City secures federal funds to support construction of organics processing facility

The City of Saskatoon’s plan to build a long-term, City-owned organics processing facility will receive up to $8.4 million from the federal government.

Through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF), the Government of Canada will contribute funding for the construction of the new facility, which will provide organics processing for the residential green cart program and replace drop-off services currently offered at the City’s West Compost Depot.

“This investment is about real results for people in Saskatoon; better waste services, a cleaner environment and infrastructure that keeps up with a growing city,” says the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development. “Here, and across Canada, the federal government is stepping up to support communities with the tools they need to thrive."

"This new facility is a win for our community and our environment. It means Saskatoon families will have a reliable, long-term solution for organics waste, and it brings us one step closer to a cleaner, greener city for future generations," said Mayor Cynthia Block. "We’re grateful for the federal support that’s helping us turn our sustainability goals into real, local action."

“We’re very pleased to receive this funding from the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund,” says Brendan Lemke, Director of Water & Waste Operations. “It not only helps with the cost of building a permanent, City-owned organics facility, but also supports our efforts to divert more waste from the landfill and extend its lifespan.”

The City Administration previously evaluated several long-term organics processing options and determined that constructing a City-owned facility would result in the lowest long-term cost while continuing to provide the same service levels. Planning and design for the facility is well underway. Construction will begin this summer and the facility is anticipated to open to the public in late 2026.

Since the city-wide green cart program launched in 2023, more than 40,000 tonnes of organic waste have successfully been diverted from the landfill, exceeding the lower range of annual projections.

To learn more about the Organics Processing Facility project, visit saskatoon.ca/organicsfacility.