A preview of Saskatoon’s first climate budget will be presented to the Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services Committee on Wednesday, ahead of the full budget deliberations beginning November 28th. Director of Sustainability, Jeanna South, explains that there will be more costs up front when working to lower greenhouse gases, but she believes in the future, these measures will make the city more resilient and efficient while also meeting climate commitments.

The report to the Environment Committee says some of the projects, if approved, are Bus Rapid Transit and electrification, water-saving and irrigation upgrades at parks, civic facility improvements, and managing the long-term viability of the landfill. If projects aren’t funded in this budget, they will be reconsidered in the next budget cycle. The sustainability initiatives are funded by a mix of operating, utility fees, reserves, loans and grants.

A report from ClimateWest estimates by 2050 the direct annual economic impacts of climate change in Saskatchewan will be $3.1 billion, or $1,875 per capita.