Saskatoon forecasts $4.5M mid-year deficit as snow costs rise

The latest numbers from a report to the City of Saskatoon’s Finance Committee show a mid-year forecast deficit of $4.5 million.

Clae Hack, chief financial officer, delivered a brief presentation to councillors on Wednesday, with the city’s snow and ice management program forecasting a $3 million deficit.

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“Largely due to the extended winter and snowfall in the first half of 2026, which saw snow up until the May long weekend,” he said.

“The remaining civic budget is currently projecting an additional $1.5 million deficit,” he added, noting the potential total deficit would then be $4.5 million.

Hack said that although almost all city departments and areas are within their approved expenditure budgets, shortfalls in some of the city’s general revenues, such as fines and penalties, franchise fees and grants in lieu, are putting more pressure on the city’s ability to have a balanced budget for 2026.

He said the city will be focused for the rest of the year on addressing and reducing any potential deficit.

“However, if realized, the city would look to rely on the snow and ice management contingency reserve and fiscal stabilization reserve, which have current balances of $8.6 million and $16.3 million, respectively,” he explained.

He said those reserves were created and funded specifically for years when deficits are realized.

‘My Property’ online portal expected to launch in October

During the same meeting, Mike Voth, director of corporate revenue, described a new online portal called “My Property.”

The service, which is expected to launch in early October, will give both commercial and residential property owners instant digital access to their official City notices, including assessment, utility and property tax information.

“It’s an optional service, meaning no one will be required to use it, but it does come at no cost to the customer,” he explained.

Voth said one of the key focuses was emphasizing cybersecurity and encryption and making sure it can be used on common browsers and devices such as laptops, tablets, mobile phones and desktop computers.

Existing City of Saskatoon customers may have already received a unique access code on their bills over the last few months.

“It essentially links your individual customer number to that access code, and allows for the information in CIS (City Information System) to flow through to the portal,” he added.

Historical billing will be available for the last two years for utilities and seven years for property taxes and assessments.

Voth said there currently isn’t an ability to pay bills through the site, although that is planned for a future phase, and paper billing will remain an option for those who choose it.

The goal is also for My Property to eventually replace the current e-billing option.

Voth also told councillors there were no capital project costs because it was designed, implemented and tested in-house.