Photo Credit: Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce on X

The City of Saskatoon closed up 2025 with a small operating deficit but was otherwise in a strong financial position thanks to its Utility programs.

Utilities garnered a surplus of $18.85 million, maintaining a near-balanced operating budget for Civic Operations. Other highlights include a $2.69 million surplus in the Transit and Access Transit department, mainly due to fuel rates being lower than expected, and a $1.51 million Waste Handling Services surplus driven by higher-than-expected revenues.

Meanwhile, there was an operating deficit of $195,616, a slight overage on the approved $663 million operating budget.

The Snow and Ice Management budget alone was $3.03 million in the red following eight snow events and 16 winter weather events throughout the season.

City Administration suggests covering the operating deficit with funds from the Fiscal Stabilization Reserve. A release from the City says, “If approved, this will leave $16.84 million in that reserve and $7.73 million in the Snow and Ice Management Contingency Reserve to help manage any future budget shortfalls.”