Department: Saskatoon Land

Mailing Address: Saskatoon Land, 200 4th Avenue North, Saskatoon, SK S7K 0K1 Attn: Whiteswan Lots

Phone Number: 306-975-5263 - ask for staff working on the Whiteswan Drive project

Email: LAND@saskatoon.ca  subject line: Whiteswan Drive Lots

What is being proposed for Whiteswan Drive?
The City of Saskatoon is considering the proposed sale of 30 residential lots located at 447 to 603 Whiteswan Drive for potential infill development. The lots are already subdivided, have existing water and sewer service, and are zoned for low-density residential use. Community input and technical review will help inform a report from Saskatoon Land to the Standing Policy Committee on Finance on whether to proceed with the sale.

Has a final decision been made?
No final decision has been made about whether the lots will be sold. Saskatoon Land is continuing to gather public input and

Why is the City looking at these lots now?
The review is part of broader City work examining land in established neighbourhoods where services already exist. It also reflects the Strategic Plan direction to support infill development and Official Community Plan policies that support development on vacant or underutilized land in existing neighbourhoods.

Where are the lots located?
The 30 lots are located along the north end of Whiteswan Drive in the Silverwood Heights neighbourhood.

What zoning applies to the lots?
Twenty-two lots are zoned R1 and eight are zoned R1A. Both zoning districts support low density residential uses. No change to existing zoning is proposed at this time.

What is the difference between R1 and R1A zoning?
R1 zoning accommodates wider lots and has a lower maximum building height. R1A zoning allows similar uses, narrower lots and slightly higher building height.

Could duplexes or multi-unit homes be built?
Zoning allows up to four units per lot assuming the lots are a minimum 15m in width. However, Saskatoon Land may restrict housing form through architectural controls. Secondary suites are permitted by zoning and would be reviewed through the standard building permit process.

Are the lots within the Water Security Agency buffer zone?
Yes. Some of the lots fall within the recommended 300 metre buffer zone for wastewater treatment facilities. Some existing homes are also within this buffer. The 30 lots and existing homes were subdivided and serviced prior to the buffer zone criteria being developed.

Is this allowed under current provincial guidance?
The buffer guideline is advisory. Buyers would be informed about the lots’ proximity to the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

How will buyers be informed?
A notice about proximity to the Wastewater Treatment Plant would be placed on each property title as a Building Covenant notice, and would remain on title if the property is resold.

Has an environmental impact study been completed?
An environmental site assessment will be undertaken as part of the additional analysis now underway.

Are the lots part of the Meewasin Valley Conservation Area?
No. The lots are not designated park land and are not included in the Meewasin Valley Conservation Area. They are vacant titled residential parcels near the river valley.

What about trees and wildlife?
Some trees may need to be removed where homes would be built. Builders will be encouraged to retain and incorporate trees into yard design where possible.

Why does this area appear to function as green space?
The vacant lots have been maintained for decades by the Wastewater Treatment Plant. While the lots may appear to function as open space, they were never designated as park land or municipal reserve.

Is the City reviewing open space in the area?
Yes. As part of the additional work now underway, the City will complete an open space analysis to assess available open space in the Silverwood Heights area.

Can new easements be added for backyard access?
No new backyard access easements are currently planned. Suggestions raised during engagement will be documented and reviewed, and existing pedestrian connectivity through registered walkways will remain.

Are the lots fully serviced?
Yes. Water and sewer services were installed around 1980. Power, gas, and telecommunications infrastructure is being reviewed, with some minimal upgrades potentially required.

Will drainage affect neighbouring homes?
A topographical survey and drainage analysis will be completed to evaluate existing lot grades and current grading and drainage conditions.

Will traffic increase significantly?
A traffic impact analysis will be completed to assess current traffic conditions and potential effects on traffic flow, safety, parking and driveway access.

Has traffic safety been studied?
A neighbourhood traffic study was completed in 2017. A new traffic impact analysis will now be undertaken as part of the additional review.

Will transit service change?
A transit review has not been completed. Any potential changes to transit service would be reviewed later if the project proceeds.

What construction impacts should residents expect?
If the project proceeds to home construction, residents may experience temporary noise, increased traffic and construction debris on the street.

How would construction impacts be managed?
Construction would be required to follow City noise bylaws and permitted hours. The City may monitor the area and implement measures such as increased street sweeping if needed.

Could the lots be released in phases?
Yes. Phased release could be considered to reduce construction impacts. No decision has been made regarding sale timing or phasing.

Will lots only be sold to builders?
No. If the project proceeds, both builders and individual purchasers may have an opportunity to buy a lot. The specific lot sale process and terms have not yet been finalized.

Can current neighbours buy the lots?
Yes. Existing residents may apply through the same public process as other buyers if the project proceeds. The specific terms of sale have not yet been determined.

What will the lots cost?
Prices have not yet been set.

Are there building requirements?
Current policy requires homes to be built within three years. Individual buyers must live in the home for four years to prevent flipping.

Have any builders already been promised lots?
No. No commitments or informal agreements have been made.

How does this support housing needs?
The lots would increase housing supply and support infill development in an existing neighbourhood, consistent with City policy for vacant or underutilized land.

Is this considered infill development?
Yes. The City considers development in established neighbourhoods like Silverwood Heights to be infill.

What engagement has taken place so far?

• virtual information session for adjacent property owners (April 30, 2026)
• a public open house (May 7, 2026)
• an online Engage page
• online survey. (Open until July 3, 2026)

What additional work is being done following initial community engagement?
Feedback received through engagement has identified key questions and considerations that require further examination. In response to community feedback, Saskatoon Land will undertake additional analysis and review, including:

• traffic impact analysis
• environmental site assessment
• topographical survey and drainage analysis
• open space analysis

How will public input be used?
Community feedback, together with the results of the additional analysis and review, will help inform Saskatoon Land’s report to the Standing Policy Committee on Finance on whether to proceed with the proposed sale.

Is the online survey still open?
Yes. The online survey has been extended to July 3, 2026.

Will there be another opportunity to provide feedback?
Yes. After the additional technical work is complete, Saskatoon Land plans to host another engagement session, anticipated for fall 2026, to share findings and gather more feedback.

When will a decision be made?
The report to the Standing Policy Committee on Finance, originally scheduled for August 5, 2026, has been delayed until later in 2026 to allow time for additional analysis and engagement.

Where can residents find project information and updates?
Residents can visit the project webpage and subscribe for updates.

Saskatoon Land 

Mailing Address: Saskatoon Land, 200 4th Avenue North, Saskatoon, SK S7K 0K1 Attn: Whiteswan Lots

Phone Number: 306-975-5263 - ask for staff working on the Whiteswan Drive project

Email: LAND@saskatoon.ca subject line: Whiteswan Drive Lots