Fourth day needed to finalize city budget

WATCH: Saskatoon city council made its way through more than 100 ways to reduce a property tax incre

Saskatoon city council raised bus fares and saved an historic outdoor pool as it methodically worked through its big list of ways to lower the budget.

“These are some uncomfortable topics to talk about,” City Manager Jeff Jorgenson. “I know they’re difficult for council or difficult for the administration.”

After remaining static for the last decade, bus fares will increase.

Low-income earners will see no change, while students will see as high as an 11 per cent rise in 2026 – or 15 cents a ticket, with many other categories going up 10 per cent.

An adult annual pass will now cost more than $1,004, rising by 25 cents a ticket. Fares will also increase by similar amounts in 2027.

Local advocacy group Bus Riders of Saskatoon was pleased to see the city work on changes to bus fares after years of intending to do, but feels the timeline wasn’t ideal.

“Unfortunately the gist of the five recommendations before you is simply to maintain the current fare structure,” said Robert Clipperton, a member of the group.

Clipperton wasn’t pleased with administration deciding on sweeping changes after two months of work. He said he was one of the limited number of people to attend engagement sessions with many organizations and groups unable to attend, given council’s desire to make the changes in time for the 2026/2027 budget cycle.

“The process was far too condensed,” he said. “We’d like to see things other than just a simple, ‘here’s a 25-cent increase in the fare.’”

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Golf course fees will also be rising, with city courses having to provide an annual contribution via a return on investment going forward.

Currently, municipal golf courses are fully cost recovered with surpluses going back to course specific reserves to improve or upkeep conditions. Increases to rates and fees are needed to contribute back to the city.

Getting kids signed up for swimming lessons might be easier. Starting in 2027, people from outside the city using municipal swimming pools for swimming lessons will pay slightly more than those living in Saskatoon. Administration estimates this will modestly impact demand.

Outdoor pools will stay open as usual, with prices remaining the same. The 60-year-old George Ward pool will stay open, after it was on the list to be closed, but the city says it’s due to be replaced in five years.

There were several items council wouldn’t go near Thursday. Many items in the list didn’t receive a mover, or someone to second the item, which prohibited them from being spoken to or considered.

Water and wastewater utility rates are going up 5.18% in 2026 and 5.14% in 2027, outside of property taxes, after the 108 items were considered.

Despite being scheduled for three days of budget deliberations, a fourth day will be needed Friday. The proposed property tax increase in 2026 currently stands at 6.17 per cent, and 5.39 per cent in 2027.