Saskatoon Minute: Issue 66

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

📅 This Week In Saskatoon: 📅

• Council has given initial approval to changes that would tighten rules for buying and selling bear spray. The changes were requested by Police Chief Cameron McBride, who says misuse of wildlife control products has become a serious safety concern in public spaces. If passed, the bylaw would require buyers and sellers to be at least 18 years old and show two pieces of ID. Shops would also need to store bear spray securely and out of sight. A City report shows bear spray incidents in Saskatoon nearly doubled between 2021 and 2024, with youth crimes involving bear spray rising by more than 500%. Final approval is set for July 30th. If approved, police and City staff will provide retailers with information about the new requirements.
  
  
• Saskatoon will soon move ahead with a new City-owned organics processing facility thanks to up to $8.4 million in federal funding through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund. The facility will handle materials collected through the city-wide green cart program, which has already diverted more than 40,000 tonnes of organic waste since its 2023 launch. The project will replace the current compost depot drop-off, offering a permanent solution for local households. City officials say a municipally owned site will keep costs lower over time while maintaining service levels. Construction is expected to start this summer, with operations beginning late next year. Mayor Cynthia Block says the project is a win for the community and the environment.
  
  
• The City is looking to crack down on costly damage to City infrastructure caused by vehicles. A proposed traffic bylaw amendment would allow the City to fine drivers and companies directly, instead of relying on slow and expensive civil lawsuits. City reports show only about 50% of repair costs are recovered through litigation, even though bridge hits alone have cost between $30,000 and $650,000 per incident. Saskatoon Light and Power faced similar losses, collecting just over half of its repair costs since 2023. The new fines could reach $10,000 for individuals and $25,000 for corporations. Permits may also be revoked for repeat offenders. The Saskatchewan Trucking Association says accountability is needed but suggests an appeal system to protect drivers from unfair penalties. The City hopes the tougher measures will push companies to plan routes more carefully and reduce damage to public assets.
  
  
• The Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce says local businesses are paying the price for rising crime and vandalism. In a letter to City Council, the Chamber revealed that 58% of businesses have seen insurance premiums go up in the last year, while 85% face higher security costs. Many owners report weekly incidents with vulnerable people, and some don’t claim damages for fear of bigger insurance bills or weak police response. The Chamber says this hurts job growth and expansion plans and wants Saskatoon to follow cities like Regina and provinces like BC by offering grants to help cover costs tied to crime near shelters and vulnerable populations. They say the City’s efforts to address homelessness are important, but more direct support is needed to keep small businesses strong and competitive while they shoulder these extra costs.
  
  
• Saskatoon will host the 2026 Canadian Country Music Awards. The City secured the event with a $500,000 bid made earlier this year. Ahead of the awards, Saskatoon will also host Canadian Country Music Week, featuring programming to highlight local businesses and showcase ten local venues. This will be the third time Saskatoon has hosted the awards, the last being in 2017. Since then, the city has grown significantly, and officials are eager to demonstrate Saskatoon’s development and unique qualities to a national audience. The exact dates for the event and music week have yet to be announced.
  
  
• Ground has officially been broken on Saskatoon’s new City Centre School. The school will replace the aging King George School and serve up to 400 students from pre-Kindergarten to Grade 8 in the King George, Pleasant Hill, and Riversdale neighbourhoods. Local leaders and community partners marked the milestone, celebrating what they call a long-awaited and much-needed investment for core area families. The facility will also include 74 childcare spaces to better serve working parents. The former Princess Alexandra School site was chosen after wide consultation with families, staff and community members. Doors are expected to open by fall 2027.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨