News Releases

Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for affordable housing and led to rising levels of homelessness. The Government of Canada created a national strategy to build hundreds of thousands of units and provide affordable housing to people across the country. By continuing to make investments in affordable housing, the government is building stronger communities, creating jobs, and growing our middle class, while fighting homelessness and helping vulnerable Canadians.

The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, Marv Friesen, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Saskatoon Riversdale, and Charlie Clark, Mayor of Saskatoon, today announced $7.5 million to create an estimated of 32 new affordable homes for individuals and families in Saskatoon through the Cities Stream under expanded Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI). These housing units will support Canadians who are in uncertain housing situations, experiencing or at risk of homelessness, or living in temporary shelters because of the pandemic.

The building for Cress Housing Corporation will be located at 115 Columbian Place and the building for Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. will be located at 1520 19^th Street West. All 32 units will be targeted at Indigenous People and of those units, 9 will be for Indigenous women and their children. For both projects, substantial completion of construction is expected by Fall 2022.

This new investment will create thousands of good jobs in the housing and construction sector, grow the middle class, and build back stronger communities, while getting us closer to our goal of eliminating chronic homelessness in Canada.

Quotes:

“Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Today's funding through the Rapid Housing Initiative will go a long way to support those who need it most by quickly providing nearly 32 new affordable homes for vulnerable individuals and families in Saskatoon to keep them safe. This is one of the ways our National Housing Strategy continues to ensure no one is left behind.” – The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)

“The Government of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Housing Corporation are proud to support the important work of Cress Housing Corporation and Central Urban Metis Federation Inc. through the Saskatchewan Co-Investment Program. This investment will develop a total of 32 new housing units in Saskatoon and will provide more affordable housing options for individuals and families in need. This is an important step towards achieving our goals in the Provincial Housing Strategy to support those in greatest housing need.” – The Honourable Lori Carr, Saskatchewan Minister of Social Services and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation

“Everyone deserves a roof over their head and a safe place to call home. Today’s announcement of additional funding through the Rapid Housing Initiative will have a huge impact on our most vulnerable citizens who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of being homeless. The availability of affordable housing is scarce in our region. These new homes will make a difference in ending the cycle of homelessness. I would like to thank the federal government for their ongoing support and commitment to creating affordable housing for our most vulnerable individuals and families.” – George Chahal, Member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview

“It has become clear that one of the biggest gaps in the housing continuum in Saskatoon is supportive housing.  People struggling with trauma, addictions and mental health need to have safe and stable housing. These two Rapid Housing Initiative Projects will play a crucial role in helping fill this gap in our community. Thank you to the Federal Government for the funding support and to City staff, SaskHousing and partners for your hard work facilitating this application process.” – Charlie Clark, Mayor of Saskatoon

"We plan for a two-storey, 18-unit facility that will serve single males who are disproportionately represented in the homeless population. This supported living facility includes a family/cultural space, along with office and meeting spaces on the main level. STC and our member Chiefs are proud to have Cress Housing Corporation serve as a proponent of this project contributing to this important work that improves the quality of life for people." – Saskatoon Tribal Council Chief Mark Arcand, Cress Housing Corporation

“We are very pleased to be participating in the Rapid Housing Initiative. With this funding, CUMFI will be able to provide fourteen suites for families at risk of homelessness, with nine homes specifically for Indigenous women and children. By providing a supportive living environment, CUMFI’s goal is for families to have a roof over their head and food on the table, so they can begin to think about education, employment and feeling that they are part of a caring community.” – Shirley Isbister, President of Central Urban Métis Federation Inc.

Quick facts:

• The RHI is delivered by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), under the National Housing Strategy (NHS). 
• Canada’s NHS is an ambitious, 10-year plan that will invest over $72 billion to give more Canadians a place to call home. Launched in 2017, the NHS will build and repair thousands of housing units, and help households with affordability support. 
• The RHI is a $1 billion program launched in October 2020 to help address urgent housing needs of vulnerable Canadians, especially in the context of COVID-19, through the rapid construction of affordable housing.
• Due to this success, an additional $1.5 billion for the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) was announced through Budget 2021 with $500 million in funding under the Cities Stream being allocated
• to the following municipalities: Burnaby, Calgary, Capital Regional District, Durham, Edmonton, Gatineau, Greater Sudbury, Halifax, Hamilton, Iqaluit, Kingston, Laval, London, Longueil, Montreal, Niagara, Ottawa, Peel, Quebec, Regina, Saskatoon, Surrey, St. John’s, Toronto, Vancouver, Waterloo, Whitehorse, Windsor, Winnipeg, and Yellowknife. Under the Projects Stream: $1 billion has been allocated to eligible applications submitted during the RHI’s initial application period last fall and having not yet received funding.
• Based on feedback from stakeholders, this summer CMHC introduced new flexibilities to the RHI: 
  • Program applicants were eligible to receive funding for additional forms of new construction beyond modular, if units can be built within 12 months.
  • Non-profits had the opportunity to demonstrate that they have the financial capacity to support the viability of units without government subsidy (self-funded). 
  • Cities were provided a longer time to submit projects (60 days instead of 30).
  • Project delivery timelines were adjusted for projects located in the North and special access communities.
• At least 25 per cent of this new funding will go toward women-focused housing projects. The units will be built within 12 months of when funding is provided to program applicants.
• The RHI will continue to prioritize proposals that target units serving Indigenous peoples and other vulnerable groups. It will also continue to provide flexibilities on timelines to Indigenous governing bodies or organizations as needed.
• The RHI takes a human rights-based approach to housing, serving people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and other vulnerable people under the NHS, including: women and children fleeing domestic violence, seniors, young adults, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, people experiencing mental health and addiction issues, veterans, LGBTQ2 individuals, racialized and Black Canadians, and recent immigrants or refugees.
• CMHC supports the government’s efforts to improve the well-being of Canadians facing housing and homelessness challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Associated links:

• Rapid Housing Initiative  
• National Housing Strategy 
• New Rapid Housing Initiative to create up to 3,000 new homes for Canadians 
• Rapid Housing Initiative will exceed targets by creating more than 4,700 new homes for Canadians 
• Budget 2021: A Recovery Plan for Jobs, Growth, and Resilience 

As Canada’s authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to all levels of Canadian government, consumers and the housing industry. CMHC’s aim is that by 2030, everyone in Canada has a home they can afford, and that meets their needs. For more information, follow CMHC on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Registration for Winter programs begins Sunday, December 5, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. by logging into to your account on leisureonline.saskatoon.ca, or by calling 306-975-2800.

At the time the Winter guide was sent to print, some programs were still in the process of being reviewed and finalized due to current COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Please visit the websites noted throughout the Guide for the most up-to-date details on programs and services. Information on registered programs including Red Cross Swim lessons, have been posted in advance of registration on leisureonline.saskatoon.ca.

Registered programs are very popular and fill up fast. Many people will be registering Sunday evening, 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 thousands of people registering at once.

Here are some tips to help you prepare:

• Ensure you have an active Leisure Online registration account and know your username and password.
• 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.
• Ensure your major web browser (Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Google Chrome) is up-to-date.

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 19. 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.

Sections of Saskatoon streets are icy this morning after heavy wet snow followed by freezing temperatures. Drivers and pedestrians are urged to use caution on the streets and sidewalks. Morning commuters may want to leave early.

City crews and sanders were out all night applying de-icing materials on Circle Drive, freeways and high traffic intersections.

18 sanders will be spreading de-icing materials today, focusing on the highest traffic streets, bridge decks and intersections.  Please watch for their blue and amber flashing lights and leave room for road equipment to do their work.  

Learn about winter road maintenance at saskatoon.ca/snow.   

Saskatoon City Council last night concluded its budget review and discussions to approve the 2022/2023 Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget. The City thanks all residents, organizations and business owners in Saskatoon who wrote in or spoke to City Council this week or in the weeks leading up to budget review.

Council approved property tax increases of 3.86% and 3.53% for 2022 and 2023, 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 $6.17 per month or $74.04 per year in 2022, and $5.87 per month or $70.43 per year in 2023. 

“This was one of the toughest budgets we have faced given the pressures of COVID and some of the issues we need to tackle to ensure the well-being of our residents today and into the future," said Mayor Clark. "This budget keeps our tax rate lower than the average over the last ten years while making key investments to support our recovery and ensure we will be a competitive and resilient city in a changing world. We are proud to still have one of the most competitive commercial property tax levies as reinforced by C.D. Howe last year.”

Notable Capital Investments Include: 

• $33.9 million in 2022 and $24.7 million in 2023 for upgrades and maintenance to the Wastewater Treatment Plant. 
• $41.2 million in 2022 and $52.0 million in 2023 for upgrades and maintenance to the Water Treatment Plant. 
• $32.0 million in 2022 and $33.0 million in 2023 for paved roadway and sidewalk preservation. 
• $10.5 million in 2022 and $46.3 million in 2023 for the implementation of a Bus Rapid Transit system (contingent on ICIP Government Funding). 
• $2.64 million in 2022 for Transit and Access Transit Bus Replacement. 

Other operating and capital investment decisions over 2022 and 2023 support our growing and increasingly diverse city and include such items as:   

• new transit service to North Kensington and Aspen Ridge,  
• continued maintenance of roadways and pathways including snow grading on freeways and priority streets, 
• the maintenance of the City’s growing network of parks and open green spaces including pathways, and berms, 
• public engagement enhancement,  
• Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion programs and initiatives – including the Office of the Representative of the Matriarchs and IWG2S Women’s Centre,   
• graffiti management,  
• an increase to the urban forestry and pest management capital reserve,  
• climate adaptation and green infrastructure advancement, and 
• recreation and sport facilities grants. 

“City Council adjusted and debated to arrive at a budget that continues to support the key civic services citizens expect, and balances addressing strategic priorities for the City,” says Jeff Jorgenson, City Manager.

“The Administration will now work hard to execute the direction of City Council and deliver the quality services and programs to the public we proudly serve,” Jorgenson adds. “There are ambitious cost-saving and service improvement expectations included in this budget, and we will do everything in our power to meet or exceed those expectations as our community recovers from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This multi-year budget takes us forward having set a new standard for transparency.”

Weighing decisions against the vision of the 2022-2025 Strategic Plan, the finalized 2022 and 2023 budgets support continued financial recovery for the City, promote growth for the community, and maintain quality of life and the needed momentum to keep the City moving forward sustainably.

Investing in Public Safety and Protection

City Council approved the Saskatoon Police Service budget which included resources to address the growth of the City and increase in calls for service with the addition of eight new Patrol Constables in 2022 and four Patrol Constables in 2023.

In addition, six positions were approved for 2022 to address items such as Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy requests (FOIP), technological crimes, Audio Video (AV) disclosures, investigations and major crimes were also included in the approved budget. The 2023 budget also includes four additional positions to address FOIP, AV disclosures, and investigations.

For the Saskatoon Fire Department, City Council invested $2.3 million in Next Generation 9-1-1 technology to enhance its Communications Centre. Council made further investments to replace major apparatus within the fleet, equipment, small vehicles, and uniform purchases, with $4.4 million over 2022 and 2023. Additional positions for firefighters were approved to support better response times for Saskatoon’s growing neighbourhoods, and for Fire Bylaw Inspectors as a proactive approach to property maintenance inspections. 

COVID-19 IMPACT

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic generates a high degree of uncertainty for fiscal planning. The City is estimating that the COVID-19 impact will be $13.85 million in 2022 and $10.02 million in 2023. These impacts are offset by one-time reallocated funding and do not affect the approved municipal property tax increases. 

Utility fees in 2022 and 2023 for water and wastewater usage include an overall average increase of 2.5% and 3.4% respectively, resulting in an additional $3.25 per month in 2022 and $4.63 per month in 2023 for the average homeowner.

Indoor Leisure Centre admission rates will increase by 2% in 2022 and 2023.  As an example, adult General Admission will increase from $9.80 to $10.00 in 2022 and $10.25 in 2023. The adult Monthly LeisureCard will increase from $50.00 to $51.00 in 2022 and $52.00 in 2023. 

In 2022, City Council will have the flexibility to make any necessary budgetary corrections for events or circumstances requiring funding or resource adjustments.

The City’s second Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget for 2022 and 2023 supports the City’s 2022-2025 Strategic Plan’s vision, and investments in the priorities and services that matter most to citizens, ensuring Saskatoon continues to be a great place to live, work, learn and play.

The finalized 2022/2023 Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget document will be made available on saskatoon.ca/budget as soon as it is available.

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

NEW

AVE C N SB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 47TH ST W TO 46TH ST W
(Catch basin lead repair)
Start: December 3, 7:00 a.m. End: December 3, 5:00 p.m.

ONGOING

CIRCLE DR S WB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM LORNE AVE TO DIEFENBAKER PARK RD
(Construction)
Start: November 29, 7:00 a.m. End: December 3, 5:00 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

22ND ST E WB LANES CLOSED FROM 5TH AVE N TO 4TH AVE N
(Crane lift)
Start: December 2, 6:00 a.m. End: December 2, 6:00 p.m.

RUTH ST E ROAD CLOSED FROM VICTORIA AVE TO EASTLAKE AVE
(Connection replacements)
Start: December 2, 7:00 a.m. End: December 2, 6:00 p.m.

ONGOING

CIRCLE DR S WB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM LORNE AVE TO DIEFENBAKER PARK RD
(Construction)
Start: November 29, 7:00 a.m. End: December 3, 5:00 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.