Saskatoon Minute: Flair Flight, Homelessness Funding, and Transit Plan Concerns

Saskatoon Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Saskatoon politics

This Week In Saskatoon:

• The provincial election is today! Polls are open from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. If you haven’t already voted in last week’s advance polling, today is your last chance. You can find out where to vote using Elections Saskatchewan’s online tool.
  
  
• Saskatoon Transit is reminding people that they are offering a special pass for free transit to get to the polls today, and again on civic election day (November 13th). Voters can obtain the pass by downloading it, taking a picture of it, or printing it, with hard copies also available at various City locations. To use the free service, individuals must show the pass to the operator upon boarding, either printed or on a mobile device. Those without a pass will need to pay the regular fare.
  
  
• Federal Housing Minister Sean Fraser says he plans to directly engage with the City of Saskatoon to address homelessness, citing a lack of response from the provincial government regarding a federal funding offer last month. Fraser says the situation has become urgent as winter is approaching, and that municipalities must act swiftly to protect vulnerable lives. Saskatoon's homeless population nearly doubled this year.

Last Week In Saskatoon:

• Saskatoon Public Library workers, represented by CUPE 2669, rejected a tentative agreement due to unresolved concerns about health and safety and wage increases. The union highlighted a lack of measures to ensure that no employee works alone, especially in light of a rise in violent incidents within libraries. The workers have been without a contract since June 2023, and a survey revealed that half of Saskatchewan municipal library employees reported experiencing violence on the job.
  
  
• The proposed Bus Rapid Transit plan in Saskatoon has sparked debate among civic election candidates, particularly concerning the potential redevelopment of Confederation Mall into a densely populated area. City officials clarified that the plans are informational and do not imply any immediate redevelopment intentions, leaving decisions about land use to property owners. Critics questioned the need for extensive planning if the City does not intend to pursue these changes, arguing that such actions disregard the existing businesses and community needs on the west side of Saskatoon.
  
  
• Flair Airlines announced that it will cease operations to and from Saskatoon, with the final flight on the Saskatoon-Toronto route scheduled for November 25th. The decision is part of the airline's strategy to focus on more profitable routes. The Saskatoon Airport expressed disappointment over the airline's withdrawal and said they are actively discussing Flair's return.