Latest news with #CynthiaBlock
CTV News
2 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Saskatoon's Mayor on keeping costs down
Saskatoon's Mayor on keeping costs down Saskatoon Mayor Cynthia Block on the challenges of inflation and population growth when crafting the city budget
CTV News
28-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
‘It's devastating' Saskatoon homeless count finds staggering rise in unhoused children
The city of Saskatoon's most recent point in time (PIT) count shows that the unhoused population has nearly tripled in two years, with a total of 1,499. 'It's devastating. It's heartbreaking. It's unacceptable. And it's a call to action,' said Saskatoon mayor, Cynthia Block. Conducted last October, over 200 volunteers counted and surveyed individuals experiencing homelessness. Now, the findings of that count have been analyzed and broken down for public use. One of the most notable findings includes the 315 children (aged 0-12) who were counted. This is a staggering jump from the previous count two years prior, which accounted for 26 children. 'We've got we don't change this now, in the next ten years, they'll still be in the same situation and potentially their kids. The system will just continue,' Chief Mark Arcand, of the Saskatoon Tribal Council said. Lesley Anderson, director of planning & development for the City of Saskatoon shared that during the count, efforts were made to check in with transitional supportive housing. Many of these facilities served children, who reported being unhoused. 'That has a very limited time frame. That's typically a 90 day stay. So it's not secure. It's not long term. It doesn't provide for that stability. But we do know that there are both children that are on the street, that are with either their families or some alone,' In addition to the children counted, 175 youth (aged 13-24) were counted. Here are the results broken down by age: 21 percent Children (0-12) 11.71 percent youth (13-24) 50.1 percent adults (25-64) 1.7 percent seniors (65+) 15.5 percent did not specify Another concerning statistic is the fact that 80 percent of those experiencing homelessness are Indigenous. This is a staggering over representation compared to the fact that the Indigenous population makes up only 12 percent of Saskatoon's population. 'This is not an Indigenous issue. This is a community issue. This is a provincial issue. This is a national issue, but it is all of us. Unless or until people have housing, have homes, have those wraparound supports, this isn't going to change and it is unacceptable,' Block said. When it comes to the contributing factors which lead to those surveyed being unhoused, various health challenges were reported: 82.3 percent dealing with substance abuse issues 60.6 percent experienced mental health issues 57.3 percent living with illness or medical condition 48 percent have a physical limitation 39.2 have a learning or cognitive limitation Anderson added that the stories of each person surveyed were unique. But there were some common themes in terms of how individuals found themselves without shelter. 'Evictions were noted as the main factor contributing to homelessness. While insufficient income is also a contributor for many,' Anderson said While the results are alarming, Block expressed that the report itself is crucial when it comes to implementing change. 'When we have truth, we can do better because we understand the problem like this one are actually helpful because it does help us understand what the real problem is. It does help us understand that we may need to pivot in order to achieve what is necessary,' Block said. Officials in attendance all agreed that the results of the PIT count display a clear need for systemic change. 'We have to change a system. We have to have partners and people that are willing to roll up their sleeves and have the tough discussions,' Arcand said. Premier Scott Moe spoke to the topic during a press conference on Tuesday morning, where he expressed concern over the fact that over 80 percent of those counted reported dealing with addiction issues. 'We need to take a very holistic approach in providing recovery opportunities for those individuals. Enforcing the law when it comes to individuals that are bringing those poisons into our communities. And providing assisted, supportive, transitional housing for those that are making every effort in their recovery journey,' Moe said. Mayor Block expressed that the necessary solutions to the problem will require action from all levels of government. 'Municipalities are on the front lines of homelessness, but we do not have all the tools to solve it. We don't do health care, we don't do social services. These are the primary responsibilities of the provincial government, and we are working earnestly with them to help to frame a different way forward,' Block said. Arcand added that these numbers are showing a need for change, and there will need to be collaboration from various organizations in order to see that happen. 'It's like a cry for help. In my opinion, when we almost triple in two years I look at it failures about how we can change systems. But it takes an investment to help people,' Arcand said.
CTV News
15-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Saskatoon mayor plots new path forward in state of the city address
WATCH: Cynthia Block spoke to business leaders in Saskatoon Wednesday afternoon during her first state of the city address.
CBC
14-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
Saskatoon mayor gives 1st 'State of the City' address, acknowledges growing issue of homelessness
Saskatoon Mayor Cynthia Block delivered her first "State of the City" address on Wednesday. Addressing members of the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce over lunch at TCU Place, she started off by touting the city's strengths, like its low unemployment rate and ongoing regional co-operation to drive development in the area. But Block, who was elected mayor in November, also talked about one of the city's biggest challenges — the growing homeless population. During a question-and-answer session, the chamber's CEO Jason Aebig asked Block if she was satisfied with the progress on homelessness so far. The mayor said that no, she's not. "I think it would be impossible to be the leader of the city and say that it's OK what we are seeing in the streets of Saskatoon today," she said. "And it doesn't make me feel any better to know that other cities have it worse, or that all cities are facing a crisis of homelessness." Block said she is encouraged by the federal government's housing accelerator fund, calling the 757 units that can be created under it an "enormous help." She also said she's grateful for the province's stated commitment to helping people access addictions recovery supports. "I'm also wondering, though, what happens to the folks that aren't ready for that recovery yet? How are we supporting them?" she said. Block said it's important for all levels of government to work together and spoke about the city's homelessness action plan, developed by the city, Saskatoon Tribal Council, Métis Nation-Saskatchewan and the Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership. She said the city is "working urgently" with the province to create a new drop-in centre. New affordable housing is also on the way, "but housing takes time," she said.
CBC
07-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
Saskatoon moves to break with province on home energy efficiency standards
Social Sharing A city council committee decision could mean home builders in Saskatoon facing stricter energy efficiency standards compared to the rest of the province. A report from city staff recommended Saskatoon return to a higher standard of energy efficiency building codes after the Saskatchewan government loosened province-wide regulations in April. On Wednesday, the city's planning, development and community services committee voted in favour of the recommendation to regulate housing and small building energy efficiency standards above what's required by the province. City council will make the final decision. Reverting to lower standards jeopardizes the city's goal to reduce Saskatoon's greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050 and have all new homes net-zero by 2036, according to the report. Mayor Cynthia Block supported the move back to higher efficiency standards. "I have no interest in rolling it back," Block said during the committee meeting. "I'm glad that we'll be aligned with our low emissions community plan and foundationally, this will make it less expensive for homeowners." Construction is regulated through provincial codes and acts, but municipalities are tasked with enforcing those regulations. The city wants to return to the Tier 2 level in the system outlined in the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings, which sets design and construction requirements for new buildings. In January 2024, the province set Tier 2 as the minimum energy efficient standard for homes and small buildings. Earlier this year, the province announced it would revert to Tier 1 standards to lower development costs and encourage construction. The city report stated Tier 2 requirements cost about an extra $1,000 to $3,000 per home compared to Tier 1, but the more energy-efficient homes save about $300 on bills annually. Tariffs causing 'significant concern' for construction businesses in Saskatchewan 3 months ago Duration 2:43 Shannon Frieson, CEO of the Construction Association of Saskatchewan, said tariffs are a significant concern for the construction industry, which she says contributes more than six per cent to the provincial GDP. Saskatoon and Region Home Builders' Association CEO Nicole Burgess said members are divided about what the city should do, but did raise concerns about creating two sets of regulations for home builders working in Saskatoon and outside of the city. Regulation isn't the only way to ensure energy efficiency standards, Burgess told the committee. "Incentive programs and consumer demand can play a powerful role in encouraging the adoption of higher tiers," she said. "This isn't about right and wrong, but it is about finding the right balance between thoughtful regulation and the realities of the market." Tier 2 standards can improve energy efficiency by 10 per cent per household compared to Tier 1, or roughly the same as taking 274 cars off the road, according to the city report.
