THE YEAR AHEAD: Clark hopeful for better year in 2022

It has been a tough couple of pandemic years, but Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark believes 2022 could be a turning point.

He’s hoping for what he calls a “more normal” year, which includes a host of city projects either in the works or scheduled to be completed this year.

“In addition to the downtown entertainment district, we have the festival site underway (and) we’re working on a revitalized White Buffalo Youth Lodge as well as a northeast recreation facility,” he explained.

Along with those projects, city council recently approved the construction of a new solar farm near Circle Drive and Dundonald Avenue. Once completed, it will be able to power around 330 homes.

“We’re making continued record infrastructure investments in our roads, our sidewalks (and) our water pipes to ensure that our infrastructure is ready for a changing climate,” he said.

In early December, city council approved a billion-dollar, two-year budget that will see property taxes go up by 3.86 per cent in 2022 and 3.53 per cent in 2023.

It means the average homeowner with a home valued at around $344,000 will pay an extra $74 this year and $70 more next year.

Clark is also hoping 2022 will bring more concerts, events, conferences and tourists back to the city.

And conversations about community safety, addictions, homelessness and reconciliation remain high on his list.

“The more we can do that, the more I think we can really be proud of the city … and build a strong future for everybody here,” Clark said.

For residents who are tired and worn out from the pandemic, Clark said he understands, but also believes there’s reason to be hopeful.

“I do feel a sense of optimism about 2022,” he said. “We have so much to be proud of in our city.”