News Releases

At 7:04 a.m., the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a report of a semi-truck on fire.

Upon arrival, fire crews found a semi-truck and trailer unit that had struck a light standard; the tractor unit was on fire. Firefighters deployed hose lines and performed an exterior attack to bring the fire under control.

The fire was fully extinguished at 8:03 a.m. No injuries were reported. The vehicle’s occupant was able to exit safely.

Circle Drive eastbound will remain closed temporarily to allow for vehicle towing and cleanup. Traffic will be redirected onto a detour route via Venture Crescent to move around the incident and return to Circle Drive eastbound.

Drivers are asked to consider using alternative routes.

The 2025 Point‑in‑Time (PiT) Count has identified 1,931 individuals in Saskatoon experiencing homelessness, an increase from 1,499 individuals in 2024. The number recorded in 2025 is now more than 3.5 times higher than the total identified during the 2022 count, underscoring a continued upward trend.

The City of Saskatoon, in partnership with the Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) and more than 250 volunteers, conducted Saskatoon’s annual PiT Count on October 16, 2025. The PiT Count provides a snapshot of the minimum number of individuals experiencing homelessness across Saskatoon.

This year’s count focused on enumerating individuals rather than conducting full surveys and included people and families staying in emergency shelters, transitional housing, unsheltered locations such as encampments, public systems and those experiencing hidden homelessness.

Key PiT Count findings:

• 1,931 people were counted as experiencing homelessness
  • Includes 219 children (0-12) and 209 youth (13-24)
• Length of Time in Saskatoon
  • 29.8% reported they have always lived in Saskatoon
  • 43.0% have lived in the city for more than five years
  • 27.2% have lived here for less than five years
• Indigenous Representation
  • 82.9% of respondents identified as Indigenous, maintaining a significant over-representation

“The PiT Count provides both a snapshot of homelessness at a single point in time and valuable insight into year-over-year trends in our community,” says Lesley Anderson, Director of Planning and Development. “Access to this type of data ensures we understand immediate needs and pressures, while also monitoring the impacts of new and changing programs. As homelessness continues to rise, having accurate data to guide where we allocate resources for the greatest possible impact remains a priority.”

“SHIP appreciates the partnership with the City of Saskatoon in coordinating the PiT count. We appreciate the many volunteers who come out to walk the streets and talk to the people to ensure a comprehensive and accurate count. It helps us and the projects we fund identify gaps in service and we learn poverty is the common denominator in homelessness,” says Robert LaFontaine, Executive Director, Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership.

The PiT Count is funded in part by the Government of Canada through Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy.

A detailed summary of the 2025 findings is available in the 2025 PiT Count Community Report. For more information, visit saskatoon.ca/pit.

The City of Saskatoon has a new roadmap for the future.

On February 25, 2026, City Council approved the new 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, adopting ten Council priorities and three priorities for High-Performing Organizations to make Saskatoon a city that works for everyone.

“Looking ahead, this Strategic Plan provides a clear path for how Administration will advance City Council’s priorities over the coming four years,” says City Manager Jeff Jorgenson. “It positions us to respond to the opportunities and pressures that come with a growing city.”

The 2026–2029 Strategic Plan will guide the City’s efforts to build a safer, more inclusive Saskatoon with a resilient economy that meets the evolving needs of the city’s residents.

“The next four years give us a meaningful opportunity to shape Saskatoon in ways residents will feel every day, from addressing homelessness to enhancing community safety and keeping life affordable,” says Mayor Cynthia Block. “By focusing on strong public service, modern transportation, responsible financial stewardship and a supportive environment for local business, we can build a Saskatoon that is safe, vibrant, committed to Reconciliation and prepared for what’s ahead.”

The 2026–2029 Strategic Plan was developed through a comprehensive process that includes research and engagement with Council, Administration, residents and many city departments and teams. Based on that consultation process, the City will focus on the following ten Council priorities and three main areas to help the City deliver the programs and services that residents rely on.

To learn more about the 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, watch our video message from Mayor Cynthia Block and City Manager Jeff Jorgenson.

The City of Saskatoon (City) closed 2025 in a strong financial position with a surplus of $18.85 million within the Utility programs – a positive variance of 4.2 per cent for the City Utilities and maintaining a near-balanced operating budget for Civic Operations. There was a small operating deficit of $195,616, which is an overage of 0.03 per cent on the approved $663 million operating budget. A report outlining the Preliminary Year-End Financial Results as at December 31, 2025, will be presented to the Standing Policy Committee on Finance at its March 4, 2026, meeting.

“Our utility surpluses will help offset upcoming expenditures in the water and wastewater utilities, such as upgrading aging assets and supporting the construction of a new, second Water Treatment Plant,” says Kari Smith, Director of Finance. “The minor operating deficit shows the City kept overall spending very close to plan and delivered strong financial oversight throughout the year.”

Operating Budget Highlights

• Saskatoon Transit and Access Transit: $2.69 million surplus, mainly due to fuel rates being lower than expected.
• Waste Handling Services (Landfill): $1.51 million surplus driven by higher-than-expected revenues.
• Snow and Ice Management: $3.03 million deficit following eight snow events (including full residential street clearing in early 2025) and a total of 16 winter weather events throughout the season.

The Administration recommends covering the operating deficit with funds from the Fiscal Stabilization Reserve. If approved, this will leave $16.84 million in that reserve and $7.73 million in the Snow and Ice Management Contingency Reserve to help manage any future budget shortfalls.

City Utilities Highlights

• Water Utility: $8,076,885 surplus
• Wastewater Utility: $5,807,769 surplus
• Saskatoon Light & Power: $3,485,464 surplus
• Waste Services Utility: $1,168,114 surplus
• Storm Water Management Utility: $312,836 surplus

Together, these results reflect a 4.2% overall surplus across City utilities. Surplus funds will be transferred to their respective stabilization, capital or replacement reserves. The transfer of surplus funding into the capital reserves will help fund future Utility projects, including building a second Water Treatment Plant, and could reduce future borrowing or rate increase requirements. Details provided in Appendix 4 of the report.

The preliminary year-end results remain subject to the City’s annual external audit. The 2025 Annual Report will be released this summer.

The City of Saskatoon continues to hold a ‘AAA’/Stable credit rating, maintained for 24 consecutive years – reflecting Saskatoon’s strong and consistent financial management.

For more information, visit saskatoon.ca/budget

Following an earlier commitment to City Council to find an alternate location to 325 Avenue C South, Council is now being asked to consider a property on Idylwyld Drive North for a drop-in centre.

Securing a safe, suitable location for a drop-in centre that can provide daytime and overnight support year-round for people experiencing homelessness is a priority. Based on the Government of Saskatchewan’s $3 million annual funding commitment for drop-in homelessness services, the City of Saskatoon was asked to find an appropriate location.

When City Council approved the Avenue C building purchase at its October 28, 2025 meeting, City Administration acknowledged concerns about that location, including its proximity to other services such as the adjacent Salvation Army shelter. At that time, the Administration committed to Council it would keep looking for alternative locations. 

Administration has now identified 130 Idylwyld Drive North as an alternative option. The site offers a central location, street-level access, proximity to transit and services, and a flexible layout with two bays that support adaptable service delivery, including distinct spaces for men and women. The purchase price for the site is $1,635,000 and would be funded through existing federal government funding.

A coordinated safety and security plan would be developed before opening, in collaboration with the Government of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon Tribal Council and City resources. This approach reflects the methods successfully used around the Avenue C location and the downtown temporary shelter. 

To prepare the building for drop-in services, some alterations would be required such as plumbing, HVAC, laundry capabilities, shower installations and site fencing. Administration estimates the cost at approximately $350,000, which would be funded through the City’s Affordable Housing Reserve. 

Should Council approve the purchase, the targeted operational opening date is November 1, 2026. The Government of Saskatchewan would continue to fund the Saskatoon Tribal Council to operate the drop-in centre at this location.

The City of Saskatoon continues to hold the highest credit rating possible from S&P Global Ratings (S&P) since it first began affirming the City’s rating in 2002.

S&P, has today, confirmed its ‘AAA’ credit rating with a “Stable” Outlook, for the City of Saskatoon. This is the 24^th year in a row the City has achieved the highly regarded rating and is among only a handful of Canadian municipalities to have it.

“We are proud to be one of only six cities in Canada to receive the ‘AAA’ Credit Rating with a "Stable" Outlook from S&P and the only city to receive the highest scoring possible across all six rating factor assessment categories,” says Clae Hack, Chief Financial Officer. “This rating confirms that the City is managing its finances responsibly as we continue to focus on planning appropriately to meet the needs of our growing city now and for years to come.”

Saskatoon benefits from an extremely predictable and supportive local and regional government framework, the S&P analysis states, and has demonstrated high institutional stability and evidence of systemic extraordinary support in times of financial distress.

Key quotes from S&P’s analysis, rationale and outlook contributing to the confirmation of the City’s strong credit rating as stated within January 12, 2026, S&P Global Ratings Direct® Report for the City of Saskatoon include:

• “The City’s administration remains largely stable, with significant experience and a record of effectively enacting fiscal policies.”
   
• "The City consistently produces detailed annual budget documents. It also prepares multi-year operating and capital budgets alongside comprehensive long-term capital and borrowing plans. This underpins fiscal transparency and discipline, in our assessment.”
   
• "The stable outlook reflects S&P Global Ratings’ expectation that Saskatoon will continue to benefit from a resilient economy that supports budgetary performance, maintain exceptional liquidity, and keep its debt burden manageable at below 45% of adjusted operating revenues."
   
• “In our view, Saskatoon's strong and prudent financial management is a key credit strength.”
   
• “We view both management accountability and transparency as strong, as reflected in ongoing disclosures and grounded assumptions.”

“We are moving forward with significant strategic investments, such as our Bus Rapid Transit System ‘Link’, expansion to the water treatment plant and new fire stations to support the needs of our expanding city,” Hack says. “We have high confidence in our plans to use debt strategically to deliver our large capital projects in a fiscally responsible manner – as supported through S&P’s credit rating, assessment and comments.”

Credit ratings are one of several tools that investors and lenders use when making decisions regarding an organization’s future financial strengths and weaknesses. For the City of Saskatoon, the ‘AAA’/Stable rating serves as an indication of the City’s credit risk and ability to meet its financial obligations in full and on time. The rating is also viewed as critical to support stakeholders’ confidence and the trust of our community.

View reports on the City of Saskatoon’s financial performance and credit rating history at saskatoon.ca.

Starting today, January 5, the City of Saskatoon will begin mailing 2026 Assessment Notices to about 14,000 property owners who have had changes to their property’s assessment, tax status or ownership since January 1, 2025. These notices provide updated information that helps determine property taxes for the upcoming year.

The City’s 2026 Assessment Roll is now open for public review 

From January 5 to February 6, 2026, property owners can review their property’s assessment details or look up other properties in Saskatoon. This review period is an opportunity to confirm the information the City has on file for your property.

“The 30-Day Assessment Review and Appeal period is an important time for property owners to check their assessment for accuracy, fairness and equity,” says Bryce Trew, City Assessor. “Our team is here to answer your assessment-related questions, connect with us first before considering filing a formal appeal in 2026.”

How to review the 2026 Assessment Roll

• In person: By appointment at City Hall, 222 3rd Avenue North, weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (excluding holidays). Call 306-975-3227 to book.
• Online: Use the Property Assessment & Tax Tool anytime during the review period to check the information the City has on your property or call our Assessment Office at 306-975-3227. We’re here to help.

Take time to review your property’s assessed value. If something doesn’t look right, you have 30 days, from January 5 – February 6, 2026, to file a formal appeal (fees apply). You do not need to receive a 2026 Assessment Notice to file an appeal in 2026.

• If you would like to proceed with filing a formal appeal with the City’s Board of Revision, submit your Notice of Appeal and fee by February 6, 2026. The form and online payment options are at saskatoon.ca/assessmentappeals.
• Appeals can be mailed or delivered to:
  The Secretary, Board of Revision
  c/o City Clerk’s Office
  222 3rd Ave North
  Saskatoon, SK S7K 0J5

Assessment appeal hearings are public, and documents filed will be posted online, subject to exceptions under The Cities Act.

For more information, including videos on how property assessments were last calculated in 2025, visit saskatoon.ca/assessment or call 306-975-3227.

With snow and cold weather setting in, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) is reminding residents to keep an eye out for people living in encampments so they can be connected to safe supports.

“Encampments exist in every Saskatoon neighbourhood and we don’t always know about every single one,” says Deputy Chief Yvonne Raymer. “Reporting encampments through the City’s 24-hour Customer Care Centre helps us connect individuals living in unsafe conditions with supports. While we may not be able to respond immediately, we are doing everything we can to make sure people have a safe and warm place to stay.”

There are two overnight drop-in facilities where people can have food, warm up and be connected to other supports.

“We don’t want people living in unsafe conditions,” Raymer says. “As the weather gets colder, we see risky heating sources become more common in encampments: that’s why the Fire Department is involved. Just in the past two months, we have seen 90 encampment fires and some came very close to being fatal.”

The SFD continues to hear proposals for a large, centralized encampment as a safe option for people. The SFD consulted with other municipalities that allowed large tent cities. It revealed this approach is unsafe for those residents and surrounding neighbours, especially during winter when more fires are commonly used for warmth.

Municipalities have reported significant risks associated with centralized encampments, including:

• Fires, explosions, and injuries to camp residents and emergency workers
• Disease outbreaks
• Rodent infestations and bites
• Soil contamination from human waste and chemicals
• Gang activity and unsafe drug use
• Human trafficking
• Physical assaults and social disorder
• Theft and vandalism in nearby neighbourhoods
• Feelings of insecurity for camp residents and broader community
• Emergency workers requiring police due to safety threats

Managing sanctioned encampments can cost municipalities millions of dollars. Once a municipality sanctions an encampment area, it becomes responsible for servicing the space and providing resources such as water, toilets, power and clean-up, in addition to emergency services including police and firefighters.¹

The SFD’s current encampment response process works with community partners to engage with individuals in encampments and offer connections to health-related supports, transportation, and temporary housing options with the goal of transitioning to stable and longer-term housing.²

“The City will be working to develop an updated Encampment Response Plan to address the growing numbers of people experiencing homelessness,” Raymer says. “It will be coordinated among the many different organizations currently involved in encampment responses, including the Fire Department, other departments in the City, the Saskatoon Police Service, the Province, and community partners.”

If residents see someone in unsafe outdoor living conditions, please do not approach the encampment. Report the information to the City’s 24-hourt Customer Care Centre at 306-975-2476 to have your report added to the queue. Current response times for the encampment team are approximately one week and are prioritized according to levels of risks.

¹ The following costs were accrued by municipalities for encampment management, removal and clean-up:

• Halifax (2024):
  • $1 million spent on Victoria Park encampment cleanup
  • $771,000 on fencing
  • $172,680 on site remediation
  • $300,000 on garbage cleanup across designated and non-designated areas
• Edmonton (2022):
  • Estimated $2.1 million to operate a city-sanctioned encampment for 60 people over three months -- including social supports and 24/7 security

² Before any removal takes place, the City’s encampment team meets with the individuals in the encampment to problem-solve and identify the supports they need, working to connect them with the appropriate help.

The SFD currently has six inspectors devoted to clearing encampments. Demand for this work has continued to increase over the last four years.

The City celebrates the contributions to our community from persons with disabilities on December 3, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Persons with disabilities add to the richness and diversity of our community and bring unique perspectives and strengths that benefit us all. We strive to ensure everyone can fully participate in our community, whether at work, play, or in daily life.

In recognition of this day, the City of Saskatoon is releasing its first Multi-Year Accessibility Plan in support of the Accessible Saskatchewan Act. The City received feedback from over 500 individuals and community organizations, who shared their valuable insights and thoughts about the accessibility barriers they face in Saskatoon. 

"The sharing of these lived experiences helped the City build a stronger understanding of the hardships people face. They also provided direction for how best to address these concerns, without negating the great work that has already been done over the years to improve accessibility and address barriers at the City," says Stryker Calvez, Director of Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (REDI).

The City spoke with a few residents and employees who have disabilities about what the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan and the International Day of Persons with Disabilities means to them. We are grateful to these individuals for sharing their stories with us and for allowing us to share them with our community. You can watch their stories on our Accessibility Plan page and through the City’s social media channels.