The City of Saskatoon is helping to minimize the financial impact of a new utility bill when the city switches the funding model for waste collection in 2024.
City council on Monday approved a $100 subsidy for eligible low-income households that have a city utility account in their name. The city estimates that this subsidy will serve roughly 1,000 to 1,500 eligible households in a year.
“By introducing a bridging subsidy in 2024, we can hopefully help ease the transition,” Angela Gardiner, general manager of utilities and environment, said in a news release.
“While we know that funding our solid waste collection services through a utility model will have a positive impact on our overall waste reduction and diversion efforts, we also recognize that changes to how municipal services are paid for requires households to adjust their spending.”
Shifting funding for waste collection from property taxes to a utility bill is part of an overhaul of the city’s waste collection system, which is moving to a pay-as-you-throw model using different-size bins. Other initiatives include a city-wide organics program starting next year, which means households will be provided with a green bin for yard and kitchen waste.
The city said details about the subsidy, including eligibility criteria and timelines for implementation, are expected sometime next year.
City council also directed administration to begin working on a broader subsidy program to be ready for 2027.