News Releases

The City of Saskatoon is awaiting the decision of an Ontario Superior Court Justice on the return of City money fraudulently obtained in August.

The issue was considered in a Toronto courtroom Tuesday, November 5^th. 

“The matter has been heard by the Court and no further actions can be taken on recovery efforts until we know its decision,” says City Manager Jeff Jorgenson. “So we can’t speculate on how long it will take or what the decision will be.”

The City has recovered just over two thirds or nearly $700 thousand of the City’s money that was directed to a fraudster’s bank account in August 2019 through a fraud scheme.

“As we’ve said from the outset, we’re extremely grateful for the efforts made by many people and organizations to recover the stolen money,” Jorgenson says.  “We remain optimistic that the remaining funds that are still frozen in several bank accounts will be returned to the City.”

Jorgenson anticipates an update report on the findings of the root cause investigation will be provided to City Council before year-end.

A fraudster obtained $1.04 million in the scheme, and any money that has not been returned to the City has been identified, traced and locked down by the Court.

View related news releases on this matter on saskatoon.ca.

The following is a statement from Terry Schmidt, General Manager of Transportation and Construction:

"At around 5 a.m. today there was a report of erratic driving involving a City of Saskatoon one ton sanding truck. At this point, there have been no reports of injuries, property damage or theft.

The driver, a City of Saskatoon employee, was detained by Police.

Separate investigations by the City of Saskatoon and Saskatoon Police Service are underway."

Saskatoon has one of the safest water supplies in North America.  The vast majority of Saskatoon neighbourhoods do not have lead line connections.

However, a goal to replace lead pipes that link older homes and businesses to Saskatoon’s main water supply is progressing as planned. In 2017, the City committed to removing all underground pipes containing lead and install lead-free ones within 10 years. The work is being done in conjunction with necessary water main and road upgrades.

“Most recently, water main replacement projects have been underway in Saskatoon’s most established neighbourhoods, such as City Park and Riversdale, where the pipes are more than 100 years old in many cases,” says Angela Gardiner, General Manager of Utilities and Environment.  “Replacements also occur when a water main breaks. The connections from the main water lines into homes and businesses are replaced at the same time.”

Of the 4,900 lead water service connections identified in 2017, over 2500 have already been replaced. The City expects to have all connections replaced by 2026, completing nearly 500 every year.

The City began replacing lead connections in established neighbourhoods in 2010. City Council accelerated the program in 2017.

“When it comes to overall quality, Saskatoon has one of the safest water supplies in the world. Regular test results show lead level content in our drinking water supply is 100 times lower than the Health Canada limit when it enters the water distribution system.”

However, properties within city neighbourhoods built before 1950 may still have lead water service pipes.  In these older neighbourhoods where lead connections remain present in someone’s home, there is a greater possibility that lead can be present in water left stagnant for six hours or more.

Because of this, and every year, the City makes sure every household with a lead connection is made aware of it and ensures owners or residents receive a pamphlet containing information about the accelerated rehabilitation program, how connection replacements are coordinated and what they can do to reduce their exposure to lead. The information is also available online at Saskatoon.ca/lead.

“The most important thing someone can do is flush the water for all least five minutes if it is going to be consumed.  It’s also safe for other uses like washing dishes or watering plants – so it doesn’t have to be wasted,” Gardiner says.

Without the aggressive program now in place, the timeline would have been 90 years.

Focusing on investing in infrastructure, maintaining service levels and supporting future growth, the City today released the 2020/2021 Preliminary Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget.

“We’ve put forward careful investments in high-quality civic services and programs that stretch taxpayer dollars and add value for residents,” says Clae Hack, Interim Chief Financial Officer.  “Citizen input shared with us through our civic services surveys was considered in our proposed budget planning.  Citizen feedback on service priorities helps inform City Council when it makes investment decisions in November.”

While the 2020/2021 Preliminary Budget invests in those civic services most important to residents, it is also guided by the vision and goals outlined in City Council’s 2018-2021 Strategic Plan and its 10 Strategic Priority areas of focus.

The 2020/2021 Preliminary Business Plan and Budget deliberations are scheduled for November 25, 26 and 27 in City Council Chambers.

This is the City’s first multi-year budget approach. It will provide greater certainty for residents about future property taxes, give better alignment with the City’s longer-term goals, and improve transparency, financial stability and accountability.

The multi-year budget is built from this foundation, and a four-step process that started with:

• Determining costs to maintain current service levels for the next two years - the original estimate required a 3.94% and 4.17% property tax increase;
• City Council providing a property tax target goal for 2020 and 2021; City Council then directed Administration to bring back options to reduce the proposed property tax increase estimate;​
• Administration providing various options and plans to help achieve City Council’s strategic and property tax goals, effectively lowering the proposed property tax increases to 3.23% for 2020, and 3.54% for 2021; and​ 
• ​Incorporating corporate business plans into the proposed 2020 and 2021 multi-year budget document, including six property tax-reducing options.

“City Council will consider additional operating budget options aimed at helping to accelerate its top priority areas of focus in November,” Hack says.

With the above considerations, the 2020 and 2021 Operating Budget proposes total expenditures of $530.0 million and $548.3 million respectively.  This is an investment increase of $19.6 million, or 3.84%, in 2020; and $18.4 million, or 3.47%, in 2021.

With a commitment to improving safety in Saskatoon, Policing represents the largest portion of the City’s operating expenditures at approximately 21%, or $109.6 million, in 2020; and $114.0 million in 2021.  All other civic operations make up the rest of the operating budget, with $420.4 million in 2020 and $434.4 million in 2021.

The proposed 2020/2021 Capital Budget aims to prepare Saskatoon for future growth, improve mobility, enhance public safety and quality of life, and protect the environment. Investments of $390.8 million in 2020 and $293.5 million in 2021 will provide a continued focus on road and infrastructure enhancements, transit improvements, and expanded water and wastewater distribution systems.

The proposed municipal property tax increase is 3.23% in 2020, and 3.54% for 2021.  These increases would generate an additional $7.9 million in 2020 and $8.7 million in 2021.  In 2020, 1.0% of property tax is equivalent to $2.4 million, and $2.5 million in 2021.

For a homeowner who owns a single-family detached home with an average assessed value of $371,000, this amounts to $60.95 for 2020, or $5.08 a month, and $66.83 for 2021, or an additional $5.57 month.

Learn more about the investments the City proposes in services, programs and projects valued by citizens, and those that will ensure Saskatoon stays a great place to live, work, learn and play through the detailed 2020/2021 Preliminary Business Plan and Budget at saskatoon.ca/budget

For the safety and protection of residents and homeowners on the east riverbank, new regulations are being proposed to support continued development of riverbank areas.  The City has identified two zones on the east bank with existing ground conditions that may experience slope instability to be regulated on a go-forward basis.  

“The regulations provide options for owners to continue development within the area while maintaining, to the extent possible, the integrity of the riverbank,” says Kara Fagnou, Director of Building Standards.  “Meanwhile the City continues to monitor the east and west riverbank slopes for slope instability.”  

Fagnou says historical studies, recent geological assessments and a review of slope management practices from across Canada have been used to develop the proposed regulations. The regulations she says are intended to provide consistency and a clear process to support development in the two zones. 

The proposed regulations are outlined in an Administration report to the Municipal Planning Commission which meets today, Tuesday, October 29.  The regulations provide a clear process for the development of new structures, changes to existing structures and site work.  Examples of development are minor projects such as decks and garages, and major projects including houses, retaining walls, and swimming pools.   

Owners will be required to hire a geotechnical engineer to prepare a geotechnical report to support their building and development permit application. Geotechnical reports are already required for subdividing and rezoning property on the east riverbank and the proposed regulations will help to make requirements consistent throughout the area.

Owners will need to review the recommendations with their geotechnical expert, including costs of development, to understand the impacts of developing their property both for themselves and for the surrounding area.  

Following the Municipal Planning Commission meeting the regulations are expected to proceed to the Public Hearing meeting of City Council on November 18.

A map of the Riverbank Slope Overlay District can be viewed here.

The City and Kahkewistahaw [kak-uh-WISH’-tuh-how] First Nation have cleared a path to designate the First Nation’s land at 1215 Claypool Drive as an urban reserve.

Mayor Charlie Clark and Chief Evan Taypotat, along with the Council of Kahkewistahaw First Nation, and Saskatoon Board of Police Commissioners Chair, Darlene Brander, today signed urban reserve agreements during a special signing ceremony.

“Creating a new urban reserve in Saskatoon is a sign of strength for our city,” says Mayor Charlie Clark. “We can be proud as a community that the Kahkewistahaw First Nation saw opportunity in Saskatoon for a partnership and committed to work with the City to spur investment and opportunity. Urban reserves forge new relationships and stimulate growth, and I would like to thank the Chief and Council for advancing this in Saskatoon.”

At its regularly scheduled meeting on September 30, 2019, City Council approved the Municipal Services and Compatibility Agreement negotiated with Kahkewistahaw First Nation. The Saskatoon Board of Police Commissioners also approved the Police Services Agreement at their regularly scheduled meeting on October 17, 2019. These agreements fulfill the municipal requirements for urban reserve designation.

The agreements address:

• Municipal and police services the City will provide;
• service fees Kahkewistahaw First Nation will pay the City in lieu of property taxes; and,
• compatible land-use and development standards. 

“Chief and Council of the Kahkewistahaw First Nation represent approximately 2,100 Cree band members. We are pleased to come to an agreement with the City of Saskatoon on a proposed Municipal Service Agreement (MSA). We are appreciative that this MSA was approved unanimously by the Saskatoon City Council. This demonstrates that they are in favor of Kahkewistahaw’s proposed land development in the Hampton Village Business Park. We intend to name this property Kahkewistahaw Eagles Landing,” says Kahkewistahaw First Nation Chief Evan B.G. Taypotat.  

“We firmly believe that economic development is where Kahkewistahaw’s sovereignty lies. If we can make jobs, we employ our people. If we employ our people, they make money. If a person has money for their family, they have opportunity. If they have opportunity, then we leave the affect of residential school in the past. That is the vision and direction we will proceed with Kahkewistahaw Eagles Landing. We are excited that there will be numerous possibilities for all the people who call Saskatoon home. Together, we will make Saskatoon the greatest city in Canada to live in.”

Decisions on reserve designation are made by the federal government. Once the property is designated as a reserve, it will become the eighth urban reserve in Saskatoon. When a property transfers to reserve status, it is no longer under City jurisdiction.

For more information on urban reserves, please visit saskatoon.ca/urbanreserves.

About Kahkewistahaw First Nation
Kahkewistahaw First Nation is a member of the Yorkton Tribal Council whose home reserve is located approximately 15 kilometres north of Broadview, Saskatchewan. A signatory of Treaty No. 4, Kahkewistahaw First Nation has 2,020 members. Approximately 670 members reside on the home reserve and 1,350 members live in other communities throughout the province. 

The City of Saskatoon has now recovered just over two thirds or nearly $700 thousand of the City’s money that was directed to a fraudster’s bank account in August 2019 through a fraud scheme – that’s roughly $300 thousand more than last month’s update.

“We recognize and are thankful for the efforts expended by multiple parties in order to recover these funds and look forward to further recovery in the coming weeks,” says City Manager Jeff Jorgenson.

Jorgenson says the next court hearing on this matter is scheduled for November 5, 2019, in Toronto.

“As we continue our work with investigators, banks and our legal team in Ontario, we’re optimistic that the remaining funds that are still frozen in several bank accounts will soon be returned to the City.”

Jorgenson anticipates an update report on the findings of the internal investigation will be provided to City Council and the public likely in November or December of 2019. 

A fraudster obtained $1.04 million in the scheme, and any money that has not been returned to the City has been identified, traced and locked down by the Court.

View related news releases on this matter on saskatoon.ca.

Over 800 leading experts, community leaders, elders and youth are coming together in Saskatoon today for the Wîcihitowin (wee-chee-HEE’-toe-win) Indigenous Engagement Conference.

Reaching its highest attendance yet, the conference focuses on responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action and how to address Indigenous engagement and inclusion issues. The conference also aims to build allies in the community and honour Indian residential school survivors, missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, sixties scoop and day schools.

This year’s conference theme - Be a good person, try to lead a good life - honours the late Walter Linklater, a well-known and respected knowledge keeper who shared many universal teachings that continue to help guide people on a path to reconciliation.

“Our late father Walter Linklater often spoke about education as a way to bring people together and build bridges of understanding,” says son Lyndon Linklater, Traditional Knowledge Keeper. “To use our traditions and ceremonies to meet the challenges and crises we will encounter in our lives. Above all, to respect each other, to be kind to one another, and to try to live a good life.”

The conference welcomes an impressive and diverse line-up of 50 keynote speakers and panelists from across Canada, including Dr. James Makokis and Anthony Johnson, better known as Team Ahkameyimok, winners of The Amazing Race Canada, Season 7.
This year, attendees will learn from core teachings, gather key takeaways, and gain practical resources to incorporate reconciliation in both their personal and professional lives.

“Moving towards reconciliation takes courage and commitment from leading organizations within our communities, and a recognized responsibility from each of us as individuals to listen and learn the truth,” says Lisa Mooney, Global Lead, Sustainability & Strategic Inclusion, Nutrien.  “Nutrien is proud to support Wîcihitowin in cultivating an environment of openness, acceptance and healing through sharing the stories of Indian residential school survivors and encouraging safe conversations that plant the seeds of understanding.”

Conference topics include Indigenous health transformation, the impact of colonialism on Indigenous values, traditions, languages and customs, and restoring the rights of Indigenous women and girls to citizenship and safety.

“As a residential school survivor, to see this conference evolve to where it is today, is a testament of our Elders who prayed for us while we were at these schools and to our courageous youth who listened to those prayers and by letting others know that we were not forgotten. My healing journey continues with Wîcihitowin in my heart,” says Gilbert Kewistep, Knowledge Keeper, Indian residential school survivor and Wîcihitowin Conference Organizer.

This conference is made possible because of the financial support of community investors such as Nutrien, the Saskatoon Community Foundation, Affinity Credit Union and 15 other organizations representing businesses and organizations from across the province.  

The Wîcihitowin Organizing Committee is already looking ahead to next year’s conference to be held on October 6 - 8, 2020.

Following a request from the City of Winnipeg, twenty workers from Saskatoon Light & Power and the Parks Division will travel tomorrow to help clean-up efforts in the Manitoba capital.

“We are all very proud of our staff for volunteering to leave their friends and families,” says City Manager Jeff Jorgenson.

“When the call went out asking for anyone interested to go to Winnipeg, there were more volunteers than spots available. This speaks to the dedication of City workers willing to help our neighbours during a time of need.”

On Saturday October 12, Winnipeg EMO asked its Emergency Management counterparts in Saskatoon for assistance after a severe winter storm hit the province Wednesday, October 9.

The storm badly damaged Winnipeg’s urban forest, with estimates in the tens of thousands of City-owned trees damaged. The storm’s effects prompted that city to declare a Local State of Emergency on Sunday. 

A safe clean-up requires trained and skilled staff with the proper equipment, so City of Saskatoon staff worked over the weekend to gather resources to deploy to Winnipeg. To help clear downed trees, limbs and debris in Winnipeg, the 20 workers will respond with:

• 4 aerial lift trucks with chippers
• 2 ground trucks with chippers
• 1 log truck
• 2 half ton trucks

The City of Winnipeg will cover all costs. The Saskatoon team is expected to leave at 5:30 a.m. tomorrow and scheduled to be in Winnipeg for five days.