Investing In What Matters To Citizens: 2016 Annual Report

In 2016, the City of Saskatoon received another ‘AAA’/Stable Credit rating from S&P Global Ratings, recognizing its strong commitment to financial stewardship and transparency. The City’s ongoing commitment to accountability, credibility and clarity in financial reporting is reflected in the 2016 Annual Report - Shaping Our Financial Future now available online.

“As we continue our work on building a better community and delivering high-quality public services, the City’s decision-making process is guided by strong financial planning,” says City Manager Murray Totland. “Our dedication to fiscal responsibility, solid planning and listening to the public – all combine to make Saskatoon a leader in municipal government.”

Totland says in the midst of a challenging economic climate the City continues to look for ways to enhance productivity and reduce costs -- whether building bridges, rehabilitating roadways, or improving services that residents count on every day.

Totland points out the majority of 2016 and 2017 Civic Services Survey respondents agree the City continues to provide a good or very good quality of life, and continues to head in the right direction.

 “Our continuous improvement and smart investments are making a positive difference in our community,” he says. “We are focused on improving service delivery, building amenities, finding cost savings and responsibly managing our debt.”

2016 Achievement Highlights

• Through the Building Better Roads Program, approximately $58.6 million was invested to improve road conditions.  The investment for 2016 was approximately $5.1 million higher than that provided in 2015.
• Completed demolition and construction of all piers at the Traffic Bridge; steel erection of spans underway.  Completed Pier 1 and Pier 2 at the North Commuter Parkway and the east and west abutments neared completion.
• Completed construction of the new Saskatoon Transit Operations Facility and the City’s first Snow Management Facility as part of the new Civic Operations Centre.
• Implemented Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) to provide the communication network for smart meter data to be sent digitally to the City, reducing lost revenues and decreasing operating costs for utilities while improving customer service by providing actual meter reads each month.
• Launched Service Saskatoon, a brand built on four pillars: Citizen Input, Staffing, Systems, and Standards. Developed a dedicated webpage for the public to receive updates and the status of projects for each pillar.  In partnership with Shaw Communications, launched the City’s complimentary public Wi-Fi initiative.
• Worked with the Office of the Treaty Commissioner, Saskatoon Tribal Council, Central Urban Métis Federation Inc., and 54 supporting organizations to launch a month-long series of activities to promote Reconciliation in Saskatoon.

City Council previously approved the 2016 Audited Consolidated Financial Statements, and Trust Fund Financial Statements on June 26, 2017, following a report from external auditor, Deloitte LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants. The Annual Report will be presented to City Council on August 28, 2017.

“I encourage residents to find out more about how we’ve invested in what matters to citizens, and the City’s many accomplishments in 2016,” Totland adds. “We always work toward building a great quality of life for everyone as we shape Saskatoon’s financial future.”

Visit saskatoon.ca/financialreports to view the major projects and initiatives within the 2016 Annual Report, and other Corporate Reports from the City of Saskatoon.