News Releases

Following two separate online panel surveys conducted in late spring 2024, a strong majority of respondents say they are satisfied with life in Saskatoon. The 84 per cent satisfied response rate is consistent with the 2023 and 2021 results.

“The surveys reveal some very encouraging results,” says Carla Blumers, Director of Communications and Public Engagement. “The data reflect residents’ strong connection to city services and an appreciation for what Saskatoon has to offer as a community.”

The Governance and Priorities Committee of City Council will receive a report detailing the 2024 Civic Service Survey results at its January 21, 2025, public meeting.

A significant majority – almost three-quarters – of respondents indicate quality of life in Saskatoon is good or very good. Several surveys conducted by various organizations over the past year found levels of satisfaction and quality of life are falling across Canada. The quality of life results for Saskatoon reflect these trends as evidenced with a slight decline, but these measures still continue to receive high ratings.

The survey also helps to identify opportunities to improve by understanding the most important issues residents say our city faces. The surveys reveal homelessness and public safety are the issues that people are most concerned about with responses of 23 per cent and 21 per cent respectively.

“The feedback from residents is critically important to the path forward for our city, and I want to thank everyone who participated in the survey,” says Mayor Cynthia Block. “I am encouraged that residents continue to enjoy good quality of life in our city, and together we will work to ensure all people have housing and feel safe in their neighbourhoods.”

A total of 31 different city services were evaluated by respondents. The quality and value of those civic services continue to receive high ratings. Three-quarters or 75 per cent of respondents report they are satisfied with the quality of services provided by the City and slightly more – 78 per cent – responded they receive good or very good value from the services provided by the City of Saskatoon.

Key strengths include maintaining services for quality of drinking water, fire protection, reliability of electrical service, speed of water main break repairs and garbage collection. These five were also identified as key strengths in 2023.

Policing is shown as a priority for service improvement. This is a change from 2023 where police service was identified as a key strength.

Like the 2023 results, most respondents indicate they would like the City to provide more service for: 

• Affordable Housing (70%)                  
• Road Maintenance (66%)                 
• Snow & Ice Management (57%)    
• Police (51%)

Most respondents indicate they would like the City to provide the same level of service for:

• Fire Services (69%)
• Garbage Collection and Waste Reduction Programs and Services (64%)
• Parks Maintenance (64%)
• Recreation & Cultural Programs (58%) 

Although to a lesser degree when compared to 2023, respondents indicate they would like the City to provide less service for: 

• Community Grants (15%) 
• Planning and Growth (10%) 
• Recreation and Cultural Programs (10%) 
• Affordable housing (10%)

A summary of both surveys is available in the report. The detailed 2024 Civic Services Survey results are available at saskatoon.ca/civic-services-surveys.

“The 2024 results reflect a solid foundation to build upon in the future,” Blumers says. “The City will use the results to inform decisions related to strategic priorities, budgeting, and service delivery, as well as to highlight opportunities for continuous improvement.”

Administration will continue conducting both surveys on an annual basis with online panel participants.

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

“Saskatoon City Council and the Administration are committed to fiscal responsibility and transparency as we focus on delivering high-quality civic services and programs to residents today and into the future. The endorsement by S&P confirms that we continue to be on the right track,” says Clae Hack, Chief Financial Officer.  

“While we are excited to receive the ‘AAA’/Stable credit once again, it’s not something we take for granted,” says Hack. “This rating reaffirms that the City is managing its finances responsibly as we continue to focus on planning appropriately to ensure we can meet the needs of our growing city now and for years to come.”  

S&P rates the City of Saskatoon’s institutional framework as “extremely predictable and supportive” and bases credit context on having “effective financial management practices [that] will support strong operating balances.”  

S&P’s rationale and outlook contributing to the confirmation of the City’s strong credit rating within the January 15, 2025, S&P Global Ratings Direct® Report states: 

• “Saskatoon’s small, diverse economy and strong population growth will support its creditworthiness.” 

• “We expect the City’s strong financial management, coupled with an extremely predictable and supportive institutional framework, will support the rating.”  

• “Saskatoon’s strong and prudent financial management is a key credit strength, in our view. Although the recent municipal elections resulted in a historic turnover among council, the city’s administration remains largely stable, with significant experience and a record of effectively enacting fiscal policies.”  

• “We view both management accountability and transparency to be strong, as reflected in ongoing disclosures and grounded assumptions, as well as prudent financial policies.” 

• “The City consistently produces robust annual budget documents. It also prepares multi-year operating and capital budgets for upcoming years, alongside comprehensive long-term capital and borrowing plans. This underpins fiscal transparency and discipline, in our assessment.” 

S&P Global report indicates that the City of Saskatoon’s strong budgetary performance will ensure a manageable debt burden amid large capital expenditures including Link (Bus Rapid Transit), infrastructure maintenance, and firehalls. With these projects being partially funded out of the City’s reserves, S&P expects after-capital surpluses averaging 2.8% of revenues during the base-case period.  

“The City is moving forward with significant projects, such as Link, that support the needs of a growing city,” says Hack. “We are confident in our plans to deliver these projects in a fiscally responsible manner, and this is underpinned by S&P’s assessment.” 

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. 

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

The 2024 Point-in-Time Count has identified 1,499 individuals in Saskatoon experiencing homelessness. The count offers a “snapshot” of individuals and families residing in emergency shelters, transitional housing, unsheltered locations including encampments, systems, and experiencing hidden homelessness.

“The results of this count represent the minimum number of individuals experiencing unsheltered and sheltered homelessness in Saskatoon,” says Lesley Anderson, Director of Planning and Development. “These numbers and demographics will improve our understanding of the needs and circumstances of the people who are affected by homelessness in our community.”

The City of Saskatoon, in partnership with the Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP), the Reaching Home Community Entity in Saskatoon, and the Community-University Institute for Social Research (CUISR) at the University of Saskatchewan, along with numerous community organizations and well over 200 volunteers conducted a Point-in-Time (PiT) Homelessness Count on October 8, 2024.

“SHIP believes that we need to continue to work as a community to reduce the number of homeless people,” says Robert LaFontaine, SHIP Executive Director. “The PiT count effectively sets the work we need to do going forward.”

The 2024 homelessness count has increased nearly three times in the overall number compared to the last count conducted in 2022. While some of this increase reflects the recognition of new categories, numerous other factors have contributed to this significant rise. By reporting these updated figures, we align our efforts with those of other municipalities across the country, promoting consistency and collaboration in addressing homelessness on a national scale. 

Further data collected from the PiT Count surveys will be released in early 2025 when we launch the Saskatoon PiT Community Report. Volunteers, media, survey participants and local agencies are welcome to attend. Further information will be available in the New Year.

The Dudley Street Walking and Cycling Improvements project has been completed, with a 30 kilometre per hour (km/h) speed limit in effect since September 30, 2024. The third neighbourhood bikeway project to be completed in 2024, this joint investment of more than $2.6 million with the Government of Canada through the Active Transportation Fund has supported the construction of vital pedestrian and cycling infrastructure on Dudley Street between Dawes Avenue and Spadina Crescent. 

 “The Dudley Street improvements make it easier and safer for residents to choose active transportation options like walking and cycling,” says Jay Magus, Director of Transportation. “These connections are not only practical but also enhance the overall quality of life by linking our neighbourhoods, green spaces and workplaces.” 

The project includes the addition of one kilometre of shared-use pathway, 800 metres of neighborhood bikeway and approximately one kilometre of newly installed sidewalk. These enhancements connect residential neighborhoods with key areas such as the West Industrial Area, recreational spaces and the scenic Meewasin Trail along the South Saskatchewan River. 

“Whether walking, biking or driving, commuters need to reach their destinations as safely and efficiently as possible. Today’s completion of the Dudley Street Walking and Cycling Improvements project is great news for Saskatoon, providing the community with more options to get around,” says the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, PrairiesCan and CanNor, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities 

These new facilities will improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists. The City of Saskatoon is committed to promoting active transportation and creating safer, more connected routes throughout the city. 

For more information on cycling infrastructure in the City of Saskatoon please visit saskatoon.ca/cycling. 

The City of Saskatoon released its 2023 Climate Action Progress Report, detailing strides and ongoing efforts in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and advancing climate mitigation, adaptation, and green network plans.

“We are encouraged to see the community emissions trending downward. Whether you are taking the bus or using active transportation, making home or business energy retrofits, or finding other ways to reduce your electricity consumption and tailpipe emissions, every little bit helps to keep moving us toward our larger goal of net-zero by 2050”, says Jeanna South, Director of Sustainability.

Emission Reduction Highlights

• Community GHG Emissions Reduction: Community-wide GHG emissions decreased by 12% relative to the 2014 baseline. Emissions were 3,371,700 tonnes CO₂e in 2023, down from 3,852,200 tonnes CO₂e in 2014. The largest reductions were seen in the Stationary Energy and Waste sectors.
• Corporate (City operations) GHG Emissions Reduction: Corporate GHG emissions decreased by 7% relative to the 2014 baseline. Emissions were 207,400 tonnes CO₂e in 2023, down from 222,200 tonnes CO₂e in 2014. The largest reductions were seen in the Streetlighting and Buildings sectors.
• Interim Targets: Despite these reductions, Saskatoon fell short of its 2023 interim targets. The City aimed for a community reduction of 15% below the 2014 baseline and a Corporate (City operations) reduction of 40% below the 2014 baseline. Updated interim targets based on remodeled projections toward the City’s 2050 net-zero emissions target will be included in the new Climate Action Plan, expected in 2025.

For the first time, this progress report includes information on the Green Network to recognize the importance of nature-based climate solutions in the City’s climate action planning.  While this reporting is at a starting point, nature-based climate solutions are key to achieving the net-zero emissions target of the new Climate Action Plan being detailed and delivered in 2025.

Progress on Key Plans

• Green Pathways: Progress includes the initiation of natural area management plans for the Small Swale and Richard St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, planning to install food forests in Leif Erickson Park and Boughton Park, and the incorporation of green network considerations into park upgrade designs for Parkridge Park, John Avant Park, Forestry Farm Linkage, Balsam Park, Parc Canada, Buena Vista Park, Robert Hunter West Park, and Weaver Park.
• Low Emissions Community (LEC) Plan: Highlights include completion of 100 residential home energy efficiency retrofits through the Home Energy Loan Program (HELP), construction of a BRT Pilot Station, a 33% waste diversion rate, and significant savings from park and sports field irrigation pilots.
• Corporate Climate Adaptation Strategy: Progress includes the establishment of the Climate Adaptation Program, implementation of weather-related procedures for outdoor staff, and completion of a Crisis Communications Plan.

Benefits 

Climate action not only addresses environmental concerns but also enhances health, quality of life, and economic stability. It offers long-term savings and reduces risks for the community.

The Green network supports biodiversity, mitigates extreme weather impacts, and improves storm water management, while promoting health and well-being through access to green spaces, recreational opportunities, and enhanced urban aesthetics. 

The City of Saskatoon remains committed to its sustainability goals and will continue to work towards a sustainable future.

Learn more about Saskatoon's climate action progress at saskatoon.ca/ClimateTargets or visit saskatoon.ca/ClimateDashboard for specific tracking on the Low Emissions Community Plan.

City Council today unanimously approved the City of Saskatoon’s 2025 Adjusted Business Plan and Budget. After a day and a half of deliberations, the new City Council made key adjustments to the City’s fiscal plan, increasing investments in priority areas like community safety and snow and ice management, while doing so in an affordable way. To that end, City Council voted to increase the funding for the City’s snow and ice management program by an additional $500,000 bringing the total increase for this program to $1.6 million. City Council also voted to increase investment in policing by $8.5 million and added additional bylaw inspectors to address safety concerns.

The 2025 budget deliberations got off to a good start as the Administration revised its fiscal forecast by adding $2 million in investment income. “This is a welcome development,” says Chief Financial Officer, Clae Hack. “Investment revenue continues to outperform our expectations as bond yields have remained higher than forecasted and we continue to have higher bank interest than originally planned, despite several Bank of Canada interest rate reductions.”

City Council made additional adjustments during the deliberation process and, together, these measures trimmed the 2025 property tax increase by almost one full percentage point, as City Council landed on a 4.96 per cent property tax increase to help pay for crucial investments.

“I applaud the work of our new Council for working together to reduce the budget, while also investing in strong core services,” said Mayor Cynthia Block. “New support for homelessness, community safety and the snow and ice budget will help to meet the demands of our growing city.”

Despite the proposed property tax increase, the City of Saskatoon has among the lowest municipal property tax levels for both residential and non-residential properties in Canada.

The City’s 2025 budget address key priorities in a time of unprecedented growth. Estimates indicate that Saskatoon added more than 26,000 residents in just two years, and its population is estimated to be at or near 308,000 in 2024. This rapid growth, coupled with a strong labor market and one of Canada’s lowest unemployment rates, has driven unprecedented demand for City services.

At the same time, rising costs for service contracts, construction, materials, and supplies have placed significant pressure on service delivery. The 2025 budget tackled those challenges by responsibly investing in the core services that ensure the safety, mobility, and quality of life for all Saskatoon residents.

The City’s 2024-2025 Business Plan and Budget invests in the areas that matter most to the people of Saskatoon – transportation, public safety, and community support. In particular, the 2025 budget builds on the fiscal plan set out by City Council almost two years ago. It delivers record funding into essential projects, services, and programs that reflect the City’s ongoing efforts to balance fiscal sustainability with community priorities.

The City thanks all residents, organizations and business owners in Saskatoon who wrote in or spoke to City Council regarding the 2025 budget. We value all input received from the community at large.

The finalized 2024/2025 Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget document will be made available on saskatoon.ca/budget once ready.

The warming location at St. Mary’s on Avenue O South will be open as of December 2, 2024. St. Mary’s will be operated by the Salvation Army and will be open overnight from 11:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. every day of the week. This new location is in addition to the Saskatoon Indian and Métis Friendship Centre (SIMFC), which is open every day from 11:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.

On November 27, 2024, City Council approved a contribution of $200,000 in City funds to support the $1.2M Winter Navigation and Warming Centres capital project. The remaining $1M in funding was received from other levels of government, local community organizations and private contributions. The acquired funding will support:

• 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
• Additional overnight outreach services operated by Sawēyihtotān

“We are truly thankful to all our partners who have been actively engaged in a collaborative process and who have been instrumental in getting these two overnight warming locations operational,” says Pamela Goulden-McLeod, Director of Emergency Management Organization. “As temperatures drop, our priority is to provide a warm safe location for all residents during the winter. We recognize homelessness is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive community response and we remain committed to looking out for our most vulnerable residents and relatives.”

Additionally, there are many daytime warm-up locations available for those needing to find somewhere to get out of the cold weather. Posters with this information are printed and available through key partners in the community and an informational graphic is available on the Saskatoon Fire Department and City of Saskatoon social media channels for sharing.

For more information about the warming locations and the Saskatoon Winter Emergency Response Plan, visit saskatoon.ca/cold.

To pay for these core investments, the City uses several non-tax revenue sources, including user fees, investment income, and government transfers, to name a few. Unfortunately, these are not always enough to pay for our community’s priorities.

Thus, the adjusted 2025 Budget proposes a 5.84% property tax increase to maintain service levels, fund strategic initiatives, and importantly, to help the City balance the operating budget, which it must do by law. Despite the proposed property tax increase, the City of Saskatoon has among the lowest property tax levels for both residential and non-residential properties in Canada.

The City’s 2024-25 Business Plan and Budget invests in the areas that matter most to the people of Saskatoon – transportation, public safety, and community support.” In particular, the 2025 Budget builds on the fiscal plan set out by City Council almost two years ago. It delivers record funding into essential projects, services, and programs that reflect the City’s ongoing efforts to balance fiscal sustainability with community priorities.

City Council will deliberate the 2025 Budget starting December 2, 2024.

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.