ensure incentives are aligned with the City’s priorities for revitalization and housing development.

On May 21, 2025, City Council approved the proposed direction for the new incentive program, which includes changes to the current approach under the VLAR program and development of a brownfield incentive.

Transition to the new program

• The new program will replace VLAR through a new Council policy and the existing VLAR policy will be rescinded.
• Applications under the existing VLAR program will be accepted until December 31, 2025.
• Projects already approved under VLAR will continue to receive incentives as agreed.

Incentives no longer being offered

The following incentives currently offered under VLAR will no longer be offered:

• City Centre Structured Parking Incentive
• Gardens as Interim Use Incentive

Proposed Changes to the Affordable Housing Incentives

The City is creating a new development incentives policy. As part of this, the current Policy C09-002 - Innovative Housing Incentives will be repealed and replaced with a new policy that will include affordable housing incentives. This new approach will better align with current needs and funding opportunities. 

Additional engagement opportunities related to new affordable incentive programs will be coming in the new year.

The key proposed changes to be incorporated into the new policy include:

• Increased flexibility for cash grants: The policy will no longer limit grant amounts to 10% of total capital costs, allowing for more responsive funding support.
• Affordability term requirements: Successful applicants will be required to commit to an affordability term as agreed upon with the City. This replaces the current minimum five-year affordability period for low-income households, allowing for tailored agreements.
• Removal of specific incentive programs: Specific incentive programs will not be listed in the policy. Proposed incentive programs will be developed through further engagement and brought forward for Council approval as needed. This change provides flexibility to adapt programs to evolving community needs and funding availability.
• Expanded eligibility for off-site levy waivers: The policy will be updated to allow off-site levy waivers for projects that include supportive services, not just for the construction of new affordable dwelling units.
• Monitoring and reporting requirements: Projects receiving incentives will need to meet new monitoring and reporting requirements to ensure compliance and effectiveness.

These changes aim to make the policy more adaptable and responsive, while maintaining accountability and alignment with the City's housing priorities.

You can find a one-pager summarizing these proposed changes here.