Responses to the LiveableYXE Survey Click on any question to see the responses from the candidates.
Kathryn MacDonald
There are a few areas for densification that we can look at. One specific for ward 1 would be the University area. By supporting and getting traction on development of University lands we can plan for dense, walkable, and much-needed student and mixed housing. Another area would be to redevelop or repurpose existing infrastructure, especially near the downtown core.
I am a strong advocate for active transportation, which significantly enhances mental and emotional well-being. It’s crucial that our infrastructure decisions prioritize accessibility and safety for all modes. When I see flex posts knocked over, it doesn’t inspire confidence in the safety of our streets. Ensuring that safety is at the forefront of our planning is essential. We also need to ensure that high traffic areas such as intersections, and connection points are thoughtfully designed and curated. Keeping the focal point on safety and efficiency for active transportation users.
I would love to see more clearly defined spaces for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles, with semi-permanent barriers—such as mini Jersey Barriers—that incorporate native species planting and water management. Implementing pilot projects, even just for a few blocks, would be a valuable way to gauge community response.
For the Rapid Bus Transit to be a success, it has to be easy and efficient to use. Easy access to stops via sidewalks and cut out ramps, to be considered a fully connected, accessible network. As a mother of two young children, I do often choose to drive. If I have to face long waits for buses or struggle with a stroller through snow, then I would rather drive for the ease and convenience. For transit to be fully utilized, it must be truly accessible for everyone, with reliable bus schedules, covered transit stops, safe crossings, and reliable snow clearing for access in the winter, to name a few points.
Dallas Burnett
Urban densification can promote efficient land use, reduce transportation costs, and limit urban sprawl. However, without proper regulation, it may cause overcrowding, increased traffic, strain on infrastructure, and loss of green spaces. Balancing growth and quality of life is essential. In Saskatoon, fostering resilience through densification requires strategic zoning, infrastructure investments, and planning to mitigate these challenges.
It's important to acknowledge the work and bodies already in place such as the Municipal Planning Commission, Corridor Planning, Standing Policy Committee on Transportation, Transit Plan/LINK Project, Active Transportation Plan, and the Active Transportation Advisory Group. Councillors play a key role in this process by critically reviewing policy recommendations, ensuring residents have input, and making leadership decisions for the city's long-term benefit.
Beyond these ongoing efforts, I would advance the following actions:
– Expand multi-use paths, pedestrian crossings, and protected bike lanes to create a more connected network for active transportation, while carefully planning to address residents' concerns about bike lanes affecting traffic patterns. (I believe it’s very clear that bike lane locations are important to residents)
– Enhance public transit accessibility by advocating for increased transit frequency and better integration between transit, cycling, and pedestrian routes, ensuring that transit hubs are easily accessible for all.
– Prioritize community engagement to raise awareness about ongoing densification, transit improvements, and active transportation, while gathering continuous feedback to align city planning with residents’ needs.
– Link green housing incentives with densification goals, offering incentives for affordable, eco-friendly housing projects within designated high-density corridors, addressing both sustainability and housing affordability.
Russell Nadin
I support biking in Saskatoon, especially Tod Fox and Saskatoon Cycles advocacy for three intersections to be improved each year for safety. Three intersections is a good start, we can strive for more.
As intersections are improved wheelchair accessibility, pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles must all be included for safety and function.
Examples include wheelchair ramps, curb extensions at crosswalks, clear and minimal signage for drivers, and improving bus stops with bus turnouts so that a lane of vehicle traffic is not blocked as passengers enter and exit the bus.
Transit needs air conditioning and safety for riders. Saskatoon transit fails to service several neighbourhoods and routes city wide are not frequent enough or completed in a reasonable time.
There is an opportunity to fund transit upgrades with bus advertisements. Many buses operate without ads to generate revenue and that opportunity should be utilised.
Ads on transit are also a great way for local businesses to get noticed.
The downtown bus mall right beside city hall is the easiest place in the city to travel to by bus.
I bike or take the bus to city hall and we should expect all our city councillors to regularly walk, bike, or bus.
What better way can council promote than to lead by example?
Kathryn MacDonald
Incentives, tax deductions and taxes are powerful tools for influencing decision-making, especially when it comes to sustainability. Equally important is education on sustainable long-term strategies, such as lighter-colored roofs and the integration of green spaces. For instance, trees can lower heating and cooling costs while significantly enhancing property values. Increasing property values as much as 20%, according to the Saskatoon Urban Forestry Department.
Dallas Burnett
To ensure Saskatoon has environmentally and economically sustainable housing amidst rising temperatures and climate extremes, we can build on the Housing Action Plan and utilize the $41.325 million from the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF).
With recent City Council approvals allowing up to four units on residential sites and four-storey developments near transit, I would advocate for maximizing these opportunities. This densification reduces car dependency and supports walkable, energy-efficient communities. Removing parking requirements in these areas also promotes sustainability.
The City’s Housing Incentives Policy focuses on affordable housing. By integrating green construction practices, new developments on City-owned land can meet environmental standards. I’d like to propose that the minimum affordability period be extended from 5 to 10 years, as this would further support long-term asset building for the residents within them.
Green spaces should be preserved even in high-density areas. All new developments, especially near transit hubs, should include green spaces to mitigate heat effects, manage stormwater, and improve quality of life.
While focusing on new developments, we must also retrofit older homes. I would support initiatives that incentivize energy-efficient upgrades.
Through the City’s initiative to partner with housing providers, I would encourage collaboration focused on preserving and increasing the stock of affordable, energy-efficient housing. This ensures that even lower-income residents benefit from sustainable housing solutions.
Provincial and federal programs, like the Homes Beyond Code Program and the Canada Greener Homes Grant could also be promoted to help support environmentally sustainable housing in Saskatoon.
By aligning Saskatoon’s growth with environmentally sustainable practices, we can ensure the city’s housing remains both economically viable and resilient in the face of future climate challenges.
Russell Nadin
The Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) has the potential to densify large parts of Saskatoon. High density buildings generate more revenue per square metre and those funds are vital to pay for the services we enjoy.
We also get the environmental benefit by avoiding urban sprawl allowing us to protect Saskatoon's natural ecosystems, such as the swale.
If the HAF is to succeed, we must take a serious look at the capacity of the utilities and the upgrade costs to service larger buildings.
I also support deadlines with steep fines for absentee landowners that allow properties in our city to become uninhabitable for people and overgrown with weeds and pests.
Land should provide people a necessary place to live or work.
Kathryn MacDonald
The Low Emission Community Plan focuses on three key strategies: Reducing, Improving, and switching/ transitioning to energy- and water-efficient solutions. With the Low Emission Community plan, it is essential to foster ongoing involvement, engagement, and feedback to ensure we stay on track and accountable. Achieving success will require everyone working together toward a clear, shared goal.
A strong starting point is a commitment to active transportation, which can significantly reduce reliance on single-passenger vehicles. Equally important is incentivizing the modernization of outdated residential and commercial buildings. By enhancing energy retrofitting efforts with efficient appliances, upgrading old windows, doors, and insulation, we can address the fact that 42% of Saskatoon's total greenhouse gas emissions stem from heating, cooling, and powering homes. Incorporating renewable energy is also a key area for future planning.
Additionally, trees and plants play a crucial role in supporting these efforts. They absorb carbon from the atmosphere and transfer it to the soil through carbon sequestration. Beyond this, vegetation improves air quality, provides shade, lowers temperatures, mitigates the impact of extreme weather, supports wildlife habitats, enhances aesthetics, and promotes walkability.
Dallas Burnett
While I understand the concerns about the Low Emissions Community Plan (LECP) and its progress, I’m not entirely sure if it’s accurate to say that the plan has "missed most of its emissions targets." The plan has two major emissions targets for 2023: reducing City of Saskatoon's emissions by 40% below 2014 levels, and reducing community emissions by 15%. There are also milestone targets for individual actions within the plan. Given that the emissions inventories for 2022 and 2023 have yet to be completed, it’s difficult to say with certainty whether we’ve missed the mark.
However, I recognize that some of the progress on the actions within the plan has been slower than anticipated. A key reason might be the challenge of achieving widespread community participation in sustainability measures, which accounts for 97% of the emission reductions. Without strong buy-in from residents, meeting these targets will be difficult.
In terms of my commitment, I believe the plan is a critical roadmap for our city's future, and I support measures that balance environmental goals with economic realities. Personally, I’ve taken steps like investing in a hybrid car, participating in recycling and composting programs, and monitoring my household’s energy and water consumption. On a policy level, I advocate for practical actions that encourage community involvement and ensure we’re investing in solutions that are both impactful and financially sustainable.
Going forward, ensuring the LECP is on track will require improving community engagement, creating incentives for participation, and critically assessing the implementation of municipal actions. This way, we can make sure Saskatoon remains committed to a low-carbon, resilient future.
Russell Nadin
The Low Emissions Community Plan (LECP) has very achievable goals for Saskatoon.
Environmental standards are often removed due to costs. The downtown library no longer pursuing LEED certification is an example.
I commit to LECP and to insisting environmental impacts are addressed, and not ignored.
Pages 12, 13, and 14 list the actions in the LECP .
Low Emissions Community Plan link:
www.saskatoon.ca/environmental-initiatives/energy-water/renewable-and-low-emissions-energy
Kathryn MacDonald
The concept of a freeway to divert highway traffic from the city is a creditable action. However, I do not support the fragmentation of natural habitats. With a price tag of $2 billion, those funds could be more efficiently invested by the Province in the community itself to help slow the growth of vehicular traffic in the community by improving Transit, supporting safe Active Transportation and incentivizing electric vehicles.
Dallas Burnett
While my personal opinion on the Saskatoon Freeway project may not determine its necessity, I recognize both the concerns and potential benefits. I value the preservation of our natural areas and understand that any development will have consequences. However, a freeway connecting all major highways around Saskatoon, without the industrial congestion of North Circle Drive, could significantly improve transportation.
As a City Councillor, my role would be to make decisions that benefit the entire city while ensuring meaningful community consultation. I trust the expertise of the Environment and Heritage Technical Working Group, including the Meewasin Valley Authority, City of Saskatoon Planning and Heritage branches, the Saskatoon Tribal Council, and Wanuskewin Heritage Park, to provide valuable input on minimizing environmental impacts or advising if the project should not proceed due to significant harm.
Since this is a provincial project led by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways, the city’s role is largely consultative. If, after thorough consultation with the community and experts, it’s determined that the freeway will bring more benefit than harm to Saskatoon, I would support it. If the opposite is true, I would oppose it.
I would like to review and ask critical questions of an environmental impact analysis prior to supporting or opposing the project.
Russell Nadin
I am opposed to the urban sprawl encroaching into the swale not only for the environmental impact but the financial as well.
Saskatoon needs compact and efficient utility and road networks to service our business and homes. Over extending our city's capacities is costly.
Kathryn MacDonald
To make Saskatoon a leading choice for newcomers, we should consider developing a multi-use housing system. This would involve entry level or transitional housing on the upper floors, with the ground level dedicated to representatives from various organizations ready to assist in the transition. Services could include support from Service Canada, an I.D. clinic, childcare, English classes, orientation to the city, and fostering a community where newcomers can feel at home.
A welcoming and healthy community also requires addressing racism, discrimination, homophobia, and more. The City has a role to play in educating residents and especially training staff to be sure that civic services are delivered in open, effective, welcoming and equitable ways. The City must also collaborate with community partners to continuously break down the barriers to inclusion that are experienced in our community.
Festivals and open cultural celebrations provide wonderful opportunities for people to learn and expand their horizons. As a small business owner, participating in events like Folk Fest is a fun and enriching way to experience new cultures
Dallas Burnett
Several key features are essential to make Saskatoon a leading choice as a diverse, inclusive, and inviting place to live and work. Access to quality services like water, waste management, public transportation, and recreational spaces is crucial. Additionally, while healthcare and education are not city responsibilities, it is important that the city ensures these services are accessible through thoughtful urban design.
A variety of housing options that cater to different income levels, family sizes, and life stages is also vital. By supporting initiatives like Saskatoon’s Housing Action Plan, we can create more opportunities for residents to live and thrive here.
Cultural events, festivals, and programs that celebrate Saskatoon’s diversity help build a stronger sense of community. Supporting initiatives that amplify Indigenous, immigrant, and minority voices will foster understanding and connection across different groups.
A healthy city promotes job creation and economic opportunities across industries. By supporting local businesses and entrepreneurship, particularly in underserved communities, we ensure Saskatoon remains competitive and inclusive.
Well-maintained parks and community centers offering inclusive programming are important in creating a welcoming environment. These spaces should cater to all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, encouraging community connection. As a recreational professional, I strongly support our leisure centers and public spaces, which provide invaluable opportunities for residents.
Finally, meaningful community consultation is essential to making residents feel included in decision-making. By focusing on these areas, Saskatoon can grow as a city that is both physically sustainable and culturally inclusive, where everyone feels welcome and valued.
Russell Nadin
Amazing organizations such as the Open Door Society welcome and help integrate newcomers to Saskatoon.
It was with the Open Door Society that I experienced my first sweat at Linklater Sweat Lodge on Whitecap Dakota territory.
Unfortunately, it isn’t a surprise that Canadians still have cultural healing and improvements to be made.
When doing street interviews or door knocking as I campaign for ward 1 council, many newcomers to Canada have shared their shock at the racism and attitudes directed at indigenous people.
We must do more to integrate our indigenous relatives into Saskatoon. Land acknowledgements are a good start, but to avoid lip service we must take action.
It can't go unnoticed that approximately 95% of people experiencing homelessness are indigenous. The City of Saskatoon has a social and moral responsibility to alleviate the suffering of the people who shelter in our doorways during -40C snowstorms.
Homelessness in Saskatoon must be addressed for all our safety and wellbeing.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commision (TRC) and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) recommendations are great resources for ways Saskatoon can improve.
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls link:
https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/
The Truth and Reconciliation Commision link:
https://nctr.ca/about/history-of-the-trc/truth-and-reconciliation-commission-of-canada/
Cancel Canada Day video link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2rs1nNujSI
Kathryn MacDonald
Municipal spending and the DEED are not mutually exclusive. While there are numerous topics that we need to urgently focus on in present time, we simultaneously need to be planning for our future, and making sure that we have proper infrastructure to support our growing population for future years to come.
The DEED is a pivotal project for the trajectory of the City of Saskatoon future. We need to revitalize the city's core, because as of right now, it’s falling flat. For Saskatoon to continue thriving, we must invest in the heart of our city—the downtown core. The proposed $1.2 billion plan includes not just a new arena, but also the renovation and expansion of TCU Place, additional parkades, parks and green spaces, plazas, and other amenities.
When you compare the potential revenue lost from missed events during the years-long renovation of SaskTel Centre, along with the $300 million cost to renovate it, the new arena appears to be a sound financial decision for Saskatoon’s future. Another significant issue with the current SaskTel Centre is its location. While there is transit for special events, the majority of people still drive.
As someone who worked at a large downtown hotel, I witnessed firsthand the direct boost in hotel revenue and restaurant business during local conferences. This increase created hundreds of shifts for local workers—just at one hotel. The potential financial impact on downtown with a project like DEED is monumental.
Regardless of which direction we move in and decision we make, the fact of the matter remains, that this type of improvement plan should not be paid for by our property taxes. We need to be looking at different levels of governments and the private sector to be making this type of investment in Saskatoon.
Dallas Burnett
While I recognize the benefits of the DEED for boosting tourism and revitalizing Saskatoon’s downtown, a thoughtful, strategic approach is essential before proceeding.
First, addressing more pressing issues, particularly crime, is crucial. Public safety must be a priority to create a thriving city. Before investing in DEED, resources should be allocated to enhance policing, community safety initiatives, and programs addressing crime’s root causes.
Second, a comprehensive transportation and parking plan must be developed before DEED construction begins. The district will attract more people, and without proper infrastructure, we risk major traffic and parking problems. This plan should ensure accessibility for both residents and visitors and include public transit improvements to ease congestion and promote eco-friendly transportation.
Involving those with hands-on operational knowledge is also key. The Coliseum Operators at SaskTel Centre understand the logistical challenges of running large-scale events. Their insights should be integrated into the planning and development stages to ensure DEED’s functionality and efficiency.
Furthermore, the financial burden of DEED should not fall on residents. Alternative funding models, such as public-private partnerships, provincial and federal support, and tourism-based revenue streams, must be explored to avoid undue financial pressure on Saskatoon’s taxpayers (these were included in the funding plan presented to Council).
Beyond DEED, Municipal spending should focus on projects with broad, lasting impacts, including crime prevention, affordable housing, transportation, snow removal, and recreational spaces benefiting all residents. By prioritizing public safety, infrastructure, and quality of life, we can ensure Saskatoon grows as a modern, inclusive, and sustainable city.
In summary, DEED should only proceed once key concerns—such as crime, transportation, parking, and financial responsibility—are fully addressed.
Russell Nadin
I would prefer to renovate SaskTel Center at a fraction of the cost. SaskTel Center has access to multiple highways and special transit is frequently scheduled for events.
The downsides of SaskTel Center are the truck bays for loading / unloading, handicap accessibility to upper floors, and arena size. Renovating Sasktel Center also does nothing to increase TCU Place' capacity.
Large projects such as the downtown event and entertainment district (DEED) should be planned as assets generating income, not as liabilities. The projected costs have risen over the summer from $550 million to $900 million (June) to $1.2 billion (August).
I would support the DEED if several conditions are met:
1) Solid financial projections, just as we would have for a business plan, must be presented publicly (no in-camera meetings) to show the potential property tax revenue increases from surrounding properties. Even a SWOT analysis would be an improvement over current financial plans.
2) Premier Scott Moe with the province has talked about funding the DEED, but to secure federal funding we must also speak with Saskatoon's Members of Parliament (MPs).
3) OVG360 or any other selected facility operator or investor must have a representative at negotiations and council meetings that involve them.
4) Traffic and parking must be addressed. I would love to see Park And Ride incorporated into transit / BRT plans to alleviate restrictive parking downtown.
Traffic flow could improve dramatically downtown if Idylwyld and 25th street eliminated the congestion caused by so many traffic lights and left turns in such a condensed area.
Kathryn MacDonald
After spending time in the ward and speaking with fellow business owners and residents, it's clear that our community is full of compassion. I envision a comprehensive, multi-level approach to accessible social services—ranging from shelters with support to transitional housing with essential resources—to help rebuild lives.
When we take a closer look at what we consider the meaning of well-being to be, we can start to understand the interconnected layers, we can drive evidence-based, community-focused decision-making. Every neighbour deserves a home, and the first step, in many cases, needs to be a bed. We need to tackle the shortages of shelter beds, transitional and supportive housing with urgency and with all orders of government. Let’s advocate for social change that reflects our values as a community and places well-being at the heart of our civic policies.
Dallas Burnett
Addressing homelessness in Saskatoon requires a multi-faceted approach, focusing on both immediate relief and long-term solutions.
The Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) is already doing great work in the area of addressing homelessness. We need to strengthen partnerships and leverage federal and provincial programs like the Housing Accelerator Fund to increase the availability of affordable housing.
Many experiencing homelessness require additional services beyond housing. Exploring what other cities across Canada, North America, and the World are doing can provide valuable insight into what is working and what might not work so well.
While long-term housing is the goal, expanding emergency and transitional shelters, particularly in winter, is crucial for meeting immediate needs and offering pathways to stability.
Not everyone experiencing homelessness will seek help. For those who do not violate city bylaws or engage in crime, it's important to respect individuals’ autonomy, while still offering services to those who want and need support.
Targeting vulnerable groups, such as youth aging out of foster care and individuals leaving the criminal justice system, can prevent homelessness before it begins. Providing support during these transitions is essential and the city should support programs and organizations that do this through various means (ex: tax breaks, funding, resource sharing).
Homelessness is linked to poverty. Advocating for stronger income assistance, affordable childcare, and job training can help lift people out of poverty and prevent homelessness.
By focusing on housing, support services, partnerships, and prevention—while respecting individual choices—Saskatoon can take meaningful steps toward addressing homelessness and creating lasting change.
Russell Nadin
The Lighthouse is in receivership, the 30 bed shelter in Sutherland quashed, tensions rise between STC’s shelter in Fairhaven and local residents, and Saskatoon’s unhoused / homeless population has increased into the thousands – we must act now.
Council must pressure the province to fulfil its responsibilities of housing and social services for Saskatoon citizens, properly consult residents, and follow up with shelters to meet our expectations.
It’s time ALL members of council close the distance between themselves and Saskatoon’s unhoused people.
I have toured and talked with Saskatoon’s shelters and many social outreach organisations with the goal of understanding the processes and supporting or improving if possible.
I will continue to patrol Saskatoon’s streets with Saskatoon Sage Clan, and be physically present and active where unhoused folk need assistance.
Outreach groups are vital to providing aid and increasing safety.