News Releases

The City of Saskatoon is making strides to address housing affordability and homelessness through the launch of HOUSING Saskatoon, a new Affordable Housing Strategy for 2025-2030, the City’s first comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment, and municipal budget options to support housing incentives. These initiatives will be presented to meetings of the Standing Policy Committees on Planning, Development and Community Services and Finance both on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.

HOUSING Saskatoon: A strategic path forward

The City has unveiled HOUSING Saskatoon, a comprehensive Affordable Housing Strategy (the Strategy) for 2025-2030, alongside its first-ever comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment. Together, these documents chart a strategic course to address growing housing challenges and improve affordability for Saskatoon residents.

Developed in partnership with the Community-University Institute for Social Research (CUISR), the Housing Needs Assessment combines data analysis with insights from nearly 100 interviews and focus groups. The findings reveal that approximately 10% of Saskatoon households are in Core Housing Need, which is determined by factors such as affordability, adequacy and suitability. Renters are disproportionately affected, with low-income households, single mothers, seniors and Indigenous residents facing the highest rates of housing insecurity. Rising rents, limited affordable options and increasing homelessness highlight the urgent need for coordinated action.

The Strategy outlines five key goals:

• Diversify housing options
• Increase the supply of affordable housing
• Strengthen partnerships
• Raise public awareness
• Promote equity in housing access

To achieve these goals, the Strategy includes 84 targeted actions, with 52 prioritized for immediate implementation. A performance framework will track progress, with annual reporting to City Council.

Pending budget approvals, the proposed budget options would expand investment and collaborate with provincial and federal partners to accelerate affordable housing development. This initiative marks a significant step toward building a more inclusive, resilient and affordable housing future for Saskatoon.

Exploring budget options to advance affordable housing

To support the implementation of HOUSING Saskatoon, the City is evaluating three levels of municipal investment through its Affordable Housing Incentives report. Each option is designed to increase the supply of affordable housing and leverage additional funding from provincial and federal sources.

Increased investment would support non-profit and Indigenous housing providers, improve health and social outcomes, and strengthen community resilience.

The proposed budget options will be considered during Council’s 2026/27 Business Plan and Budget deliberations.

“Without a dedicated municipal contribution, Saskatoon risks missing out on time-sensitive federal and provincial funding opportunities that require matching or complementary investments, and falling behind other jurisdictions,” said Lesley Anderson, Director of Planning and Development. “A stable and predictable funding model is essential to support the implementation of our Affordable Housing Strategy and respond to urgent housing needs.”

Neighbourhood Land Development Fund allocation

To further strengthen support for affordable housing, the City Administration is proposing a revised policy to the Standing Policy Committee on Finance that will allocate 15% of future profits from the Neighbourhood Land Development Fund directly to the City’s housing program. This dedicated funding will help create new affordable housing units and provide greater certainty for community partners working to address housing needs.

“To sum it up, the City Administration is bringing forward a strategy to look at what the housing needs are, what kind of housing is available, how to get it built quickly and then guarantee stable funding for the future,” Anderson says. “We’re confident the HOUSING Saskatoon strategy will make our community a strong leader in affordable housing initiatives.”

For more information on the City’s housing efforts, visit saskatoon.ca/housing-saskatoon.

Saskatoon Transit is inviting residents to help shape the future of public transit by participating in the Bus Network Redesign Survey, the first phase of a comprehensive engagement process. The survey is now open and seeks input from transit customers and the broader community on what matters most when considering transit service.

“We’re asking people who take transit or would like to take transit to tell us what they value most in a new reliable, connected transit system,” says Saskatoon Transit Director Mike Moellenbeck. “The feedback we receive will guide our updated Service Standards and help us design a network that truly reflects the needs of our community.”

The bus network redesign aims to connect communities with the new Link system by 2028. Residents are encouraged to take the survey and share their preferences on key aspects such as frequency, walking distance, willingness to transfer and travel time. The results will inform Saskatoon Transit’s updated Service Standards and be used in the redesigned bus network, to be presented in 2026 for public feedback.

Saskatoon is reaching out to the broader community and encouraging community groups and network to encourage their members to participate. People can find the survey online or complete a printed version at Saskatoon Transit’s Customer Service Centre in the downtown bus terminal.

“Saskatoon Transit is committed to clear, transparent communication throughout this process,” added Moellenbeck. “We want everyone to have a chance to be heard, and we’ll report back on how your feedback shapes the future of transit in Saskatoon at each stage.”

To take the survey at bit.ly/stoonbusnetwork and learn more about the project at saskatoontransit.ca/BusNetworkRedesign.

The City of Saskatoon is looking for resident feedback on its draft Accessibility plan from now until September 22, 2025.

“We had over 500 people share their experiences with accessibility barriers with us and we are very thankful because their insights helped shape this draft Accessibility plan,” says Stryker Calvez, Director of Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (REDI) for the City of Saskatoon. “Now, we need feedback from our residents on this draft plan to see if this report reflects their experiences with accessibility in our community or if there is anything we missed.”

Since 2008, the City of Saskatoon has been working to make spaces, services, and programs more inclusive through the Accessibility Action Plan. This included improving sidewalks, clearing snow more effectively, upgrading Transit, making buildings and playgrounds more accessible, enhancing the City’s website and providing staff training. The new draft Accessibility Plan builds on this work and focuses on the key areas where barriers to accessibility exist:

• Built environments (accessible indoor and outdoor spaces)
• Information and communications
• Transportation
• Service Animals
• City Services and Programs
• Finding and applying for employment with the City of Saskatoon
• Attitudes and biases

Residents can review the plan and fill out the short survey on the City’s Accessibility website. The survey will be open until September 22. Paper copies of the online form are available upon request by calling the Customer Care Centre: 306-975-2476

“Improving accessibility in our communities is a complex task and we recognize that there is going to be some trial and error in getting it right,” says Calvez. “We hope this plan shows our commitment to creating a more inclusive community for everyone.”

 

The Saskatoon Zoo is proud to announce its official certification as a Sensory Inclusive facility through a partnership with KultureCity, a leading nonprofit in sensory accessibility and inclusion. This milestone marks a significant step in the Zoo’s commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all guests, especially individuals with sensory processing needs.

As part of this initiative, Sensory Bags are now available at the Zoo Admission gate. These complimentary bags are available for checkout with a valid ID and include KCVIP badges to help staff identify and support guests with sensory needs, fidget tools, noise-canceling headphones and other helpful resources. Each item is thoroughly cleaned between uses to ensure safety and comfort.

“Zoos are naturally sensory-rich environments, which can be overwhelming for individuals with sensory sensitivities,” said Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager. “By offering sensory tools and staff training, we’re making the Zoo a more accessible and enjoyable place for everyone.”

For more information about the sensory inclusive program visit saskatoon.ca/zoo.

The City of Saskatoon has released its 2024 Annual Report to the public having received the opinion of the external auditor. Per The Cities Act, the 2024 Audited Financial Statements and Financial Reports were presented to City Council for information on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.

“The 2024 Annual Report highlights the City’s progress on major projects and initiatives across our 13 Business Lines, our achievements and ongoing priorities as set out in the Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget, and the City's financial position at the end of 2024,” says Clae Hack, Chief Financial Officer.

The City had a positive financial year in 2024 due to several contributing factors:

• A higher interest rate environment brought better than expected investment returns.
• Operating revenues from Saskatoon Transit user fees continued to exceed budgeted revenue.
• Savings in software licenses and insurance costs also contributed to the overall surplus.

The City’s Financial Position remained in a healthy position at 2024 year-end with the balance of all reserves at $359.4 million.

Highlights of the Consolidated Financial Statements are included in the Summary of Consolidated Financial Statements (Appendix 2).

Award-winning financial reporting and top tier credit status continued in 2024

The City of Saskatoon received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Canadian Award for Financial Reporting for its 2023 Annual Report, marking the 17^th time the City has received this prestigious honor. The 2024 Annual Report will once again be submitted to GFOA to determine its eligibility for another award.

S&P Global Ratings (S&P) reaffirmed the City of Saskatoon credit rating with the highest rating possible, a ‘AAA’ credit rating with a “Stable” outlook. The City has maintained the ‘AAA’/Stable credit rating for 23 years since S&P first began affirming the City’s credit rating in 2002.

The 2024 Annual Report reflects the City’s ongoing dedication to continuous improvement, accountability to the public we serve, transparency, and clarity in financial reporting.

Visit saskatoon.ca/finance to view the 2024 Annual Report. 

 

Saskatoon Transit is rolling out service improvements this fall to improve reliability and address bus overcrowding beginning this September. Riders will benefit from more frequent service, school-focused trips and longer, articulated buses on high-traffic routes during peak times.

“These changes are a direct response to what we’ve heard from our riders,” says Mike Moellenbeck, Director of Saskatoon Transit. “Improvements are focused on areas where customers were facing the greatest challenges with overcrowding, reliability and alignment with schedules, which were the routes with significant growth of high school and post-secondary students.”

Riders can expect improvements starting in September, with more coming by October as new buses arrive:

• Phase 1 – August 31
  • Increased frequency on Route 4, 43, 44, 45 and 46, serving Evergreen, Willowgrove, Arbor Creek and 115th Street.
  • Increased frequency and reliability on Route 17 from Stonebridge to USask.
  • Up to 50% more capacity with articulating buses on Routes 10 and 43 that align with high school bell times.
  • New Route 340 for Holy Cross and Walter Murray high school students, replacing Route 338 with an expanded service to Rosewood.
  • Temporary service reductions will impact Routes 2 (pm only), 22, 55, 325 (pm only), 336 and 352 (pm only).
• Phase 2 – Once new buses are integrated into the fleet, by October.
  • Introduce an extra run for consistent 10-minute frequency on Route 17 from Stonebridge to USask.
  • New Route 339 for Holy Cross and Walter Murray high schools, replacing 338 with an expanded service to The Meadows.

Temporary service interruptions

Saskatoon Transit continues to invest in its fleet with regular orders of new buses and expects delivery of ten new 40ft buses in the coming weeks with ten more arriving shortly after. While we await the arrival of new buses, there are some short-term peak-time service reductions that will affect Routes 2 Meadowgreen (pm only), 22 Confederation and 55 Lakeridge/University. High school Routes 325 (am) and 336 will also be temporarily unavailable. When new buses are integrated into the fleet, these service adjustments will be restored.

Plan ahead for September!

Saskatoon Transit encourages riders to plan their commute and check the updated schedules and routes for September using trip planning apps, such as the Transit app or Google Maps Transit and pin favourite routes to get service alert notifications. Check out the new route maps and schedules at saskatoontransit.ca.

The City of Saskatoon Parks Department has confirmed new positive cases of Dutch elm disease (DED) in three elm trees in the Montgomery neighbourhood, two cases in Riversdale, one in Caswell Hill and cases also in City Park and Sutherland.

The City has 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

In addition to the confirmed DED cases, the City is proactively removing two symptomatic trees in Caswell Hill and Queen Elizabeth. Parks staff will be performing stored elm wood sweeps in a 1km radius around confirmed DED cases. Staff have already conducted several pro-active sweeps for stored elm wood in various neighbourhoods with over 4000 kg of wood seized so far this season.

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.

As part of the Forest Resource Management Act, the Provincial Dutch Elm Disease Regulations, 2005 allow 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 trees.

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. When beetles emerge from DED-infested wood, their bodies are coated in tiny spores from the DED fungus. As they seek out new trees or firewood to inhabit, they bring along the fungus, helping it spread. 
The beetles themselves can’t fly very far, so the primary way DED spreads over long distances is through the movement of elm firewood. The fungus can also be spread by contaminated pruning tools.

How can DED be prevented?
You 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.
• Following the provincial pruning ban (April 1 to August 31). Elm bark beetles are attracted to freshly cut wood and are most active during this time period. 
• Disposing of elm wood at the Saskatoon Landfill. Do not take elm to the compost depot or put it in your green bin. Dispose of it immediately, even if it is during the provincial ban. Disposal of elm wood at the Landfill is free.

How to identify and report unhealthy elm trees and firewood
American elm trees with DED may start showing symptoms as early as June. Typically, the leaves will start to wilt and turn yellow, then curl and turn brown. 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 at saskatoon.ca/dutchelmdisease or call Urban Forestry at 306-975-2890.

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