Shelter facilities play a vital role in supporting our most vulnerable neighbours. Without these facilities, and the compassion and dedication of those who operate them, vulnerable individuals and families would be left to the elements and more people would be living dangerously on our streets.

Saskatoon’s proposed entertainment district could deliver a billion dollar boost to the city’s economy according to an independent study released today by the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Saskatoon. The comprehensive study, prepared by Saskatchewan-based PRAXIS Consulting, forecasts $1.37 billion in total economic impact over ten years driven by the development of the district, a new arena and substantially new convention centre.

We thank our municipal leaders for continuing to undertake the important work of reviewing Saskatchewan’s property tax model and finding opportunities to modernize and simplify this complicated system. The release of the International Property Tax Institute’s (IPTI) report conducted on behalf of SUMA in 2021, was a welcome deep dive into a system that needs to be more transparent, predictable, fair and competitive.

The Saskatoon Chamber is excited to be partnering with the First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) to help Saskatoon’s small and medium size businesses take advantage of the university’s “4 Seasons of Reconciliation” program.

The Chamber is recommending that the city enhance the capacity of the Independent Office of the City Auditor. With continuous improvement as the goal, an expanded Service Auditor function within the city would help determine whether programs and services are achieving results, delivering efficiently or worthy of continued investment.

A stellar group of winners was announced last evening at the 2023 SABEX Awards held at TCU Place. SABEX is Saskatoon’s premier business awards program that honours Saskatoon businesses and non-profit organizations that exemplify high performance, excellence and achievement.