News Releases

The City of Saskatoon now offers a free energy coaching service that will support local homeowners who want to learn more about energy efficiency renovations and take advantage of the Canada Greener Homes grant and interest-free loan program. This energy coaching service delivered by energy expert Summerhill can help to help make homes more energy-efficient by: 

• Explaining energy audits and help with prioritization of upgrades considering factors like cost, comfort, and energy reduction; 

• Explaining how to reduce day-to-day energy consumption by changing behaviours in the home; and 

• Helping residents get clarity about available rebates and grants to help reduce energy use in the home through various upgrades like insulation, window and door replacement, air source heat pumps, solar installations, and more.

The coaching service is available over the phone, email, or in-person. Residents can call toll-free, 1-888-834-1889, or email EnergyCoachSK@summerhill.com.   

Energy consumption from residential buildings accounted for 42% of Saskatoon’s greenhouse gas emissions related to energy in 2021, and residential homes account for almost a quarter of our overall community emissions. 

“The City’s goal is to help reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from homes and other buildings,” says Jeanna South, Director of Sustainability. “Home energy renovations are an important first step in achieving Saskatoon’s emissions reduction targets. The coaches are well-versed to address the unique challenges presented at each home when it comes to renovations”.  

Residents are encouraged to use the links provided to learn more about home energy renovations, greenhouse gas emission reduction, and financial incentives currently being offered. This is the second tool launched in 2023 to assist with energy-smart renovations. Additional tools will launch later in the year. 

This program is being carried out with assistance from the Green Municipal Fund, financed by the Government of Canada and administered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. 

Associated links:  

Saskatoon.ca/RenoResources 

https://solar.myheat.ca/saskatoon/

Discover a wide selection of toys, puzzles, games and plush animals at the new Zoo Gift Shop. Items available showcase the wild and wonderful animals that call the Zoo home and directly support conservation, research, education and enrichment programs at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo.

“We are so pleased to bring back an opportunity for kids, and the kids at heart, to explore their imagination and take home a wonderful souvenir,” says Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager. “It was important for us to ensure items were sustainably sourced and many of our plush animals are made from 100% recycled materials. Plastic bottles are shredded into pellets and then turned into the yarn and fabric that is used to make the irresistibly cute animals you will see in our gift shop.”

The Zoo Gift Shop will also feature custom art pieces created by current and former Bunkhouse residency artists. The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo Bunkhouse contains six artist studios and public gallery space. Thirty artists have taken part in the residency program since it launched in 2019 and a limited selection of custom painted totes, cards, paintings and pictures will be available for sale.

The Zoo Gift shop will open for the season on Saturday, April 1, 2023 and is located in the Zoo Admissions building.

The Zoo is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visit saskatoon.ca/zoo to plan your next visit.

The City has developed a comprehensive plan to establish a Downtown Event and Entertainment District to become a hub of commercial, cultural and community activity. City Council will discuss a report to approve the Downtown Event and Entertainment District vision statement and guiding principles at its meeting March 29, 2023. 

“This is a journey toward revitalizing downtown,” says Dan Willems, Director of Technical services. “A new event centre is just one aspect of the larger vison of creating an animated public area of thriving business and entertainment in Saskatoon’s Downtown, which is accessible to everyone.” 

A key component of that accessibility is the future Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. In November 2018, City Council directed the Administration to plan for the future of Saskatoon’s Downtown and that the focus of the planning work includes an entertainment district fully integrated with the BRT, not just an event centre and a convention facility.  

The guiding principles incorporate priorities, policies and strategic initiatives from referencing several previously approved documents, including the City’s 2022-2025 Strategic Plan, City Centre Plan, Imagine Idylwyld and the Official Community Plan. 

“With these plans in mind, the area will be developed sustainably and with a focus on Indigenous placemaking,” Willems says. “By offering residents and visitors a gathering place for entertainment and events, with a variety of restaurants, venues, shopping and nightlife, Saskatoon’s Downtown will become an economic driver for the city and the province.” 

The vision and principles have been created and refined through discussion with many stakeholders, including Council Committees, to create a robust and inclusive document. 

“We have developed our vision statement and eight guiding principles that will be the bedrock for how we move forward,” says Lesley Anderson, Director of Planning and Development. 

Vision Statement 

A safe and vibrant Downtown is a welcoming and inclusive place for all people to come together in cooperative spirit. The District supports a strong economy, strengthens our diverse community, and attracts people to live, work and play in the Downtown. 

Guiding Principles 

• Reconciliation by honouring Indigenous Peoples, histories, languages and culture
• A distinctive identity through placemaking/placekeeping 
• Architectural and public realm design excellence 
• Reliable and efficient transportation options 
• Downtown density with a focus on housing 
• Leadership in sustainability and resiliency 
• A robust and diverse economy 
• A healthy and safe community 

“There will be many opportunities for targeted and broad engagement for all residents and visitors to provide feedback on the project, as well as targeted engagement with stakeholders, rights holders and partners,” Anderson says. 

The vision and guiding principles are an important start towards planning for the District and there will be more to the journey, a continuation of working with the community and businesses, to ensure the Downtown District reflects the values, history and people of Saskatoon  

“Establishing a clear vision and guiding principles are foundational to creating a district that reflects and includes all of us,” says Councillor Cynthia Block who represents the downtown and is Council’s strategic lead for downtown development. “An event centre  and convention facility are tools, but evidence shows success comes from everything that builds up around them. A district roadmap gives us the best chance to succeed and makes it uniquely our own.” 

Block adds the City is developing a funding strategy that will have a minimal impact on taxes.  

“We are looking at funding tools that other cities have used successfully, as well as contributions from other orders of government,” she says. 

Once approved, the vision statement and guiding principles will be referenced in future reports related to the District Plan and how the guiding principles have influenced that work. 

Administration will continue to prepare District Plan-related reports to the Governance and Priorities Committee and City Council at major milestones throughout the District Plan process. 

The full report, including the full text of the vision statement and guiding principles, can be found on the meeting agenda.

The City extends a big thank you to Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre patrons for their support as the final day of operation approaches.  

Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre is scheduled to undergo a major upgrade and facility closure. The facility will be open to the public until March 31, 2023 and the project is expected to take approximately 18 to 24 months to complete.

Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre was built in 1975 and many of the components are nearing the end of their functional life. 

The project will include replacement and upgrades to the facility along with exciting new spaces, such as:

• Accessibility and inclusivity improvements to ensure the building and its features will be a welcoming space for the entire community.
• Replacement of the 50-metre pool basin as well as a revised pool deck with new tile to better meet swimming and user group requirements for training.
• Changeroom and washroom renovation and expansion to better serve customers and families.
• New public use spaces such as meeting and multi-purpose rooms to provide additional program opportunities.
• Revised and updated weight room for an enhanced and expanded workout experience.
• Water treatment and building mechanical system upgrades for improved efficiency. 
• Roof and exterior upgrades including vapor barrier and wall insulation to increase energy efficiency and air quality.
• Administration offices will see significant upgrades and changes. 

The total estimated project cost is $18-24 million with a significant contribution from the federal government’s Green and Inclusive Community Building program (more than $10 million) and the remainder from the Civic Buildings Comprehensive Maintenance, a reserve set aside for the ongoing maintenance and upgrade of City facilities.

The same programs and services will continue to be available at the other five Leisure Centres (Cosmo, Lakewood and Lawson Civic Centres, Saskatoon Field House and Shaw Centre) and where possible, programming opportunities have been expanded at the facilities. Search for drop-in program information including facility, fitness and weight room hours, public swim sessions and fitness programs on Leisure Online at saskatoon.ca/leisureonline 

Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre has provided over 40 years of service to the residents and visitors of Saskatoon and this renovation will allow it to provide another 40 years.  To learn more about the project, visit saskatoon.ca/harrybailey. Project updates including renderings of the new facility and photos of the progress will be posted throughout the closure.

Nearly 250 Saskatoon and area residents were honoured with Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee Medal at two ceremonies at TCU Place on Friday, March 24. The recipients were honoured for their efforts to build a strong, vibrant society and province through their service, contributions and achievements.

Recipients were presented their awards by His Honour Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Russ Mirasty with His Worship Mayor Charlie Clark in attendance.

“I have been around long enough to see first-hand the amazing contributions these people have made. I wish there would have been time to share the story of each one of them: so many community builders across all sectors of our community.  Many of them do their work quietly and rarely get recognized,” says Mayor Clark. “When so much of what we hear about on the news or social media is conflict, division, or selfishness, seeing all of these people gathered who have given their time and passion to build a better community, was a powerful antidote and reminder of how much selflessness and goodness we have here in Saskatoon. I feel incredibly grateful and inspired to be part of this city.”

The Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (Saskatchewan) celebrates the 70th anniversary year of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Accession to the Throne, which began on February 6, 2022. Saskatchewan cities were invited to be involved in the selection process for recipients from their region to receive the medal. The City of Saskatoon was allotted and provided 247 Queen Jubilee Medals in partnership with the Province of Saskatchewan. A listing of recipients is available on saskatoon.ca/jubileemedal

A total of 7,000 medals will be awarded at ceremonies held throughout the province during the Platinum Jubilee year. A listing of recipients will be available on saskatchewan.ca.