News Releases

Another important milestone in the journey to the Downtown Event and Entertainment District will be discussed at the August 28^th meeting of Saskatoon City Council. A report will be presented that outlines a funding strategy that encompasses a mix of funding sources, including public and private contributions, grants and other funding tools that do not require an increase in the property tax rate to support the project and advance the Downtown Event and Entertainment District.

“Administration was tasked with developing a funding strategy that achieves the goal of constructing the Downtown Event and Entertainment District with no contribution from property taxes,” says Dan Willems, Director of Technical Services, Transportation and Construction. “We’re confident that the tools within the funding strategy have been formulated to achieve this important goal.” 

These funding tools include:

1. Accommodation Funding Contributions;
2. An Amusement Tax;
3. Parkade Revenues;
4. Tax Incremental Financing;
5. Property Realized Reserve Contribution;
6. SaskTel Centre Reserve Contributions; and
7. Private Partner Contribution.

“It is important to keep in mind this is not about deciding to proceed with construction, rather it is about taking the next step to pursue the financial opportunities to support the potential Downtown Event and Entertainment District,” says Willems.

Provincial and federal funding contributions will be necessary to bring this project to life and a fundamental component of the funding strategy. The intended outcome is to have a shelf-ready project so when federal and provincial funding programs are available, Saskatoon will be ready to go.

“As with previous major City projects that have benefitted from federal and provincial funding programs, we’ll work towards securing financial commitments from other orders of government,” says Willems.

This report builds upon the Private Partner Agreement framework which was discussed at this month’s earlier Governance and Priorities Committee meeting and has been forwarded to Council for approval.

If the reports are approved by City Council, the Administration will continue to work towards achieving the funding strategy. This includes seeking out the necessary agreements and further financial commitments with the provincial government, federal government and private partners.

For more information on the Downtown Event and Entertainment District please visit saskatoon.ca/eventdistrict.

The City of Saskatoon Parks Department has confirmed a new positive case of Dutch elm disease (DED) in an elm tree in the Varsity View neighbourhood.  

The City has 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. 

As part of the Forest Resource Management Act, the Provincial Dutch Elm Disease Regulations, 2005 allow 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 trees. 

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. 

How can DED be prevented? 

You 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 at the Saskatoon Landfill. Do not take elm to the compost depot or put it in your green bin. Dispose of it immediately, even if it is during the provincial ban. Disposal of residential elm wood at the Landfill is free.  

How to identify and report unhealthy elm trees and firewood 

American elm trees with DED may start showing symptoms as early as June. Typically, the leaves will start to wilt and turn yellow, then curl and turn brown. 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 at saskatoon.ca/dutchelmdisease or call Urban Forestry at 306-975-2890. 

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

The 2024 Civic Election is a great opportunity for you to participate in the democratic process and support Elections Saskatoon in our commitment to administer a successful civic election in 2024. 

It will take hiring a large team of election workers and officials to ensure all voting locations function properly at all early voting opportunities and on Election Day, November 13, 2024. We will hire approximately 500-600 election workers. 

• We want to include youth workers at the booth! Are you aged sixteen plus? Apply today!  
• Do you speak another language? Elections Saskatoon is committed to hiring workers who speak languages representative of Saskatoon's diverse community. 

Interested? To be considered as an applicant for election worker duties, you must meet the following requirements: 

• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada.          
• Must not be related to a candidate running in either the municipal or school board election.             
• Must be available to attend mandatory paid training sessions in the month of October (hands-on training is required for some positions). 
• You’ll need to have access to an email address, Elections Saskatoon will use it to contact you.     

There are five types of election worker positions we will be hiring for to support the 2024 Civic Election; the pay rates are included for each: 

1.  Poll Supervisor (PS) – approximately 80 positions are available. 
2.  Issuing Deputy Returning Officer (iDRO) – approximately 300 positions are available. 
3.  Receiving Deputy Returning Officer (rDRO) – approximately 80 positions are available. 
4.  Poll Clerk – approximately 80 positions are available. 
5.  Standby Workers  

There are great reasons to get involved and work the 2024 Civic Election, join us! 

• Earn extra cash; paid training will take place in October 2024 
• Gain experience, build your resume 
• Experience hands-on learning 
• Serve your community 
• Expand your network of contacts 

It’s easy to apply. Fill out our online application before September 23. 2024; it’s found at saskatoon.ca/electionjobs. If you applied earlier, you do not need to resend. We will contact successful applicants. 

Do you have questions about working the election?  Email election.workers@saskatoon.ca or call 306-657-VOTE (8683).  

Visit saskatoon.ca/vote2024 it’s your trusted source for all election-related information. The Elections Saskatoon Office is located at
200-145 1st Avenue N in Saskatoon. 

The 2024 Civic Election is November 13, 2024. Eligible voters in Saskatoon will cast their ballot for local government leadership: Mayor, City Councillors and School Board Trustees for the next four-year term.  

When classes resume in September, Saskatoon Transit wants customers to know that buses will be busy and some buses during morning and afternoon rush hours may be too full to take on more passengers. If you plan to take the bus during morning or afternoon rush hour peak times, please plan ahead to avoid delays that can happen with peak riding times.

Trips on routes in all areas of the city can fill up; however, it’s typically felt on routes to and from high schools and post-secondary schools in the morning and afternoon. This was an issue during the previous school year and ridership is expected to be higher this fall, exacerbating the overcapacity issue.

“Saskatoon Transit is gearing up for its busiest season as students head back to class. Unfortunately, the demand is here faster than the new buses on order, so we expect buses to be very full with limited extra buses to add to service,” says Mike Moellenbeck, Director of Saskatoon Transit. “We apologize to customers who are affected and are committed to addressing the overcapacity routes as best we can with the limited options.”

All available buses are on the road and there may not be enough to meet the frequency or capacity needed on some routes to take everyone at peak times. The eight new buses arriving at the end of the year will help with some of the issues and Saskatoon Transit will be in a good position to meet the demand by the end of 2025 when the next order of 20 buses arrives.  

Where someone with a car may leave earlier to avoid rush-hour traffic, someone using public transit  may want to consider taking an earlier bus if possible, to avoid delays that can happen with everyone trying to get to work and school at the same time," Moellenbeck adds.

September is a busy time for Saskatoon Transit. “Be bus ready” for back-to-school and follow these tips for taking transit this September:

1. Download the real-time mobile app Transit or Google Maps and plan your September trips with the new fall schedule.
2. Check on options for routes, stops and times to get to your destination. If possible, an earlier bus might help avoid delays that can happen with peak riding times.
3. Be ready to hop on when the bus comes with your pass ready to scan. All riders are expected to pay bus fare.
4. Make space for others: Move to the back of the bus and lower your backpack.
5. If you can stand, please offer your seat to someone who isn’t as steady.

A 10-year fleet renewal funding plan was approved in 2023 to increase and improve the reliability of the fleet. Eight new buses will arrive this winter and another 20 are expected by the end of 2025, as the lead time on bus delivery can be up to 18 months. Saskatoon Transit made several changes to operations and maintenance to improve the overall service delivery following a 2022 City Auditor review.

Saskatoon Transit ridership continues to grow and is anticipated to match or surpass the 2019 peak of 13.2 million rides in 2024. Year-to-date ridership at July 31, 2024 is approximately 18% higher than July 31, 2023 year-to-date ridership.

Changes to the Accessible Parking Permit Program approved by City Council earlier this year will take effect on October 1, 2024. 

The Accessible Parking Permit Program is an optional program allowing users with a valid SaskAbilities placard to park for free in paid parking areas. The program also allows users to park in paid parking zones, loading zones, and on-street accessible parking zones for longer than the posted time limits.

“A review of the program was undertaken in consultation with users and stakeholder organizations. The review focused on modernizing the program while ensuring it continues to meet the needs of users,” says Matt Grazier, Director of Community Standards. “There is an opportunity for us to better promote the program and the benefits it can provide as well as enhance communication with users.”

Changes to the program include:

1. Enhanced communication with users – The City will continue to work with SaskAbilities to improve promotion of the program. Users may also sign up to receive emailed renewal notices and information about future changes to the program. More information about the program's benefits will also be provided to users when they purchase a parking permit starting October 1.
2. Fee and time limit change – The review concluded that the existing permit fees and time limits may no longer be appropriate. Two changes were approved for these items:
   1. Increasing permit fees through a phased-in approach
      1. Starting October 1, 2024, permit fees will be $60 annually
      2. Starting October 1, 2025, permit fees will be $100 annually
      3. Rationale - The user fees for the program have not been changed since 1981, when administrative costs were lower and on-street parking rates were $0.50/hour. Both parking rates and administrative costs have increased over time, requiring an increase in the permit fee. This may mean that the program is no longer cost-effective for some users who do not frequently park in paid parking zones.
      4. Users who are residents of Saskatoon and qualify as low income may apply to receive a permit at a 50 per cent discounted rate.
   2. Reducing time limits from 72 hours to four hours
      1. Rationale - On-street parking is a public asset that serves the needs of a variety of user groups. The review concluded that a 4-hour time restriction was more appropriate to meet the intent of on-street parking. The program has historically allowed users to park on the street for up to 72 hours in paid parking areas. During the review, it was generally accepted that 72 hours is excessive in areas with high demand for on-street parking. Paid parking zones are established to encourage vehicle turnover helping to ensure that adequate supply of on-street parking is available for those who need it.

Questions or comments about the upcoming changes can be directed to parking.permits@saskatoon.ca.

The City of Saskatoon is pleased to provide an update regarding the recent blue-green algae testing conducted on July 30, 2024 with samples collected from Briarwood Pond. Laboratory results have been received, confirming the presence of blue-green algae in local water samples, however the levels of cyanotoxins detected are significantly lower than safety thresholds.

The test results indicate that the cyanotoxins present in sampling were found to be  thirty times lower than the provincial safety guidelines established by the Healthy Beaches Program. This means that the water quality remains within safe parameters for recreational use and poses no immediate health risks to the public. The City will continue to monitor and re-test based on visual assessment.

In the interest of public safety, all recreational water activities will still be prohibited until further notice and signage around the pond will remain in place.

Residents with pets also are still advised to avoid the pond. When ingested, water with blue-green algae can cause sickness and/or death in animals depending on the level of toxicity.

Health Precautions:

• Symptoms: Contact with or ingestion of blue-green algae toxins can cause symptoms such as skin irritation, nausea, vomiting, and respiratory distress.
• Emergency: If you or your pets experience any symptoms after contact with the water, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.

Your cooperation in adhering to these safety measures is greatly appreciated.

An important milestone in the journey to the Downtown Event and Entertainment District will be discussed at the August 14^th Governance and Priorities Committee of Saskatoon City Council. The Committee will be discussing a private partner agreement framework for operating the new venues, which is a critical element intended to advance the Downtown Event and Entertainment District.

“We looked for a partner with the necessary experience and credentials that will not only fund and run a successful operation, but also values and understands the importance of social responsibility and leadership in our community,” says Dan Willems, Director of Technical Services, Transportation and Construction. “The fact that we attracted the interest of a world-class expert in facility management reaffirms the potential and excitement that exists for a Downtown Event and Entertainment District in Saskatoon.”

The report sets out an agreement framework for a private operating partnership with OVG360, one of the world’s leading full-service facility management teams with over 300 client-partners that span arenas, stadiums, convention centres and performing arts centres globally. Between an initial upfront capital contribution and annual revenues to the City through an operating partnership with OVG360, the City projects $170 million in net cash flow over a 25-year agreement.  The agreement will also address important community benefits including maximizing economic opportunities for traditionally marginalized groups, employment that will work with existing employees and unions, and benefits for community non-profit events.

“We are thrilled to announce this long-term operating partnership with OVG360. With OVG360's extensive experience in managing premier facilities across North America, we are confident that their innovative approach will bring substantial financial benefits to our city which will help support the funding strategy for the new venues. Between this partnership and construction of these venues, we anticipate a significant elevation in the quality and variety of events coming to Saskatoon, attracting world-class entertainment, conventions, and cultural activities. This will not only enhance the vibrancy of our community but also drive economic growth and provide memorable experiences for our residents and visitors,” says Willems.

For more information on the Downtown Event and Entertainment District please visit saskatoon.ca/eventdistrict.

The next legislated reassessment of all property types will take place in 2025. The City is now asking all property owners for feedback on:  

• The property tax phase-in options the City could apply: no phase-in, 2-year, or 4-year
  phase-in for the next property reassessment cycle beginning 2025. 
• property owners’ feedback on the benefits, concerns and/or preferences for the phase-in process and how it will be conducted. 
• property owners’ preferred communication methods to receive reassessment information from the City of Saskatoon in 2025 and going forward. 

Property owners, we look forward to hearing your preferences and feedback via this 5-7 minute Survey. For additional background information on this engagement survey please visit saskatoon.ca/engage/property-tax-phase

The City’s Phase-in Options survey will be open for all property owners in Saskatoon from Thursday, August 1 until Friday, August 30, 2024.

Background Information

The next legislated reassessment of all property types in Saskatchewan will take place in 2025. Reassessment is undertaken every four years to determine an updated market value for your property. Your property’s 2025 reassessed value will be used, along with the City’s budgeting requirements and tax policy, to calculate your property tax for the next four years, 2025–2028.

The Cities Act does not allow the City to change the current 4-year reassessment cycle however, the City can determine its own tax policies for all property classes (residential, commercial, multi-residential, etc.) in Saskatoon. The City has the authority to make the decision on what are called phase-in options.

When there is a change to a property owner’s property tax because of their property’s new reassessed value, the dollar amount change in property tax owed can be phased-in over two or four years before the next reassessment year. There is also an option for no phase-in use.

Helpful Information/Resources

• A Guide to Property Assessment & Tax Policy: Roles and Responsibilities
• Comparative Use of Phase-in Over the Last Three Legislated Assessment Cycles
• How Phase-in Options Work if You Have a Property Tax Increase or Decrease
• Phase-in by the Numbers: Examples of No Phase-in, 2-year Phase-in, 4-year Phase-in

Questions? Email assessmentsubmit @saskatoon.ca or call 307-975-3227. We’re here to help.

During routine monitoring of storm water ponds, the City of Saskatoon has identified a potential blue-green algae bloom at Briarwood Pond in Briarwood. Blue-green algae, also known as Cyanobacteria, is a bacteria that can be harmful to humans and animals.

Out of an abundance of caution, all recreational water activities are strictly prohibited until further notice. Signage is being produced and will be placed around the pond to inform visitors of potential dangers.

Residents with pets also are advised to completely avoid the pond. When ingested, water with blue-green algae can cause sickness and/or death in animals depending on the level of toxicity.

Health Precautions:

• Symptoms: Contact with or ingestion of blue-green algae toxins can cause symptoms such as skin irritation, nausea, vomiting, and respiratory distress.
• Emergency: If you or your pets experience any symptoms after contact with the water, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.

Water samples will be collected and tested this week. The City will provide updates as they become available. Your cooperation in adhering to these safety measures is greatly appreciated.

Visit Health Canada to learn about the risks of cyanobacteria and their toxins, and how to keep yourself safe.

Saskatoon Transit is excited to announce the addition of two new Nova LFSe+ battery-electric buses to its public transit fleet, the first in Saskatchewan. This marks a significant milestone in the City of Saskatoon’s commitment to sustainable public transportation and environmental leadership.

Saskatoon Transit piloted a battery-electric bus over a 12-month period beginning in July 2020. This pilot project aimed to evaluate the performance and feasibility of battery-electric buses in Saskatoon’s climate, providing key data to inform future investments in battery-electric buses.

Building on the pilot project's success, City Council approved an initial investment in battery-electric buses in December 2021 as part of the broader $115.4 million revised 2023-2031 fleet renewal strategy.

“This is an exciting step toward building a transit fleet that meets current and future ridership demands and our long-term sustainability goals,” says Michael Moellenbeck, Director of Saskatoon Transit.

Transitioning to battery-electric buses is progress towards meeting the City’s targets outlined in the Low Emissions Community Plan and Climate Action Plan, which include target emission reductions of 55,000 tonnes CO₂e by 2050 and an increase in transit trips of 5% by 2030 and 10% by 2050.

"Access to safe and efficient public transportation is an effective way to cut greenhouse gas emissions, and these battery-electric buses are an example of how we can reach environmental targets and provide a cleaner option for Saskatoon,” Moellenbeck says.

Watch for a new battery-electric bus on a nearby route. Experience the benefits firsthand as Saskatoon Transit drives towards a greener, more efficient public transportation network.

For more information about Saskatoon Transit, visit saskatoontransit.ca.