News Releases

City co-chaired Reconciliation Saskatoon is hosting the Rock Your Roots: Walk for Reconciliation on June 21, 2024—National Indigenous Peoples Day. This walk gathers Indigenous, non-Indigenous and newcomer peoples to honour the truth of the Residential schools and those who survived them, as well as demonstrate our collective commitment to reconciliation.

Rock Your Roots began in 2016 as part of the celebrations on June 21 to honour Indigenous Peoples in Canada. In 2022, the event was postponed due to weather and took place on September 30—the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This tradition was continued in 2023, a decision made by Residential School Survivors. After Rock Your Roots last year, Survivors spoke about how they missed seeing school buses full of children arriving to the walk. Since schools are closed on September 30 to acknowledge the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, teachers are not able to facilitate the participation of their students in the Rock Your Roots event.

“I had a dream of walking for Residential School Survivors that didn’t have a voice,” says Jamie Fiddler, Residential School Survivor. “This Rock Your Roots walk is a covenant of truth or ‘tāpwēwin’ and reconciliation or ‘miyo-wâhkôhtowin.’ As we are one family, we walk and heal together, going into the future.”

Reconciliation Saskatoon creates lesson plans and activities for classrooms leading up to the event, so that learning and engagement takes place before, during, and after the Walk. With the 2024 Rock Your Roots returning to June 21, Reconciliation Saskatoon and Residential School Survivors can deepen their engagement with students across the city.

Participants of the Walk for Reconciliation are invited to “Rock Your Roots” by wearing orange or contemporary/cultural regalia, or carrying signs that celebrate their heritage. Knowledge Keepers will start the day with a ceremony. Residential School Survivors will be honoured by leading the walk. Along the route, an international cast of singers, dancers, and musicians will celebrate the diverse cultures of Saskatoon.

Reconciliation Saskatoon is grateful to the incredible community that has made this walk possible. Organizations like the Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI) have put the strength of their community behind Rock Your Roots.

“Rock Your Roots is a day we honour our Residential School Survivors by coming out and showing community support,” says Shirley Isbister, President of CUMFI. “Gather your families, friends, business, and office staff. Make signs, wear your cultural regalia, and come out and Rock Your Roots.”

Reconciliation Saskatoon also recognizes the incredible support of Community Investors. Blue Cross Saskatchewan was the first investor to come forward in 2024.

“Last year we had the privilege of being a part of this incredible display of diversity in our community,” says Kelly Wilson, President and CEO of Saskatchewan Blue Cross. “We’re excited to partner with Reconciliation Saskatoon to participate in the journey of Truth and Reconciliation in Saskatchewan and celebrate diversity in the province.”

Also returning to support the event: SIGA, SGI Canada, BHP, and Nutrien.

Reconciliation Saskatoon invites everyone in the community to get involved: as organizers, volunteers, community investors, and participants. For more information on the Rock your Roots: Walk for Reconciliation, please visit BeAConnectR.com/events.

ATTACHED: Images (4)
Photo credit to Alexander Willems for the following images: Shirley RYR 2023, RYR Sept 30-2023, Survivors Jamie and Rick

The City of Saskatoon has passed amendments to Bylaw No. 7200, The Traffic Bylaw, aimed at improving pedestrian safety.  

The updated bylaw includes a 15-metre stopping prohibition before marked pedestrian crosswalks, along with a 10-metre stopping prohibition after the crosswalk, unless otherwise specified by traffic signs.  

"While our city continues to grow, it's imperative that we prioritize the safety of all road users, particularly pedestrians," says Jay Magus, Director of Transportation.  

"These amendments will reduce potential conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians at  crosswalks." 

The stopping prohibition means drivers cannot stop or park their vehicle in the parking lane near a crosswalk. This will help to increase pedestrian visibility and enhance safety. 

Signs will not be installed at every location affected by these new regulations. It is essential for residents to be informed of the new bylaw. 

For more information on pedestrian safety in Saskatoon, visit saskatoon.ca/pedestrian-safety. 

On March 1, the first intake period for smaller black cart requests closed. The City has introduced a variable cart size program this year, providing residents more choice and flexibility with their household’s waste needs. Following the two-month application intake, almost sixteen thousand requests from residents seeking smaller garbage carts have been received meaning approximately 21% of Saskatoon’s curbside customers are already on board to reduce their cart size and and help the City continue toward its waste diversion goals.  

“We are surprised but thrilled with how many requests we’ve received this first intake period, but it just goes to show that Saskatoon residents are diverting more waste and have less of a need for the large garbage cart. We’ve exceeded our expectations for this initial request period and look forward to getting smaller carts out to residents this spring,” says Brendan Lemke, Director of Water and Waste Operations.

Smaller carts will be delivered April through June corresponding with garbage collection pick-up days. We ask that residents who have requested a smaller cart leave their existing cart out at each collection day until 6PM during the deployment window so swaps can occur. More information about the timing and schedule of delivery of new carts will be mailed out to residents who requested smaller carts in early April.

If residents missed the deadline for the spring cart swap period, there will be another cart swap this fall. Cart swap requests will be accepted beginning July 8.

To learn more about the Black Cart program, visit saskatoon.ca/blackcart.

With the City of Saskatoon receiving between 30 and 40 cm of snow accumulation since Saturday morning, the Roadways team has activated the Emergency Response Plan  (ERP). The plan is activated when more than 25 cm of snow falls and streets are impassable for light vehicles. The City’s Emergency Operation Centre has been activated to collaborate with critical infrastructure partners throughout the city. 

A summary of the work underway includes: 

• Work is progressing very well and is ahead of schedule. 

• 100 per cent of Priority 1 Streets, 75 per cent of Priority 2 Streets (expected completion by noon) and 45 per cent of Priority 3 Streets (expected completion by midnight, Wednesday, March 6) have been graded. 

• Sander trucks continue to spread sand throughout the day on these streets to increase traction.  

• Because work has proceeded so well, the plan is to move into residential areas and start clearing local streets during the night shift on Wednesday, March 6. A list of initial neighbourhoods for local street snow grading is expected to be available at saskatoon.ca/snow tomorrow, Wednesday, March 6, and continuously updated as crews make progress – please watch for further information this week. 

• Crews will move into industrial areas after all local streets in residential areas are completed. After that, crews can start addressing alley access; problematic alleys may be addressed sooner pending available resources.   

• The need for the last phase of the plan (Phase 5), which involves city-wide snow removal, will be assessed in the coming days considering factors such as weather conditions and the proximity to the end of the winter season. 

• For a detailed timeline please review the Emergency Response Plan infographic.  

• Right now there are many tall snowpiles along the roadways. Sight-lines may be reduced so drivers should proceed with caution near intersections and crosswalks. 

A reminder that during an ERP activation, posted temporary parking restrictions will not be used. Vehicles will be allowed to remain on streets and residents are encouraged to park their vehicles off the streets into parking lots, garages and driveways whenever possible. 

Stay in the know about snow grading efforts and the list of Priority Streets by visiting saskatoon.ca/snow and following the City’s social media channels. Check the latest Snow & Ice Report posted to saskatoon.ca/snowreport. A regularly-updated map of which Priority Streets have been completed is available at saskatoon.ca/prioritystreetsmap. 

The majority of civic services and facilities are now open for regular business and operating normally with a few exceptions:  

Saskatoon Transit  

• Fixed-route service is being maintained. Detours and delays are still expected as operators navigate clear roadways.   

• Access Transit will operate under normal conditions on clear and accessible roadways.  

• OnDemand service will operate on cleared roadways that are accessible to operators.  

• The Transit Customer Service Centre will be open for walk-in customers and phone lines (306-975-3100) will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.  

• Check Saskatoon Transit service alerts for detours or temporary bus stop closures at saskatoontransit.ca/service-alerts. and  

• View real-time bus locations on third-party apps like Transit and Google Transit on desktop. Pin your routes to receive service alert push notifications. 

Leisure Facilities 

• All Leisure Centres (Cosmo (excluding Cosmo Arena), Lakewood and Lawson Civic Centres, Saskatoon Field House and Shaw Centre) are closed today Tuesday, March 5. They are anticipated to re-open Wednesday, March 6, with normal operating hours. 

• Visit saskatoon.ca/servicealerts for the latest impacts to City facilities and services. 

  - - - 

Safety Reminders 

• The Saskatchewan Health Authority reminds residents to be careful when you go out to shovel. Shoveling is a significant workout and can put a lot of strain on your heart and back. Follow their recent tips. 

• When shoveling snow, take some time to clear any fire hydrants of ice and snow near your property. In case of a fire, firefighters need to be able to spot and access fire hydrants quickly to protect people and property. 

• Check intake pipes and exhaust vents that may be blocked with snow or ice and clear any snow away from the opening if it builds up. A plugged exhaust could result in carbon monoxide (CO) being pushed back into your home or cause your furnace to shut down.  

• For your safety and the safety of your children we ask that no one climbs on the snow piles or builds tunnels through them as the weight of that snow is very dangerous. 

• Do not push or blow snow into the street. This creates a greater risk for vehicles to get stuck. Instead, pile the snow on your property, as per Bylaw No. 8463 The Sidewalk Clearing Bylaw, 2005. 

With the City of Saskatoon receiving more than 25 cm of snow accumulation since Saturday morning and streets being impassable for light vehicles, the Roadways team has activated the Emergency Response Plan  (ERP). The City’s Emergency Operation Centre has been activated to collaborate with critical infrastructure partners throughout the city. 

A summary of the work underway includes: 

• Saskatoon has in the range of 1600 lane-km of Priority Roads – that’s roughly the distance from City Hall to Vancouver. So far, approximately 95 per cent of Priority 1 Streets, 45 per cent of Priority 2 Streets and 25 per cent of Priority 3 Streets have been graded, far ahead of the anticipated schedule from this morning. 

• Sander trucks continue to spread sand throughout the day on these streets to increase traction.  

• By midnight tonight, Monday, March 4, we expect all Priority 1 Streets to be completed and will immediately proceed with grading on the remaining Priority 2 Streets, which are expected all to be graded by noon tomorrow.  

• Priority 3 Streets are expected to be complete by midnight on Thursday, March 7.  

• The plan is to move into residential areas and start clearing local streets during the night shift on Thursday, March 7. A list of initial neighbourhoods for local street snow grading will be available at saskatoon.ca/snow by Thursday, March 7 and continuously updated as crews make progress – please watch for further information this week. 

• Crews will move into industrial areas after all local streets in residential areas are completed. After that, crews can start addressing alley access; problematic alleys may be addressed sooner pending available resources.   

• The need for the last phase of the plan (Phase 5), which involves city-wide snow removal, will be assessed in the coming days considering factors such as weather conditions and the proximity to the end of the winter season. 

• For a detailed timeline please review the Emergency Response Plan infographic.  

• Right now there are many tall snowpiles along the roadways. Sight-lines may be reduced so drivers should proceed with caution near intersections and crosswalks. 

Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed about snow grading efforts and the list of Priority Streets by visiting saskatoon.ca/snow and following the City’s social media channels. Stay in the know by checking the latest Snow & Ice Report posted to saskatoon.ca/snowreport. A regularly-updated map of which Priority Streets have been completed is available at saskatoon.ca/prioritystreetsmap. 

A summary of civic services operating normally: 

• City Hall remains open and the majority of civic services are operating as normal.  

• Despite ongoing operational and weather impacts this morning, Saskatoon Transit is maintaining full service this afternoon with no delays exceeding 15 minutes. However, detours and delays can be expected as operators navigate accessible streets. For updates check the real-time mobile app, transit or visit saskatoontransit.ca/service-alerts. 

• Access Transit will continue trips for essential services and medical appointments. Customers are asked to reschedule leisure travel.   

• OnDemand service will operate on cleared roadways that are accessible to operators.  

• City Indoor Rinks have resumed regular operations.  

• The landfill is open but snowy and windy conditions exist so please proceed with caution. 

• Parks is on track to clearing pathways according to route priorities. Within 48 hours of snowfall, snow clearing occurs on sidewalks adjacent to parks and all lighted parkways and some unlighted pathways. Excludes crusher dust (unpaved) pathways. 

• Missed blue cart collection on Monday, March 4 is rescheduled for Saturday, March 9. Blue Cart affected area(s) include Route 4: Briarwood, College Park, College Park East, Lakeridge, Lakewood Urban Centre, Rosewood. 

• Missed black cart collection on Monday, March 4 rescheduled for Saturday, March 9. Black Cart affected areas include Route 1: Avalon, Buena Vista, Exhibition, Haultain, Nutana, Queen Elizabeth. 

• Missed Green Cart collection on Monday, March 4 rescheduled for Saturday March 9.  Green Cart affected areas include Route 2: Adelaide/Churchill, Holliston, Nutana Park, Stonebridge, The Willows.

• All curbside collections for Tuesday, March 5 will go ahead as planned. Please watch for Service Alerts, updates on your Saskatoon Waste Wizard app or go to saskatoon.ca/collectioncalendar. 

• The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo will re-open tomorrow, March 5, with normal operating hours.  

Other Impacted City Operations 

Leisure Facilities 

• All Leisure Centres (Cosmo (excluding Cosmo Arena), Lakewood and Lawson Civic Centres, Saskatoon Field House and Shaw Centre) are closed Monday, March 4 and will remain closed Tuesday, March 5. They are anticipated to re-open Wednesday, March 6, with normal operating hours. 

Building Standards 

• All scheduled building and plumbing inspections for Monday March, 4 and Tuesday, March 5 are cancelled.  Customers with scheduled inspections will be contacted and arrangements will be made to rebook. 

Impound Lot 

• The impound lot is closed for the remainder of the day. Updates on when the service is restored will be available on saskatoon.ca/servicealerts. 

Visit saskatoon.ca/servicealerts for the latest impacts to City facilities and services. 

- - - 

Safety Reminders 

• The Saskatchewan Health Authority reminds residents to be careful when you go out to shovel. Shoveling is a significant workout and can put a lot of strain on your heart and back. Follow their recent tips. 

• When shoveling snow, take some time to clear any fire hydrants of ice and snow near your property. In case of a fire, firefighters need to be able to spot and access fire hydrants quickly to protect people and property. 

• Check intake pipes and exhaust vents that may be blocked with snow or ice and clear any snow away from the opening if it builds up. A plugged exhaust could result in carbon monoxide (CO) being pushed back into your home or cause your furnace to shut down.  

• For your safety and the safety of your children we ask that no one climbs on the snow piles or builds tunnels through them as the weight of that snow is very dangerous. 

• Do not push or blow snow into the street. This creates a greater risk for vehicles to get stuck. Instead, pile the snow on your property, as per Bylaw No. 8463 The Sidewalk Clearing Bylaw, 2005. 

With the City of Saskatoon receiving more than 25 cm of snow accumulation since Saturday morning and streets being impassable for light vehicles, the Roadways team has activated the Emergency Response Plan (ERP). Additionally, the City’s Emergency Operation Centre has been activated and is collaborating with critical infrastructure partners throughout the city. 

Residents remain encouraged to stay home if possible, to leave space for City and contractor crews to do their work and assist emergency services. 

While the snow has mainly stopped, strong gusting winds will create additional challenges causing drifts. Snow crews will continue to address known problem areas as the day progresses. 

The current focus now is to keep all highest Priority Streets open to maintain access to all emergency facilities. Additional contractor resources have been engaged from our emergency response list to support our ongoing efforts. A summary of the work underway includes: 

• Approximately 40% of Priority 1 Streets have been graded. They are slippery and sander trucks will be spreading sand throughout the day on these streets to increase traction. Some of the snow piles are fairly big, impacting sightlines at intersections, drivers should watch for pedestrians and turning vehicles.  
• By midnight tonight, Monday, March 4, we expect all Priority 1 Streets to be completed and will immediately proceed with grading on Priority 2 Streets, which are expected all to be graded by noon tomorrow.  
• After that, we will then start grading Priority 3 Streets and expect to complete them all by midnight on Thursday, March 7.  
• The plan is to move into residential areas and start clearing local streets during the night shift on Thursday, March 7. 
• Crews will move into industrial areas after all local streets in residential areas are completed. After that crews will be able to start to address alley access and problematic alleys may be addressed sooner pending available resources.   
• The need for the last phase of the plan, which involves city-wide snow removal, will be assessed in the coming days considering factors such as weather conditions and the proximity to the end of the winter season. 
• For a detailed timeline please review the Emergency Response Plan infographic.  

Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed about snow grading efforts and the list of Priority Streets by visiting saskatoon.ca/snow and following the City’s social media channels. Stay in the know by checking the latest Snow & Ice Report posted to saskatoon.ca/snowreport. A regularly-updated map of which Priority Streets have been completed is available at saskatoon.ca/prioritystreetsmap. 

Please do not push or blow snow into the street. This creates a greater risk for vehicles to get stuck. Instead, pile the snow on your property, as per Bylaw No. 8463 The Sidewalk Clearing Bylaw, 2005. 

OTHER IMPACTED CITY OPERATIONS: MARCH 4, 2024 

Saskatoon Transit 

• Operational impacts have resulted in reduced fixed-route service. Detours and delays are expected.  
• Outlying neighbourhoods, with particularly more impacts of snow accumulation, have limited operator access.   
• Access Transit will continue trips for essential services and medical appointments. Customers are asked to reschedule leisure travel.  
• OnDemand service will operate on cleared roadways that are accessible to operators. 
• The Transit Customer Service Centre will be open for walk-in customers; however customers are asked to call the phone lines if their trip to the Customer Service Centre is not essential. Phone lines (306-975-3100) will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. 
• For updates check the real-time mobile app, transit or visit saskatoontransit.ca/service-alerts.  

Leisure Facilities & Attractions 

• All Leisure Centres (Cosmo, Lakewood and Lawson Civic Centres, Saskatoon Field House and Shaw Centre) are closed Monday, March 4. 
• The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo is closed Monday, March 4.  
• City Indoor Rinks may be open subject to bookings and Saskatoon Minor Hockey. 

Saskatoon Landfill 

• The landfill is open but snowy and windy conditions exist so please proceed with caution. 

Recycling and Garbage Collections 

• Curbside cart collections are suspended for Monday, March 4. Collections will be rescheduled once the streets are accessible. Please watch for Service Alerts, updates on your Saskatoon Waste Wizard app or go to saskatoon.ca/collectioncalendar. 

Parks 

• Within 48 hours of snowfall, snow clearing occurs on sidewalks adjacent to parks and all lighted parkways and some unlighted pathways. Excludes crusher dust (unpaved) pathways. 

Building Standards 

• All scheduled building and plumbing inspections will be cancelled. Starting Monday, March 4 at 8 a.m., customers with scheduled inspections will be contacted and arrangements will be made to rebook. 

Visit saskatoon.ca/servicealerts for the latest impacts to City facilities and services. 

With the City of Saskatoon experiencing severe weather conditions resulting in more than 25 cm of snow accumulation and impassable local streets in residential neighborhoods, the Roadways team has activated the Emergency Response Plan (ERP). Additionally, the City’s Emergency Operation Centre has been activated and is currently collaborating with critical infrastructure partners throughout the city. 

Residents are strongly encouraged to stay home if possible, to avoid getting stuck in the deep snow and to leave space for City and contractor crews to do their work. 

The current focus now and as snow continues to fall is on keeping Circle Drive and all highest Priority Streets open to maintain access to all emergency facilities. Additional contractor resources have been engaged from our emergency response list to support our ongoing efforts. 

Once snowfall stops, all priority streets will be graded within the next four days (96 hours). For a detailed timeline please review the Emergency Response Plan infographic. Once the Priority Streets are done, crews will move to grading all local streets in residential areas within the subsequent three days (within seven days after snowfall stops). Following this, all local streets in industrial areas will be graded within the following three days (within 10 days after snowfall stops). 

The need for the last phase of the plan, which involves city-wide snow removal, will be assessed in the coming days considering factors such as weather conditions and the proximity to the end of the winter season. 

After the snow stops falling, a regularly-updated map of which Priority Streets have been completed is available at saskatoon.ca/prioritystreetsmap. 

The purpose of the ERP is to guide the Roadways team through a phased approach during major snowstorms, maintaining public safety and restoring mobility on Saskatoon streets and sidewalks. The plan outlines specific criteria for activation, including snow accumulation exceeding 25 cm and/or a combination of snow, freezing rain, and wind severely impacting mobility to the extent that light vehicles cannot travel on city streets. 

Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed about snow grading efforts by visiting saskatoon.ca/snow and following the City’s social media channels. Stay in the know by checking the latest Snow & Ice Report posted to saskatoon.ca/snowreport. 

Transit service is being maintained as roadways are cleared and are accessible to operators. Detours and delays are expected.  Outlying neighbourhoods - with particularly more snow accumulation - have limited operator access. Access Transit operates as emergency services only, provided buses can access the area. For updates check the real-time mobile app, transit or visit saskatoontransit.ca/service-alerts. Call 306-975-3555 with any questions or concerns.  

All Leisure Centres (Cosmo, Lakewood and Lawson Civic Centres, Saskatoon Field House and Shaw Centre) are closed as of this afternoon for staff and customer safety. The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo is also closed due to limitations to access the main gate. The City Landfill is open but snowy conditions exist. Saskatoon Public Library locations are also closed to the public this afternoon for regular business. Visit saskatoon.ca/servicealerts for the latest impacts to City facilities and services. 

Increased ridership leading to higher Transit revenues and lower than anticipated spending for snow clearing have, in part, contributed to a nearly $10 million 2023 civic operating budget surplus.

“I am pleased to report the City’s Civic Operating Preliminary 2023 Year-End Financial Results indicate a $9.9 million (1.68%) surplus,” says Clae Hack, Chief Financial Officer. “The City’s stabilization reserves, designed to deal with unforeseen circumstances such as higher than normal amounts of snow and fuel volatility, have been significantly relied upon in recent years because of the financial impacts from the pandemic. This surplus is recommended to replenish these reserves, so the City is well-prepared to respond to future financial challenges in a sustainable and proactive manner.”

The City of Saskatoon will present the Preliminary 2023 Year-End Financial Results and forecast for the year ending December 31, 2023, to the Standing Policy Committee on Finance on March 6, 2024.

It is important to recall that the 2023 Budget included an ambitious target of $5.7 million in savings in addition to structural budget and other post-pandemic revenue challenges.

“Administration took these targeted savings measures and budget challenges seriously in 2023. We adopted strict discretionary spending and hiring restrictions early in 2023 and continued it for the year. This resulted in approximately $5.5 million in savings,” says Hack.

In addition to the Administration’s savings efforts, favourable external factors experienced in 2023 contributed to the surplus of $9.9 million in 2023 which included:

• Fewer, smaller scale snow events in 2023 compared with typical years resulted in a $5.7 million surplus in the City’s snow and ice management program;
• A higher than anticipated interest rate environment resulted in $1.2 million in additional investment income;
• Temporary closure of Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre for renovations contributed to an overall surplus for Leisure Centres of $1.0 million; and 
• Notably, Saskatoon’s population grew by 14,000 in 2023; this helped contribute to significant increases in Transit and Access Transit revenues which, in turn, supported a quicker return to pre-pandemic ridership with $3.5 million in higher than budgeted revenues.

“While the Preliminary 2023 Financial results are certainly welcome based on the need to replenish the City’s stabilization reserves, it is important to note that this surplus has minimal impact on the 2024 Budget recently approved by City Council. We cannot budget for a future with no snow events, nor can we continue to budget for the $10 million in pandemic relief funding that was fully used in 2023. These items, along with unprecedented inflationary pressures and their impact on City services levels were the focus of extensive budget discussions. These realities have not changed because of this surplus,” adds Hack.

The City Administration recommends using the surplus of $9.9 million, as follows:

• The $5.7 million surplus related to Snow and Ice Operations be added into the Snow and Ice Management Contingency Reserve. This will bring the reserve to a balance of approximately $6.2 million to provide funding in future years for higher-than-normal snowfall; and
• The remaining $4.2 million civic surplus be allocated to the Fiscal Stabilization Reserve, bringing the balance to approximately $5.8 million which will then be available to offset future operating budget deficits or challenges.

“The recommendations presented in this report provide City Council and the public with assurance that the City’s stabilization reserve funds will be replenished and available for future unforeseen financial challenges,” Hack adds. “The City’s approach to stabilization reserves has been a key tool for the City to utilize in addressing unforeseen financial challenges, without impacting service levels. This approach is a proven Municipal Government Financial best practice.”

In addition to the City’s Property Tax Supported or Civic Operating Budget, the City Utilities, funded by Utility charges including Saskatoon Light & Power, Storm Water, Saskatoon Water/Wastewater and Waste Services also posted a surplus of $10.96 million (2.75%).This surplus was largely due to a longer and warmer than normal summer which resulted in higher electricity and water usage. Cost savings were realized as the City’s Utilities also put in place discretionary hiring and spending restrictions for the majority of 2023 in alignment with Civic operations.

For additional context, the Water/Wastewater Utilities experienced three deficits and three surpluses in the past six years (including 2023). The City’s operating budget, including Utilities, is always based on a variety of assumptions including weather fluctuations which impact the financial performance of the utilities significantly. Over the past six years (2018 – 2023), Saskatoon Water/Wastewater has realized an approximate 1.36% positive budget variance, and this has been used to help pay for infrastructure maintenance and required expansion which can help keep future rates lower and reduces the need to borrow money.

The recommendations for City Council on the allocation of the surplus funds in 2023 are subject to the confirmation of the City’s year-end financial status, conducted annually via the external accountant’s audit process. The City’s 2023 Annual Report will be released this summer.

Visit saskatoon.ca/budget.

City Council today endorsed a motion to expand the site selection criteria for shelter spaces to be at least 250 metres from an elementary school (Public or Catholic).

This means the proposed location for the emergency shelter in former Fire Station #5 on Central Avenue will not proceed.

The City will continue to support the Government of Saskatchewan in its Provincial Approach to Homelessness through identifying sites for two new locations, each having approximately 30 shelter beds.

The process to date: how did we get here?

Late last year, the Government of Saskatchewan requested the City take the lead role in identifying sites for emergency shelters. The criteria the City developed to search for sites were as follows:

• 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 consideration under the City’s Emergency Residential Shelter zoning provisions

Based on the above selection criteria, former Fire Station #5 on Central Avenue had been identified as a site for one of the emergency shelter locations.

What’s changed?

After hearing community concerns, City Council has directed the Administration use the previously approved criteria and added one additional criterion as follows:

• At least 250 metres from an elementary school in the Saskatoon Public School or Greater Saskatoon Catholic School system.

As a result, all neighbourhood information sessions scheduled for Sutherland area residents and businesses will be cancelled and the Administration will seek alternate sites that meet the new criteria. 

At the February 14^th meeting of the Governance and Priorities Committee (GPC), the inspiration for a future, vibrant Downtown Event and Entertainment District (District) core was presented through information reports on the Conceptual Design Overview and the Interim District Plan. These reports both position the development of the District as integral to the revitalization of Saskatoon’s Downtown.

“The inspiration came from Saskatoon and its place in nature, in community and in the world,” says Dan Willems, Director of Technical Services. “The intent is to showcase Saskatoon’s past, present and future identity through design, while also improving streets and existing public spaces. The District will honour, highlight and prioritize Indigenous and Saskatoon storytelling, and will be designed to create an ‘outdoor living room’, where people from all over the city and visitors can gather.”

The conceptual designs were created around four pillars, which capture different aspects of Saskatoon’s defining features:

• Urban with a Prairie Heart
• Where the Earth Meets the Sky
• Warmly Embrace the Winter
• Of the Earth

A number of important public spaces are included in the conceptual design, including an outdoor concert terrace and pavilion, a ‘gateway’ plaza at the entrance of the event centre/arena that can also be used for public programing, and a linear courtyard on the east side which will create an intimate, semi-enclosed space for people to walk through, wait for arriving friends, and enjoy food and drink on outdoor patios.

“The District’s public spaces will be designed to meet a variety of needs and demands,” says Willems. “By integrating a mix of supportive uses and a welcoming public realm into the District, both residents and visitors will find many reasons to linger and enjoy all that Downtown has to offer, encouraging earlier arrivals and later stays, diffusing trips across Downtown over many hours, and making trips by all modes of transportation easy and convenient.”

The renderings developed through the conceptual design process illustrate the potential activation of the Downtown area through the process of developing the District. These renderings can be viewed at saskatoon.ca/eventdistrict. The more technical District Plan will further develop a plan for the Downtown overall and looks at how the land can best be used to achieve a vibrant mix of residential, business, social and outdoor activity, while making Downtown more accessible for everyone to get to and around in. Both the Conceptual Design Overview and the District Plan draw on the feedback collected through the Phase 1 Engagement held in spring 2023 to better reflect what community members would like to see while integrating technical considerations.

Moving forward from GPC to the February 28^th Regular Meeting of City Council are a decision report on the Convention Centre options and an approval report on the acquisition of the Downtown YMCA property.