Saskatoon Residents Willing to Pay More to Tackle Homelessness

A recent survey indicates that a significant portion of Saskatoon residents are willing to invest more in efforts to combat homelessness, reflecting growing concern over this pressing issue. Conducted by Forum Research Inc. from July 11 to September 2, 2023, the survey reveals that 35% of respondents identified homelessness as the top issue facing the city, a notable increase of 12 percentage points from the previous year. This marks the third consecutive year that homelessness has ranked first in the city hall survey.

Concerns About Crime and Housing

The survey, which included 398 participants, found that the top three issues remained consistent with previous years, largely interconnected with challenges related to homelessness and addiction. 21% of respondents cited crime, safety, and policing as their primary concern, while 11% pointed to housing. Other significant issues included drug addiction and the opioid crisis, along with concerns about property taxes and city spending, both at 10%. Road maintenance and snow removal were noted by 9%.

A compelling finding from the survey showed that nearly two-thirds of residents are open to increasing their monthly contributions to address homelessness. Specifically, 31% indicated a willingness to pay between $5 and $9, while 28% are prepared to contribute $15 or more each month.

Shared Responsibility and City Action

The survey also highlighted public sentiment regarding the responsibility for addressing homelessness. Just under three-quarters of participants believe the city should enhance support for those without shelter, yet only 2% view city hall as the sole entity responsible for the issue. A majority, 63%22% see it as primarily a provincial issue.

In light of these findings, nearly 80% of respondents advocate for increased resources directed toward tackling homelessness, with 73% calling for more efforts to boost housing supply. The city council plans to consider these survey results during its governance and priority committee meeting on Wednesday. Historically, this survey has influenced budget decisions within the city.

As Saskatoon faces a proposed property tax increase of 8.23% for the upcoming year, the council will finalize the budget on November 25, 2023, which could also impose a 5.95% increase in 2027 if no amendments are made.

The survey further indicates that 68% of residents have made significant lifestyle changes to cope with the ongoing housing crisis. Approximately half have contemplated relocating to more affordable areas, either outside of Saskatoon or to different neighborhoods within the city.

Perceptions of safety also emerged, with 82% of residents rating crime levels in Saskatoon as either somewhat (51%) or very (30%) high. Despite these concerns, 58% of respondents reported feeling somewhat (41%) or very (17%) safe in the city. More than three-quarters rated their neighborhoods as safe, although satisfaction with city hall communication has dropped to 66%86%% in 2021.

The results of this survey underscore the urgent need for action regarding homelessness and associated issues in Saskatoon, as residents express a readiness to contribute to solutions that can foster a more stable community.