“In the face of dramatic cost challenges, Saskatoon needs smart growth, a modern public transportation system and a new national strategy,” said Block.
Block has championed key policies to address affordability, including multi-family infill, affordable and attainable housing, and LINK, a modern, efficient and reliable transit system.
”For every metre of roadway and underground infrastructure we create, we become a more expensive city,” Block said. “We must focus growth where infrastructure and services already exist, and we need a modern, reliable and efficient transit system to support a growing city.”
As mayor, Block will focus on residential and commercial development downtown and convene a roundtable with industry leaders to drive mixed-use developments along LINK routes, which has the added benefit of protecting the interior of our heritage neighbourhoods. She will seek new tools to encourage rental renovations for affordable housing, and join municipalities across the country calling for a national strategy to fund cities.
“When a fire engine cost $800 thousand dollars in 2020, and today costs $1.8 million, it’s an example of why cities are shouldering a disproportionate burden of inflation,” Block said. This makes it increasingly difficult to manage budgets and maintain services without passing costs onto taxpayers. “We need a new deal with Ottawa, to create a more efficient procurement strategy and baseline funding for things like transit.”
Creating a city that is affordable is foundational to a growing, thriving community and a rich social fabric. As mayor, Block will find a new way forward to ensure Saskatoon is a city where everyone has a chance for a good quality of life.
“To address the challenges we need strong, experienced, compassionate leadership that represents the entire community and is proactive in working with everyone to address the needs of students, families, seniors and newcomers. ,” said Angela Bishop, Chair of the
Joint Oversight Committee of Camponi Housing, which oversees the construction of an affordable housing project in Blairmore and Desiree Chartier, Chairperson of Camponi Housing.
“We have seen that Cynthia is a strong leader. Actions speak louder than words and it is not enough to just say, ‘I care about affordable housing.’ Strong leaders represent entire communities and contribute to solutions. We are proud to stand with Cynthia. We believe that Cynthia will champion all citizens fairly and honestly.”
For details about Block’s platform on affordability, please visit www.cynthia2024.ca/affordable_city