News Releases

The City is reaching out to residents for ideas on how to improve our lives through innovation, data, and technology as part of the Smart Cities Challenge.

“Our City is filled with talented people.  This is our chance to bring people and ideas together to help tackle some of the complex social issues that are affecting the health and safety of families and neighbourhoods,” says Mayor Charlie Clark.

Recently launched by the Government of Canada, the Smart Cities Challenge asks communities to share their best ideas for improving the lives of their residents by becoming a smart city.  Simply explained, smart cities are those that use technology and data to improve livability and opportunities for the city and its residents.

“Saskatoon has a chance to lead the way on quality of life improvements for our residents,” says Lynne Lacroix, Director of Recreation and Community Development.  “We can do this by using technology in ways that support existing and new work in our community and beyond.”

The first step in the application process is to develop a Challenge Statement that defines the outcomes a community aims to achieve.

The focus for Saskatoon’s Challenge Statement is to enhance community safety and wellbeing.  The Challenge Statement must be developed based on the input of a city’s residents, so the City has begun a process of reaching out to individuals, families, community organizations, institutions, and the technology sector.

Saskatoon residents are being asked for their ideas on how to address the challenges our city faces as they relate to community safety and wellbeing.  Be bold, put on your thinking caps and rise to the challenge!

Everyone can get involved by visiting saskatoon.ca/engage on or before Monday, April 2, 2018, and answering four questions to participate in a community-wide brainstorm to narrow down key themes for the Challenge Statement.

“When residents can solve the problems they face, they are far more empowered and engaged in the community and have a strong sense of belonging and purpose,” Lacroix says.

The City is partnering with the Central Urban Métis Federation, Saskatoon Health Authority, Saskatoon Police Service, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Saskatoon Tribal Council, United Way, and University of Saskatchewan in the development of the Smart Cities Challenge Application.

Challenge Details
​The Challenge has three rounds of competition.  Saskatoon has until Tuesday, April 24, 2018, to submit a Challenge Statement application in the first round.  The Government of Canada will announce round one finalists in Summer 2018, and each finalist will receive $250,000 to further develop their ideas into a full proposal.  Winners will be announced in Spring 2019 and will have their ideas funded through a potential $10 million prize (Eligible Category:  Communities with Populations under 500,000).

Visit the Government of Canada's Challenge website to learn more about Smart Cities, and join the conversation on Twitter with hashtag #smartcitiesCanada.

The City is pleased to add “River and Sky,” a contemporary urban light sculpture by Tony Stallard, to the Placemaker Program’s temporary collection of public art.

The artwork was developed in collaboration with Cree artists, Joseph Naytowhow (performance artist) and Kenneth T. Williams (writer).  The light sculpture features Cree syllabics that can be translated to 'sîpiy mîna kîsik' meaning “River and Sky.”  It will be displayed on the north-facing wall of the Saskatchewan Craft Council on Broadway Avenue.  This is a sister work to “Land of Berries,” currently installed on the north-facing wall of the Persephone Theatre. 

“Saskatoon has one of the most vibrant arts and culture scenes in the country,” says Mayor Charlie Clark.  “Painters, sculptors, singers, playwrights, and many other artists contribute to the beauty, culture, and strength of our community.  The arts provoke thought and stimulate important conversations.  The “River and Sky” installation is a testament to the importance of the arts as it challenges us to reflect on the history of this land and the importance of the ongoing Treaty relationship in our province and community.”

The intention of “River and Sky” was to create a poetic site-specific artwork that reflects the sacred and ritualistic space of Treaty 6.  The artwork connects to the Treaty relationship referencing “as long as the river flows, the grass grows, and the sun shines.”  These words remind us that this is a permanent relationship and that the Treaty is meant to live for generations and generations.  The sculpture also embodies the historic importance of the Elders’ meeting place near the river, and as a contemporary location to gather, meet, and socialize.

“The reflection of “River and Sky” in Cree syllabics through public art helps to create a sense of inclusion and understanding in our community,” says Mary Culbertson, Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan with the Office of the Treaty Commissioner.  “This is especially important as we journey together towards Reconciliation.”

The City, in collaboration with the Business Improvement Districts, manages the Placemaker Program to add significance to civic spaces through temporary public art.  These temporary exhibits transform public spaces and engage with audiences to promote an appreciation for contemporary art practices.  All artwork is considered annually and selected by the Public Art Advisory Committee.  Artists can submit any medium.  Preference is given to submissions by emerging artists and pieces that reflect Saskatoon's unique sense of place through its people, history, culture, or landscape.

For more information on the Placemaker Program, please visit saskatoon.ca/placemaker.

Tony Stallard’s Biography
Tony Stallard is an English artist, best known for his large scale public artworks in the United Kingdom and abroad, which utilize bronze, steel, and light sculptures.  Stallard has worked for 25 years with public realm artwork, and his work has been exhibited widely from Canada to Ireland and the Czech Republic.

Joseph Naytowhow’s Biography
Joseph Naytowhow is a gifted Plains/Woodland Cree (nehiyaw) singer/songwriter, storyteller, and voice, stage, and film actor from the Sturgeon Lake First Nation Band in Saskatchewan.  As a child, Joseph was influenced by his grandfather’s traditional and ceremonial chants, as well as the sounds of the fiddle and guitar.  Today he is renowned for his unique style of Cree/English storytelling, combined with original contemporary music and traditional First Nations drum and rattle songs.

Kenneth T. Williams Biography
Kenneth T. Williams is a Cree playwright from the George Gordon First Nation in the Treaty 4 territory.  His plays include Care, Café Daughter, Gordon Winter, Three Little Birds, Bannock Republic, and Thunderstick, and have been professionally produced across Canada.  He is one of ten co-writers for the Gabriel Dumont’s Wild West Show, which is currently on national tour.  He contributes regularly to the podcast, MEDIA INDIGENA, which examines current affairs from an Indigenous perspective.  He lives in Edmonton with his partner, Dr. Melissa Stoops, and is an assistant professor in the University of Alberta’s Department of Drama

The City of Saskatoon’s Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee (MHAC) today announced recipients of the 2018 Heritage Awards. The Committee presents Heritage Awards every second year to recognize contributions to heritage preservation within the City of Saskatoon in the areas of archaeology, history, museums, historic buildings and sites, genealogy, natural history, and folklore.

“The Heritage Awards represent an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the work of preservation, restoration and stewardship of buildings of heritage value and education in our community,” says Paula Lichtenwald, Committee Chair. “These awards recognize what is often an immense amount of vision, time, and a financial commitment that benefits the entire city.”

“We thank all the applicants as they demonstrate a vision on the part of Saskatoon residents and business in preserving, conserving and restoring our local heritage, and maintaining a sense of history as we build for the future of our city,” adds Ms. Lichtenwald.

Organizations were recognized in the following categories:

BUILDING SITES AND GROUNDS
Preservation, Restoration and Rehabilitation

Underhill Residence Restoration – Award of Honour
​Presented to:

• Jenny Underhill (Property Owner)
• Rocco Masons Corp (Stone Masons)
• Strata Development (General Contractor)

Sensitive Addition (2 awards)

St. Thomas Moore College North Building Renewal Project – Award of Merit
Presented to:

• Edwards Edwards McEwen Architects (Architects)
• St. Thomas More College (Property Owner)
• Allan Construction (Project Construction Manager)
• Robb-Kullman Engineering LLP (Prime Consultant, Structural Engineer)

​​303 Pacific Street Addition (Macleod’s Building) – Award of Honour
​Presented to:

• Greg Yuel, Tony Zuck and Ryan Lejbak (Property Owners)
• PCL Construction (Contractor)
• Strata Development Corporation (Contractor)
• KSA Group (Architects)

Rehabilitation

Broadway Theatre Lobby Renewal – Award of Honour
​Presented to:

• Friends of the Broadway Theatre (Property Owner)
• S2 Construction Ltd (General Contractor)
• Daniels Wingerak Engineering Ltd (Engineers)
• Odelay! Design (Designer)
• Kindrachuk Agrey (Architect)

Restoration

Obasa Building Revitalization – Award of Honour 
 Presented to:

• Heney Klypak Architect Ltd (Architect and Designer)
• Obasa Group of Companies(Property Owner)

HERITAGE SPACE

Rehabilitation

Hyde Park - Certificate of Recognition
Presented to:

• Associated Engineering (Project Engineer)
• City of Saskatoon – (Property Owner)
• Gord Forsyth and Associates (Sub-Consultant)
• Stantec - Cam Patterson (Project Manager / Landscape Architect)

VOLUNTEER PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD – Award of Honour

Alan Morton – Mr. Morton made a significant contribution to the history of both Saskatoon’s heritage through research, article writing, lectures and by sitting as a board member for the Saskatoon Heritage Festival and the Saskatoon Heritage Society. Alan's body of work is highly creative and the breadth and depth of his work are inspiring.

YOUTH VOLUNTEER PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD – Award of Honour

Lauren Konok – Lauren has delivered program and historical interpretation at the Marr Residence for the past five years. Her years of service are impressive since she started when she was nine years old!  This is the first year the Youth Award is being presented, and Lauren is a very worthy candidate.

EDUCATION AWARD – Award of Honour

Rob MacDonald - Rob's thoughtful approach in the 113 episodes of Saskatoon Stories that aired on CTV from 2003- 2017 brought Saskatoon's heritage and a historical aspect to a broad audience.

The awards will be presented at Affinity Credit Union Campus (a Heritage Awards Winner in 2014) 902 7^th Avenue North, by Mayor Charlie Clark on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, at 7:00 PM. Reception to follow.

Visit saskatoon.ca/heritageawards for detailed information on the Heritage Awards Program.

As temperatures are forecast to hover around the melting point in the coming days, roadways crews have begun grading in residential neighbourhoods to prevent severe snow and ice ruts.

 “We are trying to get a leg-up on the spring melt,” says Brandon Harris, Director of Roadways and Operations. “With daytime temperatures forecast to stay around zero and overnight lows below freezing this week, it could make for some icy and rutted residential streets.”

Crews began rut cutting work last week in areas that had blown-in including Kensington, Evergreen, Hampton Village, Rosewood and the North Industrial area.

Yesterday graders started in the downtown core and will be working outward – first to the historic neighbourhoods within Circle Drive – before moving beyond.

“We are inspecting and will shave-down the worst streets first, but also need to work around garbage and recycling schedules to avoid carts placed for collection.

Drivers are encouraged to use extra caution when driving through puddles and slow down as road conditions change in this type of weather. With daytime melting, ice may form overnight and cause slippery roads and sidewalks.

 What you can expect from us

1. In order to take full advantage of the warm weather and complete as many streets as soon as possible, we will not use high-visibility yellow “No Parking” sandwich boards.
2. Graders will go around parked vehicles, keeping catch basins clear and maximizing on-street parking where possible.
3. Snow will be stored in the parking lanes and remain until melting occurs.
4. During the rut-shaving work, many other roadway and drainage programs will continue:
   • Monitoring and salting/ sanding
   • Pothole patching with cold mix and infra-red hot mix asphalt
   • Catch basin defrosting to relieve large puddles
   • Utility cut maintenance until gravel can be permanently patched with hot mix asphalt
   • Snow removal on high-traffic priority streets at night
   • Sidewalk/ pathway snow clearing

 How you can help us

1. Slow down when encountering a pool of water to avoid the possibility of vehicle damage and splashing pedestrians.
2. Be extra cautious on sidewalks where ice may form.
3. Learn about reducing your risk of flooding due to snow melt and, when safe to do so, help clear snow, ice and debris from the catch basins in your area.
4. When safe to do so, report icy locations, emergency flooding concerns, and potholes to the 24-hour Customer Service Centre at 306-975-2476 or email snow@saskatoon.ca.
5. Watch for blue and amber flashing lights on maintenance equipment. If you encounter equipment on the road, slow down, remain at least 15 metres (2.5 car lengths) behind, and be ready to stop.

The City of Saskatoon has completed Phase 1 of the Rail Relocation versus Grade Separation study. The study completed a cost to benefit assessment of either grade separating the rail from traffic at nine key locations in the city, or relocating the CP line outside of the city.    

“The disruptions caused by rail crossings in the city is something we’ve been trying to address for years,” says Acting Director of Transportation, Jay Magus. “There isn’t a simple solution, but Phase 1 of this study provides us information both financially and design-wise related to both options, and will help direct our work moving forward.” 

The study outcomes were:

• From a purely monetary point of view, neither option proves viable at this time.  However the proposed options do provide intangible benefits that are difficult to quantify including improved emergency response times, access to community facilities and services, and neighbourhood aesthetics and cohesiveness.
   
• The impacts of the grade separation option on the adjacent properties are significant and this option should not be pursed further.
   
• If an agreement to operate in a shared corridor can be reached, the relocation option may have some merit in the long-term despite not providing pure monetary benefits.

Based on the results of the study, the City Administration is recommending that – in the short term –the City investigate opportunities to use technology to reduce the impact of delays related to rail activity throughout the city. Long term, the City Administration is recommending that further discussion be held with the railways to discuss opportunities to operate in a shared corridor.

A report outlining the study’s findings and these recommendations will be presented to City Council’s Special Policy Committee on Transportation on March 12, 2018. The full report will be available after March 7^th at saskatoon.ca/meetings under Upcoming Meetings – SPC Transportation.

The City invites the entire community to come out to the Western Development Museum on Wednesday, March 7 from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to learn, engage and see future directions for our city.

A wide range of Plan for Growth projects will be on display to provide a significant update and engagement opportunity for the public. There will also be a chance to learn the latest developments on the Imagine Idylwyld and Active Transportation/All Ages & Abilities (AAA) projects that are currently underway. The event has something for everyone, including fun for kids, snacks and a chance to shape our city’s future!

“Investing in public transit infrastructure improves commute times, reduces air pollution and helps ensure everyone has access to public services and job opportunities,” said the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. “I’m pleased that Saskatoon residents will have the opportunity to see the progress being made on this important initiative and get involved in shaping their city’s future.”

“The federal Public Transit Infrastructure Fund, which the Government of Saskatchewan administers in the province, helps cities like Saskatoon improve and position their community for the future. Saskatchewan’s municipal partners having access to this federally-funded program helps move forward initiatives like Saskatoon's Plan for Growth,” said the Honourable Warren Kaeding, Minister of Government Relations.

His Worship Charlie Clark, Mayor of Saskatoon, emphasized the importance of all levels of government and residents coming together to continue the conversations about Saskatoon’s growth so that it is smart and sustainable for future generations.

“Saskatoon continues to be among the fastest growing cities in Canada – we have a tremendous opportunity to shape this growth towards becoming a model prairie city that gets it right. This will require ensuring a range of comfortable and efficient options exist for transportation, including transit, cycling, driving and walking.

It also means ensuring more balanced growth and the revitalization of our city center. Projects like Imagine Idylwyld are about building vibrant corridors for people and new developments to occur around. The rubber is hitting the road as detailed designs of the Growth Plan are being developed and we all need to work together to produce the best plans for our city, today and into the future.”

The City’s current Plan for Growth projects include: the new Transit Plan including Bus Rapid Transit (BRT); network reconfigurations; concept plans for future Transit Village locations; a Corridor Planning Program to drive transit-oriented development; and the development of a Brownfield Renewal Strategy to enhance future corridor growth opportunities. 

 “Saskatoon's Plan for Growth charts a course for growth and revitalization that balances and promotes quality of life, sustainability and economic development. It touches many aspects of everyday life in Saskatoon – from the creation of more compact and vibrant communities, to the development of business districts, parks and facilities and the delivery of services like transit, roadways and civic utilities,” said Lesley Anderson, Director Planning & Development.

Plan for Growth projects are funded in part under the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund (PTIF) from the Government of Canada. The Government of Saskatchewan administers federal PTIF funding in the Province. The City is funding the remainder of the Plan.

PROJECT UPDATES

Transit Plan Update (BRT / Transit Plan Implementation)

Since the approval of the Preferred Configuration by Council on November 20, 2017, the City has been advancing the Functional Planning process forward. Work is nearing completion on a multiple-accounts economic analysis (includes cost-benefit study), functional plan development, station design, park and ride strategy, and a transit system re-configuration plan.  A critical component of these projects is ongoing engagement with the public and impacted stakeholder groups, offering numerous opportunities for participants to weigh in on what matters most.

Since December, a number of stakeholder engagement activities have been completed including 883 responses received for three online surveys, hosting over 100 stakeholders at workshops and the public at an open-house seeking input about the proposed BRT routes, termination points, transit system reconfiguration, station locations and station designs.  More information about the project is available at saskatoon.ca/engage/transit-plan.

Transit Village Concept Plan Update

In January 2018, the City held stakeholder workshops to begin the conceptual planning and design discussions for the future transit villages at Confederation Mall, The Centre Mall and University Heights. The workshops resulted in several preliminary design concepts for each location, which were then presented for further discussion and input at a multi-day, public pop-up event at Confederation Mall. The feedback received was used to: draft the Vision and Planning Principles for the Transit Villages program; refine current and develop new concept designs for each location, planning framework information, and open space and movement pathways. 

This information will be the basis for continuing the conceptual planning and design conversation on March 7, which will assist in further refinements to the conceptual plans for each Transit Village location. Input from the event will contribute to the preparation of the final Vision, Planning Principles, framework and conceptual plans for each location.

Corridor Planning Program Update

The March 7 Plan for Growth event will provide the first public engagement opportunity for the Corridor Planning Program. The Corridor Planning team will present highlights of the baseline analysis along the corridors which includes: land use mix and business composition; population; jobs; parking; number of dwelling units; Growth Plan to Half a Million dwelling unit targets; and current zoning. This will be the basis for discussions on a range of ‘big’ questions related to: the future mix of land uses and businesses along the corridors; potential building heights; introduction of residential uses; and identification of special places along the corridors that should be preserved and enhanced through the Corridor Planning Program.

The feedback gathered during the event will help the Corridor Planning team as they begin to develop concepts and options for the corridors, including the distribution of density and transitions into adjacent neighbourhoods and ways to improve the public realm. Additional public and stakeholder engagement opportunities for these components are planned for the summer of 2018.

Brownfield Renewal Strategy

Last month saw the City complete soil condition assessments at several proposed BRT station locations along the Red Line Corridor. Preliminary results will be available within the month. The data received will provide insight on the soil quality at the proposed BRT stations, and will provide valuable knowledge on the potential environmental condition of nearby future revitalization zones. The City’s technical expert has also provided Administration with draft Brownfield Renewal Strategy Research and Recommendation Report. The strategy and report are currently under review to have the plan finalized. The information collected from the field assessments, as well as the content from the recommendations report, will directly influence the approach the Brownfield Renewal Strategy will take in its program development.

All Ages & Abilities (AAA) Downtown Cycling Network

The City’s Active Transportation Plan has identified the importance of providing an interconnected system of bicycle facilities that are comfortable and attractive for users of All Ages and Abilities (AAA). AAA cycling facilities physically separate people riding bikes from drivers. As a result, this makes cycling more appealing for people of all ages and abilities by increasing the comfort level and feeling of safety.

When the Downtown Protected Bike Lane Demonstration (23rd Street and 4th Avenue) wrapped up in November 2017, Council directed the Administration to report back on what a complete and connected downtown AAA cycling network would look like in Saskatoon. The development of this plan is underway. It includes consideration of the following: connection to Saskatoon’s wider cycling network; impacts to downtown tenants; integration with other key downtown projects such as BRT and the re-opening of Traffic Bridge.

Imagine Idylwyld

Over the year, the City has been developing a plan for Idylwyld Drive between 20th and 25th Street East that will: link adjacent neighbourhoods and business districts; make it easier for all users of the corridor to get around; and define Idylwyld Drive as a gateway into the City Centre by cultivating a sense of arrival.

After two rounds of public and stakeholder consultation and several months of technical analysis, the proposed design for Idylwyld Drive is complete. Residents are invited to attend the upcoming Imagine Idylwyld Open House to view the proposed plan and ask questions of City staff and project consultants.

For more information and to sign up for project updates, please visit saskatoon.ca/growth.  Learn more about engagement opportunities by visiting saskatoon.ca/engage.

The City of Saskatoon has been announced today as one of ‘Canada’s Best Diversity Employers’ by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers at Mediacorp Canada Inc.

This competition recognizes employers across Canada that have exceptional workplace diversity and inclusiveness programs.

“We are proud to receive this award for the seventh consecutive year, and will continue to place a high priority on creating a workplace for our employees that is positive, inclusive and embraces diverse backgrounds,” says Dan Willems, Acting General Manager of Corporate Performance.

Willems says, “Some examples of recent initiatives include partnering with community organizations such as OUT Saskatoon and the Learning Disabilities Association of Saskatoon to improve staff training and awareness.”

The City was also commended for its work relating to reconciliation initiatives, such as the introduction of mandatory Aboriginal Awareness training for all staff.

Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for 2018 are outlined in the March 2, 2018 edition of The Globe and Mail, as well as on Canada's Best Diversity Employers website.

The City has a long-standing commitment to diversity and inclusion including being an equity partner with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission. 

As an equity partner, the City commits to the basic principles and objectives which outline a larger responsibility to foster an inclusive society. 

The City is permanently repairing potholes earlier than usual using the new infrared road repair equipment introduced in the fall. The equipment is being put to the test with its first winter repairs this week as daytime temperatures are expected to warm up.

“Through winter, we repair potholes with a cold mix asphalt that isn’t as durable as the hot material available to us through spring and summer,” says Brandon Harris, Director of Roadways & Operations. “The infrared technology generates new hot asphalt using recycled pavement recovered from old, failed road surfaces and is effective when temperatures are above -10C.”

At this time of year melting snow gets into cracks and seams, weakening the road as it freezes and thaws on a daily basis. Pothole occurrences are typically at their highest between March and April, which is a challenge to manage without access to hot mix asphalt.

“If we can properly repair the cracks and seams with hot asphalt before the snow melts, high traffic streets should remain strong and smooth through spring,” says Harris.

The City purchased one machine for a pilot study to extend the permanent pothole repair season when hot asphalt is not available. If this pilot study is successful, three more infrared pothole patchers will be added to the fleet.

Visit saskatoon.ca/betterroads to Report-a-Pothole and find information about road maintenance programs or call the 24-hour customer service centre at 306-975-2476 to report an emergency location.

Two mobs of meerkats are getting ready to travel to their new permanent home at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo).  The meerkat families are packing their tiny suitcases and getting ready to take over the space formerly occupied by the Komodo dragons.  The new exhibit will officially open to the public on Sunday, April 1, 2018.

“The addition of the meerkats provides a great opportunity for us to bring some exciting new animals to Saskatoon, allowing visitors of all ages to meet meerkats, potentially for the first time.  This is a great way to enhance our learning opportunities at the Zoo,” says Tim Sinclair-Smith, Zoo Manager.

Meerkats are very active and sociable animals that live in groups knowns as mobs.  The average mob size is around 10 to 15 individuals and may consist of up to three families living together.  Meerkats have gray and brown coloured coats of fur with dark patches around their eyes.  They also have powerful claws for digging and their pointed snouts help them to excavate prey from narrow trenches.  Meerkats are native to southern Africa, including South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.  They typically live in dry, open plains, savannas, and grasslands.

Sinclair-Smith says, “Besides being irresistibly cute, two of the meerkats have been trained for interactive presentations and we are looking forward to bringing this unique type of educational programming to Saskatoon.”

The Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until the end of April, and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. starting in May.  Additional information regarding the Zoo can be found at saskatoon.ca/zoo.

After a number of unexpected budget challenges last year, the City’s preliminary year-end financial results for 2017 indicate a deficit of $3.10 million, prior to year-end external audit confirmation.

“Our goal is to deliver a balanced budget every year through our planning and ongoing management of civic funds throughout the year,” says Clae Hack, Director of Finance. “While an annual deficit of $3.10 million is not sustainable, unfortunately there are years where deficits occur. Importantly, there will not be a significant impact to the City’s finances or operations this year as a result of the deficit due to our practice of saving surpluses from previous years to help offset future deficits.”

The deficit represents a 0.65% variance from the City’s overall Civic Operating Budget of $477.6 million and is largely due to shortfalls within various operating revenues. “The City is facing significant non-tax revenue challenges as user fees and other forms or revenue have remained flat or decreased year over year,” says Hack.

Hack says revenues were $5.6 million lower than anticipated in the budget largely due to negative variances for waste handling, Transit, and  parking fines and penalties (partially from better compliance). 

While expenditures were $2.6 million under budget in 2017 largely due to a spending and hiring freeze, there were areas where expenditures had negative variances, as the City had to invest additional funds in several areas: street cleaning and sweeping because of extended program delivery, park maintenance and design because of dry conditions, and unplanned maintenance to repair aging infrastructure at civic pools, office buildings and various arenas.  As a result of service level reports, budgets were adjusted in 2018 for street cleaning and sweeping and parks maintenance to align budgets with the cost of the delivered service levels.

“We’ve put strategies in place to assist in addressing these revenue challenges in a timely manner including looking into waste as a utility, phasing in decreases to revenue budgets to align with actuals, and future reallocation of parking meter revenue to offset the decrease in parking violations,” adds Hack.

In addition, SaskTel Centre and TCU Place had surpluses of $1.35 million and $1.04 million respectively, while the Remai Modern had a modest deficit of $20,700 that will be covered by a contribution from the Building Transition Fund.

All City utilities, including Saskatoon Light & Power and Saskatoon Water posted surpluses for 2017. As required by Council Policy, these surpluses have been transferred to the applicable Stabilization and/or Capital Reserve.

A number of recommendations on reserve adjustments to balance the 2017 budget are highlighted in a report which will be presented to the Standing Policy Committee on Finance at its meeting on March 5, 2018. The Committee will review the recommendations and put forward those they would like City Council to consider and make a decision on.

The report supports the Strategic Goal of Asset and Financial Sustainability by demonstrating how the City invests in what matters, and is committed to openness, accountability and transparency in the allocation of resources.

View last year’s Corporate Business Plan and Budget and find details on the preliminary 2017 year-end financial results at Shaping our Financial Future on saskatoon.ca.