Saskatoon Minute: Issue 77

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

📅 This Week In Saskatoon: 📅

• Saskatoon’s mid-year financial report shows a mix of surpluses and deficits across the City’s operations. The snow and ice management program is projected to face a $3.5 million deficit due to early 2025 snow events, though $7.7 million in contingency reserves will offset this shortfall. The overall civic operating budget, however, is expected to see a net surplus of $4.8 million, with deficits in parking revenue and SaskEnergy franchise fees balanced by surpluses in fuel savings, transit operations, recreation and culture, and lower insurance premiums. City utilities are projected to generate an $11 million surplus, largely from water and wastewater, Saskatoon Light & Power, waste services, and stormwater management. Councillors noted that mid-year surpluses could help address infrastructure backlogs.
  
  
• Saskatoon Police Chief Cameron McBride reports a rising number of calls related to “social disorder,” which make up roughly 43% of all calls to the service. These calls often involve people in crisis, including those experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, or substance use issues. In 2024, police received nearly 160,000 calls, and this year that number is projected to reach 175,000. McBride highlighted challenges with prosecuting repeat offenders, as federal policies often prevent charges for minor possession or public drug use, limiting police intervention. Mayor Cynthia Block emphasized the need for a coordinated, multi-governmental approach, including Indigenous leadership, to ensure services are accessible for all residents. The Police Chief stressed that addressing social disorder requires complex, team-based interventions to improve stability and safety in the community.
  
  
• Speaking of police, the Saskatoon Police Service has launched the Intimate Partner Violence Response Team (IPVRT) to provide a more coordinated and compassionate response to domestic-related violence. The team, which pairs an SPS constable with a Family Service Saskatoon outreach worker, responds to calls involving intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and related harms, focusing on survivor support, prevention, and offender management. Unlike previous approaches, the IPVRT brings support directly to survivors, aiming to reach those at highest risk within 24 to 48 hours. The team also follows up throughout court proceedings and develops specialized training for SPS members to improve internal capacity. 
  
  
• Saskatoon officials recently cleared a large homeless encampment in the Pleasant Hill neighbourhood, displacing roughly 30 to 40 people. The encampment had formed near public washroom trailers and had become a hub for the city’s growing unhoused population. Residents expressed frustration at being repeatedly forced to move, calling for a dedicated space for people experiencing homelessness. City officials, including the Saskatoon Fire Department, cited safety concerns, noting recent assaults and risks from drug activity, human trafficking, and unpredictable behaviour within encampments. Fire crews, police, and outreach workers removed belongings. Homelessness in Saskatoon has risen sharply since the COVID-19 pandemic, with the city’s unhoused population nearly tripling between 2022 and 2024. The number of encampments has similarly grown, creating a significant strain on fire department resources and City services. Officials stress that without long-term solutions, these safety and public health issues will continue to escalate.
  
  
• Council is reviewing its public spaces policy following a controversial concert by Sean Feucht at Diefenbaker Park on August 21st, which drew about 1,000 attendees and 100 protestors. Mayor Cynthia Block highlighted concerns that some community members did not feel welcome, prompting a review to ensure City policies align with stated values, including commitments to reconciliation and inclusivity. The City faces limitations under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in restricting public space use, even for controversial events. Councillor Jasmin Parker requested an after-action report detailing city spending, public feedback, incidents, and legal guidance related to the permit approval process. Councillor Scott Ford raised questions about the potential legal and financial risks of cancelling permits. City Administration is expected to present both reports in the coming months, exploring updates to event policies, usage requirements, and public safety measures. 

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

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