News Releases

The Link bus rapid transit system is slated to begin a gradual phase-in beginning with service improvements starting in January of 2027. A report outlining the construction update and operational phase-in will be presented at the November 10 meeting of the Governance and Priorities Committee of City Council.

“Link is a significant change to how people move around Saskatoon,” says Terry Schmidt, General Manager, Transportation and Construction. “A phased-in approach to a summer 2029 full service gives Saskatoon Transit the time to complete all construction, properly test the system and deliver a more reliable experience for customers from day one.”

The Link corridors will form the core of the Saskatoon Transit bus network. To fully operationalize the benefits of bus rapid transit, a redesign of the local transit network is necessary and a phased-in approach will be necessary

A fully phased-in launch for summer 2029 will allow key infrastructure – including the 1st Avenue transit corridor and transit hubs for the Link routes and local routes to connect for passenger transfers – to be fully complete before the new system begins operating citywide.

Link will include rapid transit service on three lines, supported by approximately 94 transit station platforms, transit signal priority, new passenger shelters and real-time information displays all connected with a fibre-optic network. Dedicated centre-running transit lanes will be activated on portions of College Drive and 1st Avenue.

With a 2029 full launch, additional time would support testing and further refinement of transit signal priority, queue-jump lanes, staff training and the operational transition to the redesigned network. It would also allow the remaining estimated $9.2 million in operating phase-ins to be considered over the 2028 and 2029 budget cycles, rather than primarily in 2028.

The phased-in approach will allow infrastructure already built to be incorporated into the current network to enhance Transit experience as the City moves toward full implementation. Further details are contained in an appendix to the report, but the highlights are:

• Link shelters with on-demand heat, next bus display and CCTV will be installed starting in 2027. As these installations are completed, riders will benefit from more comfortable and improved waiting conditions;
• Transit signal priority and queue jump lanes will be deployed and operationalized as they become available. With design work underway and implementation to start in 2027, riders will begin to see benefits of improved reliability and on time performance;
• The construction of the College Drive corridor, including the centre lane dedicated runningway, has a contract completion date for the fall of 2027. When this corridor is completed, it will provide significantly higher priority for routes that currently travel this route improving reliability and on time performance and reducing the impacts of congestion during peak time on transit services;
• Transit hub construction will begin in 2028 with completion planned for launch in July 2029. As these facilities are completed, they will provide improved infrastructure in the current network for transfers between routes;
• Starting January 2027, transit service improvement packages will be incrementally realized with seasonal changes focused on expanding service in neighbourhoods which do not have full all-day service, and address capacity concerns in established high ridership corridors.

“Having the official launch of Link in the summer of 2029 will allow the City to continue making progress on Link infrastructure and early transit service improvements in 2027 and 2028, while reducing the risks associated with launching a new rapid transit system during major downtown construction,” Schmidt says. “It is exciting that we are moving closer to the implementation of Saskatoon’s first rapid transit system, a requirement for any growing city.”

More information on Link is available at saskatoon.ca/link.

Saskatoon residents whose properties were damaged by flooding caused by significant rainfall on Sept. 7, 2026, may now apply for assistance through the Province of Saskatchewan’s Provincial Disaster Assistance Program (PDAP).

The Province has approved the City of Saskatoon’s request to designate Saskatoon as an Eligible Assistance Area.

Apply through PDAP

Residents seeking financial assistance must submit an application directly to PDAP.

Before applying, review the 2026 PDAP Guidelines and PDAP Fact Sheet to understand eligibility requirements, the types of damage and expenses that may be considered, and the information and documents needed to support a claim.

PDAP administers the program, assesses applications and makes all decisions about eligibility and financial assistance. The City of Saskatoon does not administer PDAP claims.

Questions about applying or the status of a claim should be directed to PDAP using the contact information in the PDAP Fact Sheet.

Application packages available at City Hall

PDAP information packages, including a printed application form, will be available for pick-up beginning Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, at the Customer Care Kiosk in the City Hall lobby:
          City Hall
          222 Third Avenue North
          Saskatoon, Sask.

Key deadlines

• Submit your PDAP claim by March 7, 2027.
• Complete eligible repair work by Sept. 7, 2027.

PDAP Resources:

Use the following resources to prepare and submit your application:

• PDAP Private Property Application Instructions
• PDAP General Claim Guidelines
• PDAP Fact Sheet - 2026
• Private Property Application Form - Fillable

The City of Saskatoon is launching the Commercial Energy Planner (CEP) and the Commercial Energy Loan Program (loan program) to help affordable housing providers and owners of commercial, institutional, industrial and multi-unit residential buildings better understand the energy and water performance of their buildings, plan retrofits, and secure financing for qualifying upgrades.

Participants may use the Commercial Energy Planner independently or combine it with financing. Participation in the CEP is required to access the loan program.

Description

The Commercial Energy Planner provides energy and emissions benchmarking, building performance reporting, comparative insights and performance labeling, guidance on opportunities to improve efficiency and support in developing retrofit plans and investment strategies to help guide future investments in building upgrades and modernization. Participating in building owners gain access to information that can help identify cost-saving opportunities and plan future building improvements.

The loan program complements this support by providing eligible building owners with access to financing for energy and water efficiency upgrades, renewable energy installations, climate resiliency enhancements, and other approved building improvements.

Together, the programs provide participants with information, planning support and financing options to help reduce energy use, operating costs, and greenhouse gas emissions while improving the comfort, safety and long-term performance of their buildings.

"Buildings play a critical role in Saskatoon's climate goals and economic resilience," says Amber Weckworth, Climate Manager, Sustainability Department. "By helping building owners better understand how their buildings are performing and providing tools to support improvements, they can make informed investments that lower operating costs and create more comfortable, efficient spaces."

From understanding building performance to making retrofits a reality

The Commercial Energy Planner provides participating building owners with:

• Energy and emissions benchmarking
• Building performance reports
• Comparative insights and performance labels
• Guidance on opportunities to improve efficiency
• Support in developing retrofit plans and investment strategies

Financing building improvements

For owners ready to act on identified opportunities, the Commercial Energy Loan Program provides another tool, offering financing to support eligible energy efficiency and building upgrades.

"Many building operators want to improve their properties but don't know where to start," says Weckworth. "The Commercial Energy Planner can help owners understand their current performance and identify opportunities, while the loan program provides a financing option to help turn those plans into action."

Supporting Saskatoon's climate and economic goals

The Commercial Energy Planner is partially funded by the Government of Canada’s Deep Retrofit Accelerator Initiative. The Commercial Energy Loan Program is partially funded by a $500,000 grant from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund (GMF), funded by the Government of Canada. The initiative unlocks affordable, long-term financing for energy and water upgrades, helping building owners reduce emissions, improve performance, and advance Saskatoon’s transition to a low-carbon future.

“Saskatchewan communities know how important it is to plan — and build — for the future. With $450,000 in federal support through the Deep Retrofit Accelerator Initiative, these targeted programs will help property owners in Saskatoon make practical upgrades that save on energy costs and extend the life of their buildings.”

— The Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development

“Improving the energy performance of buildings is an important part of reducing emissions, lowering operating costs, and building stronger, more sustainable communities. With the federal government helping to support Saskatoon’s Commercial Energy Planner, we are working together to create healthier, more resilient, and economically secure communities.”

– The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature

“Municipalities play a critical role in building a more affordable, resilient, and sustainable future for Canadians. FCM, with the support of the Government of Canada, is proud to support the City of Saskatoon in exploring practical solutions that will increase building energy efficiency to reduce energy costs and emissions. This is an example of how FCM’s Green Municipal Fund is a proven federal-municipal delivery platform helping meet national goals in communities.”

– Tim Tierney, FCM President

The two programs are part of Saskatoon's efforts to reduce community greenhouse gas emissions and improve the performance of existing buildings. Commercial, institutional, and multi-unit residential buildings account for 61% of Saskatoon’s total greenhouse gas emissions.

By bringing building performance information, improvement planning and financing together, the City is helping building owners take a more informed approach to investments that can reduce energy costs, improve building performance and extend the useful life of existing properties.

Registration and applications now open

Eligible building owners can now register for the Commercial Energy Planner and apply for financing through the Commercial Energy Loan Program.

Commercial Energy Planner participants receive personalized support and resources throughout the benchmarking and reporting process, while building owners planning upgrades can explore whether their project qualifies for financing.

Learn more

Building owners interested in the Commercial Energy Planner can visit saskatoon.ca/CEP for eligibility requirements and program details.

About FCM’s Green Municipal Fund

FCM’s Green Municipal Fund (GMF) is a globally unique organization that leverages investments from the Government of Canada to provide funding and education to municipalities, helping them both reach net-zero and build resilient communities, while also delivering economic and social benefits such as jobs, housing and infrastructure. Since inception in 2000, it has helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 3.02 million tonnes, funded nearly 60,000 person-years of employment and contributed $5.6 billion to the national GDP via the more than 2,850 approved projects. GMF manages approximately $2.4 billion in programs funded by the Government of Canada.

An information report presented today at the Governance and Priorities Committee meeting of City Council illustrates how the Downtown Event and Entertainment District (the District) has been considered through public Council processes for more than a decade.

The District is more than a future arena/event centre. It is a long-term vision for a vibrant, inclusive and welcoming downtown that would bring together entertainment venues, convention facilities, public spaces, cultural amenities, transportation connections and supporting infrastructure to create a destination for residents and visitors alike.

The discussions began in 2016 after the SaskTel Centre identified the facility was aging and facing increasing challenges in meeting industry expectations and remaining competitive in attracting major events. Since April 2016, nearly 50 public reports have been presented to City Council and the Governance and Priorities Committee.

“The work to date has been intensive,” says Dan Willems, Director of Technical Services. “It has included market analysis, public engagement, site selection, conceptual design, land assembly, funding analysis, planning and partnership development. We’ve been in front of Council many times over the last ten years as the project has moved forward to make sure the project has been considered through public and transparent discussions and decisions.”

Key Council decisions have included:

• 2018: Council directed Administration to plan for a future downtown arena, convention centre and entertainment district.
• 2021: Council confirmed the District and bus rapid transit (now known as Link) as City priorities and directed work on funding options, public engagement, Indigenous partnerships and sustainability.
• 2022: Following public engagement on site selection, Council selected the Midtown Shopping Centre north parking lot as the preferred site for a future event centre/arena.
• 2024: Council approved the District’s initial funding strategy, and Saskatoon’s City Centre and District Plan as a framework for future implementation.
• 2026: Council directed Administration to explore a potential strategic partnership with Muskeg Lake Cree Nation.

The District could include a renovated and expanded TCU Place and theatre, a future event centre to replace SaskTel Centre, parkade and improvements to streets, parks, utilities and public spaces.

The vision has been structured in a manner that allows portions of the project to move forward in phases due to physical site requirements and because funding is expected to be achieved in phases. The first phase is anticipated to include underground and public realm improvements, followed by TCU Place renovation/expansion including construction of more than 500 underground parking stalls; followed later by the construction of the event centre (SaskTel Centre replacement).

The City is working to secure funding from other orders of government and is exploring partnership opportunities. Detailed design and construction cannot proceed until a funding plan is approved by City Council.

Any future decisions related to funding, partnership agreements, project scope and construction will require further consideration and approval by City Council through public meetings.

Find out more about the Downtown Event and Entertainment District and history by visiting saskatoon.ca/eventdistrict.

The removal of the encampment at 20th Street and Avenue K South has progressed for most of the day and is nearing completion following a coordinated community response focused on safety, dignity and connecting individuals with available supports.

A news release earlier in the day details the coordinated community response.

As part of the response, as of this afternoon:

• An estimated 120 unhoused individuals left the encampment site.
• Despite multiple and repeated efforts to offer supports, only 2 individuals accepted offers of support, including housing, shelter, transportation and other services.
• 80 total tents and temporary structures were removed.
• Approximately 5,622.24 kg of garbage and debris were cleared from the site and counting.
• The site will be fully fenced and secured within the next few hours.

"This is a complex operation that required balancing compassion for individuals experiencing homelessness with the need to address serious safety concerns within the encampment and surrounding community," says Deputy Fire Chief Yvonne Raymer. "Our priority from the start of the process was an orderly transition off the site while helping people access safer alternatives and available supports."

The City and partner organizations undertook extensive outreach efforts throughout the removal process to help individuals transition to safer accommodations and connect them with resources.

The site closure represents an important step in addressing immediate safety concerns while supporting individuals toward more stable living situations.

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With the coordinated support of several community-based, Indigenous and provincial government organizations, the process of removing an encampment on private property at 20th Street and Avenue K South began this morning.

“Encampments are removed because they begin to become unsafe for both the residents living in them and the schools, services, businesses and neighbourhoods around them,” says Deputy Fire Chief Yvonne Raymer.

“Every agency involved in this has the same goal: to ensure people are safe and that they are living in a safe environment,” Raymer says. “We connect people to housing, shelter, health services and other supports as part of addressing the serious safety concerns at the encampment site.”

The partner agencies acknowledge this action is an emotional and complex issue and are determined to approach it with respect and compassion.

Our community has heard a lot of talk in the news and social media that encampments or “Tent Cities” are a reasonable solution to the shelter and housing crisis Saskatoon faces. A few seconds of video on a digital platform often does not tell the full story though.

Encampment sites can present significant fire, sanitation and public safety risks. Safety concerns increase as encampments grow. These concerns are clear and present at encampments and the risk is the same for 20th Street and Avenue K South.

“Since midnight October 5, we’ve been called to four fires at encampments,” Raymer says. “One destroyed a tent and spread to nearby trees in Optimist Park, another, just six hours later, spread to brush and trees in the same park and another in the backyard of a vacant property destroyed a makeshift shelter and damaged a fence and just last night one got out of control in a park off Idylwyld Drive.”

Other activities observed and documented at and very near the site include: possible gang activity, suspected domestic violence, assaults and open drug use.

Encampments where people are living outdoors without access to basic amenities and services are not a long-term housing solution, especially as the weather grows colder and potentially fatal. The City has an important role to play, but lasting solutions require coordinated action among governments, Indigenous organizations, housing providers and community agencies.

Tribal Chief Mark Arcand of the Saskatoon Tribal Council says encampments are too dangerous and he does not support them.

“At the Avenue K site, there’s too much violence and gang activity, including drugs and sex trafficking happening there, and it is spilling out onto our other programs.

“We offer supports at our outdoor washroom project just a block away; we have supportive housing just across the street and we have the Sawēyihtotān outreach program. Some relatives in the encampment had been seeking supports, but in the last few weeks, we have seen an escalation of violence throughout that neighbourhood and seen that relatives who had been interested in supports are now refusing them.

“The real solution is for people to access the supports they need, to get housing, addiction treatment, medical care, and connection to culture, in a safe environment. This won’t happen as long as they are at an encampment. Instead, the most vulnerable relatives will continue to be at risk from the activities occurring there and their cycle will continue.”

The Saskatoon Police Service stresses safety for everyone is top of mind.

“Our Service is committed to working with our partners to ensure we maintain peace and prevent violence,” says Saskatoon Police Chief Cameron McBride. “Officers are tasked with ensuring we assist in an orderly and peaceful transition for residents from the encampment.”

Partner agency supports are available: Before any site response, efforts are made to connect individuals with shelter, housing, transportation and other services.

Today, there are community organizations able to provide social service and sheltering opportunities for anyone at the encampment who wants them and transportation to connect people to these important supports. These organizations include: The Saskatoon Tribal Council - Sawēyihtotān, Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI), Salvation Army caseworkers and the Ministry of Social Services income assistance and housing case workers.

Ministry of Social Services staff will continue to connect with individuals to provide income supports and emergency shelter options. This includes referrals to available shelter spaces, friends and family, detox services or hotels if available shelter spaces did not meet their needs. They will also help make connections with other human service providers and community-based organizations providing services such as mental health and addictions and medical supports.

“We are concerned for the health and safety of everyone living in the encampment, particularly as winter approaches,” says CUMFI President Shirley Isbister.

“While the closure of an encampment is never the complete solution, I’m hopeful that this is an important step in connecting people to housing and supports.

“CUMFI is ready to assist through housing navigation, cultural supports and connections to services that can help them move toward greater stability. We want people to know there are supports available, and they do not have to navigate these challenges alone.”

To reiterate, removing an encampment alone does not solve homelessness. That's why the community response includes outreach, supports and ongoing collaboration with community partners.

While we recognize the challenges people face, we also have an obligation to address significant wider community safety risks and work toward safer, more sustainable alternatives.

The City of Saskatoon and the Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) are modifying the approach to the 2026 Point-in-Time (PiT) Count, originally scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, 2026.

The 2026 PiT Count was planned as an enumeration only, focused on collecting a snapshot of the number of people experiencing homelessness in Saskatoon. Approximately 250 volunteers were trained, and teams were in place to support the Count.

In recent weeks, there have been heightened concerns related to the systems and services that support people experiencing homelessness in Saskatoon. The City and SHIP recognize the challenging circumstances faced by individuals and families experiencing unsheltered homelessness, including those living in encampments.

Due to safety concerns related to potential protest activity which may affect the safety of volunteers, staff and community partners participating in the count, SHIP and the City have made a difficult decision: the unsheltered portion of the PiT Count will not move forward on October 6.

“The safety of volunteers, community partners, staff and people experiencing homelessness must come first,” said Lesley Anderson, Director of Planning and Development, City of Saskatoon. “We are grateful to everyone who was prepared to take part in this year’s Point-in-Time Count. Their continued commitment helps Saskatoon better understand homelessness and advocate for the coordinated supports our community needs.”

The City will be able to collect several data points that have been included in previous PiT Counts, including the number of people staying in emergency shelters, transitional housing and systems. The City will also work with the Saskatoon Fire Department to estimate the number of people living in encampments.

This information will continue to support the understanding of homelessness in Saskatoon and inform planning, advocacy and collaboration across housing, health and community safety systems.

The primary limitation of the modified approach is that it will not include information collected directly from people experiencing unsheltered homelessness, which is normally gathered through the PiT Count enumeration process. However, the more comprehensive version of the PiT Count, including full enumeration and survey, is already planned for 2027.

SHIP and the City thank the volunteers, community partners and staff who contribute to the PiT Count each year. Their efforts are deeply valued, and we hope they will remain engaged in future Counts.

The City of Saskatoon acknowledges today's decision by the Court of King's Bench and appreciates the Court's consideration of this matter. 

The City's approach to the encampment has consistently focused on connecting individuals with available supports and services while addressing significant health and safety concerns for people staying at the site, the nearby school, neighbouring residents, businesses and the broader community.

The City remains committed to working with community partners to support vulnerable individuals and to uphold its responsibility to maintain safe public spaces. 

We will continue to follow established encampment response processes and work closely with partner agencies to ensure supports remain available for those who need them.

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