Saskatoon’s regional population may top one million people in 50 years

SASKATOON – The City of Saskatoon is looking 50 years into the future with the release of a proposed regional growth plan.

The plan would see the city working with Martensville, Warman, Osler, the R.M of Corman Park, First Nations and other stakeholders on planning for the growth of the region.

“To be properly prepared for the future, we need to develop a plan with a longer-term view, for a regional population of one million or more within 50 years,” said City Manager Murray Totland.

Saskatoon’s current population is 246,300, an increase of 10,000 in the past year and one of the fastest growth rates in the city’s history.

The number jumps to over 284,000 when the census metropolitan area is included.

Last year, the city adopted a strategic plan to prepare the city for a population of 500,000.

“The pressures of rapid urban and rural population growth are a challenge for all the communities in the area. To meet these challenges effectively and enhance the quality of life for everyone in the region, we all have to work together,” said Totland.

With the strongest growth north of the city, Totland said the plan would include a long-range urban growth boundary that would include the anticipated 50-year growth of Martensville, Warman and Osler.

“This is an exciting time for everyone in the Saskatoon area,” said Totlan.

“There is great potential for our shared future and we must plan for success.”

City council will receive a report on July 17 outlining the first step toward a new regional planning framework.