Bylaw No. 9700 - The Official Community Plan Bylaw, 2020
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
· adopted 2020-06-29
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BYLAW NO. 9700
The Official Community Plan Bylaw, 2020
The Council of The City of Saskatoon enacts:
Short Title
1.
This Bylaw may be cited as The Official Community Plan Bylaw, 2020.
Purpose
2.
The purpose of this Bylaw is to adopt an Official Community Plan for the City of
Saskatoon.
Official Community Plan Adopted
3.
The City of Saskatoon adopts Schedule "A" to this Bylaw as the City of Saskatoon
Official Community Plan.
Bylaw 8769 Repealed
4.
Bylaw No. 8769, The Official Community Plan Bylaw, 2009 is repealed.
Coming into Force
5.
This Bylaw shall come into force upon receiving the approval of the Ministry of
Government Relations.
Read a first time this 25th day of May, 2020.
Read a second time this 29th day of June, 2020.
Read a third time and passed this 29th day of June, 2020.
"Charlie Clark"
"Joanne Sproule" "SEAL"
Mayor
City Clerk
APPROVED
REGINA, SASK.
AUG 12 2020
"Ralph Leibel"
Executive Director, Community Planning
Ministry of Government Relations
INTRODUCTION
JUNE 2020
Codified to Bylaw No. 10182
(City Council Passed - May 27, 2026)
(Deputy Minister Approved - June 30, 2026)
i
City of Saskatoon Official Community Plan
Schedule "A" to Bylaw No. 9700, The Official Community Plan Bylaw, 2020
(City Council passed - June 29, 2020)
(Deputy Minister Approved August 12, 2020)
Prepared by the City of Saskatoon Planning and Development Division
Tyson McShane RPP, MCIP
Lars Ketilson RPP, MCIP
Lesley Anderson RPP, MCIP
ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Community
where all people have
an equal opportunity
for success
Introduction
Our Local Context
Our Vision
and Strategic
Goals
Quality of Life
Environmental
Leadership
Urban Form
and Structure
Sustainable Growth
Moving Around
Economic
Diversity and
Prosperity
Implementation
Appendix
The City of Saskatoon is located on Treaty Six Territory where First Nation and Métis
peoples have occupied lands since time immemorial. Presenting the Official Community
Plan (the Plan) as a cycle represents a commitment to the goal of enhancing and
honouring relationships with the original stewards of this land and brings an Indigenous
lens that emphasizes that no one section is more important than the others. There are no
beginnings or endings, but rather cycles. The Plan is the comprehensive policy framework
for the collective vision of the City. The contents of the Plan can be interpreted as a
continuous cycle with people at the centre representing an equitable community.
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
1.
What is Saskatoon's Official Community Plan?............................................................................................................................................................................................2
2. Legislative Context.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................2
3. Relationship to Other Plans...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................3
4. Strategic Alignment.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................4
5. Scope and Horizon.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................6
6. How to Read this Plan.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................6
Our Local Context
1.
Our Location and History............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................8-9
1.1 Our Location.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................8
1.2 Our Beginnings..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................8-9
1.3 Village to City............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................9
1.4 Boom, Bust, War, and Depression...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................9
1.5 Modern Times............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................9
2. Our Present and Future...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................10
2.1 Population.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................10
2.2 Economy................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................10
2.3 Land Use................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................10
Our Vision and Strategic Goals
1.
Civic Vision.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................12-14
1.1 Culture of Continuous Improvement...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................12
1.2 Asset and Financial Sustainability.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................12
1.3 Quality of Life.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................12
1.4 Environmental Leadership...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................14
1.5 Sustainable Growth.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................14
1.6 Moving Around..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................14
1.7 Economic Diversity and Prosperity................................................................................................................................................................................................................................14
2. Our Relationships and Partnerships.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................15-18
2.1 Regional Context - Cooperation with Other Jurisdictions..................................................................................................................15
2.2 Indigenous Partners.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................15-16
2.3 Reconciliation...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................16-17
2.4 Wanuskewin Heritage Park.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................17
2.5 Meewasin Valley Authority...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................17
2.6 University of Saskatchewan......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................18
2.7 Federal and Provincial Government..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................18
2.8 Public Engagement.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................18
Quality of Life
1.
Health and Safety.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................20-22
1.1 Health and Wellbeing................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................20
1.2 Safe Growth and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design...............................................20-21
1.3 Safety in the Built Environment...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................21
1.4 Emergency Services and Preparedness.........................................................................................................................................................................................................22
A
B
C
D
iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2. Social Development..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................23-25
2.1 Inclusive Community....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................23
2.2 Accessibility - Physical, Financial, and Cultural....................................................................................................................................................................23
2.3 Attainable Housing.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................24
2.4 Partnerships and Programs....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................25
2.5 Food Systems......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................25
3. Arts and Culture..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................26
3.1 Culture.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................26
3.2 Public Art...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................26
4. Heritage Conservation...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................27
5. Parks and Recreation Open Space..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................28-29
6. Community Facilities.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................30-31
7. Placemaking.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................32
Environmental Leadership
1.
Environmental Protection..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................34-35
1.1 Environmental Stewardship...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................34
1.2 Water..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................34-35
1.3 Air...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................35
1.4 Land....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................35
2. Natural Systems.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................36-42
2.1 Integration with Urban Environment.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................36
2.2 Natural Asset Management....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................36-37
2.3 Integrated Storm Water Management.................................................................................................................................................................................................................37
2.4 Wetlands and Conservation Management............................................................................................................................................................................38-39
2.5 Conservation of Natural Areas......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................39-41
2.6 Riverbank Stewardship...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................41
2.7 Urban Forestry.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................42
3. Energy.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................43
3.1 Energy Conservation and Efficiency........................................................................................................................................................................................................................43
3.2 Renewable Energy...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................43
3.3 Sustainable Buildings.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................43
4. Waste Management.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................44-45
4.1 Reduction.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................44
4.2 Recycling and Diversion....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................45
4.3 Residual Waste................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................45
5. Climate.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................46-47
5.1 Mitigation..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................46
5.2 Adaptation....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................46
6. Community Leadership..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................48
6.1 Shared Stewardship........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................48
6.2 Community Programs..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................48
Urban Form and Structure
1.
General.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................50-53
2. Land Use.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................54-56
2.1 Land Use Map......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................54
2.2 Land Use Designations.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................54-58
E
F
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan v
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Sustainable Growth
1.
City Growth..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................60-73
1.1 Downtown and City Centre.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................61-64
1.2 Community Focal Points................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................65-67
1.3 Infill Growth..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................68-71
1.4 Special Use Areas....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................72
1.5 Greenfield Growth..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................72-73
1.6 Holding Areas.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................73
1.7 High Density Mixed Use.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................74
1.8 Transit Development Area...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................74
2. Public Utilities and Servicing...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................76-77
2.1 Provision of Public Utilities......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................76
2.2 Provision of Services....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................76-77
2.3 Municipal Servicing and Infrastructure Financing..........................................................................................................................................................77
3. Neighbourhoods and Housing.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................78-83
3.1 Neighbourhood Design and Development........................................................................................................................................................................78-80
3.2 Golf Course Communities...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................80
3.3 Housing Supply and Maintenance..................................................................................................................................................................................................................80-82
3.4 Local Area Plan Neighbourhoods.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................82-83
3.5 Home Businesses.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................83
3.6 Neighbourhood Multi Use............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................83
4. Employment Areas................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................84-91
4.1 Employment Areas Design and Development...........................................................................................................................................................84-91
4.2 Office Development..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................91
5. Regional Growth...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................92-93
5.1 Coordinated Growth......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................92
5.2 Boundary Alterations.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................92-93
5.3 Extension of Infrastructure and Services Beyond City Limits................................................................................................93
6. Funding Growth..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................94
Moving Around
1.
Transportation Planning.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................96-99
1.1 Coordinated Land Use and Transportation Planning.........................................................................................................................96-97
1.2 Street Classification.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................97
1.3 Street Design.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................98
1.4 Site Design......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................98
1.5 Accessibility...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................98-99
1.6 Regional Transportation Network......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................99
2. Transportation Infrastructure..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................100-102
2.1 Transportation Network..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................100-102
2.2 Network Operation........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................102
3. Parking Management................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................103
4. Transit....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................104-106
4.1 Transit Network..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................104
4.2 Transit Facilities......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................106
4.3 Accessible and Efficient Transit..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................106
G
H
Economic Diversity and Prosperity
1.
Regional Economic Development............................................................................................................................................................................................................................108-109
1.1 Coordinate and Facilitate Business Growth among Regional Partners.............................................108
1.2 Support Initiatives to Strengthen and Diversify the Region's Economic Base............108-109
1.3 Promote the Region as a Tourist Destination.........................................................................................................................................................................109
1.4 Support Cost Sharing Mechanisms for Local Infrastructure..................................................................................................109
2. Growth and Diversity..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................110-111
2.1 Business Attraction and Support.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................110
2.2 Increase Downtown Commercial and Residential Growth..............................................................................................................110
2.3 Growth in International and Out-of-Province Based Businesses...................................................................................111
2.4 Encourage and Strengthen Entrepreneurship and Small Businesses..............................................................111
2.5 Residential, Industrial, and Commercial Land...............................................................................................................................................................................111
3. Collaboration and Partnerships.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................112
3.1 Foster Relationships with Existing Partners...................................................................................................................................................................................112
3.2 Indigenous Inclusion.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................112
Implementation
1.
Coordination and Engagement...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................114-115
1.1 Public Engagement.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................114
1.2 Coordination with Other Jurisdictions............................................................................................................................................................................................114-115
1.3 Indigenous Inclusion.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................115
2. Secondary Plans........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................116-118
2.1 Sector Plans..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................116
2.2 Concept Plans....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................116
2.3 Corridor Area Plans and the Corridor Planning Program..................................................................................................116-118
2.4 Guiding Plans.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................118
3. Development Phasing................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................119
4. Constraints to Development...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................120-121
4.1 Potentially Contaminated Sites.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................120
4.2 Roadways and Rail Lines..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................120-121
4.3 Airport Operations.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................121
4.4 Flood Plain Areas....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................121
5. Zoning Bylaw...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................122-124
5.1 Zoning Bylaw..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................122-124
5.2 Direct Control Districts.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................124
5.3 Architectural Control Districts..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................124
6. Subdivision and Development....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................125
7. Operating and Capital Budgets..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................126
Appendix
Appendix A: Definitions...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................128-130
Appendix B: Principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design....................................131-132
Appendix C: City-wide Urban Design Principles...................................................................................................................................................................................................133
Appendix D: Maps................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................134-138
Appendix E: Schedule of Official Community Plan Amendments..........................................................................................139-142
vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I
J
The Official Community Plan is the collective vision for Saskatoon as a prosperous
prairie community. It provides both inspiration and direction, ensuring this vision is
integrated into all aspects of planning, priority-setting and development. It connects
the plans that shape the current and future direction of Saskatoon and speaks to the
city's physical, economic, environmental, social, and cultural development.
SECTION A
Photo Credit: Discover Saskatoon
2
A1 WHAT IS SASKATOON'S OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN?
The Official Community Plan (the Plan) is a bylaw that provides a comprehensive policy
framework for achieving the community that Saskatoon residents collectively envision and
desire. It guides the physical, environmental, economic, social, and cultural development
of our community through a broad set of goals, objectives, and policies. These inform all
planning, decision-making, and priority-setting for the City of Saskatoon (the City).
The direction and goals outlined in the Plan are entrenched in law and recognized by the
provincial government as a statement of Saskatoon's long-term vision. Think of it as a
roadmap that guides all land use and development decisions in Saskatoon.
A2 LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT
The Plan has been established in accordance with The Planning and Development Act,
2007, which provides a basis for orderly development in municipalities.
The Statements of Provincial Interest Regulations provide additional policy direction
to guide provincial and municipal planning decisions as well as the development of
sustainable communities. The Plan should be read in conjunction with The Planning and
Development Act, 2007, and the applicable Statements of Provincial Interest Regulations.
The Official Community Plan aligns effort,
energy, and resources to achieve Saskatoon's
goals for the future.
Photo Credit: Discover Saskatoon 2009
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 3
SECTION A INTRODUCTION
A3 RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER PLANS
The Plan entrenches into one guiding document a number of significant initiatives
undertaken by the City in recent years. As Saskatoon's principal city-wide policy
document, the Plan captures the vision for growth developed by residents, City Council
(Council), and Civic Administration (Administration); it also provides direction for the
development and implementation of the more detailed management documents and
plans used by Administration.
The Plan will prevail where there is a conflict with other City planning documents. Where
necessary, City policies, standards, and bylaws will be updated to conform to the Plan.
Strategic Plan
Growth Plan to
Half a Million
Saskatoon Speaks
City Centre and District Plan
Neighbourhood Level
Infill Development
Strategy
Housing Business Plan
2013-2022
Active Transportation Plan
Culture Plan/
Culture Plan Refresh
Green Infrastructure
Strategy
Truth and Reconciliation
Calls to Action
Corporate Update
Employment Areas Study
Recreation and Parks
Master Plan
The Heritage Plan
Risk-Based
Management Program
Accessibility Action Plan
Age-Friendly
Saskatoon Initiative
Winter City Strategy
Zoning Bylaw
Sector Plans
Concept Plans
Local Area Plans
Corridor Plans
Saskatoon Transportation
Strategy
Development Servicing
Agreements
Municipal Servicing
Standards
Urban Design Standards
Transit Service Standards
FIGURE 1. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER PLANS,
POLICIES AND REGULATIONS
4
SECTION A INTRODUCTION
A4 STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT
The Plan works in conjunction with the City's Strategic Plan and Multi-Year Business Plan
and Budget process to create a strategic framework for how priorities are set and how the
City achieves its goals.
The Plan sets out the long-term vision, while the Strategic Plan sets up the short term
(four year) priorities for achieving that vision. The Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget
process operationalizes and provides the necessary funding for these priorities.
Community
Plan
50 years
Transformative
Plans &
Strategies
30 years
Visionary
Financial
Stability Plan
10-20 years
Council
Action Plan
(Strategic Plan)
4 years
Strategic
Multi-Year
Business Plan
and Budget
4 years
Annual Work
Plan and
Projects
1 year
Operational
FIGURE 2. STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT
Coordinating the vision of residents,
Council, and Administration through the
Official Community Plan moves us closer
to the kind of city we want to be.
Photo Credit: Discover Saskatoon/Nick Biblow
6
SECTION A INTRODUCTION
A5 SCOPE AND HORIZON
The Plan is intended to guide Saskatoon's growth and development to a population of
500,000. Growth is monitored through the annual Growth Monitoring Report. This report
includes a number of metrics that align with the goals, objectives, and policies outlined in
the Plan. These metrics will be used to assess whether the City is on track to achieving the
vision outlined in the Plan.
To ensure the Plan is reflective of the current state of the city, an assessment of the Plan
shall occur every four years. This assessment will be summarized in a report that includes:
- A summary of progress toward the City's long-term vision; and
- Identification of amendments, mechanisms or approaches to continuously
improve the Plan, including a recommendation on whether to schedule a
comprehensive review.
This assessment report will inform updates to the City's Strategic Plan.
A6 HOW TO READ THE PLAN
The Plan should be read in its entirety since matters in one section may apply to others.
Each section contains an introduction and major headings. When read alongside Section A -
Introduction, Section B - Our Local Context, and Section C - Our Vision and Strategic Goals,
these provide a general overview of Saskatoon's vision and how we expect it to be achieved.
The Plan is comprised of policies, maps, definitions, figures, and appendices. Policies
are contained within sections D through J and provide direction for city development.
Background information, introductions, and other explanatory text or photographs are
not intended to be interpreted as policy.
" The purpose of an official community plan is
to provide a comprehensive policy framework to
guide the physical, environmental, economic, social,
and cultural development of the municipality..."
- The Planning and Development Act, 2007
Located on Treaty Six Territory and the Traditional Homeland of the Métis,
Saskatoon is central Saskatchewan's great crossroads--a growing and ethnically
diverse community, a centre for commerce, culture, and education, a hub for travel
and trade east, west, north, and south.
SECTION B
Photo Credit: Local History Room - Saskatoon Public Library - LH 426
Ferry loading horses and carts on Nutana side of river, 1907.
8
B1 OUR LOCATION AND OUR HISTORY
Saskatoon is a commercial, cultural, and educational centre located on Treaty Six Territory
and the Traditional Homeland of the Métis in the province of Saskatchewan. European
settlement began in the 1880s, but Indigenous people have been living in and travelling
through the Saskatoon area for thousands of years.
B1.1 Our Location
Saskatoon lies along a bend in the South
Saskatchewan River in the moist, mixed prairie
ecoregion, 346 kilometres north of the Canada-
US border, 224 km from Alberta and 344 km
from Manitoba. It is central Saskatchewan's great
crossroads--a hub for water, rail, and highway
crossings east and west, north, and south.
B1.2 Our Beginnings
Indigenous people of primarily Cree, Dakota and
Saulteaux descent have called Saskatoon home for
thousands of years. Once Opimihaw Creek (now
the site of Wanuskewin Heritage Park) was freed
from the Wisconsin Glacier, the area became a
home for many Plains Peoples who actively cared
for and managed the land. Woodlawn Cemetery, a
site that to this day holds significance to the Métis
community, contains evidence of human activity that
may be as much as 11,000 years old. Additionally,
there is considerable evidence of human habitation
at sites throughout the city.
Métis people have also made their homes here. By
the 1870s, present-day Saskatoon was part of a
wider Métis community that included Round Prairie
to the south and Batoche. Around the same time, a
group of Dakota Sioux under the leadership of Chief
Wapahaska (White Cap) arrived in the area, settling
permanently in 1879 at a place called Moose Woods
(now the Whitecap Dakota First Nation), south of
Saskatoon.
By the last half of the 19th century, Indigenous
communities here were in grave danger. Facing
starvation due to the near-complete disappearance
of the bison, ravaged by new diseases, and faced
with the prospect of having their territories overrun
by waves of new settlement, they made the difficult
decision to enter into Treaty with the British Crown.
In August of 1876, delegations of Plains and Woods
Cree, Assiniboine, and Ojibwa First Nations met with
representatives of the Crown to negotiate Treaty
Six, as a means to ensure the health and prosperity
of Indigenous people and their descendants.
Following negotiations, Treaty Six was signed by
Indigenous people of the area, opening up the
Chief Whitecap (seated, centre) with
members of his family, ca. 1885.
Photo Credit: Local History Room -
Saskatoon Public Library - LH-5418
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 9
SECTION B OUR LOCAL CONTEXT
option for settlement by First Nations and settlers
from the east. Treaty Six left open the option for
continued independence and self-determination for
the First Nations. The subsequent implementation of
government policy and the Indian Act undermined
the spirit of Treaty Six, preventing the First Nations
from participating actively in the beginning and
growth of Saskatoon.
What was to become the City of Saskatoon began
when an Ontario-based land development company
called the Temperance Colonization Society
acquired the rights to a large block of land on
either side of the river. A survey party under John
Lake scouted the area in the summer of 1882. On
the advice of Chief Whitecap, the party chose the
present-day Nutana neighbourhood as the townsite
for the colony. The first group of settlers arrived in
1883. Unfortunately, many Indigenous people were
displaced to make way for this settlement.
B1.3 Village to City
Saskatoon grew slowly at first, in part due to its
isolation. But in 1890 the railway arrived, crossing the
river where the Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge is now.
A new community formed around the railway station
in what is now downtown Saskatoon. In 1901, it was
incorporated as the Village of Saskatoon, whereupon
the original east bank settlement renamed itself
Nutana. In 1903, a third settlement, Riversdale, was
established on 20th Street west of the railway tracks.
In 1906, with the promise of a traffic bridge and other
civic improvements, the three settlements joined to
become the City of Saskatoon.
B1.4 Boom, Bust, War, and Depression
Saskatoon boomed over the next few years. The
population grew from about 4,500 in 1906 to an
estimated 28,000 in 1912. People were confidently
predicting a city of 100,000 by 1920, and real estate
speculators were buying up farmland for kilometres
around and subdividing it into neighbourhoods in
the hopes of making their fortunes. But the boom
collapsed in 1913 along with the dreams of the real
estate speculators, resulting in limited growth over
the following decades.
B1.5 Modern Times
By the 1950s, the city was booming again. The
diversification of the economy after the war
and the expansion of the mining industry in the
1970s and 1980s has created a more stable economy.
The 1980s also saw the creation of the first urban
reserve in Saskatoon, and the first reserve of its
kind in Canada created on land previously set
aside for city development when Muskeg Lake
Cree Nation established the asimâkanisihkân askiy
(asimâkanisihkân-askiy) (soldier/veteran land) and
Cattail Centre in the Sutherland Industrial area. The
future promises continued diversification through
the emergence of more advanced technology
industries and an increase in manufacturing,
primarily to service the resource sector.
Although the first Europeans to settle here were
mostly from Ontario or Great Britain, the city is also
home to people from around the world and to a
thriving Indigenous population. This ethnic diversity
is a dynamic component of the rich culture that
makes Saskatoon such an interesting place to live.
Temperance Colonists
setting out from Moose
Jaw for Saskatoon, 1883.
The Cenotaph on 21st Street, 1945.
Photo Credit: City of Saskatoon Archives
Star Phoenix Collection - S-SP-B-1246-02
Photo Credit: City of Saskatoon Archives
Star Phoenix Collection - S-SP-B-1-001
10
SECTION B OUR LOCAL CONTEXT
B2 OUR PRESENT AND FUTURE
Saskatoon is Saskatchewan's largest city, with a population of nearly 300,000 people, a
diverse economy and high quality of life. Driven by strong international immigration, a
rising Indigenous population, and significant rural to urban migration, the city is expected
to reach half a million people in the next 30 years.
B2.1 Population
Saskatoon is the largest city in the province, with
a population of 285,049 (in 2022). The city has
experienced strong population growth in recent
years. Between 2013 and 2019, it added nearly
32,000 new residents, primarily driven by strong
international immigration, a rising Indigenous
population, and significant rural to urban migration.
In the next 30 years, Saskatoon is projected to grow
to half a million people. Population projections
suggest that a mid-range annual growth rate of
2.0% is the most likely scenario. If this growth rate
continues, the population is expected to reach
500,000 by 2049.
B2.2 Economy
Saskatoon is often called the "Hub City" because
of its location as a transportation crossroads. The
city acts as a gateway between two major cities:
Winnipeg, Manitoba and Edmonton, Alberta.
Numerous resource industries fuel the local
economy, including potash, uranium, oil, and
agriculture. The world's largest uranium and
potash companies are headquartered in
Saskatoon, as are a number of companies in the
emerging technology and innovation sectors. The
city is a focal point for health services, tourism,
and cultural opportunities and attractions, serving
the city, the surrounding region, and the northern
half of the province. First Nations and the broader
Indigenous business community continue to show
increased interest in investing in the Saskatoon
region. Immigration has driven significant small
business growth. The University of Saskatchewan
main campus was established here in 1907. The
University of Saskatchewan is the largest university
in the province and home to Canada's only
synchrotron - the Canadian Light Source.
Each of these contributes to a diverse, stable economy
and a high quality of life for Saskatoon residents.
B2.3 Land Use
The original core neighbourhoods of Saskatoon,
including Nutana and Riversdale, were built in a
traditional grid pattern. Neighbourhoods developed
throughout the second half of the 20th century
were designed primarily with curvilinear streets
and culs-de-sac. Newer neighbourhoods blend these
two patterns while incorporating a more diverse
mix of uses (e.g. residential and commercial) and
housing types.
Industrial and commercial areas are relatively
concentrated. Industrial land uses are largely
concentrated in the city's north end. Commercial
land uses are primarily located in the city centre,
along high-frequency transit corridors (8th
Street, 22nd Street, Idylwyld Drive), at designated
community focal points, or on large format (big
box) commercial sites. Historically, the location
and scale of was determined through a Suburban
Development Area (now called Sectors). This
framework identified a mixed use core area
(featuring residential, commercial, and institutional
uses), which provided services and amenities for six
to ten surrounding neighbourhoods.
The Growth Plan to Half a Million envisions new
opportunities for development along major
corridors, providing expanded opportunities
for commercial, residential, and institutional
development in proximity to a variety of
transportation options.
These streets are expected to act as both
high functioning transportation corridors and
as destinations unto themselves, with daily
destinations and amenities alongside new
residential developments. This shift in land use
and transportation planning will result in more
efficient use of land and new mobility options for
residents, all while limiting the costs associated with
expanding infrastructure further outward.
The Official Community Plan is rooted in the vision of Saskatoon as a great place
to live, work, learn, and play. Seven strategic goals drive this vision -- a culture of
continuous improvement, asset and financial sustainability, quality of life,
environmental leadership, sustainable growth, moving around, and economic
diversity and prosperity.
SECTION C
SECTION C OUR VISION AND STRATEGIC GOALS
C1 CIVIC VISION
The vision for Saskatoon is as a world class city with a proud history of self-reliance,
innovation, stewardship, and cultural diversity. Saskatoon is known globally as a
sustainable city loved for its community spirit, robust economy, cultural experiences,
environmental health, safety, and physical beauty. All residents enjoy a range of
opportunities for living, working, learning, and playing. Saskatoon continues to grow and
prosper, working with its partners and neighbours for the benefit of all.
In order to help achieve this vision, the City has identified the following seven strategic
goals.
C1.1 Culture of Continuous Improvement
Saskatoon is the best-managed city in Canada.
We provide high quality services to meet the
dynamic needs and high expectations of our
residents. We focus on continuous improvement
and providing the best possible services using
innovative and creative means.
We go beyond conventional approaches to
meet the changing needs of our city. We are
a preferred employer that attracts skilled and
talented people from a variety of backgrounds and
professional disciplines. We are diverse and broadly
representative of the community we serve.
We work together in a safe, healthy, and productive
environment. We know what is expected of us in
our respective roles. And, we feel engaged and
empowered to build a better city - committing
ourselves to high standards of performance and taking
responsibility for our decisions and actions each day.
C1.2 Asset and Financial Sustainability
Saskatoon invests in what matters.
Our planning is inspired by the idea that "we
invest in what matters". The financial and physical
resources under our care are used to address the
needs of residents today and tomorrow - focused
on our long-term goal to manage the City in a
smart, sustainable way.
The services we provide are aligned with what our
residents expect and are able to pay. Residents see
value in the investments they make through their
tax dollars. On their behalf, we seek revenue streams
from new and multiple sources, and manage both
risk and debt appropriately.
We are open, accountable, and transparent,
particularly when it comes to the resource allocation
and collection decisions we make.
Our buildings, roads, and bridges are well managed
and well maintained - meeting the needs of residents
and reflecting the pride and priorities of a modern
21st century city.
C1.3 Quality of Life
Saskatoon is a warm, welcoming place.
Our neighbourhoods are "complete communities"
that offer a range of housing options, employment
opportunities, art, culture, and recreational facilities
and other amenities. Residents have access to
facilities and programs that promote active living,
and enjoy the natural beauty and benefits of parks,
trails, and the river valley that brings people together.
Diversity and Culture thrives in Saskatoon where
diverse traditions, religions, and languages are
respected and celebrated. As a community, we find
new and creative ways to showcase our city's built,
natural, and cultural heritage. Every citizen feels a
sense of belonging. People are actively engaged
in the future and governance of their city. Our
community spirit is strong where, through
conversation and collaboration, we work as one
community to move forward, together.
12
Our community spirit is strong where, through
conversation and collaboration, we work as one
community to move forward, together.
14
SECTION C OUR VISION AND STRATEGIC GOALS
C1.4 Environmental Leadership
Saskatoon grows in harmony with nature.
Saskatoon thrives in harmony with its natural
environment, conserves resources, and consistently
demonstrates environmental leadership.
Our city's air and water are clean. We reduced
our consumption of water and energy. We rely on
renewable energy sources and green technology
where it makes sense to do so. We construct energy
efficient buildings and are a leader in operating an
energy efficient city in our cold weather climate.
People routinely take transit, walk, or cycle to get
around, and our neighbourhoods are more compact.
We produce less garbage and recycle or compost
most of it. We grow more food in the city. The South
Saskatchewan River Valley is Saskatoon's natural
showpiece and supports biodiversity in its many
forms. Our natural assets are protected, enhanced,
and linked. There is more green space per resident,
thanks to a commitment to urban and grassland
parks and an urban forest that is healthy and
growing.
C1.5 Sustainable Growth
Saskatoon is known for smart, sustainable growth.
Saskatoon's growth is environmentally and
economically sustainable and contributes to a high
quality of life. The city has grown both upward and
outward - reflecting a balance of greenfield and infill
development. Balanced growth has made the city
a model of efficiency and resulted in attractive new
people places that reinforce Saskatoon's sense of
community.
Downtown is built-up and bustling. Main streets
and community hubs are urban villages. New
neighbourhoods are walkable and well-planned;
older neighbourhoods have been renewed and
revitalized. Our City Centre is a vibrant hub for
culture, commerce, and civic life. Getting to and
from this thriving, creative space is easy, safe and
enjoyable.
C1.6 Moving Around
Saskatoon is a city on the move.
Our investments in infrastructure and new modes of
transportation have shifted attitudes about the best
ways to get around.
Our transportation network includes an accessible
and efficient transit system and a comprehensive
network of active transportation facilities. People
still use cars, and also rely on options such as public
transit, walking, and cycling.
Growth has brought new roads and bridges that
improve connectivity for all travel modes. Improved
streetscapes, interconnected streets, and well-
planned neighbourhoods encourage walking and
cycling.
Attractive options to the car alleviate congestion
and ensure people and goods can move around the
city quickly and easily.
C1.7 Economic Diversity and Prosperity
Saskatoon thrives thanks to a diverse local economy.
Saskatoon's regional economy continues to grow
and diversify, demonstrating long-term sustainability.
The city is recognized globally as a centre for
education, innovation and creativity, and a business-
friendly environment. Strong institutions and a spirit
of entrepreneurship encourage the ideas and plans of
individuals and companies big and small. We are a city
that celebrates and embraces an entrepreneurial spirit.
All sectors of the economy are pulsing and new
economic pillars have emerged. People from across
the province, Canada, and the world are drawn to
our city for its quality of life, limitless opportunities,
and highly-skilled and educated workforce.
Saskatoon is known as a bustling, business-friendly
city.
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 15
C2 OUR RELATIONSHIPS AND PARTNERSHIPS
In order to achieve a great quality of life for all people in the Saskatoon region, and to
support the long-term health of our regional communities, the City is committed to
maintaining strong relationships with our municipal neighbours and regional partners.
The City also supports strong relationships with rights holders and key stakeholders
within Saskatoon and from other orders of government. This helps our growth benefit
all residents, now and in the future.
C2.1 Regional Context - Cooperation
with Other Jurisdictions
The City of Saskatoon has evolved to become one
of two primary service centres in Saskatchewan,
serving the central and northern parts of the
province. Saskatoon is a major centre for the
manufacturing and distribution of goods and
services for industry and agriculture, as well as
providing specialized educational and health care
services, including the University of Saskatchewan
and three major hospitals. Saskatoon also offers
many cultural, entertainment, and recreational
opportunities for residents and visitors.
The city shares the region with several urban
and rural municipalities, First Nations, and other
jurisdictions, both within and outside city limits. The
operations of the City and these other jurisdictions
have major influences on each other. In recognition
of this principle, the City will continue to seek and
maintain mutually beneficial relationships with all
nearby municipalities and other jurisdictions and
orders of government in the implementation of
the Plan and in the ongoing objective of regional
cooperation.
C2.2 Indigenous Partners
The City recognizes the distinct order of
government of First Nations and Métis; and is
committed to maintaining strong relationships
through meaningful dialogue with Indigenous
communities and organizations. Strengthening
cooperation and mutual support by working in
partnership with Indigenous communities toward
respective community goals and objectives is vital
to fostering more inclusive communities.
Over the past 30 years, the City and a number
of First Nations have partnered to facilitate the
16
SECTION C OUR VISION AND STRATEGIC GOALS
creation of urban reserves within the boundaries
of Saskatoon. Urban reserves create tremendous
economic, social, and cultural development
opportunities that benefit the entire community.
The City has also partnered with Métis and First
Nations housing providers on the provision of
attainable housing, recognizing that safe, affordable
housing is the necessary foundation for building
healthy, economically viable communities.
C2.3 Reconciliation
(1) Truth and Reconciliation Commission
of Canada
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Gatherings documented true experiences of
Indigenous survivors of the Indian Residential
School system and the resulting intergenerational
impacts on the community. The importance of
Truth and Reconciliation to honour and strengthen
relationships with Indigenous people is vital. It
begins with acknowledging the profound impacts
of Canada's colonial history and residential school
system on local Indigenous people, their families,
and communities, both Indigenous and non-
Indigenous. For over a century, this system was part
of a larger policy of assimilation in which Indigenous
people were subject to what can be described as
the destruction of the political and social structures
and practices of their people and communities.
In the wake of the final report from the Truth and
Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC),
Saskatoon City Council unanimously declared a
"Year of Reconciliation" from July 1, 2015 to June
30, 2016. The declaration resolves that the City
acknowledge and respond to the report's relevant
Calls to Action as well as work with community
groups to promote reconciliation in the province.
The TRC report issued 94 Calls to Action, nine of
which apply directly and indirectly to municipal
levels of government. The areas include providing
education about history, language and culture,
health, racism, justice, reconciliation, repudiation of
European sovereignty, training for public servants,
missing children and burial information, national
Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, economic
opportunity, and sports reconciliation. The City will
continue to work to address the municipally directed
calls to action.
The City is committed to continued partnerships
with Indigenous people and organizations that
create opportunity for meaningful dialogue and
participation in the future of Saskatoon for the
benefit of all residents.
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 17
SECTION C OUR VISION AND STRATEGIC GOALS
(2) Reconciliation at the City of Saskatoon
Council's commitment to responding to the Truth and
Reconciliation Calls to Action formally began with the
declaration of the Year of Reconciliation in 2015. This
builds upon the City's signing and commitment to the
Canadian Coalition of Municipalities Against Racism
and Discrimination (CCMARD) in 2005.
Reconciliation and the commitment to CCMARD is
an opportunity for all to move forward by working
to change the systems and processes that inhibit
the honouring and strengthening of relationships.
Changing, improving, and transforming these
systems and processes promotes education,
healing, inclusion, equity, and reconciliation.
The City continues to support reconciliation and
healing efforts, engagement, and partnerships
to build strong relationships founded in respect
and recognition of Indigenous rights and title,
culture, and heritage. These efforts will strengthen
relationships with Indigenous people and advance
reconciliation in Saskatoon.
The City is a founding member of Reconciliation
Saskatoon, a community of 98 organizations,
non-profits, businesses, faith communities, and
other partners, who have joined together to further
a city-wide conversation about the process of
Canadian reconciliation, provide opportunities for
transformative experiences at events, and inspire
residents to engage in calls to action.
C2.4 Wanuskewin Heritage Park
Wanuskewin Heritage Park is a gathering place and
interpretive centre dedicated to the advancement
of understanding and appreciation for the evolving
cultures of the North Plains Indigenous peoples. The
site contains evidence of human habitation dating
back over 6,000 years and contains a collection of
historic and heritage resources.
The City, as a member of the Meewasin Valley
Authority, supported the designation of Wanuskewin
Heritage Park as a Provincial Heritage Property in
1983. In 1987, Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II
declared it a National Historic Site and in 1992,
an Interpretive Centre and trails were opened to
the public.
As partners with Wanuskewin, the City is dedicated
to the conservation and success of the park as an
important historical, cultural, and educational space.
C2.5 Meewasin Valley Authority
The Meewasin Valley Authority (Meewasin) was
formed in 1979 to act as as a partnership between
the City, the University of Saskatchewan, and
the provincial government to ensure a healthy
and vibrant river valley, with a balance between
human use and conservation. The Meewasin Valley
Authority Act establishes the mandate of Meewasin,
its powers, and its jurisdiction. It also establishes
the Conservation Zone, an area that consists of the
riverbank and adjacent uplands, as well as other
significant natural and cultural heritage sites, such as
Wanuskewin Heritage Park. Meewasin's mandate can
be summarized in three mandate areas: conservation,
development, and education. Meewasin provides
significant value to Saskatoon and the surrounding
region in each of these three areas.
Photo Credit: Discover Saskatoon 2010
18
SECTION C OUR VISION AND STRATEGIC GOALS
C2.6 University of Saskatchewan
The University of Saskatchewan and City work
cooperatively in a number of different areas,
including land use planning matters. In recognition of
this mutually beneficial relationship, a Memorandum
of Understanding (MOU) was signed in 2018 to
strategically build upon the existing collaboration
between the two partners. The MOU describes areas
in which increased collaboration could occur, as well
as a commitment for teams from both organizations
to meet and work on issues of mutual concern with
the goal of problem solving and collaboration.
C2.7 Federal and Provincial Government
It is a priority for the City to work with the federal
and provincial governments to promote Saskatoon
and secure funding for projects and programs to
enhance the quality of life for residents. These
projects can range from sustainable funding for
general operations, to funding for bridges, roadways,
and housing programs.
The City undertakes a number of different projects
and planning initiatives and participates on
committees which may include the provincial and/
or federal government. This can take the form of
public-private partnerships where the government
and a private sector partner enter into an agreement
to design, build, finance, and/or maintain a piece of
infrastructure. In order for Saskatoon to expand and,
in some cases, redevelop, the City looks to these
levels of government for investment in Saskatoon's
infrastructure and programs and to enhance our
residents' well-being.
C2.8 Public Engagement
An important building block for creating a healthy
and sustainable community is public engagement,
based on authentic, open, and fair processes that
are accessible and responsive to residents' concerns
and interests. Knowledgeable and involved residents,
with opportunities to make meaningful contributions
to decision-making processes, are better equipped
to address community challenges and more likely to
value their community. Engagement can also help
residents understand the importance of sustainability
and the links between social, cultural, economic, and
environmental issues.
The City's Public Engagement Policy provides
a consistent approach to engagement with the
public in civic matters. The engagement process
is applied when the City wants to gather face-to-
face comments, or get input on specific initiatives,
projects, bylaws, amendments, or other civic
responsibilities prior to final recommendations,
approval, or endorsement. By working together,
Saskatoon residents and the City work as one
community to address challenges and succeed.
Everyone enjoys a sense of belonging and a high
quality of life.
Photo Credit: Discover Saskatoon
Saskatoon is a warm, welcoming place. A place with a mix of facilities, amenities, and
opportunities for citizens to come together, pursue their interests, and enjoy the city's
built, natural, and cultural heritage.
SECTION D
Photo Credit: Discover Saskatoon/Nick Biblow
20
D1 HEALTH AND SAFETY
Healthy, safe communities are a key component of quality of life. The design and condition
of neighbourhoods can impact the health of residents. As such, the City prioritizes public
safety in the built environment, monitors construction through permitting and inspections,
and supports the provision of emergency services.
D1.1 Health and Wellbeing
Saskatoon is a vibrant city with neighbourhoods that
support health and wellbeing and promote active
lifestyle choices. Community design in Saskatoon
neighbourhoods increases opportunities for physical
activity and social interaction, as well as access
to natural areas. This helps reduce stress, while
promoting health and wellbeing for all residents.
(1) Objective
(a)
To create healthy communities that are
characterized by physical, mental, and social
wellbeing.
(2)
Policies
(a)
Consider social and environmental determinants
of health, and the City's role in influencing
these, when making decisions.
(b) Support efforts to achieve wellbeing in all
dimensions of health, including physical activity,
and mental and emotional wellness.
(c)
Collaborate with community partners across
all sectors to address important issues around
public health.
D1.2 Safe Growth and Crime Prevention
Through Environmental Design
Safe growth is a philosophy of working with
neighbourhoods to find practical, sustainable
solutions to challenges that can exist in
neighbourhoods, parks, and business districts.
One way to support safe growth is through
the application of Crime Prevention Through
Environmental Design (CPTED) principles. CPTED
uses modification of the built environment and
management of space to reduce opportunities
for crime and increase perceptions of safety. The
concept applies to both small scale developments,
such as convenience stores, walkways, and parking
lots, and large scale developments, such as public
buildings, schoolyards, urban parks, neighbourhoods,
and Concept Plans. It can also be applied within
buildings and in the area surrounding them.
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 21
SECTION D QUALITY OF LIFE
CPTED principles are used to evaluate the design
of neighbourhoods, parks, buildings, and structures
before they are built to ensure that safety is
considered. The City applies these principles in
both new developments and redevelopment of
existing areas.
(1) Objectives
(a)
To build a safe, resilient, sustainable community by:
(i)
applying the principles of CPTED to
development in the community (refer to
Appendix B for the principles of CPTED);
and
(ii) maintaining an effective system for
reviewing designs and developments, in
both new and existing areas.
(2)
Policies
(a)
All Civic structures, facilities, and developments
shall comply with the principles of CPTED to
enhance the safety of all users.
(b) Civic structures, facilities, and developments shall
be reviewed in accordance with Administrative
Policy No. A09-034 - Crime Prevention Through
Environmental Design Review.
(c)
Sector Plans and major amendments shall be
reviewed for compliance with the principles of
CPTED through the existing plan approval process.
(d) Concept Plans and major developments shall
be reviewed for compliance with the principles
of CPTED through the Administrative Policy
No. A09-034.
(e)
Private developments will be encouraged
to incorporate the principles of CPTED into
their design and development as outlined in
Administrative Policy No. A09-034.
D1.3 Safety in the Built Environment
The City is responsible for monitoring the construction
of buildings and structures for compliance with
required building and safety codes. This contributes
to safety and a high quality of life for the occupants
of buildings.
(1)
Objective
(a)
To provide access to safe, healthy places to live
and work.
(2)
Policies
(a)
Provide plan review and inspection programs
through the Plan Review and Building
Inspection Program Policy (refer to Council
Policy No. C09-029 and No. 9455 - Building
Bylaw, 2017) to monitor the construction of
buildings and structures for compliance with
building and safety codes.
(b) Develop a coordinated approach to
neighbourhood safety, property maintenance,
and bylaw compliance to ensure an effective
delivery model for these services.
22
SECTION D QUALITY OF LIFE
D1.4 Emergency Services and Preparedness
The City provides police, fire, and emergency
management services through the Saskatoon Police
Service, Saskatoon Fire Department, and Emergency
Management Organization. Police and Fire services
contribute to community safety by protecting people
and property through prevention and response.
Emergency planning provides a level of community
preparedness for responding to a major emergency
or disaster.
(1) Objectives
(a)
To provide emergency services, including fire,
rescue, and pre-hospital paramedical response.
(b) To provide emergency preparedness and
planning services as part of emergency
response.
(2) Policies
(a)
Provide police, fire, and emergency management
services to meet community needs.
(b) Strategically locate fire stations to maximize the
service area reached.
(c)
Increase the city's resilience by collaborating
with municipal critical infrastructures and
regional, provincial, and federal partners
to promote and strengthen coordinated
preparedness, planning, and recovery.
(d) Maintain and strengthen the City's capacity
to respond to complex, large scale incidents
through collaborative, coordinated emergency
response and recovery plans that can be
activated to support the safety and wellbeing
of residents and critical infrastructures.
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 23
SECTION D QUALITY OF LIFE
D2 SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Social inclusion addresses issues of income, age, gender, ability, culture, attainable
housing, and food security at the community level to help provide all residents equitable
access to a greater quality of life. Investing in social issues means investing in people,
along with removing barriers to participation. The City is committed to supporting the
social needs of residents through appropriate public engagement, equitable distribution
of community services, and ongoing consideration of social issues in land use policy and
land use decisions.
D2.1 Inclusive Community
The City is committed to creating an equitable,
inclusive community through active engagement
and promotion of mutual respect, understanding,
and cooperation among our diverse population. The
City strives to create a community that does not
tolerate racism or discrimination and to build strong,
diverse neighbourhoods where everyone has a voice
and sense of belonging.
(1) Objective
(a)
To facilitate social inclusion and equity in
Saskatoon's programs, services, and activities.
(b) To address the Truth and Reconciliation
Commission of Canada's Calls to Action.
(2) Policies
(a)
Design recreation and parks programs and
opportunities to facilitate social inclusion.
(b) Promote respect, understanding, and
appreciation of cultural diversity and the
inclusion of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community,
BIPOC, people with disabilities, and other
equity groups.
(Revised - Bylaw No. 9855 - December 19, 2022)
(c)
Increase opportunities and accessibility
for older adults, increase age-friendly civic
programs and services, and focus on integration
of older adults into the community.
(d) In partnership with other organizations, use
recreation, libraries, arts, culture, and other
services to address social and recreational
needs within newcomer communities.
D2.2 Accessibility - Physical,
Financial, and Cultural
The City is a welcoming, accessible organization
that helps ensure all residents, regardless of income,
age, gender, ability, or culture, can access programs,
services, and facilities. Creating an accessible
environment where everyone can be an active
participant in their community is a priority for the City.
(1) Objective
(a)
To provide programs, services, and facilities that
are available and accessible to all individuals.
(2) Policies
(a)
An equitable distribution of community
facilities, including parks and recreation areas,
school sites, supportive housing, access to
public and active transportation options,
and other services, will be provided through
appropriate long-range planning and the
development review process.
(b) The City will incorporate accessibility standards
in the design of all new and upgraded facilities
intended for public use.
(c)
Ensure recreational facilities and programs
are affordable to people of all incomes by
offering financial assistance programs and by
promoting these and other low cost or no-cost
opportunities to those in need.
(d) Acknowledge and work to address age, gender,
ability, and cultural barriers to improve access
to recreation and services for all.
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SECTION D QUALITY OF LIFE
D2.3 Attainable Housing
Permanent, affordable, appropriate, safe, and secure
housing is the necessary foundation for building
healthy, well-educated, creative, and economically
viable communities. The City encourages and
supports the provision of diverse housing options in
Saskatoon to help meet the needs of residents.
(1) Objective
(a)
To encourage and support the provision of
attainable, diverse, safe housing throughout
Saskatoon that meets existing and future needs
of city residents.
(2) Policies
Through the Innovative Housing Incentives Policy
(refer to Council Policy No. C09-002), the City will:
(a)
Monitor housing supply and demand, and
identify opportunities to support housing supply
that may be outside the conventional market to
help provide a range of suitable and attainable
housing throughout Saskatoon.
(b) Support housing that accommodates
households of different tenure, size, income,
age, and abilities across the housing continuum.
(c)
Work with community partners to implement a
coordinated approach to help reduce and prevent
homelessness in Saskatoon.
D2.4 Partnerships and Programs
The City is fortunate to have cultivated partnerships
across various sectors to help provide recreational
and other programming that meets the diverse
needs of the community.
(1) Objective
(a)
To work with partners and organizations, to
deliver City initiatives and meet community
needs.
(2) Policies
(a)
Work cooperatively with other public, private,
and voluntary sector organizations to address
the social aspects of land use planning.
(b) Work with cross-sectoral partners to design
and implement programs, reduce redundancy,
optimize investment, and create an inclusive
community.
(c)
Strengthen relationships and partner with First
Nations and Métis communities and Indigenous
organizations.
(d) Support Community Associations and
organized interest groups equitably and
transparently in order to coordinate activities
and programs throughout the city.
D2.5 Food Systems
Food is not just a basic human need; it also plays
an important role in promoting health, building
communities, protecting the environment, and
strengthening the economy. Considering how food
is grown, processed, distributed, acquired, and
disposed of in the city and region can help build a
more sustainable city.
(1) Objective
(a)
To participate in coordinated community efforts
to develop a sustainable food system within the
city and region.
(2) Policies
(a) Support efforts to provide access to safe,
affordable, nutritious, culturally acceptable food
and nutrition education for all residents.
(b) Support efforts to minimize the environmental
impacts of food production, processing,
storage, transport, preparation, and disposal.
(c)
Support efforts to enrich Saskatoon's vibrant
and diverse food culture.
(d) Support efforts to produce food locally, as
well as the development of urban agriculture
throughout Saskatoon.
The name Saskatoon derives
from the Cree word for a local
berry, misâskwatomin.
Housing can be described on a continuum. At one end
are people experiencing absolute homelessness, at the
other are those who can meet housing needs without
assistance. In the middle is a range of low and moderate
income households, many of which find it difficult to
secure adequate housing.
26
SECTION D QUALITY OF LIFE
D3 ARTS AND CULTURE
Saskatoon is a cultural city with diverse traditions, languages, stories, and ideas. Our
communities work collaboratively to create dynamic, sustainable urban environments
that reinforce the freedom to express, feel, innovate, share, and take creative risks. The
City encourages diverse forms of cultural expression and takes pride in supporting the
inclusivity and accessibility of arts and culture in every neighbourhood.
D3.1 Culture
Culture helps to build healthy, sustainable
communities; it is a tool that both enriches quality
of life and develops the creative economy. The City
strives to strengthen cultural development and
support the arts throughout the city.
(1) Objective
(a)
To enhance quality of life through the support
and development of arts and culture throughout
the city.
(2) Policies
(a)
Build capacity within the arts and culture sector
and invest in cultural development.
(b) Promote the City Centre and Downtown as
cultural destinations and develop a network of
indoor and outdoor cultural spaces throughout
the city and region.
(c)
Support efforts to elevate Saskatoon's creative
cultural economy and tourism profile.
(d) Identify opportunities for artistic and cultural
expression by supporting programming, festivals,
and events in civic spaces throughout the city.
(e) Support and enable cross-cultural initiatives
to build an equitable city and recognize the
cultural contributions of Saskatoon's Indigenous
residents.
D3.2 Public Art
The City supports opportunities for diverse cultural
expression in civic spaces through public art and
programming and by animating neighbourhoods
with cultural experiences. Public art has the capacity
to help interpret the unique historic, social, and
cultural contexts that distinguish neighbourhoods.
Public art in Saskatoon is an investment in enhancing
public space and engaging residents.
(1) Objective
(a)
To facilitate the inclusion of art in public places
to build a visually engaging environment,
enable meaningful community expression, and
encourage appreciation of the arts.
(2) Policies
(a)
Encourage the placement of public art in
spaces throughout the city, including residential
neighbourhoods and private developments.
(b) Identify opportunities to incorporate public art
into civic capital projects, such as new facilities
and streetscape improvements.
(c)
Include public art from a range of artists and
encourage submissions from Indigenous,
newcomer, and new Canadian artists.
(d) Pursue opportunities to increase awareness
and understanding, and encourage public
appreciation, of public art in Saskatoon.
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 27
SECTION D QUALITY OF LIFE
D4 HERITAGE CONSERVATION
Heritage helps define a community's identity. Saskatoon has a rich history dating back
thousands of years - from Indigenous peoples, primarily of Cree, Dakota, and Saulteaux
descent to the establishment of the Métis Nation, and arrival of the Temperance
Colonization Society and other newcomers.
Saskatoon's natural, built, cultural, and documented heritage resources are indicative of
our beginnings, our roots, and our growth and evolution through time. They mark our
achievements and challenges, and serve to remind us of our resilience, diversity, and
resolve to thrive as a community.
(1) Objectives
(a)
To identify and conserve Saskatoon's heritage
resources and recognize their importance in
telling the story of Saskatoon pre- and post-
settlement.
(b) To honour the unique history and identity of
Saskatoon.
(c)
To ensure the City's heritage programs and
policies encourage appreciation for, and are
reflective of, Saskatoon's varied history and
cultures, including Indigenous communities.
(2) Policies
(a)
Consider the impact of heritage resources and
opportunities for heritage conservation in the
review of Sector Plans, Concept Plans, Local
Area Plans, and other planning documents.
(b) Maintain a municipal Heritage Plan, consistent
with the Civic Heritage Policy (refer to Council
Policy No. C10-020), that provides a framework
for broader civic heritage goals incorporating
sustainability, economic development, and
neighbourhood planning.
(c)
Maintain a listing of significant heritage
resources in the city in the form of a publicly
accessible registry - the Saskatoon Register of
Historic Places.
(d) Provide support to property owners for the
conservation of heritage resources through
the use of a broad range of incentives and in
accordance with Standards and Guidelines for
the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada as
well as any other bylaws, policies, or guidelines
adopted by Council.
(e)
Identify opportunities to conserve, revitalize,
and honour Indigenous culture and heritage
--including traditional ways of knowing, oral
histories, beliefs, and languages--under the
guidance of a community Elder or Knowledge
Keeper.
(f)
Identify opportunities for the establishment of
Heritage Conservation Districts to recognize
and protect distinct heritage areas in Saskatoon.
(g) Collaborate with partners to promote heritage
awareness, appreciation, and education in
Saskatoon.
(h) Showcase local history and promote
interpretation of heritage resources through
design elements in the public realm and in the
design of municipal facilities and spaces.
(i)
Identify opportunities for creative use and
programming of municipal heritage resources
that promote tourism, such that resources are
not adversely impacted.
(j)
Identify and protect important ecosystems,
other forms of natural heritage, and
paleontological and archaeological sites as
part of the land development process.
28
SECTION D QUALITY OF LIFE
D5 PARKS AND RECREATION OPEN SPACE
Parks and recreation open space are an essential public amenity--the livability of a city
is fundamentally tied to their being part of the urban environment. The City's goal is
to facilitate meaningful, accessible recreation experiences that foster individual and
community wellbeing as well as the wellbeing of our natural and built environments.
(1) Objective
(a)
To provide sufficient parks and recreation open
space, that is equitably distributed through the
city, to meet the needs of Saskatoon's residents.
(2) Policies
(a)
To establish a desirable standard for public
open spaces within the City, a ratio of four
hectares of public open space to every 1,000
persons will be considered adequate. Public
open spaces may include Municipal Reserves
and other publicly owned areas dedicated to
public enjoyment and recreation.
(b) The sizing, use, allocation, and development
of parks and recreation open space shall
conform to the City's Park Development
Guidelines Policy (refer to Administrative
Policy No. A10-017).
(c)
The City will facilitate the acquisition of land for
new parks in neighbourhoods with identified
deficiencies, as well as for upgrading existing
parks, on a priority basis.
(d) Parks and recreation open space will protect,
nurture, and sustain natural and built areas and
should be linked within the city and region in a
continuous public open space system.
(e)
Agreements facilitating the joint use of parks
and open spaces by the City, various School
Divisions, and other public agencies will be
encouraged.
(f)
Coordinate with regional partners and other
levels of government regarding development
that may impact Wanuskewin Heritage Park as
well as other parks and open spaces significant
to the region.
(g) Plan for parks lifecycle replacement and
amenity maintenance using an annual lifecycle
budget approach.
(h) Design parks and recreation open space within
the overall goal of creating safe, sustainable,
accessible communities for all age groups,
giving consideration to local climate and
season.
(i)
Manage naturalized areas to support the
development and maintenance of sustainable
ecological systems. They may accommodate
passive recreation opportunities, habitats for
native species in urban landscapes, and/or
connections between the community and
natural history.
Neighbourhood parks, shared use
trails, playgrounds, community
gardens, natural areas, sports fields,
spray pads, and swimming pools are
just some of the many amenities that
make up open spaces in the city.
30
SECTION D QUALITY OF LIFE
D6 COMMUNITY FACILITIES
Community facilities help build healthy communities and act as focal points for the city.
Providing amenities for year-round recreation, physical activity, and social interaction
contributes to overall quality of life in Saskatoon. The City is a major delivery agent of
public recreation and has a significant investment in community infrastructure, including
many multi-use program spaces throughout the city. Other facilities, such as schools, can
be focal points for many residential neighbourhoods, but are provided by agencies other
than the City. The provision of, and location of, these types of facilities is a priority, and
helps to accommodate community needs and compatibility with surrounding land uses.
(1) Objectives
(a)
To promote quality of life by providing facilities
and services for use by all residents.
(b) To provide opportunities for community,
school, and other institutional uses that serve
the educational, recreational, cultural, health,
and spiritual needs of the city, ensuring they
are appropriately located according to size,
function, and transportation requirements.
(c)
To strengthen relationships between the City,
various School Divisions, regional partners,
and other public and private organizations
delivering community-oriented services.
(2) Policies
(a)
Applications for neighbourhood Concept Plans
will include locations for elementary schools
or a community centre. No proposals will be
submitted to Council until the appropriate
School Division, Saskatchewan Health Authority,
and any other relevant agency have been
consulted.
(b) School sites will be located on Municipal
Reserve and, wherever possible, adjacent
to other public open spaces in the area.
Development of integrated school sites will
take place in a manner that encourages
maximum use of all facilities. Use of school and
park facilities as the recreational centre for a
neighbourhood or area will be promoted.
(c)
The City will consult with the provincial
government, appropriate School Divisions, and
affected regional partners regarding Municipal
Reserve dedication for school purposes.
(Revised - Bylaw No. 9855 - December 19, 2022)
(d) All elementary school sites and community
centre sites will be centrally located and
generally within 700 metres walking distance
of residential development. They should not
be located on arterial streets, but should be
located at street intersections.
(e)
High schools will be centrally located and,
wherever possible, located in Urban Centres to
facilitate public transit and street access as well
as to minimize impacts on surrounding land
uses.
(f)
Institutional uses that serve the needs of a
neighbourhood population and are compatible
with a residential environment (neighbourhood
scale) may be situated within neighbourhoods.
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 31
SECTION D QUALITY OF LIFE
(g) Institutional uses that serve the needs of more
than a neighbourhood population and are of
a size or scale that is not compatible with a
residential environment (city-wide scale) will
be encouraged to locate in or near the City
Centre and Downtown, in Urban Centres, and
in other areas with adequate access to streets
and public transit where there is no significant
impact on surrounding land uses. The Zoning
Bylaw will contain provisions to consider large
scale institutional uses in residential areas only
at the discretion of Council.
(h)
Sites identified for school purposes will be suitable
in terms of size, topography, utilities, transit
service, active transportation access, and site
frontage. School sites will also facilitate adequate
pick-up and drop-off zones for students.
(i)
The City will promote sharing of school facilities
with local School Divisions, authorities, and
regional partners to meet the educational,
cultural, social, health, and leisure needs of the
general population.
(j)
To promote the stability and character of
residential neighbourhoods, the City will
encourage the adaptive reuse of a school building
and site for recreational, residential, educational,
or other community-oriented use, subject to the
provisions of the existing zoning district, and after
appropriate consultation with relevant community
groups and local residents.
(k)
In the event that School Divisions decide a vacant
school site is not required, the standards of the
underlying zoning district shall normally apply
for future land use, after appropriate community
consultation. In the event an acceptable use
cannot be found within the existing zoning
district, the landowner may seek a new zoning
designation by applying to amend the Zoning
Bylaw, subject to Rezoning by Agreement.
(l)
Explore opportunities to develop integrated
facilities and multiple types of spaces when
contemplating development of new or
enhanced recreation and parks infrastructure.
(m) Each community centre should include a
permanent core facility with recreation and
meeting space. Other uses complementary to
the neighbourhood, such as libraries or health
offices, may be adjoined to the facility.
(n) Recreational facility development will be guided
by the Recreation and Parks Master Plan and
will use an annual lifecycle budget approach to
planning.
(o)
The City will maintain a balance between the
development of civic infrastructure (physical
and social) in new areas and the maintenance
and renewal of infrastructure in existing areas.
(p) Promote community facilities as accessible,
affordable year-round gathering places. They
should be designed to meet local needs and
provide the opportunity for unique designs that
help create, foster, or reinforce local character.
(q) The design of community facilities should
incorporate the following principles:
(i)
the design should allow for use by all
user groups for as much of the day as
possible;
(ii)
the design should provide for
the maximum possible degree of
interaction, safety, and accessibility of
all user groups year-round;
(iii) the design and location should be
easily accessed by public transit and
active transportation; and
(iv) the design should allow flexibility to
change over time, ensuring long term
sustainable use.
32
D7 PLACEMAKING
Placemaking is the creation of a sense of place within the public realm. The City uses
community-inspired design to build and preserve creative, welcoming public spaces that
promote community interaction.
(1) Objectives
(a)
To develop public spaces that are safe and
accessible to everyone, encourage community
interaction, create opportunities for diverse
cultural expression, and have unique local
character and a sense of place.
(b) To encourage a high standard of urban design
throughout the City, promoting a physical
and natural environment that is attractive,
stimulating, functional, safe, and accessible, in
harmony with our heritage and values.
(c)
To facilitate design review in areas of the city
where there is clear public interest in preserving
existing character or promoting a selected
design theme.
(2) Policies
(a)
Create a network of public spaces that are high
quality, safe, dynamic, and accessible.
(b)
Identify opportunities to improve the public realm
through enhanced urban design, streetscape
elements, and cultural amenities.
(c)
Celebrate Saskatoon as a four season city,
inviting and vibrant even in the coldest months,
through the creation of versatile multi-season
public spaces.
(d) Within the provisions of The Planning and
Development Act, 2007, the following urban
design principles will be considered in the
preparation and review of Local Area Plans,
Local Area Design Plans, Concept Plans,
amendments to the Official Community
Plan and Zoning Bylaw, discretionary use
applications, development permit applications,
subdivision applications, and standards
contained within the Zoning and Subdivision
Bylaws (refer to Appendix C for further details
on the city-wide urban design principles):
(i)
Design with Nature;
(ii) Human Scale;
(iii) Building Design;
(iv) Open Space;
(v)
Streetscapes;
(vi) Views and Vistas;
(vii) Barrier Free Access;
(viii) Safety;
(ix) Art in Public Places; and
(x)
Landscape Design.
Saskatoon is a city that thrives in harmony with the natural environment, conserving
resources, reducing impacts, and promoting environmental stewardship.
SECTION E
34
SECTION E ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP
E1 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
The City engages in environmental protection through the use of responsible practices
to alleviate impacts on the local and global environment. This includes conservation and
enhancement of natural assets and preventing wasteful use of resources. Maintaining
the integrity of land, air, and water resources in our city and our region contributes to a
healthy environment, as well as social and economic wellbeing.
E1.1 Environmental Stewardship
The City has a responsibility to meet environmental
requirements and comply with regulations. However,
we can go above and beyond that responsibility.
The City is committed to enhancing the quality of
life for its residents by pursuing a holistic approach
to sustainability by embedding environmental,
social, and economic considerations in the City's
decision making processes. We can become
leaders by continually improving the quality of
the natural environment through innovation and
responsible practices. The City and residents share
a responsibility to improve the environment and
work together to minimize our own impact on the
ecosystem.
(1) Objectives
(a)
To improve the overall condition of the
environment; to meet or exceed municipal
targets through ongoing research and by
pursuing best practices in civic operations.
(b) To manage impacts on the environment as
Saskatoon grows so as to support the wellbeing
of current and future generations.
(2) Policies
(a)
Support the use of green infrastructure
and other innovative technologies and best
practices in environmental protection and
sustainable community design.
(b) Show leadership at a municipal level to
demonstrate the City's commitment to
environmental stewardship.
(c)
Provide support for demonstrations, pilot
projects, and innovations to develop a local
culture of improved environmental protection.
(d) Pursue opportunities for dark sky compliant
lighting, especially in or near sensitive natural
areas, to mitigate disturbance and maintain a
resilient ecology.
E1.2 Water
A safe, clean water supply is a priority for the City.
This includes protecting water sources as well as
watershed quality and the health of downstream
water users. Additionally, a significant amount of
energy is required to treat, distribute, and manage
water. The City is committed to water conservation
and reduction of energy use and greenhouse gas
emissions that result as part of the process.
(1) Objectives
(a)
To protect groundwater and surface water
resources from contamination in order to
sustain a safe supply of drinking water.
(b) To protect the South Saskatchewan River
watershed in order to maintain a safe and
sustainable supply of clean water.
(c)
To conserve existing water resources and
infrastructure, and contribute to energy
efficiency, by reducing water consumption.
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 35
SECTION E ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP
(2) Policies
(a)
Commit to protection of ground and
surface water, public health, property, and
the environment through the use of water
management programs that:
(i)
maintain healthy ecosystems;
(ii)
provide safe and reliable drinking water; and
(iii) provide advanced wastewater treatment
and storm water management, to the
greatest extent possible within the City's
resources.
(b) Support actions that conserve water through
public education, advanced metering programs,
and innovation in efficient water use.
(c)
Promote and support water efficient land use
planning and development of public and private
landscaping that reduce water consumption.
(d) Design and operate river crossings and
associated roadways in a manner that will
prevent degradation of water quality.
(e)
Work with the Saskatchewan Water Security
Agency, Meewasin, and regional partners to
maintain and conserve the South Saskatchewan
River watershed and its water resources.
(f)
Monitor and manage the quality of storm water
to maintain watershed health.
(g) Engage with First Nations and Métis
communities when actions or decisions may
have an impact on the South Saskatchewan
River, Opimihaw Creek, or any other water
system.
E1.3 Air
Clean air is essential to the quality of life enjoyed
by Saskatoon residents. Impacts to local air quality
can be linked to pollutant sources that may be
local, regional, or global in scope, depending on air
movement patterns.
(1) Objective
(a)
To promote responsible practices with respect
to air quality in order to minimize detrimental
effects on the environment or public health.
(2) Policies
(a) Work with government agencies and regional
partners to support air shed quality initiatives
and conduct ongoing monitoring.
(b) Encourage practices that reduce local air
pollution to protect air quality.
E1.4 Land
Soil is a valued resource. The City is committed to
maintaining the health of soils by minimizing the risk
of polluting clean soils and supporting responsible
management of contaminated soils.
(1) Objective
(a)
To promote responsible practices with respect
to soil in order to mitigate detrimental effects
on the environment or public health.
(2) Policies
(a)
Promote and facilitate brownfield
redevelopment through the appropriate
management and transformation of
contaminated lands.
(b) Reduce risks to soil health and human health
through reduction of pesticide and chemical
use.
(c)
Promote and facilitate practices that reduce the
risk of new soil contamination and the spread of
existing soil contamination.
Originating in the Rocky
Mountains, the South
Saskatchewan River is
Saskatchewan's single largest
source of water for drinking,
irrigation, industrial uses,
and recreation.
36
E2 NATURAL SYSTEMS
Natural areas within Saskatoon play an important role in overall wellbeing and
environmental health. Natural areas not only support a diversity of plants and wildlife, they
also perform ecological services, such as reducing and filtering storm water, sequestering
greenhouse gases, reducing urban heat island and wind speed effects, and removing
harmful pollutants from the air, soil, and water. Retention of natural areas is an important
asset to the city as it allows both environmental protection and enjoyment of nature in
the urban environment.
E2.1 Integration with Urban Environment
The City supports a sustainable and biodiverse
city by integrating natural assets, storm water
management, recreational activity, and active
transportation into a connected, multifunctional,
ecological network.
(1) Objective
(a)
To integrate natural areas, features, and systems
into urban areas in such a way as to ensure that
important ecological systems are maintained,
enhanced, and connected.
(2) Policies
(a)
Facilitate the creation of a connected green
network to support ecological systems and
increase equitable access to green spaces and
the larger green network.
(b) Urban development should avoid impacts to
natural areas with particular consideration given
to interconnected sensitive ecosystems, such
as swales.
(c)
Pursue opportunities to incorporate green
infrastructure during development and
redevelopment projects.
(d) Integrate storm water management and natural
areas protection in land use planning processes.
E2.2 Natural Asset Management
Sustainable asset management of municipal
infrastructure is essential for community resiliency.
The City uses an integrated approach to planning
and maintaining a sustainable, biodiverse city
by considering natural assets as important
infrastructure. Natural assets are managed with the
same amount of care as other critical infrastructure.
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 37
SECTION E ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP
(1) Objective
(a)
To use best practices for the responsible
management of natural assets.
(2) Policies
(a)
Implement and maintain an asset management
policy to manage built and natural assets in
Saskatoon.
(b) Develop and maintain a system of natural
capital asset valuation to aid in determining
appropriate levels of service or condition for
natural assets and how they are budgeted for.
(c)
Support actions that further the use of green
infrastructure as a way to enhance the adaptive
capacity of the city in response to climate
change.
E2.3 Integrated Storm Water Management
The City takes an integrated approach to storm
water management. This involves a coordinated
approach to the design and development of
neighbourhoods and buildings to reduce run-off and
manage more water onsite. This approach improves
the quality and reduces the quantity of storm water
run-off, reducing negative impacts on the South
Saskatchewan River.
(1) Objective
(a)
To use best practices to manage storm water as
a resource, improve the quality of storm water,
and reduce peak flow volumes.
(2) Policies
(a)
Due regard will be given to locating District,
Multi-District, and Special Use Parks adjacent
to storm water basins and drainage swales to
facilitate integration.
(b) Municipal Reserve may be used to convey storm
water run-off to storm water storage basins
and act as temporary water storage to allow
water detention after a storm event. Municipal
Reserve land and land used for storm water
management infrastructure will be integrated,
where circumstances permit. Storm water
infrastructure, where located adjacent to parks,
must be treated in a manner that complements
park development. The integration of these two
land uses must be undertaken in accordance
with the provisions of Park Development
Guidelines (refer to Administration Policy
No. A10-017). Funding for the construction
and subsequent maintenance of storm water
management infrastructure on integrated
sites will be part of a consultative process and
subject to an agreement.
(c)
Consideration for the safe development of
storm water retention ponds should be included
in the design of new areas and reflected in
Concept Plans.
38
SECTION E ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP
E2.4 Wetlands and
Conservation Management
The City recognizes that urban development will
inevitably impact wetland resources. To counteract
this, policies are in place to guide land use and
development decisions related to wetland and
riparian areas. These policies are sensitive to the
ecological integrity of wetlands and the objectives
of achieving compact, sustainable, and economically
viable growth patterns.
(1) Objectives
(a)
To achieve the responsible stewardship of
wetland resources as part of a holistic approach
to urban development that balances the need for
conservation with other considerations, including
compact development, transportation and
connectivity, financial feasibility, and quality of life.
(b) To integrate natural and constructed wetland
resources are integrated into the urban
environment in a way that:
(i)
is sensitive to their ecological integrity;
(ii)
is sensitive to their natural and social
values as community amenities;
(iii) accounts for their hydrological function
in terms of both natural processes and
as part of the storm water management
system; and
(iv) considers the need for appropriate
ongoing management.
(c)
To conserve the biodiversity and function of
significant wetland resources prior to, during,
and after land development.
(2) Policies
(a)
The policies contained in this section will be
implemented through the Wetland Policy (refer
to Council Policy No. C09-041).
(b) Development should:
(i)
avoid impacts to wetlands with particular
consideration given to significant wetland
resources;
(ii)
minimize impacts to wetlands where
avoidance cannot be fully achieved; and
(iii) undertake compensatory mitigation for
any impacts to wetlands that occur as a
result of development.
(c)
During the review of Sector Plans and Concept
Plans, the City will favour the conservation of
existing significant wetland resources over the
restoration of drained wetlands or the creation
of new wetlands.
(d)
Developers should consider creative ways to
design development projects to minimize any
disturbance or alteration of retained wetlands,
including the maintenance of existing natural
drainage in wetlands and their riparian areas,
consideration of important upland areas and the
minimization of disturbances to wetlands and
riparian habitat, wildlife, soils, and vegetation
before, during, and after the development process.
(e)
Wetlands may be integrated into the storm water
management system where it is feasible to do so.
Storm water management plans must take into
account the sensitivity and ecological functions
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 39
SECTION E ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP
of wetlands and their associated riparian areas
and work towards attaining sustainability in an
urban setting.
(f)
The City will manage and monitor retained
wetlands and associated riparian areas with a
goal of maintaining or enhancing water quality
and function, both as natural areas and as part
of the City's storm water management system.
(g) The City will work with regional partners to
encourage responsible wetland stewardship in
the region.
E2.5 Conservation of Natural Areas
The City works to ensure that natural assets are
protected, sustained, and connected as part of a
system. Our natural history is an important part of
who we are. Natural habitats and landforms are the
heritage passed down by glaciation and more than
10,000 years of weathering, ecological succession,
and human habitation. As such, development that
recognizes this importance is promoted.
(1) Objectives
(a)
To identify and protect important ecosystems,
wildlife habitats, and other natural areas and
assets as part of the land development process.
(b) To enhance the beauty and enjoyment of the
city and region by providing residents with
access to natural areas.
(c)
To conserve the biodiversity of all species to
support climate resilience in the city and region.
(d) To consider the use of green infrastructure, as
means to address climate change adaptation
and mitigation, during the land development
process.
(2) Policies
(a)
The long-term conservation and protection
of natural features is a responsibility of local
residents, property owners, government
agencies, non-profit organizations, and the
private sector.
(b) The City will maintain a current inventory of
remaining natural areas and significant natural
assets within the city and, where possible,
the region, in coordination with the relevant
regional partners.
(c)
The conservation or mitigation for loss of
important natural areas or features will be
considered in the review of Sector Plans,
Concept Plans, subdivision applications, and
other significant development proposals.
(d) As part of Sector Plan and Concept Plan
design, subdivision, or other significant
development processes, a general screening
will be undertaken for important natural areas,
assets, and features. If deemed appropriate,
more detailed analysis of natural areas or
features will be undertaken by a qualified
consultant, acceptable to both the City and
the developer(s), with all costs borne by the
affected developer(s).
(e)
In advance of a Concept Plan, subdivision plan,
or development permit for a permanent use
being approved for an area, any application to
excavate, strip, grade, or remove vegetation
from the land will require a development permit
issued under the Zoning Bylaw.
Saskatoon is a thriving prairie city built along
the South Saskatchewan River. The city is
home to a vast urban forest, kilometres of
riverbank trails, and an abundance of wildlife.
It boasts over 120 hectares of riverbank
parklands and is surrounded by streams,
wetlands, and a thriving agricultural sector.
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 41
SECTION E ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP
The Development Officer will issue a
development permit when satisfied that the
excavation, stripping, grading, or removal of
vegetation is necessary for the interim use,
development, or maintenance of the subject
land, considering the need to conserve
important natural areas and vegetation, the
maintenance of effective drainage patterns, and
the health and safety of persons in the area.
(f)
Natural areas of significant ecological value
should be placed in municipal ownership and
appropriate legal protection will be considered.
(g) Important natural areas, features, and systems
should be integrated into new development
areas and form part of an interconnected green
infrastructure, park, and open space system,
including the retention of natural corridors and
natural ponding areas.
E2.6 Riverbank Stewardship
The South Saskatchewan River Valley is Saskatoon's
natural showpiece. Located in the heart of the city,
it has ecological, cultural, and recreational value,
as well as aesthetic and historic importance. The
riverbank is a sensitive ecosystem that requires
community stewardship to maintain its integrity for
generations to come.
(1) Objectives
(a)
To facilitate appropriate development while
maintaining the integrity of the riverbank of the
South Saskatchewan River.
(b) To protect and enhance the South
Saskatchewan River Valley for the enjoyment of
present and future generations.
(2) Policies
(a)
The City shall monitor the riverbank of the
South Saskatchewan River to identify areas that
are susceptible to slumping or slope instability.
(b) For the purpose of protecting or conserving the
natural, historical, and recreational features of
the Riverbank Area of the South Saskatchewan
River, the Riverbank Area shall, insofar as
possible, be dedicated as Municipal Reserve or
Environmental Reserve under the provisions of
The Planning and Development Act, 2007 as
amended. Furthermore, the banks of the South
Saskatchewan River shall, insofar as possible, be
conserved as public open space for the benefit
of all residents.
(c)
The development of the Riverbank Area for
visual amenity and public recreation will be
undertaken in a manner that enhances and
complements the natural and historical features
of the riverbank.
(d)
The City will work in partnership with the provincial
government and the University of Saskatchewan,
through Meewasin, and regional partners, to
maintain and conserve the South Saskatchewan
River Valley within the city and region.
(e)
The City will work toward clarifying jurisdictions
in the Riverbank Area with Meewasin and other
regional partners.
Photo Credit: 2017 Discover Saskatoon/Greg Huszar Photography
42
SECTION E ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP
E2.7 Urban Forestry
Saskatoon is well known for its urban forest -
110,000 trees located on boulevards, centre medians
and in parks. Trees contribute to quality of life
by helping manage urban heat and storm water
run-off. They improve air quality by filtering dust
and absorbing pollutants, protect soil and water
resources, and provide habitat for wildlife. Trees also
help make our communities beautiful by creating
gathering areas, attracting tourism, and increasing
property values. Protecting and conserving urban
forests through proper management is vital to
sustaining healthy and resilient communities.
(1) Objective
(a)
To protect the urban forest through sustainable
practices, including new planting and the
protection and maintenance of existing trees
throughout the City.
(2) Policies
(a)
Through the Trees on City Property Policy
(refer to Council Policy No. C09-011), the City
will promote the establishment, maintenance,
and enhancement of a diverse network of
forest vegetation, consisting of trees and other
plant material on private property, boulevards,
buffers, parks and open space, the riverbank,
and afforestation plots.
(b) The urban forest should be developed and
managed as a continuous system.
(c)
Tree conservation or replacement will be a
consideration in the review of applications
for Concept Plans, rezoning, subdivision,
discretionary use, and infrastructure
rehabilitation. Applicants may be required to
submit tree surveys as part of the development
review process.
(d) Standards for the design and maintenance of
landscaping on industrial, commercial, and
multiple-unit residential properties, including
the planting of trees, shall be contained within
the Zoning Bylaw.
(e)
The urban forest will be sustained and enhanced
along City streets by establishing standards
for the planting of trees on City boulevards
and buffer strips, to be enforced through the
subdivision and servicing agreement approval
process. The location and species of trees will be
compatible with nearby public infrastructure and
utilities, both above and below ground, as well as
the area's natural ecosystem.
(f)
The Zoning Bylaw may contain bonusing
provisions for the conservation of existing trees.
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 43
SECTION E ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP
E3 ENERGY
The City seeks to become a leader in renewable energy, energy and water conservation,
and management of greenhouse gas emissions. The City is actively trying to meet
emission reduction targets, reduce reliance on high carbon energy sources and energy
consumption, and support energy efficient buildings and transportation modes.
E3.1 Energy Conservation and Efficiency
While energy consumption is inherent in the daily
functioning of Saskatoon, the type and amount
of energy currently being used impacts local air
quality and contributes to climate change. By using
innovative infrastructure, technology, building
systems, policies, programs, and community design,
energy efficiency in Saskatoon can be improved.
(1) Objective
(a)
To improve energy conservation and efficiency
and manage consumption throughout the city.
(2) Policies
(a)
Support actions that reduce energy use through
public education and programs, advanced
metering programs, and innovation in efficient
energy use.
(b) Promote and support energy efficient land use
planning through urban forms and infrastructure
that support innovative energy production and
reduced energy consumption, while increasing
the livability of the city.
(c)
Support actions that lead to energy and
fuel efficiency in all modes of transportation
and support innovation in transportation
technologies.
(d) Reduce fuel use and emissions of the City's
vehicle fleet through best practices, such as
right-sizing and using alternative fuels and
energy sources.
(Revised - Bylaw No. 9855 - December 19, 2022)
E3.2 Renewable Energy
There are opportunities to use renewable or low-
emission energy sources to generate heating, cooling,
and electricity as a substitute for non-renewable
sources. This can reduce Saskatoon's dependence on,
and demand for, non-renewable energy resources.
(1) Objective
(a)
To increase the use of renewable energy or
low-emission energy sources, and to decrease
reliance on fossil fuel derived energy systems.
(2) Policies
(a)
Seek opportunities to increase energy
generation from innovative energy sources and
green technology, such as solar, hydropower,
and landfill gas collection.
E3.3 Sustainable Buildings
Buildings have a considerable impact on the
environment as they consume large amounts
of energy, water, and materials, and generate
greenhouse gases and waste. For both construction
and maintenance, these impacts can be reduced
through building practices that are more ecologically
responsible and use best practices for Saskatoon's
climate.
(1) Objective
(a)
To reduce environmental impacts of facilities
throughout their lifecycle.
(2) Policies
(a)
Implement and maintain a high performance
civic building policy to reduce environmental
impacts of the construction, renovation, and
ongoing operations of civic buildings.
(b) Support initiatives to raise energy efficiency
standards and encourage sustainable building
techniques for new construction and building
renovations throughout the city.
44
E4 WASTE MANAGEMENT
The City takes an integrated approach to waste management by combining waste
handling and waste reduction strategies. An integrated system considers how to reduce,
reuse, recycle, recover, and dispose of waste in ways that protect both human and
environmental health, while remaining affordable and convenient and maximizing resource
use efficiency.
A variety of programs and initiatives, including recycling, composting, hazardous waste
collection, and reuse of gently used items, help divert waste from the Saskatoon landfill.
Outreach, education, and services support these programs, while raising awareness about
the importance of waste reduction and diversion.
E4.1 Reduction
The most efficient ways to conserve resources,
protect the environment, and reduce the impact on
the City's landfill is to reduce the amount of waste
being produced and encourage the production of
reusable and reparable materials. By reducing waste
production, resources are conserved and the need to
recycle and manage residual waste is limited.
(1) Objective
(a)
To reduce the amount of waste generated in
Saskatoon by supporting actions that lead to
waste reduction and reuse.
(2) Policies
(a)
Implement and maintain a waste reduction and
diversion plan that identifies clear actions that
can be taken by the City.
(b) Work with government agencies, regional
partners, and the community to support and
improve waste prevention, reduction, and reuse
in the design, production, and use of goods as a
way to meet zero waste goals.
(c)
Support actions that help reduce organic
waste through reduced food waste and
environmentally friendly yard practices.
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 45
SECTION E ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP
E4.2 Recycling and Diversion
Diverting recyclables, organic waste, construction
and demolition waste, and other materials reduces
the amount of waste entering the landfill and waste
stream. Recycling helps reduce depletion of natural
resources and prevent environmental degradation.
Keeping organic waste out of the landfill prevents the
production of methane gas, a greenhouse gas that has
a warming potential 25 times greater than carbon.
(1) Objective
(a)
To promote recycling and diversion to keep
recyclable, organic, and other recoverable
materials from entering the landfill.
(2) Policies
(a)
Lead by example through the development of
policies and programs regarding new waste
diversion initiatives, including recycling and
organic waste diversion at all civic facilities.
(b) Facilitate city-wide waste diversion initiatives
throughout all sectors, including policy,
collection, and educational programs.
(c)
Offer residents and businesses convenient
recycling options for materials not collected at
the curb, such as hazardous waste, construction
and demolition waste, textiles, and other
divertible materials.
(d) Explore alternative options and possible
improvements to service levels, collection, and
processing to support an efficient recycling and
diversion system.
E4.3 Residual Waste
Following all waste reduction and waste recovery
efforts, the landfill is the last stop for residual waste.
The landfill is an engineered facility that has been
in operation since 1955 and is regulated by the
Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment. Because the
cost of a new landfill is significant, maximizing the
lifespan of the current facility is preferred. As the
population of Saskatoon grows, the need to reduce
materials going to the landfill has become a priority
for the City.
(1) Objective
(a)
To properly manage, and extend the lifespan of,
the landfill.
(2) Policies
(a)
Manage the landfill to minimize any adverse
environmental impacts.
(b) Optimize landfill operation management.
(c)
Deter hazardous waste from entering the waste
stream and the landfill.
(d) Consider new technologies and existing best
practices for managing materials that are
currently being sent to the landfill.
46
SECTION E ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP
E5 CLIMATE
Everyone has a role to play in taking action on climate change, as it is a global, national,
and local challenge. Climate mitigation and adaptation are needed to effectively address
both the causes and effects of climate change. Taking action will support environmental
health and integrity, social equity and cultural wellbeing, and economic prosperity and
fiscal responsibility.
The City has made a commitment to reducing greenhouse gases and adapting to
changing climate conditions to become a more resilient city. Part of this commitment
includes implementing the solutions and opportunities identified in Saskatoon's climate
action planning, which addresses energy efficiency and generation, land use planning,
urban design, transportation, waste management, asset management, air quality, water
services, and other areas.
E5.1 Mitigation
Climate mitigation refers to activities that address
the root causes of climate change by reducing the
rate and amount of greenhouse gas emissions
being released into the atmosphere. Mitigation
initiatives help increase energy efficiency, diversify
our economy, and reduce the severity of climate
change. The benefits of this occurs on both local
and global scales.
(1)
Objective
(a)
To mitigate the impacts of climate change
through the reduction of greenhouse gas
emissions.
(2) Policies
(a)
As part of a climate action plan, develop,
maintain, and support:
(i)
actions to facilitate City and community
emissions reductions; and
(Revised - Bylaw No. 9855 - December 19,
2022)
(ii)
a long-term roadmap for achieving
Saskatoon's emissions reductions targets
through policy, investments, projects and
programs, planning, and education.
(b) Work toward achieving Saskatoon's emissions
reduction targets by implementing the solutions
and opportunities outlined in the climate action
plan and conducting ongoing research, revisions,
and reporting of targets and performance.
(c)
Conduct emissions inventories for both the City
and the community on an annual basis.
(Revised - Bylaw No. 9855 - December 19, 2022)
(d) Through education, outreach, and engagement
provide information to all sectors of the
community regarding how they can take action
on climate change.
E5.2 Adaptation
Climate adaptation refers to activities that address
the impacts of changing climate conditions on our
services, programs, infrastructure, and residents.
Adaptation initiatives build climate resiliency by
managing risk both proactively and responsively, as
new information becomes available.
(1) Objective
(a) To increase community and City resilience
by adapting current services, practices,
and infrastructure to withstand current and
projected future climate conditions.
(Revised - Bylaw No. 9855 - December 19, 2022)
(2) Policies
(a)
Assess climate change risk to infrastructure,
services, and development plans.
(b) Use a climate adaptation strategy to manage and
respond to identified risks now and in the future.
(Revised - Bylaw No. 9855 - December 19, 2022)
(c)
Assess and report on current and projected
future climate conditions for the Saskatoon
region through research and engagement
activities.
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 47
INTRODUCTION
The City has adopted a long-term emissions
reduction target of 80% by 2050 for both
the City and the community. This aligns with
our federal and international commitment
to the Global Covenant of Mayors for
Climate and Energy.
48
SECTION E ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP
E6 COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
The City is committed to sustainable decision making, which means supporting the
needs and wellbeing of both present and future generations by upholding environmental
integrity, equitable social systems, a just economy, and good governance. However, the
City cannot meet these goals alone. The involvement and effort of the entire community
is required, including other orders of government, schools, business, community groups,
and individuals. Through public engagement, outreach, education initiatives, and program
development, the City will create partnerships within the community to foster an informed,
engaged community and reach our goals. The City strives to build capacity in the
community and encourage behaviours that reduce environmental impacts.
E6.1 Shared Stewardship
Both the City and the community have responsibilities
to ensure stewardship over environmental resources.
As our community grows, collective efforts will
contribute to improve environmental integrity,
equitable social systems, and a just economy in the
community and region. These efforts will continue to
support Saskatoon's economic, environmental, and
social growth.
(1) Objective
(a)
To support community action on, and
commitment to environmental stewardship by
building understanding through engagement,
communication, education, training, and support.
(2) Policies
(a)
Build meaningful relationships with schools,
community associations, and other organizations
to support sustainability efforts and promote
environmental programs and initiatives.
(b) Incorporate engagement, outreach, and
education into City-led projects. Demonstrate
how the City is addressing environmental issues
and how this work can be supported, while
also communicating the City's progress and
successes.
(c)
Lead by example by implementing best
practices in municipal operations, while
encouraging action by residents and businesses.
E6.2 Community Programs
The City operates and supports numerous programs
throughout the city to reduce environmental
impacts. Some of these include recycling programs,
composting initiatives, and student action
partnerships with school divisions.
(1) Objective
(a)
To raise awareness about environmental issues
and solutions and to facilitate community
involvement and action.
(2) Policies
(a)
Implement actions and develop programs to
support environmental initiatives throughout
the city to educate the public about the
benefits of a greener, more sustainable city.
The way the city is physically organized contributes to the quality of life of its
residents. In Saskatoon, the Official Community Plan is the principal document that
establishes the city's form, structure, and land use pattern, providing guidance and
prioritization for growth.
By providing an over-arching framework for the development of future land use, the
Plan aims to dedicate land in an efficient manner that produces the most benefit for
the community. This is done by creating a hierarchy of development, with the highest
density uses in the Downtown and the lowest density in residential neighbourhoods.
This framework aids in directing growth to already established areas, thus
accommodating growth and slowing greenfield development.
The City's transportation network consists of a fully integrated combination of
sidewalks, multi-use pathways, bicycle facilities, transit facilities, and streets that knit
together the places we live, work, and play. Transportation infrastructure (e.g. street,
active transportation facilities, public transit) is an important part of an efficient
transportation system that promotes all modes of transportation, quality of life, and
public health, while connecting people of all mobility levels to the city and region in an
equitable manner. However, the transportation system cannot function effectively
without the support of a mix of land uses near the transportation infrastructure, at
higher levels of density. The intentional pairing of land use, density, and transportation
infrastructure leads to an urban form that can support a variety of efficient
transportation choices in a context sensitive manner. The core elements of Saskatoon's
urban form are presented as Map 5 - Urban Form and Structure in Appendix D.
SECTION F
50
F1 GENERAL
Describing the city in terms of the urban form and structure identifies different areas of
the city based on their period of growth and characteristics. This approach recognizes
the uniqueness of different neighbourhoods; it also provides the basis for establishing
appropriate policies and strategies for each area.
This section describes the vision for the long-term pattern of growth and development
in Saskatoon and outlines policies that will guide the city's development over the next 30
years or more. For a city like Saskatoon that is anticipating significant growth and change,
a clear understanding of the urban form and structure provides a way to focus change in
places where it has positive social, economic, and environmental results.
(1) Objectives
(a)
To build a fiscally, socially, and environmentally
sustainable community by:
(i)
supporting the efficient use of land and
civic infrastructure;
(ii)
maintaining a rational and effective
system to manage urban growth;
(iii) providing community facilities and
services throughout the city;
(iv) integrating transportation with land
use plans to provide year-round
transportation choices for residents; and
(v)
providing civic infrastructure in a cost
effective manner.
(2) Policies
(a)
General
(i)
Compact City Form
The development of a compact and
efficient urban form shall be encouraged
by setting overall density guidelines
for new residential neighbourhoods,
facilitating infill development in existing
residential, commercial, industrial,
strategic infill areas, and corridors, and
gradually increasing the overall density
of the City.
(ii)
Concentrated Activities
Significant commercial, multiple-unit
residential, and community facilities will
be situated in or along designated nodes
Photo Credit: Discover Saskatoon 2008
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 51
SECTION F URBAN FORM AND STRUCTURE
and corridors in order to maximize the
use of existing community infrastructure
and encourage the use of the transit and
active transportation networks.
(iii) Transportation Needs
Designated Community Focal Points,
Employment Areas, and other major
community facilities will be located to
minimize the need for new transportation
infrastructure, facilitate accessibility with
improved connections via the active
transportation network, and to encourage
greater use of the transit network. New
residential areas should be developed in
proximity to the City Centre, the Corridor
Growth Area, and Employment Areas to
help achieve the same goals.
(Revised - Bylaw No. 9856 - December 19,
2022)
(iv) Open Space
Public parks and recreation, and natural
areas will be provided throughout the
city in a connected network of open
spaces, sufficient to meet the needs of all
Saskatoon's residents, recognizing that
access to green space is strongly related
to residents' physical, spiritual, and
mental wellbeing.
(v)
Sectors Plans
Long range planning for neighbourhoods
and related community facilities shall
be organized within the context of a
Sector. A Sector typically contains six
to ten neighbourhoods and the housing
and community facilities necessary to
accommodate 50,000 to 80,000 people
as well as significant employment. This
includes a transportation network that
connects the Sector to the city-wide
transportation network.
(vi) Concept Plans
Concept Plans prescribe the
development vision and servicing
framework for a defined area, in
alignment with the Plan and applicable
Sector Plan. Concept Plans are required
for large scale development, such as
residential neighbourhoods or Industrial
Employment Areas, and smaller scale
development, such as Urban Centres or
significant infill development.
(vii) Local Area Plans
Local Area Plans are comprehensive
neighbourhood plans that identify
objectives and action items, including
proposed policies for the future growth
and development of an existing
neighbourhood or selected area.
A Local Area Plan is created using a
community-focused approach in which
local stakeholders work together to
create a vision, identify issues, develop
goals, and outline strategies for the long-
term success of their community.
A Local Area Plan area is typically defined
by the neighbourhood's boundary, but it
can be expanded or reduced based on an
assessment by Administration to identify
appropriate study area parameters.
(b) City Centre
The City Centre consists of the Downtown
and portions of Nutana, Riversdale, City Park,
and the portion of College Drive that interfaces
with the University of Saskatchewan. It provides
the highest concentration of office, commercial,
and cultural facilities and is supported by a
multi-modal transportation network. The City
Centre will also contain the highest densities of
development, a strong diversity of activity, and
52
SECTION F URBAN FORM AND STRUCTURE
a growing resident population. It will include
high quality public spaces and prioritize the
pedestrian experience. Whenever possible,
commercial, cultural, and entertainment
facilities that are significant to the City or
region will be located in or near the City Centre.
(c)
Community Focal Points
Community Focal Points are designated areas
which contain increased levels of activity
within the City. This may include commercial,
institutional, and recreational amenities
or services, and higher density residential
developments served by the transportation
network. They are intended to include a mix of
land uses in a concentrated area. Community
Focal Points can vary in size and scale, and
include Urban Centres, District Villages,
and Neighbourhood Nodes. This hierarchy
recognizes that all local contexts are not the
same and that varying scales of development
opportunity, mix of uses, and levels of transit
service will be needed to achieve city-wide
objectives in a manner sensitive to the
surrounding neighbourhood(s).
(d) Corridor Growth Area
The Corridor Growth Area is intended to provide
infill development opportunities along the city's
major corridors and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
routes in order to achieve infill development
targets outlined in the Growth Plan to Half a
Million. The Corridor Growth Area is a high-
priority location for a mix of medium density
residential, commercial, and institutional uses
and activities designed to support an attractive,
high-frequency transit service. Within this area,
development should incorporate transit-oriented
development principles, be oriented toward the
street, and be at a pedestrian scale, with active
building frontages. The Corridor Growth Area will
have higher densities at specific nodes focussed
around key transit locations, and support
a pedestrian-oriented urban form. All local
contexts are not the same, and varying scales
of development opportunity, mix of uses, and
levels of transit service will be needed to achieve
city-wide objectives in a manner sensitive to the
surrounding local neighbourhood(s). Proposals
for mixed use, transit-oriented development
along the entire length of the high-frequency
transit corridor are encouraged.
(e)
Residential Neighbourhoods
The predominant use of land within areas
designated for residential neighbourhoods will be
residential. Within these areas, neighbourhoods
are the basic building block of residential
development and will be combined with, where
appropriate, with Community Focal Points, the
Corridor Growth Area, and Employment Areas to
form a Sector. Neighbourhoods will be designed
Photo Credit: 2017 Discover Saskatoon/Carey Shaw Photography
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 53
SECTION F URBAN FORM AND STRUCTURE
as comprehensively planned areas that are
efficient to service and maintain over the long
term and integrated with surrounding uses, the
transportation network, and infrastructure.
(f)
Employment Areas
Employment Areas are vital to the city's
economy, providing opportunities for the
production, distribution, and trade of goods
and services. Residents access these areas
on a daily basis for work, often spending a
large portion of their time there. They will be
designed as comprehensively planned areas
that are efficient to service and maintain
over the long term and integrated into the
transportation network. Employment Areas
facilitate the clustering of complementary
industrial and small scale commercial and
institutional development.
(i)
Industrial
Industrial Employment Areas and related
infrastructure will be organized within the
context of Sector Plans and subsequent
Concept Plans. The overall objective in
Industrial Employment Area planning
is to facilitate economic development
opportunities in a rational and efficient
manner, connecting these areas to the
city-wide transportation network, while
maintaining a high quality built and
natural environment over the long term.
Industrial Employment Areas typically
require larger parcels of land, access
to rail and highway infrastructure, and
adequate separation distances from
particular uses to reduce conflicts.
(ii)
Commercial
Commercial Employment Areas
encapsulate a range of retail, office, and
service land uses that serve the city
and regional population. Commercial
Employment Areas in Saskatoon are
dispersed throughout the city based on a
hierarchy of planned focal points. These
areas provide employment opportunities
and goods and services for local and
regional markets, contributing to the
local and regional economy. Commercial
Employment Areas will be well connected
to the city-wide transportation network,
with an emphasis on providing transit
and active transportation connections to
and from these areas with a pedestrian-
oriented focus.
(iii) Institutional
Institutional Employment Areas are major
employment centres in the city that may
include post-secondary educational
facilities, health care facilities, and other
public facilities. They should be subject
to a higher level of design and encourage
related residential, services and amenities
in and/or near these sites. Institutional
Employment Areas will be well connected
to the city-wide transportation network,
with an emphasis on providing transit
and active transportation connections to
and from these sites with a pedestrian-
oriented focus.
54
SECTION F URBAN FORM AND STRUCTURE
F2 LAND USE
Land use designations are a key implementation tool of the Plan. They establish the general
use and character of a site or area to help ensure that development takes place in an orderly,
rational manner. Each designation is distinct in its purpose and density and intensity of use.
Land use designations may reaffirm existing development patterns or guide how an area's
character and uses may change in the future. Descriptions of each designation are general
in nature, providing types of uses, densities and intensities, and location criteria, which then
guide the Zoning Bylaw to prescribe the precise regulations and uses.
F2.1 Land Use Map
Land use patterns and zoning districts must
conform with the designations shown on the
Official Community Plan Land Use Map (refer
to Appendix D, Map 4 - Land Use). Land use
designations may also identify future oriented land
use patterns.
F2.2 Land Use Designations
The land use designations used in the Plan and
illustrated on the Official Community Plan Land Use
Map are listed as follows:
(1)
Downtown
Land designated as "Downtown" has the
potential for high density mixed use development
that includes residential, commercial, institutional,
recreational, cultural, and community uses. The
Downtown land use and zoning pattern will
follow the general direction illustrated on the
Downtown Districts Map (refer to Section G1.1,
Map 2 - Downtown Districts).
(Revised - Bylaw No. 10069 - April 23, 2025)
(2) Urban Centre
Land designated as "Urban Centre" has
the potential for a mix of medium density
residential, institutional, and community
uses that complement related Urban Centre
Commercial sites. Urban Centres support all
modes of transportation by incorporating
transit-oriented development principles into
comprehensively planned sites. These sites are
typically served by collector or arterial streets
and high-frequency transit.
(3) District Village
Land designated as "District Village" has the
potential for a mix of low to medium density
residential, commercial, institutional, and
community uses. District Villages serve the
basic needs of the surrounding two to five
neighbourhoods, providing focal points of
transit-oriented commercial development.
These sites are typically served by collector or
arterial streets and supported by all modes of
transportation, including public transit.
(4) Neighbourhood Node
Land designated as "Neighbourhood Node"
has the potential for a mix of low density
residential, commercial, institutional, and
community uses that are compatible within a
neighbourhood setting. Neighbourhood Nodes
serve the basic needs of the surrounding one
to three neighbourhoods, providing a focal
point of commercial development. These are to
be walkable, pedestrian-friendly sites typically
located near major intersections and served by
collector streets.
(5) Corridor Transit Village
Land designated as "Corridor Transit Village"
has the potential for a mix of medium to high
density residential, commercial, institutional,
and recreational uses that are located in
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 55
SECTION F URBAN FORM AND STRUCTURE
strategic locations along the BRT network and
have the opportunity to significantly contribute
to corridor growth objectives and targets in
the Growth Plan to Half a Million. These sites
are typically located within Urban Centres and
are intended to provide a mix of employment,
residential, recreational, and open space uses
that support and benefit from their location
along the BRT network. These sites are typically
developed in a phased fashion.
(6) Station Mixed Use
Land designated as "Station Mixed Use" has
the potential for medium density, generally
three to six storey mixed use developments
that incorporate transit-oriented development
principles and a broad range of residential,
commercial, institutional, cultural, and
community uses. Depending on the site context
or as determined through the Corridor Area
Plan process, there will be cases where modest
differences in height will be permitted. These
lands are located on the BRT routes near to a
BRT station as illustrated in the BRT map, (refer
to Appendix D, Map 6 - High-Frequency Transit
Corridor and Transit Villages) or as determined
through a Corridor Area Plan.
(Revised - Bylaw No. 9856 - December 19, 2022)
(7) Corridor Mixed Use
Land designated as "Corridor Mixed Use" has the
potential for medium density, two to six storey
mixed use developments that are pedestrian-
oriented and incorporate transit oriented
development principles. These lands are located
on the BRT routes between station locations,
or on other major transportation corridors in
proximity to the BRT routes or as determined
through the Corridor Area Plan process.
(Revised - Bylaw No. 10007 - June 28, 2024)
(8) Corridor Main Street
Land designated as "Corridor Main Street" has
the potential for medium density mixed use
developments that are pedestrian-oriented
and incorporate transit-oriented development
principles. These areas are typically existing
commercial streets located on the public transit
system. Corridor Main Street areas are intended
to enhance the existing character, function, and
built form in historic or significant commercial
districts located within the Corridor Growth Area.
(Revised - Bylaw No. 9856 - December 19, 2022)
(9) Corridor Residential
Land designated as "Corridor Residential"
has the potential for ground-oriented, low to
medium density residential development. These
areas are located near to the BRT routes and
are intended to provide a transition of densities
from Station Mixed Use, Corridor Mixed Use
and/or Corridor Main Street lands into the
surrounding neighbourhoods.
(Revised - Bylaw No. 9856 - December 19, 2022)
(10) Residential
Land designated as "Residential" has the potential
for residential development and community uses
compatible within a neighbourhood setting.
56
SECTION F URBAN FORM AND STRUCTURE
(11) High Density Residential
Land designated as "High Density Residential"
has the potential for a range of residential
building types (such as low-rise, mid-rise,
and high-rise multiple-unit dwellings) and
community uses. These sites are typically
served by collector or arterial streets and are in
proximity to the City Centre, Community Focal
Points, and/or within the Corridor Growth Area.
(12) Medium Density Residential
Land designated as "Medium Density Residential"
has the potential for a range of residential
building types (such as dwelling-groups, stacked
townhouses, low-rise and mid-rise multiple-unit
dwellings) and community uses. These sites are
typically served by collector or arterial streets
and are in proximity to Community Focal Points,
and/or within the Corridor Growth Area.
(13) Low Density Residential
Land designated as "Low Density Residential" has
the potential for a range of residential building
types (such as one and two unit dwellings, street
townhouses and low-rise multiple-unit dwellings)
and community uses.
(Revised - Bylaw No. 10007 - June 28, 2024)
(14) (Repealed - Bylaw No. 10007 - June 28, 2024)
(15) Residential Multi Use
Land designated as "Residential Multi Use" has
the potential for a unique mix of low density
residential, and commercial, institutional,
cultural, and community uses that are
compatible within a neighbourhood setting.
(Revised - Bylaw No. 10007 - June 28, 2024)
(16) Regional Commercial
Land designated as "Regional Commercial"
has the potential for commercial development
that serves a city-wide and regional market
population. These sites are typically served by
arterial streets and highways.
(17) Urban Centre Commercial
Land designated as "Urban Centre Commercial"
has the potential for a mix of medium density
residential, commercial, office, institutional,
recreational, cultural, and community uses
that serve the basic needs of the surrounding
six to ten neighbourhoods. Urban Centre
Commercial sites are focal points of
commercial development for the surrounding
neighbourhoods. They support all modes of
transportation by incorporating transit-oriented
development principles into comprehensively
planned sites. These sites are typically served by
collector or arterial streets and high- frequency
transit.
(18) Arterial Commercial
Land designated as "Arterial Commercial" has
the potential for commercial development that
serves a city-wide market population. These
sites are typically served by arterial streets.
(19) Special Area Commercial
Land designated as "Special Area Commercial"
has the potential for commercial developments
that, because of unique attributes such as location,
type of use, or development history, do not fit into
the typical hierarchy of commercial development.
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 57
SECTION F URBAN FORM AND STRUCTURE
(20) Business Park
Land designated as "Business Park" has
the potential for commercial, advanced
technologies, light manufacturing, related office
uses, and compatible light industrial activities.
(21) Light Industrial
Land designated as "Light Industrial" has the
potential for industrial uses and processes,
such as manufacturing, assembly and repair,
warehousing, wholesale distribution, and limited
retailing. These activities are normally carried on
indoors and should not create land use conflicts
due to excessive noise, vibration, dust, smoke, or
odour, although outdoor storage is permitted.
(22) Heavy Industrial
Land designated as "Heavy Industrial" has the
potential for industrial uses and processes
that may create land use conflicts or nuisance
conditions due to the production or emission of
excessive noise, vibration, dust, smoke, or odour.
(23) Environmental Industrial Park
Land designated as "Environmental Industrial
Park" has the potential for industrial uses
that undertake the safe storage, handling,
and processing of dangerous or hazardous
products. These sites and uses are required to
meet strict environmental criteria.
(24) Institutional
Land designated as "Institutional" has the
potential for institutional, health, educational,
recreational, cultural facilities, and community
uses. Residential development may be a
secondary use within an Institutional area.
(25) Park
Land designated as "Park" has the potential for
greenspace that includes active and/or passive
recreation and are further subcategorized
and defined in accordance with the Park
Development Guidelines.
(26) Conservation Area
Land designated as "Conservation Area"
has the potential for the conservation or
development of natural areas, naturalized
areas, wetlands, and constructed wetlands
in accordance with the Park Development
Guidelines.
(27) Utility Area
Land designated as "Utility Area" has the
potential for parcels or corridors of land to
be reserved for above or below ground utility
installations and infrastructure, and may form
part of the green network.
58
SECTION F URBAN FORM AND STRUCTURE
(28) Special Use Area
Land designated as "Special Use Area" has the
potential for post-secondary education facilities,
airports, cemeteries, railyards, significant open
spaces, and major utility installations.
(29) Direct Control District
Land designated as "Direct Control District" has
the potential for varied land uses, densities, and
intensities of development, as established by a
Direct Control District within the Zoning Bylaw.
(30) Community Facility
Land designated as "Community Facility" has
the potential for institutional, educational,
recreational, cultural, and community uses.
Community Facilities should be retained as a
focal point of the community.
(31) Transitional
Land is designated as "Transitional" where
sites within existing areas of the city have the
potential for significant land use changes.
(32) Urban Holding
Land is designated as "Urban Holding"
where the future land use and/or the timing
of greenfield development are yet to be
established, and where existing uses may
continue and interim uses may be established.
(33) High Density Mixed Use
Land designated as "High Density Mixed Use"
has the potential for high density mixed-use
development that may include a broad range
of residential, commercial, office, cultural, and
community uses. These lands are served by
collector or arterial streets, incorporate human
scaled, pedestrian-oriented and transit oriented
design and development principles, and are within
walking distance to Bus Rapid Transit station(s)
and the Downtown. High Density Mixed Use may
be located within the Downtown, City Centre, and/
or Strategic Infill Areas.
(Revised - Bylaw No. 9893 - June 20, 2023)
A sustainable community is one that meets its needs today without limiting the ability
of future generations to meet their needs. It is a community that sustains quality of life
and accommodates growth by balancing long-term economic, environmental, and
social needs. The following principles have been identified as relevant to building a
community with a sustainable quality of life:
- economic diversity, economic security, and fiscal responsibility;
- environmental protection and stewardship;
- equity in land use decisions and the distribution of community services;
- efficient use of land, infrastructure, and other resources in managing the City
and accommodating growth;
- decision making based on democratic institutions and public consultation;
- community safety through the application of the principles of CPTED; and
- conservation of heritage resources.
SECTION G
Photo Credit: Discover Saskatoon/Nick Biblow
60
G1 CITY GROWTH
Saskatoon has developed in a relatively compact form over the course of time. The
Downtown and City Centre are at its core, with corridors expanding outward to the
Employment Areas and Residential Neighbourhoods. Beyond the city's boundary, land is
developed in coordination with regional partners.
Downtown is the heart of Saskatoon. It has the highest densities of residential and
commercial development and is the primary location for office, retail, recreation, culture,
and entertainment facilities. The Downtown Event and Entertainment District supports
vibrant entertainment and events that stimulate the economy and improve the quality
of life for residents and visitors. Corridors connect the Downtown and City Centre
to surrounding Employment Areas and neighbourhoods, carrying large volumes of
commuters by diverse modes of transportation. In the future, these corridors will contain
a mix of land uses and higher density residential capable of supporting high-frequency
transit throughout the city. Employment Areas are locations where a large percentage
of the city's and region's population works. While these areas are primarily commercial,
industrial, or institutional land uses, a growing diversity of open spaces and supporting
businesses are making them more enjoyable places to be.
Saskatoon's neighbourhoods are comprised primarily of residential development and
designed to provide a unique sense of place and community. The development of new, or
evolution of existing, neighbourhoods requires comprehensive planning to support the
needs of local residents and address the City's long-term objectives.
Saskatoon is a growing city that will continue to be comprehensively and collaboratively
planned so as to be a desirable place to live, work, learn, and play.
Photo Credit: 2017 Discover Saskatoon/Greg Huszar Photography
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 61
SECTION G SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
South
Saskatchewan
River
Cumberland Avenue
Clarence Avenue
College Drive
Broadway Ave
8th Street
11th Street
17th Street
20th Street
22nd Street
Avenue P
Avenue H
Avenue C
Idylwyld Drive
7th Avenue
Queen Street
25th Street
3rd Ave
Spadina
3rd Ave
Cres
DOWNTOWN
CITY CENTRE
MAP 1 - DOWNTOWN AND CITY CENTRE
The City Centre includes the Downtown and
its connected, neighbourhood commercial
districts of Nutana and Riversdale, City Park
south of Queen Street, and the portion of
College Drive that interfaces with the
University of Saskatchewan.
G1.1 Downtown and City Centre
Downtown and its connected neighbouring districts
form a strong City Centre. This area fulfils many
functions, with high density residential, office,
retail, and services providing unique amenities for
Saskatoon and surrounding region.
As Saskatoon grows and competes globally to
attract people and investments, the City Centre as
a cultural hub and mixed used community, and the
quality of buildings and public spaces, becomes
increasingly important.
(1) Objectives
(a)
Ensure the Downtown is an attractive,
functional, vibrant place that is the centre
of financial, administrative, cultural, and
commercial activities of the city and region.
(b) Encourage a significant share of the city's
overall housing development to take place
within the Downtown and City Centre.
(2) Policies
(a) The City will maintain and implement a plan for
the Downtown as the primary document for
guiding development.
(Revised - Bylaw No. 10069 - April 23, 2025)
(b) The Downtown land use and zoning pattern
will follow the general direction illustrated on
the Downtown Districts Map (refer to Map 2 -
Downtown Districts). Areas include:
(i)
Warehouse District: The character of
the Warehouse District is its distinctive
built form and unique street layout.
Functioning as a mixed use district, there
is potential for increased medium density
residential with community serving retail.
(ii) Entertainment District: Considered to be
the heart of Downtown and designed to
be a vibrant destination supporting mixed
use developments, entertainment venues,
restaurants, and commercial and office
space.
(Revised - Bylaw No. 9916 - December 18, 2023)
62
SECTION G SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
(iii) River Landing: A premium destination with
space for families to gather and play; where
people of all ages come together to attend
cultural performances and art exhibitions
with the opportunity for additional
residential and mixed use developments.
(iv) Historic Commercial District: Historic
corridors offer early 20th century
architecture, numerous businesses,
restaurants, offices, and civic uses and
services. Incremental mixed use growth
including residential, office, and retail is
expected in this district.
(v) Spadina: One of the City's most scenic
districts and the site of many festivals
and links to Meewasin Trail. A mix of
high density multiple-unit residential,
commercial, and recreational uses
benefitting from the proximity to the
South Saskatchewan River.
(Revised - Bylaw No. 10069 - April 23, 2025)
(c) In general, the highest development densities
in the city will be facilitated in the Downtown,
reflected by the overall zoning pattern. The
City Centre will provide an area of transition
from the highest densities down to that of
surrounding established neighbourhoods.
(d) Retail Development
(i)
The Downtown is to remain the principal
focus for retail and related commercial
development for the city. The long-term
viability of retail and commercial activity in
the Downtown will be a factor in evaluating
major retail and commercial developments
taking place throughout the city.
24th Street
19th Street
Auditorium
Pacific Avenue
Wall Street
Spadina
Saunders
Pl
Spadina
Cres
Avenue
Avenue
Spadina Crescent
Crescent
6th Avenue
Avenue
5th Avenue
4th Avenue
3rd Avenue
2nd Avenue
1st Avenue
4th Ave
3rd Avenue
2nd Avenue
1st Avenue
23rd Street
22nd Street
21st Street
20th Street
t
S
lla
W
cific
a
P
oir
a
t
n
O
Spadina
Idylwyld Drive
25th Street
25th Street
Idylwyld Drive
Avenue B
WAREHOUSE DISTRICT
EVENT & ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
RIVER LANDING
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN DISTRICT
SPADINA
ACTIVE USE CORE
MAP 2 - DOWNTOWN DISTRICTS
(Revised - Bylaw No. 10069 - April 23, 2025)
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 63
SECTION G SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
(ii) In order to facilitate appropriate
market analysis, the City will monitor
commercial land use in the Downtown
and throughout the city.
(iii) A convenient and attractive pedestrian
environment will be provided in the Active
Use Core by encouraging continuous
retail and service uses with doorways and
display windows at grade level.
(Revised - Bylaw No. 10069 - April 23,
2025)
(iv) The provision of pedestrian amenities
will be promoted in the Active Use Core,
including decorative paving, awnings,
street furniture, enhanced lighting,
bus shelters where appropriate, and
other measures to create an enjoyable
pedestrian environment.
(Revised - Bylaw No. 10069 - April 23,
2025)
(v) Retail and other commercial and service
uses that provide activity and animation
in the pedestrian environment will
be supported on the ground floor of
buildings located in the Active Use Core,
as identified on Map 2 - Downtown
Districts
(e) The City will provide adequate community
amenities and facilities to meet the needs of
the City Centre and surrounding residential
population, including an efficient transit
system, parks, street trees, pedestrian
amenities, a public library, and other cultural
and entertainment facilities.
(f) City Centre Housing
(i)
Within the City Centre, support new
residential development and the
conversion of commercial, heritage,
and industrial buildings into residential
buildings through a variety of means,
including bonusing provisions,
consideration of rezoning applications,
provision of residential amenities,
and ongoing upgrading of municipal
infrastructure.
(ii) Assist in the assembly of land for housing
projects in the City Centre.
(iii) Support the development of a variety of
building sizes, types, and ages in the City
Centre to provide a diversity of develop-
ment and meet the needs of residents.
(iv) To protect significant heritage buildings
within the City Centre, encourage their
conservation, reuse, and conversion into
residential uses.
(g) Transportation
(i)
Provide and maintain a transportation
network that allows for access to and
from the City Centre by all modes of
transportation.
(ii) The transportation network within the
City Centre will facilitate appropriate
access and movement for all modes of
transportation. Vehicle through-traffic
will be channeled away from areas
intended to serve primarily retail or
residential uses.
(iii) The City Centre will remain the principal
focal point for public transit in the city,
with a high level of service provided from
all areas of the community.
(iv) The establishment and enhancement of
cycling routes to and throughout the City
Centre, and the promotion of cycling as
a viable means of transportation to the
City Centre, will be an ongoing objective
of the City.
(h) Parking
To support an improved public realm and
mitigate the negative impacts that parking and
surface parking has on walkability, pedestrian
comfort, perception of safety and vitality of the
streetscape the City will:
(i)
prepare and maintain a parking plan for
the City Centre to address supply and
demand for parking, parking rates and
the City's role in the provision of parking
lots, structures and on-street parking;
(ii)
situate entry and exit points of parking
facilities to reduce vehicular congestion
and avoid conflicts with pedestrians and
cyclists;
(iii) reduce areas of surface parking in the
Downtown by supporting new structured
64
SECTION G SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
parking, new development on surface
parking lots, and a higher share of
Downtown trips by alternate modes of
transportation;
(iv) determine strategic pedestrian focused
locations where surface parking in not
appropriate; and
(v) ensure that where new permanent
surface parking is proposed, it is
developed in a manner that integrates
into the streetscape and is suitably
screened so that it is not a focal point.
This will include high-quality edges
incorporating landscaping, public space
and amenity areas that contribute
positively to the public realm. There
should be enhanced standards for
surface parking located on a large corner
lot or prominent site.
(Revised - Bylaw No. 10069 - April 23, 2025)
(i)
Infrastructure
(i)
Maintain a long term infrastructure
rehabilitation and replacement program.
Wherever possible, coordinate these
improvements with streetscape
enhancements.
(j) City Centre Design and Image
Through the development review, design review,
and capital budget processes, pursue the
following design principles in the City Centre:
(i)
define and strengthen the principle
entrance points to the City Centre;
(ii) work with Meewasin to protect and
appropriately develop the resources of
the river valley in the City Centre;
(iii) encourage "art in public places"
throughout the City Centre and in other
business improvement district areas;
(iv) encourage the qualities of activity, variety,
and visual enjoyment in the City Centre;
(v) support design and programming of
public spaces that serve residents during
all seasons in the City Centre;
(vi) encourage the most productive use of
land in the City Centre;
(vii) provide open space and pedestrian
amenities in the City Centre by:
(A) designating appropriate areas for
park space;
(B) encouraging the private sector to
incorporate open space and other
pedestrian amenities into major
development projects;
(C) where appropriate, providing plazas,
courtyards, and other public spaces
along sidewalks and lanes; and
(D) linking the Meewasin Trail to the
City Centre via greenways and
pedestrian priority routes.
(viii) safety in urban design will be promoted
by reviewing proposed developments
relative to personal safety, security
concerns, and emergency services; and
(ix) conserve, enhance, and create important
vistas in the City Centre, as identified
through appropriate design studies.
(k) Pedestrian Environment
(i)
Develop a pedestrian-oriented environment
in the City Centre that is comfortable,
attractive, accessible, and inclusive.
(ii) Over time, encourage a weather protected
walkway system that includes landscaped
sidewalks and lanes, as well as grade
level interior walkways as part of major
developments, in selected locations.
Photo Credit: 2012 Discover Saskatoon
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 65
SECTION G SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
(l)
Heritage Resources
(i)
Through the Civic Heritage Policy (refer
to Council Policy No. C10-020), develop
programs and incentives to conserve
heritage properties and sites.
(ii) In recognition of 21st Street's role in the
history of the Downtown, developments
along this street should complement
the character of existing buildings
and streetscape enhancements,
while promoting a human scale and
pedestrian-oriented environment.
(m) Active Frontages
Buildings in the Downtown should be
developed to incorporate elements of an active
frontage to help add animation, vibrancy, and
interest as well as an element of comfort to the
public realm. This could include incorporating
the following principles:
(i)
frequent door and transparent window
openings;
(ii) no blank walls, continuous garage doors
or high fences;
(iii) interesting building facades along street
frontages;
(iv) building facades that vary along the
block face;
(v) building facades may be articulated or
contain projections, including, but not
limited to, bays and porches, to provide
visual interest;
(vi) locate public uses on ground floor; and
(vii) internal uses should be visible from the
sidewalk or may continue onto the sidewalk.
G1.2 Community Focal Points
Community Focal Points are designated areas where
people and activities come together for commercial,
recreational, cultural, residential, or other purposes.
The areas act as a focal point for the surrounding
residential neighbourhoods, often providing daily
amenities for residents and options for living in a
higher density residential or mixed use environment.
They vary in scale, density, and diversity of land uses
so as to be sensitive to local conditions. Providing
pedestrian-friendly and transit-oriented access to
these areas helps the City achieve its goals of a
denser, more dynamic, connected, and walkable
city, while preserving the character of surrounding
residential neighbourhoods.
(1) Objectives
(a) Provide a limited number of planned
Community Focal Points throughout the city.
(b) Provide strategically located destinations
throughout the city that include a mix of
services and amenities in a walkable, dynamic
setting that is well served by transit services
and active transportation networks.
(c) To support appropriate levels of development
at designated focal points, dependent on the
needs of the service area and impact on the
viability of Downtown as the primary hub of
entertainment, social, cultural, and economic
activity in the city.
(2) Policies
(a) Establish and maintain guidelines for creating
vibrant, transit-oriented mixed use areas tailored
to the individual context of each location.
(b) Within Community Focal Points, encourage
retail and service uses at grade, with residential
and office uses on upper floors.
66
SECTION G SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
(c) Design Community Focal Points to support the
safety, comfort, and enjoyment of pedestrians.
Where an internal street network exists, it
should be designed to be accessible for all
users, including pedestrians.
(d) Establish active transportation networks
connecting Community Focal Points and
surrounding neighbourhoods.
(e) Support the redevelopment of existing
Community Focal Points so that they remain
viable and meet the needs of the community.
(f) Encourage the introduction of residential
dwellings and a mix of commercial, institutional,
recreational, and community facilities in the
redevelopment of shopping centres.
(g) Design, locate, and access for vehicle parking
to minimize impacts on transit and pedestrian
access.
(3)
Objectives - Urban Centres
(a) Provide mixed use community focal points that
serve the basic needs of the surrounding six to
ten residential neighbourhoods.
(b) Encourage and support the development or
redevelopment of Urban Centres that provide
opportunities for a mix of medium density,
transit-oriented residential, institutional, and
community uses.
(c) Provide community focal points that are
supported by all modes of transportation and
accessible by the transportation network and
high-frequency transit.
(4) Policies - Urban Centres
(a) Urban Centres should consist of uses that
complement related Urban Centre Commercial
sites.
(b) The land area allocated for an Urban Centre will
be determined by:
(i)
the needs of the surrounding six to ten
neighbourhoods;
(ii) the supply and demand for medium
density, mixed use residential,
institutional, and community uses on
a city-wide basis; and
(iii) the level of connectivity to the
transportation network and support by
all modes of transportation and high-
frequency transit.
(c) Urban Centres will be accessible to all areas of
the city by way of the transportation network,
supported by all modes of transportation, and
served by high-frequency transit.
(d) Urban Centres will include residential dwelling
options that range in form to accommodate a
diverse economic range and age of population.
(e) Urban Centres should be pedestrian-oriented
and incorporate transit-oriented development
principles.
(f) Urban Centres will be planned and developed
as part of a Concept Plan, which requires an
overall minimum intensity of 75 residents and
jobs combined per gross developable acre.
(5) Objectives - District Villages
(a) Provide mixed use community focal points that
serve the basic needs of the surrounding two
to five residential neighbourhoods.
(b) Encourage and support the development or
redevelopment of District Villages that provide
opportunities for a mix of low to medium
density transit-oriented residential, commercial,
institutional and community uses.
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 67
SECTION G SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
(c) Provide community focal points that are
supported by all modes of transportation and
accessible by the transportation network and
transit.
(6)
Policies - District Villages
(a) The land area allocated for a District Village will
be determined by:
(i)
the needs of the surrounding two to five
neighbourhoods;
(ii) the supply and demand for low to
medium density, mixed use residential,
commercial, institutional, and community
uses on a city-wide basis;
(iii) the potential effect on the viability of
Downtown's retail development; and
Iv) the level of connectivity to the
transportation network and support by
all modes of transportation.
(b) District Villages will generally be located at the
intersection of arterial and/or collector streets
and supported by all modes of transportation,
including public transit.
(c) Public spaces should be included within or near
District Villages.
(7) Objectives - Neighbourhood Nodes
(a) Provide mixed use community focal points that
serve the basic needs of the surrounding one
to three residential neighbourhoods.
(b) Encourage and support the development or
redevelopment of Neighbourhood Nodes that
provide opportunities for a mix of low density
residential, commercial, and institutional uses
compatible in a neighbourhood setting.
(c) Provide community focal points that are
supported by all modes of transportation and
accessible by the transportation network and
transit, where possible.
(8) Policies - Neighbourhood Nodes
(a) Provide Neighbourhood Nodes in each
neighbourhood, as necessary, to serve the daily
convenience needs of residents.
(b) Development within Neighbourhood Nodes
should integrate commercial uses into a
neighbourhood setting in way that helps create
social spaces, vibrancy, and street life while
enhancing social gathering opportunities.
(c) Locate Neighbourhood Nodes along collector
or arterial roadways. Care will be taken to
choose sites that minimize land use conflicts
with nearby residential properties, while at
the same time providing convenient access to
neighbourhood patrons.
(d) Encourage moderate intensification of
Neighbourhood Nodes to include a mix of uses
and range of ground-oriented, low density
housing.
(e) Encourage the creation of public spaces within
or near Neighbourhood Nodes.
68
SECTION G SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
G1.3 Infill Growth
A balance of greenfield and infill development
supports the fundamental values of the
Plan, contributing to the development of an
environmentally and economically sustainable
city. To achieve this, locations and types of infill
development have been identified on the Planned
Growth Map (refer to Map 3 - Planned Growth).
(1) Objectives
(a) Support the City's goal of accommodating 50%
of long-term growth as infill.
(b) Support and encourage a variety of building
types and sizes in existing areas, while
improving access to employment opportunities,
commercial businesses, and services.
(c) Create public spaces that are inviting, active, and
memorable, while improving mobility options
along major corridors and around the city.
(d) Create and enhance complete communities
with a variety of housing choices, a high quality
public realm, and overall vibrancy.
(e) Promote the redevelopment of brownfields in
the city.
(2) Policies
(a) Direct higher density infill growth to the
Downtown, within the Corridor Growth Area,
Strategic Infill Areas, and Community Focal Points
where adequate levels of service and appropriate
intensity and land use can be accommodated.
(b) Infill development should be supported and
complemented by appropriately located and
sized open spaces, improved streetscapes, and
other community amenities.
(c) Facilitate and promote the development or
redevelopment of infill sites by addressing
regulatory barriers and through the use of
incentives and partnerships.
33rd Street
Circle Drive
Circle Drive
Circle
Drive
Idylwyld Drive
Broadway Avenue
Attridge Drive
25th St
22nd Street
Preston Avenue
College Drive
Warman Road
8th Street
1st
Ave
19th
8th Street
Preston Avenue
22nd Street
McOrmond Drive
McOrmond Drive
College Drive
Circle Drive
Marquis Drive
Central Avenue
GREENFIELD GROWTH
STRATEGIC INFILL
NEIGHBOURHOOD INFILL
CORRIDOR GROWTH AREA
SASKATOON FREEWAY
BUS RAPID TRANSIT
DEVELOPED/IN PROGRESS
TRANSIT DEVELOPMENT AREA
MAP 3 - PLANNED GROWTH
(Revised - Bylaw No. 10007 - June 28, 2024)
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 69
SECTION G SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
(d) Facilitate and promote the remediation and
redevelopment of brownfields by:
(i)
reducing barriers to infill development;
(ii) establishing partnerships, programs, and
incentives;
(iii) establishing criteria for interim use of
brownfields; and
(iv) providing educational material on
brownfields.
(e) Promote the intensification of developed urban
areas to minimize the urban footprint and
accommodate long-term regional growth.
(3) Objectives - Corridor Growth Area
(a) Support the City's goal of accommodating 15%
of total growth within the Corridor Growth Area.
(b) Enable development of the Corridor Growth
Area to support high-frequency transit and
active modes of travel.
(c) Enhance connectivity between and within
neighbourhoods.
(4) Policies - Corridor Growth Area
(a) Support the development or redevelopment of
lands along identified corridors to incorporate:
(i)
an appropriate mix of low to medium
density residential, commercial, and
institutional development;
(ii) transit-oriented development; and
(iii) community amenities, facilities, and open
space.
(b) Support the clustering of low to medium density
development along corridors adjacent to
Community Focal Points, transit transfer points,
and prominent intersections as identified in the
applicable detailed corridor plan.
(5) Objectives - Strategic Infill Areas
(a) Support the City's goal of accommodating 25%
of total growth within Strategic Infill Areas.
(b) Facilitate the development or redevelopment of
Strategic Infill Areas to accommodate a range
of densities and a mix of residential, commercial,
institutional, and community uses that incorporate
transit-oriented development principles.
(6) Policies - Strategic Infill Areas
(a) Strategic Infill Areas will provide a mix of
residential, commercial, institutional, and
community uses, as well as interconnected
open spaces (including parks and trails).
(b) Design Strategic Infill Areas to support high-
frequency transit by focussing higher density
development within or adjacent to community
focal points and identified transit corridors.
STRATEGIC INFILL
Strategic Infill Areas are high-priority areas
for large scale redevelopment in Saskatoon's
established neighbourhoods. These areas are
intended to accommodate a range of densities
of residential, commercial, and institutional
uses. They should be complete communities
designed in a manner that is transit-oriented
and supportive of all modes of transportation.
HIGH FREQUENCY CORRIDOR GROWTH
The Corridor Growth Area is located along
rapid transit corridors as high-priority locations
for redevelopment/development into low,
medium, and high density residential, mixed
use, and transit-oriented areas that support
an attractive, high-frequency transit service.
These areas are intended to accommodate a
mix of residential, commercial, and institutional
uses oriented toward the street at a pedestrian
scale with active building frontages. The
density and intensity of corridor development
should gradually transition to the lower
density and intensity of surrounding residential
neighbourhoods. Where appropriate, proposals
for mixed use, transit-oriented development
along the entire length of rapid transit
corridors is encouraged.
NEIGHBOURHOOD INFILL
Neighbourhood infill is intended to
complement the existing character of
established neighbourhoods while gradually
increasing residential density and providing
additional housing options to current and
future residents. Residential infill is primarily
smaller scale, including secondary suites,
garden and garage suites, two-unit/semi-
detached dwellings, and townhouses.
A balance of greenfield and
infill development supports the
fundamental values of the Official
Community Plan.
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 71
SECTION G SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
(c) Design Strategic Infill Areas in a manner that is
transit-oriented and supportive of all modes of
transportation.
(d) Facilitate development by working with
landowners, rights holders, stakeholders, and
other levels of government.
(e) Investigate strategies to promote the
development or redevelopment of land within
Strategic Infill Areas.
(7) Objectives - Neighbourhood Infill
(a) Support the City's goal of accommodating 10%
of total growth within Neighbourhood Infill areas.
(b) Facilitate neighbourhood infill that:
(i)
helps meet the housing needs of a
diverse population;
(ii) makes efficient use of civic and
community infrastructure;
(iii) gradually increases residential densities,
where appropriate; and
(iv) recognizes the interests of local
residents and the impact of development
on neighbourhood character and
infrastructure.
(8) Policies - Neighbourhood Infill
(a) Encourage and support infill development in
alignment with targets established by the City
in the Growth Plan to Half a Million.
(b) Encourage and support the gradual
development of neighbourhood infill that is
consistent with the form and character of
existing areas.
(c) Infill housing may consist of development
on vacant or underutilized parcels of land in
established neighbourhoods, the conversion of
non-residential buildings and sites to residential
use, the redevelopment of existing residential
properties, or the addition of a garden or
garage suite.
(d) Infill housing proposals which involve an
amendment to the Official Community
Plan or Zoning Bylaw, or an application for
discretionary use, will be evaluated based on
the following criteria:
(i)
the nature of the proposal and its
conformance with all relevant sections
of the Plan, as well as any established
Sector Plans, Concept Plans, Local Area
Plans, or Local Area Design Plans;
(ii) the need for the form of housing
proposed and the supply of land
currently available in the general area
capable of meeting that need;
(iii) the capability of the existing roadway
and public transit system to service the
proposal, integration with cycling and
pedestrian facilities, and adequacy of
proposed supply of onsite parking;
(iv) the capability of existing community
infrastructure, including water and sewer
services, parks, schools, other utilities,
and community facilities;
(v) the compatibility of the proposal with the
height, scale, and design of buildings in the
surrounding neighbourhood, continuity
with nearby residential streetscape and
lot designs, and overall compatibility with
land uses in the general area;
(vi) the adequacy of proposed landscaping
and screening, and preservation of
existing vegetation;
(vii) the preservation and integration of
buildings considered to have historical or
architectural significance;
(viii) the need to provide a range of housing
opportunities throughout the city; and
(ix) the ongoing need to promote a compact
and efficient city form.
(e) The Plan supports the development of one-unit
dwellings on existing lots with site areas that
are less than that applicable to the surrounding
area, provided these lots have frontages
generally consistent with lot frontages in the
immediate area.
(f) A secondary suite will be a permitted accessory
use to a one-unit and semi-detached dwelling
in all areas of the city where these uses are
permitted.
(Revised - Bylaw 10062 - March 26, 2025)
(g) A garden or garage suite may be an accessory
use to a one-unit dwelling, a semi-detached
dwelling, or a two-unit dwelling.
(Revised - Bylaw No. 9978 - April 24, 2024)
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SECTION G SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
G1.4 Special Use Areas
Special Use Areas are unique places within the city.
They typically include a broad mix of activities and
accommodate a range of facilities and public utilities
with a city-wide or regional focus. These facilities
and utilities do not fit with any other specific land
use category and therefore fall under a single land
use that provides a special function for the city.
(1) Objectives
(a) Accommodate major institutions, facilities,
public utility installations, and land uses with a
city-wide and regional focus.
(2) Policies
(a) Special Use Areas may include a diverse range
of uses such as, airports, cemeteries, railyards,
significant open spaces, and major educational,
institutional, government, recreational,
ecological, cultural, and public facilities, and
utility installations.
(b) The underlying zoning regulations for Special
Use Areas may vary subject to existing
and proposed patterns of land use and
development.
G1.5 Greenfield Growth
Greenfield growth refers to development on
the periphery of the city in areas previously not
developed to an urban standard. This has been the
primary type of growth in Saskatoon, with much
of this growth occurring outside of Circle Drive.
Greenfield growth has commonly been low density
residential, commercial, or industrial development
due to the abundance of undeveloped farmland
around the edges of the city. Newer greenfield
neighbourhood developments have typically
incorporated an increased mix of housing types as
well commercial development. This has resulted
in a higher average density of dwelling units and
increased amenities available in proximity to
neighbourhood residents.
(1) Objective
(a) That greenfield growth occurs in a balanced,
and orderly manner.
(2) Policies
(a) Greenfield development shall only occur in
areas where a Sector Plan exists.
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 73
SECTION G SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
(b) New greenfield Sector Plans should only be
created for areas adjacent to and compatible
with existing developments.
(c) The initiation of a new greenfield Sector Plan
will only occur when the City determines there
is a reasonable relationship between projected
demand and supply of developable land or when
there is a need to outline high level land use and
servicing plans to ensure development occurs in
an orderly way, in alignment with the Plan.
G1.6 Holding Areas
There are locations where future land use has yet
to be determined. For these areas, Transitional
Area or Urban Holding designations can be used
to help manage expectations for how and when
development may occur.
(1) Objectives - Transitional Areas
(a) Identify previously developed areas of the city
where significant land use changes may occur.
(2) Policies - Transitional Areas
(a) Where land has been designated Transitional,
through a Local Area Planning or secondary
planning process, the City should undertake the
necessary studies to establish future land uses.
(b) In advance of studies to determine future
land use, development may take place in
accordance with existing zoning.
(c) Requests for rezoning should conform to the long-
range land use pattern for the area. In advance
of studies to determine future land use patterns,
requests for rezoning may be considered subject
to J5.1(2) to J5.1(5) inclusive of the Plan.
(3) Objectives - Urban Holding
(a) Identify areas where significant land use
changes are likely to occur subject to a Sector
Plan, Concept Plan, or comparable secondary
plan process.
(4) Policies - Urban Holding
(a)
Lands identified as Urban Holding may:
(i)
be capable of being fully serviced with
a full range of utilities, but for which no
Sector Plan, Concept Plan, or comparable
secondary plan has been approved for
the general area; or
(ii) not be readily capable of being serviced
with a full range of utilities, and for
which no Sector Plan, Concept Plan, or
comparable secondary plan has been
approved for the general area.
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SECTION G SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
G1.7 High Density Mixed Use
The highest densities of development should occur
in the Downtown; however, the City recognizes that
there are areas in proximity to the Downtown where
high-density development may be suitable. High
Density Mixed Use areas may vary in scale and density,
and offer a mixture of uses. They are supported by
all modes of transportation, with excellent access to
areas of employment and recreation.
(1)
Objectives
(a) Accommodate high-density mixed-use
development in strategic locations with unique
attributes throughout the city.
(b) Facilitate high-density mixed-use development
areas that are supported by all modes
of transportation and accessible by high-
frequency transit.
(2) Policies
(a) High Density Mixed Use development will be
pedestrian-oriented, and incorporate transit
oriented and human scaled development and
design principles.
(b) High Density Mixed Use development will be
sensitive to surrounding land uses, and vary in
scale to include low-rise, mid-rise, or high-rise
building(s).
(c) High Density Mixed Use may be located within
the Downtown, City Centre, and/or Strategic
Infill Areas.
(d) Lands designated High Density Mixed Use must:
(i)
include residential units;
(ii) front or flank a collector or arterial street;
(iii) be within walking distance to one or
more Bus Rapid Transit station and the
Downtown; and
(iv) be in proximity to public amenities.
(e) Each High Density Mixed Use
development will be approved through
a rezoning by agreement.
G.1.8 Transit Development Area
The Transit Development Area is the area that is
approximately 800 metres or a ten-minute walk from
one or more Bus Rapid Transit stations. It is supported
by all modes of transportation with access to areas of
employment and recreation.
(1)
Objective
(a)
Accommodate medium density residential
development near identified corridors to
support high-frequency transit and active
modes of travel.
(2) Policies
(a)
Lands within the Transit Development Area
are intended for medium density residential
development provided that:
(i)
the existing uses are compatible
with residential development or are
appropriate for multiple unit residential
development;
(ii) one or more Bus Rapid Transit station
is within 800m or a ten-minute walking
distance.
Downtown is the heart of Saskatoon.
It has the highest densities of residential
and commercial development and is the
primary location for office, retail, recreation,
culture, and entertainment facilities.
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SECTION G SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
G2 PUBLIC UTILITIES AND SERVICING
Saskatoon's utilities and services are assets that provide the foundation for the city's health,
well-being, economic development, competitiveness, and prosperity. These assets include,
but are not limited to, potable water, sanitary water, storm water lines, and electric, natural
gas, and telecommunication lines. As Saskatoon grows, there will be a continued need for
utilities and services to be installed, maintained, and updated in new and existing areas of
the city. These assets must be managed to achieve long-term sustainable growth. In doing
so, the City must also appropriately distribute the costs associated with development
among utility agencies, development industry, and consumers.
G2.1 Provision of Public Utilities
The development of land includes utilities provided
by public utility agencies. These include natural gas,
electricity, and telecommunications. To support
a sustainable form of development, their delivery
requires coordinated long-term planning by both
the City and the utility agencies on service capacity,
routes, and rights-of-way.
(1) Objectives
(a) Provide public utilities and utility rights-of-
way throughout the city in a coordinated,
responsible, and efficient manner.
(2) Policies
(a) The City will work with public utility agencies
to ensure that utilities are in place and provide
an adequate supply of serviced land to meet
future development needs.
(b) Identify major utility rights-of-way well
in advance of development to facilitate
appropriate long-range planning.
(c) Required rights-of-way or easements for all
utility systems and structures will be identified
prior to subdivision approval.
(d) Locate future utility transmission lines,
substations, and other major public utility
structures to minimize adverse visual,
environmental, health, or safety impacts,
as well as to minimize fragmentation of
properties. Such lines and structures should
avoid residential areas and significant natural
areas, except where it can be demonstrated
that design features can be incorporated to
minimize negative impacts.
(e) Encourage the joint use of utility rights-of-way
for distribution lines, transmission lines, and
other public utility structures of a compatible
nature. Roadways, lanes, walkways, and buffer
strips may serve as utility rights-of-way subject
to compatibility with surrounding land uses.
(f) For safety and aesthetic reasons, encourage
burying of utilities wherever economically and
technically feasible.
G2.2 Provision of Services
How land is developed affects the City's ability
to achieve its objective of a fiscally, socially, and
environmentally sustainable community. Managing
their development through appropriate secondary
planning processes helps achieve these objectives
by ensuring their construction occurs in a balanced,
compact, and contiguous manner.
(1) Objectives
(a)
Provide services in a rational and efficient
manner that promotes sustainable growth.
(2) Policies
(a) In general, subdivision and development of land
will not be permitted without the provision of
full services and utilities. These services include:
(i)
sanitary sewage disposal facilities;
(ii) water supply facilities;
(iii) storm water management;
(iv) electrical and natural gas facilities;
(v) telecommunication network; and
(vi) transportation network.
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 77
SECTION G SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
(b) Development shall be directed to areas
that allow for the extension of sanitary and
storm water sewer systems, water systems,
transportation network, public transit, and other
services in an economical and practical manner,
within the financial capabilities of the City.
(c)
In order to develop and maintain an efficient,
sustainable development pattern, the provision
of services will be determined through the
Sector Plan framework.
(d) The provision of services will support a
phased development pattern that is balanced,
compact, and contiguous, as established in the
applicable Sector Plan.
(e) Maintain a level of servicing capacity capable
of providing services in accordance with
approved phasing and servicing plans.
(f) Services may be provided outside of an
approved Sector Plan's phasing plan, subject to
the following:
(i)
the applicant provides a study, that is
acceptable to the City, that:
(A) demonstrates the proposed
alternative to the approved phasing
and servicing plan is within the
public interest; and
(B) identifies the opportunity cost
of the alternative phasing and
servicing plan to the City.
(ii)
the applicant is responsible for direct
and indirect costs associated with
planning and construction of an
alternative phasing and servicing plan.
This may include costs of temporary
services and their maintenance.
(g) Where a developer proposes to initiate
development contrary to the applicable Sector
Plan and Concept Plan(s), the proponent
developer will be required to "front end"
the costs of extending major services to the
proposed development site.
G2.3 Municipal Servicing and
Infrastructure Financing
For the city to develop in a fiscally sustainable
manner, the costs of development need to be
managed. This includes not only the installation of
infrastructure and implementation of services, but
how costs are divided amongst the parties involved.
Development levies and agreements are some of the
tools the City may use to aid in capturing costs of
development that should not be borne on the public.
(1) Objectives
(a) To appropriately distribute the costs of
public utilities and services associated with
land development among utility agencies,
consumers, and the development industry.
(2) Policies
(a) The net cost of services to a development
site, after any contributions from utilities, the
City, and other levels of government, shall be
borne entirely by the developer as part of the
subdivision process and shall be specified in
the required servicing agreement. The cost of
servicing shall include:
(i)
direct servicing costs which directly
benefit the subject property; and
(ii) off-site servicing costs which indirectly
benefit the subject property and are
specified in the applicable service rates.
(b) Council may establish development levies by
bylaw to recover all or a part of the capital
costs of providing, altering, expanding, or
upgrading services and facilities associated
directly or indirectly with a proposed
development.
(c) Include municipal planning costs in applicable
service rates to account for costs related
to the City's role in long-range community
planning and coordination among the
development industry, utility agencies, and
other organizations involved in the overall
development process. An operations reserve
will be used to help stabilize fluctuating activity
levels from year to year.
(d) Applicable levies and municipal servicing
arrangements for lands within the boundaries
of the Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker
International Airport shall be the subject of
an agreement between the City and the
Saskatoon Airport Authority.
78
G3 NEIGHBOURHOODS AND HOUSING
Neighbourhoods are the building blocks of the city, each a part of the greater community
of Saskatoon. Providing for a diversity of neighbourhoods and housing options, while also
providing a consistent level of services and amenities, helps meet residents' expectations
and contributes to the overall vitality and sustainability.
As Saskatoon grows, neighbourhoods should be thoughtfully developed and maintained
to include appropriate linkages to the city-wide transportation network, support all
modes of transportation, and provide the opportunity for housing that meets the needs of
residents at all stages of life.
G3.1 Neighbourhood Design
and Development
Saskatoon is made up of a diverse collection of
neighbourhoods. As the city grows, neighbourhoods
should be designed and developed in a way that
continues to provide a high standard of living as
well as a unique sense of place and community. To
achieve this, each neighbourhood should provide a
variety of housing types, sizes, and densities within
an area that is walkable, efficiently connected to
the transportation network, and includes schools,
open spaces, and community focal points. Where
neighbourhoods can provide this, they become
dynamic areas that offer diverse lifestyle options
and the ability to "age in place."
(1) Objective
(a) Develop complete, and walkable
neighbourhoods that offer a quality living
environment, while meeting the needs of a
variety of household types and incomes in an
efficient and environmentally sensitive way.
(2) Policies
(a) Neighbourhoods will be the basic unit of
residential development and form the building
blocks from which the overall residential
community is created. Neighbourhoods will
be efficient to service and maintain over the
long term. In the case of new neighbourhoods,
Council must approve a Concept Plan prior to the
neighbourhood being subdivided or developed.
(b) An overall minimum density of 17.3 dwelling
units, or 50 residents and jobs combined,
per gross developable hectare is required in
Concept Plans and other major proposals for
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 79
SECTION G SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
residential development, unless other factors,
such as infrastructure considerations, call for
alternative density levels. Higher density uses
should be situated strategically to support
public transit, retail, and mixed use areas.
(c) Neighbourhoods should contain the necessary
number and type of dwelling units required to
support centrally located elementary schools
or community centres. One-unit dwellings and
other housing forms designed for households
with children should be situated within
700 metres walking distance of a school or
community centre.
(d) Alternative neighbourhood design concepts may
be developed where it can be demonstrated that
economic, demographic, or market forces call for
a neighbourhood form or size which may not be
viable for the provision of elementary schools.
Such neighbourhoods will be suitably integrated
within an overall Sector Plan.
(e) Streets in neighbourhoods should be laid out
and designed in such a manner as to promote
safety and connectivity with due regard to
topography and should be designed as local
streets, served by appropriate collector streets.
Traffic calming principles will be employed in
the design of neighbourhood streets.
(f) The location of transit services and facilities
within a neighbourhood will be determined
via Saskatoon Transit service standards and
Saskatoon's city-wide transportation strategy by:
(i)
providing neighbourhood designs,
densities, and forms of development that
support public transit;
(ii)
locating developments which generate high
transit use on sites with convenient access
to existing or proposed transit service;
(iii) providing reliable transit services that
support local area travel and connections
to primary corridors; and
(iv) providing transit facilities that enhance
customer safety and comfort.
(g) Provide Neighbourhood Nodes at strategic
locations within neighbourhoods, as necessary,
to serve the typical daily convenience needs of
neighbourhood residents (refer to Section G1.2
for related policies).
(h) The subdivision of land for residential purposes
will adhere to the following principles:
(i)
in new developments, any subdivision, or
part thereof, must be consistent with the
overall Sector Plan and the Concept Plan;
and
(ii) in existing developments, any subdivision,
or part thereof, must be compatible with
the existing character and nature of the
area, in accordance with the Subdivision
Bylaw and the Zoning Bylaw. This will be
determined by examining the proposed
subdivision in relation to the frontage,
configuration, and orientation of existing
lots in the immediate area.
(i)
Development and subdivision of land in new and
existing neighbourhoods shall respect important
ecosystems, other forms of natural heritage,
and paleontological and archaeological features
of the area (refer to Section D4 Heritage
Conservation for related policies).
(j) Provide public open space for parks, recreation,
and conservation purposes as required for
each residential development unit, as per
City guidelines (refer to Section D5 Parks and
Recreation Open Space for related policies).
(k) Buffer residential uses from incompatible uses,
railways, and major roadways. New residential
development will not be permitted in areas
with an Airport Noise Exposure Forecast (NEF)
rating of 30 or more.
(l)
The location of multiple-unit dwellings should
adhere to the following principles:
(i)
high and medium density multiple-unit
dwellings should be located in and near
the Downtown, at Community Focal
Points, and within the Corridor Growth
Area. High density multiple-unit dwellings
may be located in other areas of the
city where proximity to transportation,
employment, or other unique site
attributes may apply;
(ii)
medium and low density multiple-unit
dwellings are appropriate in neighbour-
hood locations, provided they are:
(A) located with satisfactory access to
neighbourhood entry points and
collector or arterial streets;
80
SECTION G SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
(B) located with satisfactory access
to public transit, parks, and other
public amenities;
(C) situated such that residential
zoning districts of varying density
provide a compatible gradation
within the neighbourhood; and
(D) in the case of medium density
multiple-unit dwellings, generally
located within Community Focal
Points and within the Corridor
Growth Area.
(m) Design neighbourhoods so that the
transportation network, walkways, and other
public areas provide reasonable accessibility to
all persons, regardless of physical abilities.
(n) The predominant use of land within
neighbourhoods should be residential. A
range of complementary institutional and
community facilities that are compatible with
and accessory to a residential environment may
also be permitted as contained in the Zoning
Bylaw. They shall be compatible with the use
and scale of the neighbourhood, provide a
needed service to the area, and appropriately
address issues of transportation, parking, and
land use conflicts.
(o) Appropriate consideration should be given to
the continued use of a Community Facility as
a focal point of the community in the event its
current use is proposed to be discontinued.
G3.2 Golf Course Communities
The City recognizes that golf course communities
provide residents a desirable alternative type of
neighbourhood. Golf course communities integrate
residential development with an operating golf
course, providing low to medium density residential
development which is accessory to a golf course and
associated commercial development.
(1) Objective
(a)
Facilitate the development of Golf Course
Communities in Saskatoon to allow for a greater
range of housing options and lifestyle choices.
(2) Policies
(a) Each Golf Course Community must include an
active golf course maintained for private or
public use.
(b) Each golf course community should be
individually designed for local conditions.
Individual project design, land use, phasing,
and related servicing will be approved through
a Direct Control District. For each development
application, a market demand study and
market projection must be submitted to and
accepted by Administration.
(c) Golf course communities typically have a low
gross per acre density. As such, they will not
be expected to align with required densities
referenced in the Plan.
(d) Golf Course Communities may include low
to medium density residential development
and a mix of commercial development of an
appropriate scale and complementary to the
golf course community.
(Revised - Bylaw 9901 - June 28, 2023)
(e) Typical residential services such as internal
water and sewer, roadways, garbage collection,
street cleaning, snow removal, transit, and
maintenance of parks and open space, will be
the responsibility of:
(i)
a Bareland Condominium Association or
Homeowners' Association;
(ii) the City, depending on the specific
design characteristics, potential financial
implications, and service impacts of the
development; or
(iii) any combination thereof.
G3.3 Housing Supply and Maintenance
The City does not build or supply housing as part
of its core services, however, it is understood
that permanent, affordable, appropriate, safe,
and secure housing is a necessary foundation for
building healthy, creative, and economically viable
communities. A variety of housing choices provides
options for residents, contributes to the long-term
stability of neighbourhoods, and creates a varied
built form.
A variety of housing choices provides
options for residents, contributes to the
long term stability of neighbourhoods,
and creates a varied built form.
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SECTION G SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
(1) Objective
(a) Meet demand for a broad range of dwelling
types over the life of the Plan so that
supportive housing resources are distributed
evenly throughout the community and to
promote maintenance of the city's housing
stock to an acceptable standard.
(2) Policies
(a) Provide a supply of serviced residential land,
sufficient to meet predicted market demand.
(b) Development of residential lands will provide
a mix of housing forms, densities, and lot
sizes necessary to meet the needs of a range
of household types and household incomes
within each neighbourhood, recognizing that
this mix will vary somewhat by neighbourhood.
Attainment of this policy will be considered
in the creation and maintenance of Sector
Plans, Concept Plans, and Corridor Plans and
in the ongoing evaluation of applications for
subdivision, rezoning, and discretionary use.
(c) Promote the long-term supply of supportive,
attainable housing through the maintenance
and implementation of a housing business plan.
(d) Facilitate residential developments that offer
innovative or alternative design features and
that broaden the range of supportive and
attainable housing choices available to City
residents.
(e) Facilitate supportive housing forms and tenures
(such as residential care homes; custodial care
facilities; day care or day programs; day care or
day programs, residential; family shelters; and
other forms of supportive housing) in all areas
of the city.
(Revised - Bylaw No. 9855 - December 19, 2022)
(f) In low density residential areas, Type II
residential care homes are to be compatible
with the neighbourhood in which they are
located; concentration of these facilities will be
discouraged.
G3.4 Local Area Plan Neighbourhoods
The Local Area Planning program provides a
framework for developing community-focused
plans known as Local Area Plans (LAPs). LAPs
set out objectives and action items (including
proposed policies) and are intended to guide
the future growth and development of a
neighbourhood or selected area. LAPs engage
local stakeholders to identify opportunities for
neighbourhood enhancements and consider options
to address issues impacting the area. LAPs contain
recommendations that result in neighbourhood
improvements; they are implemented over the
short, medium, and long term.
(1) Objective
(a)
Assist neighbourhoods in need of municipal
intervention by addressing community issues
and improvements identified through a
comprehensive, community-focused planning
process that involves neighbourhood residents,
business owners, and other stakeholders in
the development of long-range plans. This
process also provides an opportunity for
the community to shape future land use and
growth opportunities in their neighbourhood.
(2)
Policies
(a) The selection of a neighbourhood or area for the
development of a Local Area Plan will be based on
an analysis of relevant information and how the
study area could benefit from a Local Area Plan.
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 83
SECTION G SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
(b) Include appropriate provisions to engage local
stakeholders during the Local Area Planning
process; encourage participation to identify
issues, opportunities, and solutions that reflect
community needs.
(c) A Local Area Plan will be submitted for
consideration for approval, by resolution to
Council. Where appropriate, recommended
land use policies and land use patterns may
be implemented as amendments to the
Official Community Plan Land Use Map and
the Zoning Bylaw.
(d) Local Area Plans will set out action items for
neighbourhood improvements. These action
items may address issues of land use mix
and compatibility, traffic planning, municipal
services, parks and open space, neighbourhood
safety, and any other matter that may require
consideration. Where appropriate, the
recommended neighbourhood improvements
may be implemented with financial or in-kind
support from Administration.
G3.5 Home Businesses
To facilitate economic development and foster
entrepreneurship, many types of businesses can
operate from a residence. Standards for home based
businesses are intended to seek a balance between
a quiet, safe, and aesthetic residential environment
and the aspirations of home based entrepreneurs.
(1) Objective
(a) Facilitate economic development and foster
entrepreneurship through home businesses
that are secondary to the residential use of the
property and compatible with the surrounding
residential environment.
(2) Policies
(a) Facilitate home businesses in dwelling units
throughout the City, provided they are
secondary to the principal residential use of
the dwelling unit.
(b) Home businesses must be compatible with
nearby residential properties and preserve
the amenity of the overall residential
neighbourhood.
(c) Development standards for permitted home
businesses will be contained in the Zoning Bylaw.
(d) Businesses operating from a residence may
require a Home Based Business License.
G3.6 Neighbourhood Multi Use
In some of Saskatoon's historic neighbourhoods,
there remain elements of Saskatoon's earliest
years, with industrial uses mixed in with residential
development. Neighbourhood Multi Use provides a
designation to recognize this historical pattern of
development, while helping transition these areas to
align with current expectations of residents.
(1) Objectives
(a) Facilitate a unique mix of compatible
residential, institutional, cultural, and
community uses within a residential
neighbourhood.
(b) Transition existing industrial uses into uses
compatible within a residential neighbourhood.
(2) Policies
(a) Residential Multi Use areas may be located
where industrial and residential land uses co-
exist within the same geographical boundary
or where they abut one another without a
reasonable separation distance.
(b) Residential Multi Use areas may provide diverse
employment opportunities near or within
residential areas to reduce the travel time to
work and infrastructure costs.
(c) Where industrial uses are adjacent to
residential uses, appropriate buffering and
screening will be required.
Photo Credit: Discover Saskatoon 2017
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SECTION G SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
G4 EMPLOYMENT AREAS
Where people work or access services significantly shapes how they experience a city,
as well as what public infrastructure is required to support these areas. These areas
are referred to as Employment Areas. They can vary from commercial, industrial, and
institutional to a mix of each. As a key component of the city's overall urban structure,
Employment Areas are places that residents of Saskatoon and region travel to and from
daily for work, often spending a large portion of time there.
The design and location of employment areas impacts how people get to and from their
jobs, how they move around within employment areas, and the ease with which they
are able to access services or amenities they may want or need while at work. These
considerations and the investments required to support them are an important part of
determining how Employment Areas should develop.
G4.1 Employment Areas
Design and Development
The design and development of Employment Areas
must be comprehensively planned to ensure they
are strategically located throughout the city, at
a variety of scales, and any compatibility issues
with surrounding land uses can be addressed.
Employment Areas should include clusters of
development that are efficient to service and
accessible by all modes of transportation.
(1) Objectives
(a) To comprehensively plan Employment Areas
that maximize infrastructure investment and
facilitate all modes of transportation, including
high-frequency transit service, where possible.
(b) Achieve a balanced distribution of Employment
Areas throughout Saskatoon, supporting the
efficient use of transportation infrastructure
and providing employment options closer to
where people live.
(c)
Retain Downtown and the City Centre as
the primary destination for office, retail,
entertainment, and cultural amenities for the
city and region.
(2) Policies
(a) Employment Areas will be comprehensively
planned through the Sector Plan and Concept
Plan framework prior to the area being
subdivided and developed.
(b) Employment Areas must be developed in
accordance with the phasing and financing
plan established in their respective Sector Plan
and Concept Plan.
(c) Employment Areas should include design
elements such as:
(i)
clustering of complementary
development;
(ii) compatibility with adjacent land use; and
(iii) site and building design that supports
sustainability and the establishment of a
comfortable and attractive environment.
(d) Through the Sector Plan, Concept Plan, and
comparable secondary planning processes,
Employment Areas are to be located
Photo Credit: Discover Saskatoon 2015
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 85
SECTION G SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
within a reasonable distance to residential
neighbourhoods, Community Focal Points, and
recreational amenities.
(e) When locating new or redeveloping existing
Employment Areas, consideration should
be given to impacts on mode share and
commuting patterns, including:
(i)
investing in improved levels of service
for all modes of transportation to
Employment Areas from nearby
residential and mixed use areas;
(ii) encouraging a form and density that
supports walking, cycling, and transit
and discourages large areas of surface
parking; and
(iii) creating a safe, comfortable pedestrian
environment between places of work and
transit stops.
(f) Support the strategic redevelopment of
Employment Areas where land use conflict
can be reduced or eliminated and existing
infrastructure can be optimized.
(3) Commercial
(a) Objectives
(i)
Maintain a hierarchy of planned
commercial focal points throughout
the community, including a strong and
appropriate allocation of commercial
activity in key nodes and corridors based
on defined trade area requirements and
locational policies.
(b) Policies - Regional Commercial
(i)
Regional Commercial areas provide
space for large format retail stores, which
serve a city-wide and regional market.
The land area allocated for Regional
Commercial use will be determined by:
(A) the needs of the City and
surrounding regional population;
(B) the supply and demand for retail
and commercial space; and
(C) the potential impact on the viability
of the City Centre and Downtown,
as well as other established and
planned commercial areas.
(ii) The following factors will be considered
in determining appropriate locations for
Regional Commercial sites:
(A) the site being located on or
adjacent to a major roadway that
connects to the provincial highway
system;
(B) the number of Regional Commercial
areas shall be related to the need
for the particular mix of services
and the potential influence or
effect upon the function of the
Downtown and City Centre, as well
as other established and planned
commercial areas; and
(C) compatibility with surrounding land
uses.
(iii) Each Regional Commercial area should
be individually designed for local
conditions. Individual project design, land
use, phasing, and related servicing will be
approved through either:
(A) Direct Control District; or
(B) where a Direct Control District is
not considered appropriate due to
site size or nature, the appropriate
designation in the Zoning Bylaw in
conjunction with Site Plan Control.
(c) Policies - Urban Centre Commercial
(i)
Land area allocated for an Urban Centre
Commercial will be determined by:
(A) the needs of the surrounding six to
ten neighbourhoods;
(B) the supply and demand for medium
density mixed use residential,
commercial, institutional, recreational,
cultural, and community uses on a
city-wide basis;
(C) the potential impact on the viability
of Downtown's retail development;
and
(D) the level of connectivity to the
transportation network and the
site's accessibility by all modes
of transportation, including high-
frequency transit.
86
SECTION G SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
(ii) Urban Centre Commercial forms part of
an Urban Centre, and will be accessible
to all areas of the city by way of the
transportation network.
(iii) Urban Centre Commercial will be
accessible by all modes of transportation
and should be served by high-frequency
transit.
(iv) Urban Centre Commercial sites should
be pedestrian-oriented and incorporate
transit-oriented development principles.
(v) Urban Centre Commercial sites must
be planned and developed as part of
a Concept Plan, requiring an overall
minimum intensity of 75 residents and jobs
combined per gross developable acre.
(d) Policies - Arterial Commercial
(i)
Arterial Commercial areas will include
those business uses normally located
along highways and major roadways.
(ii) The following factors will be considered
in determining appropriate locations for
Arterial Commercial areas:
(A) the site being located on or
adjacent to arterial streets;
(B) the need for the particular type of
service and its potential influence
or impact upon the function of
Downtown and other commercial
areas; and
(C) compatibility with surrounding land
uses.
(e) Policies - Special Area Commercial
(i)
The Special Area Commercial designation
is intended for commercial areas that,
because of unique attributes such as
location, type of use, or development
history, do not readily fit into the normal
hierarchy of commercial land use
designations. The underlying zoning
pattern may vary according to the existing
or proposed land use for the area.
(ii) The amount of land allocated to the
Special Area Commercial designation will
be determined by the anticipated need
for retail and commercial space on a city-
wide basis, the potential impact on the
viability of retail and commercial activity
in the City Centre and Downtown, the
compatibility with surrounding land uses,
and the ability of the area to be served
by the transportation network, transit
system, active transportation network,
and public utilities.
(iii) The Special Area Commercial designation
has been applied to certain commercial
lands along 20th Street, 33rd Street,
Central Avenue, and Broadway Avenue,
primarily due to their long and unique
development history. In general, these
areas contain a built form which is
oriented to pedestrians, with limited
front or side yard setbacks, and with a
relatively high density of development.
Specific local area plans or design studies
may be undertaken in these areas to
further define future land use patterns
and design and development standards.
Employment Areas vary from
commercial, industrial, and
institutional to a mix of each,
and are a key component to the
city's overall urban structure.
88
SECTION G SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
(4)
Industrial
(a) Objectives
(i)
Promote economic development
by providing an adequate supply of
industrial land in locations and industrial
use categories that are consistent with
market requirements.
(ii) To encourage industrial activity that is
consistent in the maintenance of a high
quality built and natural environment
over the long term.
(b) Policies
(i)
The Plan contains four classifications
of industrial use: Business Park, Light
Industrial, Heavy Industrial, and
Environmental Industrial Park (EIP).
These classifications are intended to
define the four general categories
of industrial use in Saskatoon and
to facilitate new forms of economic
development.
(ii) The various classifications of industrial
land use will be situated throughout
the city according to their respective
locational requirements and potential
effects on other land uses. Where
industrial uses are considered
incompatible with residential uses, they
should be segregated. In such cases,
screening by landscaping, buffer strips,
berming, or separation by transitional
uses may be required.
(iii) Retail uses in industrial areas should be
limited to:
(A) those retail activities which serve
the industrial area; and
(B) showrooms and sales areas in
association with manufacturing,
warehousing, and other permitted
uses.
(c) Objective - Business Park
(i)
Facilitate economic development by
providing Business Parks to meet
demand for a high quality business and
industrial park environment.
(d) Policies - Business Park
(i)
Business Parks are intended to
accommodate business and light
industrial uses seeking a high quality
environment with respect to overall
site and building design. Business
Parks will be sufficient in size to form a
comprehensively planned area.
(ii) Business Parks will be strategically
located with adequate access to utilities,
the transportation network and transit.
Proximity to the Saskatoon John G.
Diefenbaker International Airport, the
University of Saskatchewan, or Innovation
Place would also be desirable for future
Business Parks.
(iii) In general, Business Parks may include
uses such as business service, advanced
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 89
SECTION G SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
technologies, research and development,
light manufacturing, prototype
development, related office uses, and
compatible industrial activities. Business
Park uses shall not create land use
conflicts related to smoke, noise, vibration,
dust, odour, or potential environmental
contamination during their normal course
of operations, and, therefore, may be
located adjacent to residential areas.
(iv) The physical design of Business Parks
should include a high standard of
building design, fully landscaped sites,
screened parking and loading areas,
limited and completely screened outdoor
storage, and an overall quality of site
development that is superior to Light or
Heavy Industrial areas. Landowners in a
proposed Business Park may be required
to enter into an agreement to ensure
consistent standards with respect to all
planning, engineering, servicing, and
design details over the entire Business
Park development area.
(e) Objective - Light Industrial
(i)
Facilitate mainstream industrial
development that does not create land
use conflicts in the normal course of
operations.
(f) Policies - Light Industrial
(i)
In general, Light Industrial areas may
include a variety of industrial uses,
including manufacturing, assembly
and repair, warehousing, wholesale
distribution, and limited retailing.
These activities are normally carried on
indoors, although outdoor storage is
also permitted. Light Industrial land uses
should not create land use conflicts due
to excessive noise, vibration, dust, smoke,
or odour.
(ii)
In order to minimize land use conflicts
with potentially hazardous industrial
activities, certain public assembly uses
may be included in Light Industrial areas,
as established within the Zoning Bylaw.
(iii) Light Industrial lands may act as a
buffer or transitional area between more
intensive industrial uses and incompatible
uses, such as residential areas.
(g) Objectives - Heavy Industrial
(i)
Facilitate industrial development,
including manufacturing and processing,
that has the potential to create land
use conflicts in the normal course of
operations.
(h) Policies - Heavy Industrial
(i)
In general, Heavy Industrial areas
may include industrial land uses and
processes that may create land use
conflicts with regard to vibration, noise,
dust, smoke, or odour. As a result, Heavy
Industrial areas should not normally
be situated adjacent to Residential or
Business Park land use designations.
(ii) In order to minimize land use conflicts
with potentially hazardous industrial
activities, certain public assembly uses
may be permitted in Heavy Industrial
areas only at the discretion of Council.
(iii) Heavy Industrial areas should be well
removed from residential and Business
Park areas and concentrated in a minimal
number of separate locations. New Heavy
Industrial areas will generally be directed
to the North Industrial area of the city.
(iv) Care will be taken in siting industrial uses
that create significant land use conflicts
with regard to noise, vibration, smoke,
dust, odour, or potential environmental
contamination. Such uses should be
located where separation from residential
areas is maximized.
(v) The Heavy Industrial classification may
remain in some older industrial areas
to accommodate historic land use
patterns. However, in order to minimize
land use conflicts between existing
Heavy Industrial areas and nearby
residential areas, the redesignation of
Heavy Industrial areas to other land
use classifications will be considered as
opportunities arise.
(i)
Objectives - Environmental Industrial Park
(i)
Facilitate economic development for the
safe storage, handling, and processing of
dangerous or hazardous products.
90
SECTION G SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
(j) Policies - Environmental Industrial Park
(i)
The Environmental Industrial Park
(EIP) classification is intended to
accommodate industrial uses that are
required to meet strict environmental
criteria.
(ii) Lands designated for EIP development
shall have locational characteristics that
enhance public and environmental safety,
and have geophysical, bio-physical, and
surficial characteristics that maximize the
ability of emergency service response,
while limiting human and environmental
risk.
(iii) EIPs are intended to accommodate
industrial uses which transport, store,
formulate, process, and use chemical-
based products for a wide range of
activities. The type of occupancy
intended for an EIP is defined in
hazardous substances and waste
dangerous goods regulations or other
applicable provincial regulations.
(iv) All uses contained within an EIP will be
sited according to a stratification principle
by siting industrial uses and facilities
that store and handle dangerous goods
at progressively greater distances from
public assembly uses. Prescribed distances
will be based on the degree of risk such
inventory poses to the public. Stratification
will allow a case by case analysis of
siting requirements to ensure separation
distances appropriate for each occupancy.
(v) Uses will be concentrated within each
stratum, as far as possible, to allow for
efficient provision of infrastructure,
emergency services, and access to
transportation links on dangerous
goods routes.
(vi) Prior to municipal approvals being issued,
proposed developments within the
EIPs are subject to The Environmental
Assessment Act and any other provincial
requirements.
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 91
SECTION G SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
(vii) Public assembly uses in adjacent land
designated and zoned industrial may be
permitted subject to separation distances
set out in relevant federal and provincial
regulations.
(5) Institutional
(a) Objectives
(i)
Facilitate the development of institutional
lands and facilities (including educational,
cultural, health, and government uses)
that meet the needs of users, residents,
and partners.
(ii) To encourage growth and/or expansion
of facilities or services compatible with
surrounding development.
(b) Policies
(i)
Require institutional areas to be
accessible, well served by transit, and
provide a high quality public realm.
(ii) Support a mix of uses within institutional
areas that will complement their
operations.
(iii) Encourage provincial and federal
governments to locate their facilities and
services on lands designated Institutional
Employment Areas.
(iv) Related housing, services, and amenities
should be located near or adjacent to
institutional areas.
G4.2 Office Development
Office development supports high levels of
employment density and can result in intensively
used areas, which can both attract more people and
development and result in challenges with people
accessing these areas. They are considered employee
intensive uses as they typically have a higher number
of workers per square metre than most other
employment uses. As such, depending on the scale of
the office, there is potential for high concentrations of
people on the site. This can have a significant impact
on transportation patterns as these areas typically
generate a substantial number of trips to and from
the area for workers and customers.
In order to support a high quality, high-frequency
transit system, employee intensive uses (e.g. large
offices) should be located in the Downtown or
other areas in proximity to transit routes. Further,
large office developments should be located such
that they can connect with active transportation
networks to provide additional transportation
options for workers and customers.
(1) Objectives
(a) Support the Downtown as the primary location
for office development in the city.
(b) Facilitate office development in strategic
locations throughout the city.
(2) Policies
(a) Preserve the Downtown as the primary location
for office development in the city by actively
supporting high quality office development
within its boundaries.
(b) Office development should be located in areas
with reasonable access to active transportation
and public transit, primarily in the Downtown
and Community Focal Points, but also be
located in proximity to high-frequency transit
service.
(c) Limit development of offices in Industrial Areas
and Business Parks to those required to meet
the needs of businesses in those areas and as
provided for in Sector Plans.
(d) Provide opportunities for retail and service
functions to locate on the ground floor of office
buildings to encourage a walkable, active street
front.
92
G5 REGIONAL GROWTH
The City affirms a vision for a vibrant, prosperous, and internationally competitive region.
The City works with regional partners on comprehensive approaches to planning and
servicing to sustain economic prosperity, support a high quality of life, and protect the
region's natural beauty, ecology, and heritage.
G5.1 Coordinated Growth
Coordinated planning between the City and its
regional partners provides the opportunity for
consistency in how development occurs within
the region. This can enable compatible interim
development in future urban growth areas, staged
urban boundary alterations, and optimization of
existing and planned infrastructure.
(1) Objectives
(a) Provide for effective interjurisdictional
coordination and management in land use and
development policy and planning.
(2) Policies
(a) Work with the regional partners to prioritize
and develop Concept Plans for future urban
growth areas.
(b) Coordinate with regional partners to enable
interim development proposed in future urban
growth areas that facilitates efficient and cost-
effective future urban development.
(c) Where interim development is proposed in a
future urban growth area that abuts a boundary
of the City, the City will undertake negotiations
on an inter-municipal development agreement
pursuant to The Planning and Development Act,
2007.
(d) When lands that are subject to a Concept Plan
endorsed by all parties through a regional
planning framework become part the City's
jurisdiction, the City will ensure any secondary
planning for them aligns with the Concept Plan.
Where changes may be required, the City will
engage with the relevant regional partners.
G5.2 Boundary Alterations
Boundary alteration is a distinct process under
The Cities Act. The Plan provides a framework for
boundary alteration proposals.
(1) Objective
(a) Coordinate urban expansion and staged boundary
alterations in future urban growth planning.
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 93
SECTION G SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
(2) Policies
(a) Boundary alteration proposals should be
incremental to minimize the effect on the tax
base of the Rural Municipality of Corman Park.
(b) The timing of boundary alterations should
take into account the lead times necessary to
have lands planned, serviced, and available for
development.
(c) Boundary alteration proposals will reflect
the policies for boundary alterations in the
Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth
District Official Community Plan.
(Revised - Bylaw No. 9855 - December 19, 2022)
(d) Boundary alterations should follow legal property
boundaries and natural features to avoid a
fragmented pattern of municipal jurisdiction.
(e) When land becomes part of the City's
jurisdiction, a Sector Plan or comparable
secondary plan will be completed for it as soon
as is practicable.
G5.3 Extension of Infrastructure
and Services Beyond City Limits
Regional coordination of infrastructure and services
including water supply, wastewater treatment,
storm water management, and transportation can
increase efficiencies, reduce costs and increase
service quality.
(1) Objectives
(a) Support regional approaches to providing
infrastructure and services in a rational,
efficient manner that aligns with the long-term
growth plans of the City and regional partners.
(b) Optimize the use of existing and planned
infrastructure consistent with the servicing
strategies of the City and regional partners.
(c) The costs and benefits of regional
infrastructure and services will be shared in
a fair and equitable way through consistent
financial models.
(2) Policies
(a) The extension, distribution, or sale of
infrastructure or services beyond the
boundaries of the City may be considered
under the following circumstances:
(i)
that development should take place in
a contiguous manner. Infrastructure or
servicing for non-contiguous development
may be enabled where it can be
demonstrated that there are no or limited
impediments to infrastructure or servicing
and there is a clear public interest;
(ii) the benefiting development is in
alignment with the:
(A) Saskatoon North Partnership for
Growth District Official Community
Plan;
(Revised - Bylaw No. 9855 -
December 19, 2022)
(B) Saskatoon North Partnership for
Growth District Official Community
Plan District Land Use Map; and
(Revised - Bylaw No. 9855 -
December 19, 2022)
(C) Concept Plans or other detailed
planning, where applicable.
(iii) the full capital and operating costs of
the infrastructure and services being
provided are recovered;
(iv) the nature or volume of the infrastructure
or service being provided does not
place limitations on the provision of
infrastructure or services as established
within the City's servicing strategy; and
(v) notwithstanding G5.3(2)(a)(iv),
infrastructure or services may be provided
where it has been established that there is
sufficient time and opportunity to replace
the capacity before it is needed within City
boundaries.
(Revised - Bylaw No. 9855 - December 19,
2022)
(b) Where infrastructure and/or services are extended
beyond the boundary of the city, agreement(s)
between the City and the municipality or other
jurisdiction in which the benefiting development
is located may be required.
(c) The City will coordinate its servicing strategies
with the servicing strategies of regional
partners.
(d) The City will work with regional partners to
standardize approaches used to calculate
development levies and servicing agreement
fees and share information regarding these
processes.
94
SECTION G SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
6 FUNDING GROWTH
Appropriate, deliberate funding of expenses related to growth is vital to the Saskatoon's
economic sustainability. Growth requires more land, infrastructure, and services, which
inevitably leads to maintenance and operating costs. Financing the city's growth means
finding a balance between revenues and expenditures. To remain competitive on a global
scale, the City must deliver programs, amenities, services, and infrastructure that meet the
needs of residents while keeping the costs of living and doing business at a reasonable
level. Saskatoon's economic sustainability relies on supporting growth that maximizes
infrastructure investments and assets, provides housing options throughout the housing
continuum, and provides access and connectivity throughout the city by a range of
transportation modes.
How growth is funded is an important element of a
sustainable community. It can impact cost of living and
the long-term financial sustainability of a community.
To manage this, the City considers and pursues
opportunities to maximize existing infrastructure and
services, manage development costs, and source
funds through partnerships or other means.
(1) Objectives
(a)
Ensure the City's financial sustainability by
understanding and planning for the full cost
of capital investments, programs, and services
in advance of development approval and
subsequent capital expenses.
(b) Ensure the City's cost of servicing development
is captured as authorized through provincial
and federal legislation, while considering
a balance of factors and funding sources
to address cost recovery, competitiveness,
affordability and transparency.
(c) Encourage the development or redevelopment
of infill growth areas to maximize existing
infrastructure and lessen the capital and
operating costs of growth.
(2) Policies
(a) The City shall consider its capacity to finance
growth as part of the review and approval of
growth areas.
(b) The City will maintain an asset management
plan for all asset classes within the city.
(Revised - Bylaw No. 9855 - December 19, 2022)
(c) Explore all options for sustainable revenue and
sources of funding.
(d) Work with senior levels of government to
obtain funding through grant programs and
other funding opportunities for growth-related
projects.
(e) Ensure servicing agreement fees are
comprehensive in nature in accordance with
The Planning and Development Act, 2007.
(f) The City may prepare and maintain a
development levy bylaw.
The Official Community Plan supports Saskatoon's vision of a transportation system
that provides opportunities to move throughout the city using different modes of
transportation on a network of streets, paths, and transit routes.
SECTION H
Photo Credit: Discover Saskatoon/
CONCEPTS Photography
96
H1 TRANSPORTATION PLANNING
Like many North American cities, Saskatoon initially developed outward from Downtown
along a network of streetcar lines. During the first half of the twentieth century, streetcar
lines and bridges helped to shape residential and commercial growth along key corridors.
At the same time, the city remained relatively compact. In the Post-War period, the rise of
the automobile led to the rapid expansion of the city's built up area, typically in the form
of lower density, auto-oriented development. This style of development creates challenges
with providing attractive transit, cycling, and walking infrastructure, while also resulting in
increased costs as the city expands outwards.
To address these challenges, the City has committed to the model of development
envisioned by the Growth Plan to Half a Million. This model includes an increased density
and mix of land uses along identified corridors and at community focal points. To support
the increased activity in these areas, increased mobility options need to be available. By
coordinating land use planning and transportation, more attractive transit, walking, and
cycling options can be provided, allowing more people to have the opportunity to live,
work, and socialize in a denser, more sustainable city.
H1.1 Coordinated Land Use and
Transportation Planning
Land use and transportation are intricately linked
and have significant impacts on transportation
choices and quality of life in the city. It is important
to strike a balance and create communities that
provide for a variety of transportation options.
(1) Objectives
(a) To develop an urban form and land use pattern
that will promote transportation options and
be accessible to all users, encourage walking,
cycling, and public transit use, and help to
promote a balanced transportation network
that meets the needs of Saskatoon's residents
and visitors.
(b) To support the economy of the Saskatoon
region by providing a transportation network
that supports the movement of people and
goods throughout the city and region.
Photo Credit: City of Saskatoon
Archives - 1104-003-042
Construction of the Broadway Bridge, 1932.
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 97
SECTION H MOVING AROUND
(2) Policies
(a) The timing, location, and design of major
transportation network infrastructure, such as
bridges, interchanges, streets, corridors, and
transit facilities and routes will be determined
through the Sector Plan and Concept Plan
process, and appropriate land use and
transportation studies.
(b) Land use and street design decisions will align
with the vision for a compact and defined city
form, minimizing the need for extensions of the
transportation network.
(c) The City will develop and maintain a
transportation strategy that will be used as
a primary document guiding coordinated
transportation policy, operations, and
improvements within the City.
(d) Medium to high density developments with a
mixture of land uses should be concentrated
in designated areas that are well served by the
transportation network and the public transit
system, including the Downtown and City
Centre, Community Focal Points, the Corridor
Growth Area, and Commercial and Institutional
Employment Areas.
(e) Neighbourhood design and site planning will
be oriented to serve the needs of pedestrians,
cyclists, transit riders, and motorists.
Neighbourhoods should be designed to
encourage walkability by providing multiple
route choices and an intuitive street network.
(f) New developments will include an
interconnected street network that creates
strong connections between and within new
and existing neighbourhoods by all modes of
transportation.
(g) The development of infill residential,
commercial, and employment opportunities
is encouraged as a means to reduce the need
for new transportation infrastructure, and to
support all modes of transportation.
(h) Abandoned rail lines should be examined for
use as future transportation corridors.
(i)
Through the Concept Plan approvals process,
new development will include universally
accessible pedestrian and cycling facilities that
integrate with the existing and planned active
transportation network connecting to other
neighbourhoods and destinations.
(j) Any transportation, public transit, or parking
studies required by the Plan to assess the
impact of an application for an Official
Community Plan or Zoning Bylaw amendment,
discretionary use, or subdivision must be
undertaken by the applicant or owner, to the
satisfaction of the City.
H1.2 Street Classification
The city's street network is organized as a hierarchy
based on the intended function that the street is to
serve. The classification is based on standardized
criteria such as speed of travel, modes of travel, and
the land uses fronting the street or within the area,
adjacent property access, connectivity to other
network elements, and typical traffic volumes.
(1) Objective
(a) To provide a hierarchy of streets throughout
the city, serving the needs of all modes of
transportation.
(2) Policies
(a) Streets will be classified in accordance to the
City's design and development standards
manual. Such classification will be based on
the function the streets serve and the type and
amount of service they should provide.
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SECTION H MOVING AROUND
H1.3 Street Design
Streets are designed to address the context of the
street while providing safe access for all intended
users. The design and operation of the street
should align with land uses and transportation
function. Strengthening the connection between
street designs, land use character, and modes of
available transportation helps to ensure that streets
are designed appropriately for their context, and
contributes to building strong, livable, and vibrant
communities.
(1) Objective
(a) To plan and design streets to support the
movement of people of all ages and levels of
mobility, in all seasons of the year, by providing
appropriate and accessible facilities that support
pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, and motorists.
(2) Policies
(a) Streets should be designed for all of modes
of transportation and promote pedestrian
friendly development to create an attractive and
welcoming environment for pedestrians, cyclists,
transit users, and motorists alike, within the
intended transportation function of the street.
(b) The City will maintain a street design policy
as a guiding document for the planning and
design of new and existing streets.
(c) Surrounding land uses and intended users
should be considered when planning and
designing streets.
H1.4 Site Design
How a site is designed, the orientation of the
buildings, and on larger sites, the internal circulation
and points of access to the transportation network
have a significant influence on how people use those
sites and the surrounding area. When combined
with their surrounding sites, the design of a site can
contribute to the overall vision for the site area and
how it links with the vision for the city as a whole.
(1) Objectives
(a) To provide safe and orderly access to sites and
public streets.
(b) To provide safe and orderly movement within
a site.
(2) Policies
(a) The City may establish site plan controls within
the Zoning Bylaw.
(b) The needs and safety of pedestrians will be
considered at the design stage through the
Sector Plan, Concept Plan, subdivision, and/
or site plan review process. Pedestrian, cycling,
and transit facilities, landscaping, street and
pathway lighting, and CPTED principles should
be considered in the design.
(c) The City will maintain site access management
regulations that establish standards for safe
and orderly site access, consistent with the
functional and operational requirements of
the public streets, the accessibility needs of
adjacent sites, and access to transit and active
transportation facilities.
1.5 Accessibility
An accessible transportation network addresses the
needs of a diverse population, regardless of mobility
or vehicle ownership. Maximizing the accessibility
of the transportation network provides the ability
for all residents to move throughout the city with
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 99
SECTION H MOVING AROUND
ease. Transportation plans not only balance different
options for moving around, but also work toward
universal accessibility.
(1) Objective
(a) To design streets and public space that can
be accessed and used to the greatest extent
possible by all people regardless of their age,
ability, or disability in the most independent
and natural manner possible without the need
for adaptation, modification, assistance, or
specialized devices.
(2) Policy
(a) The City will plan and design new streets,
and retrofit existing streets, to support the
movement of people of all ages and levels
of mobility by providing appropriate and
accessible facilities that support pedestrians,
cyclists, transit users, as well as motorists; and
integrate the street environment with existing
and future land uses.
H1.6 Regional Transportation Network
Coordination of transportation infrastructure in
the region is an essential component to access
and movement in the city. It is the provincial
government's role to manage the development and
maintenance of highways and related infrastructure,
and it is the role of the City to coordinate local
transportation improvements, and cooperate in
potential interjurisdictional projects.
(1) Objective
(a) Support access, connectivity, and movement in
the regional transportation network.
(2) Policies
(a) The City will integrate transportation planning
with regional land use planning policies in
preparation for future development.
(b) The City will make every effort to work with
the provincial government and other regional
partners to maintain and develop connections
to the provincial highway system so people and
goods may be moved efficiently within the city
and region.
(Revised - Bylaw No. 9855 - December 19, 2022)
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SECTION H MOVING AROUND
H2 TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE
To provide an efficient and effective transportation network, it is critical that
transportation planning and infrastructure investment aligns with municipal and regional
goals. Additionally, ensuring that transportation infrastructure is well managed is an
important way to promote asset preservation as well as safety and efficiency.
H2.1 Transportation Network
The transportation network is the combination
of walking, cycling facilities, motor vehicle, and
transit services that provide mode of travel options
for people to move throughout the city. The
transportation network serves all areas of the city
with connected access for people of all abilities,
throughout all seasons of the year. The transportation
network includes all modes of transportation and
therefore should provide opportunity for people to
safely walk, cycle, as well as drive.
(1) Objectives
(a) Develop and maintain a highly interconnected
transportation network for moving people and
goods throughout Saskatoon.
(b) Provide safe pedestrian, cycling, and driving
facilities.
(c) Provide facilities that are universally accessible
by all people.
(2) Policies
(a)
The transportation network and all facilities
within it will be designed to be safely navigated
by all users.
(b) The City will maintain an active transportation
plan that will be the primary document for
guiding active transportation development in
the city.
(c) The city-wide network of sidewalks will be
expanded and enhanced.
(d) The City will eliminate barriers to travel by
providing universally accessible pedestrian
facilities.
(e) Transit, pedestrian and cycling facilities
should be integrated, with amenities to make
walking, cycling, and other forms of active
transportation more practical and convenient.
Providing options for the ways
people move throughout the city is
a priority, whether that is by walking,
cycling, using public transit, or
driving a private vehicle.
Photo Credit: 2017 Discover Saskatoon/
Carey Shaw Photography
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SECTION H MOVING AROUND
(f) A citywide network of cycling facilities will be
provided through a mix of facilities for people
of All Ages and Abilities (AAA) as well as non-
AAA facilities.
(g) The City will facilitate cycling and pedestrian
movement throughout the city as part of a
balanced transportation network as the city
grows.
(h) The City will support the expansion of trail
connections in partnership with Meewasin.
(i)
The City will develop and maintain a highly
interconnected transportation network for all
modes of transportation.
(j) Bridges, structures, interchanges, and grade
separations should have the necessary facilities
for access by all modes of transportation.
(k) New communities will be designed with an
appropriate mix of uses, interconnected
street networks, and open space linkages that
encourage walking, cycling, and transit use.
(l)
The City will provide pedestrian facilities
that promote safety and are convenient,
comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing.
(m) Efficient, year-round maintenance should
be a consideration in the street network and
streetscape design, including consideration for
the clearing and storage of snow.
H2.2 Network Operation
The transportation network must operate in a
way that supports the travel needs of all people,
throughout all seasons of the year. To do so,
infrastructure, facilities, services, and maintenance
programs are needed to support equitable options
for how people chose to travel throughout the city.
(1) Objectives
(a) To meet the needs of all intended users of the
transportation network.
(b) Operate and maintain a street network that
supports the safe movement of people and
goods throughout the city, during all seasons
of the year.
(2) Policies
(a) The City will provide a transportation network
that accommodates travel needs.
(b) The operation of the transportation network shall
equitably balance the needs of all intended users.
(c) The City will develop and maintain effective
strategies for year-round maintenance of
sidewalks, trails, and bicycle infrastructure,
including debris and snow clearing and storage.
(d) Snow clearing of transit routes and facilities,
and key commuter paths and trails will be
prioritized to provide year-round access to all
modes of transportation.
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SECTION H MOVING AROUND
H3 PARKING MANAGEMENT
Parking is an important part of the transportation network and how people access the
services and amenities of the city. The effective management of parking can influence
travel behaviour and mode utilization, making it an important means of meeting the travel
needs of residents and visitors to Saskatoon.
(1)
Objectives
(a)
To manage the City's parking resources and
support the mobility needs of residents and
visitors to Saskatoon.
(b) To provide adequate parking opportunities
throughout the city, including the appropriate
location and design of parking facilities as part
of an efficient and functional transportation
network.
(2) Policies
(a) The City will establish monitoring and
evaluation procedures to measure parking
trends and effectiveness of parking policies
and regulations.
(b) The provision of on-street parking will be based
on transportation network operation needs and
adjacent land uses.
(c) On-street bicycle parking facilities may be
provided where demand is high, and the
furnishing zone width is constrained.
(d) Parking facilities will be appropriately
integrated with pedestrian, cycling, and transit
facilities, including the provision of CPTED and
universally accessible parking lots and linkages
with transit services and routes.
(e) Developments should provide adequate off-
street parking. The Zoning Bylaw will contain
appropriate vehicle and bicycle parking
standards for all forms of development.
(f) The Zoning Bylaw may permit underground
parking facilities to project into required yards,
provided the parking structure is below grade
and does not interfere with the public right-
of-way including amenities and public spaces.
Ramps must not interfere with the adjacent
street, cycling, and pedestrian network.
(g) The Zoning Bylaw may permit underground
parking facilities provided the parking structure
is below grade and does not interfere with
the public right-of-way including utilities,
amenities, and public spaces.
(h) Required parking spaces should be placed on
the same site as the proposed development.
However, where there is a clear public interest,
the Zoning Bylaw may facilitate required
parking on nearby sites.
(i)
The City may introduce maximum parking
requirements to reduce an over-supply of
parking spaces in a defined area when needed, to
support alignment with the vision for that area.
104
H4 TRANSIT
Saskatoon has a vision for an accessible, efficient transit system with an attractive
customer experience. An efficient transit system with rapid transit options provides
desirable travel options for residents and visitors to Saskatoon, helping to alleviate
congestion in the city. By coordinating land use and development patterns, this vision can
be achieved.
H4.1 Transit Network
Transit in Saskatoon should be an attractive,
customer-oriented service. A broad range of
services support various travel demands, with rapid
transit being designed to complement the overall
transit system and serving as the spine of the
transit network. Rapid transit corridors and stations
enhance travel for both residents and visitors.
(1) Objective
(a)
To promote land use and development patterns
that support an efficient and effective public
transit system.
(2) Policies
(a) Maintain service and design standards to be
used as a primary document guiding transit
service in the city.
(b) The transit system will provide a high level of
service to the City Centre and Downtown from
all parts of the city.
(c) High-frequency transit corridors are intended
to serve as the spine of Saskatoon's transit
system, and will support high quality and high-
frequency transit service that connects people
to the City Centre and Downtown, residential
neighbourhoods, Community Focal Points, and
Employment Areas.
(d) Development along identified high-frequency
transit corridors should be oriented to the
street at a pedestrian scale and encourage
a mixture of uses at sufficient density to
support the provision of high quality and
high-frequency transit service throughout the
system.
(e) The phasing of greenfield neighbourhood or
employment area development should allow for
functional transit route(s) from initial build-out.
The City aims to increase daily city-
wide transit mode share from 4% to
8% percent over the next 30 years, and
peak period transit mode share to the
Downtown and University areas from
10% to 25%.
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SECTION H MOVING AROUND
H4.2 Transit Facilities
The customer experience is central to the success
of transit in Saskatoon. Part of the customer
experience is the transit facilities themselves, which
need be comfortable, accessible, and safe in order
to encourage transit ridership. Providing amenities,
employment, and activities around transit stops
will also help to create livable centres that are used
throughout the day.
(1) Objective
(a) Develop high quality transit facilities to
encourage transit ridership.
(2) Policies
(a) Provide facilities that enhance customer safety,
comfort, and convenience.
(b) Provide transit stations that are well-connected,
visible, and accessible for passengers of all
mobility levels, and designed to have a minimal
impact on traffic flow.
(c) Encourage an attractive and well-designed
public realm that enhances the access and
aesthetic of transit stops and shelters.
H4.3 Accessible and Efficient Transit
Transit provides access to jobs, education, health
care, shopping, and social interactions; it is
important for quality of life that all individuals have
access to these opportunities.
(1) Objective
(a) To operate and maintain an accessible and
efficient transit system that provides individuals
with the opportunity to use the system with
ease and dignity.
(2) Policies
(a) The City will provide a transportation network
that accommodates the needs of all residents
of the community, including persons without
private vehicles and persons with special needs.
(b) The City will develop and maintain procedures
to identify improvements to support
transportation demand management principles.
Saskatoon is a hub for the province's natural resources and agricultural industries as
well as a retail and service centre for central and northern Saskatchewan. To promote a
sustainable economy over the long term, the Official Community Plan provides a
framework to support local and regional economic development, diversification, and
collaboration.
SECTION I
Photo Credit: 2017 Discover Saskatoon/Greg Huszar Photography
108
I1 REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
In order for Saskatoon to thrive, the economy of the city and surrounding region must
be flexible, diversified, and globally competitive. Efforts to support the city's economic
growth will consider the strengths of the region as a whole. Planning will provide the
direction necessary to encourage coordinated development and investment that builds
upon regional strengths as well as opportunities within individual jurisdictions. Policies
reinforce that land use and development are linked to economic development.
I1.1 Coordinate and Facilitate Business
Growth among Regional Partners
The strong, vibrant economy of Saskatoon and
the surrounding region has been a key driver
of economic prosperity in Saskatchewan. A
coordinated approach to economic development
with regional partners, First Nations and Métis
communities, Indigenous organizations, and
economic development organizations and other
agencies, will support current activities and prepare
the region for future economic opportunities.
(1) Objective
(a) Support economic development and business
growth within the region.
(2) Policies
(a) Work with regional partners to coordinate
economic development planning and
opportunities.
(b) Work with regional partners to coordinate land
use and development policies to attract, retain,
and promote business growth in the region.
I1.2 Support Initiatives to Strengthen and
Diversify the Region's Economic Base
Strengthening the Saskatoon region's economic
base will support stable business expansion and
growth in the region.
(1) Objective
(a) Collaborate with regional partners to
strengthen, diversify, and support the region's
economic base.
(2) Policies
(a) Work with regional partners to support an
equitable distribution of employment that reflects
local community infrastructure and resources, and
that encourages job growth in all municipalities.
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 109
SECTION I ECONOMIC DIVERSITY AND PROSPERITY
(b) Work with regional partners to support the
agricultural and natural resource industries
as important components of the regional
economy.
(c) Work with regional partners to encourage the
development of value-added businesses in rural
areas to support economic growth.
I1.3 Promote the Region as
a Tourist Destination
Capitalizing on the region's unique position in
the agricultural sector and its varied recreational
opportunities will generate significant interest and
economic opportunities in the area.
(1) Objective
(a) Promote the region's commercial and
agricultural advantages as a tourist destination.
(2) Policy
(a) Support commercial tourism and related
development throughout the region, including
opportunities for regional recreation,
and working with First Nations and Métis
communities.
I1.4 Support Cost Sharing Mechanisms
for Local Infrastructure
Creating a vibrant regional economy requires
adequate local infrastructure to support economic
growth within neighbouring jurisdictions. A cost
sharing mechanism to build infrastructure in the
region allows for expenses and benefits to be shared
among all jurisdictions.
(1) Objective
(a) Create a consistent framework for cost sharing
when infrastructure connects and benefits
multiple jurisdictions.
(2) Policies
(a) Work with regional partners to maintain a
framework for how and when extension of
services may be offered, including a process
for considering and implementing appropriate
agreements to help pay for services.
(b) Work with regional partners to coordinate
joint application submissions for provincial
and federal funding for regional infrastructure
projects.
(c) Seek opportunities to work with First Nations
and Métis communities and Indigenous
organizations on regional service planning.
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SECTION I ECONOMIC DIVERSITY AND PROSPERITY
I2 GROWTH AND DIVERSITY
Saskatoon is a hub for natural resource and agricultural industries in the province and
contains a large variety of retail and service industries. Home based and commercial
business licenses continue to grow year-over-year as the City promotes innovation and
entrepreneurship. High quality education and a competitive business environment attracts
people from across Canada, as well as new immigrants who continue to view Saskatoon as
a place of opportunity. Increased cultural diversity in the city can have numerous economic
benefits, including cultural events, tourism, and education.
I2.1 Business Attraction and Support
Many factors go into creating an attractive business
environment. Suitable site locations, a strong
infrastructure network, and skilled workers all drive
decisions by businesses to invest, or continue to
invest, in a location.
(1) Objective
(a) Encourage growth and diversification of the
Saskatoon and region economy.
(2) Policy
(a) Work to coordinate programs and incentives
that attract new businesses and support
existing businesses in order to facilitate
investment and long-term job creation.
I2.2 Increase Downtown Commercial
and Residential Growth
A vibrant Downtown, one that boasts a variety of
uses and employment opportunities, is the hub
of any economically strong city. New Downtown
commercial development, low office and retail
vacancy rates, and a growing Downtown residential
population are key to growing the City's economy.
(1) Objective
(a) To maintain the Downtown as an active,
attractive place for businesses, residents, and
visitors.
(2) Policies
(a) The City will maintain and implement a plan for
the Downtown as the primary document for
guiding development.
(Revised - Bylaw No. 10069 - April 23, 2025)
(b) Maintain and develop incentives and
regulations to encourage Downtown
development and infill development.
(c) Work with the Downtown Business
Improvement District to maintain the
Downtown as an active, attractive place for
residents and visitors.
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 111
SECTION I ECONOMIC DIVERSITY AND PROSPERITY
I2.3 Growth in International and
Out-of-Province Based Businesses
Increasing the number of new businesses by
attracting international and out-of-province based
businesses can increase investment and employment
within the city.
(1) Objective
(a) Increase the number of international and out-
of-province based businesses in Saskatoon.
(2) Policy
(a) Work with partners to attract international
and out-of-province based businesses to
Saskatoon.
I2.4 Encourage and Strengthen
Entrepreneurship and Small Businesses
Entrepreneurship spurs economic innovation
and growth. Supporting a thriving small business
community will keep wealth within the city and
encourage the growth of a creative economy.
(1) Objective
(a) Support and encourage entrepreneurs and
small businesses within the city.
(2) Policy
(a) The City should consider methods to provide easy
access to programs, tools, and information for
potential entrepreneurs on starting a business.
I2.5 Residential, Industrial,
and Commercial Land
The provision of an adequate inventory of serviced
residential, industrial, and commercial land helps
maintain a stable, predictable, and competitive
market and allows the city to continue to grow.
(1) Objective
(a) Maintain an adequate supply of residential,
industrial, and commercial land.
(2) Policy
(a) Through coordination of the Growth Monitoring
Report, the Multi-Year Business Plan and
Budget process, and appropriate long-range
community planning, the City shall determine
and maintain appropriate levels of serviced land
for residential, industrial, and commercial uses.
Photo Credit: 2018 Discover Saskatoon/Carey Shaw Photography
112
SECTION I ECONOMIC DIVERSITY AND PROSPERITY
I3 COLLABORATION AND
PARTNERSHIPS
Creating an economically viable city
requires cooperation, collaboration, and
partnerships among the City, its municipal
and provincial partners, and other
authorities.
I3.1 Foster Relationships
with Existing Partners
Strong relationships with local businesses and
business groups helps focus support for Saskatoon's
economy.
(1) Objective
(a) Foster existing partnerships to encourage
strong relationships with organizations that are
important in maintaining a strong economy.
(2) Policy
(a)
Partner with local business groups to
encourage a coordinated, consistent approach
to attracting business to Saskatoon.
I3.2 Indigenous Inclusion
The City supports the inclusion of First Nation and
Métis communities and Indigenous organizations
in planning for development. The general intent
of these policies is to encourage opportunities to
work together and partner with rights holders and
stakeholders. This is important not only to provide
for ongoing dialogue on issues of mutual concern,
but also to work together on projects that can
provide benefits to all participants.
(1) Objective
(a) Engage and work together with First Nations
and Métis communities, and Indigenous
organizations on economic opportunities and
challenges.
(2) Policy
(a) The City shall engage in ongoing dialogue
with First Nations and Métis communities,
and Indigenous organizations to understand
issues of joint interest, cooperate on strategic
planning, and support regional development.
Saskatoon has a strong history of planning that dates back to the city's earliest years.
The Plan continues this tradition, using transparent processes and public engagement
to ensure a safe, prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable community for years to come.
This section outlines policies, processes, and tools that are used to guide the Plan's
implementation.
SECTION J
Photo Credit: Discover Saskatoon 2017
114
J1 COORDINATION AND ENGAGEMENT
The City is committed to the interest of the greater public good and engaging with the
public during the decision making process. The City conducts transparent and inclusive
public engagement to inform policy development and decision making. This helps to
actively engage residents and stakeholder groups in the governance of their city.
J1.1 Public Engagement
The City values public engagement and
participatory governance, and through meaningful
engagement, we work as one community to address
challenges and succeed. We engage the public in
a timely manner regarding development matters,
land use issues, and other appropriate items in
accordance with approved processes.
(1) In addition to the requirements of The Planning
and Development Act, 2007, provisions
for public engagement may be initiated which
are appropriate to the nature and scope of the
subject matter. The City's public engagement
procedures will be used to determine the
extent of the engagement, and development
applications will follow the existing approved
process for public notice.
Examples of initiatives for which the public
engagement procedure may apply include:
(a) land use issues;
(b) social issues;
(c) safety issues,
(d) recreation issues;
(e) the creation and implementation of a
Local Area Plan or other area specific
plans; and
(f)
utility services.
(2) The public will have reasonable access to
information regarding development matters,
land use issues, and other related matters.
(3) The Plan recognizes the advisory role of
the Municipal Planning Commission (MPC)
in terms of making recommendations to
Council regarding community planning and
development within the municipality.
J1.2 Coordination with Other Jurisdictions
Fostering relationships with regional partners helps
to solve shared issues and support sustainable
growth. Taking a coordinated approach to land
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 115
SECTION J IMPLEMENTATION
use, development, and servicing can help to
support mutually beneficial environmental, social,
and economic well-being in the city and region.
The City will continue to seek mutually beneficial
relationships with all municipalities, jurisdictions, and
authorities within the region and beyond.
(1) The City will engage with other jurisdictions,
agencies, and organizations to coordinate
planning, development, and operating
strategies.
(2) The City will partner with the University of
Saskatchewan and the provincial government
in the Meewasin Valley Authority. This includes
working closely with Meewasin to help ensure
their jurisdiction evolves as appropriate to
support their mandate.
(3) The City supports and values the establishment
of Urban Reserves within City limits.
(4) The City will continue ongoing cooperation
with the respective Boards of Education, the
University of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan
Health Authority, Indigenous communities,
Wanuskewin Heritage Park, the Saskatoon
Regional Economic Development Authority,
the Saskatoon Airport Authority, the respective
Business Improvement Districts, and all other
jurisdictions.
J1.3 Indigenous Inclusion
Partnering with Indigenous communities, including
First Nations and Métis, and other organizations
based on respect for each other's jurisdiction and
a common understanding of mutual interests is a
priority. Ongoing consultation and partnership will
help to achieve effective, efficient, and coordinated
land use and economic development, as well as
environmental, social, and cultural well-being of the
entire community.
(1) Engage in ongoing dialogue with Indigenous
communities and organizations to understand
issues of joint interest, cooperate on strategic
planning, support development opportunities,
and enhance participation in the municipal
decision-making process.
(2) Where land has been selected through land
claims processes, Saskatoon will engage in
discussions with the First Nation to enter into
municipal services and land use compatibility
agreements regarding matters such as:
(a) establishing relationships and a
framework for ongoing dialogue;
(b) land use and bylaw compatibility; and
(c) service provision, including payment for
services.
(3) Land use plans adjacent to Reserves will be
complementary and, where possible, integrate
with, Reserve development.
(4) The City shall seek opportunities for
partnerships with Indigenous communities
and organizations when planning facilities and
infrastructure.
(5) The City will work with Indigenous communities
and organizations to identify sites of culture
and heritage that have significance to them.
(6) Address Indigenous history and culture as
having shared value with the City that will be
honoured and acknowledged.
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SECTION J IMPLEMENTATION
J2 SECONDARY PLANS
An essential tool in the implementation of the Plan is through the use of secondary
plans, which include Sector Plans, Concept Plans, Local Area Plans, and Corridor Area
Plans. These plans provide a predictable, transparent process for achieving the vision of
Saskatoon as a prosperous, safe, inclusive, and sustainable community.
J2.1 Sector Plans
Sector Plans provide a broad framework for future
urban development in an individual Sector (refer
to Appendix D, Map 7 - Sector, for each Sector's
boundaries), ensuring development in these areas
aligns with the Plan. Sector Plans typically encompass
an area that could include six to ten residential
neighbourhoods and their supporting amenities. This
framework allows for the preparation of more detailed
Concept Plans for specific development areas.
(1) Sector Plans should include the general
location, size, and phasing of future
neighbourhoods, employment areas, major
infrastructure and transportation network
connections, and significant open spaces,
parks and natural areas, as well as other
considerations necessary to align the
development with the contents of the Plan.
(2) Sector Plans may be developed for individual
portions of a Sector, as needed, to ensure
future development aligns with the Plan.
2.2 Concept Plans
Concept Plans provide a framework for the
development of specific areas of the city. They
are used to outline the development vision and
servicing framework for a neighbourhood, Urban
Centre, Employment Area, or other similarly sized
development area. Concept Plans are required
for new neighbourhoods, Urban Centres, or
Employment Areas and may also be required for
significant infill developments.
(1) Concept Plans will outline the land uses,
densities, infrastructure plans, transportation
network, park system, community facilities, and
phasing strategy for a development area.
(2) Concept Plans may be required for individual
development areas as needed to ensure future
development aligns with the Plan.
(3) Concept Plans will align with the Sector Plan
for the Sector area they are contained in.
(4) In existing development areas where a Sector
Plan was not developed prior to urban
development occurring, a Concept Plan may be
approved without a Sector Plan if it aligns with
the intent of the Plan.
J2.3 Corridor Area Plans and the
Corridor Planning Program
The Corridor Planning Program provides a framework
within which detailed land use planning activities will
occur along the City's major transportation corridors,
and specific focal points along it, as a means of
providing a balanced approach to growth, as outlined
in the Growth Plan to Half a Million. The Corridor
Growth Area is intended to accommodate a mixture
of residential, commercial, and institutional uses
that are oriented toward the street at a pedestrian
scale, with active building frontages as a means of
addressing the following items:
-
major transportation corridors in the City are
often car-oriented with a low density built form
and limited land uses that do not encourage
transit use or other multi-modal transportation
options, such as cycling, walking, or accessible
modes of travel;
-
an over-reliance on outward growth and
development can be expensive and sometimes
does not maximize the use of municipal
infrastructure, putting the City in long-term
financial risk; and
-
amenities that serve adjacent neighbourhoods
are limited along the City's major corridors.
(1) Objectives
(a) To provide a mix of land uses that provide a
balance of employment opportunities
Saskatoon has a strong history of
planning dating back to the early
years of the City and the 1913 Yorath
Plan, which was based on principles of
town planning proposed by then City
Commissioner Christopher J. Yorath.
Many of these principles still hold true
to this day.
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SECTION J IMPLEMENTATION
along major corridors to address city-wide
and adjacent residential neighbourhood
employment needs.
(b) To provide a mix of land uses and densities that
support and encourage the use of BRT and
multi-modal transportation options.
(c) To guide the development and evolution
of the corridor in a way that incorporates
transit-oriented development principles
for streetscape, pedestrian, and building
design components to create a built form
and pedestrian environment that is visually
appealing, physically comfortable, safe,
universally accessible, and livable on a year-
round basis.
(d) To maximize the use of existing infrastructure
and to provide new infrastructure and servicing
needs in a cost effective, sustainable, and
efficient manner.
(2) Policies
(a) The City will encourage a mix of land uses
and densities along its major transportation
corridors to provide employment opportunities,
commercial services, housing options,
amenities, and other uses that support
surrounding neighbourhoods and that help to
create year-round vibrant and accessible urban
corridors.
(b) The City will encourage the building densities
necessary to support the establishment and
use of a BRT system and other multi-modal
transportation options.
(c) The City will engage with residents and
stakeholders at each phase of the Corridor
Planning Program process in order to identify
issues, opportunities, and solutions that are
reflective of community needs, while striving
to encourage infill development to provide a
balanced approach to growth.
(d) The City will strive to maximize the use of
existing water and sewer infrastructure and will
assess the impacts of increasing density on the
capacity of the system. Necessary infrastructure
upgrades and replacement cost estimates will
be identified through each Corridor Planning
Program process, along with potential financial
strategies to address the estimated costs.
(e) The City will encourage the use of renewable
energy sources, sustainable building
technologies, materials, and practices and
Low Impact Development guidelines to help
reduce energy consumption, greenhouse gas
emissions, promote storm water infiltration and
the long-term maintenance requirements for
the City's waste management infrastructure
and facilities.
(f) The Corridor Planning Program will incorporate
transit-oriented development design principles,
including street-level analysis of the existing
built form and public realm to identify potential
form and character guidelines and strategies
for new development. Components may
include, but are not limited to:
(i)
building scale and massing elements;
(ii) streetscape design elements and
landscaping;
(iii) universal accessibility;
(iv) four season environmental considerations
and strategies;
(v) shadow-cast studies and strategies; and
(vi) building and public realm materials.
J2.4 Guiding Plans
To ensure Saskatoon develops in a manner that meets
the objectives of the Plan, the City may undertake
studies and develop guiding plans in addition to the
secondary plans outlined in this section. These guiding
plans may be area specific or address broader civic
objectives that may be applied city-wide.
(1) The City may develop other guiding plans
to provide a vision or direction for how a
specific area or characteristic of the city can be
expected to change over time.
(2) Guiding plans may be described as master
plans, strategic plans, or through other names.
(3) Guiding plans may provide further detail and
guide future decisions on how the City may
achieve the goals and policies laid out in the
Official Community Plan, or other secondary
plans.
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 119
SECTION J IMPLEMENTATION
J3 DEVELOPMENT PHASING
In order for Saskatoon to continue as a resilient city with a high quality of life, the
development of land and infrastructure assets must be carefully phased. The Plan provides
the tools for implementing a rational and efficient phasing system for the servicing and
development of urban land. Ensuring that growth is balanced, compact, and contiguous is
a proactive and sustainable model for growth.
(1) The phasing, servicing, and development of
land shall be in accordance with the phasing
plan included in the relevant Sector Plan.
(2) Detailed phasing of development in each
Sector Plan will be determined based on the
following considerations:
(a) the need to promote a compact and
orderly pattern of development;
(b) the availability, capacity, and economics
of extending transportation services,
utilities, and other services;
(c) the ability of the City and relevant
Boards of Education to provide required
community and educational services;
(d) the rates of development and land
utilization in the City;
(e) the financial capacity of the City to
support development in the general area;
and
(f)
the overall Sector Plans, Concept Plans,
and subdivision designs approved for the
general area.
(Revised - Bylaw No. 9855 - December 19,
2022)
(3) Development of any particular lands will be
permitted only in areas where roads and utility
services exist or have been authorized by
Council and for which community facilities have
been planned for the City.
(4) Development should take place in a contiguous
manner. Non-contiguous servicing and
development that would require the extension
of municipal services and infrastructure
shall only be permitted where it can be
demonstrated there is a clear public interest.
(5) Residential development may occur
simultaneously in more than one Sector,
subject to the approval of Council and the
provisions of the Official Community Plan.
However, neighbourhood development in one
Sector may be delayed until a neighbourhood
in another Sector is substantially completed if
the development would require the inefficient
extension of municipal infrastructure and
community services.
(6) Within any one Sector, residential development
shall not be undertaken in any neighbourhood
unless the preceding neighbourhood has
been substantially completed, except where
servicing limitations may confine current
neighbourhood development options to one
Sector.
120
J4 CONSTRAINTS TO DEVELOPMENT
Identifying constraints to development in Saskatoon can help to alleviate or prevent the
potential for adverse effects on new developments or surrounding land uses. Development
on or near sites that may be contaminated, noisy, or flood prone can occur as long as
appropriate mitigation efforts take place.
J4.1 Potentially Contaminated Sites
Sites containing environmental contaminants that
have a history of hazardous commercial or industrial
uses may be considered brownfields. The City
promotes and facilitates brownfield redevelopment
to ensure that appropriate contaminated site
management is undertaken prior to development.
(1) All aspects of contaminated site management,
as outlined within the Saskatchewan
Environmental Code (Code), including spill and
discovery reporting, site assessment, corrective
actions, and notice of site conditions, must be
followed and adhered to in accordance with all
applicable regulatory standards.
(2) Proof of completion of contaminated site
management actions, through the submission
of reports prepared and signed off by relevant
qualified persons, as defined within the
Code, may be required in conjunction with an
application for permitting or licensing approval
from the City.
J4.2 Roadways and Rail Lines
Land uses adjacent to roadways and rail lines may
be adversely impacted by noise and vibration. As
such, the City strives to keep the level of noise and
vibration exposure from roadways and rail lines
within acceptable limits.
(1)
Noise and vibration levels near roadways and rail
lines will be a factor in the evaluation of proposals
throughout the development review process.
Noise and vibration assessments may be required
in order to prescribe attenuation measures for
developments in proximity to existing or proposed
roadways and rail lines, as well as to determine the
viability of foundation structures.
(2) Development in proximity to rail yards or rail
lines should be consistent with the Guidelines
for New Development in Proximity to Railway
Operations prepared for the Federation of
Canadian Municipalities and the Railway
Association of Canada.
(3) In reviewing proposals for residential
development adjacent to existing and
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 121
SECTION J IMPLEMENTATION
proposed roadways, exterior noise levels
should not exceed a level of 65 dBA Ldn.
(4) All costs associated with preparing the noise
and vibration assessment and implementing
the approved attenuation measures shall be
borne by the affected developers.
(5) The City may consider the installation of noise
attenuation measures for existing residential
areas located near transportation routes when
noise levels exceed accepted standards.
J4.3 Airport Operations
The Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International
Airport is located within the Saskatoon municipal
boundary. The City works with the Saskatoon
Airport Authority to protect airport operations from
incompatible uses and structures, and ensure that
land use decisions at the Airport are complementary
with surrounding areas and maintain required safety
standards.
(1) Land use in the vicinity of the Saskatoon John
G. Diefenbaker International Airport shall be
of such type, height, and density as to be
compatible with airport operations. Agricultural
lands around Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker
International Airport will require detailed study
and impact assessments prior to designation
for appropriate urban uses.
(2) The City will work with the Saskatoon Airport
Authority to ensure that incompatible land uses
are not developed in the vicinity of the Saskatoon
John G. Diefenbaker International Airport.
Subject to an agreement with the Saskatoon
Airport Authority, the City's Zoning Bylaw may
contain provisions for the special review of
development in proximity to the Saskatoon John
G. Diefenbaker International Airport.
(3) New residential development shall not take place
in areas with an Airport Noise Exposure Forecast
(NEF) rating of 30 or more (or equivalent
measure), as defined by federal regulations.
J4.4 Flood Plain Areas
Development within the South Saskatchewan River
flood plain area is regulated to prevent injury and
loss of life, and to minimize property damage.
(1) Flood plain areas will be defined and regulated
in accordance with the Flood Damage
Reduction Program, in cooperation with the
Water Security Agency.
(2) A two-zone flood management policy will be
utilized where the flood plain area is divided
into the floodway and the flood fringe.
Development is prohibited within the 1:500
year flood elevation of the South Saskatchewan
River, and limited development is permitted
within the flood fringe zone, provided proper
flood proofing to an elevation 0.5 metres above
the 1:500 year flood elevation is incorporated.
(3) The Zoning Bylaw shall contain provisions
for a flood plain area overlay zoning district,
including appropriate maps delineating the
floodway and the flood fringe. The Zoning
Bylaw shall also establish standards for flood
proofing measures.
(4) No alterations or additions shall be performed
on existing buildings or structures contained
within the floodway or flood fringe zones,
without incorporating appropriate flood
proofing measures, and subject to the relevant
sections of The Planning and Development Act,
2007, dealing with nonconformity.
(5) In general, lands contained within the flood plain
area are to be used for public open space.
(6) Development may be permitted within the flood
plain area in Direct Control District 1 (South
Downtown Area), subject to the approval
of the provincial government and the use of
appropriate flood proofing measures.
(Revised - Bylaw No. 10064 - March 26, 2025)
122
SECTION J IMPLEMENTATION
J5 ZONING BYLAW
The Planning and Development Act, 2007 requires that all municipalities enact a zoning
bylaw after the adoption of an official community plan. A zoning bylaw is a regulatory
document that facilitates implementation of an official community plan.
The City of Saskatoon Zoning Bylaw No. 8770 contains regulations applicable to all
development within Saskatoon. The regulations contained within the Zoning Bylaw must
be consistent with the objectives and policies of the Official Community Plan. The Zoning
Bylaw establishes zoning districts and development standards, and prescribes permitted
and discretionary uses within the zoning districts.
The following policies provide direction regarding regulations, enforcement, and
amendment of the City of Saskatoon Zoning Bylaw.
J5.1 Zoning Bylaw
(1) The zoning controls and development
standards to implement the Plan must be
contained with the City's Zoning Bylaw. The
Zoning Bylaw provides for the regulation and
control of the major land use types, all sub-
categories, and transitional uses.
(2) When considering applications to amend the
zoning regulations or requests for the rezoning
of land, the following criteria will be relevant to
the suitability of the proposed development:
(a) Conformance with Plan - the nature of
the proposal and its conformance with
all relevant sections of the Plan, as well
as any established secondary plans and
other guiding plans;
(b) Compatibility - the need to foster a
rational pattern of relationships between
all forms of land use, and to protect
all forms of land use from harmful
encroachments by incompatible uses;
(c) Demand - the need for the form of land
use proposed, and the supply of land
currently available in the general area
capable of meeting that need;
(d) Onsite Amenities - the adequacy of
proposed landscaping and screening,
and the preservation of the urban forest;
(e) Transportation - the capability of the
existing roadway and public transit
systems to service the proposed use, and
the adequacy of the proposed supply of
off-street parking;
(f)
Services - the capability of existing
community infrastructure to service the
proposal, including water and sewer
services, parks, schools, and other
utilities and community services;
(g) Community Viability - the impact of the
proposal on the continued viability of the
local community and local community
services; and
(h) Compact City Form - the ongoing need
to promote a compact and efficient city
form.
(3) Where an application is made to Council to
rezone land to permit the carrying out of
a specified proposal, Council may, for the
purpose of accommodating the request, enter
into an agreement with the applicant pursuant
to The Planning and Development Act, 2007.
(4) J5.1(1) and J5.1(2) of the Plan shall apply in
the review of applications for rezoning by
agreement.
(5) Council may enter into an agreement with
the applicant setting out a description of the
proposal and reasonable terms and conditions
with respect to:
(a) the uses of the land and buildings, and
the forms of development;
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 123
SECTION J IMPLEMENTATION
(b) the site layout and external design,
including parking areas, landscaping, and
entry and exit ways; and
(c) any other development standards
considered necessary to implement
the proposal, including all appropriate
standards from the requested zoning
district.
(6) Council may limit the use of the land and
buildings to one or more of the uses permitted
in the requested zoning district.
(7) To facilitate a degree of flexibility for optimal
site utilization as well as to encourage certain
desirable elements not normally proposed in
the development process, the Zoning Bylaw
may provide for adjustments to specific
development standards in exchange for
commensurate facilities, services, or matters
as specifically set out in the Bylaw.
The Zoning Bylaw may provide for adjustment
to density limits, parking standards, building
setbacks, building height, number of principal
buildings on a site or other similar standards,
for the provision of supportive housing units,
community facilities which are owned by a
non-profit corporation or public authority, the
conservation of important natural areas, the
provision of enclosed parking, the provision of
community benefits, and the conservation of
designated heritage properties.
(8) Council may use the Holding Symbol "H", in
conjunction with any other use designation in
the Zoning Bylaw, to specify the use to which
lands shall be put at some time in the future,
but which are now considered premature or
inappropriate for immediate development.
(a) Council shall specify the use to which
lands or buildings may be put at any
time that the holding symbol is removed
by amendment to the Zoning Bylaw.
Such circumstances may require the
identification and further consideration
of social, environmental, or economic
issues and opportunities prior to
permitting the use and development of
the specified lands.
(b) In making a decision as to whether or
not to remove the Holding Symbol "H"
by amendment to the Zoning Bylaw and
thereby permit the development of the
land as specified in the Zoning Bylaw, the
following criteria will be relevant to the
suitability of the proposed development:
(i)
Capacity of Servicing - the capacity
of existing municipal services or
the economic provision of new
services to facilitate such use and
development;
(ii) Transportation System - the effects
of such use and development
upon the transportation and public
transit systems;
(iii) Environmental Concerns - the
need to minimize or remediate
environmental impacts or
conditions in relation to air, water,
soil, or noise pollution;
(iv) Natural or Historical Features - the
need to protect any significant
natural or historical feature upon or
adjacent to the land; and
(v) Other Circumstances - any other
matter that Council deems necessary.
Photo Credit: 2017 Discover Saskatoon/Carey Shaw Photography
124
SECTION J IMPLEMENTATION
(c) Holding provisions may be applicable to
all land use categories in the Plan, and
may be applied to any zoning district and
to a specific site within a zoning district.
(d) Existing uses will be permitted
within lands under the use of the
Holding Symbol "H" subject to the
relevant sections of The Planning and
Development Act, 2007, dealing with
nonconformity.
J5.2 Direct Control Districts
(1)
In accordance with the relevant sections of The
Planning and Development Act, 2007, where
it is considered desirable to exercise particular
control over the use and development of land
and buildings within a specific area, Council may,
in the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw,
designate an area as a Direct Control District.
(2) The use and development of land and buildings
within a Direct Control District will be regulated
and controlled according to specific guidelines
contained within the Official Community Plan
and the Zoning Bylaw.
(3)
Council may require the applicant to enter into
a development agreement as a condition of
approval for development in a Direct Control
District in accordance with the relevant sections
of The Planning and Development Act, 2007.
J5.3 Architectural Control Districts
(Revised - Bylaw No. 9776 - September 27, 2021)
(1) In accordance with the relevant sections of
The Planning and Development Act, 2007,
where it is considered desirable to preserve the
physical character of an area or to promote a
selected design theme for an area, Council may
designate the area as an Architectural Control
District in the Zoning Bylaw, using the symbol
"AC" in conjunction with any Zoning District.
(2) Architectural Control Districts should be
applied only in areas where there is a clear
public interest and where it is considered
economically feasible to establish and fund a
design review process.
(3) Prior to designating an area as an Architectural
Control District, design guidelines must
be approved generally consistent with the
city-wide urban design principles set out in
Appendix C of the Plan. The specific design
guidelines for each area are to be contained
within the Zoning Bylaw. The design guidelines
may be prepared as part of an overall Local
Area Plan or as a separate design study which
has been approved by Council.
Photo Credit: 2017 Discover Saskatoon/Carey Shaw Photography
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 125
J6 SUBDIVISION AND DEVELOPMENT
The Plan is implemented through several regulatory tools including the Subdivision
Bylaw. A subdivision is used to divide land into smaller parcels for the purpose of legally
registering separate ownership titles for the parcels within the provincial Information
Services Corporation system. A subdivision must conform to provincial and municipal
regulations and its intended use(s) considered appropriate for the location.
(1) The City will maintain a subdivision bylaw to
regulate and control subdivision in the City.
(2) When an area is authorized for development,
an area or neighbourhood Concept Plan must
be prepared, followed by a detailed subdivision
design. No building or structure may be
erected or any land use established on a site
which is not in conformity with the Concept
Plan and subdivision design for the area in
which it is located. Subdivision designs and the
reservation of lands for community facilities
shall be related to, first, the Neighbourhood and
its needs, and second, any other development
patterns, including the Sector Plan of which the
neighbourhood forms part.
(3) The City may require land proposed for
subdivision to be dedicated for Municipal
Reserve or money-in-lieu through the
subdivision process that supports equity for all
subdivision applicants and regional partners.
(4) The City will designate locations of Municipal
Reserve lands for school purposes. The size and
location of sites dedicated for school purposes
will be identified on Concept Plans.
(5) In order to complement the existing character
of the Montgomery Place Neighbourhood, the
minimum site frontage for the new residential
lots shall, in accordance with the Zoning Bylaw,
be 18.25 metres and the minimum site depth
shall be 39.6 metres. All other applicable
standards of the Subdivision and Zoning
Bylaws shall apply in Montgomery Place.
126
J7 OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGETS
The City undertakes operating and capital budgeting to support current and future financial
sustainability. Operating and capital budgets are based on the strategic priorities outlined in
the Strategic Plan and support the long-term vision of the Official Community Plan.
(1) The City shall, as per the Multi-Year Business
Plan and Budget Policy (refer to Council Policy
No. C03-036), create Operating and Capital
Budgets that align with Council's Strategic
Priorities and the objectives of the Official
Community Plan.
(2) The City will undertake full lifecycle costing for
municipal infrastructure to assess the capital
and operating costs within the city while
maintaining acceptable levels of service.
(3) The City will develop and maintain long-term
financial plans for capital projects to help
support and facilitate growth.
(4) The City will explore sustainable sources
of funding for both operating and capital
needs, including working with other levels of
government to secure funding.
(5) The City may borrow in accordance to the
Borrowing for Capital Projects Policy (refer
to Council Policy No. C03-027), ensuring the
City's overall credit worthiness and ongoing
financing of its committed programs are not
adversely impacted.
APPENDIX
128
APPENDIX
APPENDIX A: DEFINITIONS
active frontage - Refers to building frontages
that face and open onto a public sidewalk and
are designed to promote animation, vibrancy, and
interest, as well as an element of comfort to the
public realm.
active transportation - Any form of human-powered
transportation, such as walking, jogging, cycling,
skateboarding, cross-country skiing, and using
mobility aids.
attainable housing - Any housing that adequately
meets the needs of a household and costs less than
30% of the household's gross monthly income.
Architectural Control District - An overlay district
that provides appropriate development standards
in order to preserve the physical character, reinforce
and enhance qualities, or promote a selected design
theme for an area.
asset management - An integrated business
approach involving an organization wide
collaborative effort geared toward effectively
managing existing and new infrastructure to
maximize benefits, reduce risk, and provide safe and
reliable levels of service to community users.
barrier free - A building, area, or facility that can be
approached, entered, and used by all members of
society/the community.
biodiversity - The richness and variety of living
organisms and habitats within an ecosystem,
including urban ecosystems.
brownfield - An abandoned, vacant, derelict, or
underutilized property that, because of its past use,
may have perceived or actual contamination.
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) - High-frequency transit
service concentrated along specific high-demand
corridors.
City - Refers to the municipal government of the
City of Saskatoon.
city - Refers to the area within the municipal
boundary of the City of Saskatoon.
climate adaptation - Involves activities that increase
the ability to prepare for, withstand, and recover
from the impacts of changing climate conditions.
These activities increase community resilience
to climate change by adapting current services,
practices, and infrastructure to withstand current
and future climate-related risks.
climate mitigation - Actions taken to address
the root cause of climate change by decreasing
the rate that heat trapping greenhouse gases are
emitted into the atmosphere. Mitigating emissions
is expected to slow the effects of climate change,
which can decrease the need to adaptive actions.
community centre - A multi-purpose building
providing recreation space, meeting space, and
necessary mechanical, storage, and janitorial space,
suitable in size and scale to serve the needs of a
local neighbourhood. Services provided by School
Divisions, health districts, and other agencies
which are intended to serve a local neighbourhood
population may be located in a community centre.
Concept Plan - A comprehensive plan showing land
use patterns, street layouts, open spaces, and other
relevant design details for a defined area. A Concept
Plan may be undertaken for a Neighbourhood,
Urban Centres, Industrial Employment Areas, or
other similar areas.
conservation - The sustainable use, protection, and
management of natural areas and assets to prevent
decline or loss. Conservation does not attempt to
preserve natural areas and assets in a particular
condition.
Council - The Council of the City of Saskatoon.
Environmental Reserve - Land dedicated at the time
of subdivision that contains wildlife habitat or areas
that are environmentally sensitive or contain significant
historical or natural features; ravines, coulees, swamps,
natural drainage courses; land subject to flooding or
land that is unstable; land that abuts a body of water
and is required to prevent pollution, preserve the bank,
or protect land against flooding.
Employment Area - Areas of concentrated industrial,
commercial, or institutional development, or a mixture
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 129
APPENDIX
of each, where there is opportunity for the production,
distribution, and trade of goods or services.
flood fringe - The portion of the flood plain inundated
by the 1:500 year flood that is not floodway.
(Revised - Bylaw No. 10064 - March 26, 2025)
flood plain - The area inundated by water from a
watercourse or water body during a 1:500 year flood
and is made up of the floodway and the flood fringe.
floodway - The portion of the flood plain adjoining
the channel where the waters in the 1:500 year flood
are projected to meet or exceed a depth of one metre,
or meet or exceed a velocity of one metre per second.
(Revised - Bylaw No. 10064 - March 26, 2025)
greenfield growth - The development of land on the
periphery of the city not previously developed to an
urban standard.
green infrastructure - A system of natural,
enhanced, and engineered assets that provide
municipal and ecosystem services by protecting,
restoring, or emulating nature.
integrated school site - The combination of a site
or sites owned by statutory local school authorities
with property dedicated for parks and recreation
purposes so that development may take place for
recreational use without relation to individual school
site boundaries or park boundaries.
infill development - The development of vacant or
under-utilized land within established areas.
Local Area Design Plan - A plan approved by
Council that would prescribe design guidelines for
an area, generally consistent with the urban design
principles set out in Appendix C of the Plan (refer
also to Section G3.4).
Local Area Plan - A comprehensive neighbourhood
plan that identifies objectives and action items,
including proposed policies for the future growth
and development of an existing neighbourhood or
select area (refer to Section F1(2)(a)(vii). (Revised -
Bylaw No. 9855 - December 19, 2022)
mode share - The percentage of travelers using a
particular type of transportation or number of trips
using said type.
Municipal Reserve - Dedicated lands that may
be used for open space, park, recreation facilities,
public buildings, natural areas, and more.
natural area - An area containing natural assets that
work together to provide ecosystem services (e.g.
habitats, nutrient cycling, water purification, climate
regulation, carbon sequestration) and social benefits
(e.g. recreational, aesthetic, cultural).
natural asset - Ecological resources that are
native to the Saskatoon region including the
South Saskatchewan River, grasslands, woodlands,
wetlands, and soil systems. These sites often contain
important cultural and archaeological features.
neighbourhood - A residential area designed as a
comprehensively planned unit containing a variety
of housing and community services necessary to
meet the needs of a neighbourhood population.
neighbourhood Concept Plan - A Concept Plan for
a specific neighbourhood.
Noise Exposure Forecast (NEF) - The standard used
to determine noise levels adjacent to airports. NEF's
are based on the frequency of take-offs and landing
patterns, types of aircrafts, and runway alignments.
organic waste - Solid waste that is readily capable
of being biologically degraded, including paper,
food residuals, wood wastes, yard debris, and plant
wastes, but not metals, glass, and plastic.
public assembly uses - A use where large numbers
of individuals collect to participate or to observe
programs of participation.
public realm - Public space that is available and
accessible to everyone, and includes sidewalks,
streets, open space, squares, riverfronts, and other
public spaces.
Riverbank Area - Land within the municipal
boundary of the City of Saskatoon being within 92
metres of the shoreline of the South Saskatchewan
River or on any part of the slope leading down to
said shoreline where the gradient is in excess of
20%, plus 10 metres, whichever extends the greatest
distance measured horizontally from the shoreline.
However, the Riverbank Area does not extend into
the area of land regulated under the provisions of
the Direct Control District 1. (Revised - Bylaw No.
9855 - December 19, 2022)
130
APPENDIX
Sector - An overall residential development
area providing housing, significant employment,
and related facilities for a population unit of
approximately 50,000 to 80,000 persons.
Sector Plan - A comprehensive plan that provides
a broad framework for urban development
and includes the location and size of future
neighbourhoods and/or employment areas, arterial
road alignments, parks, and significant natural areas
and open spaces. A Sector Plan can be undertaken
for a full Sector or other configuration of several
neighbourhoods or employment areas.
trade area requirements - An area of the city
containing the population and purchasing capacity
necessary to support a given retail or commercial
activity.
transit-oriented development - A form and practice
of development that provides a high quality and
livable urban environment that is functional and
attractive, supports new employment and residential
opportunities, and integrates with existing adjacent
neighbourhoods. It is generally described as higher
density mixed use, human scale development, with
an emphasis on providing access to frequent transit
services and facilities and a range of transportation
choices.
transportation demand management - Various
strategies that change travel behavior (how, when,
and where people travel) to increase transport
system efficiency. Specifically, Transportation
Demand Management strategies are used to attempt
to reduce dependency on single-occupant auto trips
and encourage more sustainable travel modes such
as transit, walking, cycling, and carpooling.
wetland - Lands having water at, near, or above the
land surface or land that is saturated with water long
enough to promote wetland or aquatic processes as
indicated by poorly drained soils, aquatic vegetation,
and various kinds of biological activity which are
adapted to a wet environment. Wetlands can hold
water temporarily or permanently, with water levels
fluctuating over the course of a single year and over
many years with climatic cycles.
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 131
APPENDIX
APPENDIX B: PRINCIPLES OF CRIME PREVENTION
THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN
The principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) are described
in the following paragraphs.
(1)
Natural Surveillance
Natural Surveillance is the concept of putting
eyes on the street and making a place
unattractive for potential illegitimate behavior.
Street design, landscaping, lighting, and site
and neighbourhood design all influence the
potential for natural surveillance.
(2) Access Control
Access Control is controlling who goes in and
out of a neighbourhood, park, or building.
Access control includes creating a sense of
ownership for legitimate users by focusing on
formal and informal entry and
exit points.
(3) Image
Image is the appearance of a place and how
this is instrumental in creating a sense of place
or territory for legitimate users of the space. A
place that does not appear to be maintained
or cared for may indicate to criminals that the
place will not be defended and criminal activity
in the area will be tolerated.
(4) Territoriality
Territoriality is the concept of creating and
fostering places that are adopted by the
legitimate users of the space. These legitimate
users take ownership of the space, which
makes it more difficult for people who do
not belong to engage in criminal or nuisance
behavior at that location.
(5) Conflicting User Groups
Conflicting User Groups refers to instances
where different user groups may conflict.
Careful consideration of compatible land uses
and activities can minimize potential conflicts
between groups.
(6) Activity Support
Activity Support is the concept of filling an area
with legitimate users, by facilitating or directly
scheduling activities or events, so potential
offenders cannot offend with impunity. Places
and facilities that are underused can become
locations with the potential for criminal activity.
(7) Crime Generators
Crime Generators are activity nodes that may
generate crime. The location of some land
uses is critical to ensuring an activity does not
increase the opportunities for crime to occur
or reduce users' and residents' perceptions of
their safety in the area.
(8) Land Use Mix
Land use mix is the concept that diversity in
land uses can be a contributor or detractor for
crime opportunities. Separating land uses from
each other can create places that are unused
during certain times of the day.
(9) Movement Predictors
Movement predictors force people, especially
pedestrians and cyclists, along a particular route
or path, without providing obvious alternative
escape routes or strategies for safety. Potential
attackers can predict where persons will end up
once they are on a certain path.
(10) Displacement
Displacement can be positive or negative so it
is critical to understand how crime may move
in time or space and what the impact may
be. In general, the displacement that must be
considered is:
(a) negative displacement - crime movement
makes things worse;
(b)
diffusion of benefits - displacement can
reduce the overall number of crimes
more widely than expected; and
(c) positive displacement - opportunities for
crime are intentionally displaced which
minimizes the impact of the crime.
(11) Cohesion
Cohesion is the supportive relationships and
interactions between all users of a place to
support and maintain a sense of safety. Though
not a specific urban design function, design
can enhance the opportunity for positive
social cohesion by providing physical places
132
APPENDIX
where this can occur, such as activity rooms,
park gazebos, or multi-purpose rooms in
schools and community centres. In some cases,
property owners or building managers can
provide opportunities for social programming.
This will increase the ability of local residents
or users of a space to positively address issues
as they arise.
(12) Connectivity
Connectivity refers to the social and physical
interactions and relationships external to
the site itself. It recognizes that any given
place should not operate in isolation from
surrounding neighbourhoods and/or areas.
Features such as walkways and roadways
connecting a particular land use to the
surrounding neighbourhoods and/or areas can
accomplish this. Features such as centrally
located community centres or program offices
can also encourage activities to enhance this.
(13) Capacity
Capacity is the ability for any given space or
neighbourhood to support its intended use. For
example, excessive quantities of similar land
uses in too small an area, such as abandoned
buildings or bars, can create opportunities for
crime. When a place is functioning either over
or under capacity, it can be detrimental to
neighbourhood safety.
(14) Culture
Culture is the overall makeup and expression
of the users of a place. Also known as
placemaking, it involves artistic, musical,
sports, or other local cultural events to bring
people together in time and purpose. Physical
designs that can encourage this include public
multi-purpose facilities, sports facilities, and
areas that local artists and musicians might
use. Community memorials, public murals,
and other cultural features also enhance this.
These features create a unique context of the
environment and help determine the design
principles and policies that best support the
well-being of all user groups and contribute to
their cohesiveness.
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 133
APPENDIX
APPENDIX C: CITY-WIDE URBAN DESIGN PRINCIPLES
(1)
Design with Nature
Developments shall incorporate, preserve, and
complement all significant natural features,
shall respect the physical capacity of land to
accommodate development, and shall preserve
and promote the urban forest.
(2) Human Scale
Developments shall respect human dimensions,
mobility and perceptions, and shall facilitate
user comfort through appropriate location and
design of outdoor furniture, walkways, open
spaces, lighting, and other related features.
(3) Building Design
Buildings shall achieve a high standard of
design based on the compatibility of new
development with the existing urban pattern,
while accommodating a gradual evolution of
architectural styles and innovative building
forms, providing a built environment aimed at
long-term public benefit.
(4) Open Space
Open Space shall be used to help shape the City,
to provide for a variety of public activities, to
separate incompatible land uses, and to improve
the overall quality of the urban environment.
(5) Streetscapes
The character of the street environment shall
be enhanced through the integrated design
of sites, buildings, streets, and streetscape
improvements.
(6) Views and Vistas
To ensure, wherever possible, that views and
vistas of the built and natural environment are
preserved and enhanced.
(7) Barrier Free Access
New buildings, public spaces, and the
retrofitting of existing buildings shall be
designed to be accessible to all persons, in a
sensitive and unobtrusive manner.
(8) Safety
Publicly accessible spaces shall be designed
for increased safety, provide for improved
surveillance at all times of the day, and include
appropriate lighting.
(9) Art in Public Places
Art shall be promoted in publicly accessible
places, in order to enhance the enjoyment of the
built environment and contribute to the cultural
and historical well-being of the community.
(10) Landscape Design
Landscape design shall be encouraged to
achieve the following objectives:
(a)
incorporate natural features throughout
the city;
(b)
add visual interest to open spaces and
blank facades;
(c)
soften dominant building mass by adding
colour, scale, and texture with natural
elements;
(d)
provide definition to public walkways and
open areas;
(e)
provide a consistent visual image
between adjacent properties along the
streetscape;
(f)
screen aesthetically poor areas from view
using a variety of natural features and
attractive fencing;
(g)
incorporate design features that will
provide protection from excessive wind
and sun;
(h)
enhance the aesthetic appearance of
building setbacks and yard areas;
(i)
minimize the visual impact of parking
and service facilities from adjacent
properties and streets;
(j)
preserve trees and other valuable natural
elements within and surrounding the city;
(k)
minimize conflicts between vehicles and
pedestrians;
(l)
ensure appropriate site drainage; and
(m) create and maintain safe urban
environments.
134
APPENDIX
APPENDIX D: MAPS
MAP 4: LAND USE
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 135
APPENDIX
MAP 5: URBAN FORM AND STRUCTURE
Attridge Drive
25th St
Idylwyld Drive
22nd Street
Preston Avenue
College Drive
Warman Road
8th Street
33rd St
1st
Ave
19th
8th Street
Preston Avenue
22nd Street
College Drive
Circle Drive
Circle
Circle Drive
Circle Drive
Marquis Drive
Drive
Broadway Avenue
McOrmond Drive
McOrmond Drive
COMMUNITY FOCAL POINT
CORRIDOR GROWTH AREA
TRANSIT VILLAGE
EMPLOYMENT AREA
CITY CENTRE
FUTURE EMPLOYMENT AREA
TRANSIT DEVELOPMENT AREA
(Revised - Bylaw No. 10007 - June 28, 2024)
136
APPENDIX
MAP 6: HIGH-FREQUENCY TRANSIT CORRIDOR AND TRANSIT VILLAGES
Attridge Drive
25th St
Idylwyld Drive
22nd Street
Preston Avenue
College Drive
Warman Road
8th Street
1st
Ave
19th
8th Street
Preston Avenue
t
e
e
rt
S
d
n
2
2
McOrmond Drive
McOrmond Drive
College Drive
Circle Drive
Circle
Circle Drive
Circle Drive
HIGH-FREQUENCY TRANSIT CORRIDOR
e
vir
D
siu
q
r
a
M
Drive
t
e
e
rt
S
d
r
3
3
Broadway Avenue
TRANSIT VILLAGE
Pinehouse Dr
Lowe Rd
Briargate
Road
silli
W
Cres
Ave
Betts
BUS RAPID TRANSIT STATION
(Revised - Bylaw No. 9855 - December 19, 2022)
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 137
APPENDIX
MAP 7: SECTOR
RIEL
INDUSTRIAL
CONFEDERATION
BLAIRMORE
LAWSON
CORE
NEIGHBOUR
UNIVERSITY
NUTANA
LAKEWOOD
HOLMWOOD
UNIVERSITY
HEIGHTS
-HOOD
(Revised - Bylaw No. 9855 - December 19, 2022)
138
APPENDIX
MAP 8: FLOOD MAP
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 139
APPENDIX
APPENDIX E: SCHEDULE OF
OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN AMENDMENTS
Bylaw No. 9739
Map Amendment - February 22, 2021
Land Use Map - To change the land use designation from Low Density Residential 1
to Corridor Residential.
(Deputy Minister Approved April 6, 2021)
Bylaw No. 9741
Map Amendment - February 22, 2021
Land Use Map - To change the land use designation from Medium Density Residential
to High Density Residential.
(Deputy Minister Approved April 6, 2021)
Bylaw No. 9776
Text Amendment - September 27, 2021
To clean-up and streamline the policy content applicable to Architectural Control Districts.
(Deputy Minister Approved November 1, 2021)
Bylaw No. 9855
Text Amendment - December 19, 2022
To make minor edits to improve use experience; to make housekeeping amendments
and updates to language.
(Deputy Minister Approved January 16, 2023)
Bylaw No. 9856
Text Amendment - December 19, 2022
To refine the policies to Corridor Planning.
(Deputy Minister Approved January 16, 2023)
Bylaw No. 9883
Map Amendment - April 26, 2023
Land Use Map - To change the land use designation from Residential to Corridor
Main Street.
(Deputy Minister Approved May 18, 2023)
Bylaw No. 9893
Text Amendment - May 31, 2023
To add a new land use designation that facilitates high-density mixed-use development
within and in proximity to the Downtown area.
(Deputy Minister Approved June 20, 2023)
Bylaw No. 9901
Text Amendment - June 28, 2023
To permit expanded forms of commercial development that are complementary to a
golf course community, and to amend the Official Community Plan Land Use Map to
re-designate the land described in the Bylaw from being Under Control of the Corman
Park Saskatoon Planning District to a Direct Control District.
(Deputy Minister Approved July 27, 2023)
Bylaw No. 9916
Map Amendment - August 30, 2023
Land Use Map - To change the land use designation from High Density Residential to
Special Area Commercial; the Downtown and City Centre Map to include the City Centre
boundary; and the Urban Form and Structure Map to include the City Centre boundary.
(Deputy Minister Approved October 13, 2023)
Bylaw No. 9978
Text Amendment - April 24, 2024
To allow garden and garage suites on more sites throughout the City.
(Deputy Minister Approved June 7, 2024)
140
APPENDIX
Bylaw No. 9980
Map Amendment - April 24, 2024
Land Use Map - To change the land use designation from Residential to District Village.
(Deputy Minister Approved June 7, 2024)
Bylaw No. 9999
Map Amendment - June 28, 2024
Land Use Map - To apply the Corridor land use designations to 22nd Street.
(Deputy Minister Approved August 21, 2024)
Bylaw No. 10000 Map Amendment - June 28, 2024
Land Use Map - To apply the Corridor land use designations to Woodlawn.
(Deputy Minister Approved August 21, 2024)
Bylaw No. 10001
Map Amendment - June 28, 2024
Land Use Map - To apply the Corridor land use designations to College.
(Deputy Minister Approved August 21, 2024)
Bylaw No. 10002
Map Amendment - June 28, 2024
Land Use Map - To apply the Corridor land use designations to Nutana.
(Deputy Minister Approved August 21, 2024)
Bylaw No. 10003
Map Amendment - June 28, 2024
Land Use Map - To apply the Corridor land use designations to 8th Street.
(Deputy Minister Approved August 21, 2024)
Bylaw No. 10004 Map Amendment - June 28, 2024
Land Use Map - To apply the Corridor land use designations to Preston.
(Deputy Minister Approved August 21, 2024)
Bylaw No. 10005
Text and Map Amendment - June 28, 2024
To enable future oriented land uses to support corridor development at a future date.
(Deputy Minister Approved August 21, 2024)
Bylaw No. 10007
Text Amendment - June 28, 2024
To allow four dwelling unit on a site in all residential zoning districts and multiple-unit
dwellings within 800 metres of a planned bus rapid transit station.
(Deputy Minister Approved August 21, 2024)
Bylaw No. 10021
Map Amendment - July 31, 2024
Land Use Map - To change the land use designation from Neighbourhood Node
to Residential.
(Deputy Minister Approved August 29, 2024)
Bylaw No. 10023
Map Amendment - July 31, 2024
Land Use Map - To change the land use designation from Direct Control District 2
to Station Mixed Use.
(Deputy Minister Approved August 29, 2024)
Bylaw No. 10030
Map Amendment - August 28, 2024
Land Use Map - To change the land use designation from Low Density Residential 1 to Low
Density Residential; Low Density Residential 1 to High Density Mixed Use; Medium Density
Residential to High Density Mixed Use; and Community Facility to High Density Mixed Use.
(Deputy Minister Approved October 10, 2024)
City of Saskatoon - Official Community Plan 141
APPENDIX
Bylaw No. 10059
Map Amendment - March 26, 2025
Land Use Map - To change the land use designation from Direct Control District to
Corridor Mixed Use; Direct Control District to Station Mixed Use; Direct Control District to
Corridor Residential; and Corridor Main Street to Corridor Residential.
(Deputy Minister Approved April 22, 2025)
Bylaw No. 10062
Text Amendment - March 26, 2025
To permit secondary suites in semi-detached dwellings.
(Deputy Minister Approved April 22, 2025)
Bylaw No. 10064
Text and Map Amendment - March 26, 2025
To use terminology that is consistent with provincial regulations; and add a map of the
flood plain area.
(Deputy Minister Approved April 22, 2025)
Bylaw No. 10067
Map Amendment - April 23, 2025
Land Use Map - To change the land use designation of the land from Residential to
Neighbourhood Node.
(Deputy Minister Approved September 9, 2025)
Bylaw No. 10069
Text and Map Amendment - April 23, 2025
Land Use Map - To change land use designations from Downtown to Park; and Direct Control
District to Park; and include language that aligns with the new City Centre and District Plan.
(Deputy Minister Approved September 9, 2025)
Bylaw No. 10086
Map Amendment - June 25, 2025
Land Use Map - To change the land use designation of the land from Low Density
Residential to Medium Density Residential.
(Deputy Minister Approved August 6, 2025)
Bylaw No. 10104
Map Amendment - August 27, 2025
Land Use Map - To change the land use designation from Light Industrial to Institutional.
(Deputy Minister Approved October 30, 2025)
Bylaw No. 10111
Map Amendment - September 24, 2025
Land Use Map - To change the land use designation from Direct Control District to Light
Industrial.
(Deputy Minister Approved November 10, 2025)
Bylaw No. 10147
Map Amendment - January 28, 2026
Land Use Map - To change the land use designation from Institutional to Medium Density
Residential.
(Deputy Minister Approved February 12, 2026)
Bylaw No. 10149
Map Amendment - January 28, 2026
Land Use Map - To change the land use designation from Corridor Residential to
Community Facility.
(Deputy Minister Approved February 12, 2026)
Bylaw No. 10152
Map Amendment - January 28, 2026
Land Use Map - To change the land use designation from Residential to District Village.
(Deputy Minister Approved February 12, 2026)
142
APPENDIX
Bylaw No. 10177
Map Amendment - May 27, 2026
Land Use Map - To change the land use designation from Medium Density Residential to
High Density Residential.
(Deputy Minister Approved June 30, 2026)
Bylaw No. 10182
Map Amendment - May 27, 2026
Land Use Map - To change the land use designation from Urban Holding to Residential;
and Residential to Urban Holding.
(Deputy Minister Approved June 30, 2026)
INTRODUCTION
saskatoon.ca/ocp
Prepared by
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Revised June 2020