News Releases

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.

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).