News Releases

A long-term framework: 25-year roadmap supports safer, healthier, more prosperous Saskatoon

The City of Saskatoon has revealed its Climate Action Strategy (Strategy), a 25-year proposal for climate readiness that provides a framework for responding to the growing impacts of climate change while supporting the vision for a safer, healthier and more prosperous community.

The updated Strategy is made up of two playbooks for climate readiness; one outlines measures that reduce carbon pollution while the other suggests ways to prepare the community for impacts of a changing climate. The Strategy includes corporate leadership and community action, all guided by a commitment to equity, reconciliation, prosperity, and miyo-pimâtisiwin (the good life). 

“Climate change is already affecting communities across Canada, and Saskatoon is not immune to those impacts,” says Director of Sustainability Jeanna South. “This Strategy helps ensure we are prepared for the future by taking a thoughtful, responsible approach that protects our community, supports residents and helps maintain the services people rely on every day.”

The Strategy outlines potential actions and areas of focus that can be explored over time as community needs, technologies and funding opportunities evolve. It will help guide decision-making as the City prepares for challenges such as extreme heat, flooding, wildfire smoke and severe storms that can affect public safety, infrastructure and essential services.

Approval of the Strategy does not include approval or funding for individual initiatives, which will be considered separately through future decision-making, budget and public engagement processes.

“The Climate Action Strategy helps people in Saskatoon to stay healthy, supported and strong in a changing climate,” said South. "A safer Saskatoon means being prepared before the next heat wave, smoke event or major storm arrives, not after. Climate action is not about spending for the sake of spending; it's about making smart investments today that help avoid bigger costs tomorrow."

Supporting a safer Saskatoon

The Climate Action Strategy is designed to help the City manage climate-related risks and strengthen community resilience in the face of growing climate impacts, including heatwaves, flooding, wildfire smoke and severe storms. By looking forward, the Strategy supports efforts to protect public safety, maintain reliable City services, safeguard critical infrastructure and improve readiness for increasingly frequent and severe weather events.

Actions identified in the Strategy include: measuring indoor air quality in civic buildings to help ensure safe public spaces during wildfire smoke events; considering climate risk in City planning and infrastructure projects; and supporting homeowners in improving the climate resilience of their properties. The Strategy also supports good municipal governance by providing a long-term framework for risk management and informed decision-making. Taking proactive steps today can reduce future risks, help avoid costly disruptions and repairs, and better position Saskatoon to respond to changing conditions.

Supporting a healthier Saskatoon

The Climate Action Strategy guides climate action that supports public health, quality of life and community well-being. Climate-related impacts such as extreme heat, poor air quality from wildfire smoke and severe weather can affect residents in different ways, particularly vulnerable populations. By helping the community adapt to changing environmental conditions, the Strategy supports healthy, livable neighbourhoods while reflecting Saskatoon’s local needs, priorities and evolving circumstances.

Actions identified in the Strategy include: partnering to increase food security and local food production; installing solar panels on City-owned lands; and maintaining, renewing and growing the urban forest to help improve air quality, provide shade and enhance community well-being. Together, these actions contribute to more resilient neighbourhoods and a healthier city that is better equipped to respond to future environmental and public health challenges.

Supporting a more prosperous Saskatoon

The Climate Action Strategy supports a strong and resilient local economy by encouraging responsible, forward-looking planning and stewardship of public resources. By acting today, the City can help reduce long-term costs, protect community assets, strengthen economic resilience and ensure responsible use of taxpayer dollars. Acting proactively can help avoid expensive repairs, service disruptions and emergency response costs while positioning Saskatoon to take advantage of future opportunities as technologies, government policies and funding programs evolve.

Actions identified in the Strategy include: updating design standards for City parks and green spaces to reduce watering needs; developing local reuse and recycling markets to reduce waste and create markets for reusable products; and supporting industry in preparing for future energy-efficiency requirements for new homes and buildings.

Residents can learn more about the Climate Action Strategy and access the full document on the Environment, Utilities, and Corporate Services Agenda or visit the project’s Engage Page for further details.