News Releases

Saskatoon is experiencing the highest number of individuals facing homelessness ever recorded. The findings are revealed in the 2024 Point-in-Time (PiT) Count Community Report, officially released on Tuesday, May 27, pointing to a significant rise in homelessness across the city.

“Homelessness should be rare, brief and not repeated. These numbers are heartbreaking and unacceptable,” said Mayor Cynthia Block. “Every person without a home is a call to action — especially when so many are Indigenous, reflecting the ongoing impacts of colonialism. Cities are on the frontlines, but we cannot do this alone. We need urgent, coordinated action from all orders of government and we must work in true partnership with Indigenous leadership to create lasting solutions.”

As noted in preliminary findings from the City of Saskatoon and community partners, the 2024 PiT Count identified at least 1,499 individuals experiencing homelessness in Saskatoon – nearly triple the number recorded in 2022. With approximately five individuals per 1,000 residents experiencing homelessness, Saskatoon now faces one of the highest homelessness rates in Canada.

Alarmingly, the count also shows a dramatic rise in the number of children experiencing homelessness – 315 children were counted in the 2024 count compared to 26 children counted in 2022.

The community report highlights significant disparities. One of the most striking is the over-representation of Indigenous peoples who make up less than 12 per cent of Saskatoon’s general population but account for over 80 per cent of those experiencing homelessness. This underscores the ongoing impact of systemic inequities and barriers to accessing safe, affordable housing.

Evictions are the primary factor contributing to homelessness, as reported by over half of the survey respondents. Additionally, one-third of respondents identified insufficient income as another major factor contributing to homelessness. The data also point to a growing number of women, youth, seniors and families without stable housing, as well as a rise in unsheltered individuals sleeping in unsuitable conditions.

Additionally, mental health and addictions were the most frequently reported health-related challenges among respondents, with over 80 per cent reporting a substance abuse issue, and 60 per cent indicating a mental health issue. These responses underscore the complexity and challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness.

“The PiT Count helps us understand the extent of homelessness in Saskatoon. While the numbers are only a snapshot in time, the PiT Count doesn’t and can’t quantify the human suffering. The data can still help guide us in preparing as a community to address these challenges,” says Robert LaFontaine, SHIP Executive Director.

The count was conducted on October 8, 2024, through a collaborative effort led by the City of Saskatoon, the Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP), and the Community-University Institute for Social Research (CUISR) at the University of Saskatchewan. Over 200 volunteers and numerous community organizations contributed to the initiative, which is part of the Government of Canada’s Reaching Home program—a national effort to better understand and address homelessness.

Using standardized national methodologies adapted to reflect local context, the PiT Count provides critical insights into demographics, service usage and the pathways that lead individuals into homelessness. These findings will help guide the development of culturally appropriate, evidence-based policies and programs, and long-term solutions.

While the PiT Count offers only a snapshot of homelessness over a 24-hour period, it remains a vital tool for identifying urgent needs, fostering collaboration and building public awareness.

The City of Saskatoon also thanks the Government of Canada for funding this project and for its continued critical role in this effort.

For additional information about the PiT Count, including the community report, visit saskatoon.ca/pit.

The City of Saskatoon is pleased to announce the adoption of a new Place Identity Framework to guide future place identity and place naming initiatives. City Council adopted the Place Identity Framework on May 21, 2025.
 

The purpose of the Framework is to work with all residents to explore the shared understanding that we all have about our home. The Framework will be a guide to how the City names public spaces, and will guide decisions on public art, commemoration and monuments including what cultural symbols, flags, emblems and coats of arms will be displayed. 
 

“The Place Identity Framework recognizes that not everyone has been included in how the City of Saskatoon has identified and visually represented itself,” says Stryker Calvez, Director of Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (REDI). “This is especially important for those who have called this place home since time immemorial. This framework acknowledges the inherent rights of Indigenous Peoples, those people raised here, and the newcomers who chose to make it their home. We all contribute to Saskatoon and, therefore, should have a say in the making of its identity.”

Place identity will have four guiding principles within the wider context of existing City policies, plans, projects and related initiatives:

• Build relationships- Commit to creating and sustaining relationships with residents, rights holders, stakeholders and community organizations to build a greater sense of place, identity and community.
• Be informed- Understand that place naming and place identity are informed by traditional knowledge, historical research and community insights.
• Be inclusive- Listen to the diverse perspectives and experiences of the residents of this city and commit to public input, transparency, education and communication when it comes to place identity.

• Be relevant- Understand our stories of Saskatoon and what connects us historically and balance that with celebrating our local culture when it comes to place naming, commemoration and symbols.
   

  Implementation of the Framework will include working with community and multiple internal departments within the City of Saskatoon to integrate place identity practices at the earliest stages when it comes to the planning of new public spaces. 
   

  “This is about recognizing change and accepting new perspectives while honouring and reflecting upon our shared past and creating a better, more inclusive future, for all residents” says Calvez.
   

City Council yesterday approved amendments to Bylaw No. 10079, The Animal Control Bylaw, 2025 (No.2) and Bylaw No. 10080, The Property Nuisance & Abatement Amendment Bylaw, 2025, to prohibit the feeding of wildlife on all public or private property in Saskatoon.

The new regulations aim to help reduce conflicts and promote a respectful coexistence with urban wildlife. The term “wildlife” is defined in accordance with provincial legislation, The Wildlife Act, 1998, and includes any vertebrate animal that is wild by nature in Saskatchewan (e.g., coyotes, foxes, racoons, rabbits, deer, etc.).

Key provisions of the amendments include:

• Feeding Ban: It is now prohibited to intentionally feed wildlife or leave attractants – such as food, food waste, compost or garbage – on any property with the intent of attracting wildlife or that could attract wildlife.
• Bird Feeding Exception: Residents may continue to feed birds on private property using a bird feeder that is above grade to prevent access to other wildlife.
• Enforcement and Penalties: A Notice of Violation may be issued for non-compliance. Fines are set at:
  • $250 for a first offence
  • $500 for a second offence
  • $1,000 for a third or subsequent offence

“These bylaw updates reflect best practices from other municipalities and support our efforts to maintain a safe and healthy urban environment,” says Parks Director, Thai Hoang. “Feeding dangerous wildlife, even unintentionally, can lead to increased risks and poor outcomes for both animals and residents.”

Residents are encouraged to review the updated bylaws and take steps to ensure their properties are free from wildlife attractants.

For more information on co-existing with urban wildlife, visit saskatoon.ca/wildlife.

Today Saskatoon City Council approved the implementation of a City-wide organics collection program for multi-unit residential properties. The move builds on the success of the curbside green cart program for single-family homes and aims to ensure all residents have equal access to waste services.

The recommendation for a City-led multi-unit organics program stems from a yearlong pilot study that explored the most effective ways to provide organics diversion to multi-unit residential properties including apartments, condos and townhouse complexes. A report to the May 6, 2025 meeting of the Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services provided a detailed analysis of the options available to the City for multi-unit organics programs.

Engagement with pilot participants, including residents, property managers and condo boards, showed a preference for a City-led organics program. In addition to being the preferred option, it is projected to be the most cost efficient when compared to current market alternatives. Organic material gathered through the program would be handled at the City’s organic processing facility, which begins construction this July.

An implementation plan is being developed aiming to have a city-wide program fully operational in 2028.

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

The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo) is excited to welcome its latest addition a pair of Gila Monsters!

“Gila Monsters are one of the few venomous lizards in the world and we are very excited to have the opportunity to share their story with our guests,” says Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager. “These Gila Monsters will be important animal ambassadors in our education programs, helping visitors and students explore the fascinating world of venomous animals — from the role of venom in nature to how scientists use venom in modern medicine.”

Named after the Gila River Basin in Arizona where they were first discovered, Gila Monsters are known for their vibrant, colourful skin patterns, often in shades of orange, pink and black.

You can find the Gila Monster habitat at the Affinity Learning Centre. 

The Zoo is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visit saskatoon.ca/zoo to plan your next visit or learn more about the Zoo Season Pass.

The City of Saskatoon is committed to providing uninterrupted customer service and business operations in the event of a potential Canada Post service disruption, which may begin on Thursday, May 22, 2025.

“In the event of disruption to mail delivery, we want to remind the community that “it’s business as usual at City Hall,” says Mike Voth, Director of Corporate Revenue. “We encourage residents to use our convenient online services, sign up for paperless ebilling and also visit the City’s website for information and updates.”

The City Offers Convenient Online Services:

Longer than usual in-person and phone wait times for Customer Service Representative assistance may be anticipated in the event of postal service disruption. Customers are encouraged to visit the City’s website saskatoon.ca for updates and for information on how to use our convenient online services:

• Pet License purchasing and renewals
• Business License applications and renewals
• Parking Ticket payment
• Leisure Registration.

Utility Billing:

To ensure your payments are made on time should there be a postal strike, the City strongly encourages residents to adopt these alternative payment methods for utility billing and property tax payments:

• At your banking/financial institution
• Through online banking
• In-person at City Hall (main floor), 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Drop off your cheque in the secure night deposit outside the front of City Hall

The City invites its utility customers to sign up for ebill to avoid delay in receiving billing and account updates, it’s easy to use and secure. You’ll gain access to your utility account history and your current consumption charges and receive email notification when your bill is ready. Sign up today.

Property Tax:

The City started the mailout of the 2025 Property Tax notices to over 100,000 property owners on May 7, 2025. 

• If you have not received your tax notice by May 30, please call 306-975-2400. Non-receipt of your property tax notice does not exempt you from late payment penalties.
• Property owners, mailing delays do not change tax deadlines; you remain responsible for ensuring your 2025 property tax payment is received by the City of Saskatoon by the June 30, 2025, deadline to avoid late payment penalty.
• Enter your address in the easy to use Property Assessment and Tax Tool to view your 2025 property tax payment amount ( does not include the phase-in increase or decrease), it’s under the Tax Information TAB. Visit saskatoon.ca/taxtool or call 306-975-2400.

Need to check your utility bill or property tax balance? We've made it easy:

To find out your balance owing for your utilities or property tax, call the City’s automated phone system at 306-975-2400 or call Toll-Free 1-800-667-9944. Please have your utility billing account # or property tax roll # ready:

• For utilities, press 1, then press 1.
• For property tax, press 2, then press 1.

Visit saskatoon.ca for information and updates, email revenue@saskatoon.ca or call 306-975-2400. We’re here to help.

The City has released its 2024 Report on Service, Savings, Sustainability (SSS). The SSS Report has been released annually since 2005 when City Council     directed Administration to prepare a yearly report on efficiencies implemented in the previous year. The report highlights the ways the City’s departments and teams worked together in the preceding year to:

• Capture savings and find efficiencies
• Enhance services for residents through creativity and innovation
• Make improvements in the area of sustainability

“This report highlights the work that our employees do every day to create better services and experiences for the residents of Saskatoon,” says Richard Phillips, the City’s Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer. “We are always looking to meet the needs of our growing and diverse community. This report  captures how our City employees, as responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars, have found innovative and creative ways to enhance service delivery, capture savings across the organization, and grow in a sustainable way in 2024.”

The report identifies over $5.4 million saved through cost savings, cost avoidance and reductions, with an additional $1.9 million in cost avoidance to come over the next three to five years.

The 2024 SSS Report is available at saskatoon.ca/SSSreport. As well, you will also find a video on this webpage that provides a preview of the full report, highlighting four of the stories featured in 2024. 

 

Saskatoon Transit contracted the Canadian Urban Transit Research and Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC) through the National Planning Service for the Government of Canada’s Zero Emission Transit Fund, to create a comprehensive Zero Emissions Bus (ZEB) Implementation Plan. The plan assessed Saskatoon Transit's readiness to transition to a fully zero emission bus fleet.

The study considers economic, technological, social and environmental benefits, risks and constraints of investing in zero emission buses and supporting infrastructure in Saskatoon using three scenarios: full battery electric bus (BEB) fleet, full hydrogen fuel cell electric bus (FCEB) fleet and a fleet with a mix of both.

Both battery electric and hydrogen-powered buses rely significantly on the power grid for charging or fuel production. Saskatchewan power plants use fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas to generate electricity, which emit greenhouse gases and offset the benefits of reduced tailpipe emissions from zero emission buses.

Financial cost is also a significant factor, as the total life cycle cost (15 years) of a fleet of 100% FCEBs would cost $1.1 billion using current prices and $18.2 million for facility retrofits. A fleet of 100% BEBs would have a total life cycle cost (15 years) of $479.2 million and require $47.7 million in facility costs and on-route charging infrastructure.

“The data and analysis in the zero emissions bus study provide a roadmap for Saskatoon Transit to follow when power is generated by a higher proportion of renewable energy sources in Saskatchewan,” says Mike Moellenbeck, Director of Saskatoon Transit. “Saskatoon Transit will continue to monitor advancements in technology, funding programs and changes in the power grid to transition to ZEBs when it is feasible.”

"Transit decarbonization is a critical pathway to the reduction of emissions at the municipal level. But based on the carbon intensity of provincial grids, electrification is not always a slam dunk because of pollution from electrical grids,” says Josipa Petrunic, President and CEO of CUTRIC. “As the provincial grid system decarbonizes in upcoming decades, electrification will become a more viable option for cities like Saskatoon as they transition away from fossil fuels."

A new Transit fleet renewal strategy for annual diesel bus purchases will be presented to City Council’s Standing Policy Committee on Transportation (SPCT) for consideration in June.

For more information, please refer to the Full-Fleet Zero Emission Bus Implementation Plan - CUTRIC Report on the agenda for today's SPCT meeting.