News Releases

The City of Saskatoon’s proposed 2018 Corporate Business Plan and Budget rises to this year’s fiscal challenges which include the fiscal headwinds of falling non-tax revenues and the pressure of population and community growth.

We have responded by:

• Controlling expenditures
• Maintaining services
• Continuing to invest in infrastructure
• Maintaining an open and transparent process

“The City of Saskatoon has demonstrated its ability to overcome fiscal challenges consistently in the past, and we are doing so again in 2018,” says CFO Kerry Tarasoff.

“The 2018 Preliminary Business Plan and Budget shows that even in light of the  significant loss of grants-in-lieu as a result of the 2017/2018 Provincial budget,  we have balanced citizens’ expectations -- with fiscal prudence.”

This year the City has total operating expenditures of $491.0 million. This is an increase of $13.3 million, or 2.8%, over the 2017 approved Operating Budget. This is the lowest year-over-year operating expenditure increase in the last decade.

“While other governments have had to implement service reductions to address their fiscal pressures, the City of Saskatoon’s proposed plan and budget maintains most services and even increases areas of need identified by citizens such as roadways, policing and snow and ice,” Tarasoff says.

The 2018 Proposed Business Plan and Budget continue to invest in our public infrastructure to sustain the high quality of life citizens expect.  A significant portion of the $295 million investment being made is for rehabilitation or replacement of some assets.  A variety of utility, transportation, recreation and land development projects are included in the plan.

Additionally, after extensive efficiency reviews and creative solutions from staff across our organization, we were able to reduce expenditures in 2018 and the potential impact on the property tax increase.

“The fact is that the City’s non-property tax revenues are declining as a share of its total operating revenue,” says Tarasoff.

These declining revenues, along with the estimated inflationary and growth pressures, have created a funding gap of approximately $14.1 million in 2018, which is proposed to be filled through $3.2 million in assessment growth and $10.9 million from a 4.96% property tax increase. 

Since its last public report however, the Administration has identified $825,000 in further reductions made possible from:

• Discontinuing a printed version of the City’s Annual Report to Citizens
• City bank deposits earning better interest
• A staff position in long range planning will continue to be funded from the planning levy in 2018
• Various smaller spending adjustments

Based on these changes, the revised property tax estimate could be 4.59% -- these adjustments will be considered during the 2018 Budget deliberations as well as other recommended service level adjustments coming from the various standing policy committees.

The City provides more than 70 programs and services to residents. To pay for the operation of these services the City collects money through five different sources: property taxes and non-tax revenue sources such as general revenues, government transfers, user fees and grants-in-lieu.  Less than half of the proposed 2018 Operating Budget comes from property taxes.

“We have worked diligently to keep this year’s property tax increase to the minimum by controlling our expenditures even when confronting population growth and inflation,” Tarasoff says.  

The preliminary business plan and budget is being tabled today but final budget deliberations will take place on November 27-29, 2017. 

View the 2018 Preliminary Budget at a Glance and find more information on property taxes and how the City’s annual budget process works at saskatoon.ca/financial future.

The removal of leaves and debris from Saskatoon streets resumes again this fall with the program beginning Monday, October 16. The purpose of the Fall Street Sweeping Program is to reduce the risk of spring flooding by ensuring leaves and debris are not blocking street drains.

“This year, the priority is to sweep streets where higher volumes of leaves typically fall,” says Brandon Harris, Director of Roadways & Operations. “This is the first time sweeping will occur in areas based on tree density, rather than neighbourhood boundaries.

“So, this means some streets in a neighbourhood that previously were swept will not be included this year in order to sweep nearby streets that will have more leaves and the potential for clogged curbs and catch basins in the spring.”

Bright yellow ‘No Parking’ signs will be posted 36-48 hours before scheduled sweeping begins, so residents know when to move their vehicles. Vehicles remaining at 7 a.m. may be ticketed and relocated to a nearby street.

Before sweeping occurs, residents can prepare by raking up leaves from their property, including the boulevards. As a reminder, leaves can be placed in green carts, taken to compost depots, or bagged and put into black carts. Leaves cannot be swept or raked onto the street.

“It’s really important to keep extra leaves off the street, as it can delay sweeping. If excessive leaves become a problem for the sweepers, a street may be skipped entirely in order to keep on schedule,” Harris says.

To locate a vehicle that has been towed, visit Find My Vehicle! or call the 24-Hour Customer Service Centre at 306-975-2476..

Fall street sweeping is weather-dependant and the start date may be delayed if the daytime temperature remains below zero or if there is heavy rain or snow. Alternately, the program may end early if there is a heavy snowfall during the schedule that does not melt quickly.

Learn more at saskatoon.ca/sweeping.

Community leaders are in Saskatoon this week discussing how to put the recommendations and lessons learned from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) into action.

The third annual Wîcihitowin (wee-chee-HEE’-toe-win) Aboriginal Engagement Conference on October 11-12 brings together experts and leaders from across Canada to take action on improving Aboriginal engagement and inclusion in communities.

This year’s conference theme is ‘Leadership in Reconcili-ACTION’ and focuses on how individuals and organizations can respond to the TRC’s Calls to Action.

“We’ve selected a diverse range of speakers based on their commitment to enacting the 94 Calls to Action from the TRC; those who can articulate in practical ways what’s worked in their respective fields, whether it be child welfare, justice, education, faith-based groups or sports.” says Neal Kewistep, Interim Director of Population & Public Health, Saskatoon Health Region. “They truly represent leadership in moving the reconciliation process forward in their communities.”

Conference organizers say tickets were snapped up with 500 Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal experts, leaders, youth and Elders expected to participate.

The two-day conference includes panel sessions on how youth, faith groups and business can answer the TRC’s Calls to Action, as well as a special Mayors’ Panel on Reconciliation featuring the Mayors of Saskatoon, Regina, Elbow and Warman.

Key note speakers include Shelagh Rogers, CBC journalist, Chancellor of the University of Victoria, and honourary witness to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission; Ry Moran, Director of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and member of the Métis Nation; and Ashley Callingbull, a model and actor from the Enoch Cree Nation.

“Wîcihitowin is a safe place for people to come together to discuss reconciliation, the TRC’s Calls to Action, and for people to better understand the dark chapter of our history, “says Judy Pelly, Elder and Indian residential school survivor.  “We must not forget those that are no longer with us to witness the movement toward reconciliation. We must work together as a community to discuss these sensitive issues, and find new solutions and ways of promoting true reconciliation.”

Wîcihitowin is a Cree/Saulteaux word for “helping each other” or “working together” -- which is an important component of delivering enhanced programs and services.

The conference is presented in partnership with the United Way of Saskatoon, Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan, the Saskatoon Health Region, and the City of Saskatoon.

Wîcihitowin supports the City’s Strategic Goal of “Quality of Life” by identifying actions for enhancing Aboriginal well-being and participation in our community.

This initiative is made possible by the Community Fund for Canada’s 150th, a collaboration between Potash Corporation, Saskatoon Community Foundation and the Government of Canada.

From the Monday, October 2 Planning, Development & Community Services Meeting
6.1.5 Naming Advisory Committee Report

Decision

*There was unanimous support to recommend to City Council;

1. That ‘Peacock’ and ‘Prasad’ be added to the Names Master List (Unassigned); and
2. That the report of the General Manager, Community Services Department dated September 14, 2017, be forwarded to City Council for approval of a request to rename a portion of Victoria Park 'Reconciliation Circle.’ 

Background

*According to Naming of Civic Property and Development Areas Policy No. C09-008 (Naming Policy), all names proposed for the Names Master List will be screened by the Naming Advisory Committee and meet City Council’s guidelines for name selection. All requests for naming of roadways from the Names Master List will be selected or endorsed by His Worship the Mayor. Name suffixes are circulated through the Administration for technical review. At the May 18, 2017 meeting of the Naming Advisory Committee, a request was made to rename Victoria Park, or a portion thereof, to Reconciliation Park. At that time, the committee moved that further information be provided to consider a possible naming of a portion of Victoria Park.

6.2.5 Naming Major Projects – Amendments to Naming of Civic Property and Development Areas

Decision

*The Committee will recommend to City Council;

1. That the proposed amendments to Naming of Civic Property and Development Areas be approved; and
2. That Administration provide an attachment to the policy which would lay out the processes for naming major infrastructure and refer to the Naming Advisory Committee for review.

Background

*During its January 25, 2016 meeting, City Council resolved, in part: “1. That City Council amend the naming policy process such that Council applies a name during the planning stages of major projects and that the Administration report back with specific wording.”

7.2.2 Vacant Lot and Adaptive Reuse Incentive Program

Decision

*The Committee will recommend to City Council;

1. That a five-year tax abatement up to 100% of the incremental taxes for the building and structured parking to be developed at 309 22^nd Street East, be approved; and
2. That the five-year tax abatement take effect in the taxation year following completion of the project.

Background

*The Vacant Lot and Adaptive Reuse Incentive Program is designed to encourage infill development on vacant and underutilized sites and buildings within Saskatoon’s established neighbourhoods, including the Downtown. During its June 23, 2014 meeting, City Council approved amendments to the Vacant Lot and Adaptive Reuse Incentive Program to include new incentives for offices and structured parking in accordance with the City Centre Plan.

From the October 2, 2017 Finance Committee Meeting

7.1.3 Request for Direct Sale to Saskatchewan Housing Corporation – 303 Fast Court in Aspen Ridge

Decision

*The Committee will recommend to City Council that the Director of Saskatoon Land be authorized to offer, by direct sale, Lot 1, Block 701, Plan 102201769 to Saskatchewan Housing Corporation for the purpose of constructing a group home.

Background

*Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC) is a Crown corporation owned by the Government of Saskatchewan, dedicated to providing a range of programs and services to help Saskatchewan people in greatest housing need. Three to four individuals normally reside in these group homes which are staffed 24 hours a day with support staff. On August 11, 2016, a letter was received from the Real Estate Officer of Housing Development requesting a direct sale of a designated group home lot in Aspen Ridge. Prior to submitting a direct sale request to the Standing Policy Committee on Finance in 2016, the Administration was informed that the purchase would have to be delayed. On August 22, 2017, SHC indicated they had the approval to proceed with the purchase of the designated site at 303 Fast Court.

7.1.4 City Owned Land Inventory in the Downtown and Plans for Development

Decision

*The Committee agreed that the information be received.

Background

*At its May 1, 2017 meeting, the Standing Policy Committee on Finance resolved, in part: “2. That the Administration report by September 2017 on all Saskatoon Land inventory in the downtown and any approved plans for development.”