News Releases

This news release is being sent on behalf of Reconciliation Saskatoon.

Reconciliation Saskatoon invites everyone in the community to join the 2025 Rock Your Roots: Walk for Reconciliation on June 20. The Rock Your Roots Walk is usually held on National Indigenous Peoples Day, which is a Saturday this year. Holding the walk a day early allows schools to participate.

Event Details:
Friday, June 20
Walk starts at 10:30 a.m., program starts at 11:45 a.m.
Victoria Park

This walk brings the community together to honour the truth of the Residential schools and those who survived them, as well as demonstrate our collective commitment to reconciliation. This year’s theme is “waniskâk” which means “everyone wake up”.

After the walk, Reconciliation Saskatoon will host a program and activities in the park, thanks to the generous donations and support from the many community investors who have come on board to make this year’s growing event a success.

Those in attendance will have an opportunity to enjoy some performances and to listen to Elders and Residential School Survivors about the importance of reconciliation and sharing this information with the next generation.

Participants of the walk are invited to “Rock Your Roots” by wearing orange or contemporary/cultural regalia or carrying signs that celebrate their heritage.

Reconciliation Saskatoon recognizes the incredible support of Community Investors that make this walk possible. For the full list of supporters and all event details visit: Reconciliation Saskatoon | Facebook

Rock Your Roots is organized by Reconciliation Saskatoon, which is co-chaired by the City of Saskatoon. The intent of this event is to answer the TRC Calls to Action by demonstrating a commitment to Reconciliation, honouring Residential School Survivors, and continuing work towards an inclusive community. The walk has been an annual one in Saskatoon since 2016.

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Construction on the Dundonald Avenue Solar Farm is set to begin this week.

Saskatoon Light & Power is excited that work on this first-of-its kind project in Saskatoon will finally be underway. The project will enhance the municipality’s renewable energy infrastructure with a 2.8-Megawatt solar facility.

“The solar farm will support the City’s Low Emissions Community Plan and will make good use of a vacant parcel of land,” says Trevor Bell, Director of Saskatoon Light & Power. “The generation capacity is enough to power over 400 homes – which is a neighbourhood the size of Richmond Heights or the Willows.”

The solar farm will be built on approximately 6 hectares (14 acres) of land between the CN railway tracks and the Circle Drive South freeway, east of Dundonald Avenue and south of 11th Street West.

This solar farm will contribute to reducing electricity emissions by approximately 19,380 tonnes of carbon dioxide over its 30-year lifetime, marking a significant step toward a greener Saskatoon. This is the equivalent of removing about 140 cars from the road every year.

The initial phase of work will involve installing gates, fencing and other security enhancements, followed by the integration of solar panels and electrical components. To enhance biodiversity and add visual appeal, the site will feature native grasses and flowers with vines planted along the existing northwest chain-link fence.

Routine inspections will be conducted to maintain site cleanliness and minimize disruptions for the neighbouring communities. Construction will not impact traffic flow; however, temporary noise and vibration may result from the equipment used during the process.

For safety, residents are asked to avoid entering the work zone and respect construction barriers.

This project is funded in part by the Government of Saskatchewan and the Government of Canada through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The naturalization of the site is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Natural Infrastructure Fund.

Visit saskatoon.ca/SolarFarm to view the sitemap renderings and additional information.

Residents in Saskatoon’s Avalon neighbourhood can look forward to reduced flood risk as the City of Saskatoon officially opens the newly upgraded Weaver Park dry storm pond. The park is open to the public, offering both improved flood protection and a revitalized recreational space.

This is the third project completed under the City’s Flood Control Strategy (FCS), which was approved by City Council in 2018. This spring, construction will start on a dry storm pond in Cumberland Park, and five more FCS projects will be built between 2025 and 2027. The Government of Canada has contributed $21.6 million towards Saskatoon’s Flood Control Strategy through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund.

“Today marks an exciting milestone for Saskatoon’s Flood Control Strategy with the grand opening of the Weaver Park dry storm pond. The new park will not only be an important recreation space for residents, it will also protect homes from flooding. Investing in essential public infrastructure is key to building healthy, vibrant and resilient communities,” said the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development, on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Communities and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada.

"This project is a great example of how we can build a more resilient Saskatoon while also enhancing the places where people gather and play,” said Mayor Cynthia Block. “This is about protecting homes, supporting families and investing in smart infrastructure that serves both safety and quality of life."

“We are immensely proud of how this strategy is coming to life,” said Russ Munro, Director of Saskatoon Water. “Each project completed means fewer families dealing with flooded basements and costly damage. And with Weaver Park now open, people can experience firsthand infrastructure and public spaces working together.”

Dry storm ponds hold water that would otherwise cause nearby flooding during intense rainfall. The water flows into storm drains, then runs through underground pipes into the dry storm pond. From there, the water flows toward and empties into the South Saskatchewan River.

Once the FCS projects are completed, the City anticipates seeing a substantial decrease in the amount of neighbourhood flooding in the top 10 highest risk areas of Saskatoon.

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

The City Administration will present its 2026 and 2027 Preliminary Financial Forecast to the Governance and Priorities Committee on June 11, 2025, amid ongoing inflation, rapid population growth and planned service enhancements.

“We’re sharing these early forecasts to be transparent about the financial realities facing the City," says Clae Hack, Chief Financial Officer. "While we’re confident these early forecasts won’t reflect the final 2026/2027 budget, they do provide important context around the City’s financial needs as we begin building additional scenarios for City Council to consider during its final budget deliberations this November."

Preliminary forecasts estimate a 4.4 per cent and 3.9 per cent increase in the civic operating budget, which excludes police, to cover inflation and growth for existing City services in 2026 and 2027. An additional 1.5 per cent and 1.8 per cent increase in 2026 and 2027 are dedicated to improving infrastructure maintenance and supporting major projects such as the Link Bus Rapid Transit system, future East Side Leisure Centre, and two new fire halls in the civic operating budget.

The Saskatoon Police Service’s operating budget is also facing expenditure pressures with projected increases of 10.4 per cent in 2026 and 6.4 per cent in 2027 over its existing budget.

“We continue to work diligently to identify cost savings and efficiencies as highlighted in recent independent audits and in the City’s annual 2024 Service, Savings and Sustainability Report while preserving service levels residents expect." Hack says. “During our internal review, we reduced future discretionary budget expenditures by over $9 million in 2026 alone.”

City revenues are projected to grow by about 3.5 per cent in 2026 and 4.1 per cent in 2027, mainly from increases in Saskatchewan’s Municipal Revenue Sharing Grant and the City’s general revenues. While they help reduce the overall property tax requirements for each year, they fall short of expenditure needs.

Current forecasts estimate projected property tax increases of about $22 per month or 9.9 per cent in 2026 and about $18 per month or 7.3 per cent in 2027 for an average assessed home value of $397,000, with over one-third of the increase attributed to the Saskatoon Police Service.

The Committee report proposes that the Administration continue its efforts to reduce the forecasted property tax increases by at least one percentage point each year. In addition, the Administration will work on preparing alternative scenarios for City Council to consider during its final budget deliberations in November 2025 to further reduce the budget and property tax impact.

The City of Saskatoon remains committed to fiscal responsibility and transparency while meeting the needs of a growing Saskatoon.

To learn more:

  watch this brief video, it provides an overview of the key factors the City analyzed to build out the Preliminary 2026 and 2027 Financial Forecast;

 look through the June 4, 2025, CFO 2027/2027 Preliminary Financial Forecast PowerPoint Presentation to Media

  review the At a Glance Info Sheet on the Preliminary 2026/2027 Financial Forecast; and 

  find more information on the 2026/2027 budget process on the City's website at saskatoon.ca/budget.

Construction on two new dry storm ponds begins this month in Cumberland Park and on University of Saskatchewan (USask) land adjacent to 14th St E. They are the fifth and sixth of nine Flood Control Strategy (FCS) projects the City of Saskatoon has undertaken, which will be completed in 2026.

The Cumberland Park project will reduce the flood risk for properties near the intersection of Cumberland Avenue South and Main Street, while the USask project will reduce the flood risk for properties near the intersection of Cumberland Avenue South and 14th Street East. The FCS, aimed at reducing neighbourhood flooding during intense rainfalls, was approved by City Council in 2018. 

Dry storm ponds hold water that would otherwise cause flooding in intersections and nearby properties during intense rainfalls. The water flows into the pond instead, then slowly drains into the storm sewer system. Whenever dry, it is used as recreational or park space.

The first three dry ponds constructed as part of the FCS are complete and open to the public in W.W. Ashley Park. Churchill Park, and Weaver Park. The fourth project, which includes underground storm water storage in Brevoort Park South is in service to mitigate flooding, with landscaping work to commence this year. Additionally, three more FCS projects will be built in Saskatoon in 2026 and 2027. 

For more information about the FCS program and future project locations, visit saskatoon.ca/floodplan.

Wildfires in northern Saskatchewan have forced the evacuation of a significant number of residents from the area. In response, the City was approached by the Canadian Red Cross to use Cosmo Civic Centre as a designated temporary evacuation site until it is safe for the residents to return to their homes. The costs associated with hosting the evacuees will be billed to the Canadian Red Cross.

The Canadian Red Cross is managing the evacuations and has assessed other locations in Saskatoon that can accommodate large numbers. Unfortunately, no other suitable facilities are currently available.

The City has prior experience providing evacuation spaces; Cosmo Civic Centre was the last Leisure Centre used for this purpose over ten years ago. The facility was requested by the Red Cross and has been identified as the primary choice for an evacuation space due to its size and amenities, ability to be quickly converted for emergency use, proximity to services such as retail and food, access to transit, and it is the least disruptive to the City’s overall recreational programming.

To accommodate this emergency response, Cosmo Civic Centre and arena will be closed to the public effective today. This temporary closure includes all programming, rentals and transit ticket sales. The Carlyle King Branch Library will remain open at this time.

We understand that this closure may cause inconvenience and we deeply appreciate your patience and understanding during this emergency response. The City anticipates the closure will remain in place for at least the next couple of weeks and will continue to monitor the situation closely. Updates will be shared with the public as more information becomes available.

Patrons are encouraged to visit Leisure Online at dropinschedule.saskatoon.ca for programming options available at the City’s other leisure facilities. Your cooperation and support are invaluable as we navigate this emergency together.

 For updates, please visit saskatoon.ca/cosmo.

Saskatoon is experiencing the highest number of individuals facing homelessness ever recorded. The findings are revealed in the 2024 Point-in-Time (PiT) Count Community Report, officially released on Tuesday, May 27, pointing to a significant rise in homelessness across the city.

“Homelessness should be rare, brief and not repeated. These numbers are heartbreaking and unacceptable,” said Mayor Cynthia Block. “Every person without a home is a call to action — especially when so many are Indigenous, reflecting the ongoing impacts of colonialism. Cities are on the frontlines, but we cannot do this alone. We need urgent, coordinated action from all orders of government and we must work in true partnership with Indigenous leadership to create lasting solutions.”

As noted in preliminary findings from the City of Saskatoon and community partners, the 2024 PiT Count identified at least 1,499 individuals experiencing homelessness in Saskatoon – nearly triple the number recorded in 2022. With approximately five individuals per 1,000 residents experiencing homelessness, Saskatoon now faces one of the highest homelessness rates in Canada.

Alarmingly, the count also shows a dramatic rise in the number of children experiencing homelessness – 315 children were counted in the 2024 count compared to 26 children counted in 2022.

The community report highlights significant disparities. One of the most striking is the over-representation of Indigenous peoples who make up less than 12 per cent of Saskatoon’s general population but account for over 80 per cent of those experiencing homelessness. This underscores the ongoing impact of systemic inequities and barriers to accessing safe, affordable housing.

Evictions are the primary factor contributing to homelessness, as reported by over half of the survey respondents. Additionally, one-third of respondents identified insufficient income as another major factor contributing to homelessness. The data also point to a growing number of women, youth, seniors and families without stable housing, as well as a rise in unsheltered individuals sleeping in unsuitable conditions.

Additionally, mental health and addictions were the most frequently reported health-related challenges among respondents, with over 80 per cent reporting a substance abuse issue, and 60 per cent indicating a mental health issue. These responses underscore the complexity and challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness.

“The PiT Count helps us understand the extent of homelessness in Saskatoon. While the numbers are only a snapshot in time, the PiT Count doesn’t and can’t quantify the human suffering. The data can still help guide us in preparing as a community to address these challenges,” says Robert LaFontaine, SHIP Executive Director.

The count was conducted on October 8, 2024, through a collaborative effort led by the City of Saskatoon, the Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP), and the Community-University Institute for Social Research (CUISR) at the University of Saskatchewan. Over 200 volunteers and numerous community organizations contributed to the initiative, which is part of the Government of Canada’s Reaching Home program—a national effort to better understand and address homelessness.

Using standardized national methodologies adapted to reflect local context, the PiT Count provides critical insights into demographics, service usage and the pathways that lead individuals into homelessness. These findings will help guide the development of culturally appropriate, evidence-based policies and programs, and long-term solutions.

While the PiT Count offers only a snapshot of homelessness over a 24-hour period, it remains a vital tool for identifying urgent needs, fostering collaboration and building public awareness.

The City of Saskatoon also thanks the Government of Canada for funding this project and for its continued critical role in this effort.

For additional information about the PiT Count, including the community report, visit saskatoon.ca/pit.

The City of Saskatoon is pleased to announce the adoption of a new Place Identity Framework to guide future place identity and place naming initiatives. City Council adopted the Place Identity Framework on May 21, 2025.
 

The purpose of the Framework is to work with all residents to explore the shared understanding that we all have about our home. The Framework will be a guide to how the City names public spaces, and will guide decisions on public art, commemoration and monuments including what cultural symbols, flags, emblems and coats of arms will be displayed. 
 

“The Place Identity Framework recognizes that not everyone has been included in how the City of Saskatoon has identified and visually represented itself,” says Stryker Calvez, Director of Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (REDI). “This is especially important for those who have called this place home since time immemorial. This framework acknowledges the inherent rights of Indigenous Peoples, those people raised here, and the newcomers who chose to make it their home. We all contribute to Saskatoon and, therefore, should have a say in the making of its identity.”

Place identity will have four guiding principles within the wider context of existing City policies, plans, projects and related initiatives:

• Build relationships- Commit to creating and sustaining relationships with residents, rights holders, stakeholders and community organizations to build a greater sense of place, identity and community.
• Be informed- Understand that place naming and place identity are informed by traditional knowledge, historical research and community insights.
• Be inclusive- Listen to the diverse perspectives and experiences of the residents of this city and commit to public input, transparency, education and communication when it comes to place identity.

• Be relevant- Understand our stories of Saskatoon and what connects us historically and balance that with celebrating our local culture when it comes to place naming, commemoration and symbols.
   

  Implementation of the Framework will include working with community and multiple internal departments within the City of Saskatoon to integrate place identity practices at the earliest stages when it comes to the planning of new public spaces. 
   

  “This is about recognizing change and accepting new perspectives while honouring and reflecting upon our shared past and creating a better, more inclusive future, for all residents” says Calvez.
   

City Council yesterday approved amendments to Bylaw No. 10079, The Animal Control Bylaw, 2025 (No.2) and Bylaw No. 10080, The Property Nuisance & Abatement Amendment Bylaw, 2025, to prohibit the feeding of wildlife on all public or private property in Saskatoon.

The new regulations aim to help reduce conflicts and promote a respectful coexistence with urban wildlife. The term “wildlife” is defined in accordance with provincial legislation, The Wildlife Act, 1998, and includes any vertebrate animal that is wild by nature in Saskatchewan (e.g., coyotes, foxes, racoons, rabbits, deer, etc.).

Key provisions of the amendments include:

• Feeding Ban: It is now prohibited to intentionally feed wildlife or leave attractants – such as food, food waste, compost or garbage – on any property with the intent of attracting wildlife or that could attract wildlife.
• Bird Feeding Exception: Residents may continue to feed birds on private property using a bird feeder that is above grade to prevent access to other wildlife.
• Enforcement and Penalties: A Notice of Violation may be issued for non-compliance. Fines are set at:
  • $250 for a first offence
  • $500 for a second offence
  • $1,000 for a third or subsequent offence

“These bylaw updates reflect best practices from other municipalities and support our efforts to maintain a safe and healthy urban environment,” says Parks Director, Thai Hoang. “Feeding dangerous wildlife, even unintentionally, can lead to increased risks and poor outcomes for both animals and residents.”

Residents are encouraged to review the updated bylaws and take steps to ensure their properties are free from wildlife attractants.

For more information on co-existing with urban wildlife, visit saskatoon.ca/wildlife.

Today Saskatoon City Council approved the implementation of a City-wide organics collection program for multi-unit residential properties. The move builds on the success of the curbside green cart program for single-family homes and aims to ensure all residents have equal access to waste services.

The recommendation for a City-led multi-unit organics program stems from a yearlong pilot study that explored the most effective ways to provide organics diversion to multi-unit residential properties including apartments, condos and townhouse complexes. A report to the May 6, 2025 meeting of the Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services provided a detailed analysis of the options available to the City for multi-unit organics programs.

Engagement with pilot participants, including residents, property managers and condo boards, showed a preference for a City-led organics program. In addition to being the preferred option, it is projected to be the most cost efficient when compared to current market alternatives. Organic material gathered through the program would be handled at the City’s organic processing facility, which begins construction this July.

An implementation plan is being developed aiming to have a city-wide program fully operational in 2028.

To learn more about the pilot program, visit saskatoon.ca/multiorganics.