News Releases

Saskatoon Transit encourages shoppers to hop on board Route 1225, the Jingle Bell Express and experience the convenience of shopping via transit. 

The Jingle Bell Express is Saskatoon Transit’s annual holiday shopping bus route. It runs from December 5^th to the 23^rd and again with free service on Boxing Day. This route stops at Midtown, Centre, Market, Confederation, and Lawson Heights malls every half hour, providing riders with a great shopping experience! 

“The Jingle Bell Express removes the hassle of driving, while providing riders with access to malls they may not otherwise visit,” says Jim McDonald, Director of Saskatoon Transit. “Regular fares apply except on Boxing Day when the Jingle Bell Express is free.” 

The Jingle Bell Express will be available weekdays from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. and weekends from 10:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. On Boxing Day, the Jingle Bell Express will operate as a free service between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. For a virtual walk-through of the Jingle Bell bus, visit: https://youtu.be/X6FrrW3Uvfk.    

Everyone is reminded that masks are required on all transit buses and are encouraged to use the Transit App or Google Maps Transit to plan their trip, or consult the route schedule on Transit’s website. 

Jingle Bell Express riders can complete a short survey for a chance to win one of five $100 gift cards sponsored by the participating malls. 

Get your ‘shop on’ and hop on the Jingle Bell Express!  

For more information about Saskatoon Transit, visit saskatoontransit.ca or follow @StoonTransit on Twitter. Plan your route in advance using Google Transit or the Transit App on your mobile device. 

The City will start removing snow from residential streets beginning tomorrow (Dec. 2), beginning in the Haultain, Queen Elizabeth, and Lawson Heights neighbourhoods. This neighbourhood clean-up is in response to the severe snow accumulation in November that left many residential streets impassable. 

“Removing the large piles of snow from residential streets is going to improve our ability to safely navigate our neighbourhoods again,” says Terry Schmidt, General Manager of Transportation & Construction. “We’ll all be happy to say good-bye those large piles of snow interfering in our sight lines and the availability of on-street parking in front of our homes. We also want to get as many of those obstructive piles of snow off sidewalks as we can—though this may take more time.”

Given the number of streets to cover across 66 city-wide residential neighbourhoods, the City is not attempting to achieve the same bare pavement conditions that we see on higher traffic priority streets. The end result in neighbourhoods will resemble a completed school zone with some non-hazardous snow piles remaining.

Since the snow accumulation is presenting safety and mobility challenges in all neighbourhoods, the order in which crews visit neighbourhoods is being determined at random and then balanced by ward to ensure progress is taking place equally across the city. A preliminary schedule will be posted to saskatoon.ca/snow in the coming days. As the first few neighbourhoods are completed, the City will be able to better estimate a schedule for the remaining neighbourhoods – please check the webpage for updates.

Residents will know when crews are coming to their neighbourhood when they see ‘No Parking’ signs go up along their street. The goal is to have these installed about 24 hours before the start of work. Similar to street sweeping, residents will need to move their vehicle off the street in advance of snow operations or their vehicle will be towed. This is to give equipment room to operate as well as to ensure the best result.

Other ways residents can help:

• Steer clear of crews and equipment while work is underway.
• Keep kids off snow piles and from building tunnels through snow piles; the piles can collapse, and the weight of that snow could be very dangerous.
• Remove any rubber driveway/curb ramps before removal on your street.  

This neighbourhood clean-up is in response to the severe snow accumulation in November that left many residential streets impassable for several days. Neighbourhood snow management is not part of our city's standard operations. Existing levels of service for winter maintenance will apply to future snow events. In neighbourhoods, this means City snow crews are sent to local roads when ice rutting impedes mobility (reaches 6” in depth).​  

The City has recently been informed that an employee working across three Leisure Centres (Lakewood Civic Centre, Saskatoon Field House, Shaw Centre) has tested positive for COVID-19. 

Due to the need to protect the privacy of the individual, the City cannot provide further details about the positive case. However, the positive case is unlikely to be linked to transmission within the workplace.

We understand this may cause concern for customers at these facilities and reinforce that the City has implemented many health and safety protocols and precautions to protect both employees and the public. This includes mandatory masks for employees and the public, proper hygiene, safety signage and markers, and acrylic barriers for some staff. This situation stresses the importance of the layers of protection the City has put in place to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in civic facilities.

Below are the affected facilities and time periods. If you were at any of these facilities during the time periods, it is always a good idea to self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and stay home and call HealthLine 811 to arrange for testing if symptoms occur. 

As part of our already enhanced cleaning protocols, cleaning and disinfecting have taken place in all impacted facilities and areas since the positive case was identified.

It is our understanding that the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) will be following up and contacting individuals identified as close contacts as per their contact tracing process and providing information to them on the next steps. The City will support SHA in their contact tracing process as necessary. 

The City also has processes in place so supervisors can be aware of which employees need to be sent home if necessary or contact Health Line at 811 for further instruction. 

This positive case reminds us that we all have a shared responsibility to limit the transmission risk of COVID-19 in our community. Stay home if you are feeling unwell, follow all Public Health Orders and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and others.

City Council is set to debate, adjust and finalize the City’s 2022/2023 Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget starting Monday, November 29 to Wednesday, December 1, 1:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

View the full 2022/2023 Preliminary Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget AGENDA

This year, the City Council budget review will be held virtually. The public can view the budget deliberations via live stream beginning at 1:00 p.m. each day.  Submissions providing comments and/or requesting to speak will be accepted using the online form at saskatoon.ca/write-letter-councilcommittees. If your submission includes a request to speak, you will be contacted by a representative from the City Clerk’s Office with further information. 

City Council’s Budget Review is set for three days and is treated as one continuous meeting. The deadline for receipt of public submissions to provide comments and /or request to speak is 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 29. Contact the City Clerks Office at 306-975-3240 with any questions regarding this process.

Visit saskatoon.ca/budget to review the full suite of 2022/2023 preliminary budget-related documents, including the Administrative Reports City Council will receive on November 29.

Saskatoon City Council will consider an adjusted City Budget for 2021 on December 2 and 3, 2020, where the Administration has proposed ways to absorb extra costs related to the pandemic without any increase to the previously approved property tax rate.

“This year’s pandemic has been challenging for all cities and Saskatoon is no exception. The overall revised 2021 Operating Budget expected an impact, mostly due to the COVID-19 pandemic of approximately $21.76 million more than the previously approved plan,” says Kerry Tarasoff, Chief Financial Officer. “To offset this, the Administration had to dig deep and assumed additional budget risk for some areas to ensure the City’s 2021 Budget is balanced by applying the Safe Restart funding.” 

“Knowing this, we worked hard to bring the numbers down to get us back to the original 3.87% by making approximately $2.7 million in saving reductions. So, the revised 2021 Operating Budget increase totals $19.05 million which can be fully offset with the amount received from the federal Safe Restart Agreement. We are very thankful to both the provincial and federal governments for financial assistance during this unprecedented pandemic, and without their help, the City as well as all other municipalities in Canada would be in dire financial situations,” adds Tarasoff.

Federal funding of $19.05 million, through the Safe Restart Agreement, has been received to assist municipal operations impacted by increased operating costs and lower revenue due to COVID-19.

To increase the accountability and transparency of the business plan and budget process and to adopt a longer term view on financial planning, the City approved its first Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget for 2020 and 2021 last November. As part of the new budget process, City Council can revisit the prior approved budget in the second year so they may adapt, respond or adjust to the current or changing environment if needed.

For 2021, any significant changes as allowed within the Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget Policy (Council Policy C03-036) must be brought forward by the Administration for City Council approval. As defined within this Policy, the Administration has the ability to adjust “unanticipated external factors” of significant impact to the subsequent year of the multi-year budget. 

Last year, City Council approved the 2021 Operating & Capital Plan that includes the following items:

• $14.3 million in operating expenditures for continued prioritization of Snow and Ice Management
• $47.1 million in operating expenditures for Transit, and $6.4 million for Access Transit operations
• $440,000 increase for the Bridges Asset Management Plan Phase-in
• $350,000 increase for the Parks Asset Management Plan Phase-in
• $250,000 increase for the Sidewalks Asset Management Plan Phase-in
• $175,000 increase to expand Transit into Brighton
• $62.8 and $28.5 million in capital investment respectively for the rehabilitation and replacement of the water distribution and wastewater collection systems
• $32.1 million in capital investment for paved roadway and sidewalk preservation
• $1.2 million in capital investment for Traffic Control System Upgrades
• $800,000 for the Growth Plan implementation and Corridor Planning/Infill Development
• $406,000 for Regional Planning (P4G) Requirements
• $200,000 for the Sidewalk Asset Management Plan

The prior approved 3.87 per cent property tax increase for 2021 translates into an increase for a homeowner with a property assessment value of $371,000 of $6.31 per month, or $75.74 for the year.

“The adjustments to the 2021 budget are those recommended by the Administration.  This proposed budget will be considered and debated by Council at its December 2 and 3 meetings and is not approved until this matter has been fully considered by City Council," says Tarasoff.

City Council’s decisions to invest in the priorities and services that matter most to citizens along with the Administration’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and finding efficiencies will ensure Saskatoon continues to be a great place to live, work, learn and play. Full details of the 2021 Budget Adjustments can be found in the December 2 meeting agenda at saskatoon.ca/meetings.

The approved 2021 Adjusted Budget document will be prepared and made available on the City’s website at saskatoon.ca/budget in early 2021.

For more information, visit saskatoon.ca/budget.

The City today released the 2022/2023 Preliminary Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget. The Administration’s budget for the next two years is focused on maintaining core civic services and programs, preserving current service levels, and investing in infrastructure to support a good quality of life in our growing and inclusive city.

“With the financial impact of COVID-19 continuing to create a challenging economic climate, the Administration has presented a preliminary budget that maintains appropriate funding for quality civic services, service levels, and programs that deliver value for citizens,” says Clae Hack, Chief Financial Officer. ”While the pandemic has highlighted the City’s operating revenue challenges, we’ve worked hard to present a preliminary budget that is disciplined and committed to keeping property taxes as low as possible.”

City Council will debate, adjust and finalize its investment decisions within the 2022/2023 Business Plan and Budget on November 29, 30 and December 1, 2021.

The 2022/2023 Operating Budget proposes a municipal property tax increase of 3.51% and 3.14% in 2022 and 2023, respectively.

The proposed property tax increases would generate an additional $9.3 million in 2022 and $8.8 million in 2023.

In general terms, this means a homeowner who owns a single-family detached home with an average assessed value of $344,000 would have a municipal property tax increase of $67.29 in 2022 or $5.61 per month, and $62.33 in 2023 or $5.19 per month.

“The Administration’s proposed property tax rates for 2022 and 2023 maintain the service levels citizens expect for their taxpayer dollars and ensure long-term financial stability for the City. City Council will make the final investment decisions for the next two years,” adds Hack.

The 2022/2023 Preliminary Budget is built from a four-step process whereby this year:

• In June 2021, costs were determined to maintain current service delivery and service levels at status quo for the next two years; the original indicative property tax estimate presented in June 2021 required a property tax increase of 5.96% and 5.42% in 2022 and 2023 respectively.

• In August 2021, City Council then directed Administration to bring back options to reduce the initial proposed property tax estimate and information on the longer-term structural budget challenges facing the City, its stagnant revenue growth and increased reliance on property taxes.
   
• In October 2021, Administration provided various options and plans to support the City’s new 2022-2025 Strategic Plan’s goals. These options will be presented at the Business Plan and Budget Review meeting on November 29, 2021.  

• To achieve the lower proposed tax increases, adjustments were made to remove the phase-in for the Bus Rapid Transit project and adjustments related to the implementation of the waste utility funding model resulting in proposed property tax increases of 3.51% and 3.14% in 2022 and 2023 respectively.

“City Council has directed the Administration to prioritize several areas over the next four years,” says Hack. “At budget review time, some of Council’s priorities may be achieved without financial impact, however, some initiatives will require financial investment such as efforts to support community safety, Bus Rapid Transit, and support for reconciliation and inclusion spaces.”

The 2022 Operating Budget is proposing total operating expenditures of $566.0 million, an investment increase of $19.3 million, or 3.54%, over the 2021 Operating Budget.

The 2023 Operating Budget is proposing total operating expenditures of $581.3 million, an investment increase of $15.3 million, or 2.70%, over the 2022 Operating Budget.

To address inflation and growth pressures, the total expenditure increase within the Business Plan and Budget is $13.0 million in 2022 and $10.0 million in 2023 (excluding Police).

With a commitment to improving community safety in Saskatoon, investment in the Saskatoon Police Service represents the largest portion of the City’s operating expenditures at approximately 21%, or $119.7 million in 2022 and $124.6 million in 2023.

The 2022/2023 Preliminary Capital Budget proposes a total investment of $571.9 million, including $274.4 million in 2022 and $297.5 million in 2023.

The City’s capital budget provides for infrastructure to address Saskatoon’s continued growth and invests in roads, transit, water, and wastewater distribution systems.

Notable Key Capital Projects Include:

• Roadway Preservation: $32.0 million and $33.0 million in 2022 and 2023
• Bus Rapid Transit system: $10.5 million and $46.3 million in 2022 and 2023
• Land Development: $51.5 million and $46.9 million in 2022 and 2023
• Utility Infrastructure maintenance and improvements: $107.1 million and $108.3 million in 2022 and 2023

The 2022/2023 Preliminary Budget funding supports clear and achievable actions to support the vision and goals within the City’s draft 2022-2025 Strategic Plan expected to be approved by City Council in January 2022.

Importantly, public input gained on civic service priorities and preferences received through the City’s two 2021 Citizen Services Surveys as well as feedback on the draft 2022-2025 Strategic Plan, will be considered by City Council before its final budget review.

The City’s second multi-year budget approach continues to provide greater certainty for residents about their future property taxes, alignment with the new 2022-2025 Strategic Plan’s vision and longer-term goals. This budget approach supports transparency, financial stability and accountability for the City.

Learn more about the investments the City proposes in services, programs and projects valued by citizens, those that will ensure Saskatoon stays a great place to live, work, learn and play through the detailed 2022/2023 Preliminary Business Plan and Budget documents available at saskatoon.ca/budget.

The kanātan nipīy (the water is clean/clean water) program is continuing for 2022. The kanātan nipīy (kaa-NAH-tan / nii-PEA) program is an opportunity for Indigenous people to gain essential skills and access employment opportunities in water treatment and distribution facilities—such as with the City of Saskatoon’s Water and Waste Operations. This program is a collaborative effort between the City of Saskatoon, Gabriel Dumont Institute, Radius Community Centre, Saskatchewan Polytechnic and Saskatoon Tribal Council.

The kanātan nipīy program includes essential skills training taught by the Radius Community Centre. Sask Polytech provides training in water treatment and distribution. Participants will also receive first aid/CPR and WHMIS training and two weeks of work experience. Certified water and wastewater operators are in demand. Trained employees, who can operate and maintain water and waste systems to provide clean drinking water, are needed in City of Saskatoon and First Nation communities across Saskatchewan.

“This kanātan nipīy program is an important pathway to knowledge and employment and I am very pleased that the City of Saskatoon is part of it,” says Mayor Charlie Clark. “Our futures are bound together, in our city and in Indigenous communities across Saskatchewan. I would like to thank all of the partners who are part of this program and are strengthening our future together.”

“The success of the kanātan nipīy program is a testament to the need for initiatives like these; that create opportunity and remove barriers to Métis people. GDI is looking forward to continuing this partnership and connecting our Métis clients with specialized training and sustainable employment,” says Lisa Bird-Wilson, executive director, Gabriel Dumont Institute.

“For more than 50 years Radius Community Centre has been helping people work towards their career goals,” says Dorothy Hyde, executive director, Radius Community Centre. “We are honoured to be a part of this community team supporting Indigenous employment and know that working together helps to build a brighter future for individuals, families, business and community.”

“We are excited to continue this collaborative partnership with the City of Saskatoon, Gabriel Dumont Institute, Radius Community Centre, and Saskatoon Tribal Council,” says Dr. Larry Rosia, president and CEO, Sask Polytech. “This partnership is a testament of what can be done when the community comes together. Through the kanātan nipīy program students receive excellent training and work experience to prepare them for future employment.”

“As First Nations people, we are all protectors of water, and this training program provides the opportunity for our people to carry out this important work. The graduates of this program improve the quality of life for all people that require clean water,” states Saskatoon Tribal Chief Mark Arcand. “By working together in unity with our partners, we provide opportunities for Indigenous Peoples to become gainfully employed.”

The kanātan nipīy program meets the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call To Action #92: Ensure Indigenous peoples have access to jobs, training and education opportunities; and they benefit from economic development. This project’s success is based on having a cohesive team of community partners engaged for a single purpose: improving employment options for Indigenous workers.

Interested in learning more? Email poitrina.powder@saskatoon.ca to register for the Zoom information session to be held Dec. 7th from 2 to 3 p.m.

Ready to apply? Email copies of the following items to kanatannipiy.project@gmail.com: Grade 12/GED diploma and transcripts, Class 5 driver’s licence and driver abstract for the last 3 months, updated resumé including three references. The application deadline is Dec. 10, 2021.

Renovations to the Affinity Learning Centre at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo) are nearly complete and the building is set to open to the public on Friday, November 26.

“We have completely redesigned the layout of the Affinity Learning Centre and added some really amazing exhibits that will be home to several new species like the colourful poison dart frogs, axolotl and a variety of cichlids from Lake Malawi, Africa,” says Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager.

The newly renovated facility will be home to a variety of reptiles, amphibians and fish including:

• Poison Dart Frogs
• Hermann’s Tortoise
• Ball Python
• Western Tiger Salamander
• Axolotl
• Garter Snake
• Blue-tongued Skink
• Cichlids from Lake Malawi, Africa

The Zoo would like to thank the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation, Affinity Credit Union and Krawchuck Construction for their continued partnership and support of the Affinity Learning Centre.

The Zoo would also like to remind residents that a non-medical mask is required when accessing indoor City-operated facilities and services including the Affinity Learning Centre, Meerkat House and washroom facilities at the Zoo. Although masks are not required in outdoor spaces, the City recommends wearing a mask throughout your visit, even while enjoying the outdoor exhibits. The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo is not included in the list of City of Saskatoon programs and facilities where public access requires proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.

The Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is by donation until March 31, 2022. Visit saskatoon.ca/zoo for more information or to plan your next visit.