From May 9 to July 11, 2025 the City of Saskatoon conducted an online survey to gather feedback on how sump pumps operate in households across the City. All input from surveys will be considered by Administration as it is meaningful in helping to consider mitigation options.
Councillors and Administration have received complaints from homeowners and home builders in new neighbourhoods of the perpetual pumping of foundation drainage sump pumps to the surface resulting in saturated soil conditions in yards or parks, and algae or ice build up on driveways, sidewalks, and lanes.
Additionally, water from weeping tiles connected to the sanitary sewer system is being unnecessarily treated by the wastewater treatment plant at additional cost and utilizing unnecessary capacity.
This has been an issue in Saskatoon for many years with different methods utilized to attempt to mitigate the problem without substantial success or that come with additional costs or concerns.
Following public engagement with residents, Administration will review and consider mitigation options and determine their feasibility for existing and future neighbourhoods. Once feasible options have been identified, engagement will then occur with engineers, consultants, developers and home builders. Following this round of engagement it is expected that an option may be put forward and City development standards, processes and potentially bylaws will be updated as required.
