Saskatoon Mayor Cynthia Block expresses satisfaction with the city’s budget, despite the notable increase in property taxes. During the fourth day of budget discussions, the City Council decided to include the hiring of nine dedicated transit police officers, contributing to the rise in property tax rates. The approved increments stand at 6.7 percent for the upcoming year and 5.81 percent for 2027, marking the highest two-year surge in over a decade since the 2014 peak of 7.43 percent and 2015’s 5.34 percent spike in property tax rates.
The 2014 escalation is recognized as the most substantial in Saskatoon’s history for city services. Mayor Block commended the collaborative effort in shaping the budget, acknowledging the diverse contributions that led to the current figures after 26.5 hours of budget deliberations. Despite the initial figures released in June, which indicated 9.9 percent and 7.34 percent increases, the finalized increments turned out to be lower.
Nonetheless, Councilors Bev Dubois and Robert Pearce dissented, citing excessive increases and insufficient cost-cutting measures. Council extended discussions into a fourth day, amending the property tax rates to 6.17 percent and 5.39 percent, and incorporating additional budget allocations such as the transit police unit, a zookeeper position, and affordable housing enhancements.
The augmented expenses resulted in a higher tax burden for homeowners, with a projected increase of $158.19 for the next year and an additional $146.45 in 2027 for a median assessed single-family home valued at $394,200. Council faced 108 options aimed at curbing tax hikes through expenditure reductions, service modifications, and revenue increments. However, only 45 measures received approval, with several dismissed without deliberation.
Notably, bus fares in Saskatoon will escalate for the first time in over a decade, alongside increased fees for indoor rinks, golf facilities, and pet licensing. Councilor Randy Donauer expressed dismay over the necessity of discussing police presence on buses due to escalating security concerns, emphasizing the gravity of addressing criminal activities onboard.
The introduction of transit police, encompassing nine officers and two vehicles, will be phased in over two years. The initiative positions Saskatoon as a potential pioneer among Canadian cities with populations under one million to adopt such a measure. Councilor Zach Jeffries advocated for a new zookeeper position to preserve animal care standards at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo, highlighting the institution’s reduced reliance on property taxes and improved revenue generation.
As the budget debates unfolded, issues of homelessness, social disorder, and fiscal pressures from higher government tiers emerged. The sessions coincided with the release of the city’s latest homeless census, identifying 1,931 individuals in need. Council backed a comprehensive report on all city expenditures and resources allocated toward addressing the homelessness crisis.