SASKATOON — The Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce is calling for a more collaborative, predictable and efficient working relationship with the city, saying the feedback it provided to council and administration reflects concerns it consistently hears from members.
The Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce is raising renewed alarm about crime in the downtown business district, warning ongoing safety challenges are driving customers away, putting employees at risk and threatening the long-term viability of businesses in the city’s core.
Chamber CEO Jason Aebig, in a response sent to the mayor’s office, said members consistently rank public safety as one of the most pressing concerns city-wide, noting repeated incidents of vandalism and theft impacting downtown businesses.
Aebig said businesses, particularly downtown, have seen a decline in foot traffic as customers avoid areas perceived as unsafe. Employers are also raising concerns about staff safety when travelling to and from work and dealing with incidents in the workplace.
The chamber said these concerns are contributing to higher staff turnover and difficulty attracting new employees, particularly for frontline positions. Property damage and vandalism remain persistent problems in the downtown core, with broken windows, graffiti and damaged storefronts adding high costs and operational disruptions.
In response, businesses are increasingly forced to invest in private security, surveillance systems and other safety measures, placing additional financial strain on already challenged operations. The chamber warned these issues are damaging the reputation of business districts.
NDP highlights the problem
These concerns were echoed by Saskatchewan NDP Associate Shadow Minister for Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Hugh Gordon during a media availability outside a downtown business on Second Avenue South that was vandalized twice on Tuesday, Feb. 3.
Gordon said rising violent crime in downtown Saskatoon is forcing businesses, particularly on Second Avenue South, to keep doors locked during the day on the advice of the Saskatoon Police Service, harming the local economy and worker safety.
He cited recent data showing multiple assaults, vehicle thefts and shoplifting incidents in a 24-hour period, along with nearly 4,800 violent crime incidents last year. He recalled reports of high staff turnover and serious attacks, including one involving a machete.
“Our own staff, researchers found at least 10 businesses on this single street, with the same sign on their front doors, telling patrons to ring the doorbell as a front door is locked. The sign goes on to say this is being done on the advice of the [Saskatoon police],” said Gordon.
“Violent crime has become so prevalent in Saskatoon, it is forcing businesses to stay locked up tight even during the day. Imagine just how difficult it is to run a retail store when you're literally locking the door to the outside world. This is bad for our economy and bad for our community.”
He blamed the Scott Moe-led government for failing to reduce crime in Saskatoon, saying the premier was more focused on announcements and ribbon cuttings while business owners struggle to keep establishments open and employees safe.
Gordon said the NDP met with the chamber last year, with crime being the main issue discussed, as it was the prevailing concern raised by members trying to continue operations while keeping employees safe.
He added Saskatchewan NDP staff canvassed the downtown business district, particularly Second Avenue South, where they observed many shops with doors locked and signs instructing customers to knock for entry. However, he noted crime is not confined to one area.
“There are some parts of downtown that are safer, or just by virtue of their layout, like Midtown Mall has more security, it's more public, it's more open. I'm not aware of retail outlets at Midtown Mall that have to put us on the door to let people in to shop. But we see it much more outside that area. And that's what we're highlighting today,” said Gordon.
Things needed
The chamber called for a more co-ordinated and visible response from the City of Saskatoon. Recommendations include expanding visible community policing in business districts, consistently enforcing bylaws to reduce disorder, and strengthening partnerships with private security providers to improve on-the-ground safety.
The chamber stressed enforcement alone will not solve the problem and urged the city to work with the provincial government to expand mental health and addictions treatment capacity and implement co-ordinated homelessness strategies that balance compassion with accountability while addressing root causes of crime and disorder downtown.
The provincial government said in a statement its priority is keeping communities and neighbourhoods safe, noting year-over-year violent crime totals in Saskatoon remained stable, with Saskatoon Police Service data indicating a declining trend as 2025 progressed.
The government said it invested $2 billion in public safety in 2024-25 and 2025-26, including funding for additional frontline officers through the Municipal Police Grants Program and the Safer Communities Initiative. It reported $9.7 million this year for 78 officers and investments in 100 new municipal police officers and 160 municipal policing positions.
“The Government of Saskatchewan is also providing law enforcement with the tools necessary to keep our communities safe, including legislation such as The Safe Public Spaces (Street Weapons) Act and amendments to The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) Act to assist frontline officers to tackle crimes such as drug trafficking, the use of dangerous weapons, and harmful nuisance properties. This is a stark contrast to the NDP, whose only plan for public safety is to replace police officers with doorbell cameras. Our government will continue to work with our valued law enforcement partners and local leaders to keep our communities strong, safe and secure,” said the statement.
