Saskatoon reverses course and says ‘giddyup’ to temporary horse-drawn sleigh permit

Sleigh bells will ring in Saskatoon’s winter wonderland after all.

Less than two weeks after a presentation by Jackie Pilon to the city’s Transportation Committee, an agreement is being worked out to allow for her husband, former NHLer Rich Pilon, to operate a horse-drawn carriage business this winter.

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It was two years ago, on Dec. 5, 2023, that the Pilons applied to the city of Saskatoon, hoping to get a business license for Rich’s horse-drawn carriage operation. It wasn’t until more than a year later that he was informed his application “had not proceeded.”

Pilon has previously operated at special events in Saskatoon, in a variety of small towns in northern Saskatchewan, including Ile-a-la-Crosse, and at Batoche Days.

Matt Grazier, director of community standards, said what they’ve done is figure out how to issue a temporary permit, likely until the springtime.

“(It) could be issued for a limited period of time, and upon ending this temporary permit, the city would look at the results, how this business was able to operate during that time, and then those results would help inform considerations on a potential permanent policy consideration on uses of this type,” he explained.

There will be rules on where the carriage can travel – which will likely be limited to the downtown area, keeping “organic matter” on city streets to a minimum, and perhaps even days or times of operation.

“It’s our hope to have it (the permit) issued as soon as possible, so we’ll have this report go to council next Wednesday. Then our goal will be to have it issued definitely before the end of this year,” he said.

A horse-drawn carriage business also operated around Saskatoon’s downtown for years before Pilon bought it from the owner. But Grazier said there’s no record of the previous operator ever having a business license in Saskatoon.

He said they believe the person may have gotten a business license outside of Saskatoon.

“There are a number of similar businesses that may cart horses via trailer to private property, be it churches, or schools or even special events, so I’m sure there’s a number of similar uses being undertaken in slightly different contexts,” he said.

The horse-drawn carriage operation would also be considered a pilot project, and depending on the outcome, the city may consider whether to grant Pilon a permanent business license.

City council will have the final say at its next meeting on Dec. 17.

A request for an interview with Rich Pilon has been made; no response was received by the time of publication.