Saskatoon mayoral candidate Block lays out affordability plan for rapidly growing city [Video]

Saskatoon mayoral candidate Cynthia Block says the city needs a new deal with Ottawa to keep life affordable.

Block unveiled her platform of affordability efforts Monday morning, saying municipal governments are being asked to pay more than ever before, with limited ways to raise revenue.

“When a fire engine costs $800,000 in 2020 and today costs $1.8 million, it’s just one example of how cities are taking on a disproportionate burden of inflation,” Block said.

“That makes it increasingly difficult to manage budgets and maintain services without passing those costs along to taxpayers. We need a new deal with Ottawa to create a more efficient procurement strategy and baseline funding for things like transit.”

With Saskatoon’s population exceeding 300,000 people last year, Block says the city could grow beyond 400,000 in the next three years. She said smart growth that keeps life affordable will be key, as population growth puts added pressure on “basic infrastructure” like transit …