City Council approves waste utility subsidy for eligible low-income households beginning 2024

As the City of Saskatoon prepares to transition waste collection services from a property tax-based funding model to a waste utility, a transitional subsidy will be available beginning in 2024 to help minimize the financial impact on low-income households.  

The implementation of a fixed waste utility subsidy of $100 annually beginning in the 2024 fiscal year was approved by Council at its regular meeting earlier today. This subsidy will be available to eligible low-income households who have a City utility account in their name. It is estimated that this subsidy will serve roughly 1,000 to 1,500 eligible households in a year. 

“While we know that funding our solid waste collection services through a utility model will have a positive impact on our overall waste reduction and diversion efforts, we also recognize that changes to how municipal services are paid for requires households to adjust their spending,” says Angela Gardiner, General Manager of Utilities & Environment. “By introducing a bridging subsidy in 2024, we can hopefully help ease the transition of this one aspect of household costs to those who most need it while our community adapts to our new funding model.” 

As per Council’s direction, Administration will bring a follow-up report to Council no later than Q3 of 2023 with further information on eligibility and timelines for the implementation of the waste utility subsidy, including detailed administration and implementation costs. 

In approving the low-income subsidy, Council directed Administration to work toward the implementation of a broader Universal Low Income Subsidy program for the fiscal year 2027. The waste utility subsidy will be available until the implementation of the broader Universal Low Income Subsidy program. Council has also asked that Administration develop a Council Policy on User Fees and Subsidies to clearly identify principles and objectives on where to charge fees and offer subsidies. 

More information on the City of Saskatoon’s Waste Reduction and Diversion Plan can be found at saskatoon.ca/waste.