News Releases

The City and Muskeg Lake Cree Nation have cleared a path to designate the First Nation’s land at 143 Aspen Place as an urban reserve. The site is located adjacent to Asimakaniseekan Askiy urban reserve, located in Sutherland. This urban reserve will become Muskeg Lake Cree Nation’s 3^rd urban reserve in Saskatoon. The other is Creeway West Petro Canada, located on 22^nd Street West.

Muskeg Lake Cree Nation has a long-standing relationship with the City of Saskatoon, dating back to establishing their first urban reserve, Asimakaniseekan Askiy in 1988, which was the first commercial urban reserve in Canada (and Saskatoon). Its success has been the foundation of those that have been created since. Today, it is currently home to 50 businesses and over 750 employees.

Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark and Muskeg Lake Cree Nation Chief Kelly Wolfe, along with the Council of Muskeg Lake Cree Nation and Saskatoon Board of Police Commissioners Chair, Shirley Greyeyes, today signed urban reserve agreements during a special signing ceremony.

"The original urban reserve agreement between Muskeg Lake Cree Nation and Saskatoon in 1988 was historic for Canada and helped clear a pathway for urban reserves to be created across the country since. Muskeg Lake Cree Nation and the City of Saskatoon have seen tremendous benefits from this partnership and friendship ever since. Today we build on this relationship by signing our third urban reserve agreement, to create opportunities for both of our communities for generations to come." says Mayor Charlie Clark.

At its regularly scheduled meeting on September 25, 2024, City Council approved the Municipal Services and Compatibility Agreement negotiated with Muskeg Lake Cree Nation. The Saskatoon Board of Police Commissioners also approved the Police Services Agreement at their regularly scheduled meeting on September 19, 2024. These agreements fulfill the municipal requirements for urban reserve designation.

The agreements address:

• municipal and police services the City will provide;
• service fees Muskeg Lake Cree Nation will pay the City in lieu of property taxes; and,
• compatible land-use and development standards.

“Our partnership with the City of Saskatoon continues to grow as we look toward the future. At Muskeg Lake, we always make decisions with the next seven generations in mind, ensuring that what we build today will benefit our children, grandchildren, and all those who come after us,” says Muskeg Lake Cree Nation Chief Kelly Wolfe.

“By working together with the City, we’re not only focused on expanding our urban reserve and creating economic opportunities but also on addressing the well-being of our communities. Our goals include strengthening education, improving infrastructure, and preserving our culture to create a brighter future for everyone.”

Decisions on reserve designation are made by the federal government. Once the property is designated as a reserve, it will become the eleventh urban reserve in Saskatoon. When a property transfers to reserve status, it is no longer under City jurisdiction.

For more information on urban reserves, please visit saskatoon.ca/urbanreserves.

About Muskeg Lake Cree Nation

Muskeg Lake Cree Nation is a member of the Saskatoon Tribal Council, whose home reserve is located in central Saskatchewan, 93 kilometres north of Saskatoon, and is bordered by the towns of Marcelin, Leask and Blaine Lake. It is accessible via Highways 40, 12 and 3A. A signatory to Treaty No. 6, with approximately 2,500 members, around 450 reside on the home reserve, while the remainder live in other communities off reserve, throughout the province, including several members living in Saskatoon.

Muskeg Lake Cree Nation is a Plains Cree band that owns and manages a total of 35,123 acres in urban and rural lands. These lands are used for community living, agriculture, recreation and business.

As a community, people of Muskeg Lake Cree Nation are proud of their Cree language, culture and heritage. Veterans from Muskeg Lake Cree Nation have played a significant role in how the community has developed and are honoured for their ongoing service and contributions.

It’s official! The names of candidates for Saskatoon’s next mayor, city councillors and public and separate school board trustees to be listed on Saskatoon’s 2024 Civic Election ballot, are now available at saskatoon.ca/voterinfo.

Elections Saskatoon conducted a random name draw on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, in Council Chamber at City Hall to determine the order of candidate names on the ballot where there were five (5) or more, in accordance with Bylaw No. 8191, The Election Bylaw, 2012, subsection 7.1 (3). The names of official candidates where there are fewer than five (5) running, will appear alphabetically on the ballot. List of Official Candidates

Notice of Poll

Elections will be held for the offices of:

• Mayor of the City of Saskatoon
• City Councillor in Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
• Public School Board Trustee of the Saskatoon Public School Division No. 13 in
  Wards 1, 5, 6, 8, 9
• Separate School Board Trustee of the St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Separate School Division No. 20

Notice of Abandonment of Poll

A poll will not be required per The Local Government Election Act, 2015, for the offices of: City Councillor – Ward 9; City Councillor – Ward 10; Public School Board Trustee – Ward 2; Public School Board Trustee – Ward 3; Public School Board Trustee – Ward 4; Public School Board Trustee – Ward 7; and Public School Board Trustee – Ward 10.

Therefore, no voting for the following offices will take place, and the following candidates are elected by acclamation:

• Bev DUBOIS, City Councillor – Ward 9
• Zach JEFFRIES, City Councillor – Ward 10
• Vernon J. LINKLATER, Public School Board Trustee – Ward 2
• Donna BANKS, Public School Board Trustee – Ward 3
• Kim STRANDEN, Public School Board Trustee – Ward 4
• Ross TAIT, Public School Board Trustee – Ward 7
• Angela ARNESON, Public School Board Trustee – Ward 10

Starting Tuesday, October 15, 2024, the official candidate profiles will be available for review online at saskatoon.ca/candidateprofiles

To assist voters in the election process, candidates were given the opportunity to provide a photo, contact information, website and social media links, and a short profile statement. All information contained in the profiles was provided by the candidates and has not been edited by Elections Saskatoon. Viewpoints and opinions expressed are the responsibility of the candidate. The Returning Officer, City of Saskatoon, Public School Board, and Catholic School Board are not responsible for verifying or investigating the accuracy of any information provided by a candidate.

Visit saskatoon.ca/vote 2024, your trusted source for all 2024 Civic Election information.

The City of Saskatoon is prepared for the annual Fall Street Sweeping program, an important initiative to keep streets clean and reduce the risk of spring flooding. 

From October 15 to October 24, street sweeping crews will be clearing fallen leaves from some of Saskatoon’s leafiest neighborhoods, which includes Buena Vista, Caswell Hill, City Park, Exhibition, Holiday Park, King George, Mayfair, Nutana, Riversdale and Varsity View. Residents can find their scheduled sweep day by visiting saskatoon.ca/sweep. 

"Fallen leaves can cause issues by blocking catch basins and storm drains, which can lead to flooding when the snow melts in spring," says Cam LeClaire, Roadways Manager. "This preventative work not only protects city infrastructure but also improves quality of life for residents." 

Temporary parking restrictions will be in place and vehicles may be ticketed or towed if necessary. 

How You Can Help: 

• Clear leaves from the sidewalk and boulevard next to your property but avoid pushing leaves into the street, as large piles can slow down the sweepers. 

• Dispose of loose leaves in your green cart or drop them off at a compost depot. Bagged leaves can be placed in your black cart. 

• Watch for the yellow No Parking signs and move your vehicle by 7:00 a.m. on your scheduled sweep day. If your vehicle is towed, you can use the Find My Vehicle! tool or call our Customer Care Centre at 306-975-2476. 

Service Alerts will be issued if changes to the schedule are necessary due to weather or other factors. For more details, visit saskatoon.ca/sweep. 

City Council unanimously approved $13,284,000 for Affordable Housing Incentives to support 18 projects aimed at developing 492 new affordable rental units in Saskatoon. The capital grants were endorsed at Council’s Regular Business Meeting on September 25. The grants are made possible through the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF). Additionally, 17 of the projects received Council approval for a five-year incremental tax abatement, estimated at $3,028,155.15.

"Saskatoon is facing an affordability crisis,” says Mayor Charlie Clark. “These incentives will help provide housing to families, seniors, and students who are being priced out of the current housing market. Affordable housing units keep people safely housed and off the streets in our city, yet they continue to be a gap in the housing continuum. It is our priority to provide housing options for people of all income levels and abilities in Saskatoon."

Affordable Housing Incentives (2024) Overview

The Affordable Housing Incentives Call for Proposals was issued on June 5, 2024, and remained open until July 5, 2024. This initiative invited applicants proposing the construction of new affordable rental units to apply for capital grants of up to $27,000 per unit, along with the opportunity to secure a five-year incremental tax abatement. The program attracted significant interest, with a total of 25 applications submitted.

Eligible projects must involve the construction of new affordable rental units, which may include units within mixed-market developments. Affordable housing is defined as housing for low-income households, with incomes at or below the Saskatchewan Household Income Maximums, while spending no more than 30 percent of their income on housing or set at the maximum funding available under the shelter benefit.

“It’s very important; these incentives, as they will also help us leverage more funding from CMHC and other funders and address the massive need as reflected on our waiting list and in Saskatoon in general,” says Angela Bishop of Camponi Housing Corporation. “In the spirit of reconciliation, kinship and unity we can all be architects of a stronger, inclusive and more vibrant Saskatoon.”

To qualify for funding, applicants were required to have a minimum of five years of experience in the affordable housing sector or residential development. Additionally, successful projects must secure a building permit no later than December 27, 2026, to meet the timelines set by the Housing Accelerator Fund agreement and the units must remain affordable for at least 20 years.

For more information about Saskatoon’s Housing Action Plan, visit saskatoon.ca/housingactionplan.

For more information about Affordable Housing Incentives, visit saskatoon.ca/affordable-housing-incentives.

The International Council of Aging designated September 30 to October 6 as Active Aging Week – a time to celebrate aging and the benefits of active living at any age.

Active Aging Week challenges society’s expectations of aging by showing that regardless of age or health conditions, adults over 50 can live life to the fullest.

“The City of Saskatoon’s Recreation & Community Development Department is committed to promoting Active Aging through a variety of drop-in and registered programs available at our Leisure Centres,” says Andrew Roberts, Director of Recreation & Community Development. “Our Fit Over 50 programs are specifically designed to guide and encourage physical activity for individuals aged 50 +”.

To celebrate Active Aging week, the City invites residents to stop by a Leisure Centre during Active Aging Week. An ambassador will be on location to talk about fall programs. It’s also a chance to win prizes, visit with friends and relax after exercising.

• Saskatoon Field House: Tuesday, October 1 (8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.)
• Lakewood Civic Centre: Wednesday, October 2 (8:45 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.)
• Lawson Civic Centre: Thursday, October 3 (10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.)
• Shaw Centre: Friday, October 4 (9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.)

To learn more about Active Aging Week and programs available, visit saskatoon.ca/fitover50.

The City of Saskatoon Parks Department has confirmed 11 positive cases of Dutch elm disease (DED) in various neighbourhoods throughout the city this summer.  

“It is discouraging to see this record number of positive Dutch elm disease cases in our city; DED can have devastating consequences for our urban forest,” says Thai Hoang, Director of Parks. “The most likely cause of DED is the storage and transportation of elm firewood. If you suspect you have elm firewood, please dispose of it immediately.” 

Here is what Spadina Crecent could look like if DED continues to affect the urban forest. 

If you suspect an unhealthy elm tree or are unsure of what type of firewood you have, take a photo and complete the online form or call Urban Forestry at 306-975-2890. 

Hoang reminds residents they can help prevent Dutch elm disease by:  

• Never storing elm wood or branches. Don’t buy or take elm wood from anyone and don’t burn it. 
• Not pruning elms during the provincial pruning ban (April 1 to August 31). 
• Disposing of elm wood only at the Saskatoon Landfill. 
• Do not take elm to the compost depot or put it in your green bin. Dispose of it immediately; disposal of residential elm wood at the Landfill is free of charge. 

The City has already initiated its DED Response Plan, which includes:  

• Immediate removal of the positive tree(s) and disposal at the City landfill  
• Increased surveillance of the surrounding area to search for stored elm wood  
• Sampling of symptomatic trees within one kilometre of the infected tree  
• Continuing regular elm surveillance and cyclical pruning of trees in parks and on boulevards  

What will happen in impacted areas? 

Parks staff will be conducting surveillance around impacted areas. Surveillance of these areas includes checking every property for elm firewood or brush and removing it when it is found. If residents are not home, staff will remove the elm wood and leave an Elm Infraction Notice with a note, indicating that the wood was removed. 

The Forest Resources Management Act, the Provincial Dutch Elm Disease Regulations, 2005 allows inspectors to enter private property to inspect for elm wood, remove elm wood and sample private elm trees. In accordance with the regulations, property owners will be asked to remove and dispose of infected elm. 

What is DED? 

DED is a serious disease caused by a fungus that clogs the elm tree’s water and nutrient conducting system, which eventually causes the tree to die. DED was introduced in North America in the 1930s and has since wiped out millions of elms across Canada and the United States. In Saskatoon, elms make up 25% of our urban forest. 

How is DED spread? 

In Saskatchewan, the disease is spread by several species of elm bark beetles. These beetles can fly farther than two kilometres in search of elm trees. The DED fungus has tiny spores that stick to the body of the beetle. Elm bark beetles can carry these spores and infect other elm trees. The fungus can also be spread by infected pruning tools. 

For more information on DED, visit saskatoon.ca/dutchelmdisease. 

City Council today approved 210 Pacific Avenue for a temporary 30 to 40 bed enhanced emergency residential shelter. The Government of Saskatchewan’s service provider, The Mustard Seed, is anticipated to open the temporary shelter in Winter 2024 – information on the opening and ongoing operations will come from the service provider.

City Council approved the duration of the shelter for a temporary operation for up to 18 months. Council also approved a request to lease the former Saskatchewan Transportation Company parcel service building at a below market rate. This is a permitted use under the City of Saskatoon Zoning Bylaw.

The property is owned by the City. With some renovation, it will be suitable for a shelter and meet most of the City Council-approved criteria:

• Room for approximately 30 beds each
• Beds in an open shelter-type hall (with movable wall systems or partitions)
• Some private rooms (accessed internally)
• An area suitable for office space for site staff
• Showers, bathrooms, kitchen
• Internal and external gathering spaces (amenity spaces) available on site be considered
• Proximity to other services should be considered
• Zoned appropriately if possible, or applicable for designation under the City’s Emergency Residential Shelter zoning provision
• At least 250 metres from an elementary school in the Saskatoon Public School or Greater Saskatoon Catholic School system

The City led the site-selection process, and the Government of Saskatchewan is funding up to $250,000 for renovations. The Province will also provide all operational funding for shelter services.

Additionally, after hearing feedback from the nearby residents and businesses, the City will be implementing changes to the site plan for the provincial government-funded shelter including:

• Fencing or screening to create a sense of space for those using the shelter, and delineation between the shelter and surrounding businesses. There will be no walk-in access off Pacific Avenue.
• Facility access only from Ontario Avenue.
• 7-day per week, extended hour security/support dedicated to the downtown with a proactive priority focus on the vicinity around the proposed shelter.

A coordinated, integrated operating plan between the Saskatoon Police Service and the Saskatoon Fire Department will provide essential safety and security for the shelter and downtown area.

City Administration continues to work with the Government of Saskatchewan to identify a longer-term site, or sites, for enhanced emergency shelter spaces. An update will be provided when available. Site options for a permanent location are undergoing the final stages of diligence processes and an update will be provided when available.

After hearing feedback from the nearby residents and businesses, the City is proposing changes to the site plan that would be put in place at the provincial government-funded shelter at 210 Pacific Avenue. 

Details of the plan were finalized earlier Friday. Among the proposed measures: 

• Chain-link fence around the former Saskatchewan Transportation Company parcel service building, ensuring no access off Pacific Avenue. 
• Facility access only from Ontario Avenue 
• 7-day per week, extended hour security/support dedicated to the downtown with a proactive priority focus on the vicinity around the proposed shelter. 

Link to site plan. 

Additionally, an integrated operating plan between the Saskatoon Police Service and the Saskatoon Fire Department outlines the essential safety and security support for The Mustard Seed while they would operate the temporary enhanced emergency shelter along with assistance for downtown residents, businesses and community at large.  

There will be coordinated communications and information sharing among The Mustard Seed, Saskatoon Police and the Saskatoon Fire Department to better address emerging concerns and to be pro-active before issues arise.  

The City agreed to find and propose locations that will meet certain criteria and best suit the needs of the community. The Government of Saskatchewan continues to work with the City of Saskatoon as they work to identify a permanent location to accommodate 60 spaces. 

If the proposed temporary site receives the necessary approvals by City Council on Wednesday, September 25, it is anticipated to open as a temporary 30 to 40 bed enhanced emergency shelter in winter 2024. 

Candidates running for mayor, city councillor, public or Catholic school board trustee in the 2024 Saskatoon Civic Election, plan to attend this informative hybrid event!

• Event: 2024 Civic Election Candidate Information Session with presentations made by key Elections Saskatoon officials and with an opportunity for Q & As.
• Date: Wednesday, September 18, 2024, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
• Location: City Council Chambers at City Hall, 222-3^rd Avenue North
• Format: Attend in-person or join hybrid via TEAMS. Email elections@saskatoon.ca  before 12 p.m., September 18 for the joining code.

If you are interested in running for mayor, councillor, public school board trustee, or Catholic school board trustee and looking for more information before submitting your nomination papers, contact the Elections Saskatoon Office at 306-657- VOTE (8683) or email elections@saskatoon.ca. Elections Saskatoon encourages all candidates to review the helpful 2024 Civic Election Candidate Guide.

Information for all candidates 

The official candidate nomination period starts Monday, September 23 and is open until Nomination Day, Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at 4 p.m. Candidates who wish to withdraw have until 4 p.m. on October 10 to do so. Candidate nomination forms must be accompanied by a deposit of $100.00 in cash, certified cheque, or money order, payable to The City of Saskatoon. Candidates for mayor and councillor are required to submit completed public disclosure forms. Candidates for both public and Catholic school board trustee are required to submit a criminal record check.

Nomination forms for all offices can be downloaded from saskatoon.ca/candidateinfo or picked up from the Elections Saskatoon Office at 200-145 1^st Avenue North.

The 2024 Civic Election is Wednesday, November 13, 2024. Eligible voters will cast their ballot for Saskatoon’s mayor, city councillors and school board trustees for the next four-year term.

Visit saskatoon.ca/vote2024, your trusted source for 2024 Civic Election information.

September is here and it’s not too early to think about making your voting plans for this fall’s 2024 Civic Election. Eligible voters in Saskatoon, you’ll vote for Mayor, City Councillors and Public and Separate School Board Trustees for the next four-year term on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.

Get ready to make your voting experience faster: Register for the Voters List

Elections Saskatoon will use a Voters List for this fall’s civic election for the first time since 1988. The Voters List is a list of eligible, registered voters in Saskatoon. The Voters List makes it easier to verify a voter’s identity, and its use ensures only eligible voters vote once. 

Registering to vote ahead of time will help make your voting experience faster and more efficient when you go to vote, either at early voting opportunities or on Election Day. We encourage all eligible voters to get ready to vote by registering early, here’s how:

Go Online: Visit saskatoon.ca/voterlookup before October 22, 2024, to check, update or add your information to the Voters List:

• • Review your information, make sure it’s correct.
  • Have you moved? Update your address.
  • Just turned 18 yrs.? Register to vote for the first time. Congratulations!
  • Changed your name? Update your voter information.

You can also have your information on the Voters List updated or added using these other options:

• • email elections@saskatoon.ca
  • phone the Elections Saskatoon Office 306-657-VOTE (8683)
  • in-person at Elections Saskatoon Office at 200-145 1st Ave North. 

Besides making sure you’re registered, and your voter information is correct, it’s important that all voters, regardless of having children in the school system, indicate (or update) the school division you support. This is to ensure you receive the correct ballot when you go to vote.

Note: Only voters who own assessable property, but do not reside in Saskatoon, will select No School Support when they register for the Voters List. 

Remember, voters: if you don’t get a chance to check, confirm or update the Voters List before October 22, 2024, via your available options (online, email, phone, or in person) - not to worry! All eligible voters will be able to register at the voting location they attend either at an early voting opportunity or on Election Day.

Get ready to vote by mail! Online applications now open! 

All eligible voters have the option to apply to conveniently vote by mail-in ballot instead of voting in person. Will you be away, or want to avoid the crowds?

Important date: Apply for your mail-in ballot kit online before October 15, 2024 (to allow time for processing and mailing out), through these options:

• Online through the Mail-in Ballot Application Portal
• Complete your mail-in ballot application form and email to elections@saskatoon.ca
• Send your application form by regular mail or deliver in person to the Elections Saskatoon Office, 200-145 1^st Ave North 

Review our helpful how-to apply for your mail-in ballot video and step-by-step instructional PDFs at saskatoon.ca/votebymail.

Mail-in ballots must be received by the Election Saskatoon Office before 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 13, 2024, to be counted.

Key upcoming dates

• The Official Candidate Nomination period starts Monday, September 23, 2024, and remains open until Wednesday, October 9, 2024. Nomination papers will be accepted by the Elections Saskatoon Office during normal business hours, Monday to Friday, until 4 p.m. on Nomination Day, October 9, 2024. The deadline for candidates to withdraw is October 10, 2024, by 4 p.m.
• After September 23, our website saskatoon.ca/vote2024 will be updated daily with candidate names as they officially declare. Candidates are invited to attend a Candidate Information Session on September 18 at City Hall. Candidate profiles will be made available online in mid-October. 
• Mid-October 2024: Watch for the 2024 Civic Election Voters Information Guide delivered by Canada Post

• November 1-4, 2024: Advance Polls, ten poll locations all open 12 pm – 8 pm
• November 4-8, 2024: Post-Secondary, Special Polls, and At-Home Voting
• November 9, 2024: Drive-Thru voting at City Hall

The City’s website, saskatoon.ca/vote2024, remains your trusted source for all 2024 Civic Election information, including details on who can vote, when to vote and where to vote, ID requirements for voting, advance voting, special polls and more. Civic election information is easy to find via the election quick links on the homepage of saskatoon.ca.  Questions? Call 306-657-VOTE (8683).