News Releases

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Canadian Award for Financial Reporting (CAnFR) to the City of Saskatoon for its annual financial report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023. This is the 17^th time the City has received this award. View the Administrative Report to be presented to the Standing Policy Committee (SPC) on Finance on May 7. 2025.

The GFOA presented the City with the Canadian Award for Financial Reporting in recognition of the City’s ability to present financial information in a clear, concise, educational, and informative manner.

“Our Finance team continues to uphold financial reporting best practices in terms of clarity, accountability and transparency year-after-year, they consistently align with GFOA annual report format and content standards,” says Kari Smith, Director of Finance. “We are dedicated to serving community taxpayers and stakeholders with clear communication and transparency on the City’s overall financial standing.”

To be awarded the CAnFR, a municipal government must publish an easily readable and efficiently organized annual financial report, whose contents conform to program standards. Such reports should go beyond the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles and demonstrate an effort to clearly communicate the municipal government’s financial picture, enhance an understanding of financial reporting by municipal governments, and address user needs.

The CAnFR Program was established to encourage municipal governments across Canada to publish innovative financial reporting and to maintain a high standard of quality recognized amongst peers.

The attainment of this prestigious award represents a significant achievement by the City of Saskatoon and its financial management team.

View the City of Saskatoon’s award-winning 2023 Annual Report.

Following a year-long pilot study, City Administration recommends a community-wide multi-unit organics program be implemented by the City. This program will further improve waste diversion in Saskatoon and see all residents have access to the same waste services.

“Expanding organics collection to multi-unit residences is a critical step in Saskatoon’s waste diversion strategy,” says Jeanna South, Director of Sustainability. “From the feedback we heard, a City-provided service will ensure a consistent and cost-efficient program that builds on the success of the residential curbside organics program and supports the long-term sustainability of our new organics processing facility.” 

A report to the May 6, 2025 meeting of the Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services provides a detailed analysis of the options available to the City for multi-unit organics programs.

The recommendation follows engagement with pilot participants, including residents, condominium boards and property managers. A City-provided service was both the preferred option by participants and is expected to be lowest cost option when compared to current market options. Organic material gathered through the program would be handled at the City’s organic processing facility, which begins construction this July. In addition, this approach is expected to achieve higher rates of waste diversion by aligning education programs and enforcement efforts to support program goals.

In Spring 2023, the green cart was successfully introduced to single-detached dwellings across the city, diverting over 41,000 tonnes — equal to about 3,500 full garbage trucks — of organic waste from the Saskatoon landfill to date.

Following approval, different deployment options will be evaluated that aim to have a city-wide program fully operational by the end of 2028. All impacted properties would be given a minimum of one-year advance notice.

To learn more about the pilot program, visit saskatoon.ca/multiorganics. 
 

Saskatoon’s Broadway Bridge will close for approximately six months starting on Monday, May 12, 2025. The 93-year-old structure will undergo rehabilitation, including deck repairs and improvements to the multi-use pathways on both sides.

"This proactive project is essential in ensuring the historic Broadway Bridge, which has an annual average daily traffic count of 20,000 vehicles, retains its structural integrity and reliability for the community,” says Terry Schmidt, General Manager of Transportation and Construction. “We appreciate everyone's patience and cooperation and remind Broadway Bridge users to reroute their commutes."

New asphalt, new waterproofing, new traffic barriers, arch and railing improvements and the removal of old and abandoned utilities underneath the bridge are also a part of the project. At the same time as the bridge work, Schmidt says there will be water main replacements on 19th Street, and the 4th Avenue South and 19th Street East intersection will be reconfigured for overall safety and to improve the efficiency of buses travelling between Broadway Avenue and 19th Street - a future Link route.

“The right northbound flow-through lane will be removed, and that intersection will change into a “T” intersection. Traffic signals will be relocated, pedestrian signals will be added, and the island and centre medians will be removed.”

Throughout construction, pedestrian access to Meewasin Trail will be maintained via scaffolding tunnels under the bridge. Friendship Park will remain open, with fencing adjacent to the bridge. Spadina Crescent between the bridge and 3rd Avenue South will be closed. The boat launch will remain open and accessible via Spadina Crescent from 20th Street East.

Full closures will include the Broadway Bridge (including multi-use pathways on both sides), Broadway Avenue from Saskatchewan Crescent East to 20th Street East, 19th Street East from 3rd Avenue South to Broadway Avenue, and 4th Avenue South from 19th Street East to 20th Street East.

“Saskatoon Transit will be affected by these projects, with some Broadway Avenue, Victoria Avenue and Downtown routes being redirected. Keep an eye on Transit service alerts and real-time bus information available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit.” 

For the latest updates on the Broadway Bridge Rehabilitation project and work happening on other Saskatoon roadways during the 2025 construction season, check the Daily Road Report and visit saskatoon.ca/construction. 

Saskatoon City Council today approved making a formal written submission to SK Recycles (formerly Multi-Material Stewardship Western), the provincial stewardship agency, signaling intent to participate in their SK Recycles-led collection models. Starting in January 2028, SK Recycles will deliver both the curbside and multi-unit residential recycling programs for the City of Saskatoon. This will allow time to transition the funding model for waste services that had previously been supported by SK Recycles funding. The change is not expected to cause disruption to the service level for residents. 

The decision follows a formal offer from SK Recycles to transition to its new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) household recycling program. In May 2024, the Government of Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment approved the Household Packaging and Paper Stewardship Program Regulations, appointing SK Recycles to take over municipal recycling programs. 

A report to the April 1 meeting of the Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services Committee (EU&CS) provided a detailed analysis of the options available to the City. Due to considerations such as existing contractual requirements for blue carts and compost depots, Administration recommended and City Council approved maintaining the status quo while Administration works with SK Recycles and recycling service providers to explore an interim agreement that could see the City join earlier as a collector. 

Residents will learn more about the service-provider change in the months leading up to the 2028 SK Recycles implementation. By 2028, all Saskatchewan communities will have the option to transition to a full Extended Producer Responsibility program for household packaging and paper, joining the SK Recycles program. 

The City of Saskatoon is proposing a revised property tax ratio following recent amendments to primarily warehouse property assessments that would have a material impact on the distribution of the 2025 municipal property tax levy if left unadjusted.

The amended assessments, finalized on March 27, 2025, reflect necessary time adjustments to warehouse property assessment data to align with the base valuation date of January 1, 2023. The result is an increase of approximately $653 million in assessed value within the commercial property class.

"These updated assessments ensure our property values reflect current market conditions and maintain fairness across all property types," says Clae Hack, Chief Financial Officer. "However, the scale of the change means we must also adjust our property tax ratio to reflect the original intent of City Council’s direction."

As a result, City Administration is proposing to revise the commercial-to-residential tax ratio from the previously approved 1.88 to 1 to 1.71 to 1, at the April 9, 2025, Governance and Priorities Committee meeting. This updated ratio maintains the intended balance of 32% of tax revenue from non-residential properties and 68% from residential properties, consistent with City Council’s previously stated objectives.

"This recommendation ensures that we remain aligned with Council’s direction and avoid placing an undue tax burden on one part of the tax base due to the amended assessment values," Hack adds.

Visit saskatoon.ca/propertytax for more information.

The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo) is proud to join the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) as its newest Institutional Member, underscoring its dedication to the care and conservation of animals and their habitats worldwide.

“We are thrilled to join WAZA showcasing our unwavering commitment to animal care, welfare and education,” says Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager. “As the only accredited zoo in Saskatchewan, we are proud to be leaders in conservation and education in Canada. Our mission is to create impactful experiences that strengthen the bond between visitors, wildlife and natural environments. Being part of WAZA empowers us to achieve this goal, enhancing our ability to make a meaningful difference.”

Since its inception in 1935, WAZA has been committed to guiding, encouraging and supporting zoos, aquariums and like-minded organizations globally in animal care and welfare, environmental education and global conservation.

As a member of the WAZA network, the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo adheres to WAZA’s Code of Ethics and Animal Welfare and joins over 400 members worldwide. WAZA promotes cooperation between leading zoos, aquariums, national and regional associations as well as with leading wildlife experts, academies and universities. WAZA provides support for species-conservation management and husbandry of animals in human care, while encouraging the highest standards in member institutions.

The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo has become the 13th institution in Canada to achieve WAZA accreditation, joining the ranks of Assiniboine Park & Zoo, Calgary Zoo and Toronto Zoo. For more information, visit saskatoon.ca/zoo or waza.org.

The City’s second annual Round Dance and Feast is taking place this Friday, March 28 at the Cosmo Civic Centre.

A Round Dance is a traditional event in First Nations culture that celebrates community unity through the coming together of the community and its people. The theme for this event is miyo-pimatisiwin (MEE-oh pim-MOT-tis-oo-win), which means “the good life for all” in the Plains Cree language.

“We had such an incredible response from our staff and community last year when we held our very first Round Dance and Feast, and we are experiencing that same level of enthusiasm for this year’s event,” says Melissa Cote, Director of Indigenous Initiatives.

Community members and City of Saskatoon employees have volunteered their time to ensure everything from set up to take down runs smoothly.

The City has also benefitted from having a few external partners help with the cost of hosting the Round Dance and Feast. “We’re grateful for the generous financial support from The Canadian Race Relations Foundation, Nutrien and the Saskatoon Public Library. We thank these organizations for contributing and helping us create an event that brings our community together,” says Cote.

Everyone is welcome to attend this family-friendly, alcohol-free event. The community feast takes place from 4:00-6:00 p.m. and the round dance begins at 6:00 p.m.

Media please note: Videography or photography of the feast is not permitted out of respect for ceremonial practices. Videography and photography of the round dance is permitted except when smudging and praying is happening during the giveaway ceremony and during the first dance. We request that any interviews with City of Saskatoon spokespeople take place on Friday morning, as we will not be able to accommodate interviews at the event.

The City’s second annual Round Dance and Feast is taking place this Friday, March 28 at the Cosmo Civic Centre.

A Round Dance is a traditional event in First Nations culture that celebrates community unity through the coming together of the community and its people. The theme for this event is miyo-pimatisiwin (MEE-oh pim-MOT-tis-oo-win), which means “the good life for all” in the Plains Cree language.

“We had such an incredible response from our staff and community last year when we held our very first Round Dance and Feast, and we are experiencing that same level of enthusiasm for this year’s event,” says Melissa Cote, Director of Indigenous Initiatives.

Community members and City of Saskatoon employees have volunteered their time to ensure everything from set up to take down runs smoothly.

The City has also benefitted from having a few external partners help with the cost of hosting the Round Dance and Feast. “We’re grateful for the generous financial support from The Canadian Race Relations Foundation, Nutrien and the Saskatoon Public Library. We thank these organizations for contributing and helping us create an event that brings our community together,” says Cote.

Everyone is welcome to attend this family-friendly, alcohol-free event. The community feast takes place from 4:00-6:00 p.m. and the round dance begins at 6:00 p.m.

Renovations made to the former Saskatchewan Transportation Company parcel depot for use as a temporary enhanced emergency shelter are complete. The City has turned the renovated building over and The Mustard Seed is preparing for shelter operations, with an anticipated opening in April.

In September 2024, City Council approved an 18-month permit for temporary operation of a 30 to 40 bed enhanced emergency residential shelter at 210 Pacific Avenue. Council also approved a request to lease the City-owned building to the Government of Saskatchewan at a below market rate. 

After hearing feedback from nearby residents and businesses, the City committed to implement changes to the site plan of the temporary shelter as detailed here. Measures include:

• Fencing 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 for shelter guests will only be from Ontario Avenue.
• Fencing will feature artwork, created by local Indigenous artists and youth, to connect the shelter to the community and add vibrancy to the neighbourhood. This will include a series of original hand painted banners depicting Indigenous stories by local artists, Josh Wāpiskisiw and Honey Constant-Inglis, and a group of young multi-cultural artists from W.P. Bate School. Indigenous storytelling during the winter season is a cherished Indigenous tradition for passing on knowledge from generation to generation, sharing culture, history, teachings, spirituality and language. Interpretive plaques will be placed onsite to explain the stories.
• 7-day-per-week, extended-hour security/support dedicated to the downtown with a proactive priority focus on the vicinity around the proposed shelter.

Representatives from the City, Saskatoon Fire Department, Saskatoon Police Service, Government of Saskatchewan and The Mustard Seed are also meeting with neighbours in the immediate vicinity ahead of the opening to discuss the operating and safety plan. More information on the integrated operating and safety plan can be read here.

City Administration, in collaboration with the Government of Saskatchewan, is in the final stages of identifying a permanent site for the enhanced emergency shelter. An update will be provided when available. 

The City of Saskatoon received a formal offer from SK Recycles (formerly Multi-Material Stewardship Western) to transition to its new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) household recycling program. This follows the May 2024 approval of Household Packaging and Paper Stewardship Program Regulations by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment. As a result, the provincial stewardship agency, SK Recycles, will take over municipal recycling programs. A report to the April 1, 2025 meeting of the Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services provides a detailed analysis of the options available to the City. 

Due to a number of considerations, such as existing contractual requirements for blue carts and compost depots, City Administration recommends maintaining the status quo with no changes to both the curbside and multi-unit residential recycling programs until December 2027.

Looking to the future, Administration recommends signaling its intent to participate in the SK Recycles-led collection models for both programs, starting in January 2028, by making a formal written submission to SK Recycles. This option would allow time to transition the funding model for waste services that had previously been supported by SK Recycles funding; it is also expected to cause no disruption to the service level and would be the lowest cost. Residents will learn more about the service-provider change in the months leading up to the 2028 SK Recycles implementation.

By 2028, all Saskatchewan communities will transition to a full Extended Producer Responsibility program for household packaging and paper, joining the SK Recycles program.