Saskatoon Minute: Issue 69

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

📅 This Week In Saskatoon: 📅

• At the last Governance and Priorities Committee meeting, discussion focused on several pressing issues including crime, homelessness, and the removal of benches in the downtown core to discourage gatherings by homeless individuals. The City Manager expressed hope that a location for a new 60-bed permanent shelter will be announced soon, following ongoing efforts since provincial funding was secured in 2023. The Downtown Business Improvement District thanked the City for addressing some safety concerns, like removing a concrete planter and benches, but urged further action on other downtown hotspots. Councillors debated the link between homelessness and crime, with some emphasizing the influence of criminal elements exploiting vulnerable populations.
  
  
• Saskatoon is intensifying efforts to educate residents on proper recycling depot use to curb contamination and illegal dumping. The City asks that cardboard be flattened, containers rinsed and left uncapped, and shredded paper tied in clear bags, while strictly prohibiting items like food-soiled paper, plastic bags, and Styrofoam. Complaints about depot misuse have led to regular inspections and cleanup operations by City staff, yet contamination rates persist at about 20%, largely due to residents mistakenly recycling prohibited materials. To assist, the City is promoting tools like the Waste Wizard app, which helps identify acceptable recyclables and reminding residents that improper dumping can result in fines ranging from $100 to $2,000. Looking ahead, SaskRecycles will assume responsibility for Saskatoon’s recycling program in 2028, with goals to lower contamination and enhance the quality and value of recycled materials.
  
  
• At the last Saskatoon Police Service Community Engagement Unit meeting, Sgt. Darrin Harvey addressed public concerns about rising shoplifting and petty theft. He acknowledged the frustration felt by residents, emphasizing that these crimes harm both businesses and the wider community. Harvey explained that many offenders face challenges like poverty, trauma, and addiction, but stressed the importance of accountability, which he believes has weakened due to social and systemic pressures. He highlighted the negative effects on small businesses, including higher costs, closures, and job losses, as well as the impact on employees and customers. Harvey also noted the strain on police resources, which affects their ability to respond promptly, and called for more officers to improve prevention and response. He encouraged residents to report concerns to law enforcement and elected officials to push for stronger policies. 
  
  
• Speaking of law enforcement, Saskatoon Police Chief Cameron McBride reported a recent decline in criminal incidents involving bear spray, even before a new City bylaw targeting its misuse takes effect. The bylaw introduces age restrictions, ID requirements, and better tracking through serial numbers on canisters. Police have also increased efforts to monitor and hold accountable those using bear spray unlawfully, including strict follow-ups after court releases. Data shows a significant drop in incidents during June, with one week reporting no bear spray-related crimes. However, police caution that the numbers may be an anomaly rather than a permanent trend. Chief McBride expressed concern over some local stores selling bear spray, especially in vulnerable neighbourhoods, and emphasized enforcing the new regulations. Despite these efforts, bear spray remains accessible online, which poses ongoing challenges for law enforcement.
  
  
• Saskatoon’s no-barrier Wellness Bus, initially launched in April 2025 to support vulnerable residents with health, addiction, and mental health services, has shifted its focus to assist wildfire evacuees. Parked near hotels housing displaced individuals, the bus offers primary care, vaccinations, wound care, reproductive services, and more. Since the fires escalated, the bus has seen nearly 320 visits from evacuees who otherwise may have overwhelmed local emergency departments. Operated by Saskatchewan Health Authority staff, the mobile clinic is equipped with accessible features and staffed by nurses and coordinators. While some local residents are disappointed by the bus’s temporary relocation, officials emphasize the importance of flexibility in responding to urgent needs. The Wellness Bus team plans to resume broader community access soon and welcomes public feedback to determine future stops and services. Wildfires across the province have caused widespread displacement, with over 300 homes lost and thousands affected.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

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