Saskatoon Leads!

After three years of looking at what makes a city great, Corporate Knights (an independent Canadian-based media company that publishes the world's largest circulation magazine with an explicit focus on coporate responsibility), has found that the lives of Canadians are deeply affected by how well their cities address their needs.  According to their research, Saskatoon has retained 2nd place in the annual Canadian sustainable cities ranking in 2009 (in the smaller cities category).  Saskatoon also outperformed larger cities such as Hamilton, Montreal and Winnipeg, overall. 

(Business View Magazine - Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce)

Saskatoon's strong affordable housing programs support low-income home-owners and projects through tax exemptions.  The city also prioritizes city reviews for approved affordable houseing projects.  These projects translate into a reality where Saskatoon residents spend about 18 percent of their annual income on shelter, whereas in Charlottetown it is as much as 25 percent.

According to the Conference Board of Canada, Saskatoon and Regina are once again expected to lead the way in economic growth among 13 major cities in 2009. After growing by a nation-leading seven percent last year, Saskatoon's economy will increase by 1.7 percent in 2009.  Regina's economy, which grew by 5.3 percent in 2008, will be right behind Saskatoon with a projected 1.6 percent growth in 2009.  Strong in-migration into both Saskatchewan cities will continue to support housing construction activity and demand for services, the report said.  Unlike many provinces, which are running deficits and cutting government jobs, the Saskatchewan Government is running a balanced budget and preserving jobs. (excerpt from Saskatoon Home Magazine)