News Releases

Two information reports presented to the Governance and Priorities Committee (GPC) at the December 12, 2023, regular meeting will serve to help develop the vision for what Downtown Saskatoon could look like with the establishment of a successful Downtown Event and Entertainment District.  

The first report examines the results of the Phase I Engagement of the project, outlining what respondents would like to see in the District and the wider Downtown to make the area more vibrant and livable.  

“Phase I Engagement was designed to ask the public what they would like to see for amenities and space improvements in the District,” says Dan Willems, Director of Technical Services, Transportation & Construction Division. “We gathered feedback on what people appreciate about Downtown currently and what we could improve to make the area more welcoming and accessible. We took this information and are using it to help inform our upcoming plans, not only for the potential event centre/arena, but for the District as a whole.” 

The Phase I Engagement, which took place from April 17 to May 18, 2023, used a number of techniques including targeted stakeholder meetings, pop-up locations for on-the-street feedback, an engagement kit, and physical and online surveys, which received 3,134 respondents. Targeted engagement remains ongoing with Indigenous leaders, Elders and Knowledge Keepers, and broader public engagement on the conceptual design is expected to take place in 2024. 

The second report analyzes the market context for future development of the area. The Downtown Market Analysis of Housing and Retail Demand was completed by the City’s Technical Advisor, Stantec. Stantec’s key takeaways include: 

• The housing market is strong, and the market analysis outlines targeting an additional 200 residential units per year in the Downtown. This looks to grow Downtown’s population to 10,000 within the next two decades. 

• The impact of more Downtown residential development will support and strengthen businesses and organizations and make Downtown more livable as a vibrant community. 

• Downtown has an existing character and energy that, together with its many amenities, create a supportive environment for redevelopment. 

“The analysis shows that Downtown housing growth can generate a significant increase in consumer spending in the Downtown area, creating a demand for additional retail and commercial development - that in turn supports the growing, thriving community,” says Lesley Anderson, Director of Planning and Development.  “It helps illustrate that the Downtown Event and Entertainment District is not just about an event centre/arena, or a convention centre, but it is also about making Downtown Saskatoon a place where people live as well as work, an attractive and accessible place with an economic impact that goes far beyond the District’s boundary.” 

The next steps in the Journey to the District include concept plans for the event centre/arena, convention centre and public spaces to be presented to City Council in early 2024, including a report on the draft funding, and the first iteration of the District Plan, which will outline the vision for the greater Downtown area. For more information on the Journey to the District, please visit saskatoon.ca/eventdistrict.  

There is a new, earlier timeline for property owners and tax agents who wish to discuss and/or request information regarding 2024 Assessment Values.

“In prior years, property owners and tax agents would need to wait until the start of the new year to confirm their property’s 2024 Assessed Value,” says Bryce Trew, City Assessor. “We’re here to help property owners throughout December, prior to the opening of the City of Saskatoon’s Assessment Roll (a listing of all property assessments in Saskatoon open for public inspection) and the 30-Day Assessment Review and Appeal Period, open January 2 – February 5, 2024.”

Property owners and tax agents may now request the following throughout December 2023:

• Confirmation of your property’s 2024 Assessed Value
• 2024 Property Valuation Cards or Field Sheets
• Explanation of changes if there are any

Please note, the City Assessor’s Office is unable to provide the following in December:

• A copy of your 2024 Assessment Notice (will be available beginning January 2, 2024)
• An estimate of your 2024 Property Taxes (the Provincial Education Budget will not be finalized until April 2024)

Starting January 2, 2024, the City of Saskatoon will only mail new 2024 Assessment Notices to property owners, who since January 1, 2023, had a change to their:

• Assessment from the previous year,
• Tax status, or
• Ownership.

“I encourage property owners to review our informative Guide to 2024 Assessment Notices, it provides additional details on the 30-Day Assessment Review and Appeal Period, how to change your school division tax support, important dates for property owners in 2024 and more,” adds Trew.

Consider discussing assessment-related questions related to your property with an assessor this December - before the opening of the 30-Day Assessment Review and Appeal Period (January 2 – February 5, 2024). Most often, your assessment questions can be resolved, helping you to avoid the need to file a formal assessment appeal with required fees.

Email assessmentsubmit@saskatoon.ca or call 306-975-3227. We’re here to help.

Visit saskatoon.ca/assessment for more information.

The City hosted a ceremony at wâhkôhtowin School to mark the historic installation of the first miyo-wâhkôhtowin Road signs today. John A. Macdonald Road has been renamed miyo (good) wâhkôhtowin (relationship) - pronounced mee-yo wah-KOH-toh-win - as part of the City’s response to the TRC Calls to Action. The renaming of this road recognizes the ongoing harm presented by its former name and a commitment to right past wrongs. John A. Macdonald, Canada’s first prime minister, played a significant role in the development of Canada’s Indian residential school system.

“This is a pivotal moment in our city’s history,” says City of Saskatoon Mayor, Charlie Clark. “The name miyo-wâhkôhtowin reflects the intention and act of reconciliation, including in the thoughtful and difficult process that brought together members of the community and people who continue to be impacted by residential schools and the legacy of John A. Macdonald. I am proud to live in a city that is committed to this work. The city will also continue to support the residents who live on the road to streamline the steps needed to adapt to this change.” 

Today’s ceremony began with a smudging ceremony that incorporated a miyo-wâhkôhtowin Road sign. During the program, Elder Roland Duquette provided a teaching on the Cree name miyo-wâhkôhtowin, which he said signified a new day of good relationships to bring residents of the community together.  

Attendees at today’s ceremony were invited to witness the installation of one of the first new roads signs at the corner of miyo-wâhkôhtowin Road (formerly John A. Macdonald Road) and Dominion Crescent. Cultural performances were shared by Mii Taant leur Plaas – Saskatoon Public Schools in partnership with Métis Nation–Saskatchewan, and the wâhkôhtowin School Singers.

Significant work took place as part of this renaming process including consultation with Indigenous leaders, Residential School Survivors, Elders and Knowledge Keepers, community residents, youth, and others impacted by residential schools and the legacy of John A. Macdonald. Learn more at saskatoon.ca/engage/renaming.
 

Construction has wrapped up in Weaver Park where crews had been working since February on the City of Saskatoon’s (City) third Flood Control Strategy (FCS) project. The playground has reopened, but the new dry storm pond will remain fenced off until fall 2024 to allow the new sod and trees time to establish.

“During intense summer storms, rainwater would pool and cause significant flooding around Cascade Street, Dufferin Avenue and Bute Street intersections,” says Russ Munro, Director of Saskatoon Water. “Now, the water will flow through an upgraded storm sewer system and into the new pond. The pond temporarily stores the water which eventually drains back through the underground pipe system and into the South Saskatchewan River. Outside of major rain events, the pond is dry and enjoyed as recreation and green space.”

The FCS was approved by City Council in 2018 and is aimed at reducing flooding in nine of Saskatoon’s most flood prone areas. Dry storm ponds have since been built in W.W. Ashley Park and Churchill Park, and construction on the City’s fourth FCS project will begin in Brevoort Park South in early 2024. 

Prior to the establishment of the FCS, Saskatoon already had nine dry storm ponds, mostly in neighbourhoods built after 1989 when enhanced storm water infrastructure standards were established.  

The Government of Canada is contributing 40% of the eligible construction costs up to a maximum of $21.6 million toward nine FCS projects. The City is funding the remaining construction costs through the Storm Water Utility Capital Program and revenue generated from storm water utility charges.  

For more information about the FCS, visit saskatoon.ca/floodplan. 

Based on the City’s third quarter (Q3) forecast, City Administration estimates at the end of this fiscal year, the 2023 Operating Budget will have a surplus of $3.0 million. In addition, the City’s Utilities are expected to realize a $10.9 million surplus.

“The City has benefitted from our intentional efforts to achieve year-over-year savings, along with several favourable external factors - both have contributed to the City’s projected $3.0 million surplus,” says Kari Smith, Director of Finance.

With intentional effort, the Administration put in place discretionary hiring and spending freezes, with approximately $5.1 million in savings expected due to:

• approximately $800,000 in savings from reduced training investments;
• $3.1 million savings from deferred hiring; and
• $1.2 million in savings from office, maintenance or other expenditure deferrals. 

“While these initiatives have led to savings in 2023, if the City continues with this approach year after year, this may lead to longer-term impacts such as higher future costs of maintenance, and staff training falling significantly behind” adds Smith.

The favourable external factors contributing to the City’s projected Q3 surplus include:

• Relatively minor snow events in 2023 compared with typical years resulted in a projected $3.3 million surplus in the City’s snow and ice management program;
• Higher than anticipated interest rate environment has resulted in $1.5 million in additional investment income;
• Closure of Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre has contributed to an overall surplus for Leisure Centres of $1.7 million; and
• Significant increases to Transit and Access Transit revenues and a quicker return to pre-pandemic ridership resulting in $3.2 million in higher than budgeted revenues.

The favourable variance between the intentional efforts and favorable circumstances detailed above have been used to offset the City’s $5.7 million in targeted annual savings as well as additional base budget challenges such as $3.0 million in Information Technology, and $1.1 million in Facilities Management.

The projected surplus of $3.0 million in 2023 is still preliminary and welcome news but, it is important to note that many of the external factors experienced in 2023 may not continue in future years. This highlights the importance of establishing the recently approved 2024/2025 Budget as sustainable - and with adequately funded service levels for the next two years.

Each year, City of Saskatoon Administration provides mid-year, third quarter and year-end reports to City Council on the fiscal performance of the City’s Business Plan and Budgets. The objective is to keep City Council and residents informed on expenditure and revenue variances from the budget estimates as the fiscal year progresses.

 Visit saskatoon.ca/budget for more information.

Saskatoon City Council has approved the City of Saskatoon’s 2024/2025 Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget after working hard to review the budget line by line and making tough decisions throughout its final budget review this week. Council’s prior approved 2024/2025 budget adjustments and those made over the four days of budget deliberations this week shaved the City’s funding gap by nearly $40 million. City Council remained dedicated to finding a balance between maintaining current service levels, providing for community well-being, and minimizing the impact on taxpayers. Council also weighed its final budget decisions against the vision and priorities’ set within the City’s 2022-2025 Strategic Plan.

The approved 2024 and 2025 budgets are forward focused, with aligned funding to directly support the delivery of core services, promote growth for the community, maintain quality of life and importantly, adequately fund public safety and protection, infrastructure, and sustainability to keep Saskatoon moving forward with momentum.

"This year’s budget presented unique challenges in navigating record-high inflation rates, ongoing pandemic impacts, and the pressures of providing services in a city that’s experiencing record population growth," says Mayor Charlie Clark. 

“Council made big changes to reduce the funding gap by $39 million and bring down the property tax increase. The City budget is about more than just reducing the tax increase, it is also about ensuring we are investing in building a vibrant city that provides great quality of life to residents. This budget strikes that balance and I’m grateful for all of the work that went into getting us there."

Over 76% of the City’s overall budget is dedicated to core services residents rely on every day including Police, Transportation, Fire, Transit, Recreation, Water and Waste Water, and the Corporate Support such as IT, HR, Finance and Supply Chain Management required to support City operations. The goal of City staff and Council is to create a multi-year budget that balances the cost of providing City services with the available financial resources.

2024/2025 Approved Budget Highlights:

• $72 million in 2024 and $78 million in 2025, the largest ever investment in the City’s Roadway Maintenance and Rehabilitation Programs, this includes the Road Maintenance, Bridges and Transportation Service Lines.
• $10.5 million in 2024 and $11.1 million in 2025, the largest ever investment in the City’s Facility Maintenance Program to preserve and protect our assets.
• Investment in two new Firehalls to address emergency response to expanding neighbourhoods.
• Opening of the City’s Material Recovery Centre, a major achievement for Saskatoon in working toward our 70% waste diversion goal
• Increased funding for Fire, Parks, Street Lighting, Sidewalks, and Transit, to help address public safety, protection, and servicing needs within Saskatoon, one of the fastest growing and diverse cities in Canada

2024/2025 Capital Budget Investments: Capital budget funding maintains the infrastructure we currently have and builds out new infrastructure to benefit Saskatoon residents as the city continues to grow. The capital budget is $383.2 million in 2024 and $405.9 million in 2025. Notable capital budget investments include:

• $161.6 million for Land Development including arterial roads, primary water mains and parks
• $151.1 million for Transit Implementation Plan (Bus Rapid Transit)
• 51.3 million for Saskatoon Transit bus replacement
• $4.1 million for Parks Upgrades, Enhancement and Repairs
• $2.0 million for the design of a new White Buffalo Youth Lodge             

Investments in Protection & Safety to Address Changing Community Needs:

City Council approved the Saskatoon Police Service budget which included resources to address the growth of the city, and the increase in calls for service with the addition of an additional 14 FTEs in 2024 and 10 FTEs in 2025. This includes additional Alternative Response Officers.

Saskatoon Police Service 2024 Expense Change = $8,052,000 and Revenue increase of $182,800 for a net budget increase of $7,869,200

Saskatoon Police Service 2025 Expense Change = $6,982,700 and Revenue increase of $133,900 for a net budget increase of $6,848,800 

To meet the fire protection needs for of a growing city with expanding new neighborhoods, Council approved Saskatoon Fire Department’s operating expenditures with a total of $61,953,200 in 2024, and $64,176,500 in 2025. (Increases of $4,331,600 (7.5%) in 2024 and $2,223,300 (3.6%) in 2025.)

Council also approved Saskatoon Fire Department’s Capital Budget with $3,971,000 in 2024 and $16,776,000 in 2025 in funded capital projects, including:

• $3,131,000 in 2024 and 15,851,000 in 2025 for design and construction for two new Fire Stations No. 10 and 11, as well as design for the renovation of Fire Station No. 6.

Additional Funding to Support a Growing and Diverse City:

• $278,600 in 2024 and 204,000 in 2025, for Saskatoon Transit Targeted Support Worker Program
• $Additional $400,000 to Saskatoon Transit reserves for future bus purchases
• $240,000 in 2024 and $125,000 in 2025, to support the Housing Operating Program aimed at monitoring and managing housing portfolio partnerships and the City’s role in working with community agencies to proactively plan for residents’ top priority and active issue in 2023 - affordable housing
• An additional $100,000 in 2024 and $150,000 in 2025 to increase the, at present, underfunded Reserve to support for Urban Forestry to fight pest invasion and disease attack within Saskatoon’s urban forest
• $113,400 in 2024 to add an Indigenous Public Engagement Consultant, to support the standard and build capacity in making sure the City can efficiently and effectively undertake ongoing engagement with the Indigenous community
• $100,000 in 2024 and $5,000 in 2025, to meet basic needs of residents and visitors to Saskatoon by providing for reliable, clean, outdoor Riverbank Washrooms, maintenance, and checks, and to mitigate repair issues
• $100,000 in 2024, for the Road Safety Audit Program, to enhance and support in-depth traffic safety analysis of high collision/problematic intersections and with consideration of all roadway users within Saskatoon
• $34,000 in 2024, to enhance the service level for Snow Removal within School Zone drop off and pick up areas
• $5,000 in 2024, for the continuation of the City’s Public Wi-Fi Pilot Program, with a goal to eventually expand the City’s fiber network in future years

Addressing the City’s First Climate Budget for a Sustainable Future:

The 2024/2025 Budget cycle presented the City’s first Climate Budget which highlighted recent progress made on climate action and summarized the City’s funded and unfunded projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“City Council was able to make fully informed decisions throughout the process, and carefully invested in the changing needs of our fast-growing and diverse community, while being mindful of the current economic climate,” says Jeff Jorgenson, City Manager.

“Administration will now faithfully execute and undertake City Council’s budget direction in delivering quality services and programs to the residents we proudly serve. The 2024/2025 multi-year budget sets the City up for continued success as a leader in the renewal, maintenance and expansion of our infrastructure assets, and in providing for a great quality of life in Saskatoon today - and for the future.” 

Changes to Rates and Fees:

In order to meet the current and future needs of the City and residents, an overall average rate increase for water, wastewater and infrastructure levy of 4.6% was approved in 2024 and 5.4% in 2025. The rate increase is expected to generate a revenue increase of $8.79 million and $10.29 million, respectively, to ensure the utility is fully cost recovered. This translates into an additional $5.32 per month in 2024 and $7.14 per month in 2025 for the average homeowner.

2024/2025 Approved Recreation and Culture Rates and Fees

Indoor Leisure Centre general admission fees will increase by 1% in 2024 and 1% in 2025. As an example, adult General Admission will increase from $10.25 to $10.40 in 2024 and $10.50 in 2025. The adult Monthly LeisureCard will increase from $52.00 to $57.20 in 2024, and $63.00 in 2025.

Council’s approved 2024/2025 Budget investments translate into property tax rates of 6.04% and 5.64% for 2024 and 2025 respectively. In general terms, a homeowner with a single-family detached home with an average assessed value of $344,000 would have a municipal property tax increase of $10.47 per month or $125.62 per year in 2024, and $10.37 per month or $124.41 per year in 2025. In 2024, 1% of property tax equates to $2.92 million. The 2024/2025 property tax rates will provide $35.2 million in additional funding to balance the budget and fully fund City Council’s directed service levels over the next two years.

In 2025, per the City’s Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget Policy, City Council will have the flexibility to make any necessary budgetary adjustments or corrections to respond to events or circumstances requiring funding or resource adjustments since the budget was first approved.

The City thanks all residents, organizations and business owners in Saskatoon who wrote in or spoke to City Council this week and in the months leading up to budget review. We value all input received from the community at large.

The finalized 2024/2025 Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget document will be made available on saskatoon.ca/budget once ready.

The all-in-one shopping experience is back for a seventh year! Ride to all the malls this holiday season by taking the Jingle Bell Express–Route 1225! 

Starting December 2, Saskatoon Transit will offer this service on weekends throughout the month, and again with free fare on Boxing Day. Two buses will run in opposite directions between Saskatoon's five malls–Midtown, Confederation, Lawson Heights, Centre and Market.

“The Jingle Bell Express is a great way for riders to get their holiday shopping done, travel to work along the route, or experience the bus to new locations. This festive service provides convenient and hassle-free travel without the stress or frustration of winter driving and full parking lots,” says Cory Shrigley, Customer Service Manager, Saskatoon Transit.

Saskatoon Transit's Route 1225 buses will display a "Jingle Bell Express" message when in service, play holiday music, and be festively decorated.

Route information:

• On weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) regular fares apply: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Excluding December 30 and 31.
• Boxing Day (December 26) with free fare: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Search Route 1225 in the Transit App or Google Maps Transit to plan a trip or consult the route schedule on Saskatoon Transit’s website or call Transit Customer Service (306.975.3100) for help with trip planning. 

Jingle Bell Express riders can complete a short survey by scanning the QR code posters on the buses to have a chance to win one of five gift cards sponsored by participating malls.

Catch the holiday spirit and learn more about the Jingle Bell Express.

Following City Council approval on November 22, on-street parking in Saskatoon's pay parking zones will continue to be free for Saskatchewan veterans with SGI-issued veteran licence plates within the posted time restrictions on a permanent basis. 

Council approval came following a one-year pilot project that evaluated the impacts of a program on parking revenue, parking supply and usage. User feedback was also collected from stakeholders and it was found that impacts of a program modification would be minimal and that the pilot was well-received by users.  

”Through stakeholder engagement and research, it was found that amendments to the existing program could be made to provide a simplified and improved process for veteran parking similar to other  cities that are offering Veteran parking programs” says Matt Grazier, Director of Community Standards. “This is a program that we are pleased to offer as a small ‘thank you’ to Saskatchewan Veterans for their service to our city, province, and country.” 

Veterans who qualified under the previous City of Saskatoon Veteran Parking Program still qualify under the new program. This program applies for on-street pay parking zones only and does not include public or private parking lots. 

For more information, visit saskatoon.ca/veteranparking.

The CUTA Awards honour and celebrate the achievements of individuals and organizations that go above and beyond to keep transit running.

Saskatoon Transit was named the winner of the 2023 Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) Innovation Award for using Preteckt’s AI-powered predictive maintenance technology to maintain its bus fleet. The award recognizes Saskatoon Transit’s excellence in using technology to make transit services more efficient.

“Keeping as many buses as possible on the road each day is critical for Saskatoon Transit to meet service demands,” says Tracey Davis, Fleet and Maintenance Manager, Saskatoon Transit. “Our enhanced preventative maintenance program with early detection predictive analysis is saving us money and increasing bus availability.” 

Preteckt’s predictive software sifts through millions of data points daily to catch problems before they cause bus breakdowns and empowers technicians with the insights needed to make early repairs. Saskatoon Transit piloted this technology with Preteckt in 2021 and then implemented the AI solution for its entire fleet in late 2022. 

Saskatoon Transit has not experienced service disruptions due to bus shortages since October 2022 due to intentional continuous improvement efforts, an enhanced preventative maintenance program and the partnership with Preteckt. 

“Innovation happens when leaders take risks. The Saskatoon leadership team led by taking a risk and agreeing to do a pilot test with Preteckt in late 2020, which has allowed them to continue seeing amazing results. The Saskatoon Transit maintenance team continues to innovate by combining technology with continuous improvement expertise driven by AI, thus allowing them to make data-driven decisions,” said Krish Inbarajan, CEO of Preteckt and APTA Board Member. “As an AI company, people make all the difference, and we salute the innovative team at Saskatoon Transit and thank them for trusting their entire fleet with us.”

During the award ceremony CUTA recognized this innovation with the following paragraphs: 

“Canadian start-up Preteckt partnered with Saskatoon Transit to implement their artificial intelligence (AI) for predictive maintenance. This AI, initially designed for heavy-duty trucks, analyzes vast data sets and uses AI to predict issues before they disrupt service. Despite initial skepticism, Saskatoon Transit embraced the innovation under CUTA’s Transit Vision 2040 theme, demonstrating leadership in Canadian transit.

The AI seamlessly integrates with Saskatoon Transit’s existing systems, enabling early issue detection and informed repair decisions, ultimately reducing costs. Saskatoon Transit stands as Canada’s pioneer in using AI for transit vehicle maintenance. This project’s success isn’t solely attributed to technology; it requires courage, effective leadership, and resource commitment. The process involved setting pilot objectives, procuring new technology, and integrating it into continuous improvement procedures. Training played a crucial role in implementation, with ongoing efficiencies anticipated.”

The Saskatoon Transit – Preteckt partnership highlights the integration of advanced technology, which will be essential to providing reliable, safe and efficient transportation services for a city that is planning for continued growth.