News Releases

The City of Saskatoon is looking for resident input on creating a more accessible, inclusive and barrier free community for everyone who lives, works and plays here.

“Over the next year, the City must develop an accessibility plan that reflects the needs and experiences of all residents,” says Stryker Calvez, Director of Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (REDI) for the City of Saskatoon. “We recognize the responsibility we have to find, fix, and remove barriers so that everyone, especially people with accessibility needs, can be part of strong and inclusive communities.” Developing an accessibility plan for the City is a requirement of the Accessible Saskatchewan Act, which states that the City must have a plan in place by December 2025.

In order to create this plan, the City is looking for resident participation to complete an accessibility survey. The survey opens February 27 and can be found on the City’s Engage page. It will remain open until March 27, 2025. After completing the survey, residents will have an option to sign up to participate in focus groups and to be eligible for a random draw for one of many $50 gift certificates.

“We have done a lot of work to make these surveys as accessible as possible,” says Calvez. “There are options to complete long or short form surveys and we have tested them to ensure they are compatible with assistive technology, such as screen readers.” Paper copies of the survey will be made available and other options exist for those who request them.

Developing a plan for improved accessibility is not just about making buildings more accessible, although that is important. It is about providing information and employment opportunities in more accessible ways such as making information assistive technology friendly and using language translation services. “We also need to hear from our residents about how we can improve their accessibility and our accommodations when it comes to transportation, service animals and buying goods and services from the City,” says Calvez.

Removing barriers and improving accessibility in our communities is a complex task. “We fully recognize that we may not get everything right the first time,” says Calvez. “There is going to be some trial and error but we are committed to working with our communities to create a more inclusive community for everyone.”

Residents can learn more about the plan on our Accessibility Plan page.
 

The City of Saskatoon is proud to announce its recognition as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for 2025. This honour reflects the City's ongoing commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

"At the City, we want our employee population to reflect the residents that we serve every day and have our community see themselves in our organization. Every year we are improving, and we remain committed to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive," says Chelsey Mack, Director of HR Shared Services.

The City’s diversity and inclusiveness initiatives are wide-ranging and ongoing from reaching out to community through career fairs and recruitment presentations, to hosting a Reconciliation Town Hall for employees where a smudging ceremony was held in council chambers for the first time.

The City also values the essential connection between mental wellness and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. “We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels empowered to be their authentic selves, free from the need to hide any part of their identity,” says Mack.

Canada's Best Diversity Employers recognizes employers across Canada that have exceptional workplace diversity and inclusiveness programs. This competition recognizes successful diversity initiatives in a variety of areas, including programs for employees from five groups: (a) women; (b) members of visible minorities; (c) persons with disabilities; (d) Indigenous peoples; and (e) lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) peoples.

Canada's Best Diversity Employers for 2025 are published and distributed online today in The Globe and Mail and on Eluta.ca. The City has now been honoured with this award for the tenth time.

The City of Saskatoon, in partnership with the Saskatchewan Intercultural Association, the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF), the Graham Mitchell Foundation through the Urban Alliance on Race Relations and Nutrien, hosted a special event today to celebrate the graduates of the Civic Internship Program.  

The unique leadership development program started October 2024 and was designed to provide mentorship, learning and career-building opportunities for participants from equity-deserving communities. 

 "As mayor, I am committed to fostering opportunities like this internship—programs that connect newcomers with experienced leaders in our community. When we provide all citizens with the chance to develop and apply their skills, we strengthen our city and ensure a brighter future for everyone," says Mayor Cynthia Block. 

The program consisted of two critical components: networking with contacts at decision-making levels and working on a single project/report based on insights gained from those meetings. The work resulted in a final report “Bridging the Gap - Enhancing Newcomer Employment and Workforce Diversity in Saskatoon.”  

“When people from different backgrounds get involved in local decisions, we create stronger, more fair communities for everyone,” says Mohammed Hashim, CRRF Chief Executive Officer. “We’re honoured to have supported the City of Saskatoon’s first Civic Internship graduates, and we look forward to seeing them reap the fruits of their labour.”

Through this program, participants had the opportunity to work directly with the Mayor, City Councillors, senior City Administration and community leaders, gaining insights into municipal governance and its connection to community development. Foundational to the program was the history of Indigenous peoples including the residential school system, the 60s Scoop and MMIWG2S.*  

"Participating in the City of Saskatoon Internship Program was a transformative experience for me as a newcomer.” graduate Muna Jibreal says.  “It opened doors to understanding the City's operations, connecting with the community, and finding my place in Saskatoon's vibrant landscape."  

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*Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit persons 

Winter BYXE Week will take place February 15 - 23, 2025. Many activities and events are planned throughout the week, including Bike to Work Day on Thursday, February 20. Local advocacy group, Saskatoon Cycles, is coordinating the events in partnership with the City of Saskatoon, including a BYXE Week scavenger hunt and photo contest.  

“Riding a bike is great for physical and mental health; regular exercise leaves you feeling refreshed, energized and alert,” says Nathalie Baudais, Transportation Engineering Manager. 

“Don’t limit your cycling adventures to warm weather seasons. Add winter cycling to your list of must-do winter activities like skating, sledding, skiing and snowshoeing. It's a convenient and low-cost form of everyday transportation that benefits Saskatoon by decreasing traffic congestion, noise and air pollution.”  

BYXE Week is a great time to explore Saskatoon. Visit saskatoon.ca/byxe for bike routes and safety tips. 

Bike to Work Day will be held on Thursday, February 20. Commuter Stations, sponsored by local organizations and businesses, will be serving refreshments and snacks for people on bikes during their morning and afternoon commutes. Visit saskatooncycles.org/winter-byxe for a list station locations and times. 

This initiative underscores the joy of biking, promoting good health, saving money and contributing to environmental sustainability.  

If you live too far away to ride your bike, consider taking Saskatoon Transit part of the way. All buses are equipped with front bike racks that are free and easy to use. Plan your trip using the Transit app. 

For detailed information and event updates, residents can visit  saskatooncycles.org/winter-byxe and join our Facebook Event for updates! 

The City of Saskatoon is proud to announce its recognition as one of Saskatchewan’s Top Employers for 2025. This honour reflects the City's commitment to fostering a supportive and dynamic workplace that prioritizes employees' well-being and professional growth.

"We are proud to be acknowledged as one of Saskatchewan’s Top Employers for 2025. Our employees are at the heart of our success, and this award is a reflection of their hard work," says Chelsey Mack, Director of HR Shared Services. "Our focus on mental health and our Corporate Value of Safety in all that we do has played a key role in earning this honour, and we will continue to prioritize these areas."

The City of Saskatoon was evaluated on eight key criteria, the same used for Canada’s Top 100 Employer’s competition: physical workplace; work atmosphere and social; health, financial and family benefits; vacation and time off; employee communications; performance management; training and skills development; and community involvement.

The City views its employees as its greatest assets and places a strong emphasis on mental health and well-being.  “We strive to provide an environment where everyone feels safe, valued, respected, and appreciated for the work they do,” Mack says.  

The City offers a range of benefits to promote both physical and mental well-being, including discounted access to city leisure facilities and programs, on-site noon-hour yoga programs, as well as mental health training.

Employers are compared with other organizations in their field to determine which ones offer the most progressive and forward-thinking programs. The City has now been honoured with this award for the tenth time.

Saskatchewan’s 2025 Top Employers are highlighted in today’s online Saskatoon StarPhoenix and Regina Leader-Post.

The City of Saskatoon issued 2025 Reassessment Notices to more than 100,000 property owners via mail earlier this week along with an informative guide.

The 2025 Assessment Roll, a listing of all properties in Saskatoon, is open for public inspection from January 27 to March 28, 2025. This timeframe also marks the 60-Day Customer Review Period in which property owners may formally appeal their property’s assessed value in 2025.

“As a result of the 2025 Reassessment, the average residential property’s assessed value in Saskatoon will increase by 13%,” Bryce Trew, City Assessor says. “Important to note, this does not mean your residential property tax will go up 13%. If your property’s assessed value changed more than 13% from 2024 to 2025, then your share of property tax will increase. If it increased less than 13%, your share of property tax will decrease.

 “We encourage property owners to review their property’s new 2025 assessed value and their property’s characteristics on our website by using the online Property Assessment and Tax Tool or if they prefer, to contact us if they’d like to review the information we have on file about their property. We are here to help property owners who would like to connect with us by email, phone or in-person by appointment,” Trew adds.

Highlights of the 2025 Assessment Roll:                         

• The total value of the 2025 Taxable Assessment Roll is 47.2 billion, compared to 43.1 billion in 2024 as a result of the 2025 reassessment.
  • Commercial Assessment accounts for 9 billion (approx. 3,400 properties)
  • Residential Assessment accounts for 34.2 billion (approx. 93,000 properties)

• The typical residential property assessed value in Saskatoon increased 13% and the typical non-residential (commercial) property assessed value decreased 2%. (In the last reassessment cycle, the residential tax class decreased 7% and the commercial tax class increased 8%.)

• • Note: If a property owner had an assessment value increase of 13%, this does not mean their property tax will increase 13%.

Key Findings from the 2025 Assessment Roll by Assessment Sub-Groups

• Residential Tax Classes: The average assessment value increase for this tax class, is 13%.
• Single-Family Residential value increased 13% (Median Assessment is 394,200)
• Residential Condominium value increased 5% (Median Assessment is 216,500) 
• Multi-Family value increased 24% (Median Assessment is 1,966,000)

Commercial Tax Classes: The average assessment value increase for this tax class, is –2%.

• Retail value decreased 10% (Median Assessment is 1,393,600)
• Office value decreased 17% (Median Assessment is 1,325,000)
• Industrial value increased 10% (Median Assessment is 1,502,550)
• Hotel value decreased 13% (Median Assessment is 8,549,600)

Helpful Online Resources for Property Owners

Property Assessment & Tax Tool: Review the characteristics the City has on file about your property, check other assessments in your area, review market area sales, historical tax information and more.

Revenue Neutral 2025 Property Tax Estimator: Preview an estimate of the change in your 2025 property tax as a result of the 2025 Reassessment. The estimate shown is not your final property tax amount; it does not include 2025 budget changes, or yet to be approved tax policy decisions to be set by City Council and the Province in March and April. Property owners will receive their 2025 Property Tax notice by mail in May 2025.

Questions? We’re here to help.

Email: assessmentsubmit@saskatoon.ca

Mail: City of Saskatoon, Assessment & Valuation 222 - 3rd Avenue North, Saskatoon, SK S7K 0J5

Phone: Call 306-975-3227 for questions or to book an in-person appointment Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Visit saskatoon.ca/assessment for more information including helpful videos and guides.
 

The watchful eyes and quick action of a Transit supervisor patrolling the downtown bus terminal earlier this week likely prevented bear spray incidents involving employees or customers.  

The Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) recently arrested several people related to the use and possession of bear spray between January 19 and 21.  In one incident on Tuesday, January 21, the patrolling Transit supervisor saw a group of people with cans of what looked like bear spray get on a bus; the supervisor immediately reported it to the SPS who subsequently searched the suspects and made arrests.   

Saskatoon Transit increased its uniformed presence in the bus terminals and on buses this year to improve safety for employees and customers.  

All supervisors and bus operators have a direct line to emergency services and protocol to follow when they notice suspicious activity.

The University Bridge has reopened after a fire underneath the bridge deck late Sunday night resulted in damage to a sanitary sewer main and a full bridge closure.  

The bridge reopened following a structural inspection this morning, however, traffic restrictions are in place until the sanitary sewer line, which was melted by the fire, can be repaired. A temporary bypass line will remain on a section of the east end of the bridge and on the north walkway, which remains closed.

“Until the sanitary sewer line is repaired, and the bypass line is no longer needed, traffic is being accommodated with one lane in each direction,” says Jay Magus, Director of Transportation. “Signage is in place and drivers are encouraged to utilize the zipper merging technique by taking turns at the merge points.”

The City of Saskatoon continues to work closely with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment as wastewater spilled out of the damaged sanitary sewer line onto the bridge arches and riverbank below. The Meewasin Trail underneath the east side of the bridge remains closed as the cleanup continues. The walkway under the far west end of the bridge also remains temporarily closed to accommodate the bypass sanitary sewer line. The south walkway of the bridge and the Meewasin Trail on the west side of the bridge are open.

Saskatoon Transit may be affected. Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit on desktop.

The University Bridge, which has been closed to traffic since early Monday morning due to a fire which resulted in damage to a sanitary sewer main underneath the bridge, will be inspected tomorrow. If there are no structural concerns and the bridge re-opens, traffic restrictions will be in place until the damaged sanitary sewer line can be repaired.

“Heat from the fire melted the sewer line, so until the repair is complete, a temporary bypass line will remain on a section of the east end of the bridge deck and on the north walkway,” says Brendan Lemke, Director of Water and Waste Operations. “At this time, we don’t have a timeline for repair.”

The City of Saskatoon has been working closely with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment to comply with regulations, and today crews are on the scene cleaning up frozen wastewater that spilled out of the damaged sanitary sewer line. The City will then be able to safely access under the bridge to conduct tomorrow’s inspection.

The walkway on the north side of the University Bridge is closed, but the south walkway is open. For safety, pedestrians and cyclists are advised to stay on the south walkway and off the bridge deck. The Meewasin Trail underneath the east side of the bridge and the walkway under the far west end of the bridge are closed. The Meewasin Trail on the west side of the bridge remains open.

Saskatoon Transit is affected by these detours. Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit on desktop.

A fire that started underneath the University Bridge overnight is extinguished, but the bridge remains closed to traffic. Detours are in place.

Heat from the fire melted the 400 mm sanitary sewer line underneath the bridge. A temporary 500 metre bypass line is now in place and operational. Arrangements are being made for a contractor to repair the damaged sanitary sewer line.

City engineers have completed an initial assessment of the bridge and there appears to be no structural concerns, however a bridge inspection has been scheduled for Wednesday, January 22. Although the bridge will remain closed to traffic until the inspection is completed or the damaged sanitary sewer line can be repaired, the pedestrian walkway on the south side of the University Bridge remains open. The Meewasin Trail underneath the east side of the bridge is closed.

Saskatoon Transit is affected by these detours. Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit on desktop.