Saskatoon's Homelessness Levy: A Tough Sell for Taxpayers, City Manager Says Not Happening Soon

Alright, let's talk about something that hits close to home for many of us: taxes. Specifically, the notion of a brand-new tax. In Saskatoon, the conversation recently turned to a potential property tax levy aimed at tackling the city's persistent homelessness crisis. But if you were expecting to see that particular charge pop up on your next bill anytime soon, well, you might want to adjust your expectations.

According to City Manager Jeff Jorgenson, such a levy simply isn't in the cards for the foreseeable future. He's been pretty clear on this point. While everyone acknowledges the critical need to address homelessness – it’s a pressing issue, no doubt – adding another burden to property owners right now seems like a bridge too far for City Hall. And honestly, who can blame them for being cautious?

Jorgenson points to a municipal plate that's already overflowing. We're talking about big-ticket items like potential police budget increases, the ambitious Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, and the ever-present discussions around a new downtown arena. Each of these carries its own financial weight, potentially pushing property tax increases higher than many residents would be comfortable with. Imagine trying to fold in another significant percentage increase, just for homelessness, on top of all that. It’s a tough sell, to say the least.

The recommendation for a homelessness levy, by the way, came from the Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) and was backed by the Mayor's Task Force on Homelessness. They suggested a modest-sounding 1% increase on property taxes, which they estimated could generate a much-needed $3 million to $4 million annually. That kind of money could genuinely make a difference in supporting various initiatives, from housing programs to mental health services.

However, the city manager also raises a fundamental question: Is property tax truly the right mechanism for funding social services like combating homelessness? He leans towards seeing this as more of a provincial and even federal responsibility, emphasizing the need for sustained funding from higher levels of government. It’s a fair point, highlighting the complex web of jurisdiction and funding that often characterizes social challenges.

Mayor Charlie Clark, while acknowledging the very real difficulties of introducing new taxes, has been supportive of exploring all possible funding avenues. He understands the urgency. The interim report from the Mayor's Task Force made it abundantly clear that addressing homelessness requires significant, sustained investment. The issue isn't going away, and the human cost is immeasurable. But, as he notes, getting the public to embrace yet another tax hike – even for such a vital cause – is a political and financial tightrope walk.

So, for now, it seems the immediate future for tackling homelessness in Saskatoon won't involve a specific property tax levy. The conversation, however, is far from over. It's a clear signal that while the city recognizes the problem's severity, the path to sustainable funding is going to be a long, complicated one, requiring collaboration and commitment from all levels of government, and perhaps, a fresh look at how we collectively fund our most crucial social safety nets.