Saskatoon is confronting a severe housing emergency as new data reveals the city's homeless population has surged to nearly 2,000 people, marking a dramatic increase that has prompted officials to declare the situation a crisis.
Alarming Spike in Homeless Numbers
According to recent counts conducted in November 2025, the number of residents without stable housing in Saskatoon has grown by more than 400 individuals since the previous survey. The latest figures show nearly 2,000 people are now experiencing homelessness throughout the city, representing one of the most significant increases in recent years.
The data, released on November 25, 2025, highlights the accelerating nature of the housing crisis in Saskatchewan's largest city. Community advocates and social service providers have been sounding alarms for months about the growing visibility of homelessness in urban centers and the strain on emergency shelters.
City Officials Sound the Alarm
Local leaders have responded to the troubling statistics with grave concern. 'Our city's in crisis' has become the prevailing sentiment among policymakers and social service organizations struggling to address the escalating situation.
The sharp increase of approximately 400 additional homeless residents since the last official count underscores the compounding challenges of affordable housing shortages, economic pressures, and inadequate support systems. Service providers report that shelters are operating beyond capacity, with waitlists growing longer each week.
Broader Implications and Response
The homelessness surge in Saskatoon reflects similar trends appearing in urban centers across Canada, though the 400-person increase represents one of the most dramatic single jumps reported in recent municipal data.
Community organizations are calling for immediate emergency measures, including expanded shelter capacity, increased funding for affordable housing projects, and enhanced support services for those at risk of homelessness. The timing of the report, released as winter approaches, adds urgency to the situation with temperatures dropping and outdoor conditions becoming increasingly dangerous for those without adequate shelter.
City council members are expected to address the crisis in upcoming sessions, with advocates pushing for both short-term emergency responses and long-term strategic investments in housing solutions. The nearly 2,000 figure represents not just a statistical increase but thousands of individual stories of housing insecurity affecting men, women, children, and families across Saskatoon.
