The City of Saskatoon has set a goal for itself of becoming the best managed city in Canada. Driving that engine are what the city describes as innovate projects, initiatives and partnerships that City teams have undertaken in the past year. There are a wide variety of services that have been implemented. There is a 24 hour, seven day a week customer care centre offering phone, email, and social media contact. A Workplace transformation project empowers employees with the right tools, systems, and processes to do their jobs efficiently and effectively.
Fusion is an internal, City-wide initiative designed to prepare for future growth, ensure sustainability, and serve the changing needs of citizens. In the first six years, Fusion is expected to provide $40 million in financial and efficiency savings. After that, ongoing savings of approximately $10 million per year are expected.
The city holds up its first Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget for 2020 and 2021 as a process that provides greater certainty for residents about future property taxes, gives better alignment with the City’s longer-term goals, and improves transparency, financial stability, and accountability.
An Indigenous Technical Advisory Group was established to engage Indigenous communities in meaningful dialogue on decisions that may impact them.
The city is moving towards elimination of the Leisure Guide by spring 2021, opting instead for online delivery.
Last year, the city managed to make all of its buses 100 per cent accessible. Saskatoon Transit has also implemented the “Class Pass,” offering free bus service for class field trips for all grades K to 12.