Saskatoon Minute: Issue 90

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

📅 This Week In Saskatoon: 📅

• On Wednesday, at 9:30 am, there will be a City Council meeting. On the agenda is a pilot program allowing Horses and Hockey to operate a horse-drawn carriage on designated streets for the remainder of the 2025-26 winter season. Normally prohibited under the Traffic Bylaw, the General Manager can issue temporary permits under specific conditions, which will guide this pilot. The program will test routes, operations, and safety requirements while providing data for potential future licensing of similar services. After the pilot concludes in spring 2026, Administration will report findings and recommendations to the Standing Policy Committee on Transportation, including a review of processes for handling one-off requests. No additional permits will be issued until the pilot is complete, and Administration aims to finalize a broader framework for such requests by June 2026.
  
  
• Also at the meeting, Council will review two Notices of Motion, both brought forward by Councillor Zach Jeffries. The first directs Administration to report on potential approaches for expanding Corridor Growth land use and zoning policies to additional major streets outside the current Link network, considering existing development, transit service, and other factors that could support higher residential densities. The second motion asks Administration to examine the feasibility of relocating the Wildwood Golf Course to a new site, allowing the current location to be redeveloped.
  
  
• On Friday, at 11:30 am, there will be a Special Meeting of the Saskatoon Environmental Advisory Committee. Bird Friendly Saskatoon has submitted a funding proposal requesting $5,408.56 from remaining 2025 SEAC funds to install bird deterrent window decals on the north side of City Hall, a known hotspot for bird collisions due to reflective windows and nearby trees. The project includes two phases: a research and product comparison phase (December 2025 - February 2026) to identify suitable bird deterrent materials that meet city standards, and a demonstration installation in spring 2026, ahead of World Migratory Bird Week (May 9th - 15th).  The project aims to reduce bird collisions, evaluate the effectiveness of deterrent products for future municipal use, and provide educational and public engagement opportunities.
  
  
• Saskatoon is projecting a modest $1.4-million operating surplus for 2025, but the City warns the margin is slim and could disappear with a single major snowfall. A new financial forecast shows utilities performing strongly, with a projected $12.3-million surplus driven by lower rainfall, staff vacancies, and reduced chemical and fuel costs. Saskatoon Light & Power and waste services are also reporting favourable variances. However, the City faces a $3.5-million shortfall in snow and ice management, alongside deficits in parking revenue and franchise fees. The Saskatoon Police Service is forecasting a $2.6-million deficit. Administration recommends directing any surpluses into the fiscal stabilization reserve, which currently holds $17 million. Last winter’s heavy snow created a nearly $6.5-million overrun in the snow removal budget. Mayor Cynthia Block noted that while the City is close to budget, a major storm could quickly change the picture.
  
  
• The North Saskatoon Business Association (NSBA), a local organization that represents and advocates for businesses in the north part of Saskatoon, raised concerns that the tax increases are “unsustainable” and could signal tough times ahead for residents and businesses. NSBA’s executive director, Keith Moen, suggested the City could find savings through cuts and a more robust auditing process, including reducing middle-management positions. He also highlighted the potential for priority-based budgeting, collaboration with surrounding municipalities, and the use of artificial intelligence to streamline City operations and reduce labour costs. Despite acknowledging the importance of investment in police, Moen criticized the increase in staffing, noting the City approved 98.2 new full-time positions in 2026 and 95.3 in 2027. The Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce similarly expressed concern about staffing growth and called for a thorough review of City programs to identify potential savings.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

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