News Releases

7th Avenue will be closed from Empress to Balmoral streets for a water main valve repair on Tuesday, December 5, starting at 8:00 a.m. Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone. This project is expected to take one day to complete, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Saskatoon Transit may be affected by these detours. Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit on desktop.

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

Saskatoon City Council has approved the City of Saskatoon’s 2024/2025 Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget after working hard to review the budget line by line and making tough decisions throughout its final budget review this week. Council’s prior approved 2024/2025 budget adjustments and those made over the four days of budget deliberations this week shaved the City’s funding gap by nearly $40 million. City Council remained dedicated to finding a balance between maintaining current service levels, providing for community well-being, and minimizing the impact on taxpayers. Council also weighed its final budget decisions against the vision and priorities’ set within the City’s 2022-2025 Strategic Plan.

The approved 2024 and 2025 budgets are forward focused, with aligned funding to directly support the delivery of core services, promote growth for the community, maintain quality of life and importantly, adequately fund public safety and protection, infrastructure, and sustainability to keep Saskatoon moving forward with momentum.

"This year’s budget presented unique challenges in navigating record-high inflation rates, ongoing pandemic impacts, and the pressures of providing services in a city that’s experiencing record population growth," says Mayor Charlie Clark. 

“Council made big changes to reduce the funding gap by $39 million and bring down the property tax increase. The City budget is about more than just reducing the tax increase, it is also about ensuring we are investing in building a vibrant city that provides great quality of life to residents. This budget strikes that balance and I’m grateful for all of the work that went into getting us there."

Over 76% of the City’s overall budget is dedicated to core services residents rely on every day including Police, Transportation, Fire, Transit, Recreation, Water and Waste Water, and the Corporate Support such as IT, HR, Finance and Supply Chain Management required to support City operations. The goal of City staff and Council is to create a multi-year budget that balances the cost of providing City services with the available financial resources.

2024/2025 Approved Budget Highlights:

• $72 million in 2024 and $78 million in 2025, the largest ever investment in the City’s Roadway Maintenance and Rehabilitation Programs, this includes the Road Maintenance, Bridges and Transportation Service Lines.
• $10.5 million in 2024 and $11.1 million in 2025, the largest ever investment in the City’s Facility Maintenance Program to preserve and protect our assets.
• Investment in two new Firehalls to address emergency response to expanding neighbourhoods.
• Opening of the City’s Material Recovery Centre, a major achievement for Saskatoon in working toward our 70% waste diversion goal
• Increased funding for Fire, Parks, Street Lighting, Sidewalks, and Transit, to help address public safety, protection, and servicing needs within Saskatoon, one of the fastest growing and diverse cities in Canada

2024/2025 Capital Budget Investments: Capital budget funding maintains the infrastructure we currently have and builds out new infrastructure to benefit Saskatoon residents as the city continues to grow. The capital budget is $383.2 million in 2024 and $405.9 million in 2025. Notable capital budget investments include:

• $161.6 million for Land Development including arterial roads, primary water mains and parks
• $151.1 million for Transit Implementation Plan (Bus Rapid Transit)
• 51.3 million for Saskatoon Transit bus replacement
• $4.1 million for Parks Upgrades, Enhancement and Repairs
• $2.0 million for the design of a new White Buffalo Youth Lodge             

Investments in Protection & Safety to Address Changing Community Needs:

City Council approved the Saskatoon Police Service budget which included resources to address the growth of the city, and the increase in calls for service with the addition of an additional 14 FTEs in 2024 and 10 FTEs in 2025. This includes additional Alternative Response Officers.

Saskatoon Police Service 2024 Expense Change = $8,052,000 and Revenue increase of $182,800 for a net budget increase of $7,869,200

Saskatoon Police Service 2025 Expense Change = $6,982,700 and Revenue increase of $133,900 for a net budget increase of $6,848,800 

To meet the fire protection needs for of a growing city with expanding new neighborhoods, Council approved Saskatoon Fire Department’s operating expenditures with a total of $61,953,200 in 2024, and $64,176,500 in 2025. (Increases of $4,331,600 (7.5%) in 2024 and $2,223,300 (3.6%) in 2025.)

Council also approved Saskatoon Fire Department’s Capital Budget with $3,971,000 in 2024 and $16,776,000 in 2025 in funded capital projects, including:

• $3,131,000 in 2024 and 15,851,000 in 2025 for design and construction for two new Fire Stations No. 10 and 11, as well as design for the renovation of Fire Station No. 6.

Additional Funding to Support a Growing and Diverse City:

• $278,600 in 2024 and 204,000 in 2025, for Saskatoon Transit Targeted Support Worker Program
• $Additional $400,000 to Saskatoon Transit reserves for future bus purchases
• $240,000 in 2024 and $125,000 in 2025, to support the Housing Operating Program aimed at monitoring and managing housing portfolio partnerships and the City’s role in working with community agencies to proactively plan for residents’ top priority and active issue in 2023 - affordable housing
• An additional $100,000 in 2024 and $150,000 in 2025 to increase the, at present, underfunded Reserve to support for Urban Forestry to fight pest invasion and disease attack within Saskatoon’s urban forest
• $113,400 in 2024 to add an Indigenous Public Engagement Consultant, to support the standard and build capacity in making sure the City can efficiently and effectively undertake ongoing engagement with the Indigenous community
• $100,000 in 2024 and $5,000 in 2025, to meet basic needs of residents and visitors to Saskatoon by providing for reliable, clean, outdoor Riverbank Washrooms, maintenance, and checks, and to mitigate repair issues
• $100,000 in 2024, for the Road Safety Audit Program, to enhance and support in-depth traffic safety analysis of high collision/problematic intersections and with consideration of all roadway users within Saskatoon
• $34,000 in 2024, to enhance the service level for Snow Removal within School Zone drop off and pick up areas
• $5,000 in 2024, for the continuation of the City’s Public Wi-Fi Pilot Program, with a goal to eventually expand the City’s fiber network in future years

Addressing the City’s First Climate Budget for a Sustainable Future:

The 2024/2025 Budget cycle presented the City’s first Climate Budget which highlighted recent progress made on climate action and summarized the City’s funded and unfunded projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“City Council was able to make fully informed decisions throughout the process, and carefully invested in the changing needs of our fast-growing and diverse community, while being mindful of the current economic climate,” says Jeff Jorgenson, City Manager.

“Administration will now faithfully execute and undertake City Council’s budget direction in delivering quality services and programs to the residents we proudly serve. The 2024/2025 multi-year budget sets the City up for continued success as a leader in the renewal, maintenance and expansion of our infrastructure assets, and in providing for a great quality of life in Saskatoon today - and for the future.” 

Changes to Rates and Fees:

In order to meet the current and future needs of the City and residents, an overall average rate increase for water, wastewater and infrastructure levy of 4.6% was approved in 2024 and 5.4% in 2025. The rate increase is expected to generate a revenue increase of $8.79 million and $10.29 million, respectively, to ensure the utility is fully cost recovered. This translates into an additional $5.32 per month in 2024 and $7.14 per month in 2025 for the average homeowner.

2024/2025 Approved Recreation and Culture Rates and Fees

Indoor Leisure Centre general admission fees will increase by 1% in 2024 and 1% in 2025. As an example, adult General Admission will increase from $10.25 to $10.40 in 2024 and $10.50 in 2025. The adult Monthly LeisureCard will increase from $52.00 to $57.20 in 2024, and $63.00 in 2025.

Council’s approved 2024/2025 Budget investments translate into property tax rates of 6.04% and 5.64% for 2024 and 2025 respectively. In general terms, a homeowner with a single-family detached home with an average assessed value of $344,000 would have a municipal property tax increase of $10.47 per month or $125.62 per year in 2024, and $10.37 per month or $124.41 per year in 2025. In 2024, 1% of property tax equates to $2.92 million. The 2024/2025 property tax rates will provide $35.2 million in additional funding to balance the budget and fully fund City Council’s directed service levels over the next two years.

In 2025, per the City’s Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget Policy, City Council will have the flexibility to make any necessary budgetary adjustments or corrections to respond to events or circumstances requiring funding or resource adjustments since the budget was first approved.

The City thanks all residents, organizations and business owners in Saskatoon who wrote in or spoke to City Council this week and in the months leading up to budget review. We value all input received from the community at large.

The finalized 2024/2025 Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget document will be made available on saskatoon.ca/budget once ready.

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

NEW

IDYLWYLD DR N SB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 32ND ST W TO 30TH ST W
(CB lead repair)
Start: December 4, 9:00 a.m. End: December 4, 6:00 p.m.

ONGOING

NEAULT RD ROAD CLOSED FROM 22ND ST W TO WHELAN RD            
(Construction)
Start: July 24, 7:00 a.m. End: December 15, 4:00 p.m.   

BRIGHTON BLVD ROAD CLOSED FROM TASKAMANWA ST TO 8TH ST E
(Construction)
Use McOrmond Dr to 8th St
Start: November 20, 7:00 a.m. End: November 18, 2024

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

PRESTON AVE S SB LANES CLOSED FROM TAYLOR ST E TO ADELAIDE ST E
(Hydrant repairs)
Start: December 2, 8:00 a.m. End: December 2, 6:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR N SB LANES CLOSED FROM 29TH ST E TO 25TH ST E
(Power pole replacements)
Start: December 3, 8:00 a.m. End: December 3, 3:00 p.m.

MCKERCHER DR NB LANES CLOSED FROM TAIT PL TO 8TH ST E
(Valve repair)
Start: December 3, 8:00 a.m. End: December 3, 5:00 p.m.

ONGOING

NEAULT RD ROAD CLOSED FROM 22ND ST W TO WHELAN RD            
(Construction)
Start: July 24, 7:00 a.m. End: December 15, 4:00 p.m.   

BRIGHTON BLVD ROAD CLOSED FROM TASKAMANWA ST TO 8TH ST E
(Construction)
Use McOrmond Dr to 8th St
Start: November 20, 7:00 a.m. End: November 18, 2024

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.

Saskatoon Emergency Management Operations (EMO) will conduct a scheduled notifynow test on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, after 1:30 p.m. The message will specifically indicate that it is a test and does not require any action from the public. 

notifynow is the City of Saskatoon’s public safety alert program used to notify the public in real-time of a safety situation where they need to take action. notifynow alerts are issued when there is an impending, escalating or occurring emergency in the city and immediate action needs to be taken. The system uses listed phone numbers and associated addresses from the public White Pages to send out alerts. Residents can also sign up to notifynow to receive a message via their preferred communication method.

Upon registration, subscribers can opt to receive alerts by: 

• SMS text message   
• Voice call to a landline  
• Voice call to a cell phone  
• Email 

Subscribers can choose any or all of these communication methods. 

Residents are strongly encouraged to create an account and provide accurate contact information to successfully receive messages. It is important for residents to review and update their notifynow profiles regularly to make sure phone numbers and addresses are current. 

Testing of the notifynow system provides EMO the opportunity to: 

• Raise public awareness about the system so that residents of Saskatoon can be equipped and ready for potential emergencies. 
• Confirm the notifynow system performs effectively. 
• Practice sending alerts to the public and assess public safety alert procedures.  

EMO regularly conducts two annual test alerts: one occurring in the spring during Emergency Preparedness Week, and the other closer to the end of the year. 

For additional information about Saskatoon’s alert system, visit saskatoon.ca/notifynow. 

Registration for the City’s Winter recreation programs begins Sunday, December 3, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. by logging into to your account on Leisure Online at leisureonline.saskatoon.ca, or by calling 306-975-2800.

Registrations for private and semi-private swim lessons will open on Monday, December 4.  Registrations are accepted by phone only. Call the Leisure Centre you are interested in taking lessons at to register.

Opening night for registration is very busy, and the City sincerely thanks residents for their patience. While additional online and telephone resources are in place to make the process run as smoothly as possible, there will be many people registering at once.

Here are some tips to help you prepare for a smooth registration:

• Do not use Internet Explorer to complete transactions. Compatible web browsers include Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari. Ensure your web browser is up to date. Online transactions are not supported using a device or operating system older than Windows 7, Mac OS 10, Android 5, iPhone 5.
• Ensure you have an active Leisure Online registration account and know your username and password prior to registration night.  If you are unable to access your account, call any Leisure Centre to have your account reset.
• Have a list of second and third program choices in case you do not get into your first choice.
• Join the wait list! Every full program has an online wait list and new classes may be created if there is enough demand.
• Consider other nearby Leisure Centres if your preferred location isn't available.

Several changes have been made to Leisure Online to optimize the site on registration night.  From 5:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 3, access to view drop-in programs will be disabled.  Only the registered program section will be available at that time. Images will also be removed from the registered programs page to improve the load time of the page when a high volume of users are on the site at the same time.

The Winter Leisure Guide, which is Saskatoon’s go-to source for fitness programs, recreational activities and arts and culture opportunities for all ages and abilities, was released on November 17. It is available online at saskatoon.ca/leisureguide or for pick up at any City leisure facility, Saskatoon library or over 120 retail locations throughout Saskatoon and limited surrounding areas that the StarPhoenix is sold.

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

ONGOING

NEAULT RD ROAD CLOSED FROM 22ND ST W TO WHELAN RD            
(Construction)
Start: July 24, 7:00 a.m. End: December 15, 4:00 p.m.   

BRIGHTON BLVD ROAD CLOSED FROM TASKAMANWA ST TO 8TH ST E
(Construction)
Use McOrmond Dr to 8th St
Start: November 20, 7:00 a.m. End: November 18, 2024

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 all-in-one shopping experience is back for a seventh year! Ride to all the malls this holiday season by taking the Jingle Bell Express–Route 1225! 

Starting December 2, Saskatoon Transit will offer this service on weekends throughout the month, and again with free fare on Boxing Day. Two buses will run in opposite directions between Saskatoon's five malls–Midtown, Confederation, Lawson Heights, Centre and Market.

“The Jingle Bell Express is a great way for riders to get their holiday shopping done, travel to work along the route, or experience the bus to new locations. This festive service provides convenient and hassle-free travel without the stress or frustration of winter driving and full parking lots,” says Cory Shrigley, Customer Service Manager, Saskatoon Transit.

Saskatoon Transit's Route 1225 buses will display a "Jingle Bell Express" message when in service, play holiday music, and be festively decorated.

Route information:

• On weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) regular fares apply: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Excluding December 30 and 31.
• Boxing Day (December 26) with free fare: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Search Route 1225 in the Transit App or Google Maps Transit to plan a trip or consult the route schedule on Saskatoon Transit’s website or call Transit Customer Service (306.975.3100) for help with trip planning. 

Jingle Bell Express riders can complete a short survey by scanning the QR code posters on the buses to have a chance to win one of five gift cards sponsored by participating malls.

Catch the holiday spirit and learn more about the Jingle Bell Express.

Good news, Saskatoon! The City has built over 5.3 km of brand-new sidewalks throughout our community in 2023!  

Expanding the sidewalk network supports the Active Transportation Plan goals of creating more places for walking, safer walking and making walking a more convenient and attractive choice for moving around. 

The Sidewalk Infill Program focusses on eliminating gaps in the existing sidewalk network by completing the design and construction of new sidewalks adjacent to existing arterials, collectors and local streets. 

$5 million in federal funding from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) has supported the project, helping to reduce pollution, build vibrant, inclusive and strong neighbourhoods and provide access to clean, modern services for families. 

This move toward better infrastructure isn't just about sidewalks; it's about building a greener, more connected and resilient city for everyone. Let's step forward together towards a brighter, more accessible future! 

The City celebrates the contributions to our community from individuals living with differing abilities (disabilities) on December 3, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Persons with disabilities add to the richness and diversity of our community and bring unique perspectives and strengths that benefit us all.

Some disabilities are visible—such as someone that uses a mobility aid like a wheelchair. Other disabilities are invisible—as can be the case with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, or a brain injury. It’s important that we create and maintain a community that provides the supports and inclusivity that makes every resident feel valued and welcome regardless of differing abilities.

The City’s 2022-25 Strategic Plan outlines the City’s commitment in the area of Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (REDI). City Council is prioritizing work to foster meaningful organizational and policy change to help extinguish all types of systemic barriers the kind experienced by people with disabilities. There is work to be done in communities everywhere to correct a history of “ableism” (discrimination of differently abled individuals) and to create equal opportunities for every person.

On Dec. 3, the City calls on Saskatoon employers and organizations to recognize the value and unique contributions of persons with visible and invisible disabilities, and to initiate conversations about inclusion in the workplace that centre the voices of persons with lived experience.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was established in 1992 at the United National General Assembly.