Personal Message & Holiday Greetings
Dear Residents of Ward 2,
As the Holiday Season arrives, I want to sincerely thank you for your kindness, support, and strong sense of community throughout the year. This has been a season of both deep appreciation and profound sorrow for my family and me, as we continue to grieve the loss of our daughter in March. Your compassion and support have meant more to us than words can express.
And even through that grief, I continue to be inspired. Inspired by the resilience of the people of Ward 2. Inspired by neighbours who look out for one another, by volunteers who give their time, by families who push forward with hope and purpose. This community reminds me every day that progress is not something we achieve alone, we build it together.
It remains one of the greatest honours to serve as your City Councillor, and I look forward to continuing this work side by side in the year ahead.
From my family to yours, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a warm, peaceful, and meaningful holiday season. May the New Year bring comfort, healing, joy, and renewed hope to us all.
With appreciation,
Councillor Senos Timon
City Council 2025 in Review
Here are some of the key highlights from 2025 and what we were able to accomplish together as a community.
2026/2027 City Budget: Responsible, Balanced, and Forward-Looking
In November 2025, City Council approved the 2026–2027 Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget, focused on maintaining core services, strengthening public safety, and supporting affordability while continuing Saskatoon’s long-standing commitment to fiscal discipline.
Property Tax Impact
- 2026: 6.70% increase (down from a projected 7.52%)
- 2027: 5.81% increase (down from a projected 5.98%)
For a home with an average assessed value of $394,200, this translates to:
- 2026: $13.18 per month ($158.19 annually)
- 2027: $12.20 per month ($146.45 annually)
This budget reflects the Council’s commitment to responsible decision-making at a time when inflation continues to impact both households and City operations. When adjusted for inflation and population growth, Saskatoon’s 2026 operating spending per resident is approximately 10% lower than it was in 2015.
Key City Investments (2026–2027)
- Roadways & Transportation
- $84.4M in 2026 and $89.4M in 2027 to resurface roads, improve reliability, and maintain winter snow clearing standards.
- Facility Maintenance
- $18.17M in 2026 and $19.26M in 2027 — the largest investment ever in the City’s Facility Maintenance Program, protecting City-owned buildings and assets.
- Public Safety
- $600,000 in 2026 and $1.0M in 2027 to enhance police support focused on transit safety.
- Continued investment in police and fire services.
- Pilot project for Indigenous Peacekeepers in the city core.
Council reduced the preliminary budget by $4.92M in 2026 and $549,100 in 2027 to arrive at the final approved tax rates — a reflection of our commitment to responsibility, balance, and the people we serve.
City Growth & Financial Strength
Population Growth
- Saskatoon’s population grew from 275,202 in 2021 to 308,626 in 2024 — an increase of 33,424 residents, roughly the size of Moose Jaw.
- An additional 36,100 residents are expected between 2023 and 2027. (Source: COS Mapping Research Estimate)
AAA Credit Rating
- Standard & Poor’s reaffirmed Saskatoon’s AAA credit rating, highlighting strong and prudent financial management, manageable debt levels, and a high standard of accountability and transparency.
- Very few cities in Canada hold a Triple-A credit rating.
Transit Network, LINK & BRT Progress
Saskatoon Transit continues to provide safe, reliable, and accessible service, helping reduce congestion, lower emissions, and keep our city moving.
- 41 transit routes serving 1,517 bus stops across 276 km of roadway.
- Fleet of 138 low-floor buses, including diesel, electric, and articulated buses.
- 33 new LINK platforms were constructed in 2025.
- Broadway Avenue BRT preparatory work completed.
- Continued investment in fleet maintenance and service reliability.
2025 Transit Investments
- Maintenance Budget: $1.225M increase to improve preventative maintenance and reduce downtime.
- New Buses added to the fleet:
- 10 × 40-foot buses now in service
- 10 × 60-foot articulated buses (4 in service; remaining arriving in early 2026)
Together, these investments strengthen the backbone of Saskatoon Transit — creating a faster, cleaner, and more efficient system that reflects who we are and the future we’re building as a city.
Housing & Community Well-Being
Housing affordability remains a priority as the city continues to grow.
Affordable Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF)
- 220 new affordable units received permits in 2025 (up from 70 in 2024).
- An additional 758 affordable units anticipated by December 2026.
- As of November 2025, 290 units have already received building permits.
Fire Station No. 10
- Fire Station No. 10
- New station planned for Hunt Road in Dundonald Park.
- 5,877 sq. ft. facility.
- Construction begins in 2026, with opening targeted for 2027.
- Read More
Community Safety & Homelessness Supports
- Permanent Enhanced Emergency Shelter at 170 31st Street East (operated by The Mustard Seed).
- City contribution of $450,000 for infrastructure and sidewalk upgrades.
- Temporary shelter at 210 Pacific Avenue (operated by The Mustard Seed).
- Winter Warming Drop-In Centre at 325 Avenue C South.
- Temporary Women’s Warming Centre at the former bus depot on 23rd Avenue, operated by the Saskatoon Tribal Council.
Saskatoon Central Library
The new Saskatoon Central Library, located at 321 2nd Avenue North, is scheduled to open in summer 2027. The $134-million, four-story facility (approximately 124,860 sq. ft.) will serve as a major civic and cultural hub for Saskatoon.
Accessibility & Inclusion Plan
City Council approved Saskatoon’s first Multi-Year Accessibility Plan, aligned with the Accessible Saskatchewan Act, to guide the removal and prevention of barriers and strengthen inclusion and accessibility for all residents. Read More
Clean Energy: Dundonald Avenue Solar Farm
The Dundonald Avenue Solar Farm is Saskatoon Light & Power’s first and largest utility-scale solar project, generating clean energy for approximately 435 homes and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, made possible with funding support from the Government of Canada and the Province of Saskatchewan.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we move into 2026, Council will continue focusing on investments that support a growing, inclusive, and sustainable city.
Key Priorities for the Year Ahead
- Continued delivery of transit safety improvements, including four dedicated Transit Police officers.
- Piloting of the Indigenous Peacekeepers
- Advanced approved affordable housing projects
- Progress on major infrastructure projects and road renewal
- Implementation of the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
- Ongoing progress toward the opening of the new Saskatoon Central Library
- Community safety and Homeless initiatives
Thank You, Ward 2
Thank you to everyone who shared feedback, attended meetings, and engaged with City Council throughout the year. Your voices help shape a stronger, safer, and more inclusive Saskatoon.
I look forward to continuing this work with you in 2026.