News Releases

The Province of Saskatchewan requires the City of Saskatoon to conduct a reassessment of all property classes every four years to recalculate property values to reflect an updated and more current market value assessment.  Market value is what the property might have sold for as of a specified base date.

In 2017, all property classes will have their values reassessed and updated to reflect the market value assessment of the property as of the base date of January 1, 2015.  These values will be in place until the next reassessment in 2021. The 2013 Reassessment used a base date of January 1, 2011 to establish market value.

“On a city-wide basis, our preliminary analysis indicates property assessment values have increased, with the increases varying by individual properties and by property classes, “ says Darcy Huisman, City Assessor. “We do note, the total 2017 Reassessment value changes are not as large in Saskatoon as those experienced with the last reassessment in 2013.”

The current 2017 assessed value of all the property in Saskatoon is $52.1 Billion – $30.12 Billion for residential properties and $21.98 Billion for non-residential properties and apartment buildings. Approximately 86,000 residential properties will be assessed, and 9,000 non-residential properties (includes apartment buildings.)

Property taxes are based on a property’s assessed value, and owners of properties with similar values pay similar taxes. Properties for which assessed values increase or decrease more than the average within their tax class, will see tax changes as a result of a reassessment.

The preliminary aggregate 2017 Reassessment value changes are now available for these property classes: Commercial, Multi-Residential, Residential & Condominium, and Agricultural.
 

Aggregate Taxable 2017 Reassessment Value Changes By Property Class

Note:  **% assessment change due to 2013 Reassessment provided for comparative purposes.

Historically, City Council has required that the results of a reassessment remain revenue neutral at the property class level with no changes in taxes between property classes.  Revenue neutral is a tax calculation, meaning whether property assessments increase or decrease due to changes in values, the City of Saskatoon’s tax revenue does not automatically change – the City still receives the same amount of tax revenue.

Revenue neutral assumes that the City, schools and libraries require the exact amount of tax dollars from each class of property.  Any yearly tax change brought forward by the City is communicated through the budgetary process, not by the reassessment process. 

The aggregate or total change in assessment by property class may impact the amount of property taxes paid for individual properties.  Properties which the assessed value increased or decreased by more than the overall increase in assessment, by property class, will see a change in taxes on a revenue neutral basis. 

The following chart provides examples of the impact the reassessment has on Commercial property taxes based on the concept of revenue neutral. 

​Example 1 shows an individual property’s assessment that has increased by 36%, which is the same rate as the overall commercial property class change.  The impact on the property taxes on a revenue neutral bases is zero.

Example 2 shows an individual property’s assessment which increased by 25%, compared to that of the overall commercial property class change at 36%.  The impact on the property taxes, on a revenue neutral basis is -11%. 

Example 3 shows an individual property’s assessment which increased by 45%, compared to that of the overall commercial property class change at 36%.  The impact on the property taxes, on a revenue neutral basis is 9%. 

Over the last four reassessment or revaluation cycles, the assessment change by property class (including Condominium property type) looks like this:

Supporting the City’s Strategic Goal of Asset and Financial Sustainability, the City is committed to ensuring the fair, accurate and equitable assessment and taxation of all properties in Saskatoon, and that the reassessment process is open, accountable and transparent.

The 2017 Reassessment Notices will be mailed to residents starting January 9, 2017.

For more information on Assessment, visit saskatoon.ca/assessment or call 306-975-3227.

From the November 28, 2016 Meeting

8.1.5 Municipal Heritage Property Designation – Third Avenue United Church

Decision

*The City Solicitor has been instructed to bring forward a bylaw to designate 304 3^rd Avenue North as a Municipal Heritage Property under the provisions of the The Heritage Property Act with such designation to include the exterior of the building, as well as two interior elements, being the hammer-beam rafters and Casavant organ.
*$2,500 will be allocated from the Heritage Reserve for supply and installation of a recognition plaque for the property.

Additional Information

*Ms. Peggy Sarjeant, President, Saskatoon Heritage Society had addressed the SPC on Planning, Development and Community Services regarding the heritage designation of the Third Avenue United Church to include exterior elements and interior elements such as the hammer-beam rafters and Casavant organ.

8.1.6 Renaming Request – ‘Gordie Howe Park’ to ‘Gordie Howe Sports Complex’ and Naming Advisory Committee Quarterly Report

Decision

*The report was received as information and Gordie Howe Park will be renamed Gordie Howe Sports Complex.

Additional Information

*This is in a response to a report from the SPC on Planning, Development and Community Services. The committee was advised that the Naming Advisory Committee also reviewed and supported the renaming.

8.1.7 Age Friendly Saskatoon Initiative: Implementation and Evaluation Report

Decision

*City Council received the report as information.
*The City will apply for membership in the world Health Organization Age-Friendly Global Network.
*The City will continue its collaboration with the Saskatoon council on Aging.

Additional Information

*Age-Friendly Saskatoon has focused on getting key community stakeholders working together to support efforts that advance the dignity, health, and independence of older adults. Age-Friendly Saskatoon is consistent with the City aspiration for a desirable quality of life for all residents and will help in promoting an inclusive community; in particular, the inclusion of all older adults in community life.

8.1.8 Innovative Housing Incentives – Quint Development Corporation – 204 to 216 Avenue O South

Decision

*City Council approved funding of 10% of the total capital cost of the construction of 26 affordable rental units at 204 to 216 Avenue O South by Quint Development Corporation, estimated at $556,717, subject to the availability of funds in the Affordable Housing Reserve and the approval of this project under the Provincial Rental Development Program
*City Council recommends a five-year abatement of the incremental property taxes for the 26 affordable rental units be applied, commencing the next taxation year, following the completion of construction.

Additional Information

*In November 2015, City Council set the 2016 target for the 2013 – 2022 Housing Business Plan at 400 units across the attainable housing continuum, of which 32 units are targeted to be affordable rental units. To date, City Council has committed funding of $384,548 in support of 32 affordable rental units. Innovative Housing Incentives – Quint Development Corporation – 204 to 216 Avenue O South. At its June 27, 2016 meeting, City Council approved the rezoning of 204, 208, 212, 214, and 216 Avenue O South from RM1 to RM2 by agreement to facilitate a townhouse development on this site.

8.3.1 2017 Neighbourhood Traffic Management Reviews

Decision

*City Council decided the eleven neighbourhoods selected for 2017 traffic reviews, as part of the Neighbourhood Traffic Management Program, will include Queen Elizabeth, Exhibition, Buena Vista, Erindale, Arbor Creek, Pleasant Hill, Dundonald, North Park, Richmond Heights, Silverwood Heights, and Wildwood.

Additional Information

*The process includes a strategy to review concerns on a neighbourhood-wide basis by engaging the community and stakeholders in first identifying specific traffic issues, and secondly, developing joint recommendations that address the issues.
*Neighbourhoods selected for reviews are based on Councillor input, collision history, number of concerns received, and number of existing temporary traffic calming devices.

8.3.3 Building Better Sidewalks – Sidewalk Programs Overview

Decision

*Administration has been directed to eliminate the practice of using asphalt overlays on concrete sidewalks and funding for this service level change be from reallocation of existing funding within the roadway and sidewalk preservation program.

Additional Information

*An explanation on how the City selects sidewalks for repair, the criteria considered when determining the type of sidewalk repair required for a particular section, as well as various other FAQs and phone numbers for residents to report faulty sidewalks, is available at Saskatoon.ca/sidewalks. The webpage also contains a printable PDF about sidewalk repair/replacement criteria, and indicates when the City is assessing and marking sidewalks to address locations for future preservation work.

8.4.1 Aquatic Invasive Species: Response to PARCS

Decision

*City Council received the report as information.
*Administration will provide a report with more detail in terms of specific local impacts and resources required.
*The report will be referred to the Saskatoon Environmental Advisory Committee to review and report back to the Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities, and Corporate Services with input.

Additional Information

*The City receives drinking water from the South Saskatchewan River. Lake Diefenbaker, upstream of the city along the river, is at risk for aquatic mussel infestation.
*The City does not currently have programming targeted at educating residents about aquatic invasive mussels as it is a member of the South Saskatchewan River Watershed Stewards (SSRWSI), which receives funding from the province to carry out an awareness campaign about aquatic invasive mussels within our watershed.
The province has installed a sign outside of city limits on Highway 11 to Prince Albert and has offered additional free highway signs to the City to help raise awareness of aquatic invasive mussels.

9.6.1 Proposed Sale of Former Police Service Headquarters

Decision

*City Council approved the proposed sale of the former Saskatoon Police Service Headquarters property at 130 and 140 - 4th Avenue North to Duchuck Holdings Ltd. at a purchase price of $10.7M based on the terms and conditions outlined.
*There will  be a five-year tax abatement of the full taxes for 130 - 4th Avenue North (building site), subject to the completion of a renovation or redevelopment of the property sufficient to constitute a change of predominant use to housing, office, structured parking, or a combination thereof.
*The five-year tax abatement will take effect in the next taxation year following completion of the renovation or redevelopment

Additional Information

*The former property at 130 and 140 - 4^th Avenue North had been listed for sale since September 2013 by two real estate brokerage firms, first with Colliers International, and more recently, ICR Commercial Real Estate.  The initial list price was $15.6M which was based on market sales and a very active real estate market at that time.

Following extensive review of the 2017 Preliminary Corporate Business Plan and Budget, November 30 and December 1, 2016, His Worship Mayor Charlie Clark and City Council have finalized investment decisions for 2017. The property tax increase is finalized at 3.89%.

“The final investment decisions made are disciplined and responsible,” says Kerry Tarasoff, Chief Financial Officer and General Manager, Asset and Financial Management. “While funding could not be allocated to every budgetary ask, City Council’s budget decisions accomplish a strong balance between the investments that the City needs to be modern and progressive, and the service level expectations they heard through public consultation this year - without placing a heavy financial burden on citizens in 2017.”

To fulfill and maintain the City’s investment plans, service level commitments and dedicated programs, the 2017 property tax increase will be distributed as follows: 1.93% Roadway Levy, 0.55% Snow & Ice Levy, and 1.41% to  remaining civic programs and services.

What This Means To Residential Property Owners

The 3.89% property tax increase for 2017 will generate an additional $7.9 million for the City’s Operating Budget, to be invested into the rehabilitation and maintenance of roadways, the snow and ice management program, and for the expenditure increases associated with all other civic programs and services. Here is the breakdown:

2017 Operating and Capital Budget Highlights

Total Operating Budget: $812.0 million (Civic - $482.0 million, Utilities - $330.0 million)

• Over $61.7 million invested in Building Better Roads including Road Maintenance, Snow & Ice Management and Street Cleaning and Sweeping
• Over $13.6 million for the continued maintenance and design of the City’s growing park infrastructure
• $5.0 million invested in Access Transit, including additional operators which will provide an additional 4,800 rides to customers on an annual basis
• $41.2 million invested in the delivery of Transit services to deliver 1,688 bus stops across 35 bus routes and 276 km of city streets
• $97.5 million invested in the Saskatoon Police Service including 6 new Constables

Total Capital Budget: $260.7 million

• $28.7 million in Transit related infrastructure and planning as part of the Federal Public Transit Infrastructure Fund
• $21.6 million in 2017 for the repair, replacement and renewal of existing water and wastewater infrastructure under the Federal Clean Water and Wastewater Fund
• $7.0 million for Phase I of Recovery Park to improve Landfill sustainability
• $32.1 million dedicated to paved roadway and sidewalk preservation
• $5.3 million for the replacement of Fire Station No. 3 to improve community safety

Total 2017 Operating & Capital Budget Combined: $1,072.7 million
The Corporate Business Plan and Budget frames the detailed investment decisions the City will follow in 2017. Not just about revenues and expenditures, the finalized Business Plan and Budget provide a reflection of what City Council, residents, businesses and the community as a whole value. More importantly, key public feedback gathered throughout 2016 was fully considered by City Council in the shaping and building of the 2017 Business Plan and Budget.

The City’s Strategic Goal of Asset and Financial Sustainability commits to budget planning that is open and transparent, and that the City invests in what matters. To address the needs of citizens today and tomorrow, the City is focused on the long-term goal of managing the City in a smart, sustainable way.

Visit saskatoon.ca/financialfuture for more budget and financial information.

From the November 21, 2016 meeting

7.1.1 Financing Growth – Hemson Study Update

Decision

*Administration will provide a report on proactive and strategic engagement options on the four areas identified in the report.

Additional Information

*In April of 2015, the former Executive Committee received and discussed a report presented by Hemson Consulting Ltd. on Financing Growth. This study was initiated by City Council primarily to provide information to help the City understand the current and future costs of infrastructure and civic services required to support future population growth, determine the financial impact of growth, and provide a general commentary on the costs and benefits associated with different types of development.
*The report identified key issues categorized under four major topics:
-appropriate scope and levels of development levies;
-encouragement of infill and redevelopment;
-exploration of alternate financing tools and increase non-tax revenues; and
-growth of non-residential property assessment.
*The Administration has been reviewing these issues and plans to address these through future reports and discussion papers as part of the Growth Plan to Half a Million.

7.1.3 Update on ATU Job Action

Decision

*The committee received the report as information.

Additional Information

*Bargaining has been underway between the City and ATU since October 2013 and has occurred with varying degrees of frequency and intensity.
*On November 8, 2016, the parties returned to the bargaining table and ATU presented a proposal that they would be prepared to accept the City’s Agreement in Principle (AIP) on the basis of the outcome of the outstanding pension arbitration.
*On November 10, 2016, the City provided a counter, which remains as the Current Offer. ATU refused this offer and provided notice that they would be taking job action effective midnight on November 11, 2016, in the form of refusing overtime and work to rule.

The City is partnering with Bridge City Bicycle Co-op to divert approximately 2,000 bicycles from the Landfill each year. Many of the bicycles brought to the Landfill are in poor condition and not recoverable; however, some of the bicycles are recoverable for either their parts or for complete refurbishment.

“The Co-op takes the bikes, they’re fixed and then gives them to people who need one,” says Russ Munro, Director of Water and Waste Stream.  “It’s a great re-use of the material instead of it being scrapped.”

This initiative will be evaluated after one-year with the goal of transitioning to the City’s largest waste diversion project, Recovery Park, scheduled to be implemented at the Landfill by 2018. Currently recycling and/or diversion programs at the Landfill include scrap metal, appliances, used oil and antifreeze, batteries and propane tanks.

Residents are invited to recycle their used bicycles at the Landfill for re-use in the community beginning January 1, 2017.

Learn more about waste diversion at saskatoon.ca.