Saskatoon Minute: Mayoral Reflections, Walking Soccer, and Happy New Year

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

This Week In Saskatoon:

• There are no Council or Committee meetings this week. Regularly scheduled meetings will resume in the new year.
  
  
• Tuesday is New Year’s Eve! Saskatoon Transit will offer free bus service on New Year’s Eve to promote safe transportation options. The service runs from 7:00 pm on December 31st to 3:00 am on January 1st, with slightly varying times by route. Access Transit customers can also reserve free rides until 2:30 am.
  
  
• As we ring in the New Year, we’re reflecting on the work we’ve accomplished and the challenges ahead. To kick off 2025 strong, we’ve set a goal to raise $10,000 by midnight on December 31st. This crucial fundraiser will ensure we can continue our mission in the coming year. If you’ve valued our efforts and want to see us achieve even more, please consider making a donation today. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference, and we’re incredibly thankful for your support. Click here to donate and help us start the year on the right foot. Thank you and Happy New Year!

Last Week In Saskatoon:

• Mayor Cynthia Block said she has made addressing homelessness her top priority. She says the city has unique challenges, including cold winters and the fact that 90% of those affected are Indigenous, requiring solutions that address racism, colonialism, and reconciliation. Block proposed a Mayor's Task Force on homelessness during her campaign, but is now advocating for a more inclusive approach involving Council, other governments, Indigenous leaders, and organizations helping those in need. Additionally, she suggested that the Downtown Event and Entertainment District project won’t see a lot of movement in the new year and said that Council failed to drive the point home about the need for a new event centre.
  
  
• Saskatoon’s walking soccer program has been offering a low-impact way for seniors and people with mobility challenges to enjoy soccer at a slower pace. The drop-in sessions, held at the Saskatoon Sports Centre, attract retired players and some younger participants who enjoy the sport’s competitive spirit despite the slower speed. The game features modified rules, such as keeping the ball below shoulder height and passing directly to teammates' feet. The program, which has been running for four years, aims to eventually develop into a structured league. With growing interest across Canada, the Canadian Walking Soccer Association hopes to organize a national tournament in the near future.
  
  
• Local retailers noted a decline in foot traffic and suggested that Boxing Week shopping in Saskatoon appears to be losing its excitement. Businesses said they are seeing less of a boost from holiday sales, with owners hoping for increased traffic in the New Year. Some shoppers expressed a growing awareness of consumerism and its impact, feeling that the true spirit of Christmas had been overshadowed by constant sales. Is that what it is? Or do you think that Black Friday has taken over?