AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 30, 2026
Saskatoon Council Endorses Large-Scale Rezoning Effort
The Saskatoon city council has approved a sweeping series of zoning changes that will pave the way for mixed-use developments on 35 properties across 12 neighbourhoods. This decision, made Wednesday night, enables buildings as high as seven storeys, combining both residential and commercial components along proposed high-frequency transit corridors.
Community Expresses Concerns About Changes on Preston Avenue
During the council meeting, several residents voiced apprehensions about the dramatic changes, especially in areas near Preston Avenue. Glen Royer, a resident living near the corridor, vividly described how new six or seven-storey buildings would overlook existing bungalows, raising privacy issues for neighbours. Royer also noted the neighbourhood's current character, highlighting the presence of high schools, seniors complexes, and a shopping mall contributing to existing congestion.
Controversial Property Removed from Rezoning List
A particular property across from Walter Murray Collegiate attracted notable opposition from community members. Concerns included increased traffic congestion and further disruption near the high school. Ultimately, the rezoning request for this property was withdrawn by its owner, granting opponents a partial victory. City council subsequently removed this property from the list, but proceeded to approve rezoning for the remaining 35 properties.
Debate Among Council Members and Community Stakeholders
City councillors fielded questions late into the meeting, discussing the impact of the proposed property rezoning. Councillor Bev Dubois sought to exclude four properties further south on Preston Avenue, citing feedback from around 50 residents opposed to the changes. However, council voted down her motion. Similarly, Councillor Senos Timon unsuccessfully attempted to remove two properties in his ward following public complaints. Only Dubois, Timon, and Councillor Scott Ford supported these removals, with the rest of council in opposition.
Council heard from a total of ten speakers, most of whom voiced concerns regarding the now-withdrawn property near Walter Murray. Additional letters were submitted: five focused on Preston Avenue with four opposed to rezoning there, and eight others voiced broad support for the development, though most supportive letters came from outside the directly affected neighbourhoods.
Aim: Increased Urban Density Along Transit Corridors
The rezoning aligns with the city’s broader goal to boost residential and commercial density along major, high-frequency bus routes. Saskatoon's planning vision already allows for six-storey residential buildings along these transit corridors, and the latest approval extends that to mixed-use complexes up to seven storeys on opted-in properties. This shift is expected to alter the character of these neighbourhoods and is intended to support urban growth tied to public transportation expansion.
Addressing Community and Urban Growth Concerns
Local residents such as Jocelyn Zurevinsky argued that neighbourhoods near Preston Avenue have already absorbed substantial changes and warned that additional businesses would place further strain on the area. Zurevinsky also criticized the use of "NIMBY" (not in my backyard) rhetoric for dismissing community concerns about urban density. These sentiments underline ongoing debates over the city's growth strategy and the impact of densification on established communities.
Source: cbc.ca.
