According to the newly released point-in-time (PiT) data from the City of Saskatoon, the homeless population surged by nearly 30% in the last year, rising to 1,931 individuals compared to 1,499 in 2024. This troubling statistic highlights a persistent upward trend in homelessness in the city, with this year’s count being more than 3.5 times the figure recorded in 2022. The data indicates not only a growing number of unsheltered individuals but also reflects broader systemic issues affecting housing stability.

The City of Saskatoon carried out this count on October 16, 2025, in conjunction with the Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership and over 250 volunteers. The focus of this year’s count was to enumerate individuals living in various situations of homelessness, from emergency shelters to transitional housing and even those in encampments or experiencing hidden homelessness. This multifaceted approach aimed to capture a comprehensive snapshot of the homeless population in the area.

The implications of these findings are significant, calling attention to the urgent need for comprehensive interventions and solutions to alleviate homelessness in Saskatoon. The sharp increase in numbers may suggest that existing resources and policies are inadequate to meet the growing demand, emphasizing the need for increased investment in housing programs and supports for those at risk of homelessness. With such alarming trends, the city may face challenges in addressing this escalating social issue without decisive action and collaboration among stakeholders.