Saskatoon Minute: Tree Composting, Wandering Moose, and the Police Chief Reflects

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 next week.
  
  
• The City is offering free Christmas tree composting at the temporary depot located at the Material Recovery Centre. Residents can drop off their trees until January 31st. For operating hours, a list of accepted materials, and additional details, visit the City’s website.
  
  
• The City says that the 2025 Environmental Grant competition is now open for applications. Non-profit organizations can apply for funding to support initiatives aligned with Saskatoon’s strategic goal of Environmental Leadership. Eligible activities must address a demonstrated community need and relate to areas such as conserving natural resources, protecting water resources, enhancing the city’s green network, reducing waste, improving energy and water efficiency, promoting active transportation, or advancing environmental education and research. More information is available online.

Last Week In Saskatoon:

• A moose wandering Saskatoon’s west side was safely relocated by conservation officers. The animal was first spotted near the Real Canadian Superstore in Confederation Park before being immobilized in a front yard on Douglas Crescent. Conservation officers, assisted by police, transported the moose to a designated relocation area outside the city, where it was tagged and released. Inspector Chris Maier noted that moose often enter cities during quiet times but can become disoriented by traffic and people. Saskatoon’s abundance of green spaces and landscaped yards provide an appealing habitat, making such occurrences relatively common.
  
  
• Mayor Cynthia Block has identified homelessness as the city's most pressing issue for 2025, noting that the current number of unhoused individuals is unprecedented. A recent homeless count showed nearly 1,500 people without permanent housing, a significant increase from 2022's count. Block emphasized the need for proactive solutions and collaboration with residents, businesses, and the provincial government. She also highlighted the complexities of homelessness, including the challenges of providing separate warming spaces for men and women, and the importance of outreach programs. Mayor Block said she plans to work closely with the provincial government to ensure adequate resources are available, particularly for next winter.
  
  
• Police Chief Cam McBride, who took on the role in May 2024, said he has found the pace of work more demanding than expected, particularly in managing the community's expectations for police connections. With a $145 million budget and nearly 780 staff members, McBride said he faces the challenge of balancing operational efficiency with community engagement. As Saskatoon prepares to add 37 new officers in 2025, the department is evaluating space allocation options, including expanding or relocating police facilities. Crime and homelessness are key issues, and McBride emphasized the need for collaboration with other organizations, as police alone cannot resolve them.