News Releases

The 2025 Point‑in‑Time (PiT) Count has identified 1,931 individuals in Saskatoon experiencing homelessness, an increase from 1,499 individuals in 2024. The number recorded in 2025 is now more than 3.5 times higher than the total identified during the 2022 count, underscoring a continued upward trend.

The City of Saskatoon, in partnership with the Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) and more than 250 volunteers, conducted Saskatoon’s annual PiT Count on October 16, 2025. The PiT Count provides a snapshot of the minimum number of individuals experiencing homelessness across Saskatoon.

This year’s count focused on enumerating individuals rather than conducting full surveys and included people and families staying in emergency shelters, transitional housing, unsheltered locations such as encampments, public systems and those experiencing hidden homelessness.

Key PiT Count findings:

• 1,931 people were counted as experiencing homelessness
  • Includes 219 children (0-12) and 209 youth (13-24)
• Length of Time in Saskatoon
  • 29.8% reported they have always lived in Saskatoon
  • 43.0% have lived in the city for more than five years
  • 27.2% have lived here for less than five years
• Indigenous Representation
  • 82.9% of respondents identified as Indigenous, maintaining a significant over-representation

“The PiT Count provides both a snapshot of homelessness at a single point in time and valuable insight into year-over-year trends in our community,” says Lesley Anderson, Director of Planning and Development. “Access to this type of data ensures we understand immediate needs and pressures, while also monitoring the impacts of new and changing programs. As homelessness continues to rise, having accurate data to guide where we allocate resources for the greatest possible impact remains a priority.”

“SHIP appreciates the partnership with the City of Saskatoon in coordinating the PiT count. We appreciate the many volunteers who come out to walk the streets and talk to the people to ensure a comprehensive and accurate count. It helps us and the projects we fund identify gaps in service and we learn poverty is the common denominator in homelessness,” says Robert LaFontaine, Executive Director, Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership.

The PiT Count is funded in part by the Government of Canada through Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy.

A detailed summary of the 2025 findings is available in the 2025 PiT Count Community Report. For more information, visit saskatoon.ca/pit.

The Spring/Summer Leisure Guide is now available. You can view it online at saskatoon.ca/leisureguide or pick up a printed copy at locations throughout the city, including City leisure facilities, Saskatoon public libraries or anywhere the StarPhoenix is sold. Visit saskatoon.ca/leisureguide for a complete list of pick-up locations.

The City of Saskatoon Leisure Guide is the community’s go-to source for sport, culture and recreation information in Saskatoon.

Highlights of the Spring/Summer Leisure Guide (April 1 to August 31, 2026) include information on:

• Saskatoon’s civic Leisure Centres (Cosmo, Lakewood and Lawson Civic Centres, Saskatoon Field House and Shaw Centre) 
• Lifesaving Society swim lessons at the Leisure Centres and outdoor pools;
• Drop-in and registered programs for children and youth, including free School Break Camps, Summer Play Programs and Youth Centres
• Summer Indoor LeisureCard and other seasonal admission products such as Bulk Tickets (10 pack) for outdoor pools
• Opening dates for spray pads, paddling pools and outdoor pools
• Lifeguard certification training opportunities
• Rates for Holiday Park, Wildwood and Silverwood golf courses
• Popular summer attractions: Nutrien Playland at Kinsmen Park and the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo

For more information on the Spring/Summer Leisure Guide, visit saskatoon.ca/leisureguide.

Mark your calendars! Registration for City of Saskatoon Spring/Summer leisure programs begins Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. by logging into your account at leisureonline.saskatoon.ca or by calling 306-975-2800.

For more information on how to be prepared for registration, visit saskatoon.ca/register.

*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.

NEW
2ND AVE N SB LANES CLOSED & NB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM 24TH ST E TO 25TH ST E
(Library construction)
Start: March 2, 8:00 a.m. End: March 5, 5:00 p.m.

ONGOING
No projects are ongoing at this time.

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.

*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.

NEW

TAYLOR ST E EB LANES CLOSED FROM KINGSMERE BLVD TO MCKERCHER DR
(SaskPower work)
Two-way traffic will be maintained in the WB lanes.
Start: February 28, 7:00 a.m. End: March 1, 5:00 p.m.

PRESTON AVE S SB LANES CLOSED FROM ADELAIDE ST E TO LOUISE ST
(Flushing & Storm Main Inspections)
Start: March 1, 7:00 a.m. End: March 1, 5:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DR E WB CURB & CENTER LANES CLOSED FROM VENTURE CRES TO 1ST AVE N
(Pole swap)
Start: March 1, 8:00 a.m. End: March 1, 2:00 p.m.

ONGOING

No projects are ongoing at this time.

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.

Saskatoon Transit will provide direct service from the Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to SaskTel Centre for the following events:

Saskatoon Blades vs Prince George Cougars
Friday, February 27 at 7:00 p.m. 
Buses depart at:

• 5:45 p.m.
• 6:25 p.m.

Live
Sunday, March 1 at 7:00 p.m. 
Buses depart at:

• 5:45 p.m.
• 6:25 p.m.

Post-event drop-off is at the downtown terminal and regular fares apply ($3.00 per trip). Fare can be purchased on your mobile phone using either the TGo or transit app, transfers and passes are also accepted. Typically, buses arrive onsite 30 minutes prior to the end of the event.

Plan your trip to events at SaskTel Centre on Route 333 using the Transit app up to two weeks in advance. Check out the Transit+ feature to help make connections that combine Transit with OnDemand Transit, riide, and Uber. Download the Transit app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Transit service times for special events at SaskTel Centre and other popular destinations can always be found at SaskatoonTransit.ca/plan-my-trip/popular-destinations. Experience the convenience of using Saskatoon Transit to attend all your favourite events.

*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.

NEW

8TH ST E EB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM MCPHERSON AVE TO MELROSE AVE
(Tree trimming)
Start: February 27, 9:00 a.m. End: February 27, 3:00 p.m.
 

ONGOING

2ND AVE CLOSED FROM 23RD ST TO 24TH ST 
(Unplanned water main repairs)
Start: February 26, 9:00 a.m. End: February 27, 5:00 p.m

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.

The City of Saskatoon invites residents and media to City Hall for the official kickoff of Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Month.

Attendees will hear impactful remarks from special guests who will speak to the importance of diversity, inclusion, and the community’s ongoing commitment to combating racism.

This open gathering offers an opportunity to capture meaningful stories, connect with community leaders, and highlight initiatives that strengthen equity and understanding across Saskatoon.

When: February 27, 2026

Time: 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Where: City Hall, Council Chambers

Speakers include:

• Saskatoon Mayor, Cynthia Block
• Saskatchewan Human Right Commission (SHRC) Chief Commissioner, Treena Sikora
• Youth Ambassador, Linda Gvenetadze
• Ali Abukar, Chief Executive Officer, Saskatoon Open Door Society

Councillor Senos Timon will act as Master of Ceremonies.

Attendees will also be treated to a cultural performance by spoken word poet Ahmad Majid.

Following the program in Council Chambers, the Race Relations Flag will be raised in Civic Square where it will remain raised for one week.

Since 1990, Saskatoon City Council has proclaimed March Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Month — an opportunity to heighten awareness about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Several activities are planned for the month of March in recognition of cultural diversity and race relations. To learn more, visit saskatoon.ca/RaceRelations.

2nd Avenue is closed between 23rd and 24th Streets today, February 26, for unplanned water main repairs. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the area. This project is expected to take one day to complete, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Saskatoon Transit may be 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.

For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.

The City of Saskatoon has a new roadmap for the future.

On February 25, 2026, City Council approved the new 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, adopting ten Council priorities and three priorities for High-Performing Organizations to make Saskatoon a city that works for everyone.

“Looking ahead, this Strategic Plan provides a clear path for how Administration will advance City Council’s priorities over the coming four years,” says City Manager Jeff Jorgenson. “It positions us to respond to the opportunities and pressures that come with a growing city.”

The 2026–2029 Strategic Plan will guide the City’s efforts to build a safer, more inclusive Saskatoon with a resilient economy that meets the evolving needs of the city’s residents.

“The next four years give us a meaningful opportunity to shape Saskatoon in ways residents will feel every day, from addressing homelessness to enhancing community safety and keeping life affordable,” says Mayor Cynthia Block. “By focusing on strong public service, modern transportation, responsible financial stewardship and a supportive environment for local business, we can build a Saskatoon that is safe, vibrant, committed to Reconciliation and prepared for what’s ahead.”

The 2026–2029 Strategic Plan was developed through a comprehensive process that includes research and engagement with Council, Administration, residents and many city departments and teams. Based on that consultation process, the City will focus on the following ten Council priorities and three main areas to help the City deliver the programs and services that residents rely on.

To learn more about the 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, watch our video message from Mayor Cynthia Block and City Manager Jeff Jorgenson.