News Releases

Following City Council approval on November 22, on-street parking in Saskatoon's pay parking zones will continue to be free for Saskatchewan veterans with SGI-issued veteran licence plates within the posted time restrictions on a permanent basis. 

Council approval came following a one-year pilot project that evaluated the impacts of a program on parking revenue, parking supply and usage. User feedback was also collected from stakeholders and it was found that impacts of a program modification would be minimal and that the pilot was well-received by users.  

”Through stakeholder engagement and research, it was found that amendments to the existing program could be made to provide a simplified and improved process for veteran parking similar to other  cities that are offering Veteran parking programs” says Matt Grazier, Director of Community Standards. “This is a program that we are pleased to offer as a small ‘thank you’ to Saskatchewan Veterans for their service to our city, province, and country.” 

Veterans who qualified under the previous City of Saskatoon Veteran Parking Program still qualify under the new program. This program applies for on-street pay parking zones only and does not include public or private parking lots. 

For more information, visit saskatoon.ca/veteranparking.

The CUTA Awards honour and celebrate the achievements of individuals and organizations that go above and beyond to keep transit running.

Saskatoon Transit was named the winner of the 2023 Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) Innovation Award for using Preteckt’s AI-powered predictive maintenance technology to maintain its bus fleet. The award recognizes Saskatoon Transit’s excellence in using technology to make transit services more efficient.

“Keeping as many buses as possible on the road each day is critical for Saskatoon Transit to meet service demands,” says Tracey Davis, Fleet and Maintenance Manager, Saskatoon Transit. “Our enhanced preventative maintenance program with early detection predictive analysis is saving us money and increasing bus availability.” 

Preteckt’s predictive software sifts through millions of data points daily to catch problems before they cause bus breakdowns and empowers technicians with the insights needed to make early repairs. Saskatoon Transit piloted this technology with Preteckt in 2021 and then implemented the AI solution for its entire fleet in late 2022. 

Saskatoon Transit has not experienced service disruptions due to bus shortages since October 2022 due to intentional continuous improvement efforts, an enhanced preventative maintenance program and the partnership with Preteckt. 

“Innovation happens when leaders take risks. The Saskatoon leadership team led by taking a risk and agreeing to do a pilot test with Preteckt in late 2020, which has allowed them to continue seeing amazing results. The Saskatoon Transit maintenance team continues to innovate by combining technology with continuous improvement expertise driven by AI, thus allowing them to make data-driven decisions,” said Krish Inbarajan, CEO of Preteckt and APTA Board Member. “As an AI company, people make all the difference, and we salute the innovative team at Saskatoon Transit and thank them for trusting their entire fleet with us.”

During the award ceremony CUTA recognized this innovation with the following paragraphs: 

“Canadian start-up Preteckt partnered with Saskatoon Transit to implement their artificial intelligence (AI) for predictive maintenance. This AI, initially designed for heavy-duty trucks, analyzes vast data sets and uses AI to predict issues before they disrupt service. Despite initial skepticism, Saskatoon Transit embraced the innovation under CUTA’s Transit Vision 2040 theme, demonstrating leadership in Canadian transit.

The AI seamlessly integrates with Saskatoon Transit’s existing systems, enabling early issue detection and informed repair decisions, ultimately reducing costs. Saskatoon Transit stands as Canada’s pioneer in using AI for transit vehicle maintenance. This project’s success isn’t solely attributed to technology; it requires courage, effective leadership, and resource commitment. The process involved setting pilot objectives, procuring new technology, and integrating it into continuous improvement procedures. Training played a crucial role in implementation, with ongoing efficiencies anticipated.”

The Saskatoon Transit – Preteckt partnership highlights the integration of advanced technology, which will be essential to providing reliable, safe and efficient transportation services for a city that is planning for continued growth.

As part of the City’s Multi -Year Business Plan and Budget Process, the City produces three key documents to inform City Council and the public prior to its November budget deliberations.

Having released the first document, the Preliminary 2024/2025 Detailed Operating and Capital Summary Budget on November 9, 2023, the City’s last set of preliminary budget documents have been made available today, November 20, 2023 as follows:

#2.  Preliminary 2024/2025 Capital Budget Project Details

#3.  2024/2025 Preliminary Budget Introduction and   2024/2025 Climate Budget

The Preliminary 2024 Operating Budget proposes total operating expenditures (excluding Saskatoon Public Library and Utilities) of $628.5 million, an increase of $35.9 million, or 6.06%, over the 2023 Operating Budget.

The Preliminary 2025 Operating Budget proposes total operating expenditures (excluding Saskatoon Public Library and Utilities) of $657.0 million, an increase of $28.4 million, or 4.53%, over the 2024 Operating Budget.

The Preliminary 2024/2025 Capital Budget provides a total capital investment of $785.1 million: $381.5 million in 2024, and $403.6 million in 2025.

Still to be considered by City Council is the final full review of the City’s 87 distinct Service Lines and 58 additional Administrative Options. There will undoubtedly be a number of further changes made to finalize the 2024/2025 Business Plan and Budget.

City Council will seek to find the proper balance between delivering core service levels residents and businesses expect for taxpayer dollars, maintaining affordability and ensuring long-term financial sustainability when making its final investment decisions at the 2024/2025 Budget Deliberations set for November 28-30, 2023.

Members of the public who wish to participate in the 2024/2025 final budget review by either submitting a letter and/or requesting to speak to City Council must arrange to do so before the cut-off, Monday, November 27, 2023, at 5 p.m.

Visit saskatoon.ca/budget

The City of Saskatoon is pleased to announce the launch of a pilot project that will see the installation of accessible loading zones to foster inclusivity and accessibility. 

Three locations have agreed to partake in the pilot and have accessible loading zones installed: Sutherland Elementary School, Luther Special Care Home and the Sturdy Stone Centre. 

The accessible loading zones have been installed at Sutherland Elementary School and Luther Special Care Home this fall. The installation will take place at the Study Stone Centre in 2024 as it will be coordinated with other preservation construction. 

“"Accessibility for all!" is the resounding message behind this initiative, emphasizing the city's commitment to providing equal opportunities for education, healthcare and community engagement,” says Jay Magus, Director of Transportation. 

“By prioritizing inclusivity, we are taking a significant step toward creating a more accessible and welcoming environment for all members of our community.” 

This pilot project is designed to provide individuals with limited mobility the opportunity to access education, healthcare and community services with greater ease and convenience. The newly established loading zones will feature a range of accessibility-enhancing elements, including accessibility ramps, clear side zones and dimensions tailored to accommodate both rear and side loading vehicles. 

Respectful use of the designated loading zones is imperative. We urge all community members, including parents, school staff and students to familiarize themselves with the guidelines and help maintain the effectiveness of these crucial accessibility features. 

This pilot project stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between the City, educational institutions, organizations like SaskAbilities and the Saskatoon Council on Aging, business improvement districts and the local community. By working together, we can create a more inclusive environment that benefits us all. 

The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo) is honoured and proud to be the recipient of the Thomas R. Baines award at the 2023 Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) Annual Awards of Excellence. 

The Thomas R. Baines award recognizes excellence in habitat design and development as well as the ability to apply unique approaches to animal care and welfare. 

The Small Mammal House opened on June 10, 2023 following extensive renovations to the exterior and interior of the former Children’s Zoo. The interior features an open space educational area where participants can see, hear and smell the animals providing a fully immersive learning experience. There are also three new habitats on the second floor and enhanced spaces for zookeepers to continue critical conservation work and provide the highest quality care for the animals that call the zoo home.

“It has been so rewarding to have this new space for our animals and to receive this award recognizing this fantastic addition to the Zoo is amazing,” says Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager. “A big thank you our zookeepers and our partner organizations including the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation, that came together to make this transformation a reality.”

The Saskatoon Zoo Foundation raises funds for capital improvements for the Zoo including $250,000 dedicated to the Small Mammal House. The Zoo would like to thank all the organizations that contributed to the Small Mammal House including:

• Saskatoon Zoo Foundation
• CandorBuild Construction Corporation
• Krawchuk Construction
• WD Plastics
• Metalshapes Manufacturing
• Kindrachuk Agrey Architecture
• 4Twenty Designs
• Rockscapes of Canada
• Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)

The Zoo is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and admission is by donation until March 31. Check out the award-winning Small Mammal House on your next visit to the Zoo.

For more information on the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo visit saskatoon.ca/zoo. 

For more information on CAZA visit caza.ca. 

As part of the City’s Multi -Year Business Plan and Budget Process, the City produces three key documents to inform City Council and the public prior to its November Budget Deliberations. For the 2024/2025 two-year budget cycle, the documents include:

1. The Preliminary 2024/2025 Detailed Operating and Capital Summary Budget 
2. The Preliminary 2024/2025 Detailed Capital Budget
3. The 2024/2025 Preliminary Budget Introduction and Climate Budget

“In our prior multi-year budgets, we had released our three budget documents at the same time. This year, to allow for as much time as possible for City Council, stakeholders and residents to review the preliminary budget documents before budget deliberations, the 2024/2025 Preliminary Budget documents will now be released as they each become finalized by Administration,” says Clae Hack, Chief Financial Officer.

As such, the City has today released the Preliminary 2024/2025 Detailed Operating and Capital Summary Budget.

“Today’s budget release provides the background context and full details on the proposed funding requirements for the City’s 87 different Service Lines. It also reflects the approximately $35 million in budgetary decisions made by City Council over the course of dedicated Special Budget Meetings held over the summer,” adds Hack.
 
“City Council and Administration have continued to work together to address the unprecedented inflationary pressures faced not only by the City of Saskatoon, but many other municipalities across Canada. We are committed to investing the City’s budget wisely for today, and for the future, and delivering our services and programs with the most value for taxpayer dollars in our community for all residents who call Saskatoon home.”

Dedicating the key investments required to support the delivery of core services and maintain infrastructure are funding priorities within the Preliminary 2024/2025 Operating and Capital Budget. Some highlights include:  

1. The largest ever investment in the City’s Roadway Maintenance and Rehabilitation Programs, $72 million in 2024 and $78 million in 2025 (includes the Road Maintenance, Bridges and Transportation Service Lines);

2. Investment in two new Firehalls to address emergency response for the City’s expanding neighbourhoods; 

3. The largest ever investment in the City’s Facility Maintenance Program to preserve and protect our assets, $10.8 million in 2024 and $11.8 million in 2025; 

4. Opening of the City’s Material Recovery Centre, a major achievement for the City as we work toward our 70% waste diversion goal; 

5. Investment into the City’s Snow and Ice Management Program to repay the 2022 Emergency Snow Response and to build funding to respond to future emergency/large-scale snow events; and 

6. Increased funding for several services including Fire, Parks, Street Lighting, Sidewalks, Transit and Street Sweeping, will help address public safety, protection, and servicing needs within Saskatoon, one of the fastest growing and diverse cities in Canada.  

To date, City Council and Administration have made meaningful progress working toward finding the proper balance between delivering core service levels residents and businesses expect for taxpayer dollars, maintaining affordability and ensuring long-term financial sustainability.

Reflecting all the reductions already directed by City Council throughout the Special Budget Meetings held over summer, the Administration’s preliminary business plan and budget currently contains a yet-to-be-approved ‘starting point’ 7.14% property tax increase in 2024, and 5.7% in 2025.  Still to be considered by City Council is the final full review of the City’s 87 distinct Service Lines and 58 additional Administrative Options. There will undoubtedly be a number of further changes made to finalize the 2024/2025 Business Plan and Budget.

City Council will seek to find the right balance, making its final investment decisions at the 2024/2025 Budget Deliberations set for November 28-30, 2023. Members of the public who wish to participate in the 2024/2025 final budget review by either submitting a letter and/or requesting to speak to City Council must arrange to do so before the cut-off, Monday, November 27, 2023, at 5 p.m.

Visit saskatoon.ca/budget

Installing new water mains Downtown and extending the lifespan of the Circle Drive North Bridge were just some of the major priorities for the City of Saskatoon (City) during the 2023 construction season. Overall, more than 200 lane kilometers of roadways were improved, which, when put into perspective, is the approximate driving distance between Saskatoon and Kindersley.

“That number includes roads repaved following water main replacements in neighbourhoods like Downtown, River Heights, Varsity View and on 33rd Street West,” says Terry Schmidt, General Manager of Transportation and Construction. “Wherever we install new water mains, we improve the roadway and address any sidewalk issues.”

City Council invested approximately $67.19 million in 2023 for road construction and maintenance including initiatives like pothole patching, line marking and street sweeping. High traffic roads resurfaced include:

• Circle Drive North westbound between Millar Avenue and Alberta Avenue
• Wanuskewin Road from 71^st Street to Penner Road
• Idylwyld Drive southbound from 60^th Street to 51^st Street
• Sections of Preston Avenue between Preston Crossing and College Drive

“The highest profile construction project was the months-long Circle Drive North Bridge rehabilitation that included asphalt and barrier replacements, drainage improvements, and concrete repairs to the bridge deck, piers and abutments. We thank everyone for their patience as we worked to make sure the structure lasts for decades to come,” says Schmidt.

Since 2014, when the City began investing millions of dollars more into roads, more than 2,100 lane kilometers of roadway have been rehabilitated, which is the approximate driving distance between Saskatoon and Chicago, Illinois.

To see where construction is happening daily, check the Daily Road Report. For information about future construction and other related topics, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.

The fun doesn’t stop just because the temperature drops! Admission to the Zoo is by donation from November 1 to March 31 each year. Saskatchewan winters typically bring snow and cold temperatures prompting many animals at the Zoo to demonstrate their natural adaptations to handle the coldest months of the year.

“Many of the species we have at the Zoo are well adapted to cold temperatures,” says Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager. “The Arctic wolves will grow a second layer of fur to protect themselves against the cold and their thick white fur not only provides insulation but is the perfect camouflage to blend into their surroundings in the wild.”

The snow leopard, Canada lynx and caribou are among some of the many animals that will be embracing the colder temperatures while other zoo animals like the black-tailed prairie dogs and grizzly bears are ready to sleep the chilly winter days away.

“Our zookeepers have been working with our animals to provide an environment where they can practice the same behaviours as their wild counterparts. The black-tailed prairie dogs have been busy digging tunnels all summer long and recently finished hauling mountains of straw and other bedding materials down into their elaborate tunnel systems,” says Mitchell. “We have also seen grizzly bears Mistaya and Koda settling into their den as they prepare to enter torpor.”

In the wild, torpor is a survival tactic used by grizzly bears activated by colder temperatures and decreased food availability. The Zoo will be monitoring the bears closely as their body temperature will decrease about five degrees and their heart rate will slow to about 8-12 beats per minute during torpor.

The dingoes are also prepared for colder temperatures, having moved into a new indoor habitat called the Dingo Den located inside the barn. The dingoes will still have opportunities to explore and enjoy the snow but will remain in their new indoor habitat in favour of warmer temperatures.

The Zoo Gift Shop will be open for the holiday season starting Friday, November 24. Get your 2024 Zoo Season Pass and discover a variety of plush animals, puzzles, games, clothing and more. The Zoo Gift Shop will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. until Sunday, December 31. 

The Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., visit saskatoon.ca/zoo for more information or to plan your next visit.

On Oct. 30, 2023, SaskAbilities Partners in Employment and the City of Saskatoon entered into a partnership agreement to increase employment opportunities for individuals experiencing disability in the community. This significant agreement comes at the end of Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM), a month dedicated to spotlighting the many benefits of inclusive hiring in the workplace across all industries and sectors.

“Supported employment is a key part of the way SaskAbilities works to build inclusive communities for people of all abilities. The City of Saskatoon has been such a wonderful partner for many years, and I am thrilled to have this opportunity to further solidify our working relationship and signify their commitment and dedication to being an inclusive employer in our community.” – Emily Hurd, Regional Director, SaskAbilities Saskatoon Branch

Since 2019, Partners in Employment and the City of Saskatoon have collaborated to secure meaningful employment for 13+ program participants. The partnership agreement aims to “identify and explore opportunities to increase the employment of individuals experiencing disability in Saskatoon and area through cooperative initiatives”, as well, “continue to explore opportunities to strengthen and develop business opportunities” between the City of Saskatoon and the Training Centre at the SaskAbilities Saskatoon Branch.

“Through this partnership, the City commits to working closely with SaskAbilities to promote job shadowing, employment opportunities, and the broader mission of supported employment. This agreement is an accumulation of a lot of great work done by the City to build awareness both internally and within the greater community. We believe in promoting a culture of inclusion and doing so in partnership with a great organization like SaskAbilities.” – Jeff Jorgenson, City Manager, City of Saskatoon.

For more information on SaskAbilities, please visit www.saskabilities.ca.