OCP and Zoning amendments approved by City Council in support of Housing Accelerator Fund  

Following a discussion at the Public Hearing Meeting of City Council on June 27 and June 28, City Council approved amendments to the Official Community Plan (OCP) and Zoning Bylaw to meet the commitments under the Housing Accelerator Fund application.  

The approved amendments include: 

• Permitting up to four dwelling units per site in all residential zoning districts 
• Permitting multiple unit dwellings in the Transit Development Area (approximately an 800m distance or 10-minute walk from Bus Rapid Transit Stations)   
• Streamlining zoning regulations for Residential Care Homes (up to 15 people) 

The decision was made after an 18-hr Public Hearing in which 66 residents verbally gave their feedback and 391 residents submitted a written statement.  

"There is an urgent need to build more housing in our city," says Lesley Anderson, Director of Planning & Development. "These changes will not only accelerate housing projects but will also help address the immediate demand for affordable homes and lay the groundwork for more diverse housing options." 

The Housing Accelerator Fund will provide the City of Saskatoon with $41.325 million to implement the initiatives outlined in the City’s Housing Action Plan, which includes 13 initiatives that enable a variety of housing forms and densities to meet the diverse needs of the community.  

The City of Saskatoon has received a 25 per cent upfront advance to begin implementing the initiatives outlined in the Housing Action Plan. The remaining approved funding will be disbursed in installments annually over three years until 2026/27, provided the City continues to meet the terms and conditions of the agreement. 

Ongoing updates will be provided at saskatoon.ca/HAF.