News Releases

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.”