News Releases

**UPDATED link** for online Mail-in Ballot application portal 

Eligible voters in Saskatoon will cast their votes for local leadership on Wednesday, November 13, 2024: Mayor, City Councillors, and Public and Separate School Board Trustees for the next four years.

For information on who is eligible to vote, acceptable identification, where to vote, and other election-related topics, consult the helpful 2024 Voter Information Guide sent to residents last week.

Important Dates:
October 31: Online Mail-in Ballot application deadline

All eligible voters have the option to apply and conveniently vote by mail-in ballot instead of voting in person.

• Online: via the Mail-in Ballot Application Portal before 5 pm on October 31
• Email: Complete your mail-in ballot application form before 5 pm on October 31 and email to elections@saskatoon.ca
• In-person at the Elections Saskatoon Office before 5 p.m. on November 12, 2024

Mail-in ballots must be received by the Election Saskatoon Office before 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 13, 2024, to be counted.

October 31: Mobile/Homebound voting application deadline

If you are an eligible voter who will be unable to attend a 2024 Civic Election polling location due to disability/or limited mobility, or you are the caregiver or support person of someone that is unable to attend, you can apply to have an Elections Saskatoon official attend your home so you may vote.

To determine if you are eligible to participate in Mobile Polls, you must submit your application before 5 p.m. on October 31, 2024.

Mobile/Homebound polls will be conducted from Tuesday, November 5 to Saturday, November 9, 2024.

Advanced Polls

• November 1,2,3,4: Advance Polls, ten poll locations all open 12 pm – 8 pm. Attend ANY Advance Poll regardless of where you live.
• November 5, 6: Post-Secondary Advance Poll for students, faculty & staff: University of Saskatchewan, Place Riel, 10 am – 5 pm
• November 7: Post-Secondary Advance Poll for students, faculty & staff; Saskatchewan Polytechnic 10 am – 5 pm.
• November 5,6,7: Special Polls ( times vary for each retirement, long-term care)
• November 13, 2024: Election Day, all polls open 8 am to 8 pm. Find out where your voting location is by entering you address at saskatoon.ca/mypoll.

New! Two Super Polls on Election Day, Wednesday, November 13

Elections Saskatoon has created two Super Poll locations open to voters from ANY WARD on Election Day. The following two Super Poll locations will also have the AutoMARK Voter Assist Terminals (VAT) for Advance Polls and on Election Day:

• Market Mall Super Poll & VAT: November 1,2,3, 4; and November 13
• City Hall, Committee Room E Super Poll & VAT: November 1,2,3, 4; and November 13

The City’s website, saskatoon.ca/vote2024, remains your trusted source for all 2024 Civic Election information, Questions? Call 306-657-VOTE (8683).

The piloted washroom trailer located at the site of the Central Urban Métis Federation (CUMFI) office at 315 Avenue M South will be closed for the season on October 31. 

The washroom trailer officially opened on August 27 and has been accessed over 14,304 times throughout the pilot by people of all ages. The trailer was staffed 24/7 by the Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC) Sawēyihtotān Program, providing a welcoming and safe place. People using this washroom location could use the facilities to wash up, rinse their clothes, have a snack along with a bottle of water or coffee. Sawēyihtotān Outreach also offered additional assistance with accessing emergency shelter and provided transportation and advocacy to connect individuals with other necessary resources. 

“This pilot project has been a very positive experience for the City, Sawēyihtotān, CUMFI and those using the facility,” says Pamela Goulden McLeod, Director of the Saskatoon Emergency Management Organization. “What this project has done is provide a safe place for people to come have a sense of belonging while being treated with dignity and respect. It also acted as an informal navigation centre for anyone who looking for help, shelter and stability.” 

The facility was fully operational for the entire time it was open, with only minor plumbing repairs needed, which were associated with the high volume of users. There was no intentional damage done to the washrooms at any time.  

“The feedback we’ve received from community partners and users has been overwhelmingly positive. The facility and partnership model has proven to be a much-needed resource, and the trailer has been a great success story for our community,” says Goulden McLeod. “We extend our thanks to CUMFI for hosting the washroom trailer, to Sawēyihtotān for staffing the trailer location, to the Saskatoon Friendship Inn for providing daily sandwiches and for all of the residents, businesses and partners who provided their support.”

A total of $700,000 was allocated to the project from the City’s Reserve for Capital Expenditures. To date, approximately $506,300 has been spent on the washroom which includes purchase of and modifications to the trailer, staffing, supplies and maintenance. The used trailer itself cost just under $52,000 to purchase.

The City and Muskeg Lake Cree Nation have cleared a path to designate the First Nation’s land at 143 Aspen Place as an urban reserve. The site is located adjacent to Asimakaniseekan Askiy urban reserve, located in Sutherland. This urban reserve will become Muskeg Lake Cree Nation’s 3^rd urban reserve in Saskatoon. The other is Creeway West Petro Canada, located on 22^nd Street West.

Muskeg Lake Cree Nation has a long-standing relationship with the City of Saskatoon, dating back to establishing their first urban reserve, Asimakaniseekan Askiy in 1988, which was the first commercial urban reserve in Canada (and Saskatoon). Its success has been the foundation of those that have been created since. Today, it is currently home to 50 businesses and over 750 employees.

Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark and Muskeg Lake Cree Nation Chief Kelly Wolfe, along with the Council of Muskeg Lake Cree Nation and Saskatoon Board of Police Commissioners Chair, Shirley Greyeyes, today signed urban reserve agreements during a special signing ceremony.

"The original urban reserve agreement between Muskeg Lake Cree Nation and Saskatoon in 1988 was historic for Canada and helped clear a pathway for urban reserves to be created across the country since. Muskeg Lake Cree Nation and the City of Saskatoon have seen tremendous benefits from this partnership and friendship ever since. Today we build on this relationship by signing our third urban reserve agreement, to create opportunities for both of our communities for generations to come." says Mayor Charlie Clark.

At its regularly scheduled meeting on September 25, 2024, City Council approved the Municipal Services and Compatibility Agreement negotiated with Muskeg Lake Cree Nation. The Saskatoon Board of Police Commissioners also approved the Police Services Agreement at their regularly scheduled meeting on September 19, 2024. These agreements fulfill the municipal requirements for urban reserve designation.

The agreements address:

• municipal and police services the City will provide;
• service fees Muskeg Lake Cree Nation will pay the City in lieu of property taxes; and,
• compatible land-use and development standards.

“Our partnership with the City of Saskatoon continues to grow as we look toward the future. At Muskeg Lake, we always make decisions with the next seven generations in mind, ensuring that what we build today will benefit our children, grandchildren, and all those who come after us,” says Muskeg Lake Cree Nation Chief Kelly Wolfe.

“By working together with the City, we’re not only focused on expanding our urban reserve and creating economic opportunities but also on addressing the well-being of our communities. Our goals include strengthening education, improving infrastructure, and preserving our culture to create a brighter future for everyone.”

Decisions on reserve designation are made by the federal government. Once the property is designated as a reserve, it will become the eleventh 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 Muskeg Lake Cree Nation

Muskeg Lake Cree Nation is a member of the Saskatoon Tribal Council, whose home reserve is located in central Saskatchewan, 93 kilometres north of Saskatoon, and is bordered by the towns of Marcelin, Leask and Blaine Lake. It is accessible via Highways 40, 12 and 3A. A signatory to Treaty No. 6, with approximately 2,500 members, around 450 reside on the home reserve, while the remainder live in other communities off reserve, throughout the province, including several members living in Saskatoon.

Muskeg Lake Cree Nation is a Plains Cree band that owns and manages a total of 35,123 acres in urban and rural lands. These lands are used for community living, agriculture, recreation and business.

As a community, people of Muskeg Lake Cree Nation are proud of their Cree language, culture and heritage. Veterans from Muskeg Lake Cree Nation have played a significant role in how the community has developed and are honoured for their ongoing service and contributions.

It’s official! The names of candidates for Saskatoon’s next mayor, city councillors and public and separate school board trustees to be listed on Saskatoon’s 2024 Civic Election ballot, are now available at saskatoon.ca/voterinfo.

Elections Saskatoon conducted a random name draw on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, in Council Chamber at City Hall to determine the order of candidate names on the ballot where there were five (5) or more, in accordance with Bylaw No. 8191, The Election Bylaw, 2012, subsection 7.1 (3). The names of official candidates where there are fewer than five (5) running, will appear alphabetically on the ballot. List of Official Candidates

Notice of Poll

Elections will be held for the offices of:

• Mayor of the City of Saskatoon
• City Councillor in Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
• Public School Board Trustee of the Saskatoon Public School Division No. 13 in
  Wards 1, 5, 6, 8, 9
• Separate School Board Trustee of the St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Separate School Division No. 20

Notice of Abandonment of Poll

A poll will not be required per The Local Government Election Act, 2015, for the offices of: City Councillor – Ward 9; City Councillor – Ward 10; Public School Board Trustee – Ward 2; Public School Board Trustee – Ward 3; Public School Board Trustee – Ward 4; Public School Board Trustee – Ward 7; and Public School Board Trustee – Ward 10.

Therefore, no voting for the following offices will take place, and the following candidates are elected by acclamation:

• Bev DUBOIS, City Councillor – Ward 9
• Zach JEFFRIES, City Councillor – Ward 10
• Vernon J. LINKLATER, Public School Board Trustee – Ward 2
• Donna BANKS, Public School Board Trustee – Ward 3
• Kim STRANDEN, Public School Board Trustee – Ward 4
• Ross TAIT, Public School Board Trustee – Ward 7
• Angela ARNESON, Public School Board Trustee – Ward 10

Starting Tuesday, October 15, 2024, the official candidate profiles will be available for review online at saskatoon.ca/candidateprofiles

To assist voters in the election process, candidates were given the opportunity to provide a photo, contact information, website and social media links, and a short profile statement. All information contained in the profiles was provided by the candidates and has not been edited by Elections Saskatoon. Viewpoints and opinions expressed are the responsibility of the candidate. The Returning Officer, City of Saskatoon, Public School Board, and Catholic School Board are not responsible for verifying or investigating the accuracy of any information provided by a candidate.

Visit saskatoon.ca/vote 2024, your trusted source for all 2024 Civic Election information.

The City of Saskatoon is prepared for the annual Fall Street Sweeping program, an important initiative to keep streets clean and reduce the risk of spring flooding. 

From October 15 to October 24, street sweeping crews will be clearing fallen leaves from some of Saskatoon’s leafiest neighborhoods, which includes Buena Vista, Caswell Hill, City Park, Exhibition, Holiday Park, King George, Mayfair, Nutana, Riversdale and Varsity View. Residents can find their scheduled sweep day by visiting saskatoon.ca/sweep. 

"Fallen leaves can cause issues by blocking catch basins and storm drains, which can lead to flooding when the snow melts in spring," says Cam LeClaire, Roadways Manager. "This preventative work not only protects city infrastructure but also improves quality of life for residents." 

Temporary parking restrictions will be in place and vehicles may be ticketed or towed if necessary. 

How You Can Help: 

• Clear leaves from the sidewalk and boulevard next to your property but avoid pushing leaves into the street, as large piles can slow down the sweepers. 

• Dispose of loose leaves in your green cart or drop them off at a compost depot. Bagged leaves can be placed in your black cart. 

• Watch for the yellow No Parking signs and move your vehicle by 7:00 a.m. on your scheduled sweep day. If your vehicle is towed, you can use the Find My Vehicle! tool or call our Customer Care Centre at 306-975-2476. 

Service Alerts will be issued if changes to the schedule are necessary due to weather or other factors. For more details, visit saskatoon.ca/sweep. 

City Council unanimously approved $13,284,000 for Affordable Housing Incentives to support 18 projects aimed at developing 492 new affordable rental units in Saskatoon. The capital grants were endorsed at Council’s Regular Business Meeting on September 25. The grants are made possible through the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF). Additionally, 17 of the projects received Council approval for a five-year incremental tax abatement, estimated at $3,028,155.15.

"Saskatoon is facing an affordability crisis,” says Mayor Charlie Clark. “These incentives will help provide housing to families, seniors, and students who are being priced out of the current housing market. Affordable housing units keep people safely housed and off the streets in our city, yet they continue to be a gap in the housing continuum. It is our priority to provide housing options for people of all income levels and abilities in Saskatoon."

Affordable Housing Incentives (2024) Overview

The Affordable Housing Incentives Call for Proposals was issued on June 5, 2024, and remained open until July 5, 2024. This initiative invited applicants proposing the construction of new affordable rental units to apply for capital grants of up to $27,000 per unit, along with the opportunity to secure a five-year incremental tax abatement. The program attracted significant interest, with a total of 25 applications submitted.

Eligible projects must involve the construction of new affordable rental units, which may include units within mixed-market developments. Affordable housing is defined as housing for low-income households, with incomes at or below the Saskatchewan Household Income Maximums, while spending no more than 30 percent of their income on housing or set at the maximum funding available under the shelter benefit.

“It’s very important; these incentives, as they will also help us leverage more funding from CMHC and other funders and address the massive need as reflected on our waiting list and in Saskatoon in general,” says Angela Bishop of Camponi Housing Corporation. “In the spirit of reconciliation, kinship and unity we can all be architects of a stronger, inclusive and more vibrant Saskatoon.”

To qualify for funding, applicants were required to have a minimum of five years of experience in the affordable housing sector or residential development. Additionally, successful projects must secure a building permit no later than December 27, 2026, to meet the timelines set by the Housing Accelerator Fund agreement and the units must remain affordable for at least 20 years.

For more information about Saskatoon’s Housing Action Plan, visit saskatoon.ca/housingactionplan.

For more information about Affordable Housing Incentives, visit saskatoon.ca/affordable-housing-incentives.

The International Council of Aging designated September 30 to October 6 as Active Aging Week – a time to celebrate aging and the benefits of active living at any age.

Active Aging Week challenges society’s expectations of aging by showing that regardless of age or health conditions, adults over 50 can live life to the fullest.

“The City of Saskatoon’s Recreation & Community Development Department is committed to promoting Active Aging through a variety of drop-in and registered programs available at our Leisure Centres,” says Andrew Roberts, Director of Recreation & Community Development. “Our Fit Over 50 programs are specifically designed to guide and encourage physical activity for individuals aged 50 +”.

To celebrate Active Aging week, the City invites residents to stop by a Leisure Centre during Active Aging Week. An ambassador will be on location to talk about fall programs. It’s also a chance to win prizes, visit with friends and relax after exercising.

• Saskatoon Field House: Tuesday, October 1 (8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.)
• Lakewood Civic Centre: Wednesday, October 2 (8:45 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.)
• Lawson Civic Centre: Thursday, October 3 (10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.)
• Shaw Centre: Friday, October 4 (9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.)

To learn more about Active Aging Week and programs available, visit saskatoon.ca/fitover50.

The City of Saskatoon Parks Department has confirmed 11 positive cases of Dutch elm disease (DED) in various neighbourhoods throughout the city this summer.  

“It is discouraging to see this record number of positive Dutch elm disease cases in our city; DED can have devastating consequences for our urban forest,” says Thai Hoang, Director of Parks. “The most likely cause of DED is the storage and transportation of elm firewood. If you suspect you have elm firewood, please dispose of it immediately.” 

Here is what Spadina Crecent could look like if DED continues to affect the urban forest. 

If you suspect an unhealthy elm tree or are unsure of what type of firewood you have, take a photo and complete the online form or call Urban Forestry at 306-975-2890. 

Hoang reminds residents they can help prevent Dutch elm disease by:  

• Never storing elm wood or branches. Don’t buy or take elm wood from anyone and don’t burn it. 
• Not pruning elms during the provincial pruning ban (April 1 to August 31). 
• Disposing of elm wood only at the Saskatoon Landfill. 
• Do not take elm to the compost depot or put it in your green bin. Dispose of it immediately; disposal of residential elm wood at the Landfill is free of charge. 

The City has already initiated its DED Response Plan, which includes:  

• Immediate removal of the positive tree(s) and disposal at the City landfill  
• Increased surveillance of the surrounding area to search for stored elm wood  
• Sampling of symptomatic trees within one kilometre of the infected tree  
• Continuing regular elm surveillance and cyclical pruning of trees in parks and on boulevards  

What will happen in impacted areas? 

Parks staff will be conducting surveillance around impacted areas. Surveillance of these areas includes checking every property for elm firewood or brush and removing it when it is found. If residents are not home, staff will remove the elm wood and leave an Elm Infraction Notice with a note, indicating that the wood was removed. 

The Forest Resources Management Act, the Provincial Dutch Elm Disease Regulations, 2005 allows inspectors to enter private property to inspect for elm wood, remove elm wood and sample private elm trees. In accordance with the regulations, property owners will be asked to remove and dispose of infected elm. 

What is DED? 

DED is a serious disease caused by a fungus that clogs the elm tree’s water and nutrient conducting system, which eventually causes the tree to die. DED was introduced in North America in the 1930s and has since wiped out millions of elms across Canada and the United States. In Saskatoon, elms make up 25% of our urban forest. 

How is DED spread? 

In Saskatchewan, the disease is spread by several species of elm bark beetles. These beetles can fly farther than two kilometres in search of elm trees. The DED fungus has tiny spores that stick to the body of the beetle. Elm bark beetles can carry these spores and infect other elm trees. The fungus can also be spread by infected pruning tools. 

For more information on DED, visit saskatoon.ca/dutchelmdisease. 

City Council today approved 210 Pacific Avenue for a temporary 30 to 40 bed enhanced emergency residential shelter. The Government of Saskatchewan’s service provider, The Mustard Seed, is anticipated to open the temporary shelter in Winter 2024 – information on the opening and ongoing operations will come from the service provider.

City Council approved the duration of the shelter for a temporary operation for up to 18 months. Council also approved a request to lease the former Saskatchewan Transportation Company parcel service building at a below market rate. This is a permitted use under the City of Saskatoon Zoning Bylaw.

The property is owned by the City. With some renovation, it will be suitable for a shelter and meet most of the City Council-approved criteria:

• Room for approximately 30 beds each
• Beds in an open shelter-type hall (with movable wall systems or partitions)
• Some private rooms (accessed internally)
• An area suitable for office space for site staff
• Showers, bathrooms, kitchen
• Internal and external gathering spaces (amenity spaces) available on site be considered
• Proximity to other services should be considered
• Zoned appropriately if possible, or applicable for designation under the City’s Emergency Residential Shelter zoning provision
• At least 250 metres from an elementary school in the Saskatoon Public School or Greater Saskatoon Catholic School system

The City led the site-selection process, and the Government of Saskatchewan is funding up to $250,000 for renovations. The Province will also provide all operational funding for shelter services.

Additionally, after hearing feedback from the nearby residents and businesses, the City will be implementing changes to the site plan for the provincial government-funded shelter including:

• Fencing or screening to create a sense of space for those using the shelter, and delineation between the shelter and surrounding businesses. There will be no walk-in access off Pacific Avenue.
• Facility access only from Ontario Avenue.
• 7-day per week, extended hour security/support dedicated to the downtown with a proactive priority focus on the vicinity around the proposed shelter.

A coordinated, integrated operating plan between the Saskatoon Police Service and the Saskatoon Fire Department will provide essential safety and security for the shelter and downtown area.

City Administration continues to work with the Government of Saskatchewan to identify a longer-term site, or sites, for enhanced emergency shelter spaces. An update will be provided when available. Site options for a permanent location are undergoing the final stages of diligence processes and an update will be provided when available.

After hearing feedback from the nearby residents and businesses, the City is proposing changes to the site plan that would be put in place at the provincial government-funded shelter at 210 Pacific Avenue. 

Details of the plan were finalized earlier Friday. Among the proposed measures: 

• Chain-link fence around the former Saskatchewan Transportation Company parcel service building, ensuring no access off Pacific Avenue. 
• Facility access only from Ontario Avenue 
• 7-day per week, extended hour security/support dedicated to the downtown with a proactive priority focus on the vicinity around the proposed shelter. 

Link to site plan. 

Additionally, an integrated operating plan between the Saskatoon Police Service and the Saskatoon Fire Department outlines the essential safety and security support for The Mustard Seed while they would operate the temporary enhanced emergency shelter along with assistance for downtown residents, businesses and community at large.  

There will be coordinated communications and information sharing among The Mustard Seed, Saskatoon Police and the Saskatoon Fire Department to better address emerging concerns and to be pro-active before issues arise.  

The City agreed to find and propose locations that will meet certain criteria and best suit the needs of the community. The Government of Saskatchewan continues to work with the City of Saskatoon as they work to identify a permanent location to accommodate 60 spaces. 

If the proposed temporary site receives the necessary approvals by City Council on Wednesday, September 25, it is anticipated to open as a temporary 30 to 40 bed enhanced emergency shelter in winter 2024.