Saskatoon Minute: Issue 63

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

📅 This Week In Saskatoon: 📅

• The Governance and Priorities Committee will meet Wednesday at 9:30 am, where they will receive a report projecting property tax increases of 9.9% in 2026 and 7.34% in 2027, driven by inflation, population growth, and previous Council commitments. Cost pressures include phase-ins for new fire halls, a leisure centre, and the Link Bus Rapid Transit system. Inflation alone is expected to add $14.2 million in 2026 and $15.9 million in 2027. Civic revenue is projected to grow just 3.5% to 4%, well below spending needs. The Saskatoon Police Service is forecasting a 10.42% increase in 2026 and 6.41% in 2027. In response, Council directed Administration to find savings equal to a 1% property tax cut (ie: reducing the tax increase from 9.9% to 8.9% - not an actual tax cut!) in both years, with options to reduce by 2% or 3% to be presented at November’s budget meeting. Administration has warned that further cuts could impact service levels.
  
  
• The Committee will also receive an update on Saskatoon's ongoing exploration of a National Urban Park designation, led by the Meewasin Valley Authority in partnership with Parks Canada and regional stakeholders. The project recently entered the planning phase, with a Conceptual Capital and Operating Plan now in development. This next stage will refine governance, boundaries, and investment priorities while preparing for public and Indigenous engagement over the summer. The proposed park would cover 6,700 hectares within the Meewasin Valley and focus on nature conservation, community access, and reconciliation. If designated in 2026, the park would not be federally administered but operated locally under Meewasin's existing governance model. The City has received over $220,000 in federal funding for its contributions to the project to date and expects to receive another $215,000 by March 2026. Additional updates and any required approvals will be brought back to the Committee as the work progresses.
  
  
• Also on the agenda is an update on the City's expanding role in responding to homelessness. With the 2024 Point-in-Time Count identifying nearly 1,500 people experiencing homelessness, including 315 children, the City is facing increased operational pressures and unbudgeted costs. Departments are coordinating both strategic initiatives and emergency responses, from encampment cleanups to winter warming centres. A key example is the estimated $600,000 spent in 2024 on encampment responses, which has stretched resources in Fire, Parks, and Roadways. While homelessness remains a provincial and federal responsibility, the City continues to fund housing incentives, operate support programs, and participate in the development of a new Homelessness Action Plan. Administration is now developing a 2026-2027 budget option to address growing demands and is working to establish a consistent cost-tracking system across departments.
  
  
• Speaking of homelessness, Lisa Broda, Saskatchewan’s Advocate for Children and Youth, is calling for immediate provincial action after a new report revealed a sharp rise in child homelessness in Saskatoon. The 2024 point-in-time count found 1,499 people without permanent shelter, including 315 children under 12 and 175 aged 13 to 24. This marks a more than 1,100% increase in homeless children since 2022. Broda called the numbers unacceptable in a province with strong economic performance and said children’s rights to safety and adequate housing are being denied. She urged the Province to assess how recent policy decisions have affected families’ ability to meet basic needs. Her office plans to push for child rights impact assessments for future policy changes. Social Services Minister Terry Jenson responded by highlighting ongoing work with the Saskatoon Tribal Council and a planned initiative focused on vulnerable youth.
  
  
• Amid rising violence on Saskatoon buses, the transit union is calling for the creation of a transit police force to protect staff and riders. Despite a drop in assaults on bus drivers, violent incidents between passengers - often involving bear spray - remain high. The City’s Fire Community Support Program has been providing non-violent support, but City Councillors unanimously passed a motion to explore stronger enforcement options, including peace officers or police. Saskatoon Police Chief Cam McBride acknowledged the rise in incidents and emphasized the need for sustainable, appropriate responses, such as bylaws or specialized teams. However, with 87 buses on 42 routes during peak times, full-time enforcement on every bus isn’t seen as feasible. A report outlining options, including legislative changes and pilot projects, is expected later this year. City officials and police are now collaborating to determine the next steps needed to ensure transit safety.

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