A Message from Councillor Senos Timon
YOUR VOICE AT CITY HALL: LOOKING AHEAD WITH HOPE AND OPTIMISM
Dear Neighbours,
As your Councillor, I have the privilege of hearing directly from you, your hopes, concerns, and vision for our city. Every conversation, whether across a meeting table, over the phone, in coffee shops, or in passing on the sidewalk, shapes how I see our community and guides the work we do together.
Some moments are filled with pride and optimism, others with worry or frustration. But through both the highs and the lows, one thing is always clear: the care you have for this community.
I can’t promise to solve every challenge overnight; no one can. But I can promise to keep listening, keep learning, and carry your voice into every room where decisions are made. We may not always agree on every step, but we can agree on this: we want a city where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued.
We may see some issues differently, but we share the same city and the same hope for its future. And it is that shared hope that keeps us moving forward, together.
Thank you for trusting me to represent you. Let’s keep moving forward with hope and purpose.
Councillor Senos Timon
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE HIGHLIGHTS
Saskatoon Homelessness Action Plan – City’s Role
The City of Saskatoon is partnering with the Saskatoon Tribal Council, Métis-Nation Saskatchewan, and the Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership to finalize the community-led Saskatoon Homelessness Action Plan (SHAP).
The City will lead specific actions within its jurisdiction, while supporting partner-led initiatives. Key proposed City-led actions include:
- Allocating land for affordable housing and reducing municipal barriers.
- Investigating transitional and supportive housing opportunities.
- Advocating for sustained operational funding and the return of vacant units to the market.
- Developing a strategic framework for City-owned land use for housing.
- Conducting a feasibility study for a Community Navigation Centre.
- Establishing a community land trust and exploring inclusionary zoning amendments.
- Creating incentives for conversion, repair, and renovation of affordable units.
- Enhancing housing data collection and provider support.
The finalized SHAP, including performance measures and monitoring, is expected in September 2025 for City Council endorsement. Read more:
Have Your Say: Circle Drive Functional Plan
The City is beginning the first round of public engagement for the Circle Drive Functional Plan (Laurier Drive to Idylwyld Drive). This project will explore opportunities and challenges to improve safety and capacity along this section of Circle Drive and will build on previous studies from Clancy Drive to Laurier Drive.
Survey Open Until: August 29, 2025
Purpose: To understand how residents use Circle Drive, identify concerns, and set priorities for the corridor. Input will help shape the long-term functional plan.
Next Step: An open house will be held in fall 2025 to share initial options.
This section of Circle Drive is part of the City’s Transportation Master Plan priorities, including the Laurier Drive–Airport Drive corridor and the Circle Drive–Idylwyld Drive interchange.
City-Owned Land – Affordable Housing Incentives
The City of Saskatoon is advancing two affordable housing projects on City-owned properties to add 85 new affordable rental units:
- 25 – 25th Street East: In partnership with Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, development will include 60 supportive housing units and a community space for warming, cooling, and community activities.
- 2401 Broadway Avenue: Development of 25 affordable rental units by a new project proponent after the original applicant withdrew.
Incentives & Funding:
- Five-year incremental tax abatements totaling an estimated $674,500 (Municipal and Library) for both projects.
- Funding support includes $3.4M from the Unsheltered Homelessness and Encampments Initiative (UHEI) and Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) grants.
These projects support the City’s Housing Action Plan and aim to increase affordable housing supply, provide critical supportive services, and address homelessness in Saskatoon. Read more
College Drive Link – Pedestrian Overpass Decision
City Council has approved the removal of the pedestrian overpass on College Drive between Cumberland Avenue and Campus Drive/Field House Road. It will be replaced with an accessible, signalized at-grade crossing at the same location.
This option was chosen because it:
- Meets current and future accessibility standards.
- Improves multi-modal safety and winter accessibility.
- It is the most cost-effective solution at $0.5M, compared to $0.9M–$3.2M for other options.
As part of the Link Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) plan, the crosswalk at Bottomley Avenue will also be removed to improve traffic flow. Construction along College Drive is expected to begin in 2026, with the Link system launching in 2028. The project includes:
- Dedicated centre-running transit lanes.
- Shared-use pathways.
- Reduced speed limits between Cumberland and Preston Avenues.
- New median layouts and Link platform stations along College Drive.
Public engagement and stakeholder information sessions for the 1st Avenue corridor will take place later in 2025. Read more
BLAIRMORE PRIMARY WATER MAIN PROJECT
Work is underway on 18th Street West from Montreal Avenue South to Avenue Y South, the work started the week of July 14, 2025. Construction in front of W.P. Bate School is expected to be completed before the end of August, 2025.
The project will take approximately four weeks to complete, weather permitting and barring unforeseen circumstances. Work will be phased to minimize impacts to the neighbourhood.
For updates, email constructionupdates@saskatoon.ca (subject line: Blairmore Water Main), on the project notice, or call 306-975-2476.
INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS -ROAD RESURFACING IN WARD 2
This summer, significant road resurfacing work is taking place across Ward 2 as part of the City’s ongoing renewal program. These improvements are designed to extend the lifespan of our roads, improve safety for all users, and enhance the overall quality of our neighbourhoods streets.
Current and upcoming projects include:
- Milling and paving to improve road surfaces and drainage
- Upgrades to curbs, gutters, and catch basins where needed
- Accessibility improvements at intersections
- Lane painting and traffic marking renewal
What this means for residents:
- Temporary lane restrictions or detours may be in place during construction
- Reduced speed limits in work zones for the safety of workers and drivers
- Access to homes and businesses will be maintained, though short delays may occur
Thank you for your patience as this important work is completed. Your cooperation helps ensure that these upgrades are delivered efficiently and safely.
Cahill Park Flood Control Project
On June 25, 2025, City Council approved the City’s seventh Flood Control Strategy project. In 2026, new storm water infrastructure will be installed near 21st Street West and Avenue W South, connecting to a new dry storm pond in Cahill Park. This pond will temporarily hold storm water during heavy rain, helping prevent street and property flooding before draining into the South Saskatchewan River.
Proposed Timeline:
- Excavation & landscaping in Cahill Park: Feb – Oct 2026
- Storm sewer installation: May – Oct 2026
- Park landscaping re-established: Oct 2026 – Fall 2027
The project is estimated at $4.4M, with 60% funded by the City and 40% by the Government of Canada’s Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund.
An open house will be held in Fall 2025, and a video presentation will be shared later this summer. Read more
SEAN FEUCHT EVENT – STATEMENT & UPDATE
Over the past week, I’ve heard from many of you, residents, parents, and community leaders, about the upcoming Sean Feucht performance at Diefenbaker Park. You’ve spoken with passion, frustration, and fear, and I want you to know: I hear you. Your voices matter. Your safety matters. Your dignity matters.
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects freedom of expression, meaning events can proceed unless there are clear legal or safety grounds to stop them. Protecting that right does not mean endorsing every message presented in our public spaces. I do not support rhetoric that fuels division, targets marginalized people, or undermines human dignity. This includes members of 2SLGBTQ+ communities, women, racial justice advocates, people of all faiths, and anyone working toward equity and human rights. Those are not the values of the Saskatoon I know, or the one we are building together.
Saskatoon is home to Indigenous peoples, newcomers, queer and trans residents, faith-based communities, and families from every background. Our diversity is not a challenge, it is our strength, our advantage, and our shared pride.
City Administration is reviewing what tools and steps we can take to ensure our public spaces remain safe, inclusive, and respectful of human rights for all. This includes examining permitting processes, coordinating with Saskatoon Police Service, and strengthening policies that reflect our values of compassion, equity, and respect.
As a member of Council, I am also working to understand the legal tools and risks involved if Council were to revoke the permit. Members of the public can address Council or a Committee through the standard request-to-speak process. At this time, no public speakers have registered for next week’s Governance and Priorities Committee meeting on this matter.
To those feeling unseen or unsafe: I stand with you. I will continue working with my Council colleagues and City Administration to explore all tools available, building a city where everyone belongs, and where respect, unity, and care guide how we share our public spaces.
Read the Administration Statement
UPCOMING MEETINGS:
All City Council Meetings Are Open to the Public
You are welcome to attend in person at City Hall or watch virtually.
- Governance and Priorities Committee (GPC): Wednesday, August 13, 2025 – 9:30 AM
- City Council Regular Business: Wednesday, August 27, 2025 – 9:30 AM
- Board of Police Commissioners: Thursday, August 21, 2025 – 1:00 PM
You can watch live and view meeting agendas anytime on the City’s website.
I encourage residents to tune in, stay engaged, and share your feedback.
If you wish to speak at a Council or Committee meeting, please submit a Request to Speak form on the City website.
Thank you for staying engaged as we work to build a stronger, safer, and more sustainable city together. As always, please reach out if you have questions or feedback, I value your input.
Kind regards,
In service,
Councillor Senos Timon
Ward 2, Saskatoon City Council