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AN OVERVIEW OF THE DEMOGRAPHIC,

ECONOMIC, SOCIAL, AND

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES & TRENDS

IN SASKATOON 2013-2014

FOR CITY COUNCIL REVIEW, DECEMBER 3-4, 2013

Statistics Canada instituted the National Household Survey in 2011 to replace the long form Census of previous Census cycles. The National Household Survey methodology is different than that used form the long form Census; it is a voluntary survey, and as a result the response rates to the survey may vary widely over the community.

It is important to note that direct comparison of the results of the National Household Survey to the Census of previous years, may be unreliable because we are unable to verify with confidence whether observed differences are due to an actual change in the characteristic being measured - or caused by the change in methodology. Nonetheless, it is the new methodology going forward.

Review of data that includes both Census survey results and National Household Survey results should be considered knowing that this methodology change has occurred.

ISSUES & TRENDS IMPACTING THE CITY OF SASKATOON 2013-2014 1

AN OVERVIEW OF DEMOGRAPHIC, ECONOMIC, SOCIAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES &TRENDSThis section of the document provides an overview of key population and demographics; economic, social, and environmental issues

and trends that the City of Saskatoon considers and utilizes in developing and preparing its 2014 Corporate Business Plan and Budget.

By paying attention to these issues and trends, the City of Saskatoon is able to more efficiently dedicate its human, financial, and

technological resources to key programs and services.

Population and Demographic Issues and TrendsSaskatoon’s strong economy has resulted in continuous and substantial population increases in recent years. For the third consecutive

year, Saskatoon has recorded the strongest growth of any CMA in Canada. Saskatoon’s population increased by a rate of 40.4 per

thousand; the CMA’s of Regina (31.5 per thousand) and Calgary (31.4 per thousand) had the second and third largest population increases

in Canada for 2012.

According to Statistics Canada, the population of the Saskatoon CMA – which includes cities and towns such as Martensville, Warman,

and Delisle – was 284,008 as of July 1, 2012.

Annual Population Growth Saskatoon CMA

2008

6,125

2009

7,147

2010

7,033

2012

11,237

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

12,000

10,000

8,000

2011

7,631

Source: Statistics Canada Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas, 2012

ISSUES AND TRENDS

IMPACTING THE CITY OF

SASKATOON 2013-2014

ISSUES AND TRENDS

ISSUES & TRENDS IMPACTING THE CITY OF SASKATOON 2013-20142

Subsequent charts will break down the sources of the population to provide a better perspective on the types of people moving to the

Saskatoon region.

More locally, the City of Saskatoon’s internal projections and estimates indicate that as of July 1, 2013, Saskatoon’s population had

reached 246,300. Since 2006, the city has added over 38,000 new residents averaging 6,000 new residents per year.

The following graph shows high and medium population growth projections for Saskatoon. If these projections materialize, Saskatoon’s population will be above 275,000 in just five years.

City of Saskatoon Population Growth, Projection: 2002-2018(f)

190,000

200,000

210,000

220,000

230,000

240,000

250,000

260,000

270,000

280,000

201,705206,075 208,007

227,327

251,226

256,251

261,376

266,603

216,082

252,458

258,769

246,300

239,000

265,238

271,869

278,666

271,935

2017(f) 2018(f)2016(f)2015(f)2014(f)201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002

City of Saskatoon Population Estimate Population Projection (2.5% Growth Rate) Population Projection (2% Growth Rate)

Source: Statistics Canada, City of Saskatoon Population Estimates, July 2013

ISSUES AND TRENDS


Saskatoon’s strong population growth has been driven primarily by international immigration. As shown in the charts below, 65% of net

migration in the CMA has come from international immigration.

Moreover, the population data reveals significant increases in both net interprovincial (more people moving from other provinces) and

intraprovincial (more people moving from Saskatchewan communities) migration. This means more people are moving to, rather than

moving from, Saskatoon from other cities and communities across Canada and Saskatchewan.

Net Migration to the Saskatoon CMA 2007-2012

2011/12

2,074

1,240

6,068

2007/08

986

928

2,759

2008/09

1,121

891

3,485

2010/11

1,295

980

2,942

2009/10

1,295

1,118

2,946

0

4,000

8,000

10,000International Immigration Interprovincial Migration Intraprovincial Migration

2,000

6,000


Another important component of population growth is the number of births over deaths, referred to as the “natural increase in population”.

As shown below, the Saskatoon CMA is experiencing a “baby boom” of sorts. This positive trajectory indicates that more daycare spaces,

schools, and recreation facilities will be required to accommodate this growth.

Natural Increase in the Saskatoon CMA Population 2007-2012

2011/12

1,855

0

600

1,200

1,500

2,000

300

900

1,800

2007/08

1,485

2008/09

1,549

2010/11

1,6941,631

2009/10


ISSUES AND TRENDS


Economic Issues and TrendsSaskatoon is Saskatchewan’s largest city. With a growing population and a thriving business sector, Saskatoon has positioned itself as

an attractive and vibrant city that is a primary engine of the Saskatchewan economy. Notwithstanding the global economic challenges,

Saskatoon’s diverse economy, low unemployment, healthy real estate market, and rising incomes, all indicate that Saskatoon will continue

to grow and prosper, becoming an even more attractive and competitive city.

One factor driving Saskatoon’s population growth is the abundance of job opportunities that are available in the city. Employment growth in

2013 and 2014 is projected to be significant as the economy continues to be strong.

Saskatoon Employment Growth 2007-2014(f)

2014(f)

1.9%

2007

6.6%

2008

1.8%

2009

3.5%

2010

-0.8%

2011

-0.8%

2013(f)

5.6%

2012

4.6%

-1.0

1.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

0.0

2.0

Source: Conference Board of Canada

As shown below, Saskatoon’s unemployment rate is projected to fall slightly in 2013.

Saskatoon’s Unemployment Rate 2005-2017(f)

0%

1.0%

3.0%

5.0%

6.0%

2.0%

4.0%

2017(f)

5.1%

2015(f) 2016(f)2012 2013(f) 2014(f)20112008 2009 20102005 2006 2007

5.1%5.1%5.1%

5.6%5.7%

4.6%

4.0%4.4%

5.0%

4.0%

5.4%

4.9%

Source: Conference Board of Canada: Metropolitan Outlook Spring 2013

ISSUES AND TRENDS


Inflation

Municipal governments are under considerable pressure to relate their spending and taxation levels to the cost of inflation, yet each

municipal government’s experience with inflation can differ greatly from a national average. The most widely applied measure of inflation in

Canada is the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

The CPI measures the price changes for common household purchases, such as food, shelter, clothing, household operations, and

furnishings; these are items that a municipal government typically does not purchase to provide programs and services to its citizens.

However, given the CPI’s pervasive use in setting cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs), it can be the appropriate metric when calculating the

rate of consumer inflation at the national level.

Consumer Price Index Change by City (August 2012 to August 2013)

0.0%

0.5%

1.0%

1.5%

2.0%

3.0%

2.5%

VancouverCalgaryEdmontonSaskatoonReginaWinnipegTorontoOttawaMontrealHalifax

1.1%

0.8%

1.2%

1.6%

2.7%

1.4%

0.9%

1.2%

1.7%

0.1%

Source: Statistics Canada, August 2013

The CPI is a useful proxy for cost inflation in general as it is a well-known statistic and is produced monthly by an independent source

(Statistics Canada). However, extending the use of the CPI into discussions on the appropriate level of property tax or fee increases for a

municipal government becomes problematic because:

< A municipal government’s actual experience with inflation often differs greatly from CPI.

< The “basket of goods” that is consumed by a municipality as compared to an individual or a household is different. For this

reason, the Consumer Price Index is not a good indicator.

Generally, this is because the largest expenditures for governments are typically labour, construction materials, and contractual services,

which are substantially different factors than those found in the CPI.

For the City of Saskatoon, inflation can be described as the increase in the cost of goods and services that are normally purchased by the

City to provide vital programs and services to the citizens of Saskatoon. In other words, inflation is a function of the increase (or decrease)

in costs to provide such programs and services as:

< Transportation Services: roads, streets, sidewalks, public transportation

< Utilities: water, wastewater, storm water, solid waste

< Community Support and Recreation Services: parks, recreation, libraries, museums, social services, sport and culture

< Protective Services: fire, police, bylaw enforcement

< Planning and Development: economic, land use, building standards

ISSUES AND TRENDS


As such, municipal governments have their own spending patterns and cost profiles that are different than other economic sectors. A price

index that does not reflect the municipal purchasing structure is incapable of truly reflecting the changes in the purchasing power of local

governments such as the City of Saskatoon.

To better understand and communicate the true inflationary pressures on municipal budgets, the City of Saskatoon has followed the

trend of other municipalities and has developed a Municipal Price Index (or Municipal Cost Index). There are two main parts to the

MPI calculation: 1) weightings of the expenditure categories (showing the relative importance of items in the index); and 2) the inflation

factor used for each component. The weightings for Saskatoon’s MPI are based on the approved operating budget and include such

categories as:

< wages and benefits

< professional and contracted services

< construction materials and commodities

< capital and equipment purchases

< utilities

< land costs

< debt service charges

An MPI for the City of Saskatoon has been calculated to be used for future budgeting benchmarks and will be reviewed annually.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

In Canada, and throughout the world, economic output is measured by GDP. GDP is the value of all goods and services produced in a

country in a calendar year. The gross domestic product includes only final goods and services, not goods and services used to make

another product. Changes in the GDP are an indication of economic output. At year end 2012, the total value of GDP for the Saskatoon

region was $15.46 billion.

According to forecasts by the Conference Board of Canada November 2013, Saskatoon is expected to lead the country in GDP growth

by 5.2 per cent.

Projected Saskatoon Real GDP Growth vs. Eastern Cities, 2013

Halifax

Saskatoon

Montréal

Toronto

Ottawa-Gatineau

Hamilton

0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0

1.3

1.7

2.3

5.2

2.8

2.3

Source: Conference Board of Canada, November 2013

ISSUES AND TRENDS


Projected Saskatoon Real GDP Growth vs. Western Cities, 2013

0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 6.05.0

Victoria

Winnipeg

Saskatoon

Vancouver

Regina

Calgary

Edmonton 3.2

3.3

3.5

2.9

5.2

2.0

1.8


Since 2008, Saskatoon’s GDP has grown by an average of 3.7% annually, and this includes one year of negative growth, impacted by the

global economic downturn.

Saskatoon Annual Real GDP Growth 2008-2014(f)

-3.0

-1.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

6.0

-2.0

0.0

5.0

2014(f)

3.5%

2008

5.7%

2009

-2.7%

2010

5.8%

2011

5.7%

2013(f)

5.2%

2012

4.1%


ISSUES AND TRENDS


Retail Sales

Saskatoon is expected to see positive retail sales growth. Retail sales information provides a measure of the health and performance of

the retail trade sector. As an important industry in the Canadian economy, governments are able to better determine the overall health of

the economy and understand the important role that retailers have in the economy.

Retail Sales Growth in Saskatoon 2012-2017(f)

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

5.0

6.0

4.0

2017(f)2016(f)2015(f)2014(f)2013(f)2012

4.4

5.2 5.25.3

4.7

4.1

Source: Conference Board of Canada - Spring 2013 Outlook

Disposable Income

Personal disposable income growth in Saskatoon is also expected to rise over the next two years, although at a much slower pace than

witnessed in 2007 and 2008. Personal disposable income is the amount left over after payment of personal direct taxes, including income

taxes, contributions to social insurance plans (such as the Canada Pension Plan and Employment Insurance) and other fees. It is a

measure of the funds available for personal expenditures on goods and services and personal savings for investments as well as personal

transfers to other sectors of the economy.

Disposable Income Growth in Saskatoon 2006-2013(f)

0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

12.0

10.0

1.0

3.0

5.0

7.0

11.0

9.0

2006

7.79

2007

9.47

2008

11.03

2009

4.62

2010

7.17

2011

5.93

2012(f)

5.58

2013(f)

5.57

Source: Conference Board of Canada, November 8, 2012 presentation

ISSUES AND TRENDS


Housing Sales versus Price Increases

Housing sales have remained strong in Saskatoon since 2011, hovering around 5,100 each year. Housing sales to the end of August 2012

were virtually on par with levels from a year ago; it is expected that existing home sales will total 5,300 units in 2013. A slightly higher level

of 5,400 sales is projected for next year.

Saskatoon Housing Sales vs Price Increases 2010-2014(f)

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

Sale

s

Pric

e In

crea

se (

%)4,000

6,000

0

2

6

8

10

5,000

4

2014(f)2013(f)201220112010

3,574

5,183

5,462 5,4005,300

6.2

1.7

4.8

2.92.5

Source: CMHC - Housing Market Outlook

Housing Starts in the Saskatoon CMA

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

4,000

3,500

2,500

3,000

2010

2,381

2011

2,994

2012

3,753

2013(f)

3,412

2014(f)

2,912

2015(f)

2,771

2016(f)

2,646

2017(f)

2,631

Multi-family Single-detached

Source: Conference Board Canada: Metropolitan Outlook Spring 2013

ISSUES AND TRENDS


Building Permits

For cities, a good indicator of economic activity is the number of building permits issued each year. In 2012, the City of Saskatoon

issued more than 5,196 building permits, once again, breaking all previous records. The value of the building permits issued in 2012

was $1,082,100,000; a 15% change over 2011. Continuing on this upward trend, the value of the business permits as of November

2013 is $1,008,599,000.

Building Permits Issued by the City of Saskatoon 2008-2013

0 0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

6,000

$500.0

$1,000.0

$1,500.0

2,000.0

5,000

2013(Jan-Nov)

4,562

Val

ue

(in

mill

ion

s)

2012

5,196

2011

4,651

201020092008

3,243 3,325

4,100

$666.1

$936.9$1,082.1

$1,008.6

Source: City of Saskatoon, Building Standards Branch

Construction activity in Saskatoon continued this trend in 2012. Both the number of permits and the construction value to the end of the

third quarter exceeded those in 2011. What makes this quite notable is that only five projects exceeded $10 million in construction value.

Many of the permits issued were for new one and two unit dwellings.

ISSUES AND TRENDS


Business Licenses

In 2012, the City issued 1,299 new business licences (472 commercial, and 827 home-based businesses). The total number of businesses

licensed has increased by more than 11% since 2007. New business creation continues to be strong in the city, reinforcing job growth and

strong economic activity.

City of Saskatoon Business Licenses Issued 2008-2012

0

200

500

400

900

800

100

300

700

600

2012

New Commercial / Industrial Businesses New Home-Based Businesses

827

472

2011201020092008

756

690

838798

416352 396

368

Source: City of Saskatoon, Business License Program, “Business Profile - Annual Report 2012”

Social Trends and IssuesWhile population and various economic growth indicators are important in determining the level of economic activity in Saskatoon, the City

of Saskatoon also realizes that these are not the only factors that have an impact on the programs and services that the City provides to

its citizens. Civic programs contribute to the overall quality of life experienced by citizens by providing safety services, infrastructure, and

recreational activities.

Crime and Public Safety

The City of Saskatoon has increased the police budget in recent years to support the Saskatoon Police Service in reducing crime in the

community. This investment is paying off. The “perception” of serious crime has improved over the past decade; fewer people rate their

safety from serious crime as poor or fair. In 2012, actual reported incidents of serious crime on both per capita and absolute scales has

fallen to its lowest point in the last decade.

In contrast to crimes against the person, there was an increase in the total number of crimes against property between 2008 and 2009

of 5% and of 3% from 2010 to 2011. In 2012, total crimes against the person was down 8% as compared to 2011. However, since 2008,

property crimes decreased by 12%; since 2011, property crimes have decreased by 9%.

ISSUES AND TRENDS


Crimes Against the Person in Saskatoon 2008-2012

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

2012

3,742

2011201020092008

4,062

4,5134,2884,231

Source: Saskatoon Police Service - Year End Summary Report 2012

In contrast to crimes against the person, there was an increase in the total number of crimes against property between 2008 and 2009 of

4%. However, since 2007, property crimes have decreased by 19%.

Crimes Against Property in Saskatoon 2008-2012

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

2012

13,153

20092008

14,99115,736

20112010

14,35913,893

Source: Saskatoon Police Service - Year End Summary Report 2012

ISSUES AND TRENDS


Housing Affordability

Housing prices continue to increase. Since 2006, as shown in the following chart, the median price of a home has grown faster than

the median income, resulting in an erosion of housing affordability. The Median Multiple is a measure of affordability. It is the ratio of

the median income to median house price. The following chart can be read as “in 2012, the median house price was 5.30 times the

median income”.

Median Multiple Housing Affordability Index

20122011

5.104.80

2010

5.005.30

2006

3.60

3.04

2007

4.64

2008

4.76

2009

4.71

0.00

1.00

2.00

3.00

4.00

6.00

Generation 5 Estimates 2006 Census Statistics Canada: National Household Survey 2011

5.00

Source: Statistics Canada, G5, and City of Saskatoon

Note: Historically, an index value of 3.0 has been considered to be “affordable”

Although housing is not a traditional responsibility of the City of Saskatoon, the City is aware of the impacts that the lack of affordable

housing has on individuals, families, the economy, and the community. As a result, the City of Saskatoon has adopted an innovative

Housing Business Plan to help encourage the building of more affordable housing in the city. This Business Plan seeks to define where

the City can be more effective in serving the community to meet the pressing need for affordable and entry-level housing. Funding for the

Housing Business Plan was committed at $2.5 million per year until the end of 2012.

Immigration Trends

The number of newcomers to Saskatoon has increased astoundingly in recent years; according to Statistics Canada, Saskatchewan

attracted approximately 370% more newcomers since 2006-2007. As Saskatoon’s economy continues to grow, the City anticipates that

more and more new newcomers will be moving to Saskatoon. Although immigration is a federal and provincial responsibility, the City of

Saskatoon does play a role in providing support services to newcomers. The following graph suggests that over 6,000 newcomers have

settled in the Saskatoon region in the last two years.

ISSUES AND TRENDS


Immigration: Saskatoon & Regina CMAs, Other Saskatchewan, 2006-2012

0

1,000

2,000

4,000

7,000

Regina CMA Saskatoon CMA Other SK

3,000

6,000

5,000

2011-12

4,75

06,

068

2,92

4

2010-112008-09 2009-102007-082006-07

839 1,

290

966 1,

338

2,75

919

4

2,22

33,

485

220

2,56

32,

946

1,80

9

2,60

72,

942

1,99

8

Source: Statistics Canada: National Household Survey 2011

Urban Aboriginal Population

The Aboriginal population is growing at a faster rate than the total population, due in part to a birth rate about 1.5 times the national

average, and increasing numbers of people identifying themselves as Aboriginal. First Nations people comprise the majority (60%) of the

Aboriginal population.

Canadian Urban Aboriginal Populations, 2011 (as % of total population)

0.0 2.0 4.0 6.0 8.0 12.011.01.0 3.0 5.0 7.0 10.09.0

Winnipeg

Saskatoon

Regina

Edmonton

Vancouver

Calgary

Toronto

Ottawa

Montreal 0.6

2.1

0.7

2.7

2.0

5.3

9.9

9.8

11.1


ISSUES AND TRENDS


Aging Population

According to Statistics Canada, Saskatoon had the youngest median age of any CMA in 2011 at 35.9. This compares to Canada’s median

age at 39.9. The aging of Saskatoon’s population over the next 15 years will see the proportion of the population of labour force age (15-

64) fall from 64.4% currently to 61.3% in 2026, and the seniors proportion rise from 11.4% to 15%.

Saskatoon: Age Demographic as % of Total Population, 2012-2032

0.0%

10.0%

30.0%

20.0%

40.0%

50.0%

5.86.2

6.25.86.4

10.611.4

10.411.111.2

6.25.1

5.04.6

5.0

37.840.141.041.641.6

25.624.2

17.117.7

15.2

22.120.119.5

13.512.7

PreschoolChildren

(0-4 years)

ElementarySchool

(5-14 years)

HighSchool

(15-19 years)

Young LabourForce

(20-44 years)

Older LabourForce

(45-64 years)

Seniors(65+ years)

20122017202220272032

Source: City of Saskatoon & Saskatoon Census Metropolitan Area Population Projection 2012-2032 (Using Medium (2.5%) Growth Model)

ISSUES AND TRENDS


Low-Income Saskatonians

In Saskatoon, the number of low-income families dropped between 1991 and 2011. Nonetheless, close to one in five children in Saskatoon

lives in poverty.

Incidence of Low-Income Among Saskatoon Families

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

2011

14.0%

1996

17.2%

2001

14.4%

2006

12.2%

Census 2006 Statistics Canada: National Household Survey 2011

Source: Statistics Canada, Census 1996-2006; Statistics Canada: National Household Survey 2011

Proportion of Children in Low-Income Cut-Off Families in Saskatoon

0.0%

15.0%

30.0%

2011

18.5%

1996

30.0%

2001

25.0%

2006

24.0%

Census 2006 Statistics Canada: National Household Survey 2011

Source: Statistics Canada, Census 1996-2006; Statistics Canada: National Household Survey 2011

Income distribution and support programs for low-income persons are not deemed to be a traditional role or responsibility for municipal

governments. However, the City of Saskatoon does provide various programs to help low-income individuals and families access key

programs and services. For example, the City offers low-income transit and recreation passes to ensure that low-income residents can

have access to these important services.

ISSUES AND TRENDS


Environmental Trends and IssuesThe citizens of Saskatoon value a healthy environment, including parks and open spaces, clean air, and safe drinking water. But as the city

continues to grow, there will be corresponding pressures on these resources. For example, the city will have to find ways to address the

pressures of:

< increasing park usage

< increasing water consumption

< rising greenhouse gas emissions

< more waste generation

< more absorption of available land to accommodate new industrial and residential developments

Modes of Transportation

Like most Canadian cities, the primary mode of transportation for Saskatoon commuters is the personal vehicle. The following chart shows

that 86% of commuters use the automobile, as drivers or passengers, as their primary mode of transportation.

How People Get to Work in Saskatoon

2% Other

2% Cycling

5% Pedestrian

5% Public Transit

6% Car, Truck or Van (as a passenger)

80% Car, Truck or Van (as a driver)


This reliance on the automobile obviously creates not only pressures on the environment, but it also creates pressures on the City’s

transportation costs, both capital and operating.

Public Transit Ridership

It is well documented that increased usage of public transit has a positive impact on the environment, as it helps to reduce the amount of

greenhouse gas emissions produced in a particular community. According to Transport Canada, public transit offers many benefits:

< It offers the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and smog in urban areas by improving services and offering

Canadians greater flexibility in their transportation options.

< Investments make public transit more attractive and can induce a shift from auto travel to more fuel-efficient and

cost-effective transit.

< Increased use of public transit can lead to a reduction of congestion levels, further improving energy use and

air quality.

ISSUES AND TRENDS


In order to realize these benefits, the City of Saskatoon will continue working to make transit a more convenient and reliable transportation

option in 2013.

Despite the reliance on the automobile in Saskatoon, transit ridership has been steadily increasing in Saskatoon. A number of initiatives

are planned to make taking the bus more attractive. In 2013 Saskatoon Transit introduced ‘Direct’ routes, an express service to get people

from outer lying neighbourhoods to their destination quickly and conveniently and in 2014 GPS capability will be installed in the entire fleet

meaning citizens and visitors will be able to track their bus online in real time. The trip planning software will also get a complete overhaul

with this upgrade. In addition, the Transit Bus Eco-pass program gained further interest in 2012 as five new businesses signed on to the

program. This program provides employers with a discounted bus pass for their employees, and the cost is shared between Saskatoon

Transit and the employer.

In 2012, Saskatoon Transit had 12,777,458 passenger trips, over a 20% increase in ridership since 2007 (10,598,353).

Transit Ridership in Saskatoon 2008-2012

0

2,000,000

4,000,000

6,000,000

8,000,000

10,000,000

14,000,000

12,000,000

2012

12,777,458

20112010

11,564,85812,329,979

20092008

11,141,67211,579,606

Source: Saskatoon Transit Annual Report, 2012

Ecological Footprint

As a city grows, it needs to acquire more land to accommodate new businesses and residents. However, the expanding geographic size of

a city increases its ecological footprint. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) defines an ecological footprint as:

“…a measure of the demands humans place on nature. It shows how much biologically productive land and

water we occupy to produce all the resources we consume and to absorb our waste. By measuring the present

footprint, and then calculating the footprints for various household lifestyle or government policy options,

more efficient ways of meeting human needs can be evaluated and implemented.”

According to FCM’s 2006 analysis of ecological footprints of major Canadian cities and regions, Calgary and Edmonton had the highest

municipal footprints. Saskatoon was on par with the national average. A growing ecological footprint obviously has an impact on

environmental sustainability and increases the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced in a community.

ISSUES AND TRENDS


Ecological Footprint - Saskatoon and the World (gha - Global Hectare)

0.0 2.0 4.0 6.0 8.0 12.010.0

China

World Average

Japan

Europe

High Income Countries

Canada

Saskatoon

North America

United States

United Arab Emirates 10.7

8.0

7.9

7.3

7.1

6.1

4.7

4.7

2.7

2.2

Source: City of Saskatoon Ecological Footprint Analysis, 2011

Population Density

One important way that cities can reduce their ecological footprints is by achieving greater population density targets. Population density

is typically defined as the number of persons per square kilometre in a particular geographic area. Saskatoon has a low population density

when compared with other major cities.

Contributing to this low density is the fact that Saskatoon added 40 square kilometres in 2010. This new land is expected to allow the

City to grow to a population of 500,000. In addition, with the development of higher density targets in new neighbourhoods and new infill

development in more established neighbourhoods, this number will undoubtedly improve in future years.

Population Density - Residents per Acre

0.0

5.0

10.0

15.0

20.0

25.0

SaskatoonReginaCalgaryVancouver

21.2

5.4 5.4 5.3

Source: Based on Statistics Canada, Census 2011 Population Figures

ISSUES AND TRENDS


Waste Diversion

The City of Saskatoon’s waste diversion initiatives direct materials that have value or purpose away from the landfill. Recycling and

composting are examples of waste diversion programs that provide significant benefit to the community and region. There are many

benefits of waste diversion:

> Recycling uses less energy than disposal in a landfill, and manufacturing with recycled materials is more energy efficient than

with virgin materials.

> The greenhouse gas emissions generated by the landfill are reduced.

> Landfill airspace is preserved to avoid the need for a landfill.

> Reuse and recycling conserve resources.

Currently, the waste diversion rate for Saskatoon is 28.5% and the City diverts approximately 30,000 tonnes of materials from its landfill

through the programs highlighted in the figure below. This number is expected to increase substantially in future years, as the City

continues to expand, develop, and communicate waste diversion strategies and programs.

Organics and Recycling Trends - Municipal Programs Only 2006-2013(f)

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013(f)

Residential/Commercial Compost Depot Drop-off 45 2,209 1,583 16,055 17,000 15,810 16,553 17,160

Fibre 6,571 7,239 7,258 7,542 7,675 7,828 7,984 8,150

Leaves Grass Subscription Program 99 144 309 530 748 840 995 840

Parks 28 419 835 841 980 1,350 952 1,000

Backyard Composters 150 150 157 157 160 160 160 160

Christmas Trees 167 104 104 94 98 115 101 105

Steel Cans 71 71 77 83 87 79 72 40

Landfill Drop-off 935 1,405 799 0 0 0 0 0

Industrial/Commercial Bulk Sources 0 0 0 24 50 0 0 0

Infrastructure Services 241 474 28 10,000 0 0 0

Curbside Recyclables (mixed) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12,000

TOTAL 8,065 11,983 11,596 25,354 36,798 26,182 26,817 39,455

Source: City of Saskatoon

Air Quality

Poor air quality has been linked to a number of health concerns in humans, ranging from eye and nose irritation to severe respiratory

problems including lung cancer. Carbon monoxide or CO, is one of the common airborne contaminants in the air we breathe. Average

concentrations of CO can fluctuate from year-to-year, as indicated in the figure below. CO along with fine particulate matter, nitrogen

dioxide, ground-level ozone, and sulphur dioxide are used by the province’s Ministry of Environment to calculate the Air Quality Index.

Saskatoon has maintained a Good rating on this index from 2000-2012.

ISSUES AND TRENDS


Historical Air Quality Measures in Saskatoon

0.00

0.05

0.10

0.15

0.20

0.25

0.30

0.35

0.40

0.50

0.45

20122011

Ave

rag

e C

on

cen

trat

ion

of

CO

(p

pm

)

0.19

0.22

201020092008200720062005200420032002

0.26 0.25

0.29 0.30

0.46

0.25

0.13

0.18 0.17

Source: Province of Saskatchewan

Daily Water Consumption

Another key environmental trend is the amount of water consumed in a community. Treatment and distribution of water require huge

inputs of energy, corresponding to greenhouse gas emissions. These impacts in addition to the demands on the City’s water and

wastewater infrastructure are significant. In response, the City recently launched its ‘Be Water Wise’ campaign, as an educational tool to

conserve water use by the residential sector.

Total water sales in 2012 were 34.9 million cubic metres, a slight drop in volume from the previous five-year average of 36.0 million

cubic metres. However, water use is sensitive to weather conditions, with years of relatively high precipitation rates, such as 2012,

corresponding to reductions in water used for residential and commercial irrigation.

Daily Domestic Water Consumption in Saskatoon

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

2012

(L/c

apit

a/d

ay)

404

2011201020092008

462448

387411

Source: City of Saskatoon and SaskWater

With respect to the 2010 and 2011 results, it is recognized that climate conditions contributed significantly to the water consumption

reduction as rainfall in 2010 and 2011 was above average.

ISSUES AND TRENDS


2013 Input by the Citizens of SaskatoonIn order to ensure that the City of Saskatoon is dedicating its resources to the programs and services that citizens want, the City actively

seeks input from the people it serves. One method the City utilizes to accomplish this is by conducting a formal, random survey of its

citizens.

In the spring of 2013, the City of Saskatoon engaged Insightrix Research Inc. to conduct an annual Civic Services Survey. Between May

21st and June 7th, 2013 a total of 500 randomly selected households participated in the survey via telephone, and 813 respondents

participated online.

The primary purpose of this survey was to gauge the opinion of the citizens of Saskatoon on a variety of issues including their perceptions

about the quality of life in our city, and the various types and levels of service they receive from the City of Saskatoon. The survey results

assist the Administration and City Council in making key budgetary and public policy decisions about the types and levels of services that

the City of Saskatoon provides to its residents. The key results from this survey are as follows.

Current Perceived Quality of Life in 2013

Overall, the vast majority of respondents (phone: 90.4%, online: 85.5%) rate the quality of life in Saskatoon as either good or very good.

Less than one in ten rate the quality of life as fair (phone: 8.0%, online 13.3%), and a very small proportion (phone: 1.4%, online: 1.2%)

rate it as either poor or very poor.

0.1%0.6% 0.8% 1.1%

8.0%13.3%

52.0%55.6%

38.4%

29.9%

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

Very GoodGoodFairPoorVery Poor

Telphone Online

ISSUES AND TRENDS


Overall Satisfaction With Civic Services in 2013

A strong majority of respondents are either satisfied or very satisfied (phone: 82.9%, online: 73.0%) with the overall level of services

provided by the City of Saskatoon. Note that the largest proportion of respondents is satisfied (phone: 73.3%, online: 67.5%) as opposed

to very satisfied (phone: 9.6%, online: 5.5%), suggesting that these residents can identify some areas for improvement. Fewer respondents

report not being satisfied (phone: 17.1%, online: 27.0%).

0.0%

20.0%

40.0%

60.0%

100.0%Telphone Online

80.0%

Very SatisfiedSatisfiedUnsatisfiedVery Unsatisfied

4.0% 4.7%13.1%

22.3%

73.3%67.5%

9.6%5.5%

Importance of Specific Civic Services in 2013

Respondents were asked to rate the importance of a wide range of civic services available to citizens using a scale from one to ten, where

one means that the service is not at all important and should not be given top priority, and ten means the service is extremely important

and should be given top priority. A five means the service is neither important nor unimportant. For ease of reporting, these services have

been coded for the City by department.

Similar to the previous wave of the study, the services that respondents rated highest in terms of importance include the quality of drinking

water, the maintenance of major roadways and freeways in the city, the repair of water main breaks, fire protection services and police

services. For the most part, results are more or less consistent between phone and online respondents.

ISSUES AND TRENDS


What Are the Most Important Civic Services to the Residents of Saskatoon in 2013?

Telephone Online

4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0

9.49.5

9.09.2

8.89.19.19.1

9.09.0

8.68.9

8.78.9

8.48.8

8.58.8

8.48.6

8.38.5

8.28.5

7.57.9

7.67.8

7.57.8

7.17.6

7.27.6

7.07.5

7.07.5

7.27.4

7.57.4

6.97.4

7.07.3

6.97.0

6.97.0

6.76.8

6.16.6

5.86.4

6.26.4

5.95.8

5.95.8

4.74.6

Quality of drinking water

Maintenance of major roadways and freeways

Repair of water main breaks

Fire protection services

Police services

Electrical services reliability *

Treatment of sewage

Tra�c management

Ice and snow management

Planning and development of the city

Street maintenance in your neighborhood

Garbage collection

Mosquito control

Recycling initiatives

Maintenance of city parks

Sidewalk maintenance in your neighborhood

Land�ll services

Public transportation, that is buses and bus routes

Parking

Accessibility of city parks

Funding for community service organizations

Maintenance of city trees

Bylaw enforcement

Control of dangerous and nuisance animals

Indoor pools/community centres

Customer service

Maintenance of back lanes

Online Services

Outdoor swimming pools

Funding for arts and cultural groups

Ice rinks

Golf courses

*Exclude households that have SaskPower as their electricity provider.

ISSUES AND TRENDS


Assessment of City’s Performance Delivering Civic Services in 2013

In addition to rating civic services by importance, respondents were also asked to rate them according to how well they believe the City

is doing in delivering the services. The services that respondents rate highest include the quality of the drinking water, fire protection

services, and reliability of electrical services.

Telephone Online

4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0

Quality of drinking water

Fire protection services

Electrical services reliability *

Treatment of sewage

Garbage collection

Police services

Accessibility of city parks

Recycling initiatives

Indoor pools/community centres

Golf courses

Repair of water main breaks

Land�ll services

Maintenance of city parks

Maintenance of city trees

Outdoor swimming pools

Control of dangerous and nuisance animals

Ice rinks

Online Services

Customer services

Funding for arts and cultural groups

Bylaw enforcement

Funding for community service organizations

Public transportation, that is buses and bus routes

Mosquito control

Sidewalk maintenance in your neighborhood

Parking

Planning and development of the city

Street maintenance in your neighborhood

Maintenance of back lanes

Tra�c management

Maintenance of major roadways and freeways

Ice and snow management

8.48.4

8.58.3

8.48.2

7.87.8

7.97.5

7.87.57.5

7.27.5

7.17.2

7.16.7

7.07.2

6.96.96.9

7.16.9

7.06.8

6.66.6

6.86.6

6.36.66.6

6.56.8

6.46.0

6.16.2

6.16.1

6.06.2

5.65.6

5.55.8

5.45.4

5.25.6

5.15.4

5.15.3

5.05.3

4.95.1

4.64.7

4.4

*Exclude households that have SaskPower as their electricity provider.

ISSUES AND TRENDS


Most Important Issue Facing Saskatoon in 2013

While respondents list a wide variety of issues that they feel should receive the greatest attention, the issues most commonly cited by respondents as the biggest issues facing the City of Saskatoon include road conditions (phone: 35.6%, online: 30.8%), traffic flow/congestion (phone: 13.0%, online: 14.6%), and planning for city development (phone: 10.6%, online: 13.4%). All other issues were indicated as most important by one in ten or fewer respondents.

0% 10%

Telephone Online

20% 30% 40%

Roads

Tra�c �ow/congestion

Planning for city growth/development

Housing

Infrastructure/maintenance-general

Crime/policing

Taxation/spending

Social Issues

Transit service

Provision of municipal services

Economy

Environment/pollution

Employment/job opportunities

Education

Garbage pick-up/recycling

Other

Don’t know/No comment

35.630.8

13.014.6

10.613.4

3.69.2

4.68.6

4.48.1

4.25.8

3.25.0

2.03.7

3.22.5

0.21.4

0.61.0

0.40.7

1.40.60.6

0.17.6

2.83.2

0.7

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