News Releases

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.

As part of the City’s Multi -Year Business Plan and Budget Process, the City produces three key documents to inform City Council and the public prior to its November budget deliberations.

Having released the first document, the Preliminary 2024/2025 Detailed Operating and Capital Summary Budget on November 9, 2023, the City’s last set of preliminary budget documents have been made available today, November 20, 2023 as follows:

#2.  Preliminary 2024/2025 Capital Budget Project Details

#3.  2024/2025 Preliminary Budget Introduction and   2024/2025 Climate Budget

The Preliminary 2024 Operating Budget proposes total operating expenditures (excluding Saskatoon Public Library and Utilities) of $628.5 million, an increase of $35.9 million, or 6.06%, over the 2023 Operating Budget.

The Preliminary 2025 Operating Budget proposes total operating expenditures (excluding Saskatoon Public Library and Utilities) of $657.0 million, an increase of $28.4 million, or 4.53%, over the 2024 Operating Budget.

The Preliminary 2024/2025 Capital Budget provides a total capital investment of $785.1 million: $381.5 million in 2024, and $403.6 million in 2025.

Still to be considered by City Council is the final full review of the City’s 87 distinct Service Lines and 58 additional Administrative Options. There will undoubtedly be a number of further changes made to finalize the 2024/2025 Business Plan and Budget.

City Council will seek to find the proper balance between delivering core service levels residents and businesses expect for taxpayer dollars, maintaining affordability and ensuring long-term financial sustainability when making its final investment decisions at the 2024/2025 Budget Deliberations set for November 28-30, 2023.

Members of the public who wish to participate in the 2024/2025 final budget review by either submitting a letter and/or requesting to speak to City Council must arrange to do so before the cut-off, Monday, November 27, 2023, at 5 p.m.

Visit saskatoon.ca/budget

The City of Saskatoon is pleased to announce the launch of a pilot project that will see the installation of accessible loading zones to foster inclusivity and accessibility. 

Three locations have agreed to partake in the pilot and have accessible loading zones installed: Sutherland Elementary School, Luther Special Care Home and the Sturdy Stone Centre. 

The accessible loading zones have been installed at Sutherland Elementary School and Luther Special Care Home this fall. The installation will take place at the Study Stone Centre in 2024 as it will be coordinated with other preservation construction. 

“"Accessibility for all!" is the resounding message behind this initiative, emphasizing the city's commitment to providing equal opportunities for education, healthcare and community engagement,” says Jay Magus, Director of Transportation. 

“By prioritizing inclusivity, we are taking a significant step toward creating a more accessible and welcoming environment for all members of our community.” 

This pilot project is designed to provide individuals with limited mobility the opportunity to access education, healthcare and community services with greater ease and convenience. The newly established loading zones will feature a range of accessibility-enhancing elements, including accessibility ramps, clear side zones and dimensions tailored to accommodate both rear and side loading vehicles. 

Respectful use of the designated loading zones is imperative. We urge all community members, including parents, school staff and students to familiarize themselves with the guidelines and help maintain the effectiveness of these crucial accessibility features. 

This pilot project stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between the City, educational institutions, organizations like SaskAbilities and the Saskatoon Council on Aging, business improvement districts and the local community. By working together, we can create a more inclusive environment that benefits us all. 

The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo) is honoured and proud to be the recipient of the Thomas R. Baines award at the 2023 Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) Annual Awards of Excellence. 

The Thomas R. Baines award recognizes excellence in habitat design and development as well as the ability to apply unique approaches to animal care and welfare. 

The Small Mammal House opened on June 10, 2023 following extensive renovations to the exterior and interior of the former Children’s Zoo. The interior features an open space educational area where participants can see, hear and smell the animals providing a fully immersive learning experience. There are also three new habitats on the second floor and enhanced spaces for zookeepers to continue critical conservation work and provide the highest quality care for the animals that call the zoo home.

“It has been so rewarding to have this new space for our animals and to receive this award recognizing this fantastic addition to the Zoo is amazing,” says Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager. “A big thank you our zookeepers and our partner organizations including the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation, that came together to make this transformation a reality.”

The Saskatoon Zoo Foundation raises funds for capital improvements for the Zoo including $250,000 dedicated to the Small Mammal House. The Zoo would like to thank all the organizations that contributed to the Small Mammal House including:

• Saskatoon Zoo Foundation
• CandorBuild Construction Corporation
• Krawchuk Construction
• WD Plastics
• Metalshapes Manufacturing
• Kindrachuk Agrey Architecture
• 4Twenty Designs
• Rockscapes of Canada
• Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)

The Zoo is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and admission is by donation until March 31. Check out the award-winning Small Mammal House on your next visit to the Zoo.

For more information on the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo visit saskatoon.ca/zoo. 

For more information on CAZA visit caza.ca. 

As part of the City’s Multi -Year Business Plan and Budget Process, the City produces three key documents to inform City Council and the public prior to its November Budget Deliberations. For the 2024/2025 two-year budget cycle, the documents include:

1. The Preliminary 2024/2025 Detailed Operating and Capital Summary Budget 
2. The Preliminary 2024/2025 Detailed Capital Budget
3. The 2024/2025 Preliminary Budget Introduction and Climate Budget

“In our prior multi-year budgets, we had released our three budget documents at the same time. This year, to allow for as much time as possible for City Council, stakeholders and residents to review the preliminary budget documents before budget deliberations, the 2024/2025 Preliminary Budget documents will now be released as they each become finalized by Administration,” says Clae Hack, Chief Financial Officer.

As such, the City has today released the Preliminary 2024/2025 Detailed Operating and Capital Summary Budget.

“Today’s budget release provides the background context and full details on the proposed funding requirements for the City’s 87 different Service Lines. It also reflects the approximately $35 million in budgetary decisions made by City Council over the course of dedicated Special Budget Meetings held over the summer,” adds Hack.
 
“City Council and Administration have continued to work together to address the unprecedented inflationary pressures faced not only by the City of Saskatoon, but many other municipalities across Canada. We are committed to investing the City’s budget wisely for today, and for the future, and delivering our services and programs with the most value for taxpayer dollars in our community for all residents who call Saskatoon home.”

Dedicating the key investments required to support the delivery of core services and maintain infrastructure are funding priorities within the Preliminary 2024/2025 Operating and Capital Budget. Some highlights include:  

1. The largest ever investment in the City’s Roadway Maintenance and Rehabilitation Programs, $72 million in 2024 and $78 million in 2025 (includes the Road Maintenance, Bridges and Transportation Service Lines);

2. Investment in two new Firehalls to address emergency response for the City’s expanding neighbourhoods; 

3. The largest ever investment in the City’s Facility Maintenance Program to preserve and protect our assets, $10.8 million in 2024 and $11.8 million in 2025; 

4. Opening of the City’s Material Recovery Centre, a major achievement for the City as we work toward our 70% waste diversion goal; 

5. Investment into the City’s Snow and Ice Management Program to repay the 2022 Emergency Snow Response and to build funding to respond to future emergency/large-scale snow events; and 

6. Increased funding for several services including Fire, Parks, Street Lighting, Sidewalks, Transit and Street Sweeping, will help address public safety, protection, and servicing needs within Saskatoon, one of the fastest growing and diverse cities in Canada.  

To date, City Council and Administration have made meaningful progress working toward finding the proper balance between delivering core service levels residents and businesses expect for taxpayer dollars, maintaining affordability and ensuring long-term financial sustainability.

Reflecting all the reductions already directed by City Council throughout the Special Budget Meetings held over summer, the Administration’s preliminary business plan and budget currently contains a yet-to-be-approved ‘starting point’ 7.14% property tax increase in 2024, and 5.7% in 2025.  Still to be considered by City Council is the final full review of the City’s 87 distinct Service Lines and 58 additional Administrative Options. There will undoubtedly be a number of further changes made to finalize the 2024/2025 Business Plan and Budget.

City Council will seek to find the right balance, making its final investment decisions at the 2024/2025 Budget Deliberations set for November 28-30, 2023. Members of the public who wish to participate in the 2024/2025 final budget review by either submitting a letter and/or requesting to speak to City Council must arrange to do so before the cut-off, Monday, November 27, 2023, at 5 p.m.

Visit saskatoon.ca/budget

Installing new water mains Downtown and extending the lifespan of the Circle Drive North Bridge were just some of the major priorities for the City of Saskatoon (City) during the 2023 construction season. Overall, more than 200 lane kilometers of roadways were improved, which, when put into perspective, is the approximate driving distance between Saskatoon and Kindersley.

“That number includes roads repaved following water main replacements in neighbourhoods like Downtown, River Heights, Varsity View and on 33rd Street West,” says Terry Schmidt, General Manager of Transportation and Construction. “Wherever we install new water mains, we improve the roadway and address any sidewalk issues.”

City Council invested approximately $67.19 million in 2023 for road construction and maintenance including initiatives like pothole patching, line marking and street sweeping. High traffic roads resurfaced include:

• Circle Drive North westbound between Millar Avenue and Alberta Avenue
• Wanuskewin Road from 71^st Street to Penner Road
• Idylwyld Drive southbound from 60^th Street to 51^st Street
• Sections of Preston Avenue between Preston Crossing and College Drive

“The highest profile construction project was the months-long Circle Drive North Bridge rehabilitation that included asphalt and barrier replacements, drainage improvements, and concrete repairs to the bridge deck, piers and abutments. We thank everyone for their patience as we worked to make sure the structure lasts for decades to come,” says Schmidt.

Since 2014, when the City began investing millions of dollars more into roads, more than 2,100 lane kilometers of roadway have been rehabilitated, which is the approximate driving distance between Saskatoon and Chicago, Illinois.

To see where construction is happening daily, check the Daily Road Report. For information about future construction and other related topics, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.