News Releases

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.

The City of Saskatoon (City) closed 2025 in a strong financial position with a surplus of $18.85 million within the Utility programs – a positive variance of 4.2 per cent for the City Utilities and maintaining a near-balanced operating budget for Civic Operations. There was a small operating deficit of $195,616, which is an overage of 0.03 per cent on the approved $663 million operating budget. A report outlining the Preliminary Year-End Financial Results as at December 31, 2025, will be presented to the Standing Policy Committee on Finance at its March 4, 2026, meeting.

“Our utility surpluses will help offset upcoming expenditures in the water and wastewater utilities, such as upgrading aging assets and supporting the construction of a new, second Water Treatment Plant,” says Kari Smith, Director of Finance. “The minor operating deficit shows the City kept overall spending very close to plan and delivered strong financial oversight throughout the year.”

Operating Budget Highlights

• Saskatoon Transit and Access Transit: $2.69 million surplus, mainly due to fuel rates being lower than expected.
• Waste Handling Services (Landfill): $1.51 million surplus driven by higher-than-expected revenues.
• Snow and Ice Management: $3.03 million deficit following eight snow events (including full residential street clearing in early 2025) and a total of 16 winter weather events throughout the season.

The Administration recommends covering the operating deficit with funds from the Fiscal Stabilization Reserve. If approved, this will leave $16.84 million in that reserve and $7.73 million in the Snow and Ice Management Contingency Reserve to help manage any future budget shortfalls.

City Utilities Highlights

• Water Utility: $8,076,885 surplus
• Wastewater Utility: $5,807,769 surplus
• Saskatoon Light & Power: $3,485,464 surplus
• Waste Services Utility: $1,168,114 surplus
• Storm Water Management Utility: $312,836 surplus

Together, these results reflect a 4.2% overall surplus across City utilities. Surplus funds will be transferred to their respective stabilization, capital or replacement reserves. The transfer of surplus funding into the capital reserves will help fund future Utility projects, including building a second Water Treatment Plant, and could reduce future borrowing or rate increase requirements. Details provided in Appendix 4 of the report.

The preliminary year-end results remain subject to the City’s annual external audit. The 2025 Annual Report will be released this summer.

The City of Saskatoon continues to hold a ‘AAA’/Stable credit rating, maintained for 24 consecutive years – reflecting Saskatoon’s strong and consistent financial management.

For more information, visit saskatoon.ca/budget

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

NEW

CONFEDERATION DR NB CURB & CENTER LANES CLOSED FROM 22ND ST W TO LAURIER DR
(Pole replacement)
Start: February 26, 9:00 a.m. End: February 26, 3:00 p.m.

8TH ST E EB & WB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM MCPHERSON AVE TO VICTORIA AVE
(Tree maintenance)
Start: February 26, 9:00 a.m. End: February 26, 3:00 p.m.

MCORMOND DR NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM HENRY DAYDAY RD TO RANGE ROAD 3050
(Pole repair)
Start: February 26, 10:00 a.m. End: February 26, 2:00 p.m.

ONGOING

JUNOR AVE SB LANES CLOSED FROM MCCLOCKLIN RD TO 37TH ST W
(Storm pond and storm trunk sewer maintenance)
Start: February 23, 8:00 a.m. End: February 26, 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.

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

NEW

51ST ST E WB CURB LANE CLOSED AT MILLAR AVE 
(Pole repair)
Start: February 25, 9:00 a.m. End: February 25, 1:00 p.m.

BROADWAY AVE NB & SB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM 6TH ST E TO 8TH ST E
(Tree maintenance)
Start: February 25, 9:00 a.m. End: February 25, 3:00 p.m.

AVE P N ROAD CLOSED FROM RUSHOLME RD TO 29TH ST W
(Tree maintenance )
Start: February 25, 9:00 a.m. End: February 25, 3:00 p.m.

CENTRAL AVE NB LANES CLOSED FROM 109TH ST W TO 111TH ST W
(Pole replacement)
Start: February 25, 10:00 a.m. End: February 25, 1:00 p.m.

ONGOING

JUNOR AVE SB LANES CLOSED FROM MCCLOCKLIN RD TO 37TH ST W
(Storm pond and storm trunk sewer maintenance)
Start: February 23, 8:00 a.m. End: February 26, 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.

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A Saskatoon business is accused of failing to comply with City bear spray sales and recording procedures under the City’s Business Licence Bylaw. 

The charges come following an investigation by the Saskatoon Police Service, aided by officials of the City Community Standards Department.

The charges are the first under recent amendments made to the Business Licence Bylaw. In July 2025, City Council changed the Bylaw to establish purchase and recording requirements for Saskatoon businesses selling bear spray.

The new rules are based on engagement with the business community, best practices and successes already in place at some sporting goods stores. The measures are also similar to processes in other Canadian municipalities.

Police officers and City officials have engaged business managers to ensure they understand the bylaw requirements which have received wide support.

Wildlife control products, commonly referred to as bear spray, are designed to repel wildlife through spraying pressurized liquid containing oil made from hot peppers. It causes burning eyes, strained breathing as well as nasal and throat irritation.

The product is not intended for use on humans or in an urban setting.

The purchaser must be at least 18-years-old and provide two pieces of government-issued identification. The name, ID number, date of birth and address of the purchaser must be recorded by the business and made available to the City.

Bear spray must be stored in a secure area, out of view of customers and only products containing the manufacturer’s serial number may be sold.

Court information # 110949