News Releases

Environment and Climate Change Canada is forecasting 10 to 20 cm of snowfall this weekend, and the City is fully prepared to respond. Snowfall of more than five cm can significantly impact driving conditions, creating slick, snow-covered roads and reduced visibility, while increasing the chances of vehicles getting stuck. Crews will work to keep roadways as safe and passable as possible. 

“We are monitoring the forecast, and are prepared to act,” says Goran Saric, Director of Roadways, Fleet and Support. “We will focus on keeping Circle Drive and other major routes clear during the snowfall while addressing icy spots with sand and salt. Once the snow stops, a coordinated cleanup effort will be launched on priority streets.” 

The City’s Snow Event process will activate if five or more centimetres of snow accumulates. Additional contractor graders will join City crews to clear freeways, arterial roads and collector streets. Snow will be stored on medians, boulevards and parking lanes to maintain road capacity. Local or neighbourhood streets are not included in regular snow grading and maintenance. 

Driving conditions will likely be challenging during and after the snowfall. Residents are urged to adjust their driving habits by slowing down, increasing following distances and watching for blue and amber flashing lights on snow-clearing equipment. 

“All critical infrastructure service providers—including emergency workers --are prepared to ensure these services continue,” says Pamela Goulden-McLeod, Director of Emergency Management Organization.

“We ask residents to prepare to stay at home as much as possible on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning to allow roadways crews to work and to help emergency vehicles get around. If you have to travel, please check the highway hotline prior to heading out of town. And please – let’s continue to help out family, friends and neighbours as we always do.”   

Transit service will remain operational; however, service can be delayed or interrupted by collisions, blown-in streets and bus stops that are not accessible from snowfall and drifts. The priority snow grading system accounts for all bus routes; however, it can take a few days to get them all cleared. 

“We’re prepared to offer full service, although we encourage riders to check for service alerts before heading out and to dress warmly in case they have a longer wait at a stop,” says Mike Moellenbeck, Director of Saskatoon Transit. “The buses can experience the same delays as everyone else when there are collisions and heavy snow drifts.” 

For updates check the real-time mobile app, transit or visit saskatoontransit.ca/service-alerts.  

The status of snow clearing throughout the City can be monitored through the Priority Street Snow Grading Map. Learn about winter road maintenance at saskatoon.ca/snow. Stay in the know by checking the latest Snow & Ice Report posted to saskatoon.ca/SnowReport. 

Saskatoon’s 2024-2028 City Council was sworn in yesterday, November 20, 2024, in Council Chambers.

Eleven Council members, comprised of one mayor and 10 councillors, took their oaths before their family, dignitaries and members of City administration. 

The ceremony included the 2024 Local Government Elections Returning Officer’s Declaration of Results, and appointment of Deputy Mayors and members of the Standing Policy Committees for November and December 2024.

Mayor Cynthia Block presented her Inaugural Address, along with remarks from Elders Nora Cummings, Métis Senator and Roland Duquette, Mistawasis Nêhiyawak.

You can watch the full video replay of the event available from the City’s website.

The 2024-2028 Saskatoon City Council members are:

Mayor- Cynthia BLOCK
Ward 1 Councillor Kathryn MACDONALD
Ward 2 Councillor Senos TIMON
Ward 3 Councillor Robert PEARCE
Ward 4 Councillor Troy DAVIES
Ward 5 Councillor Randy DONAUER
Ward 6 Councillor Jasmin PARKER
Ward 7 Councillor Holly KELLEHER
Ward 8 Councillor Scott FORD
Ward 9 Councillor Bev DUBOIS
Ward 10 Councillor Zach JEFFRIES

City Council orientation took place this week on November 18 and 19. The next Regular Business and Public Hearing meetings of City Council are on Wednesday, November 27.

The City’s website saskatoon.ca will be updated next week to include new Council information and how to contact Saskatoon’s 2024-2028 Council Members.

The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) is aware of information circulating on social media over the past few days, which claims that the City has granted a permit for an encampment. This is false. The permit that was issued is a burn permit to hold a public smudge event. 

SFD must clarify that the fire department or the City would never issue a permit for an encampment. Our experiences in other municipalities have shown that large encampments can create significant health and various safety risks. We have frequently responded to fires at encampments and it is our priority to find alternative solutions that provide viable and dignified options for those in need. 

The City recognizes that homelessness is a complex issue requiring a comprehensive community response. The City is committed to actively engaging all partners in a collaborative process moving forward. Saskatoon EMO has activated an Internal Emergency Operations Centre with multiple City Departments to coordinate the internal response to homelessness in Saskatoon.  

A report will be presented by Planning and Development and EMO to Council next week regarding Winter Navigation and Warming Centres this winter. This report will be public at the end of the day. 

Furthermore, winter warming locations have been in operation since October and more opened last night.  

Information about the Saskatoon Emergency Winter Response Plan is available at saskatoon.ca/cold. This includes the warming location poster. 

Saskatoon Emergency Management Organization (EMO), in partnership with community organizations, is seeking funding from City Council to support the operation of Winter Navigation and Warming Centres for this winter. 

The plan, which seeks to address the safety and well-being of residents experiencing homelessness during winter months, will be presented at the Regular Business Meeting of City Council on November 27, 2024. 

The report, which will be on the Public Agenda at 4:00 p.m., outlines a collaborative effort between numerous community partners and identifies the locations and funding sources that will be available this winter to support the establishment of Winter Navigation and Warming Centres, including:

• Evening warming centre operated by The Saskatoon Indian and Métis Friendship Centre located on Wall Street
• Overnight warming location for women operated by the Saskatoon Indian and Métis Friendship Centre located on Wall Street
• Overnight warming location for men at St. Mary’s Parish on 20th Street operated by the Salvation Army
• Overnight outreach services operated by Sawēyihtotān

The total funding requirement to operate the centres and outreach until March 31, 2025 is estimated to be $1.2 million. The funding is to be used for all necessary staffing, operations and utilities to run the centres and outreach throughout the winter:

• Staffing at each site, including site security, emergency medical responders and operations staff
• Additional contracts for janitorial and facility maintenance services
• Program supplies
• Administrative costs
• Rent, heat, electricity, water and potential repairs at each facility

Extensive efforts have been made to secure funding to support these essential services which includes financial contributions from the Provincial, Indigenous and Federal Governments as well as community foundations and private donations all totaling $1 million. An investment of $200,000 from the City’s Reserve for Capital Expenditures is being recommended to help fill the funding gap and to bring the total to $1.2 million. 

In related work, Administration is actively developing a new Saskatoon Homelessness Action Plan along with community partners. With a comprehensive approach, the aim is to develop a more robust year-round plan that is supported by substantial and stable funding from both the Federal and Provincial governments. The goal is to create a long-term funding model to alleviate the annual search for funding and locations.

Elections Saskatoon is advising residents that the results of the 2024 Civic Election (Municipal government and Public and Separate School Board Trustees) are now considered official and final, as certified and declared by the Returning Officer, November 14, 2024.

2024 Civic Election Declaration of Official Results - Council

2024 Civic Election Declaration of Official Results - School Board Trustees

“We are very happy with the overall operation of the 2024 Civic Election,” says Returning Officer, Shellie Bryant. “No significant issues were reported at polling stations, and it was great to see residents engaged and turning out at the polls to elect their local leadership for the next four-year term.

This was reflected in our 35.04 per cent overall voter turnout from a total of 195,178 eligible voters -- an increase over the 27 per cent turnout for the 2020 election. Most importantly, the election results reporting is accurate. The new modernization processes were successful, and they will be further analyzed as the complete election is reviewed.”

Following the close of polls at 8 p.m., the complete unofficial results of the 2024 Saskatoon Civic Election were posted late on the evening of November 13, 2024. Polls were closed and reported publicly in accordance with The Election Bylaw. Bryant says a delay in publicly posting unofficial election results was a result of three factors: 

1. At the close of polls there were still voter lineups at several polling stations. Per legislation, at the official closing time, every voter in line at the voting location is entitled to vote. In providing the opportunity for everyone in line to vote and not wanting to release results while voting was still occurring, results were delayed until voting was fully completed.
    
2. A significant volume of mail-in ballots were received prior to the 8 p.m. deadline. These ballots were required to be processed, verified and then counted. This count was the final polling station reported at the conclusion of the evening.
    
3. While the vote tabulators worked exactly as designed, there was a longer than expected upload time to the reporting portal.

Journalists on site were able to report out earlier on unofficial results due to posting of printed election tabulator results once processed (unofficially) in City Hall Lobby.

 A detailed Returning Officer report will be presented to City Council through the Governance and Priorities Committee following Elections Saskatoon’s full review of the 2024 Civic Election.

Meet Saskatoon’s newly elected local leadership for the next four-year term, 2024-2028:

Saskatoon City Council 2024-2028

Mayor: Cynthia BLOCK

City Councillor – Ward 1: Kathryn MACDONALD

City Councillor – Ward 2: Senos TIMON

City Councillor – Ward 3: Robert PEARCE

City Councillor – Ward 4: Troy DAVIES

City Councillor – Ward 5: Randy DONAUER

City Councillor – Ward 6: Jasmin PARKER

City Councillor – Ward 7: Holly KELLEHER

City Councillor – Ward 8: Scott FORD

City Councillor – Ward 9: Bev DUBOIS, Acclaimed

City Councillor – Ward 10: Zach JEFFRIES, Acclaimed

Greater Saskatoon Catholic Separate School Board Trustees: (7)

• Diane BOYKO
• Owen FORTOSKY
• J.R. (Ron) BOECHLER
• Sharon ZAKRESKI-WERBICKI
• Tim JELINSKI
• Kate DAY (Nee MCGETTIGAN)
• Michelle CHRISTOPHER

Saskatoon Public School Board Trustees (10)

Trustee – Public School – Ward 1: Tanya NAPPER

Trustee – Public School – Ward 2: Vernon J. LINKLATER, Acclaimed

Trustee – Public School – Ward 3: Donna BANKS, Acclaimed

Trustee – Public School – Ward 4: Kim STRANDEN, Acclaimed

Trustee – Public School – Ward 5: Jennifer SCHERMAN

Trustee – Public School – Ward 6: Kirk JONES

Trustee – Public School – Ward 7: Ross TAIT, Acclaimed

Trustee – Public School – Ward 8: Anne-Marie ROLLO

Trustee – Public School – Ward 9: Kevin SCHMIDT

Trustee – Public School – Ward 10: Angela ARNESON

Visit electionresults.saskatoon.ca

The weather was great, the snow stayed away, and Saskatoon voters, on Election Day, November 13, 2024, you made your votes count!

Elections Saskatoon reports that at the end of all 2024 Civic Election voting opportunities, 68,701 voters cast their ballots for Mayor, Councillors and School Board Trustees. This represents an overall eligible voter turnout of 35.04 %.

Elections Saskatoon provided a variety of voting methods which included: Advance Polls, Drive-Thru Voting, Post-Secondary Polls, Mobile Polls, Special Polls, Hospital Bedside Voting, Mail-in Ballot, and voting on Election Day.

The Official 2024 Civic Election results will be certified and then declared by Elections Saskatoon on Thursday, November 14, 2024.

The results below are not considered official or final until they have been certified by the Returning Officer:

Saskatoon City Council

Mayor: Cynthia BLOCK

City Councillor – Ward 1: Kathryn MACDONALD

City Councillor – Ward 2: Senos TIMON

City Councillor – Ward 3: Robert PEARCE

City Councillor – Ward 4: Troy DAVIES

City Councillor – Ward 5: Randy DONAUER

City Councillor – Ward 6: Jasmin PARKER

City Councillor – Ward 7: Holly KELLEHER

City Councillor – Ward 8: Scott FORD

City Councillor – Ward 9: Bev DUBOIS, Acclaimed

City Councillor – Ward 10: Zach JEFFRIES, Acclaimed

Greater Saskatoon Catholic Separate School Board Trustees: (7)

• Diane BOYKO
• Owen FORTOSKY
• J.R. (Ron) BOECHLER
• Sharon ZAKRESKI-WERBICKI
• Tim JELINSKI
• Kate DAY (Nee MCGETTIGAN)
• Michelle CHRISTOPHER

Saskatoon Public School Board Trustees (10)

Trustee – Public School – Ward 1: Tanya NAPPER

Trustee – Public School – Ward 2: Vernon J. LINKLATER, Acclaimed

Trustee – Public School – Ward 3: Donna BANKS, Acclaimed

Trustee – Public School – Ward 4: Kim STRANDEN, Acclaimed

Trustee – Public School – Ward 5: Jennifer SCHERMAN

Trustee – Public School – Ward 6: Kirk JONES

Trustee – Public School – Ward 7: Ross TAIT, Acclaimed

Trustee – Public School – Ward 8: Anne-Marie ROLLO

Trustee – Public School – Ward 9: Kevin SCHMIDT

Trustee – Public School – Ward 10: Angela ARNESON

View Unofficial results at electionresults.saskatoon.ca

Today is 2024 Civic Election Day! Eligible voters, make your plan to get out and vote today for Saskatoon’s next Mayor, Councillors, and Public and Separate School Board Trustees for the upcoming four-year term.

All polls are open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. today.

Easily find your Election Day voting location:

• Go to saskatoon.ca/mypoll and enter your full address; your ward and voting location will be displayed for you; or
• Check the ward maps and voting locations on Pages 16-20 in the 2024 Voter Information Guide; or
• Call the Elections Saskatoon Office at 306-657-VOTE (8683); they will be pleased to assist you in determining your voting location.

There are two Election Day Super Polls with AutoMark Voter Assist Terminals (VAT). Any eligible voter can vote at the Market Mall and City Hall, Committee Room E Super Polls, regardless of the ward they live in. All voting locations have accessible entrances, and service dogs and support persons are welcomed.

Bring acceptable identification that shows your name and current address:

• Page 6 of the 2024 Voter Information Guide details your ID options.

Ride Saskatoon Transit/Access Transit for free on Election Day:

• Download your free transit pass or cut it out from the 2024 Voter Information Guide.

Ward boundaries changes:

Two neighbourhoods are affected by recent ward boundary changes. Enter your address at saskatoon.ca/mypoll to confirm your ward.

• Confederation Urban Centre was Ward 3; now Ward 2
• Nutana Park was Ward 7; now Ward 9

Hospital Voting on Election Day:

• Bedside voting will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for patients at Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon City Hospital, St. Paul's Hospital and Jim Pattison Children's Hospital.

Mail-in ballots, drop-off deadlines: 

• Drop off your mail-in ballot at one of the six convenient drop box locations around the city by 4 p.m. today. Alternatively, drop off your mail-in ballot at the Elections Saskatoon Office at 200-145 1^st Avenue North before
  8 p.m. to be counted.

Elections Saskatoon reports that as of November 12, 2024, just over 26,000 eligible Saskatoon voters had cast their ballots, an approximate overall voter turnout of 13% going into Election Day. In the 2020 Civic Election, the final voter turnout was just over 27% amid COVID restrictions and the snowstorm.

On Election Day, follow election results after the polls close at 8 p.m. at electionresults.saskatoon.ca. Official 2024 Civic Election Candidate Results will be released on Thursday, November 14, 2024.

Visit saskatoon.ca/vote2024, your trusted source for all election-related information, or call Elections Saskatoon at 306-657-VOTE(8683).

It's Election Day tomorrow, Saskatoon; get ready to make your votes count!

Wednesday, November 13, is the 2024 Civic Election for Saskatoon’s  Mayor, Councillors, and Public and Separate School Board Trustees for the upcoming four-year term. If you did not get a chance to vote at an advance poll opportunity, make your plan to cast your ballot tomorrow for Saskatoon's next municipal and school board leadership. Here’s what you’ll need to know:

On Election Day, Wednesday, November 13, you must attend the voting location for the ward in which you reside. It’s easy to find your voting location:

• Go to saskatoon.ca/mypoll and enter your full address; your ward and voting location will be displayed for you; or
• Check the ward maps and voting locations on Pages 16-20 in the 2024 Voter Information Guide; or
• Call the Elections Saskatoon Office at 306-657-VOTE (8683); they will be pleased to assist you with your voting location.
• All voting locations are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., have accessible entrances and service animals are welcomed at all polls.

Note, two ward boundaries recently changed and are now in effect for Election Day:

You need to know the ward you live in, so you know which candidate to vote for. These two wards recently changed. Enter your address at saskatoon.ca/mypoll.

• Confederation Urban Centre was Ward 3; now Ward 2
• Nutana Park was Ward 7; now Ward 9

There are two Election Day Super Polls with Voter Assist Terminals. Anyone can vote at Market Mall and City Hall:

On Election Day, there will be two convenient Super Polls. Any voter can vote at a Super Poll, regardless of the ward they live in. Both Super Poll locations have AutoMark Voter Assist Terminals (VAT).

Bring acceptable identification that shows your name and current address:

Check Page 6 of the 2024 Voter Information Guide; it details your ID options.

Ride Saskatoon Transit/Access Transit for free on Election Day:

Elections Saskatoon is committed to removing transportation barriers for eligible voters in the 2024 Civic Election. Download your free transit pass or cut for the 2024 Voter Information Guide.

Hospital Voting on Election Day:

If you will be in the hospital on Election Day, not to worry. Elections Saskatoon has arranged with hospital volunteers to provide bedside voting from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., for patients at Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon City Hospital, St. Paul's Hospital and Jim Pattison Children's Hospital.

Mail-in ballot drop boxes: Some mail-in ballot drop-boxes and polling stations are located at Leisure Centres connected to Saskatoon Public Libraries. Access to these locations will be maintained for voters in the event of job action. 

Visit saskatoon.ca/vote2024, your trusted source for all election-related information, or call Elections Saskatoon at 306-657-VOTE(8683).

The City of Saskatoon has lowered flags to half-staff in respect and remembrance of the Honourable Murray Sinclair. Flags will remain lowered until sundown on Sunday November 10, the day of his memorial service. 

An Anishinaabe and member of the Peguis First Nation, Sinclair leaves behind a powerful legacy dedicated to Indigenous justice and advocacy through his work as a lawyer, the first Indigenous-appointed judge in Manitoba and second appointed in Canada. 

In 2009, Sinclair was appointed Head Commissioner of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). He was tasked with investigating the accounts and impacts of Canada’s residential school system, introducing the 94 Calls to Action in 2015. These recommendations formed the basis for the City of Saskatoon’s work in the area of Indigenous Initiatives and promoting reconciliation in our community. 

“Murray Sinclair was one of the greatest nation builders this country has ever known. He was a genius of a leader who knew how to transform hearts and minds through his love and his deep understanding of justice,” says Mayor Charlie Clark. “As people of this land, it is our duty to carry on the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, drawing on the strength and wisdom he shared with everyone. Our deepest condolences to his family and those who loved him.” 

Shortly after the end of the TRC Commission, he was appointed to the Canadian Senate, helping to draft and pass legislation on water animal protection, LGBTQ2S+ rights, and Indigenous languages, rights, and child welfare jurisdiction. 

The Honourable Murray Sinclair will be laid to rest in West St. Paul Manitoba. 

After the first four days of Advance Polls, November 1 to 4, Elections Saskatoon reports over 19,400 voters took advantage of the ten early voting polling locations across the city. Based on the number of eligible voters, this volume translates to approximately 10% per cent overall turnout.

Eligible voters still have several opportunities over this week and of course on Election Day, November 13, 2024, to mark their ballot for Saskatoon’s next mayor, city councillors and public and separate school board trustees for the next four-year term.

Next, upcoming early voting opportunities: note - dates, times & locations

November 5 - 6: Post-secondary Advance Polls to provide eligible students, faculty and staff a convenient on-campus early voting opportunity.

• University of Saskatchewan – Place Riel: 1 Campus Drive
  Tuesday, November 5: from 10 am to 5 pm
  Wednesday, November 6 from 10 am to 5 pm

• Saskatchewan Polytechnic – 1130 Idylwyld Drive North
  Thursday, November 7: from 10 am to 5 pm

November 4 - 8: Special Polls for 40 retirement homes and long-term care facilities.

• Elections Saskatoon will conduct Special Polls from Monday, November 4 to Friday, November 8, 2024, except for the hospitals and Parkridge Centre, which will operate on Election Day, November 13. Special Polls are only open to residents and staff that are currently within the facilities. These polls are not open to the public. Check locations on Page 10 in the 2024 Voter Information Guide.

November 9: Drive-Thru Voting Advance Poll

• Drive-Thru Voting Advance Poll is another early voting option. Vote conveniently from your vehicle on Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 10 am to 6 pm in the parking lot of Saskatoon City Hall, entrance off 4^th Avenue North. Check Page 12 in the 2024 Voter Information Guide.

Visit saskatoon.ca/vote2024, your trusted source for all election-related information, or call Elections Saskatoon at 306-657-VOTE(8683). The 2024 Voter Information Guide is another helpful reference.