thestarphoenix.com
Open in
urlscan Pro
34.117.147.204
Public Scan
URL:
https://thestarphoenix.com/opinion/columnists/phil-tank-forget-taxes-survey-says-homelessness-top-saskatoon-issue
Submission: On June 20 via api from CA — Scanned from CA
Submission: On June 20 via api from CA — Scanned from CA
Form analysis 4 forms found in the DOM
/search/
<form class="site-search__form site-search__form--hidden"
data-evt-val="{"form_name": "Search", "control_fields": {"mparticle": {"keys": {"form_name": "form_name"}, "mp_event_type": "Other"}}}" action="/search/"
data-evt="focusin" data-evt-typ="form_interaction" id="site-search__form"><label class="visually-hidden" for="id_search_text">Search thestarphoenix.com</label>
<div class="search-form form__group" data-aqa="form-search"><input class="form__control js-site-search-input" placeholder="Search thestarphoenix.com" id="id_search_text" name="search_text" required=""><button
class="button button--primary button--icon site-search__form-submit"><span aria-hidden="true" class="button__icon"><svg viewBox="0 0 32 32" height="16" width="16">
<path
d="M 12 1 C 5.9418624 1 1 5.9418624 1 12 C 1 18.058138 5.9418624 23 12 23 C 14.250876 23 16.345333 22.314679 18.091797 21.146484 L 27.939453 30.994141 A 2.0002 2.0002 0 1 0 30.767578 28.166016 L 20.957031 18.355469 C 22.23773 16.557441 23 14.367054 23 12 C 23 5.9418624 18.058138 1 12 1 z M 12 3.8691406 C 16.507309 3.8691406 20.130859 7.4926906 20.130859 12 C 20.130859 16.507309 16.507309 20.130859 12 20.130859 C 7.4926906 20.130859 3.8691406 16.507309 3.8691406 12 C 3.8691406 7.4926906 7.4926906 3.8691406 12 3.8691406 z">
</path>
</svg> </span> <span class="button__text visually-hidden">Perform search</span></button></div>
</form>/search/
<form data-evt-val="{"form_name": "Search", "control_fields": {"mparticle": {"keys": {"form_name": "form_name"}, "mp_event_type": "Other"}}}" action="/search/"
class="search-form--lg" data-evt="focusin" data-evt-typ="form_interaction" data-header-search-mobile-component=""><label class="visually-hidden" for="id_search_text_top">Search thestarphoenix.com</label>
<div class="search-form form__group" data-aqa="form-search"><input class="form__control js-site-search-input" placeholder="Search thestarphoenix.com" id="id_search_text_top" name="search_text" required=""><button
class="button button--primary button--icon site-search__form-submit"><span aria-hidden="true" class="button__icon"><svg viewBox="0 0 32 32" height="16" width="16">
<path
d="M 12 1 C 5.9418624 1 1 5.9418624 1 12 C 1 18.058138 5.9418624 23 12 23 C 14.250876 23 16.345333 22.314679 18.091797 21.146484 L 27.939453 30.994141 A 2.0002 2.0002 0 1 0 30.767578 28.166016 L 20.957031 18.355469 C 22.23773 16.557441 23 14.367054 23 12 C 23 5.9418624 18.058138 1 12 1 z M 12 3.8691406 C 16.507309 3.8691406 20.130859 7.4926906 20.130859 12 C 20.130859 16.507309 16.507309 20.130859 12 20.130859 C 7.4926906 20.130859 3.8691406 16.507309 3.8691406 12 C 3.8691406 7.4926906 7.4926906 3.8691406 12 3.8691406 z">
</path>
</svg> </span> <span class="button__text visually-hidden">Perform search</span></button></div>
</form>POST
<form hx-swap="innerHTML transition:true" class="identity-form" hx-post="/p/sign-in-or-sign-up/" hx-target="#auth-screen-form" id="blockerSignInOrSignUpForm" method="post" novalidate="">
<div class="loginradius--form-element-content content-loginradius-emailid form-container__field"><label class="form__label" for="id_emailid">Email Address</label><input class="form__control col-xs-12" aria-required="true" id="id_emailid"
maxlength="320" name="emailid" placeholder="youremail@emailaddress.com" required="" type="email"></div><button class="loginradius-submit submit-loginradius-login button button--secondary button--span"
data-evt-val="{"control_fields": {"mparticle": {"keys": {"click_source_type": "click_source_type", "anchor_text": "anchor_text", "layout_section": "layout_section"}, "mp_event_type": "Navigation", "extra_keys": ["click_vertical_position_percentage", "click_vertical_position_pixels"]}}, "click_source_type": "button", "anchor_text": "Continue", "layout_section": "login_or_register"}"
data-evt="click" data-evt-typ="click"><span class="button__text">Continue</span></button>
</form>#
<form aria-describedby="submitErrorSP_HeadlineNews submitSuccessSP_HeadlineNews" class="js-newsletter-form form-container newsletter-widget__form__new-story-page"
data-evt-val="{"form_name": "Newsletter", "control_fields": {"mparticle": {"keys": {"form_name": "form_name"}, "mp_event_type": "Other"}}}" action="#"
data-evt="focusin" data-evt-typ="form_interaction" novalidate="">
<div class="form-container__field__new-story-page js-newsletter-email__field"><input aria-label="Email Address" class="form__control js-newsletter-email" aria-describedby="emailErrorSP_HeadlineNews" aria-invalid="false" aria-required="true"
autocomplete="email" id="emailSP_HeadlineNews" name="newsletterEmailSP_HeadlineNews" placeholder="youremail@email.com" required="" type="email">
<div class="form-container__message--error js-invalid-email" hidden="" id="emailErrorSP_HeadlineNews">
<ul class="errorlist">
<li>There was an error, please provide a valid email address.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div><button class="button button--broadsheets">Sign Up</button>
</form>Text Content
Skip to Content
LIMITED-TIME SALE! Unlimited access for only $3 for 3 months. Act Now>>
LIMITED-TIME SALE! Unlimited access for only $3 for 3 months. Act Now>>
Sections
Search
Search thestarphoenix.com
Perform search
Share
Share this Story : Phil Tank: Forget taxes; survey says homelessness top
Saskatoon issue
* Copy Link
* Email
* X
* Reddit
* Pinterest
* LinkedIn
* Tumblr
Subscribe for $3
Sign In
User My Account
Search thestarphoenix.com
Perform search
* Subscribe
* FAQ
* My Account
* Manage My Subscription
* Our Offers
* News
* Local News
* Saskatchewan
* Provincial Politics
* Health
* Sexual Health
* National
* True Crime
* World
* Weather
* Archives
* 2024 Saskatchewan wildfires
* Send a Letter to the Editor
* Sports
* U of S Huskies
* Saskatoon Hilltops
* Saskatoon Blades
* NHL
* PWHL
* Saskatchewan Roughriders
* CFL
* NFL
* Baseball
* MLB
* Basketball
* NBA
* Golf
* Soccer
* MMA
* Curling
* Tennis
* Auto Racing
* Opinion
* Columnists
* Letters
* Business
* Local Business
* Featured Businesses
* Energy
* Mining
* Mortgages
* Real Estate
* First-Time Homebuyers
* Technology
* Gaming
* Internet
* Science
* Space
* FP Markets
* Saskatchewan's Top Employers
* Arts
* Local Arts
* Books
* Movies
* Television
* TV Listings
* Music
* Celebrity
* Life
* Fashion & Beauty
* Homes
* Buying & Selling
* Condos
* Gardening
* Food
* Recipes
* Travel
* Travel Canada
* Travel USA
* Travel International
* Cruises
* Travel Essentials
* Royals
* Diet & Fitness
* Advice
* Horoscopes
* Contests
* National Contests
* Special Sections
* Road to Higher Learning
* Eat Play Stay Saskatchewan
* Pet Wellness 2024
* Potash in Our Province
* Shopping
* Home Living
* Tech
* Style & Beauty
* Kitchen & Dining
* Personal Care
* Entertainment & Hobbies
* Gift Guide
* Deals
* Travel Guide
* Outdoor Living
* Newsletters
* Bridges
* Puzzmo
* Diversions
* Puzzles
* New York Times Crossword
* Comics
* Driving
* Vehicle Research
* Reviews
* News
* Gear Guide
* ePaper
* Remembering
* Place an Obituary
* Place an In Memoriam
* Classifieds
* Place an Ad
* Business Card Directory
* Celebrations
* Pet Posts & Adoptions
* Real Estate Marketplace
* Working
* Business Ads
* This Week's Flyers
* Manage Print Subscription
* Profile
* Settings
* My Subscriptions
* Saved Articles
* Newsletters
* Customer Service
* FAQ
* Sign Out
* News
* 2024 Saskatchewan wildfires
* Send a Letter to the Editor
* Sports
* Opinion
* Business
* Arts
* Life
* Shopping
* Newsletters
* Bridges
* Puzzmo
* Driving
* ePaper
* Remembering
* Manage Print Subscription
Advertisement 1
*
*
*
*
* Share this Story : Phil Tank: Forget taxes; survey says homelessness top
Saskatoon issue
* Copy Link
* Email
* X
* Reddit
* Pinterest
* LinkedIn
* Tumblr
Breadcrumb Trail Links
1. Columnists
PHIL TANK: FORGET TAXES; SURVEY SAYS HOMELESSNESS TOP SASKATOON ISSUE
A survey of online panellists in Saskatoon suggests homelessness as the top
issue, followed by crime and safety and then road maintenance.
Get the latest from Phil Tank, Saskatoon StarPhoenix straight to your inbox Sign
Up
Author of the article:
Phil Tank • Saskatoon StarPhoenix
Published Sep 15, 2023 • Last updated Sep 15, 2023 • 4 minute read
Join the conversation
You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have
an account.
A makeshift tent is seen under the University Bridge at the edge of the South
Saskatchewan River in Saskatoon, Sask., in this photo taken on Tuesday, Sept.
12, 2023. (Phil Tank/Saskatoon StarPhoenix) jpg
ARTICLE CONTENT
If you measured Saskatoon residents’ top concern with decibels, you might
conclude it’s either a proposed new arena or the city’s budget, given all the
noise on those issues.
We apologize, but this video has failed to load.
Try refreshing your browser, or
tap here to see other videos from our team.
PHIL TANK: FORGET TAXES; SURVEY SAYS HOMELESSNESS TOP SASKATOON ISSUE BACK TO
VIDEO
We apologize, but this video has failed to load.
Try refreshing your browser, or
tap here to see other videos from our team.
Play Video
But Saskatoon city hall’s latest iteration of its formerly annual civic survey —
which is intended to influence the city’s budget — found a very different
answer.
Those who believe a new downtown arena signals a fiscal Apocalypse might be
particularly surprised.
Advertisement 2
Story continues below
Trending
1. METH IN STAIRWELLS, FECES SMEARED: SENIORS RESORT TO 'SAFETY SQUAD' AT
SASKATOON HOUSING COMPLEX
2. SASKATOON MOTHER THERESA TAYSUP MISTAKENLY SHOT IN 'SENSELESS ACT OF
VIOLENCE'
3. SASKATCHEWAN INDIGENOUS TOUR GUIDE TO APPEAR IN HIT SURVIVAL TV SHOW 'ALONE'
4. SASKATOON POLICE ARREST MAN WHO ACCIDENTALLY SHOT HIMSELF
5. SASKATOON FATHER-SON MICHAEL AND AMARI LINKLATER TEAM UP ON AMAZING RACE
CANADA
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
* Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.
* Get exclusive access to the Saskatoon StarPhoenix ePaper, an electronic
replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.
* Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning
journalists.
* Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.
* Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
* Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.
* Get exclusive access to the Saskatoon StarPhoenix ePaper, an electronic
replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.
* Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning
journalists.
* Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.
* Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
* Access articles from across Canada with one account.
* Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
* Enjoy additional articles per month.
* Get email updates from your favourite authors.
SIGN IN OR CREATE AN ACCOUNT
Email Address
Continue
or
Facebook Google Microsoft Apple
View more offers
If you are a Home delivery print subscriber, unlimited online access is included
in your subscription. Activate your Online Access Now
Article content
Of the 657 members of an online Forum Research Inc. panel who responded, the
largest number cited homelessness as the city’s top issue.
Specifically, homelessness was the response given when asked the following
question: “In your opinion, what is the single most important issue facing the
City of Saskatoon? That is, the one issue you feel should receive the greatest
attention?”
That’s the most definitive top response from the last three surveys, with 19 per
cent citing homelessness, replacing COVID-19 as the top issue from 2021 (16 per
cent) and public safety/crime/policing (17 per cent in 2018).
Public safety/crime/policing ranked second this year, even though it climbed to
15 per cent from 10 per cent two years ago. It was followed by Saskatoon’s
perennial issue, road and sidewalk maintenance, at eight per cent.
Taxes, meanwhile, has declined as a top issue, from second place at 13 per cent
in 2018 to third place at nine per cent in 2021.
This year taxes was cited as the top issue by just five per cent of respondents,
although a balanced budget/spending registered at six per cent, just behind
downtown development/revitalization at seven per cent.
Afternoon Headlines
Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.
* There was an error, please provide a valid email address.
Sign Up
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network
Inc.
Thanks for signing up!
A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk
folder.
The next issue of Afternoon Headlines will soon be in your inbox.
We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again
Article content
Advertisement 3
Story continues below
Article content
Notably, this year’s survey was conducted from May 23 to June 1, a few days
before the city revealed it was facing massive shortfalls due to inflation of
$52.5 million next year and $23.2 million in 2025.
To cover those shortfalls, respective property tax hikes of 18.56 per cent and
6.95 per cent would have been required to maintain services.
Council met several times to knock those tax hikes down, and more trimming is
likely to come at year-end budget talks. But knowledge of the shortfalls might
well have affected responses, and the shortfall revelation’s timing will rightly
raise suspicions.
Tied with taxes at five per cent are housing and the need for a government
change. That latter result qualifies as good news for council incumbents
planning to seek re-election next year, and bad news for potential challengers.
The environment/pollution/climate change was cited by four per cent, as was
drugs/drug addiction.
You can see some overlap here with homelessness, housing, crime and addiction
all linked to some extent. Add all of them up, and the number is 43 per cent.
Advertisement 4
Story continues below
Article content
By comparison, those concerned about taxes, spending and a balanced budget add
up to 11 per cent, although it must be noted a balanced budget is mandatory at
city halls and deficits are forbidden.
As for homelessness, it’s perhaps surprising that it ranks so high in Saskatoon,
since we have not had a high-profile mass encampment that prompted police action
like other cities, notably Regina on city hall’s front lawn.
But it’s proving impossible to ignore the camps along the South Saskatchewan
River, including one under the University Bridge that resulted in a June fire
(although that incident happened after the survey was conducted).
The fire department counted 452 encampments up to Aug. 1, on pace to eclipse the
record 512 in all of 2022.
Yet simply citing homelessness as an issue fails to produce a solution. Other
cities are struggling with the same problems and rely on sending in police to
dismantle encampments.
Saskatoon city hall has long worked to increase the affordable housing supply,
although you could argue it’s not really a municipal responsibility.
It took provincial co-operation with city hall and the Saskatoon Tribal Council
to establish a homeless shelter/wellness centre in the Fairhaven neighbourhood,
but some see that as simply relocating issues from downtown.
Advertisement 5
Story continues below
Article content
A decade ago, the civic survey asked how much people would be willing to pay to
improve the city’s decrepit roads. That resulted in a special road levy.
Too bad the civic survey abandoned this provocative, proactive approach that
actually looked for ways to solve problems instead of just identifying them.
Phil Tank is the digital opinion editor at the Saskatoon StarPhoenix.
ptank@postmedia.com
twitter.com/thinktankSK
Recommended from Editorial
1. Phil Tank: Sadly, path to safer Saskatoon cycling to be paved in blood
2. Phil Tank: Maybe Saskatoon folks whine too much about property taxes
With some online platforms blocking access to the journalism upon which you
depend, our website is your destination for up-to-the-minute news, so make sure
to bookmark TheStarPhoenix.com and sign up for our newsletters so we can keep
you informed. Click here to subscribe.
Sign up for the Saskatoon StarPhoenix Afternoon Headlines newsletter. Click here
to subscribe.
Our websites are your destination for up-to-the-minute Saskatchewan news, so
make sure to bookmark thestarphoenix.com and leaderpost.com. For Regina
Leader-Post newsletters click here; for Saskatoon StarPhoenix newsletters click
here
Article content
Share this article in your social network
*
*
*
*
* Share this Story : Phil Tank: Forget taxes; survey says homelessness top
Saskatoon issue
* Copy Link
* Email
* X
* Reddit
* Pinterest
* LinkedIn
* Tumblr
Rechol
It’s Time to Say Goodbye to Bulky Air Conditioners That Take up SpaceRechol|
SponsoredSponsored
Shop Now
Undo
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should 'repent,' half-brother saysSaskatoon
StarPhoenix
Undo
Teens involved in fatal Saskatoon street robbery remain in custody after
reviewSaskatoon StarPhoenix
Undo
Diabetes Wellness Center
One bite of this keeps blood sugar below 100 (try tonight)Diabetes Wellness
Center|
SponsoredSponsored
Undo
WallStreet Viral
Montreal: Meal Delivery for Seniors - Prices May Surprise YouWallStreet Viral|
SponsoredSponsored
Undo
KizunaSocks
Meet the Japanese Socks Relieving Swelling and Varicose VeinsKizunaSocks|
SponsoredSponsored
Undo
Rechol
It's Time to Say Goodbye to Bulky Air Conditioners That Take Up SpaceRechol|
SponsoredSponsored
Shop Now
Undo
Comments
You must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.
Create an AccountSign in
Join the Conversation
Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion.
Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to
appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your
comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments.
Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.
Loading...
0
Read Next
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
MOST COMMENTED
The following is a list of the most commented articles in the last 7 days.
Advertisement
Loading
Latest National Stories
This Week in Flyers
Subscribe for $3
Categories
* News
* 2024 Saskatchewan wildfires
* Send a Letter to the Editor
* Sports
* Opinion
* Business
* Arts
* ePaper
* Subscribe
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Follow The Star Phoenix
*
*
*
*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Secondary Links
* Advertise With Us
* Digital Ad Registry
* Site Map
* Contact
* Privacy - Updated
* Terms of Use
* FAQ
* Copyright
* My Account
* Manage My Print Subscription
* Manage My Tax Receipt
365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4
© 2024 The Star Phoenix, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. All rights
reserved. Unauthorized distribution, transmission or republication strictly
prohibited.
Notice for the Postmedia Network
This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and
allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to
use our site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
OK