News Releases

The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) has been closely monitoring life and fire safety at the Lighthouse Supported Living Facility. As a result, ongoing inspections dating to April 2021 have revealed a number of deficiencies that must be remedied to make sure work and living conditions at the facility do not deteriorate.

“Our focus at the Lighthouse is community safety,” says Assistant Chief Yvonne Raymer. “We want to ensure all life safety measures are in place so that any concerns or deficiencies can be easily rectified. We don’t want the issues to compound like we have seen elsewhere, so we’re keeping a close eye on the building and staying on top of inspections at the Lighthouse.”

Inspections and results:

• One fire inspection in April 2021 and four re-inspections since (three in December 2021 and one in January 2022)
• Four Property Maintenance Nuisance Abatement Bylaw inspections (September, November and January)
• 42 Fire Safety Act contraventions pertaining to failing to maintain life safety systems and building systems (i.e. electrical, sprinklers, fire alarm system, lack of records, failing to maintain means of egress, failing to maintain fire separations)
• One Fire Safety Act Order to Remedy related to 42 contraventions
• Two Bylaw Orders to Remedy (one for structural assessment-December; one for various property maintenance issues-January)
• Fire investigation December 10 revealed careless disposal of smoking materials
• 14 tickets related to the 42 Fire Safety Act contraventions (issued December 10 & January 6)
• One ticket related to junk/garbage under the Property Maintenance Nuisance Abatement Bylaw (January)

There are outstanding issues arising from inspections that remain under investigation.

SFD will not be closing the Lighthouse; inspectors determine the risks in the building are less than the risk posed by displacing occupants. Instead, SFD has issued Orders to Remedy. The Lighthouse has been ordered to fix the hazards by the end of January. If the hazards are not remedied by then, SFD may contract the work, bill the Lighthouse for the repairs and then discuss payment terms.

Following the most recent visit to the Lighthouse on January 4, that inspection identified:

• Two sinks removed in a bathroom off the dining room, which is currently converted into a temporary shelter area due to COVID-19
• One water heater not working; multiple other water heaters remained fully functional
• A small water and sewer backup in the service room with slight wet staining around the drain

Since the January 4 inspection, the water heater has been fixed. Showers and sinks with hot water remained intact for all other suites and bathrooms. The deficiencies identified by SFD are considered to be minor and can be rectified by a plumber.

“We are not aware of the current financial situation of the Lighthouse, but it is our view that the repairs required to complete the orders are relatively minor,” notes Assistant Chief Raymer. “However, if the Lighthouse requires assistance in completing these repairs, we would invite them to reach out to the Saskatoon Fire Department to discuss their various options.”

Other deficiencies can be fixed by hiring qualified tradespeople or other service contractors that would be able to ensure the Lighthouse is a safe facility for staff and residents.

The City of Saskatoon, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities (Jumpstart) and Hoist the Hoops have drafted an agreement that proposes the construction of a world-class outdoor accessible basketball facility in the River Landing area. Under the gift agreement, Jumpstart, with the support of local Canadian Tire Dealers, Dave Deplaedt and Paul Cairns, will provide a gift-in-kind for design and construction of the multi-court facility, with construction potentially to begin in 2022. The details of the updated project will be presented to City Council’s Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services (PDCS) on Monday, January 17, 2022.  

“The Hoist the Hoops initiative has done an amazing job to bring to life a vision where youth can play basketball outside with no financial, social or other barriers,” says Andrew Roberts, Director of Recreation and Community Development. “With Jumpstart’s support to the project, Saskatoon could soon see a sports facility that serves the community in a unique and important way and will offer other benefits like camps and sporting events.” 

Hoist the Hoops is a local initiative spearheaded by Michael Linklater, Marcus Storey and Michael Donauer who saw the need for an outdoor basketball facility to serve as both a sports opportunity and a way to bring community together in Saskatoon’s core neighbourhood.

City Council approved the original concept plan that was presented and agreed to provide other supports to the initiative. Jumpstart then reached out to Hoist the Hoops in the fall of 2021 to see what support they could offer, resulting in the gift-in-kind proposal and a revised concept plan. 

“At Jumpstart, we know that sport and play is about more than getting active, it’s about building stronger individuals, and more inclusive and healthier communities,” says Scott Fraser, President, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. “We are proud to work with our local Canadian Tire Dealers, the City of Saskatoon and the Hoist the Hoops initiative to bring this ambitious project to the River Landing community.”

The revised concept plan includes a full-size International Basketball Federation (FIBA) basketball court, two regulation 3-on-3 courts, lights, a shade shelter and up to six basketball standards with backboards, rims and nets.  

The concept is rooted in the Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action #90 “To ensure that national sports policies, programs and initiatives are inclusive of Aboriginal peoples.” Throughout the planning process, a representative from Hoist the Hoops has been in discussions with Elders, Residential School Survivors and community members about the outdoor basketball multi-court facility. These discussions will continue with the community to develop the facility name and other key elements.  

About Jumpstart: Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities is a national charity committed to ensuring kids in need have equal access to sport and recreation. With an extensive, national network of more than 1,000 grantees and 289 local chapters, Jumpstart helps eligible families cover the costs of registration, transportation and equipment, and provides funding to selected organizations for recreational infrastructure and programming. Supported by Canadian Tire Corporation, Jumpstart has provided more than 2.5 million opportunities for Canadian kids to get in the game since 2005. For more information, visit jumpstart.canadiantire.ca. 

The City is actively monitoring the Omicron variant and the impact on operations and the core services Saskatoon’s residents rely on even as the colour-coded risk level has moved to red-level status. 

In Fall 2021, the City implemented a COVID-19 risk decision-making framework which presents a colour-coded risk level and measures for consideration at each level to City Council for approval near the end of each month that remain in place for the following month. For January 2022, the Council-approved status is yellow [caution]. 

In the interim, the framework is updated weekly to monitor any changes in the primary indicators, but no potential changes are made to the framework until the next Regular Business Meeting of City Council -- or if City Council decides to hold a special meeting. The primary indicators for the current week of January 5th indicate that Saskatoon has entered red-level status.

“We are anticipating and planning for the likelihood that City staff will need to be away from the workplace due to COVID-related illness and self-isolation resulting from the Omicron variant in our community,” says Pamela Goulden-McLeod, Director of Emergency Management Organization. “However, we want to stress to residents that core services are being maintained.”

The City has a number of measures in place to mitigate the potential of COVID-19 transmission in the workplace, including, but not limited to: an Employee Mandatory COVID-19 Proof of Vaccination or Proof of Negative Test Program, the requirement for all staff to complete a Fit For Duty health screening form prior to attending to the workplace, masking and physical distancing protocols, enhanced cleaning, physical barriers, and staff who have been working from home are continuing to do so, with in-person meetings discouraged at this time unless they are critical in nature. 

“These measures have worked to keep our staff safe and services operating throughout previous waves of COVID-19, and we continue to enhance our safety plans and business continuity processes to respond to the fifth wave,” says Goulden-McLeod.

Core City Services

Goulden-McLeod says the core services currently continue: garbage collection remains on schedule; roadways snow clearing is progressing as scheduled; water treatment remains reliable and safe; wastewater processes remain unaffected; City repair and maintenance projects are happening; Saskatoon Light & Power service remains unaffected.

Saskatoon Transit, Leisure Facilities & City Hall Lobby

Saskatoon Transit service is being affected by the cold weather.

Leisure Centres, Indoor Arenas, and City Hall lobby remain open and operating with a focus on staff and customer safety under the current Public Heath Orders and previous direction of City Council. Cancellations and modifications have not been made to Leisure Centre or Indoor Arena programming at this time.

Emergency Services

The Saskatoon Fire Department is not currently experiencing any significant staffing challenges. 

“We continue to watch and plan for any impact of the Omicron variant on staffing levels by reviewing our business continuity plan to ensure that core safety services can continue to operate in the community,” says Morgan Hackl, Saskatoon Fire Chief.

Saskatoon Police Service Deputy Chief Mitch Yuzdepski says community safety measures remain firmly in place.  

“The Saskatoon Police Service has a business continuity plan in place to ensure that there will be no disruption to front-line services. This plan includes folding-in other police units to support frontline resources as required,” says Deputy Chief Yuzdepski.

For the latest information, visit:
saskatoon.ca/covid-19 
saskatoontransit.ca 
saskatoonpolice.ca

Four new research projects that will benefit Saskatoon residents are advancing thanks to Research Junction, an innovative partnership between the City of Saskatoon and University of Saskatchewan (USask). Research Junction awards funding to projects that apply advanced research methods to addressing current issues in our city.

The four new projects, with combined funding of $100,000, include:

Public Safety in Downtown Saskatoon
This project will look at the factors that inform public perception of safety to develop an evidence-based, collaborative response. The response will look at ways to address the public safety issue as well as the root cause(s). Funding: $25,000

USask lead researchers: John Hansen, associate professor of sociology, and Isobel Findlay, professor emerita and co-director of USask’s Community University Institute for Social Research (CUISR)

City leads:  Elisabeth Miller, Senior Planner, Neighborhood Safety, Planning & Development, Community Services Department, and Bill Holden, Senior Planner, Planning and Development Branch, Co-Director of CUISR

Slope Failures Along East Riverbank
This project will apply geophysical methods to monitor the east riverbank of the South Saskatchewan River, where slope failures have occurred. The information gathered is expected to improve the ability to predict regions of slope instability. Funding: $30,000  

USask lead researcher: Sam Butler, professor of geological sciences

City lead: Vanessa Heilman, Geotechnical Engineering Specialist

Strategic Allocation of Business Tax Incentives
A comparison of business tax incentives and subsidies in major Canadian cities and their impacts on local employment, income, and economic growth. The project’s aim is to identify the best ways to encourage investment in Saskatoon in terms of attracting new businesses and promoting expansion for existing firms. Funding: $15,000

USask project leads: Haizhen Mou and Dr. Yang Yang with the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy

City lead: Mike Jordan, Chief Public Policy & Government Relations Officer

Integrating Renewable Energy Through Implementation of Microgrids
This project will look at forming microgrids that connect renewable energy sources with Saskatoon Light & Power’s distribution system. The goal is to identify ways of providing reliable and affordable power that integrates renewable energy sources. Funding: $30,000

USask lead researcher: Xiaodong Liang, associate professor of electrical and computing engineering, and Canada Research Chair in Technology Solutions for Energy Security in Remote, Northern, and Indigenous Communities

City lead: Mehrnoosh Janbakhsh, Senior Project Management Engineer, Saskatoon Light & Power

“I am very excited to see all four of these projects move forward as part of the Research Junction program,” says Mayor Clark. “These projects cover important aspects of the human, economic, environmental, and technological future of our city. I am excited to see the insights and strategies that will be developed by bringing together the best minds at the University and the City.”

The newly announced projects will be carried out between now and spring 2022.

“We see this partnership as a terrific opportunity through the power of research to help collaboratively address challenges we face as a city,” says USask President Peter Stoicheff. “The breadth of our university’s research activities enables us to contribute and have an impact in areas as varied as public safety, renewable energy, riverbank preservation and investment growth.”

The partnership enables researcher access to City resources, data and expertise, and provides City staff with analysis and data to inform decision-making. Projects funded through the Research Junction initiative also create hands-on learning and research opportunities for University of Saskatchewan students and post-doctoral fellows, helping them prepare for future careers.

On January 11, 2021 Saskatoon’s Solid Waste Reduction & Diversion Plan (the Plan) will be presented to the Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities, and Corporate Services. This plan provides a detailed picture of the City’s progress on waste diversion and lays out a roadmap for actions needed to achieve the 70% waste diversion target from the Saskatoon Landfill set by City Council in 2015.

“The plan is founded upon local data, community engagement and national best practice.  It considers the significant strides projected for the waste projects - like curbside organics and Recovery Park - that are starting and outlines actions to achieve the remainder of the waste reduction target over the next ten years,” says Jeanna South, Director of Sustainability.

Saskatoon currently sits at 24% waste diversion, while approved programs such as curbside organics (2023), Recovery Park (2023), and Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (ICI) recycling and organics (2022-2024) are expected to increase the diversion rate to 41–54%.

The Plan, however, looks not only at waste diversion but also to waste reduction. Multi-unit organics, construction & demolition waste diversion, diversion from civic facilities, landfill disposal bans, and single-use items and food waste reduction programs, just to name a few, could position Saskatoon to achieve a 51 – 79% diversion rate. Implementation of the Plan would bring waste management in Saskatoon in line with comparable Canadian municipalities and make Saskatoon a leader in the Prairie Provinces.

“The benefits of the plan’s actions can be looked at from the broader civic, environmental, social and economic perspectives to understand how it contributes to a healthy community,” says South, “while it leads to waste reduction, diversion and improved landfill asset management, implementation of the Plan’s actions also would result in lower greenhouse gas emissions, sustainable and equitable services for residents, and importantly, new economic opportunities.”

The complete Plan, administrative report, fact sheet and future updates can be found at https://www.saskatoon.ca/environmental-initiatives/solid-waste.

At the direction of City Council, City crews will early this month begin a one-time snow removal initiative for secondary paths in parks. 

In an effort to get people to enjoy Saskatoon’s winter and not just endure it, Council asked the Administration to provide a report on the cost and results for a one-time clearing of secondary pathways in City-owned parks.

Following the December 21, 2020 City Council approval, the one-time snow removal began the first week of January and is expected to take approximately a week to complete.

There are 35.4 KM of secondary pathways throughout City parks that have been challenging to use since the November 2020 snowstorm.   Pathways classified as secondary within city-owned parks are unlit park paths surfaced with either asphalt, red shale or crusher dust and have sufficient width to accommodate snow clearing equipment.  These pathways are typically not cleared.  Sections that will not enhance the opportunity to take longer walks through parks will remain uncleared.  The one-time cost is $14,400.

*Corrects bathing information*

The City of Saskatoon is asking citizens to limit their water use effective immediately for essential use only.

Water quality is not affected -- it is safe.

Examples of essential use:

Cooking

Hand washing

Keeping surfaces clean

Washing dishes
 

Examples of Non-essential use:

Bathing

Washing vehicles

Flooding rinks

Several loads of laundry

Due to large amounts of sanding in the river, the primary intake of the Water Treatment Plant (WTP) has been significantly impacted, as a result this is also affecting filtration capacity at the WTP.

The WTP is currently switching to the backup intake on site and making adjustments at the water treatment plant to return them to normal operating conditions.

This change is more effective at lower flow rates and that is why we are requesting residents and business to limit their water use.

We are hopeful we will be able to have the upset conditions resolved in the next six hours. 

The City of Saskatoon will notify residents when full plant capacity resumes.

The City thanks everyone for their patience and cooperation. Questions on the mandatory restrictions can be directed to our 24-hour Customer Care Centre at 306-975-2476.

Once again, SGI and Saskatoon Transit have partnered to offer free late-night transit service on New Year’s Eve.

“Having free Transit service on New Year’s Eve removes any financial barrier to planning a safe ride home after a night out,” says Jim McDonald, Director, Saskatoon Transit. “We encourage everyone to plan their route before heading out using the real-time mobile app Transit.”   

Residents are encouraged to think about using a variety of transportation modes on busy nights like New Year’s Eve. Multi-modal options are available on the Transit app. You can plan your trip taking the bus out of the downtown or busy areas and book your ride share for the short distance home all from inside the app. Transit+ seamlessly integrates a Riide vehicle with a transit connection, hailing a Riide to connect your bus journey with a vehicle for hire.

By combining modes of transportation residents can minimize wait times and costs.

Free bus service will be available on Friday, December 31, from 7:00 p.m. until 3:00 a.m. on January 1 (times may vary slightly by route).

Masks are required on Transit. Click here for more information on current health and safety measures in place on Saskatoon Transit.

For a transit schedule go to SaskatoonTranist.ca/route-and-schedules, use the transit app or call 306.975.3100 for help with trip planning.

“I can’t stress this enough: plan for a safe ride home. There is no reason for impaired driving, especially on New Year’s Eve,” McDonald says. “We are thankful to have SGI as a partner in providing free transit service on New Year’s Eve.”

Access Transit is free for registered customers as well but must be reserved.

Beginning in Fall 2020, Saskatoon Light & Power (SL&P) started a project to replace more than 17,000 of its current high-pressure sodium (HPS) street light fixtures with light-emitting diode (LED) technology in residential neighbourhoods, commercial areas and along major streets. The two-year project will cost $6.12 million with forty per cent of the cost paid for by the Federal Government’s Low Carbon Economy Fund. 

“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting Saskatchewanians in rebuilding from the pandemic, creating jobs and building more resilient communities”, says the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. “Today, our government is investing over $2.4M to help the City of Saskatoon install more than 17,000 LED lightbulbs in existing streetlights. Doing so will create jobs for the people of Saskatoon, reduce pollution and make our air cleaner. We are pleased to partner with Mayor Clark in this endeavor.”

Over the lifetime of this project, the City will see a cumulative reduction of about 114,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, the equivalent to removing approximately 35,000 passenger cars off the road for one year.

“There is a real opportunity to make changes in Saskatoon that will benefit residents, businesses and future generations by working to build a resilient and sustainable community. The LED streetlight conversion project is a concrete example of an initiative that reduces emissions, saves money and creates jobs—and this is only one of the many possibilities that exists as we tackle climate change” says Mayor Charlie Clark. “My thanks to the federal government for helping to make this initiative a reality in our community so we can see all of these benefits more quickly.”

The remaining $3.7 million will be covered by a green loan that would be paid back by cost savings, which are estimated at $849,000 a year once all the fixtures are replaced.

“Saskatoon Light and Power is excited to begin the LED conversion project, which is one of the goals set out in the Low Emissions Community Plan to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases produced in Saskatoon. To date, approximately five thousand LED fixtures have been installed under this program in neighbourhoods and roads served by Saskatoon Light & Power,” says Trevor Bell, Director of Saskatoon Light & Power.

As work commences, residents throughout Saskatoon will notice SL&P’s “What’s the Bright Idea” campaign, which aims to inform the importance of LED fixtures for the community, including:

• 60% less energy used;
• Dark sky compliance;
• Reduced maintenance costs;
• 100,000 hours of light; and
• Increased lifespan.

The lights that are not addressed in the program include decorative lights downtown, lights along freeways, in pedestrian tunnels, under overpasses and floodlights.

Quick facts

• The City of Saskatoon is installing LED technology on all new street and pathway lighting.
• The LED fixtures use less energy than the existing HPS and metal halide fixtures.

Associated links

• Low Carbon Economy Fund
• Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change
• Canada’s strengthened climate plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy

For more information on the project, visit: saskatoon.ca/slp.

For more City of Saskatoon news, program information, Service Alerts, Traffic Detours, and links to our social media channels, please visit saskatoon.ca.

City Council recently approved free parking on Saturdays in City-managed public pay parking areas throughout Saskatoon starting December 12, 2020, and ending March 27, 2021.

Parking customers are reminded that all other parking requirements remain in effect, including parking time limits. Parking Enforcement staff will continue to monitor and ticket vehicles parked in:

• a parking space for longer than the posted time limit
• reserved or accessible parking spaces without the required permit
• “No Stopping” or “No Parking” zones
• alleys (unless actively loading or unloading)

Pay parking remains in effect on lots operated by third party operators or commercial lots. 

For more information on Public Pay Parking, visit saskatoon.ca/payparking.

At its Budget Meetings on December 2 and 3, City Council approved funding for the Take It Outside Winter Animation Fund to provide immediate support to community organizations wishing to host safe outdoor activities in Saskatoon during the Winter 2020/21 season.

As part of the Take It Outside Winter Animation Fund, a total of $175,000 is currently available to non-profit organizations, ad hoc groups, businesses, or for-profit organizations through two different grant programs:

• The Take It Outside Grant program provides up to $25,000 in funding for projects that take place between December 17, 2020 to March 31, 2021. The application deadline to apply for funds is December 14, 2020.

• The Take It Outside Micro-Grant program provides up to $3,000 in funding for projects that take place between December 5, 2020 to March 31, 2021. All eligible projects will receive funding on a first come, first served basis.

For more information on the Take It Outside Grant and Take It Outside Micro-Grant programs, including eligibility requirements, visit saskatoon.ca/grants.

The Take It Outside Winter Animation Fund supports the goals and objectives of the WintercityYXE Strategy. The Strategy is an intentional effort by the City and the community to celebrate what makes Saskatoon an inviting, vibrant, safe and prosperous place in the winter, while working together to reduce the barriers that many people face during the coldest months of the year.

For information on the WintercityYXE Strategy, visit saskatoon.ca/wintercityyxe.

Making parts of downtown more pedestrian-friendly, creating diversified housing close to the riverfront, and repurposing barren or underused properties to meet community needs are among key ideas gleaned in a study on making downtown Saskatoon a more desirable place to live.

“The goal was to understand, from people who live downtown or would consider living there, what about the area makes it an attractive option and what barriers exist to people from falling in love with the idea of living a downtown urban lifestyle,” said University of Saskatchewan (USask) researcher Ryan Walker.

The project, which involved an online survey of 470 residents in downtown Saskatoon and 10 other neighbourhoods, as well as five focus group discussions via videoconference, was funded by Research Junction, a joint initiative by USask and City of Saskatoon (City).

“Sustainable growth is a strategic goal for the City, and enhancing downtown as a residential environment and getting more people living there is a priority,” said the City’s Director of Planning and Development, Lesley Anderson.

Among the key findings:

• The South Saskatchewan River and Meewasin Valley are downtown’s biggest assets, and people want to live within a few blocks of them. Amenities such as an expanded network of public spaces should be programmed with interesting things to do in all seasons.
   
• The convenient lifestyle of proximity to work, school, retail, businesses, services, and action at venues such as restaurants, bars and other public amenities are top reasons to live downtown.
   
• Diversified housing options in terms of architectural style, on-site amenities, and price points, especially in the mid-range suitable for families are in short supply. A push to develop barren lots and underused buildings is needed.
   
• The art gallery, theatre, and public library facilities are important public and private investments for a downtown urban lifestyle.
   
• Downtown respondents felt they aren’t in close community contact with business owners and are often not perceived as a target market.

Building an environment that attracts more people to live downtown can make residents a key target market, and change the debate around issues such as transit, bike lanes and parking, said Walker, principal investigator and professor in the department of geography and planning in the College of Arts and Science. Graduate student Zoe Hagen was co-investigator.

While the lack of grocery stores and feelings of being unsafe in the area remain predominant concerns, he said these challenges, especially about safety, aren’t insurmountable.

“The best way to resolve the perception of a decline in safety is to be persistent and continue to really promote residential development,” Walker said. “When you have people living downtown in higher numbers, there’s more passive street surveillance and a sense of community. The issues of safety perception sort of resolve themselves.”

Anderson said the City will use the findings from this research to help in the planning of major and minor projects downtown, including streetscape and public realm projects, as well as the upcoming Downtown Arena and Entertainment District master plan.

City Council approved an adjusted City Budget for 2021 on December 3, 2020 after two days of review, debate and strategic decision-making. As part of the new two-year budget cycle, City Council was able to revisit the 2020-2021 Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget’s Operating and Capital plans (previously approved November 2019) in this second budget year to adjust to any unanticipated external factors of significant impact on the City’s 2021 Budget. The financial impact the pandemic left on City operations was key to consider in the 2021 Budget review process.

“Council’s approved 2021 Budget helps to minimize the tax burden on residents and maximize value for services from taxpayer dollars,” says Mayor Charlie Clark. “Considering this challenging time, Council approved investments tied to providing a quality of life in our city with dedicated resources for affordable housing, and support for our local economic recovery.”

The Administration had proposed an adjusted budget with a strategy to absorb extra costs related to the pandemic and balance the budget with the Safe Restart funding the City received. The proposed budget adjustments ensured the previously approved 3.87 per cent property tax rate would not increase in 2021. Yet with so much uncertainty and the challenges of the pandemic, City Council sharpened its pencil to reduce expenditures and increase affordability. 

“The approved 2021 Budget reflects strategic investments made by Council to stimulate Saskatoon’s economy and build a strong future for our community,” adds Clark. “The 2021 Budget is balanced and while expenses were lowered in some areas, the budget continues to meet the needs of services and programs for our growing city.”

Council balanced its decisions with fiscal constraint and focused on continuing to provide strong services tied to investments to provide quality of life in Saskatoon.

Highlights and Adjustments made in the 2021 Approved Budget

Council shaved the municipal property tax rate by 1.04 per cent from the originally approved 3.87 per cent. The new municipal property tax of 2.83 per cent is the lowest rate since 2006. For a homeowner with an average assessment value of $371,000, the new rate results in $55.37/year or $4.61/month.

The adjustments made include:

• Removal of $2,558,100 from the overall budget as a global adjustment.
• $100,000 invested towards the innovative Affordable Housing Program
• $71,000 removed from the travel and car allowance budgets for Mayor and Council
• $65,000 allocated for additional berm mowing to ensure service levels are met
• $199,300 removed from the Saskatoon Police Service proposed budget
• Council approved free parking in the downtown core and business improvement districts on Saturdays from January 1 to March 31, 2021

2021 Total Operating & Capital Budget:

Civic Operating:  $540,877,400
Utility Operating: $369,024,600
Land Operating:  $5,738,800
Total Operating: $915,640,800
Total Capital:  $284,640,200
TOTAL OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGETS:  $1,200,281,000

2021 Capital Budget Adjustments

City Council approved reductions to the 2021 Capital Budget in the amount of $9.96 million, taking the total Capital Budget from $294.61 million to $284.64 million.

Visit saskatoon.ca/budget for more information.

Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for affordable housing and led to rising levels of homelessness. The Government of Canada created a national strategy to build hundreds of thousands of units and provide affordable housing to people across the country. By continuing to make investments in affordable housing, the government is building stronger communities, creating jobs, and growing our middle class, while fighting homelessness and helping vulnerable Canadians.

The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, Marv Friesen, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Saskatoon Riversdale, and Charlie Clark, Mayor of Saskatoon, today announced $7.5 million to create an estimated of 32 new affordable homes for individuals and families in Saskatoon through the Cities Stream under expanded Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI). These housing units will support Canadians who are in uncertain housing situations, experiencing or at risk of homelessness, or living in temporary shelters because of the pandemic.

The building for Cress Housing Corporation will be located at 115 Columbian Place and the building for Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. will be located at 1520 19^th Street West. All 32 units will be targeted at Indigenous People and of those units, 9 will be for Indigenous women and their children. For both projects, substantial completion of construction is expected by Fall 2022.

This new investment will create thousands of good jobs in the housing and construction sector, grow the middle class, and build back stronger communities, while getting us closer to our goal of eliminating chronic homelessness in Canada.

Quotes:

“Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Today's funding through the Rapid Housing Initiative will go a long way to support those who need it most by quickly providing nearly 32 new affordable homes for vulnerable individuals and families in Saskatoon to keep them safe. This is one of the ways our National Housing Strategy continues to ensure no one is left behind.” – The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)

“The Government of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Housing Corporation are proud to support the important work of Cress Housing Corporation and Central Urban Metis Federation Inc. through the Saskatchewan Co-Investment Program. This investment will develop a total of 32 new housing units in Saskatoon and will provide more affordable housing options for individuals and families in need. This is an important step towards achieving our goals in the Provincial Housing Strategy to support those in greatest housing need.” – The Honourable Lori Carr, Saskatchewan Minister of Social Services and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation

“Everyone deserves a roof over their head and a safe place to call home. Today’s announcement of additional funding through the Rapid Housing Initiative will have a huge impact on our most vulnerable citizens who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of being homeless. The availability of affordable housing is scarce in our region. These new homes will make a difference in ending the cycle of homelessness. I would like to thank the federal government for their ongoing support and commitment to creating affordable housing for our most vulnerable individuals and families.” – George Chahal, Member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview

“It has become clear that one of the biggest gaps in the housing continuum in Saskatoon is supportive housing.  People struggling with trauma, addictions and mental health need to have safe and stable housing. These two Rapid Housing Initiative Projects will play a crucial role in helping fill this gap in our community. Thank you to the Federal Government for the funding support and to City staff, SaskHousing and partners for your hard work facilitating this application process.” – Charlie Clark, Mayor of Saskatoon

"We plan for a two-storey, 18-unit facility that will serve single males who are disproportionately represented in the homeless population. This supported living facility includes a family/cultural space, along with office and meeting spaces on the main level. STC and our member Chiefs are proud to have Cress Housing Corporation serve as a proponent of this project contributing to this important work that improves the quality of life for people." – Saskatoon Tribal Council Chief Mark Arcand, Cress Housing Corporation

“We are very pleased to be participating in the Rapid Housing Initiative. With this funding, CUMFI will be able to provide fourteen suites for families at risk of homelessness, with nine homes specifically for Indigenous women and children. By providing a supportive living environment, CUMFI’s goal is for families to have a roof over their head and food on the table, so they can begin to think about education, employment and feeling that they are part of a caring community.” – Shirley Isbister, President of Central Urban Métis Federation Inc.

Quick facts:

• The RHI is delivered by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), under the National Housing Strategy (NHS). 
• Canada’s NHS is an ambitious, 10-year plan that will invest over $72 billion to give more Canadians a place to call home. Launched in 2017, the NHS will build and repair thousands of housing units, and help households with affordability support. 
• The RHI is a $1 billion program launched in October 2020 to help address urgent housing needs of vulnerable Canadians, especially in the context of COVID-19, through the rapid construction of affordable housing.
• Due to this success, an additional $1.5 billion for the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) was announced through Budget 2021 with $500 million in funding under the Cities Stream being allocated
• to the following municipalities: Burnaby, Calgary, Capital Regional District, Durham, Edmonton, Gatineau, Greater Sudbury, Halifax, Hamilton, Iqaluit, Kingston, Laval, London, Longueil, Montreal, Niagara, Ottawa, Peel, Quebec, Regina, Saskatoon, Surrey, St. John’s, Toronto, Vancouver, Waterloo, Whitehorse, Windsor, Winnipeg, and Yellowknife. Under the Projects Stream: $1 billion has been allocated to eligible applications submitted during the RHI’s initial application period last fall and having not yet received funding.
• Based on feedback from stakeholders, this summer CMHC introduced new flexibilities to the RHI: 
  • Program applicants were eligible to receive funding for additional forms of new construction beyond modular, if units can be built within 12 months.
  • Non-profits had the opportunity to demonstrate that they have the financial capacity to support the viability of units without government subsidy (self-funded). 
  • Cities were provided a longer time to submit projects (60 days instead of 30).
  • Project delivery timelines were adjusted for projects located in the North and special access communities.
• At least 25 per cent of this new funding will go toward women-focused housing projects. The units will be built within 12 months of when funding is provided to program applicants.
• The RHI will continue to prioritize proposals that target units serving Indigenous peoples and other vulnerable groups. It will also continue to provide flexibilities on timelines to Indigenous governing bodies or organizations as needed.
• The RHI takes a human rights-based approach to housing, serving people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and other vulnerable people under the NHS, including: women and children fleeing domestic violence, seniors, young adults, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, people experiencing mental health and addiction issues, veterans, LGBTQ2 individuals, racialized and Black Canadians, and recent immigrants or refugees.
• CMHC supports the government’s efforts to improve the well-being of Canadians facing housing and homelessness challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Associated links:

• Rapid Housing Initiative  
• National Housing Strategy 
• New Rapid Housing Initiative to create up to 3,000 new homes for Canadians 
• Rapid Housing Initiative will exceed targets by creating more than 4,700 new homes for Canadians 
• Budget 2021: A Recovery Plan for Jobs, Growth, and Resilience 

As Canada’s authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to all levels of Canadian government, consumers and the housing industry. CMHC’s aim is that by 2030, everyone in Canada has a home they can afford, and that meets their needs. For more information, follow CMHC on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Saskatoon City Council last night concluded its budget review and discussions to approve the 2022/2023 Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget. The City thanks all residents, organizations and business owners in Saskatoon who wrote in or spoke to City Council this week or in the weeks leading up to budget review.

Council approved property tax increases of 3.86% and 3.53% for 2022 and 2023, respectively. In general terms, a homeowner with a single-family detached home with an average assessed value of $344,000 would have a municipal property tax increase of $6.17 per month or $74.04 per year in 2022, and $5.87 per month or $70.43 per year in 2023. 

“This was one of the toughest budgets we have faced given the pressures of COVID and some of the issues we need to tackle to ensure the well-being of our residents today and into the future," said Mayor Clark. "This budget keeps our tax rate lower than the average over the last ten years while making key investments to support our recovery and ensure we will be a competitive and resilient city in a changing world. We are proud to still have one of the most competitive commercial property tax levies as reinforced by C.D. Howe last year.”

Notable Capital Investments Include: 

• $33.9 million in 2022 and $24.7 million in 2023 for upgrades and maintenance to the Wastewater Treatment Plant. 
• $41.2 million in 2022 and $52.0 million in 2023 for upgrades and maintenance to the Water Treatment Plant. 
• $32.0 million in 2022 and $33.0 million in 2023 for paved roadway and sidewalk preservation. 
• $10.5 million in 2022 and $46.3 million in 2023 for the implementation of a Bus Rapid Transit system (contingent on ICIP Government Funding). 
• $2.64 million in 2022 for Transit and Access Transit Bus Replacement. 

Other operating and capital investment decisions over 2022 and 2023 support our growing and increasingly diverse city and include such items as:   

• new transit service to North Kensington and Aspen Ridge,  
• continued maintenance of roadways and pathways including snow grading on freeways and priority streets, 
• the maintenance of the City’s growing network of parks and open green spaces including pathways, and berms, 
• public engagement enhancement,  
• Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion programs and initiatives – including the Office of the Representative of the Matriarchs and IWG2S Women’s Centre,   
• graffiti management,  
• an increase to the urban forestry and pest management capital reserve,  
• climate adaptation and green infrastructure advancement, and 
• recreation and sport facilities grants. 

“City Council adjusted and debated to arrive at a budget that continues to support the key civic services citizens expect, and balances addressing strategic priorities for the City,” says Jeff Jorgenson, City Manager.

“The Administration will now work hard to execute the direction of City Council and deliver the quality services and programs to the public we proudly serve,” Jorgenson adds. “There are ambitious cost-saving and service improvement expectations included in this budget, and we will do everything in our power to meet or exceed those expectations as our community recovers from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This multi-year budget takes us forward having set a new standard for transparency.”

Weighing decisions against the vision of the 2022-2025 Strategic Plan, the finalized 2022 and 2023 budgets support continued financial recovery for the City, promote growth for the community, and maintain quality of life and the needed momentum to keep the City moving forward sustainably.

Investing in Public Safety and Protection

City Council approved the Saskatoon Police Service budget which included resources to address the growth of the City and increase in calls for service with the addition of eight new Patrol Constables in 2022 and four Patrol Constables in 2023.

In addition, six positions were approved for 2022 to address items such as Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy requests (FOIP), technological crimes, Audio Video (AV) disclosures, investigations and major crimes were also included in the approved budget. The 2023 budget also includes four additional positions to address FOIP, AV disclosures, and investigations.

For the Saskatoon Fire Department, City Council invested $2.3 million in Next Generation 9-1-1 technology to enhance its Communications Centre. Council made further investments to replace major apparatus within the fleet, equipment, small vehicles, and uniform purchases, with $4.4 million over 2022 and 2023. Additional positions for firefighters were approved to support better response times for Saskatoon’s growing neighbourhoods, and for Fire Bylaw Inspectors as a proactive approach to property maintenance inspections. 

COVID-19 IMPACT

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic generates a high degree of uncertainty for fiscal planning. The City is estimating that the COVID-19 impact will be $13.85 million in 2022 and $10.02 million in 2023. These impacts are offset by one-time reallocated funding and do not affect the approved municipal property tax increases. 

Utility fees in 2022 and 2023 for water and wastewater usage include an overall average increase of 2.5% and 3.4% respectively, resulting in an additional $3.25 per month in 2022 and $4.63 per month in 2023 for the average homeowner.

Indoor Leisure Centre admission rates will increase by 2% in 2022 and 2023.  As an example, adult General Admission will increase from $9.80 to $10.00 in 2022 and $10.25 in 2023. The adult Monthly LeisureCard will increase from $50.00 to $51.00 in 2022 and $52.00 in 2023. 

In 2022, City Council will have the flexibility to make any necessary budgetary corrections for events or circumstances requiring funding or resource adjustments.

The City’s second Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget for 2022 and 2023 supports the City’s 2022-2025 Strategic Plan’s vision, and investments in the priorities and services that matter most to citizens, ensuring Saskatoon continues to be a great place to live, work, learn and play.

The finalized 2022/2023 Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget document will be made available on saskatoon.ca/budget as soon as it is available.

Saskatoon Transit encourages shoppers to hop on board Route 1225, the Jingle Bell Express and experience the convenience of shopping via transit. 

The Jingle Bell Express is Saskatoon Transit’s annual holiday shopping bus route. It runs from December 5^th to the 23^rd and again with free service on Boxing Day. This route stops at Midtown, Centre, Market, Confederation, and Lawson Heights malls every half hour, providing riders with a great shopping experience! 

“The Jingle Bell Express removes the hassle of driving, while providing riders with access to malls they may not otherwise visit,” says Jim McDonald, Director of Saskatoon Transit. “Regular fares apply except on Boxing Day when the Jingle Bell Express is free.” 

The Jingle Bell Express will be available weekdays from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. and weekends from 10:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. On Boxing Day, the Jingle Bell Express will operate as a free service between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. For a virtual walk-through of the Jingle Bell bus, visit: https://youtu.be/X6FrrW3Uvfk.    

Everyone is reminded that masks are required on all transit buses and are encouraged to use the Transit App or Google Maps Transit to plan their trip, or consult the route schedule on Transit’s website. 

Jingle Bell Express riders can complete a short survey for a chance to win one of five $100 gift cards sponsored by the participating malls. 

Get your ‘shop on’ and hop on the Jingle Bell Express!  

For more information about Saskatoon Transit, visit saskatoontransit.ca or follow @StoonTransit on Twitter. Plan your route in advance using Google Transit or the Transit App on your mobile device. 

The City will start removing snow from residential streets beginning tomorrow (Dec. 2), beginning in the Haultain, Queen Elizabeth, and Lawson Heights neighbourhoods. This neighbourhood clean-up is in response to the severe snow accumulation in November that left many residential streets impassable. 

“Removing the large piles of snow from residential streets is going to improve our ability to safely navigate our neighbourhoods again,” says Terry Schmidt, General Manager of Transportation & Construction. “We’ll all be happy to say good-bye those large piles of snow interfering in our sight lines and the availability of on-street parking in front of our homes. We also want to get as many of those obstructive piles of snow off sidewalks as we can—though this may take more time.”

Given the number of streets to cover across 66 city-wide residential neighbourhoods, the City is not attempting to achieve the same bare pavement conditions that we see on higher traffic priority streets. The end result in neighbourhoods will resemble a completed school zone with some non-hazardous snow piles remaining.

Since the snow accumulation is presenting safety and mobility challenges in all neighbourhoods, the order in which crews visit neighbourhoods is being determined at random and then balanced by ward to ensure progress is taking place equally across the city. A preliminary schedule will be posted to saskatoon.ca/snow in the coming days. As the first few neighbourhoods are completed, the City will be able to better estimate a schedule for the remaining neighbourhoods – please check the webpage for updates.

Residents will know when crews are coming to their neighbourhood when they see ‘No Parking’ signs go up along their street. The goal is to have these installed about 24 hours before the start of work. Similar to street sweeping, residents will need to move their vehicle off the street in advance of snow operations or their vehicle will be towed. This is to give equipment room to operate as well as to ensure the best result.

Other ways residents can help:

• Steer clear of crews and equipment while work is underway.
• Keep kids off snow piles and from building tunnels through snow piles; the piles can collapse, and the weight of that snow could be very dangerous.
• Remove any rubber driveway/curb ramps before removal on your street.  

This neighbourhood clean-up is in response to the severe snow accumulation in November that left many residential streets impassable for several days. Neighbourhood snow management is not part of our city's standard operations. Existing levels of service for winter maintenance will apply to future snow events. In neighbourhoods, this means City snow crews are sent to local roads when ice rutting impedes mobility (reaches 6” in depth).​  

The City has recently been informed that an employee working across three Leisure Centres (Lakewood Civic Centre, Saskatoon Field House, Shaw Centre) has tested positive for COVID-19. 

Due to the need to protect the privacy of the individual, the City cannot provide further details about the positive case. However, the positive case is unlikely to be linked to transmission within the workplace.

We understand this may cause concern for customers at these facilities and reinforce that the City has implemented many health and safety protocols and precautions to protect both employees and the public. This includes mandatory masks for employees and the public, proper hygiene, safety signage and markers, and acrylic barriers for some staff. This situation stresses the importance of the layers of protection the City has put in place to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in civic facilities.

Below are the affected facilities and time periods. If you were at any of these facilities during the time periods, it is always a good idea to self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and stay home and call HealthLine 811 to arrange for testing if symptoms occur. 

As part of our already enhanced cleaning protocols, cleaning and disinfecting have taken place in all impacted facilities and areas since the positive case was identified.

It is our understanding that the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) will be following up and contacting individuals identified as close contacts as per their contact tracing process and providing information to them on the next steps. The City will support SHA in their contact tracing process as necessary. 

The City also has processes in place so supervisors can be aware of which employees need to be sent home if necessary or contact Health Line at 811 for further instruction. 

This positive case reminds us that we all have a shared responsibility to limit the transmission risk of COVID-19 in our community. Stay home if you are feeling unwell, follow all Public Health Orders and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and others.

City Council is set to debate, adjust and finalize the City’s 2022/2023 Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget starting Monday, November 29 to Wednesday, December 1, 1:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

View the full 2022/2023 Preliminary Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget AGENDA

This year, the City Council budget review will be held virtually. The public can view the budget deliberations via live stream beginning at 1:00 p.m. each day.  Submissions providing comments and/or requesting to speak will be accepted using the online form at saskatoon.ca/write-letter-councilcommittees. If your submission includes a request to speak, you will be contacted by a representative from the City Clerk’s Office with further information. 

City Council’s Budget Review is set for three days and is treated as one continuous meeting. The deadline for receipt of public submissions to provide comments and /or request to speak is 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 29. Contact the City Clerks Office at 306-975-3240 with any questions regarding this process.

Visit saskatoon.ca/budget to review the full suite of 2022/2023 preliminary budget-related documents, including the Administrative Reports City Council will receive on November 29.

Saskatoon City Council will consider an adjusted City Budget for 2021 on December 2 and 3, 2020, where the Administration has proposed ways to absorb extra costs related to the pandemic without any increase to the previously approved property tax rate.

“This year’s pandemic has been challenging for all cities and Saskatoon is no exception. The overall revised 2021 Operating Budget expected an impact, mostly due to the COVID-19 pandemic of approximately $21.76 million more than the previously approved plan,” says Kerry Tarasoff, Chief Financial Officer. “To offset this, the Administration had to dig deep and assumed additional budget risk for some areas to ensure the City’s 2021 Budget is balanced by applying the Safe Restart funding.” 

“Knowing this, we worked hard to bring the numbers down to get us back to the original 3.87% by making approximately $2.7 million in saving reductions. So, the revised 2021 Operating Budget increase totals $19.05 million which can be fully offset with the amount received from the federal Safe Restart Agreement. We are very thankful to both the provincial and federal governments for financial assistance during this unprecedented pandemic, and without their help, the City as well as all other municipalities in Canada would be in dire financial situations,” adds Tarasoff.

Federal funding of $19.05 million, through the Safe Restart Agreement, has been received to assist municipal operations impacted by increased operating costs and lower revenue due to COVID-19.

To increase the accountability and transparency of the business plan and budget process and to adopt a longer term view on financial planning, the City approved its first Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget for 2020 and 2021 last November. As part of the new budget process, City Council can revisit the prior approved budget in the second year so they may adapt, respond or adjust to the current or changing environment if needed.

For 2021, any significant changes as allowed within the Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget Policy (Council Policy C03-036) must be brought forward by the Administration for City Council approval. As defined within this Policy, the Administration has the ability to adjust “unanticipated external factors” of significant impact to the subsequent year of the multi-year budget. 

Last year, City Council approved the 2021 Operating & Capital Plan that includes the following items:

• $14.3 million in operating expenditures for continued prioritization of Snow and Ice Management
• $47.1 million in operating expenditures for Transit, and $6.4 million for Access Transit operations
• $440,000 increase for the Bridges Asset Management Plan Phase-in
• $350,000 increase for the Parks Asset Management Plan Phase-in
• $250,000 increase for the Sidewalks Asset Management Plan Phase-in
• $175,000 increase to expand Transit into Brighton
• $62.8 and $28.5 million in capital investment respectively for the rehabilitation and replacement of the water distribution and wastewater collection systems
• $32.1 million in capital investment for paved roadway and sidewalk preservation
• $1.2 million in capital investment for Traffic Control System Upgrades
• $800,000 for the Growth Plan implementation and Corridor Planning/Infill Development
• $406,000 for Regional Planning (P4G) Requirements
• $200,000 for the Sidewalk Asset Management Plan

The prior approved 3.87 per cent property tax increase for 2021 translates into an increase for a homeowner with a property assessment value of $371,000 of $6.31 per month, or $75.74 for the year.

“The adjustments to the 2021 budget are those recommended by the Administration.  This proposed budget will be considered and debated by Council at its December 2 and 3 meetings and is not approved until this matter has been fully considered by City Council," says Tarasoff.

City Council’s decisions to invest in the priorities and services that matter most to citizens along with the Administration’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and finding efficiencies will ensure Saskatoon continues to be a great place to live, work, learn and play. Full details of the 2021 Budget Adjustments can be found in the December 2 meeting agenda at saskatoon.ca/meetings.

The approved 2021 Adjusted Budget document will be prepared and made available on the City’s website at saskatoon.ca/budget in early 2021.

For more information, visit saskatoon.ca/budget.

The City today released the 2022/2023 Preliminary Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget. The Administration’s budget for the next two years is focused on maintaining core civic services and programs, preserving current service levels, and investing in infrastructure to support a good quality of life in our growing and inclusive city.

“With the financial impact of COVID-19 continuing to create a challenging economic climate, the Administration has presented a preliminary budget that maintains appropriate funding for quality civic services, service levels, and programs that deliver value for citizens,” says Clae Hack, Chief Financial Officer. ”While the pandemic has highlighted the City’s operating revenue challenges, we’ve worked hard to present a preliminary budget that is disciplined and committed to keeping property taxes as low as possible.”

City Council will debate, adjust and finalize its investment decisions within the 2022/2023 Business Plan and Budget on November 29, 30 and December 1, 2021.

The 2022/2023 Operating Budget proposes a municipal property tax increase of 3.51% and 3.14% in 2022 and 2023, respectively.

The proposed property tax increases would generate an additional $9.3 million in 2022 and $8.8 million in 2023.

In general terms, this means a homeowner who owns a single-family detached home with an average assessed value of $344,000 would have a municipal property tax increase of $67.29 in 2022 or $5.61 per month, and $62.33 in 2023 or $5.19 per month.

“The Administration’s proposed property tax rates for 2022 and 2023 maintain the service levels citizens expect for their taxpayer dollars and ensure long-term financial stability for the City. City Council will make the final investment decisions for the next two years,” adds Hack.

The 2022/2023 Preliminary Budget is built from a four-step process whereby this year:

• In June 2021, costs were determined to maintain current service delivery and service levels at status quo for the next two years; the original indicative property tax estimate presented in June 2021 required a property tax increase of 5.96% and 5.42% in 2022 and 2023 respectively.

• In August 2021, City Council then directed Administration to bring back options to reduce the initial proposed property tax estimate and information on the longer-term structural budget challenges facing the City, its stagnant revenue growth and increased reliance on property taxes.
   
• In October 2021, Administration provided various options and plans to support the City’s new 2022-2025 Strategic Plan’s goals. These options will be presented at the Business Plan and Budget Review meeting on November 29, 2021.  

• To achieve the lower proposed tax increases, adjustments were made to remove the phase-in for the Bus Rapid Transit project and adjustments related to the implementation of the waste utility funding model resulting in proposed property tax increases of 3.51% and 3.14% in 2022 and 2023 respectively.

“City Council has directed the Administration to prioritize several areas over the next four years,” says Hack. “At budget review time, some of Council’s priorities may be achieved without financial impact, however, some initiatives will require financial investment such as efforts to support community safety, Bus Rapid Transit, and support for reconciliation and inclusion spaces.”

The 2022 Operating Budget is proposing total operating expenditures of $566.0 million, an investment increase of $19.3 million, or 3.54%, over the 2021 Operating Budget.

The 2023 Operating Budget is proposing total operating expenditures of $581.3 million, an investment increase of $15.3 million, or 2.70%, over the 2022 Operating Budget.

To address inflation and growth pressures, the total expenditure increase within the Business Plan and Budget is $13.0 million in 2022 and $10.0 million in 2023 (excluding Police).

With a commitment to improving community safety in Saskatoon, investment in the Saskatoon Police Service represents the largest portion of the City’s operating expenditures at approximately 21%, or $119.7 million in 2022 and $124.6 million in 2023.

The 2022/2023 Preliminary Capital Budget proposes a total investment of $571.9 million, including $274.4 million in 2022 and $297.5 million in 2023.

The City’s capital budget provides for infrastructure to address Saskatoon’s continued growth and invests in roads, transit, water, and wastewater distribution systems.

Notable Key Capital Projects Include:

• Roadway Preservation: $32.0 million and $33.0 million in 2022 and 2023
• Bus Rapid Transit system: $10.5 million and $46.3 million in 2022 and 2023
• Land Development: $51.5 million and $46.9 million in 2022 and 2023
• Utility Infrastructure maintenance and improvements: $107.1 million and $108.3 million in 2022 and 2023

The 2022/2023 Preliminary Budget funding supports clear and achievable actions to support the vision and goals within the City’s draft 2022-2025 Strategic Plan expected to be approved by City Council in January 2022.

Importantly, public input gained on civic service priorities and preferences received through the City’s two 2021 Citizen Services Surveys as well as feedback on the draft 2022-2025 Strategic Plan, will be considered by City Council before its final budget review.

The City’s second multi-year budget approach continues to provide greater certainty for residents about their future property taxes, alignment with the new 2022-2025 Strategic Plan’s vision and longer-term goals. This budget approach supports transparency, financial stability and accountability for the City.

Learn more about the investments the City proposes in services, programs and projects valued by citizens, those that will ensure Saskatoon stays a great place to live, work, learn and play through the detailed 2022/2023 Preliminary Business Plan and Budget documents available at saskatoon.ca/budget.

The kanātan nipīy (the water is clean/clean water) program is continuing for 2022. The kanātan nipīy (kaa-NAH-tan / nii-PEA) program is an opportunity for Indigenous people to gain essential skills and access employment opportunities in water treatment and distribution facilities—such as with the City of Saskatoon’s Water and Waste Operations. This program is a collaborative effort between the City of Saskatoon, Gabriel Dumont Institute, Radius Community Centre, Saskatchewan Polytechnic and Saskatoon Tribal Council.

The kanātan nipīy program includes essential skills training taught by the Radius Community Centre. Sask Polytech provides training in water treatment and distribution. Participants will also receive first aid/CPR and WHMIS training and two weeks of work experience. Certified water and wastewater operators are in demand. Trained employees, who can operate and maintain water and waste systems to provide clean drinking water, are needed in City of Saskatoon and First Nation communities across Saskatchewan.

“This kanātan nipīy program is an important pathway to knowledge and employment and I am very pleased that the City of Saskatoon is part of it,” says Mayor Charlie Clark. “Our futures are bound together, in our city and in Indigenous communities across Saskatchewan. I would like to thank all of the partners who are part of this program and are strengthening our future together.”

“The success of the kanātan nipīy program is a testament to the need for initiatives like these; that create opportunity and remove barriers to Métis people. GDI is looking forward to continuing this partnership and connecting our Métis clients with specialized training and sustainable employment,” says Lisa Bird-Wilson, executive director, Gabriel Dumont Institute.

“For more than 50 years Radius Community Centre has been helping people work towards their career goals,” says Dorothy Hyde, executive director, Radius Community Centre. “We are honoured to be a part of this community team supporting Indigenous employment and know that working together helps to build a brighter future for individuals, families, business and community.”

“We are excited to continue this collaborative partnership with the City of Saskatoon, Gabriel Dumont Institute, Radius Community Centre, and Saskatoon Tribal Council,” says Dr. Larry Rosia, president and CEO, Sask Polytech. “This partnership is a testament of what can be done when the community comes together. Through the kanātan nipīy program students receive excellent training and work experience to prepare them for future employment.”

“As First Nations people, we are all protectors of water, and this training program provides the opportunity for our people to carry out this important work. The graduates of this program improve the quality of life for all people that require clean water,” states Saskatoon Tribal Chief Mark Arcand. “By working together in unity with our partners, we provide opportunities for Indigenous Peoples to become gainfully employed.”

The kanātan nipīy program meets the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call To Action #92: Ensure Indigenous peoples have access to jobs, training and education opportunities; and they benefit from economic development. This project’s success is based on having a cohesive team of community partners engaged for a single purpose: improving employment options for Indigenous workers.

Interested in learning more? Email poitrina.powder@saskatoon.ca to register for the Zoom information session to be held Dec. 7th from 2 to 3 p.m.

Ready to apply? Email copies of the following items to kanatannipiy.project@gmail.com: Grade 12/GED diploma and transcripts, Class 5 driver’s licence and driver abstract for the last 3 months, updated resumé including three references. The application deadline is Dec. 10, 2021.

Renovations to the Affinity Learning Centre at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo) are nearly complete and the building is set to open to the public on Friday, November 26.

“We have completely redesigned the layout of the Affinity Learning Centre and added some really amazing exhibits that will be home to several new species like the colourful poison dart frogs, axolotl and a variety of cichlids from Lake Malawi, Africa,” says Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager.

The newly renovated facility will be home to a variety of reptiles, amphibians and fish including:

• Poison Dart Frogs
• Hermann’s Tortoise
• Ball Python
• Western Tiger Salamander
• Axolotl
• Garter Snake
• Blue-tongued Skink
• Cichlids from Lake Malawi, Africa

The Zoo would like to thank the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation, Affinity Credit Union and Krawchuck Construction for their continued partnership and support of the Affinity Learning Centre.

The Zoo would also like to remind residents that a non-medical mask is required when accessing indoor City-operated facilities and services including the Affinity Learning Centre, Meerkat House and washroom facilities at the Zoo. Although masks are not required in outdoor spaces, the City recommends wearing a mask throughout your visit, even while enjoying the outdoor exhibits. The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo is not included in the list of City of Saskatoon programs and facilities where public access requires proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.

The Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is by donation until March 31, 2022. Visit saskatoon.ca/zoo for more information or to plan your next visit.

City snow crews are making great progress in the city-wide clean-up following the severe winter storm. Clearing of driving lanes on residential streets will be complete later today, which is three and a half days ahead of the projected schedule.

“There’s no question that we have more work to do,” says Terry Schmidt, General Manager of Transportation & Construction. “But I’m proud of the way our crews and contractors are putting everything they have, around the clock, into this operation.”

With the first pass of driving lanes in residential areas completed, crews will now focus their attention on the following:

• Continuing to clean and clear priority streets as needed;
• Residential streets that need more attention to improve drivability;
• Addressing problem areas on residential streets (e.g. snow piles near driveways or in front of fire hydrants);
• Removal of snow in Business Improvement Districts;
• Industrial areas.

Where piles of snow present a clear issue, they will be removed. This includes large piles that restrict sight lines on priority roads and piles of especially heavy, packed snow around driveway entrances and parked vehicles. With the massive accumulation of snow, there will still be piles of snow on residential streets reducing on-street parking at times. Crews will return in the coming weeks for snow removal, once the other priorities have been addressed.

“This is the first time we’ve undertaken a snow operation of this magnitude and we’re truly grateful for the patience and cooperation of Saskatoon residents,” says Schmidt. “We’re seeing people shovelling out their neighbour’s vehicle or driveway entrance; it truly is a community effort.”

A reminder that Saskatoon Transit has resumed normal operations and is available to get residents where they need to go.

Following the postponement of Monday’s election, the election office reports the official voter turnout figures as 58,734 or 27.4 per cent of eligible voters. This figure includes 19,666 ballots cast at advance polls and 8,600 mail-in ballots. The next most comparable turnout was in 2000 when 26.4% of eligible voters cast ballots.

The election office adds 20,906 ballots were cast on Monday, November 9, which is four per cent of eligible voters, and 8,532 ballots cast on Friday, November 13. There are 214,301 eligible voters in Saskatoon.

“Given the environmental challenges confronted, voters went to the polls,” says Returning Officer Scott Bastian. “This election was held during a pandemic and then a severe winter storm rolled over Saskatoon leading into election day. Through it all, an important part was to adjust and comply with provincial legislation and orders,” Bastian says. “Options were provided to voters that fit within boundaries of the law.”

Bastian acknowledges his office experienced challenges, including long lineups at advance polls and the new online mail-in ballot application process. Like past civic elections, the Returning Officer will prepare a report on the 2020 Civic Election to submit to City Council in the first quarter of 2021. The report will outline the election process, successes and challenges faced during this election, and opportunities to pursue for future elections.

“There will be an opportunity to explore facets of the 2020 election with the election office and perhaps in conjunction with other municipalities in Saskatchewan and Elections Saskatchewan,” Bastian adds.

Bastian says the conclusion of an unconventional election is a testament to the dedicated staff working the election and to the community.

“I want to thank all the dedicated election workers who worked advance polls and in care homes and hospitals, carefully following COVID-19 safety protocols, and to those who braved a snowstorm on Monday to open the polls, as well as those who were available again Friday, November 13 to ensure the postponed day went ahead successfully.”

The City of Saskatoon’s official results from the 2020 election are available at electionresults.saskatoon.ca.

The City has recently been informed that two Saskatoon Transit Operators have tested positive for COVID-19. The first individual received a positive diagnosis on Friday, November 13 and the second individual received their diagnosis on Monday, November 16.  

"Neither of these cases are related and unlikely to be linked to transmission within the workplace. Both individuals have relayed that they were exposed to the virus in settings outside of the workplace," says Mike Moellenbeck, Operations Manager for Saskatoon Transit. "Due to the need to protect the privacy of the individuals, we cannot provide further details about the positive cases."

The City has implemented health and safety protocols and precautions to protect both employees and the public. This includes mandatory masks for all riders, proper hygiene and vinyl barriers for drivers 

"We understand this may cause concern for bus riders. This situation stresses the importance of the layers of protection the City has put in place to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 on Saskatoon Transit." 

Below are the affected routes and time periods. If you were riding the bus during these time periods, it is always a good idea to self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and stay home and call HealthLine 811 to arrange for testing if symptoms occur. 

**UPDATED LIST DUE TO SASKATCHEWAN HEALTH AUTHORITY (SHA) CONTACT TRACING PROCESS**

• Nov 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14: Route 15 Civic Operations Centre
• Nov 7, 4:45 pm to 11:45 pm: Route 2 Meadowgreen
• Nov 8, 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm: Route 50 Lakeview/University
• Nov 10, 5:00 pm to 11:45 pm: Route 1 Exhibition and Route 7 Dundonald 
• Nov 11, 4:45 to 10:30 pm: Route 12 River Heights and Route 19 Centre Mall  
• Nov 14, 4:00 pm to 1:30 am: Route 2 Meadowgreen
• Nov 15, 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm: Route 50 Lakeview/University 

Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting have taken place in all impacted busses and areas since the positive cases were identified.

"It is our understanding that SHA will be following up and contacting individuals identified as close contacts as per their contact tracing process and providing information to them on the next steps. The City will support SHA in their contact tracing process as necessary," says Moellenbeck. 

The City also has processes in place so supervisors can be aware of which employees need to be sent home if necessary or contact Health Line at 811 for further instruction. 

Moellenbeck emphasizes that, "this positive case reminds us that we all have a shared responsibility to limit the transmission risk of COVID-19 in our community. Stay home if you are feeling unwell, follow all Public Health Orders and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and others."

Council Chambers will look different when it reopens for the new City Council. Over the course of this fall, the Chamber underwent renovations to improve the function and accessibility of this important public space.

The improvements include:

• Audio visual upgrades to improve video and audio of Council proceedings.
• Changes to room configuration to improve accessibility and enable distancing.
• Equipping gallery seats with power tables where occupants can plug in devices.
• Providing a new space for media, including a fully connected media box.
• HVAC system upgrades to improve heating/cooling and air filtration.
• New paint, carpeting, and gallery seating.

“These changes will improve access and engagement for citizens,” says Troy LaFreniere, Director of Facilities Management. “This long-planned modernization of Council Chambers will mean appropriate and high-quality connection to public meetings. The technology in Chambers was well past end of life.”

With the exception of a few minor things, Council Chambers has not been renovated since 1981. These upgrades have been planned for the past five years but there wasn’t an opportunity to conduct the work without significant disruption to Chamber business. The move to largely virtual gatherings during the pandemic, and the suspension of Council activities during the election period, presented an opportunity to undertake this work this fall with minimal disruption.

The funding for Chamber renovations was allocated by the City’s Comprehensive Building Maintenance Reserve. A portion of these funds is earmarked for replacing/renewing aging infrastructure such as Council Chambers.

LaFreniere continues: “Managing and maintaining our physical assets should meet the needs of our citizens and reflect the pride and priority we place on the space where citizens engage with their municipal government.”

The incredible undertaking of clearing snow from last week’s winter storm has been moving ahead of schedule, with road clearing now expected to be complete tomorrow, days ahead of the original projection of Friday, November 20. Once snow clearing is complete, efforts will turn to snow clearing on industrial streets and removal of snow from neighbourhoods across the city. 

“At first, we’d planned on focusing efforts on clearing those streets worst affected or those with higher traffic, but with our increased capacity, crews are now clearing snow from driving lanes on all streets, in every neighbourhood, city-wide,” says Terry Schmidt, General Manager of Transportation and Construction. “This has proven to be the most efficient method. We are also going to back lanes to level out the snow, or pack it down, to improve mobility. This work is all happening at the same time as residential clearing. If there’s still problem areas after the initial pass through, crews will return once all neighbourhoods and major roadways have been addressed.”   

By tonight it is estimated that clearing will have been restored, or work continuing, in a total of 63 (or 97 per cent) of the 65 residential neighbourhoods on the schedule. Efforts will also be turned to industrial streets and snow removal in Business Improvement Districts. 

“I would like thank the many people behind the scenes who are supporting and orchestrating this monumental effort to get the city moving around again,” says Schmidt. “This has been an extraordinary event and people are coming together all through our City, whether that be neighbours helping neighbours or crews working around the clock.” 

Residents are asked to please avoid pushing snow out onto the street when clearing snow from sidewalks and driveways, as this can clog up streets with even more snow and continue to create accessibility issues. 

More information on our process for snow clearing can be found at saskatoon.ca/snow. 

On the anniversary of Louis Riel’s execution – which occurred in Regina on November 16th, 1885 – several organizations are putting on events to honour Riel’s legacy.

Riel led two popular Métis governments, was a central figure in Manitoba’s entry into Confederation, and led the 1885 resistance to Canadian encroachment on Métis lands (leading to his execution). Riel is widely considered the most famous Métis leader and an important figurehead for Métis people in Western Canada.

Métis Nation–Saskatchewan President Glen McCallum says, “Our Métis citizens always look forward to honouring Louis Riel Day to celebrate and remember Riel's leadership. We continue the commitment to the rights of our Métis citizens and the ultimate sacrifice our leader Riel made for our Nation. It is encouraging to see more people in Saskatchewan know about the history of Riel's leadership, his accomplishments, and our unique and distinct Métis identity, culture, values, and language.”

Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark says, “Louis Riel was an influential leader who shaped the story of our country from right here in Saskatchewan. Today is a chance to reflect on this history and understand the important role the Métis community has played - and continues to play - in both our city and our country.”

LOCAL EVENTS

These are just a few of the events taking place around Saskatoon this week.

Louis Riel ooma sa Zhoornii – Gathering
Presented by Métis Nation–Saskatchewan, Western Region 2A, CUMFI Local, Local 126, Local 11 and 11a
Gathering at the statue of Gabriel Dumont in Friendship Park near the Broadway Bridge. Entertainment and traditional Métis lunch to follow at St. George's Hall.
Nov. 16, 2021, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Virtual Riel Day Celebration
Presented by Gabriel Dumont Local 11, Saskatoon & Area
Nov. 16, 2021, 6:30 p.m.
via Zoom > Register here

A Conversation on Louis Riel
Presented by the Gabriel Dumont Institute, Parks Canada, and Friends of Batoche
Recorded Nov. 15, 2021
Access recording here

Crews continue working around the clock to get everyone moving again, following a severe blizzard that brought high amounts of snowfall and strong winds, creating drifting on roads and sidewalks.

“Great gains are being made on restoring mobility in residential streets and we continue to bring on additional contractors for this work”, says Terry Schmidt, General Manager of Transportation and Construction. “Crews continue to work simultaneously throughout the entire City. We are focused on beginning with the streets worst affected and clearing residential streets in all neighborhoods. This will be done in a sequence where the streets carrying the most traffic, or strategically located streets are addressed first.”

As of Friday morning, the City reports residential street snow clearing is now complete in Kensington, Stonebridge, Eastview, Holiday Park and Brighton. Snow clearing is underway in an additional six neighbourhoods, including Dundonald, Rosewood, Hampton Village, Lakeridge, Arbor Creek and Evergreen. Today, work is scheduled to start in Wildwood, Buena Vista, Mayfair, Silverwood Heights, Erindale and Montgomery.

“With nearly 300 crew members clearing snow, and counting, this schedule may change, so we encourage you to keep checking online for updates,” says Schmidt. “As much as we can, we’re coordinating the clearing schedule with waste and recycling collections; however, there will be some instances they overlap. In those cases, crews will move bins onto driveways, then move them back onto the street.”

Schmidt also encourages children to stay away from playing in the snow piles. The huge accumulations of snow present a dangerous situation if climbing on the snow piles or building tunnels through them.

“Once again, thank you for helping your neighbours, remaining patient during the city-wide snow clean-up, and for staying safe around the snow removal equipment on our streets,” Schmidt adds. “Please remember that road conditions are still considered hazardous due to snow accumulation and the layer of ice underneath the snow. Our crews are sanding and salting to treat ice as snow is being cleared from roads.”

There may be piles of snow left by the graders (windrows); crews will come back afterwards to remove those that are impacting residents.

Please do not push snow out onto the street when clearing snow from sidewalks and driveways, as this can clog up streets with even more snow and continue to create accessibility issues.

More information on our process for snow clearing can be found at saskatoon.ca/snow

The election office has announced another eastside polling location at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Silverspring. This brings the total number of locations to seven for voters to cast their ballot on the postponed election day, Friday, November 13.

Revised: Voters can attend ANY of the SEVEN polling locations tomorrow until 8:00 p.m.: Cosmo Civic Centre, Lawson Civic Centre, Lakewood Civic Centre, Shaw Centre, City Hall, Prairieland Park and Ebenezer Baptist Church. Voter Assistance Terminal (VAT) is available at City Hall and support persons and service animals are welcome at all locations. Election workers will assist voters with mobility issues when requested. 

Voters should anticipate wait times similar to advance polls, due to physical distancing measures, hand sanitizing, one-way/dedicated entrances and exits and additional cleaning protocols. Polls are expected to be busy; election workers will be dedicated to keeping lineups moving along with all safety protocols in place.

Mail-in ballots will be received by election officials until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 13 at City Hall or the Election Office (226 Cardinal Crescent). Mail-in ballots can also be dropped off at any polling location on Election Day. Visit saskatoon.ca/mailballot for more information.

Election Day Reminders:

• attend any polling location between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
• print and fill out a voter registration form to save time at the polling location
• bring your own pen to mark your ballot
• wear a mask and practice physical distancing

For more information on the 2020 Civic Election, including locations and ID requirements, visit saskatoon.ca/vote2020.

Following the postponement of November 9 election day, due to a severe winter storm that blanketed the city with 30 to 40 cm of snow and ice, the election office has announced an additional polling location at Prairieland Park and continues to pursue other options.

“Our goal through the election planning process is to provide citizens with access to a ballot – that they have a way to vote,” says Returning Officer Scott Bastian. “Access to the ability to vote in this election has been solidly supported through additional advance poll locations, a heavily used mail-in ballot program, and 65 polling locations on election day which despite the inclement weather were surprisingly steady.” 

The decision to postpone the election was granted to the Returning Officer alone by the Minister of Government Relations. As a result, the election office was working with the province all afternoon on Monday, November 9 to make sure the Returning Officer’s decision was in line with the Minister’s specific order.

“An election in a city of our size is complex. There are many moving parts, with over 600 municipal election workers hired and 65 polling locations established,” Bastian says. “Frustrating as it was for everyone, my decision was delayed to late Monday because I needed to make sure that the plan for Friday to condense polls complied with the Minister’s Order and that all the pieces were organized. In order to comply with Ministerial Order polls had to close early. Had polls closed at 8:00 pm on November 9, the election would have concluded that night.”

Voters who have not yet had the chance will have an opportunity to cast their ballot on Friday, November 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 

There will be a number of locations across the city, much like advanced polls, at Cosmo Civic Centre, Lawson Civic Centre, Lakewood Civic Centre, Shaw Centre, and City Hall – with Prairieland Park as an added location. Voters can visit the polling station most convenient for them to cast their ballot.

Mail-in ballots will be received by the election officials until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 13 at City Hall or the Election Office. Ballots can also be dropped off at any polling station on Election Day. Visit saskatoon.ca/mailballot for more information.

Reminders for voters:

• attend any poll location
• print and fill out a voter registration form to save time at the polling station
• bring your own pen to mark your ballot
• wear a mask and practice physical distancing

For more information on the 2020 Civic Election, including locations and ID requirements, visit saskatoon.ca/vote2020.

City snow crews continue to clean up the streets after a severe winter storm that brought high amounts of snowfall and strong winds, creating drifting on roads and sidewalks. Freezing rain has also created a layer of ice underneath the snow. As of today (Nov. 10), crews have been able to open at least one traffic lane on all major and secondary roads. 

While efforts continue to be focused on the highest traffic streets – first making them all passable, then returning to plow curb-to-curb, sand, salt and de-ice – the City recognizes that residential roads continue to be a challenge.

“The City’s snow clearing service does not extend to residential neighbourhoods, but we recognize that this is an unusually large amount of snowfall, all at once, for our city,” says Terry Schmidt, General Manager of Transportation & Construction. “For this reason, we’ve decided to proceed with a plan to restore mobility on all roads, including residential streets.”

“We recognize the challenges people are facing, and we want to help fix the problem,” continues Schmidt. “We’re going to throw everything we have at this effort to clear away the snow and get people moving around again.”

The residential snow clearing will begin after the higher traffic streets are complete. Crews will work through residential streets, beginning with the most impacted. If Saskatoon experiences more snowfall, as is forecast for tomorrow (Nov. 11), crews will need to prioritize higher traffic streets as usual. 

The City wants to thank residents for staying safe around snow equipment, helping out neighbours, and remaining patient during the city clean-up. Drivers are reminded that road conditions are still considered dangerous due to snow accumulation, drifting, and hidden ice. 

As the City continues to respond to the effects of this severe winter storm, civic facilities and services have been affected as follows: 

School Zone Snow Removal 

Crews are planning to remove piles of snow left by graders (windrows) from all school zones next week. This will provide space for vehicles parking or dropping off and picking up children.  

City Hall 

Where possible, residents are asked to use available online services at saskatoon.ca. For property taxes, assessment, and utility related matters, they can contact the City by e-mail at revenue@saskatoon.ca or phone at 306-975-2400. 

Residents that need to attend City Hall should be advised that the roads are plowed but there is minimal street parking due to the windrows. Windrows will be cleared away at a later date. 

Election 

Due to the snow, an additional day to vote in the municipal election has been added this Friday (Nov. 13). Residents who plan to vote are urged to make a plan for travel. Consider Saskatoon Transit which is resuming normal operations as the snow is cleared. 

Curbside Garbage and Recycling Collection 

Collection calendars have been updated to reflect the following changes: 

• Monday, November 9 collections rescheduled to Saturday, November 14. 
• Tuesday, November 10 collections rescheduled to Sunday, November 15. 
• Please check saskatoon.ca/collectioncalendar or download the Saskatoon Recycle & Waste app to confirm and sign-up for reminders so you don’t miss pick-up day. 

Collections for Wednesday, November 11:

• Garbage collection will be attempted in City Park, Hudson Bay Park, North Park and Richmond Heights. All other areas scheduled for November 11 are currently inaccessible for collections and are asked to roll-out carts on Monday, November 16 and crews will collect your garbage as soon as possible.
• Recycling collection will be attempted in all areas scheduled for November 11.​

City and Loraas collection crews will do their best to access carts, although accessibility will be a determining factor on some streets and back lanes. Please roll out carts by 7:00 a.m. and ensure that carts are placed in front of or 4 feet to the side of all snowbanks, not on top of or behind. This is to ensure that collection truck arms can access carts for effective collection. 

Saskatoon Transit 

Transit has resumed modified service on most routes. Fixed route service will continue to expand as streets are cleared. Access Transit continues to provide essential trips only. 

Transit users should consult the real-time app Transit or Google Maps Transit on desktop or SaskatoonTransit.ca for real time route information and service alerts. 

Leisure Services 

City indoor arenas reopened for scheduled rentals at 4:00 p.m. today (Nov. 10). Parking is limited at Cosmo Arena. 

Leisure Centres remain closed on Tuesday, November 10, and will reopen to the public on Wednesday, November 11, at 12:00 p.m. (excluding Cosmo Civic Centre and Terry Fox Track which are closed on statutory holidays). 

The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo remains closed on Tuesday, November 10.

Winter weather is on the horizon and snow crews are ready to keep everyone moving around city streets and sidewalks. Our fingers are crossed it will be a typical Saskatoon winter when it comes to snow grading and removal.

No one in Saskatoon will soon forget last November’s 30-40 cm snow fall that kept people at home for days. That was the first year in decades that snow was graded and removed from all residential streets.

Now that we’re back to “snow”rmal, please remember that snow grading and removal on all residential streets is not in the budget for normal Saskatoon winters.

When it snows more than 5 cm, a Snow Event is declared and contractor graders join the City fleet to grade all priority streets within 72 hours.

There are three types of priority streets that determine the order of snow grading.

• Priority 1 streets get plowed first. That’s vital stuff like freeways, major arterials and bridges.
• Priority 2 streets get graded second. These are the arterial roads with double-lanes and bus routes, like Clarence Ave.
• Priority 3 streets are completed last. These streets take you through your neighbourhood like Louise Ave, Howell Ave and Main St.

Following every significant snowfall, City-facility sidewalks, Meewasin Trail, park pathways with street lighting, pathways along freeways and arterials, and bridge walkways are graded within 48 hours.

Visit saskatoon.ca/snow to learn about snow grading after a snow event and search your address on our priority street snow grading map using the magnifying glass.

After much discussion with the provincial government, the Election Office will take advantage of the Ministerial Order, signed by Government Relations Minister Lori Carr, allowing the local Returning Officer to postpone the 2020 Civic Election.

We are closing all polls at 6:30 p.m. today.  Voters who have not yet had the chance will have an opportunity to cast their ballot on Friday, November 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.  There will be a condensed number of locations, much like advanced polls, at Cosmo Civic Centre, Lawson Civic Centre, Lakewood Civic Centre, Shaw Centre, and City Hall (Committee Room E).

The delay in making this announcement was related to election staff having ongoing discussions throughout the day with Minister Carr’s Office to explore this opportunity for the City of Saskatoon: one that would allow 600-plus municipal election workers to remain at polls today, operating like an advanced poll until 6:30 p.m.

“This is certainly unconventional, and we appreciate the frustration many of our citizens have felt about not knowing what options they had to vote,” says Scott Bastian, Returning Officer.  “This is why we continued to encourage those who could, to go to the polls. All except one were open by midday.”

We wanted to seek out the best solution possible for our citizens in order to choose their community leaders.  We needed to be sure we were in compliance with the Minister’s Order in order to work through this difficult situation.”

Again, we want to thank all our poll workers who persevered and the hundreds of City and contract employees who continue to work hard to open up our city and get it moving again.

Mail-in ballots will be received by the election office until 8:00 pm on Friday, November 13.

Visit saskatoon.ca/vote2020 for all election-related information.

The City is committed to working around the clock to get Saskatoon moving again following a severe winter storm over the weekend and into Monday morning.  The storm resulted in impassable roads, large drifts and ice, but progress is being made.

Snow Clearing

Snow clearing crews are focused on clearing all priority 1 roads, including Circle Drive, College Drive, Idylwyld Drive, 8^th Street, 22^nd Street, bridges, overpasses and ramps. All priority 1 roads are now passable, meaning there’s a minimum of one lane open. Right now, approximately 40 percent of all priority 2 roads are also passable.

“We would like to thank residents who have been able to stay off the roads which has allowed room for snow clearing equipment and emergency vehicles,” says Jeff Jorgenson, City Manager. “We remain focused on our priority roads and are working to open as many of our priority 2 roads as possible before the end of the day.”

The City continues to ask residents to avoid unnecessary travel. If travel is necessary, adjust for driving conditions and watch for snow removal crews equipped with blue and amber flashing lights. Stay a safe distance behind and be prepared to stop quickly. Some traffic signs and signals are covered with snow, so drivers should practice extra caution at intersections.

More information on the City’s snow clearing efforts can be found at saskatoon.ca/snow.

Civic Facilities and Service Impacts

City Hall

Residents are encouraged to avoid travelling to City Hall. Instead, please use online services (property taxes, assessment and utility related matters) at saskatoon.ca or contact us through e-mail at revenue@saskatoon.ca or phone at 306-975-2400.

Saskatoon Transit

Transit service is suspended but will resume as conditions allow. Please note the customer service phone line is experiencing a high volume of calls. For updates check the real-time mobile app, Transit, or visit saskatoontransit.ca/servicealerts. Once service resumes, it will be FREE for those who show the special Election Day pass.

Access Transit

Access Transit service is suspended and will resume once roads become more accessible. Affected customers are being contacted. Please call 306-975-3555 with any questions or concerns.

Garbage and Recycling

Garbage and Recycling collection for Monday, November 9 has been suspended. Collection has been rescheduled for Saturday, November 14. The City will continue to monitor the situation and inform residents if other routes are impacted.

The Landfill will close at 5:00 p.m. Anyone planning to visit the Landfill should bring assistance to unload.

Parks and Urban Forestry

Requests for service will be prioritized with service response occurring primarily during daylight hours. Service priorities would include locations where branches are blocking roadways and sidewalks or have the potential for injury or damage. Please report downed branch locations to 306-975-2476.

Trees on private property are the responsibility of the property owner. Brush that is cleared as a result of private trees obstructing public sidewalks or roadways will be left on private property for the owner to clean up.  

All elm branches must be disposed of at the Landfill.

Leisure Services

Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo: closed

City Arenas: closed until at least 4:00 p.m. (City will reevaluate later today)

Leisure Centres: closed

Saskatoon Light & Power

There have been no service interruptions, but Saskatoon Light & Power (SL&P) is on standby to address any issues that may arise.

For timely updates regarding all service disruptions visit saskatoon.ca/servicealerts or follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert.

Civic Election, Monday November 9th 

It is the Civic Election and the polls are open until 8:00 p.m.

Leisure Centres are not accepting mail-in ballot drop-offs because they are closed. However, voters can dropp off their completed mail-in ballots at any polling location in the city. All poll locations can be found here.  

Visit saskatoon.ca/vote2020 for all election related updates and information.

Emergency Preparedness 

The City has now moved into recovery mode, which is just as important as response.  

Continue to ensure your own safety over the coming days:  

Reach out to people who may require support:  

• More than 300 people in Saskatoon are self-isolating due to COVID-19.  
• Consider whether any of your neighbours may need assistance, including those that are seniors or have disabilities.  

​If travel is necessary:  

• Equip yourself with an emergency kit containing warm clothes, blankets, candles, snacks and a shovel. 
• Try not to travel alone.  Have someone else who can assist you in the vehicle 
• Be sure to let someone know where you’re going and when you arrive.  
• Plan for delays.  
• Activate the GPS locator app on your smartphone (‘Find My’ on iPhone and ‘Find My Device’ on Android) to allow assigned contacts to track you.  
• A more detailed list of emergency preparedness tips can be found at saskatoon.ca/snowstorm2020  

Residents are encouraged to subscribe to NotifyNow for updates on public safety messages.   

For timely updates on snow and ice alerts visit saskatoon.ca/service-alerts and follow us at twitter.com/YXEServiceAlert. 

In 2018, City Council approved a Flood Control Strategy (FCS) aimed at reducing flooding in Saskatoon’s most flood-prone areas during intense rainfalls. The dry storm pond at W.W. Ashley District Park, which took approximately ten months to build, is now substantially complete and will catch overflow but also serve as a sports field and park space when dry.

“The landscaping turned out beautifully with trees, a surrounding pathway, and spectator seating built into the slopes,” says Russ Munro, Director of Saskatoon Water. “We are very pleased with the end result and, while none of us want to experience excessive amounts of rain within very short periods of time, that is when we will see the new pond and underground drainage systems in action.”

Substantial completion means there’s still some finishing touches to be done before the site can open, like installing stair railings and park benches. The site will remain closed until approximately fall 2022 to give the newly installed sod and seed time to establish. In the meantime, Saskatoon Water is gearing up for the second of nine FCS projects: constructing a dry storm pond in Churchill Park.

“Consultations have taken place and we have received great feedback from the community. We have moved forward with design plans and will proceed with construction in early 2022.”

Dry storm ponds are designed to hold water that would otherwise cause nearby flooding during intense rainfalls. The water flows from properties and roads into the dry storm pond, then slowly drains into the storm sewer. Prior to the establishment of the FCS, Saskatoon already had nine dry storm ponds, mostly in neighbourhoods built after 1989 when enhanced storm water infrastructure standards were established. The FCS focuses on neighbourhoods that were established prior to then.

The Government of Canada is contributing 40% of the eligible construction costs up to a maximum of $21.6 million toward nine FCS projects.  The City is funding the remaining construction costs through the Storm Water Utility Capital Program and revenue generated from Storm Water Utility charges. 

For more information about the FCS, and to subscribe to Flood Protection Plan updates, visit saskatoon.ca/floodplan.