Saskatoon Minute: Issue 83

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

📅 This Week In Saskatoon: 📅

• There will be a City Council meeting on Wednesday at 9:30 am. Council is set to revisit a private operating partnership for the Downtown Event and Entertainment District (DEED) with US-based OVG360, resuming discussions after a six-month pause. Under the revised agreement, OVG360 would contribute $15 million upfront and manage the arena and convention centre, receiving a modified incentive fee structure that ties its profits to event performance while assuming full responsibility for any annual operating losses. Year-one profits are projected to exceed $6 million, with a total forecasted operating revenue of $235 million over a potential 30-year term. The DEED project, estimated at $1.22 billion, is seen as a major city-building initiative, with two-thirds of funding expected from provincial and federal sources and about one-third from the City. City officials emphasized that moving forward is critical to prevent Saskatoon from becoming a “flyover city”.
  
  
• Saskatoon’s transit fares, frozen since 2016, are set to be reviewed during the City’s November budget deliberations. The review comes amid low fares, moderate ridership, low operating costs, and high City subsidization, which currently covers about 70% of bus operations. The City is seeking public input through an online survey and focus groups, exploring options such as fare restructuring and fare capping, which would limit costs for frequent riders. Past proposals for fare increases, including 5-10% adjustments in 2023, were not implemented, and children’s fares were eliminated that year. Stakeholders have expressed concern that decisions should go beyond cost considerations to avoid revenue losses and fare evasion. A report notes that current subsidies aren’t targeted to riders’ ability to pay and highlights the development of the Link Bus Rapid Transit system, projected to start in 2028, as a factor in the review.
  
  
• The Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) is facing a $2.9 million shortfall in its $130-million 2025 budget, largely due to an arbitration settlement and higher-than-expected overtime and WCB costs. SPS plans to use its stabilization reserve and seek savings to close the gap, with a potential $100,000 surplus projected. Demand for police services is rising, with calls increasing 24% since 2020, and special constables handling over 900 calls daily. To address growth and service needs, the proposed 2026 and 2027 budgets would increase SPS funding to $142.2 million and $149.9 million, respectively, adding 20.37 new full-time positions in 2026 and 29 in 2027, reaching nearly 830 total staff. Additional staffing focuses on call response, central records, and court preparation. Chief Cam McBride emphasized that the service must grow to maintain equitable workloads and provide adequate support for staff. The budget proposal will be reviewed by Council during November deliberations.
  
  
• Homeless encampments continue to reappear across Saskatoon despite frequent cleanups by City crews, according to new data from the Saskatoon Fire Department. More than 1,200 encampments have been logged so far in 2025. Fire Marshal Ryan Bradley said tents often return within days of removal, creating ongoing safety and sanitation challenges. Mayor Cynthia Block said the City responds to encampments on a case-by-case basis, primarily when complaints are received. The City is working with the provincial government to identify alternatives for unhoused residents, including shelter and warming spaces. Council will soon discuss acquiring a property on Avenue C South for a new winter warming site.
  
  
• Saskatoon Public Schools has opened a new production kitchen at Lakeview Church, capable of preparing up to 1,000 nutritious meals daily for students across five schools. The program, supported by the Nutrien Food4Thought Nutrition Program, aims to ensure students have access to hot, healthy meals, improving both learning and well-being. School officials say meeting students’ basic nutritional needs boosts engagement, behaviour, and academic performance. The program hopes to expand to 10 schools over the next two years, further addressing food insecurity among students.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

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