News Releases

An important milestone in the journey to the Downtown Event and Entertainment District will be discussed at the August 14^th Governance and Priorities Committee of Saskatoon City Council. The Committee will be discussing a private partner agreement framework for operating the new venues, which is a critical element intended to advance the Downtown Event and Entertainment District.

“We looked for a partner with the necessary experience and credentials that will not only fund and run a successful operation, but also values and understands the importance of social responsibility and leadership in our community,” says Dan Willems, Director of Technical Services, Transportation and Construction. “The fact that we attracted the interest of a world-class expert in facility management reaffirms the potential and excitement that exists for a Downtown Event and Entertainment District in Saskatoon.”

The report sets out an agreement framework for a private operating partnership with OVG360, one of the world’s leading full-service facility management teams with over 300 client-partners that span arenas, stadiums, convention centres and performing arts centres globally. Between an initial upfront capital contribution and annual revenues to the City through an operating partnership with OVG360, the City projects $170 million in net cash flow over a 25-year agreement.  The agreement will also address important community benefits including maximizing economic opportunities for traditionally marginalized groups, employment that will work with existing employees and unions, and benefits for community non-profit events.

“We are thrilled to announce this long-term operating partnership with OVG360. With OVG360's extensive experience in managing premier facilities across North America, we are confident that their innovative approach will bring substantial financial benefits to our city which will help support the funding strategy for the new venues. Between this partnership and construction of these venues, we anticipate a significant elevation in the quality and variety of events coming to Saskatoon, attracting world-class entertainment, conventions, and cultural activities. This will not only enhance the vibrancy of our community but also drive economic growth and provide memorable experiences for our residents and visitors,” says Willems.

For more information on the Downtown Event and Entertainment District please visit saskatoon.ca/eventdistrict.

The next legislated reassessment of all property types will take place in 2025. The City is now asking all property owners for feedback on:  

• The property tax phase-in options the City could apply: no phase-in, 2-year, or 4-year
  phase-in for the next property reassessment cycle beginning 2025. 
• property owners’ feedback on the benefits, concerns and/or preferences for the phase-in process and how it will be conducted. 
• property owners’ preferred communication methods to receive reassessment information from the City of Saskatoon in 2025 and going forward. 

Property owners, we look forward to hearing your preferences and feedback via this 5-7 minute Survey. For additional background information on this engagement survey please visit saskatoon.ca/engage/property-tax-phase

The City’s Phase-in Options survey will be open for all property owners in Saskatoon from Thursday, August 1 until Friday, August 30, 2024.

Background Information

The next legislated reassessment of all property types in Saskatchewan will take place in 2025. Reassessment is undertaken every four years to determine an updated market value for your property. Your property’s 2025 reassessed value will be used, along with the City’s budgeting requirements and tax policy, to calculate your property tax for the next four years, 2025–2028.

The Cities Act does not allow the City to change the current 4-year reassessment cycle however, the City can determine its own tax policies for all property classes (residential, commercial, multi-residential, etc.) in Saskatoon. The City has the authority to make the decision on what are called phase-in options.

When there is a change to a property owner’s property tax because of their property’s new reassessed value, the dollar amount change in property tax owed can be phased-in over two or four years before the next reassessment year. There is also an option for no phase-in use.

Helpful Information/Resources

• A Guide to Property Assessment & Tax Policy: Roles and Responsibilities
• Comparative Use of Phase-in Over the Last Three Legislated Assessment Cycles
• How Phase-in Options Work if You Have a Property Tax Increase or Decrease
• Phase-in by the Numbers: Examples of No Phase-in, 2-year Phase-in, 4-year Phase-in

Questions? Email assessmentsubmit @saskatoon.ca or call 307-975-3227. We’re here to help.

During routine monitoring of storm water ponds, the City of Saskatoon has identified a potential blue-green algae bloom at Briarwood Pond in Briarwood. Blue-green algae, also known as Cyanobacteria, is a bacteria that can be harmful to humans and animals.

Out of an abundance of caution, all recreational water activities are strictly prohibited until further notice. Signage is being produced and will be placed around the pond to inform visitors of potential dangers.

Residents with pets also are advised to completely avoid the pond. When ingested, water with blue-green algae can cause sickness and/or death in animals depending on the level of toxicity.

Health Precautions:

• Symptoms: Contact with or ingestion of blue-green algae toxins can cause symptoms such as skin irritation, nausea, vomiting, and respiratory distress.
• Emergency: If you or your pets experience any symptoms after contact with the water, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.

Water samples will be collected and tested this week. The City will provide updates as they become available. Your cooperation in adhering to these safety measures is greatly appreciated.

Visit Health Canada to learn about the risks of cyanobacteria and their toxins, and how to keep yourself safe.

Saskatoon Transit is excited to announce the addition of two new Nova LFSe+ battery-electric buses to its public transit fleet, the first in Saskatchewan. This marks a significant milestone in the City of Saskatoon’s commitment to sustainable public transportation and environmental leadership.

Saskatoon Transit piloted a battery-electric bus over a 12-month period beginning in July 2020. This pilot project aimed to evaluate the performance and feasibility of battery-electric buses in Saskatoon’s climate, providing key data to inform future investments in battery-electric buses.

Building on the pilot project's success, City Council approved an initial investment in battery-electric buses in December 2021 as part of the broader $115.4 million revised 2023-2031 fleet renewal strategy.

“This is an exciting step toward building a transit fleet that meets current and future ridership demands and our long-term sustainability goals,” says Michael Moellenbeck, Director of Saskatoon Transit.

Transitioning to battery-electric buses is progress towards meeting the City’s targets outlined in the Low Emissions Community Plan and Climate Action Plan, which include target emission reductions of 55,000 tonnes CO₂e by 2050 and an increase in transit trips of 5% by 2030 and 10% by 2050.

"Access to safe and efficient public transportation is an effective way to cut greenhouse gas emissions, and these battery-electric buses are an example of how we can reach environmental targets and provide a cleaner option for Saskatoon,” Moellenbeck says.

Watch for a new battery-electric bus on a nearby route. Experience the benefits firsthand as Saskatoon Transit drives towards a greener, more efficient public transportation network.

For more information about Saskatoon Transit, visit saskatoontransit.ca.

Explore the prairie marsh like never before at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo). Students and families can examine the movement, respiration and adaptations of underwater life at the prairie marsh from the new accessible pier and lookout at the Saskatoon Zoo.

“We are very excited about this new enhancement to our facility and the educational opportunities it will provide for students and families visiting the Zoo,” says Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager. “We are so thankful for our continued partnership with the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation and the amazing work they do to raise funds for capital improvements to the Zoo.”

The new pier is fully accessible and enables wheelchair users to participate in pond-dipping activities. Net extenders are also available enabling users to have a deeper reach into the pond.

The wider dock not only improves viewing and mobility for all participants but also expands the capacity for school-based programming. Students will have the opportunity to learn more about the underwater invertebrates native to Saskatchewan, explore the importance of wetlands, and learn about the Sutherland Migratory Bird Sanctuary at the Forestry Farm Park.

Zoogoers can also explore the new pier by participating in the Saskatoon Zoo Society’s interpretive pond-dipping program available daily until September 2.

Construction of the new accessible pier was made possible thanks to the generous contribution from Greg and Olivia Yuel.

The Yuel's decision to donate to the Saskatoon Zoo's accessible pier represents their deeply rooted values of community support and inclusivity. Known for their work with The Rick Hansen Foundation, the Yuel’s are passionate about projects that directly benefit the community and promote accessibility for all individuals. Their dedication to enhancing recreational spaces reflects their belief in the power of nature and wildlife in childhood development. By supporting the Saskatoon Zoo’s accessible pier project, Greg and Olivia aim to create lasting impacts by ensuring that people of all abilities can enjoy and learn from the natural world in a safe and educational environment.

The pier is located at the back of the Zoo next to the pronghorn habitat. Be sure to explore this exciting new addition during your next visit.

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

Following extensive planning and careful consideration, City officials have proposed the name “Link” to be used for the branding and marketing of the new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. This new bus service will fall under the master brand of Saskatoon Transit, but it will have its own visual identity to reflect the unique service while complementing the master brand. 

Research on BRT systems in cities across North America shows early introduction and adoption of a BRT system brand identity is essential to the success of the new transit service. A report will be presented July 17 to the Governance and Priorities Committee of City Council seeking approval for the new Saskatoon Transit BRT brand name and visual identity. 

City Administration worked with Entro, a global firm with specialized knowledge in this field, on brand development for the BRT. A comprehensive eight-step process guided the identification of a brand name and visual identity. Steps included a brand and site audit, stakeholder research, visioning, naming, brand development and validation, visual language, and guidelines.  

The proposed “Link” brand will refer exclusively to the rapid transit lines (routes) currently identified as the red, green, and blue lines. 

Through naming workshops and discussions held with the public and key groups/organizations in Saskatoon, the name was associated with words such as connectivity, welcoming, accessible, reliable, modern and clear/straightforward. Participants also identified that the name embodied concepts of connection, speed and network and was timeless and easy to understand. 

If approved by City Council, work on the Link brand, marketing and wayfinding signage will continue over the coming months. This will involve the implementation of a communications and marketing plan aimed to increase community awareness of the new brand name. Communications will be focused on informing the public before there are construction impacts and provide education on the new future transit service. 

With the final BRT funding announcement from the Investing in Canada’s Infrastructure Program (ICIP) on June 28, the project can now proceed to the detailed design, procurement and construction phases. The City has retained engineering and consulting firm CIMA+ to complete detailed designs and assist in the tendering and management of construction contracts.   

Construction of part of the transit signal priority (TSP) system and the start of construction of 14 of the BRT stations’ concrete platforms is expected to begin this summer. This work will continue with another 30 stations in 2025.  

Engagement activities have been ongoing over the last few years on streetscaping design elements, public art components, station design, feeder routes and other project features, and will continue until the system is launched. 

For more information on the project, visit saskatoon.ca/brt. 

The City is seeking a naming rights partner that will continue to build upon the vision and success of the Shaw Centre (leisure facility) now and into the future.

The leisure facility originally opened in 2009 with a vision to create a destination recreational facility built on partnerships and community values offering programs, activities and services in a diverse and inclusive setting. In the past 15 years, the leisure facility has not only lived up to, but exceeded the original vision.

Interested parties can review the Leisure Facility Naming Rights Opportunity Request For Proposals information available online through Biddingo. The submission deadline is Friday, July 19, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.

The facility’s original Naming and Promotional Benefits Agreement - which named the facility Shaw Centre - expired on March 31, 2024. City Council has provided approval to pursue a new naming rights agreement for the facility.

In exchange for an organization’s cash investment, the City will grant the organization recognition through naming rights of the facility and marketing opportunities.

The agreement will provide a number of benefits, at minimum:

• Chosen name and/or logo in a prominent location(s) on the exterior and interiorof the facility;
• Naming rights recognition on all marketing materials, including website, exterior signage, etc. related to the facility; and
• Additional opportunities for signage, marketing, activation, and business solutions are negotiable.

The facility is uniquely integrated between two high schools, Tommy Douglas Collegiate and Bethlehem Catholic High School and is internationally recognized as a state-of-the-art recreational facility. The facility has hosted a variety of elite aquatics events and activities in all aquatic disciplines (water polo, speed swimming, artistic swimming, diving). In the last 10 years, the facility has hosted two International Competitions, 18 National Competitions and 23 Western Canadian Championships.

The City of Saskatoon is pleased to announce Celene Anger as the City’s new General Manager of Community Services. Ms. Anger will begin her new role on July 15, 2024, replacing outgoing General Manager Lynne Lacroix whose retirement was announced earlier this year.

“Celene is an experienced leader with a passion for innovation, strategic thinking and relationship building,” says City Manager, Jeff Jorgenson. “She has demonstrated collaborative and values-based leadership throughout her career at the City and has a broad range of experience from overseeing major construction and design projects to leading several significant change and transformation projects across the organization. She is in a great position to oversee the important civic programs, services and infrastructure the Community Services division provides to the community.”

Celene’s extensive career at the City spans over a decade in various roles of increasing responsibility and leadership. In 2013, she first joined the City as a Project Engineer, later becoming Director of Construction and Design from 2015 to 2019 overseeing Broadway water, sewer and roadway rehabilitation and the first phases of Aspen Ridge and Kensington. After a short-term secondment as Chief Operating Officer at Remai Modern, Celene then joined the City’s executive leadership team as Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer in 2020.

“During her time as Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer, Celene has done a great job building a strong and effective team and leaves behind a solid foundation for the future growth and success of the Strategy and Transformation Division. And I have no doubt that she will continue to be successful in her new role with the exceptionally strong Community Services team”, said Jorgenson.

The City of Saskatoon congratulates Celene Anger on this new role, and we look forward to her continued contributions to making Saskatoon a great place to live, work, learn and play.

Following a discussion at the Public Hearing Meeting of City Council on June 27 and June 28, City Council approved amendments to the Official Community Plan (OCP) and Zoning Bylaw to meet the commitments under the Housing Accelerator Fund application.  

The approved amendments include: 

• Permitting up to four dwelling units per site in all residential zoning districts 
• Permitting multiple unit dwellings in the Transit Development Area (approximately an 800m distance or 10-minute walk from Bus Rapid Transit Stations)   
• Streamlining zoning regulations for Residential Care Homes (up to 15 people) 

The decision was made after an 18-hr Public Hearing in which 66 residents verbally gave their feedback and 391 residents submitted a written statement.  

"There is an urgent need to build more housing in our city," says Lesley Anderson, Director of Planning & Development. "These changes will not only accelerate housing projects but will also help address the immediate demand for affordable homes and lay the groundwork for more diverse housing options." 

The Housing Accelerator Fund will provide the City of Saskatoon with $41.325 million to implement the initiatives outlined in the City’s Housing Action Plan, which includes 13 initiatives that enable a variety of housing forms and densities to meet the diverse needs of the community.  

The City of Saskatoon has received a 25 per cent upfront advance to begin implementing the initiatives outlined in the Housing Action Plan. The remaining approved funding will be disbursed in installments annually over three years until 2026/27, provided the City continues to meet the terms and conditions of the agreement. 

Ongoing updates will be provided at saskatoon.ca/HAF. 

Saskatoon Transit today unveiled two unique pieces of student artwork for its 5th annual Student Art Contest. These pieces celebrate the vibrance of youth using active transportation and will be displayed on transit buses around Saskatoon. This contest is aimed at students in grades 3 and 7, as public and active transportation is part of the learning plan for those grades.  

"We are thrilled to partner with elementary schools on this project and extend a big thank you to all students who participated in this year's contest," says Cory Shrigley, Customer Support and Engagement Manager of Saskatoon Transit. "This artwork captures the spirit of active transportation and its role in our community. Students this summer should take great pride in seeing art created by their peers displayed on the side of Saskatoon Transit bus."  

The winning pieces were based on their reflection of the "Active Transportation" theme. They highlighted the importance of integrated transportation modes such as public transit, cycling, walking, e-scooters, car sharing, taxis, carpooling, and ride-sharing. 

• Grade 3 Winner: 
  • Ada, Vera, Skylar, Samar and Juliette  
  • École Alvin Buckwold School  
• Grade 7 Winner: 
  • Raowha 
  • Lakeridge School  

“Our school division promotes active transportation and encourages mindful choices that support student well-being and our community,” says Jennifer Haywood, Superintendent of Education at Saskatoon Public Schools. “This contest aligns with our curriculum and Move to Grow campaign, advocating for active ways to commute to school. 

“Congratulations to both schools for their creative artwork that brings these ideas to life in a beautiful visual, hopefully inspiring others to adopt healthier and more sustainable transportation habits.” 

Each winning artwork will be prominently displayed on five Saskatoon Transit buses, totalling ten buses, throughout the city.