Make an Impact
We’re halfway to 2050, in the middle of the decisive decade when it comes to climate change. The City of Saskatoon is behind on its Climate Action Plan but they have the opportunity to make a change during budget deliberations this November. Your voice makes all the difference! Send a postcard urging the Mayor and Council to get the Climate Action Plan back on track with the 2026-2027 Multi-Year Budget. Since the city only sets its budget every two years, this is a key time to speak up for people and the planet.
What is the Climate Action Plan?
The Climate Action Plan is Saskatoon’s roadmap to reducing emissions and adapting to climate change. It’s currently being updated to chart a path towards reaching net zero by 2050. (Net zero is when the amount of greenhouse gases going into the atmosphere is equal to the amount being removed.) This is a positive step forward! But, the city is behind on much of the original plan. Without sufficient funding, the Climate Action Plan update will become an empty exercise.
If implemented properly, the Climate Action Plan would:
- Make houses more efficient and cheaper to heat and cool.
- Diversify and grow the economy.
- Improve active and public transit.
- Connect and revitalize green spaces.
- Make our city more healthy, resilient, and equitable.
How Does the Saskatoon Multi-Year Budget Work?
Every two years, the Mayor and Council vote on how much to spend on city-run services and initiatives—everything from the police to the library to road maintenance. The Administration (people working for the city) develop different budget options for the Mayor and Council to consider. The City’s Multi-Year Budget website explains: “These options will be made public on the City Council’s Preliminary 2026/2027 Budget Agenda released November 19, 2025. Final budget decisions will be made by City Council during its 2026/2027 Budget deliberations scheduled for November 25–27, 2025.” Learn more about the budget here.
How to Send a Postcard for Progress
You can pick up a free postcard from: Saskatoon Makerspace, Turning the Tide Bookstore, Reclaim Maternity Baby Kids, and Mend Repair Cafe. (Mend Repair Cafe is currently happening on Saturdays from 1-4 pm at Saskatoon Makerspace.) You can also pick one up at our next Bite-size Change on Nov 16 (learn more and RSVP here)!
To make sure your message gets considered during budget deliberation, we recommend you submit a picture of it to the budget agenda using this city’s “Submit a Letter” form. Do this between Nov 19 at 4 pm and Nov 24 at 5 pm! If you’d like to speak for up to 5 minutes at budget deliberations, you can indicate that in the form. It is best to do this early so a representative of the City Clerk’s Office can contact you with more information.
If you’re not sure what to write, feel free to copy and/or adapt our example message below. Transportation makes up 35% of Saskatoon’s total emissions, so we’re asking folks to encourage City Council to fund the Active Transportation Plan. We’re also asking people to encourage the City to fund the solar panels and deep energy retrofits proposed for municipal buildings. This will help Saskatoon reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. You are welcome to use the postcards to advocate for other initiatives in the budget as well, like funding the PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) program! The HELP (Home Energy Loan) program is a part of PACE. The preliminary budget shows that the city isn’t planning to put any more money towards this until 2028.
Sharing Your Thoughts
Postcards can be dropped off at City Hall or mailed to:
City Clerk’s Office
222 3 Ave N
Saskatoon SK S7K 0J5
Lastly, consider asking three people you know to send letters as well!
Will this Really Make a Difference?
The Mayor and Council are here to serve YOU. In the past, hearing that constituents support climate action has helped pass some significant bylaws. For example, in 2024 city council passed zoning changes that would increase housing density after hundreds of residents submitted letters about the Housing Accelerator Fund. With enough public support, we can make the 2026-2027 Multi-Year Budget one that makes a positive impact for years to come!
Art by Brianna Rose.
Made possible with the support of The Youth Harbour
Made possible with the support of The Youth Harbour