Your Voice at City Hall – April 2026 Edition | Ward 2 Monthly Update

Senos Timon, City Councillor-Ward 2

April 2026 Edition | Ward 2 Monthly Update

Top Highlights

Parment New drop-in centre approved at 130 Idylwyld Drive North
Increased support and safety measures in place at Avenue 325 Ave C. S
BRT Update: First Avenue Link under further review; 41 stations already built across the city
Downtown Event & Entertainment District moving forward with a refreshed funding strategy
Construction season begins, plan your commute

Personal Message

Dear Residents,

Thank you for your continued engagement and commitment to our community. As we move into spring, City Council continues to address key issues including homelessness, affordable housing support, community and transit safety, infrastructure, and long-term city investments.

These are not simple challenges, but your feedback continues to shape how I advocate for Ward 2 at City Hall. I remain committed to finding balanced, practical solutions that reflect the needs of our community.

I encourage you to stay connected and continue sharing your perspectives, your voice truly matters.

Ward 2 News

Flood Mitigation & Infrastructure Improvements

Cahill Park Storm Pond Project

Location: 21st Street West (Avenue W South to Whitney Avenue South)
Start Date: Week of May 11, 2026
Timeline: Approximately 5 months (weather permitting)

This project will improve long-term drainage and significantly reduce flood risk in the area.

Project Highlights:

Installation of a new storm sewer system
Increased stormwater storage capacity (approx. 3,700 m³)
Improved flood mitigation infrastructure

Residents are encouraged to sign up for weekly updates: constructionupdates@saskatoon.ca

Citywide Infrastructure Work

Infrastructure upgrades are underway across Ward 2 and throughout the city. While this work is essential, it may cause temporary disruptions. Plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and expect detours.

Council & Committee Updates

Infrastructure Investments

Downtown Event & Entertainment District (DEED)

At the March 25, 2026, Council meeting, a decision was made not to proceed with the proposed Private Partner Agreement Framework with Oak View Group.

Instead, Administration has been directed to explore a revised funding strategy.

This decision reflects Council’s responsibility to ensure:

Strong financial oversight
Long-term sustainability
Greater flexibility in how major city infrastructure projects are delivered

Work on the project will continue, with a shared goal of supporting Saskatoon’s long-term economic and cultural development. Read more Read more

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) – First Avenue Link

On April 29, 2026, Council reviewed proposed changes to the First Avenue Link corridor concept plan. The motion was not approved as presented. Council has directed Administration to conduct further review and report back with broader operational considerations before determining next steps.

This includes:

Engagement with the Accessibility Advisory Committee to review the accessibility plan
Consideration of emergency access and operations
Review of snow removal and service impacts

In the meantime, construction is ongoing in other areas, including the College Drive corridor. 41 station platforms have already been completed across the city. Read more

National Urban Park Initiative

On March 25, 2026, at the Council Regular meeting, Council has taken steps to advance the National Urban Park initiative in collaboration with Meewasin Valley Authority and Parks Canada, including:

Endorsing the vision and governance framework
Supporting the proposed provisional boundaries (pending further engagement)
Directing Administration to provide a letter of support for a future Memorandum of Agreement
Confirming protection of the Small and Northeast Swales from development

This initiative aims to balance environmental protection, recreation, and community use while preserving these important natural areas for future generations. Read more

Community Safety and Wellbeing

New Drop-In Centre Approved – 130 Idylwyld Drive North

On February 25, 2026, City Council approved the acquisition of 130 Idylwyld Drive North as a permanent location for a drop-in centre supporting individuals experiencing homelessness.

This decision represents an important step toward creating a more sustainable and appropriate space for service delivery.

Key Details:

To replaces the current temporary site at 325 Avenue C South
Purchase cost: $1.65 million (primarily federally funded)
Operations will continue to be provincially funded
Avenue C location will remain open until the new site is ready or until late 2026

Women’s Overnight & Daytime Drop-In – 325 Avenue C South

City Council approved the extension of the Women’s Warming Centre through 2026, ensuring continued support for vulnerable residents.

As we move into the summer months, City Administration and the service provider are preparing to transition services to a seasonal model beginning in May:

Women’s Overnight Drop-In will continue at 325 Avenue C
Daytime Drop-In services will begin mid-May

Since late February, Administration has acknowledged a notable increase in demand and activity:

Weekly users have increased from approximately 120 to 250 individuals
Increased reports of:
- Public disorder and safety concerns
- Open drug use
- Garbage and belongings in surrounding areas

What the City is doing:

Increased coordination with Police, Fire, and community partners
Ongoing advocacy for additional provincial support
Focus on balancing service delivery with neighbourhood safety

We hear the concerns many residents have raised and I share them. This is a complex issue, and we are working toward solutions that support both vulnerable individuals and the surrounding community. Read more

325 Avenue C South Status Update

At this time, there are no confirmed plans in place regarding the future of 325 Avenue C South after October 31, when the drop-in centre moves to its permanent location at 130 Idylwyld Drive North. We are still awaiting direction from the Province regarding decisions related to the continuation and delivery of services at the building moving forward. Once additional information becomes available, updates will be shared with the community.

Outdoor Washroom and Shower Facilities

To support community needs, the City will install seasonal facilities at the CUMFI site from May 1 to Oct 2026:

2-stall washroom trailer
2-stall shower trailer

To maintain safety and connect individuals with services:

24/7 Peacekeeper presence will be in place
4 Peacekeepers per shift will support safety, outreach, and service connections

These measures aim to provide essential support with dignity while addressing public safety and community concerns in a proactive and coordinated manner. Read more

Community and Transit Safety Concerns

Community safety remains a top concern for many residents. While some social disorder-related crime has decreased, violent crime has increased, and this continues to be a serious concern for our community and I share them. We are actively working with community partners, residents, and other levels of government to identify solutions and address these challenges collaboratively.

Key contributing factors include:

Addictions and mental health challenges
Increasing presence of toxic drugs
Lack of affordable and supportive housing

City initiatives underway:

Indigenous Peacekeepers
Transit Police program
Additional Alternative Response Officers (ARO)
Pleasant Hill Neighbourhood Safety Strategy

City News

2026 Property Tax Notices

The City of Saskatoon will begin mailing approximately 102,000 property tax notices to residential and commercial property owners across the community starting Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

Property owners can expect to receive their 2026 Property Tax Notice within the next two weeks.

If you do not receive your tax notice by May 31, 2026, please contact the City of Saskatoon at 306-975-2400.

The 2026 Property Tax Notice will arrive in an envelope clearly marked:

“This is your Property Tax Notice.”

Residents are encouraged to review their notices carefully and ensure payments are made by the applicable deadlines.

Transportation & Infrastructure Improvements

University Bridge Closure

University Bridge remains closed. Please plan alternate routes and allow extra travel time.

Construction Season

Construction is now underway across Saskatoon.

The City is relaunching its Respect Work Zones campaign, reminding us that behind every construction zone are workers who deserve to get home safely. Please respect work zones.

Community Engagement

Save the Date – Pleasant Hill Neighbourhood Safety Strategy – Consultation Session

A consultation session for the Pleasant Hill Neighbourhood Safety Strategy is being planned for residents of Pleasant Hill.

Date: Monday, June 29, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Station 20 West

This session is intended for Pleasant Hill residents only and will provide an opportunity to have an in-depth conversation about violent crime in the community, neighbourhood safety concerns, and potential solutions and priorities moving forward.

The session is being organized by the Saskatoon Police Service in collaboration with myself Councillor Senos Timon.

Additional separate sessions will also be organized for community-based organizations (CBOs) and businesses in the Pleasant Hill area to ensure broader community input and collaboration.

Please save the date. More information, including registration details and the meeting agenda, will be shared at the beginning of June.

Connecting with Residents

This past month, I had the opportunity to connect with many of you through meetings, conversations, and community events across our ward and city. These interactions are incredibly valuable and play an important role in informing my work and decision-making at City Hall.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to reach out, attend meetings, and share your thoughts, ideas, and concerns. Your input continues to shape the work we do together as a community.

Please feel free to reach out at any time to share your thoughts or ideas—I am always happy to connect, including over a coffee.

Stay Connected with Council

All City Council and Committee Meetings Are Open to the Public

You are welcome to attend in person at City Hall or watch virtually.

Upcoming Meetings:

City Council Meetings – May 27^th, 2026
Governance Priorities Committee (GPC) – May 13^{th, 2026}
Board of Police Commissioners – May 21^st, 2026
Standing Policy Committee Meetings

You can watch live and view meeting agendas anytime on the City’s website link

If you wish to speak at a Council or Committee meeting, please submit a Request to Speak form on the City website. Submit Request

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.

Stay Connected

Your voice matters, and I encourage you to stay in touch:

Senos Timon, City Councillor, Ward 2