News Releases

The City today released the 2022/2023 Preliminary Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget. The Administration’s budget for the next two years is focused on maintaining core civic services and programs, preserving current service levels, and investing in infrastructure to support a good quality of life in our growing and inclusive city.

“With the financial impact of COVID-19 continuing to create a challenging economic climate, the Administration has presented a preliminary budget that maintains appropriate funding for quality civic services, service levels, and programs that deliver value for citizens,” says Clae Hack, Chief Financial Officer. ”While the pandemic has highlighted the City’s operating revenue challenges, we’ve worked hard to present a preliminary budget that is disciplined and committed to keeping property taxes as low as possible.”

City Council will debate, adjust and finalize its investment decisions within the 2022/2023 Business Plan and Budget on November 29, 30 and December 1, 2021.

The 2022/2023 Operating Budget proposes a municipal property tax increase of 3.51% and 3.14% in 2022 and 2023, respectively.

The proposed property tax increases would generate an additional $9.3 million in 2022 and $8.8 million in 2023.

In general terms, this means a homeowner who owns a single-family detached home with an average assessed value of $344,000 would have a municipal property tax increase of $67.29 in 2022 or $5.61 per month, and $62.33 in 2023 or $5.19 per month.

“The Administration’s proposed property tax rates for 2022 and 2023 maintain the service levels citizens expect for their taxpayer dollars and ensure long-term financial stability for the City. City Council will make the final investment decisions for the next two years,” adds Hack.

The 2022/2023 Preliminary Budget is built from a four-step process whereby this year:

• In June 2021, costs were determined to maintain current service delivery and service levels at status quo for the next two years; the original indicative property tax estimate presented in June 2021 required a property tax increase of 5.96% and 5.42% in 2022 and 2023 respectively.

• In August 2021, City Council then directed Administration to bring back options to reduce the initial proposed property tax estimate and information on the longer-term structural budget challenges facing the City, its stagnant revenue growth and increased reliance on property taxes.
   
• In October 2021, Administration provided various options and plans to support the City’s new 2022-2025 Strategic Plan’s goals. These options will be presented at the Business Plan and Budget Review meeting on November 29, 2021.  

• To achieve the lower proposed tax increases, adjustments were made to remove the phase-in for the Bus Rapid Transit project and adjustments related to the implementation of the waste utility funding model resulting in proposed property tax increases of 3.51% and 3.14% in 2022 and 2023 respectively.

“City Council has directed the Administration to prioritize several areas over the next four years,” says Hack. “At budget review time, some of Council’s priorities may be achieved without financial impact, however, some initiatives will require financial investment such as efforts to support community safety, Bus Rapid Transit, and support for reconciliation and inclusion spaces.”

The 2022 Operating Budget is proposing total operating expenditures of $566.0 million, an investment increase of $19.3 million, or 3.54%, over the 2021 Operating Budget.

The 2023 Operating Budget is proposing total operating expenditures of $581.3 million, an investment increase of $15.3 million, or 2.70%, over the 2022 Operating Budget.

To address inflation and growth pressures, the total expenditure increase within the Business Plan and Budget is $13.0 million in 2022 and $10.0 million in 2023 (excluding Police).

With a commitment to improving community safety in Saskatoon, investment in the Saskatoon Police Service represents the largest portion of the City’s operating expenditures at approximately 21%, or $119.7 million in 2022 and $124.6 million in 2023.

The 2022/2023 Preliminary Capital Budget proposes a total investment of $571.9 million, including $274.4 million in 2022 and $297.5 million in 2023.

The City’s capital budget provides for infrastructure to address Saskatoon’s continued growth and invests in roads, transit, water, and wastewater distribution systems.

Notable Key Capital Projects Include:

• Roadway Preservation: $32.0 million and $33.0 million in 2022 and 2023
• Bus Rapid Transit system: $10.5 million and $46.3 million in 2022 and 2023
• Land Development: $51.5 million and $46.9 million in 2022 and 2023
• Utility Infrastructure maintenance and improvements: $107.1 million and $108.3 million in 2022 and 2023

The 2022/2023 Preliminary Budget funding supports clear and achievable actions to support the vision and goals within the City’s draft 2022-2025 Strategic Plan expected to be approved by City Council in January 2022.

Importantly, public input gained on civic service priorities and preferences received through the City’s two 2021 Citizen Services Surveys as well as feedback on the draft 2022-2025 Strategic Plan, will be considered by City Council before its final budget review.

The City’s second multi-year budget approach continues to provide greater certainty for residents about their future property taxes, alignment with the new 2022-2025 Strategic Plan’s vision and longer-term goals. This budget approach supports transparency, financial stability and accountability for the City.

Learn more about the investments the City proposes in services, programs and projects valued by citizens, those that will ensure Saskatoon stays a great place to live, work, learn and play through the detailed 2022/2023 Preliminary Business Plan and Budget documents available at saskatoon.ca/budget.

*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.

NEW

TAYLOR ST W ROAD CLOSED FROM SASKATCHEWAN CRES W TO IDYLWYLD DR S
(Fence repair)
Start: November 25, 10:00 a.m. End: November 25, 5:00 p.m.

ONGOING

CIRCLE DR S WB CURB LANE CLOSED & SPEED REDUCTION FROM LORNE AVE TO DIEFENBAKER PARK RD
(Construction)
Start: November 23, 7:00 a.m. End: November 27, 5:00 p.m.

HIGHWAY 16 EB LANES CLOSED FROM HIGHWAY 11 TO CIRCLE DR E
(Bridge repairs)
Two-way traffic maintained in WB lanes
Start: November 22, 6:00 a.m. End: November 29, 7:00 p.m.
 

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.

The kanātan nipīy (the water is clean/clean water) program is continuing for 2022. The kanātan nipīy (kaa-NAH-tan / nii-PEA) program is an opportunity for Indigenous people to gain essential skills and access employment opportunities in water treatment and distribution facilities—such as with the City of Saskatoon’s Water and Waste Operations. This program is a collaborative effort between the City of Saskatoon, Gabriel Dumont Institute, Radius Community Centre, Saskatchewan Polytechnic and Saskatoon Tribal Council.

The kanātan nipīy program includes essential skills training taught by the Radius Community Centre. Sask Polytech provides training in water treatment and distribution. Participants will also receive first aid/CPR and WHMIS training and two weeks of work experience. Certified water and wastewater operators are in demand. Trained employees, who can operate and maintain water and waste systems to provide clean drinking water, are needed in City of Saskatoon and First Nation communities across Saskatchewan.

“This kanātan nipīy program is an important pathway to knowledge and employment and I am very pleased that the City of Saskatoon is part of it,” says Mayor Charlie Clark. “Our futures are bound together, in our city and in Indigenous communities across Saskatchewan. I would like to thank all of the partners who are part of this program and are strengthening our future together.”

“The success of the kanātan nipīy program is a testament to the need for initiatives like these; that create opportunity and remove barriers to Métis people. GDI is looking forward to continuing this partnership and connecting our Métis clients with specialized training and sustainable employment,” says Lisa Bird-Wilson, executive director, Gabriel Dumont Institute.

“For more than 50 years Radius Community Centre has been helping people work towards their career goals,” says Dorothy Hyde, executive director, Radius Community Centre. “We are honoured to be a part of this community team supporting Indigenous employment and know that working together helps to build a brighter future for individuals, families, business and community.”

“We are excited to continue this collaborative partnership with the City of Saskatoon, Gabriel Dumont Institute, Radius Community Centre, and Saskatoon Tribal Council,” says Dr. Larry Rosia, president and CEO, Sask Polytech. “This partnership is a testament of what can be done when the community comes together. Through the kanātan nipīy program students receive excellent training and work experience to prepare them for future employment.”

“As First Nations people, we are all protectors of water, and this training program provides the opportunity for our people to carry out this important work. The graduates of this program improve the quality of life for all people that require clean water,” states Saskatoon Tribal Chief Mark Arcand. “By working together in unity with our partners, we provide opportunities for Indigenous Peoples to become gainfully employed.”

The kanātan nipīy program meets the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call To Action #92: Ensure Indigenous peoples have access to jobs, training and education opportunities; and they benefit from economic development. This project’s success is based on having a cohesive team of community partners engaged for a single purpose: improving employment options for Indigenous workers.

Interested in learning more? Email poitrina.powder@saskatoon.ca to register for the Zoom information session to be held Dec. 7th from 2 to 3 p.m.

Ready to apply? Email copies of the following items to kanatannipiy.project@gmail.com: Grade 12/GED diploma and transcripts, Class 5 driver’s licence and driver abstract for the last 3 months, updated resumé including three references. The application deadline is Dec. 10, 2021.

*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.

NEW

COLLEGE DR EB CURB LANE CLOSED AT CENTRAL AVE
(Crash cushion repair)
Start: November 24, 7:00 a.m. End: November 24, 5:00 p.m.

CONFEDERATION DR NB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 22ND ST W TO LAURIER DR
(Street light replacement)
Start: November 24, 9:00 a.m. End: November 24, 11:00 a.m.

RUTH ST E ROAD CLOSED FROM EASTLAKE AVE TO BROADWAY AVE
(Surveying)
Start: November 24, 9:30 a.m. End: November 24, 10:30 a.m.

CIRCLE DR E EB CURB & CENTER LANES CLOSED FROM VENTURE CRES TO MILLAR AVE
(Resurfacing)
Start: November 24, 9:30 a.m. End: November 24, 12:30 p.m.

BROADWAY AVE INTERSECTION CLOSED AT BUTE ST
(Surveying)
Start: November 24, 10:30 a.m. End: November 24, 11:30 a.m.

BROADWAY AVE INTERSECTION CLOSED AT ADELAIDE ST E
(Surveying)
Start: November 24, 11:30 a.m. End: November 24, 12:30 p.m.

ONGOING

CIRCLE DR S WB CURB LANE CLOSED & SPEED REDUCTION FROM LORNE AVE TO DIEFENBAKER PARK RD
(Construction)
Start: November 23, 7:00 a.m. End: November 27, 5:00 p.m.

HIGHWAY 16 EB LANES CLOSED FROM HIGHWAY 11 TO CIRCLE DR E
(Bridge repairs)
Two-way traffic maintained in WB lanes
Start: November 22, 6:00 a.m. End: November 29, 7:00 p.m.

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.

Renovations to the Affinity Learning Centre at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo) are nearly complete and the building is set to open to the public on Friday, November 26.

“We have completely redesigned the layout of the Affinity Learning Centre and added some really amazing exhibits that will be home to several new species like the colourful poison dart frogs, axolotl and a variety of cichlids from Lake Malawi, Africa,” says Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager.

The newly renovated facility will be home to a variety of reptiles, amphibians and fish including:

• Poison Dart Frogs
• Hermann’s Tortoise
• Ball Python
• Western Tiger Salamander
• Axolotl
• Garter Snake
• Blue-tongued Skink
• Cichlids from Lake Malawi, Africa

The Zoo would like to thank the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation, Affinity Credit Union and Krawchuck Construction for their continued partnership and support of the Affinity Learning Centre.

The Zoo would also like to remind residents that a non-medical mask is required when accessing indoor City-operated facilities and services including the Affinity Learning Centre, Meerkat House and washroom facilities at the Zoo. Although masks are not required in outdoor spaces, the City recommends wearing a mask throughout your visit, even while enjoying the outdoor exhibits. The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo is not included in the list of City of Saskatoon programs and facilities where public access requires proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.

The Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is by donation until March 31, 2022. Visit saskatoon.ca/zoo for more information or to plan your next visit.

*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.

NEW.

CIRCLE DR S WB CURB LANE CLOSED & SPEED REDUCTION FROM LORNE AVE TO DIEFENBAKER PARK RD
(Construction)
Start: November 23, 7:00 a.m. End: November 27, 5:00 p.m.

CONFEDERATION DR NB & SB LANES VARIOUS CLOSURES AT 33RD ST W
(Groundwater monitoring)
Start: November 23, 9:00 a.m. End: November 23, 1:00 p.m.

CIRCLE DR E EB CURB & CENTER LANES CLOSED FROM 1ST AVE N TO VENTURE CRES
(Road resurfacing)
Start: November 23, 9:30 a.m. End: November 23, 12:30 p.m.

RUTH ST E ROAD CLOSED FROM HANOVER AVE TO WILLIAM AVE
(Surveying)
Start: November 23, 10:30 a.m. End: November 23, 3:00 p.m.

ONGOING

HIGHWAY 16 EB LANES CLOSED FROM HIGHWAY 11 TO CIRCLE DR E
(Bridge repairs)
Two-way traffic maintained in WB lanes
Start: November 22, 6:00 a.m. End: November 29, 7:00 p.m.
 

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.

*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.

NEW

HIGHWAY 16 EB LANES CLOSED FROM HIGHWAY 11 TO CIRCLE DR E
(Bridge repairs)
Two-way traffic maintained in WB lanes
Start: November 22, 6:00 a.m. End: November 29, 7:00 p.m.

CONFEDERATION DR VARIOUS NB & SB LANE RESTRICTIONS AT 33RD ST W
(Environmental monitoring)
Start: November 22, 9:00 a.m. End: November 22, 1:00 p.m.

ONGOING

No ongoing projects are scheduled on priority one streets at this time.

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.