Councillor Senos Timon – Ward 2 Monthly Update (October Edition)
THANK YOU
It’s been almost a year since Nov 13, 2024, serving as your Councillor. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to represent and serve our Ward 2 wonderful community. This year has been one of learning, growth, and challenges and opportunities that have strengthened our community. I continue to be inspired and motivated by your engagement, and I’m committed to ensuring your voices are heard at City Hall. I appreciate your continued support through your engagement and encouragement.
Councillor Senos Timon
Ward 2 News
Infrastructure Improvements
This summer has been an active construction season across Saskatoon, including several key projects in Ward 2. These include road resurfacing, water-main rehabilitation, and other upgrades aimed at improving long-term infrastructure reliability.
I know construction can be disruptive, and I want to sincerely thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to enhance our community’s infrastructure.
Old Pleasant Hill School Redevelopment
The Old Pleasant Hill School is being transformed into the Ahtahkakoop Health & Wellness Centre, which is currently under rehabilitation. The future facility will provide vital services such as diagnostic imaging, pharmacy, and community health programs, becoming an important addition to our city’s growing healthcare network and, importantly, preserving the iconic building.
Council & Committee Highlights
2026–2027 Budget Overview
City Council will hold 2026 Budget Deliberations from November 25–27, 2025.
Saskatoon continues to face significant budget pressures; pressures include inflation and growth, with projected property tax increases of 8.23% for 2026 and 5.95% for 2027, slightly reduced from earlier projections of 9.9% and 7.34% for 2026 and 2027, respectively.
For an average single-family home assessed at $394,200, this translates to an estimated property tax increase of $194.45 in 2026 and $152.02 in 2027. (approximately an increase of $ 16.20 and $12.67 per month for 2026 and 2027)
Population growth, inflation, and the rising costs of maintaining essential city services largely drive these increases. Between 2022 and 2024, Saskatoon’s population grew by 25,000 residents, with another 9,000 expected in 2025, creating additional demand for transit, roads, and emergency services.
Key budget drivers include:
- Policing: $12.5 million increase in 2026 (nearly one-third of total new spending) and $9.8 million in 2027.
- Other areas: Fire department, roadways and bridges, transit, and snow and ice management.
Total city spending on both operating costs and capital is projected to reach $1.7 billion in both 2026 and 2027, up from $1.5 billion in 2025. The budget also adds 98 new full-time staff in 2026 and 95 in 2027, including 49 new police and 14 library employees.
Budget details documents are now available on the City of Saskatoon website. [Read More]
If you wish to provide comments or have questions, please feel free to send them to me or direct them to the City administration.
Homelessness, Drop-In Centres & Warming Spaces
Provincial Funding for Year-Round Drop-In Services
On September 18, the Government of Saskatchewan announced $3 million in annual funding to support year-round drop-in homelessness services in Saskatoon. Three key drop-in centres will receive this support:
- White Buffalo Youth Lodge – Youth overnight services
- St. Mary Parish – Overnight warm-up location for men, operated by the Salvation Army (opened Nov 1, 2025)
- 325 Avenue C South – Winter warming centre scheduled to open at the end of November
325 Avenue C South – Proposed Winter Warming Centre
City Council approved the acquisition of 325 Avenue C South for $805,000 to serve as a future warming and cooling centre, funded by the Government of Canada under the City’s Community Encampment Response Plan.
While I understand and respect the intent behind this proposal, I did not support the purchase of this facility and voted against it due to concerns about its proximity to the Salvation Army, safety impacts, and the concentration of social services within Ward 2. It was a very difficult decision for me. I voted against, not because I was not supportive or uncompassionate towards the unhoused relatives. But my role is to represent all the residents of Ward 2 and to balance the different perspectives and concerns of the community. Since stepping into this role, I have supported initiatives to help our unhoused relatives, and I will continue to advocate for a more balanced, city-wide approach that ensures services are both compassionate and support the well-being of all residents. [Read More]
Temporary Drop-In Centre – 50 23rd Street East
At a Special Council Meeting on November 5, Council approved the use of 50 23rd Street East (the former Bus Depot) as a temporary drop-in winter warming centre, which will operate until the 325 Avenue C South facility is ready.
This initiative is a partnership with the Government of Saskatchewan, which will fund the Saskatoon Tribal Council to operate the site. Council also approved up to $75,000 in funding for minor alterations and safety renovations to ensure the space meets accessibility and comfort standards. [Read More]
Permanent Enhanced Shelter – 170 31st Street East
City Council approved an Enhanced Emergency Shelter Contribution of $450,000 to support infrastructure upgrades and sidewalk construction from Idylwyld Drive along 31st Street, ensuring safe pedestrian access to the site.
This permanent enhanced shelter will provide 60 new spaces, operated by The Mustard Seed, strengthening the city’s overall capacity to offer safe and stable shelter for those in need. [Read More]
Community Navigation Hub Feasibility Study Report
Funded through the Unsheltered Homelessness and Encampments Initiative (Government of Canada), the City is exploring a Community Navigation Hub, a coordinated model that connects individuals to housing, income supports, ID services, and mental health services.
This “hub and network” approach will simplify access, reduce duplication, and connect support city-wide. [Read More]
Housing Saskatoon – Affordable Housing Strategy 2025 – 2030
Council has approved in principle HOUSING Saskatoon – The City of Saskatoon’s Affordable Housing Strategy (2025–2030) and received the Housing Needs Assessment 2024.
This new strategy outlines the City’s role in tackling housing affordability, supply, and core needs, aligning local actions with federal and provincial initiatives. A $245,000 investment supported its development, emphasizing coordinated and evidence-based housing solutions. Read More
Downtown Event & Entertainment District (DEED)
At the Oct 29, 2025 Council Meeting, City Council reviewed and debated the proposed City and Oak View Group (OVG) Private Partner Agreement Framework for the proposed Downtown Event & Entertainment District. City administration recommended that the Council approve the Partner Agreement Framework that will see OVG become the operator of this arena and make a capital contribution of $15 million. The decision was deferred until next year in Q1 2026, as the Council needs more time to review the recommendation and to determine if this is the right partner. [Read More]
Corridor Planning & Re-Zonings
Council has approved the rezoning of 13 properties to Corridor Station Mixed-Use 1 (CS1) and Corridor Mixed-Use 1 (CM1) districts, supporting transit-oriented, mid-rise development along Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes.
These zones promote walkable, mixed-use neighbourhoods with active ground-floor spaces that enhance connectivity and sustainability. [Read More]
Upcoming Meetings
Upcoming Meetings
All City Council and Committee meetings are open to the public.
You can attend in person at City Hall or watch virtually.
- Governance and Priorities Committee (GPC): Wednesday, Nov 12, 2025 – 9:30 AM
- City Council Regular Business: Wednesday, Nov 19, 2025 – 9:30 AM
- Board of Police Commissioners: Thursday, Nov 20, 2025 – 1:00 PM
Watch live or access meeting agendas anytime at the City of Saskatoon website.
If you wish to speak at a meeting, please submit a Request to Speak form online.
[Submit Request]
Stay Connected
Your ideas, concerns, and feedback guide my work at City Hall.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out anytime.
senos.timon@saskatoon.ca
www.senostimonyxe.ca/vision
Warm regards,
Councillor Senos Timon
Ward 2 – City of Saskatoon