Responses to the LiveableYXE Survey Click on any question to see the responses from the candidates.
Cynthia Block
Smart growth and transit-oriented-development are key to Saskatoon’s sustainability and success. As mayor, I will focus growth in the downtown and along LINK routes. I will convene a roundtable with industry, to define options to encourage mixed-use development opportunities along LINK routes.
I commit to accelerating accessible sidewalks/infill sidewalks and multi-use pathways, and to the implementation of the Active Transportation Plan that Council approved in 2019.
I commit to moving forward with corridor planning near LINK routes, to promote a more liveable, walkable, sustainable city that improves quality of life for everyone.
Don Atchison
To promote densification, public transit, and active transport, I believe in striking a balance that respects Saskatoon’s character and residents’ housing choices. While higher-density housing along main corridors has benefits, it must be driven by demand, not imposed. Forcing densification risks pushing residents to surrounding communities and increasing urban sprawl.
The current Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) plan is deeply flawed. Commutes would be longer than driving, and the billion-dollar cost is being underplayed. Safety is critical. If residents have to sacrifice time, convenience and safety, it will become “Barely Ridden Transit.” I propose adjusting the BRT route, avoiding disruptions to places like Broadway Avenue and focusing on areas like 8th Street, where it can connect major destinations without harming local culture. We need practical transit with frequent buses and climate control that truly meets residents' needs.
Ensuring safety on transit is essential. I advocate reintroducing CompStat, a data-driven policing system that targets high-crime areas in real time. By strategically deploying officers on transit routes, we can prevent crime and create a safer environment for all riders.
Moving railway tracks is necessary to keep busses on schedule and to create a bike and pedestrian corridor, connecting neighborhoods and providing safe, efficient routes for cyclists and walkers.
In short, I support smart densification, better transit, and active transport, but these must align with residents' needs, ensuring growth enhances—not disrupts—our city. (Find a comprehensive response at https://donatchison.com/q-a/#Densification)
Cary Tarasoff
Our city has failed to meet reasonable infill development within Pleasant Hill, Mount Royal and Westmount for the past 8 years. The number of boarded up or abandoned properties just keeps increasing when real gains could have already been achieved.
Adding proper infill here will add housing where it is requested while improving overall safety.
The current HAF (Housing Accelerator Fund) does not promote predictable development and overloaded existing infrastructure could be further stretched in a haphazard way. All the costs for service upgrade will be on the backs of all taxpayers as well now. No longer will development pay for development. Low-income housing taxpayers will now be on the hook for services provided to high-end developments under this scheme.
The Investigation of Service Disruptions in Saskatoon Transit Audit in 2022 showed the serious issue in Transit was initiated by an animation I put forth to City Council that showed how extensive this poor service was throughout the city and little has improved in the years since. Transit is now advertising there will be service disruptions and that students should plan around this. The predicted failure of the First Avenue BRT counter flow terminal has been identified by me and presented to a range of parties since. Transit access to the New Central Library is also a problem and puts riders with accessibility issues at a large disadvantage. Now our new electric buses will require diesel cab heaters to function and they will also only be able to drive 300 km per day which is far short of what a total shift may require. Therefore, these new buses will be used for show or short run routes instead of being the backbone of a new and progressive system.
The City’s new Wayfinding Route down 23rd Street, for walking and cycling has a number of blocks that do not have any sidewalk at all. It’s like the City is in such a hurry to pretend they are doing something that they omit actually doing them.
Gordon Wyant
I believe that an accessible city begins with a safe city and secure communities. To walk, bike or wait for a city bus safely should be a right, not a privilege. There needs to be a comprehensive review of community safety plans to ensure that all Saskatoon residents feel safe, whether they're biking in their neighborhood or strolling downtown.
Cities should invest in transportation infrastructure projects on an on-demand basis, including cycling infrastructure and active transportation networks. It is important to balance the needs of all commuters, ensuring that any new transportation infrastructure is safe, affordable, attractive, and accessible and promotes both economic and community well-being.
Our transit system is being improved with Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) funding, but we still have routes where both passengers and drivers are at risk, and some routes result in 1.5-hour commutes. This is unacceptable; these essential services should be our priority, yet they haven't been prioritized by the current council.
I would also like to establish regular meetings with community associations and city groups to create a dialogue to understand and support the vision for a better Saskatoon. Engaging the community that utilizes these important green spaces will help understand its needs. This will foster a shared understanding between community members and the council.
Cynthia Block
As a member of City Council, I supported the Housing Accelerator Fund for Affordable Housing and reduced restrictive zoning near LINK to accelerate attainable housing.
As mayor, I will continue to accelerate smart growth downtown and within Circle Drive where infrastructure and services already exist including:
• Move forward with LINK to support this growth.
• Work with industry to accelerate growth along LINK routes
• Work with the housing sector to develop new incentives to repair affordable rental units, ensuring a good supply of safe places to live.
• Advocate for new federal tools to fund cities,such as base funding for transit, police, fire, and affordable housing to reduce pressures on property tax.
• Continue to support adaptation planning that will protect vulnerable residents from extreme climate events.
• Work with industry on a fair deal with the Provincial Government, to reduce the downloaded costs of school land levies and to keep new housing costs affordable.
Don Atchison
Sustainable housing must address both environmental and economic realities. It's not enough to build energy-efficient homes; housing must also be affordable. These two goals—environmental and economic sustainability—are crucial if Saskatoon is to thrive in a future marked by rising temperatures and climatic extremes.
Rising housing costs are as immediate a concern to residents as rising temperatures. Saskatoon has fallen behind in housing supply. It’s easy to blame the pandemic, however the issue has been deprioritized since 2017. During my term as Mayor, we exceeded our attainable housing goals by building an average of 564 units per year. This progress was driven by partnerships with non-profits, faith-based groups, and developers.
After 2017, however, targets were lowered, and housing development slowed to an average of just 203 units annually. To address this, I propose building 10,000 attainable housing units over the next 10 years through partnerships with the private sector and community organizations.
Public transit and housing are deeply connected. I support creating high-density nodes along major transit corridors, reducing our carbon footprint without sacrificing Saskatoon’s character. However, the federal Housing Accelerator Fund was a terrible deal for Saskatoon. While it promises funding, it will allow four-plexes next to single-family homes and green spaces turned into high-rises, drastically altering established neighborhoods. We must negotiate terms that protect our community.
Finally, planting one million trees in the next decade will beautify the city and combat climate change. Sustainability in housing is about balance—affordability, environmental responsibility, and livability. By setting clear goals and cutting red tape, we can ensure Saskatoon remains accessible and sustainable for all.
(For a more comprehensive response go to: https://donatchison.com/q-a/#Housing)
Cary Tarasoff
Currently the HAF will allow for completely viable housing to be torn down and thrown away so that higher density can be rebuilt with higher lot coverage. This means we will have more storm water run off and we will further reduce available greenspace areas which can reduce heat island effects. The HAF can allow for over height development to take place in residential areas where not previously planned for so people who might have invested in solar production may find their sunlight being directly cut off without recourse. The same applies to those residents who grow their own food. They may find that they will have their useable sunlight blocked by housing development now possible through the HAF. The HAF pushes development into realms not previously considered or publicly presented during the Transit Corridor Program. In fact, in some areas, the highest development density possible can actually be the furthest distance away from the BRT Corridor which is counter-productive to good infill growth.
We need to use what we already have serviced and ready to go. We have large areas and brownfields that are undeveloped within our city, including large swaths of land in the downtown core which is the most desirable location for infill. The new downtown library was set to have platinum LEED certification, but now all LEED certification has now been removed as a project requirement. We need to plan for buildings that are more flexible for future environmental improvements and we need buildings to last as long as possible to save wasting endless amounts of material and energy.
Gordon Wyant
To ensure Saskatoon has environmentally and economically sustainable housing, we need strong collaboration between the city, province, and federal government. The Saskatoon & Region Home Builders' Association has already done great work on energy-efficient building standards, but the provincial government needs to step up.
Our campaign will focus on reusing abandoned housing stock—homes taken over for unpaid taxes or owned by the province. By working with Saskatchewan Polytech and SIIT, as well as industry, we can renovate these homes, create safe, affordable housing, and train more skilled workers for the trades.
This is about practical solutions that benefit everyone. We just need the right support to make it happen.
Cynthia Block
As a member of Council, I have supported the LEC Plan and the implementation of related initiatives. I support the development of sustainable funding methods for these projects in order to ensure we improve our progress on projects that not only reduce emissions, but also save money for residents. I will advocate for the expansion of Green Loans for this work as well as more sustained contributions to the reserves that allow us to leverage funding from other orders of government.
I support the planned refresh of the LEC plan, and look forward to a refocused and targeted plan.
Don Atchison
Saskatoon faces the real impacts of climate change, but the $19 billion Low Emissions Community Plan is not the answer. It is unaffordable for residents and businesses, and largely relies on funding from other levels of government which are in debt. We must focus on what is achievable in our economic context.
The main flaw in the Low Emissions Plan is its misunderstanding of how to achieve meaningful carbon reductions. Effective strategies replace fossil fuels with low-emission, reliable, affordable, and abundant alternatives. The two most viable options are hydroelectric power and nuclear energy. Hydroelectric power could be generated from the South Saskatchewan River, while nuclear power through Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) offers a clean, stable, affordable energy source crucial for our northern climate. These solutions offer the most realistic path to a low-emission future.
However, adaptation—not expensive and unrealistic carbon reduction targets—should be our primary focus. With unpredictable weather patterns, we must prioritize adaptive infrastructure. Flooding and extreme weather events are already occurring more frequently. Investing in stormwater management through initiatives like stormwater ponding and modular treatment plants will better prepare us for the realities of climate change.
The Low Emissions Plan’s reliance on mandates, like requiring solar panels on new buildings or deep energy retrofits, places an unfair burden on residents and businesses. Forcing costly retrofits on lower-income families is neither fair nor effective.
In summary, the key to Saskatoon’s climate strategy is adaptation. We should focus on practical measures to make our city resilient, while exploring energy alternatives like hydroelectric and nuclear power to radically reduce emissions. As Mayor, I’ll focus on real goals that protect both our environment and our economy.
(For a more comprehensive response go to: https://donatchison.com/q-a/#Emissions)
Cary Tarasoff
As I just stated in the previous question, the library went from an ultimate plat level LEED certification to now not having any LEED level certification requirement at all! So much time and money was spent trying to get to the unattainable that now we will not achieve the reasonable. This is the problem with many things around buildings. We create buildings that over time are easier to tear down and throw away than to improve with the latest technology and thermal efficiency. We need our buildings to last as long as possible. We need the ability to reconfigure buildings for changes in use and be able to adjust infrastructure as required.
The unintended consequence of the Housing Accelerator Fund will be hundreds of completely viable single-family homes being torn down simply to redevelop the site for another larger multi-family unit. So take one unit worth of content and throw it in the landfill and consume four units more of mostly non-sustainable material to rebuild that on the same site.
The Low Emissions Community Plan has to be more directly managed to succeed because right now, the City is not focused on success. I understand the environmental consequence of inaction, having a degree in Physical Geography.
Gordon Wyant
Given that the most recent progress on Saskatoon's Low Emissions Community Plan (LEC Plan) comes from a YouTube video and not a formal report, it’s clear we need more transparency and updated documentation. While climate action is supported by 89% of residents, taxpayers deserve to know how efficiently their money is being spent. The presentation outlines several projects in energy efficiency, transportation, and waste reduction, but there's a clear gap—funded projects will only achieve 23% of the 2025 emissions targets, leaving a 4% shortfall to be addressed.
While it's great to see initiatives like electric buses and solar energy feasibility studies, it's essential to question whether these measures are enough to justify their costs. The absence of complete reports on emissions from 2022 onwards raises concerns about accountability and the effectiveness of investments. My focus on budget efficiency means we need to ensure every dollar spent is yielding measurable progress.
I would call for a full report update, tracking every project's impact and ensuring that funds align with citizen and business needs. The goal should be finding efficiencies by leveraging provincial and federal partnerships and prioritizing projects with clear returns on investment. Additionally, we'd engage the community more actively, offering businesses and homeowners better incentives for adopting low-emission technologies.
Cynthia Block
I am not in favour of the project, as proposed, and have been a vocal opponent. The swales are an intergenerational trust, and much care and consideration must be given to ensure the swales are protected in the long run.
Despite this, I supported routing for the freeway to allow Saskatoon and region to better plan for future residential, business and transportation. This is critically important to avoid costly planning errors or encourage sprawl where land has been prevented from being developed, awaiting a route plan.
We must work with our provincial partners to ensure they honour their commitments to protect the swales.
Don Atchison
The proposed Saskatoon Freeway offers an important opportunity to improve traffic flow around the city, especially for heavy trucks, reducing congestion and cutting down emissions. However, it’s critical that we balance this with the preservation of the Northeast and Small Swales, areas known for their rich biodiversity.
I support the freeway in principle, but the current route must be adjusted to protect these sensitive ecosystems. One effective solution is the use of wildlife corridors, similar to those on the Trans-Canada Highway in Banff National Park. There, nature overpasses allow animals to cross safely, reducing accidents and protecting migration routes. We could implement similar overpasses and culverts along the freeway to ensure the safe passage of wildlife, from deer to smaller species that inhabit the Swale.
In addition to these protective measures, we should actively enhance the biodiversity of the Swale. A unique and transformative idea is the reintroduction of bison to the area. Historically, bison were vital to prairie ecosystems, helping maintain native plant species and supporting various wildlife through their grazing patterns. Reintroducing bison could revitalize the Swale’s ecosystem and become a symbol of how Saskatoon can integrate urban development with nature.
Imagine the sight of buffalo roaming near the city—this could become an iconic feature of Saskatoon, offering educational opportunities and demonstrating our commitment to preserving natural heritage.
Achieving this balance requires engaging environmental experts, Indigenous groups, and the wider community. Together, we can create a model project, one that not only meets infrastructure needs but also showcases environmental stewardship. This project can prove that development and nature can coexist harmoniously, preserving what makes Saskatoon unique.
(For a more comprehensive response go to: https://donatchison.com/q-a/#Swale)
Cary Tarasoff
I worked on the swale report as a draftsman more than 20 years ago now. Since that time, the City went ahead and built the Chief Mistawasis Bridge, too far north and through a serious life threatening chemical buffer. Now this bridge still stands greatly underutilized. Because this was placed so far north, the perimeter highway has to divert around it even farther to the north, but that still has to stay south of the protected Waneskewin buffer area. Those same engineers that failed us for this first bridge, are causing the issues for this second bridge. We need to divert heavy traffic around and not through the city. That is easy enough to understand, but, because of these other engineering lapses, now there are fewer options on how to achieve the long-term goals of our city and the province, while protecting that sensitive habitat. I am not confident in the current plan I have seen around the swale. It may well be that something more innovative might need to be considered carefully before some of these same engineers sell us further that they have “no other option” but to take the low hanging fruit design that their previous failures have led us to! So, to be clear, I do agree we need a perimeter highway but I am not confident in the approach or effort some have put into this so far and I absolutely believe we have to protect habitats where and when we reasonably can.
Gordon Wyant
The Northeast Swale is a true gem in Saskatoon, a beautiful natural space full of biodiversity that enriches our community and is part of the greater Meewasin Valley. Any proposal to build a multi-lane freeway through such an ecologically rich area needs to be approached with caution. While I understand the need for infrastructure improvements to manage growing traffic, I believe we must explore smarter, more balanced solutions that address both urban growth and environmental protection.
The existing infrastructure, including bridges and roadways, already offers viable alternatives for moving traffic without damaging such a unique natural space. I would push for a thorough review of these options to see how we can enhance the current road network instead of carving through our natural assets. Protecting the Swales isn't just about conservation; it's about smart city planning that balances progress with sustainability.
I’ve always believed in transparency and public engagement when it comes to major city developments like this. It’s vital to involve the community in decisions that will impact our natural heritage for generations. By avoiding drastic changes without proper public consultation, we can ensure that we maintain trust and accountability at City Hall.
In short, while I’m all for improving our infrastructure, I think there’s a better way forward that respects both the needs of our city and the incredible biodiversity that makes Saskatoon special. Safe streets and smart spending should also mean responsible environmental stewardship.
Cynthia Block
I am calling for a 24/7 drop-in centre for youth. Like basketball courts, skateboard parks and ice rinks, they are much more than recreation – they’re a place to grow up; build community connections and positive attitudes, laying the foundation for a brighter future. I believe we must prioritise essentials like staffed public washrooms along the river and in the core.
As mayor, I will create targeted incentives for grocery stores in areas identified as food deserts. I will also continue to support Reconciliation efforts in Saskatoon and will continue my support for Saskatoon’s cultural institutions.
I also pledge to continue to reach out to entho-cultural and Indigenous leadership, the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and other marginalized groups,to ensure we are designing and building a future for all of us – together.
Don Atchison
Saskatoon is vibrant hub for arts, culture, and community, and I am proud to have contributed to this transformation. A prime example is the Remai Modern Art Gallery, which elevated Saskatoon’s cultural presence nationally and globally. While some viewed it as a luxury, the gallery—along with the Persephone Theatre—has had a lasting impact on our city’s cultural and economic growth. The initial $39.75 million city investment attracted over $150 million in private donations and government contributions, proving the value of public-private partnerships.
Beyond the Remai Modern, Saskatoon’s success lies in our ability to adapt existing spaces. The conversion of the Mendel Art Gallery into the Wonderhub is a testament to our innovative thinking, repurposing prime riverfront real estate into a family-focused cultural centre. These projects show how cultural investments not only enrich lives but also drive economic development.
Inclusion has always been at the heart of my vision for Saskatoon. I’ve attended thousands of community events, celebrating the diverse cultures in our city. For example, the Mayor’s Cultural Gala, which I initiated in partnership with the Saskatoon Foundation, showcased local cultural talent while raising funds to support those in need. Folkfest is another celebration we must elevate, so more Saskatonians can experience the richness of our city’s cultural diversity.
However, a truly healthy city must also be safe. Many new Canadians have concerns about safety in their neighborhoods. A welcoming city must ensure safety for all, and we owe it to our new residents to live up to the promise of safety and opportunity that brought them here.
By continuing to embrace diversity, enhance safety, and celebrate cultural integration, Saskatoon can remain a leading choice for people to live and work, fostering a city that thrives both economically and socially.
(For a more comprehensive response go to: https://donatchison.com/q-a/#Cultural)
Cary Tarasoff
All people should feel safe and valued in our society. While we need to acknowledge and address past cultural and gender-based unfairness, it is my feeling that generally all people should be treated the same in a fair and open manner. Saskatoon already represents a wide ranging sample of ethnicities and cultures from all around the world and this is a distinctive strength that we all share in. We are global players in business and education right from our prairie home. We are not Toronto or Vancouver and we have to keep an eye on why that is our strength. Saskatoon needs to remember our prairie roots and heritage while we embrace new cultures and methods from around the world!
Gordon Wyant
Saskatoon is a city built on the strength of its people, and my vision is to ensure that every resident feels valued, respected, and heard. As we "Renew, Build, and Grow Saskatoon," our focus will always be on making Saskatoon a city that works for everyone. This means creating safe, well-designed spaces, but it also means fostering a sense of belonging for all.
A leading city isn't just about its physical infrastructure; it's about the heart of its community—its people. In a city where Indigenous populations are growing, we must be intentional about supporting Indigenous procurement and empowering social enterprises that reflect our city’s rich diversity. Every person—regardless of gender, ethnicity, or background—deserves respect and recognition.
By focusing on Safe Streets and Smart Spending, we'll create not just a city that’s physically safe but emotionally welcoming, where diversity and inclusion aren't just buzzwords, but core values. My commitment is to measurable, citizen-centered outcomes that ensure every decision we make in City Hall translates into a better, more inclusive Saskatoon for all.
Together, we will build a city that respects its people and thrives on collaboration, innovation, and inclusion—one that is truly a leading choice to live, work, and grow.
Cynthia Block
I support the new City Centre Plan that was created and designed with full input from our community:
• It will add density where infrastructure and services already exist.
• It will make Saskatoon more liveable, walkable, sustainable and affordable, with many public realm and green space improvements, including connection to Meewasin.
• It will create a warm, vibrant, welcoming place for all people in the heart of the city, attracting more people, businesses, jobs and tourists. It also provides new opportunities for Indigenous partnerships.
The Entertainment District is part of the City Centre Plan. Both are long-term planning pieces, and in my view, should not be the priority. As mayor, I will focus on the urgent matters of homelessness, community safety and accelerating housing at all levels. When a plan is eventually in place to move SaskTel Centre downtown, I will only support it if there is zero impact to property tax.
Don Atchison
The Downtown Event & Entertainment District (DEED) is an expensive project that Saskatoon can not afford. As Thomas Sowell once said, “There are no solutions, only trade-offs.” We must prioritize needs over wants. The decline of Saskatoon’s downtown is primarily due to safety concerns. Without addressing crime and ensuring safety for residents and visitors—especially women, children, and seniors—no investment in entertainment will revitalize the core. Safety is fundamental to any thriving city.
Beyond safety, the city must prioritize essential services like policing, snow removal, road maintenance, and housing. Projects like DEED are a “want,” and they must be weighed against more urgent needs. Saskatoon’s financial management has been a concern, exemplified by borrowing $20 million for snow removal. If the city struggles to manage basic services, can taxpayers trust it with a $1.2 billion DEED project that could easily balloon to $2.2 billion?
Historical examples show how smart investments can create lasting benefits. River Landing, which had stagnated for 50 years, was transformed into a vital part of the city connecting Riversdale, Nutana, and downtown. This project was carefully managed, and we can do the same with future initiatives. Our focus must be on public safety, fiscal responsibility, attainable housing, and reliable infrastructure—like my goal of 10,000 affordable homes in the next decade.
DEED, as it stands, is financially reckless. Taxpayers deserve transparency on its real costs, which will likely mean a 5-8% property tax increase. We need to pause, reimagine, and fully engage citizens to ensure we’re investing in a future Saskatoon can afford.
In short, the city’s focus should be on law and order, affordable housing, transportation, and prudent budgets. DEED may have its place, but only after we’ve met these core needs.
(For a more comprehensive response go to: https://donatchison.com/q-a/#EconomicDev)
Cary Tarasoff
The DEED may not revitalize the downtown core as predicted. Some of those people selling us now on the DEED did the same for River Landing, the Remai and the new library. There is a doctrine of planning thought that large extensive developments do not create community but that smaller, more targeted development can draw in diverse business activity to slowly build vibrancy and resiliency. My view is that the current DEED has been poorly planned and presented. It is evident that many significant areas have been glazed over that should have been properly planned for at this juncture. Things like integration with the BRT or downtown traffic flows, for example. Parking is almost the worst planned item so far. Now the current Mayor acknowledged on the radio recently that all Saskatoon taxpayers will have to support enhanced costs from this undertaking even though previously this was denied. Fact is, this project is explosively over cost for what a city the size of Saskatoon needs and if certain influential people were not pushing for this so hard, this would have already been stalled by a perceptive City Council. I would support a cost estimate for renovations of the current SaskTel Centre.
The one part to this that I feel is the best for our City would be to enhance the TCU Place for larger conventions. Conventions can bring 7 day a week benefit to the city. And that activity can take place during the day and night. Struggling downtown businesses can benefit from a larger pool of potential purchasers as they are more likely to shop than someone headed out for an evening concert.
My understanding is that we would need about $300 million for a good renovation and expansion and that the Federal government will cover $100 million of this (but only for a convention centre expansion and not the arena build). If the Province steps up to cover another $100 million, then we could create this first stage soon and build interest incrementally in the downtown.
Gordon Wyant
The Downtown Event & Entertainment District (DEED) is an exciting opportunity to revitalize the heart of Saskatoon, but we must approach it responsibly. As I’ve said before, downtown is the heart of our city, and I support the vision of DEED. However, this project must come with a solid financial plan that doesn’t unfairly burden taxpayers or negatively impact local businesses, like the hotels still recovering from the pandemic. We can’t afford to disrupt the Destination Marketing Fund, which is crucial for attracting visitors to our city.
Our approach to DEED would reflect the larger vision of my campaign: "Renew, Build, and Grow Saskatoon". This isn’t just a slogan, but a measurable, citizen-centered plan for a safer, smarter, and more accountable city. We’ll ensure that any investment into downtown aligns with our broader goals of safe streets and smart spending. We need transparency around the financial impacts and a commitment to avoid any unnecessary tax hikes.
More broadly, my administration will prioritize smart municipal spending by focusing on the core services residents rely on, like road maintenance, public safety, and transit. We’ll conduct an efficiency audit to cut wasteful spending, making sure every dollar spent has a clear return for the community. This approach will help local businesses thrive, keep taxes predictable, and allow us to invest in projects like DEED in a sustainable and responsible manner.
Let’s ensure that as we grow, we’re doing so in a way that respects Saskatoon’s people—creating a vibrant, modern downtown without overextending the city’s resources or leaving anyone behind.
Cynthia Block
My vision is a bed for everyone, a pathway out of homelessness and a city that is safe and thriving for all. We need more shelter spaces, more mental health and addiction supports, and a pathway out of homelessness. We also need our community with us.
I am calling for a Task Force on Homelessness where residents are at the table, including those with lived experience. “The Task Force will be solutions-focused and transparent to the public. Together with Police and Fire officials, service providers, businesses and Indigenous partners, we will find a better way forward.
I am also committed to working with the Provincial Government to increase the number of Enhanced Shelters and new Basic Shelter spaces, along with accessible mental health and addiction services.
I am calling for a more comprehensive national strategy, to ensure Federal dollars go directly to our city to maximize outcomes, with appropriate matching funds from the Province. The Task Force will be key to ensuring we’re ready. We need clear coordination and a solid plan to leverage Federal funding and ensure programs work for Saskatoon.
Don Atchison
Homelessness in Saskatoon has surged over the past eight years. This crisis demands immediate action and long-term planning. Restoring safety and security for all residents is my top priority. Law and order are fundamental government responsibilities, and stability for those in need is vital for a thriving community.
Homelessness is not a one-size-fits-all issue. Each individual’s situation is unique—some struggle with addiction, others face mental health challenges, while some are seniors, veterans, or single parents in tough circumstances.
We will shift from an "emergency shelter" mindset to a "comprehensive assistance strategy" that emphasizes long-term recovery and reintegration into society involving:
Medical centers for physical and mental health
Recovery centers for addiction support
Transitional housing to promote self-sufficiency
Attainable housing options for families and individuals
Our goal is to build 10,000 affordable homes over the next decade, with an additional 20,000–30,000 units to meet growing needs. It’s crucial to avoid past mistakes of concentrating services in one area, ensuring stability and peace of mind for all residents.
Saskatoon will lead in capital investment with provincial and federal support for the operational costs of our NGO, faith-based group, and community organization partners. I propose redirecting funds from the downtown event district to address homelessness, potentially funding 100 temporary homes for families and individuals in need.
As mayor, I will ensure Saskatoon leads in addressing homelessness. Leadership involves making tough decisions with compassion. Together, we can support those in need while safeguarding the quality of life for every resident. As Douglas MacArthur said, “A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others.”
(For more go to: https://donatchison.com/q-a/#Homelessness)
Cary Tarasoff
The new shelter that will be created in the old STC shipping warehouse on Pacific Ave is another poor decision among many. These substandard accommodations will only be a band-aid with more waste of taxpayer funds while providing no tangible long-term benefit. The City Administration has had years to consider and plan for this situation yet they continually fail to improve. They chose the easiest situation like the Sutherland Fire Hall, or now the vacant Saskatchewan Transportation Company warehouse, instead of working harder. They broke planning law when they approved the STC Shelter in Fairhaven without being held accountable. We need a purpose built, modular shelter in the north light industrial area of Saskatoon. Far removed from all residential and commercial business interests. An addictions treatment facility was built using this concept and recently opened in Red Deer, for example. Take people from where they are being preyed upon and give them real care in a dignified space with services brought to them where possible. Make it harder for the drug gangs to harm these disenfranchised people. But understand that many people on the street do not have the ability to live in a home safely. The people who are simply homeless due to economic circumstances can be placed in regular accommodations successfully. We need to help these people in traditional housing ways but then to treat the homeless who can be more “difficult to house” in a different place where proper care can be given long term. You cannot simply put this population into an apartment to solve the issue. People who are destabilized, who might be also violent in nature, do not belong in residential areas or on commercial streets. Whether it be a combination of drugs, mental health, and trauma, or not, we have to offer proper help but at some point, we have to insist they take the help and that walking the streets is not a right when they pose a risk to themselves or the general public.
Gordon Wyant
Now is the time for action on this important community challenge. We have talked about this for long enough. It requires a comprehensive, compassionate approach. In Saskatoon, we need to tackle both immediate needs and long-term solutions.
First, we must improve access to emergency shelters and mental health services. This can be done by working closely with social services, the province, and Indigenous organizations to ensure that people have access to safe spaces and the care they need without overwhelming residential neighborhoods. I have also said and remain committed to seeing the shelter in Fairhaven moved.
Long-term, one solution I’m focused on is redeveloping abandoned homes and converting them into affordable housing. By taking control of vacant properties and turning them into safe, livable spaces, we can help address housing shortages and bring vitality back to neglected areas. This not only helps those without homes but also strengthens communities by reducing crime and improving neighborhood stability.
Another key element is expanding partnerships with social enterprises and local organizations that specialize in helping vulnerable populations. We need to look at homelessness as a community challenge, one that requires cooperation across sectors—social services, law enforcement, health care, and housing—to ensure we’re getting people the help they need.
Addressing homelessness is about more than just providing shelter. It’s about creating pathways to stable housing, employment, and mental health support. Through a coordinated, compassionate approach, we can make real progress on this issue and build a Saskatoon that works for everyone.