Send us a text

Hello Dear Listeners,

Thanks for tuning in - and supporting community radio shows and podcasts like this - we air to Saskatoon's community radio station cfcr.ca and give an opportunity to hear it via a podcast version.

This kind of talk is best paired with a cup of coffee, a deep breath, and maybe a stiff drink after — because city budgets affect all of us, whether we like it or not. Consider this your friendly neighbourhood heads-up before the next property tax notice shows up in your mailbox wearing a serious face.

In Part One, we go straight into Saskatoon’s newly approved 2026–2027 City Budget. Lenore breaks down what the headline numbers actually mean for everyday life — including the 6.7% property tax increase, utility rates, and recreation fees. We talk about where the money is going: roads and snow clearing, policing and fire protection, transit safety, housing and homelessness, water treatment, facilities, and city services you touch every day. We also pull back the curtain on the powerful behind-the-scenes process — the “108 budget options” that shaped what stayed, what shifted, and what almost got cut. And we share reactions from City Hall, councillors, community voices, and residents.

In Part Two, we zoom way out. Because Saskatoon isn’t alone. Across Canada — and in cities around the world — municipal budgets are under serious pressure. We talk about why property taxes are doing so much heavy lifting, how housing, climate change, and population growth are landing on city doorsteps, and how volunteers and community groups are quietly holding things together. We also look at what other countries do differently, and ask the big question:
Are cities just the maintenance department — or are they true partners in nation-building?

Enjoy this episode about money, priorities, responsibility, and the future of our cities.

Civically speaking,

Lenore Swystun with Christina Cherneskey (who sends her regrets)

Civically Speaking- Saskatoon Saskatchewan's #1 show about civic issues.

Send us a text

Dear Listeners,

Thanks for tuning in. In this episode, we dig into the things that bring us together — and the places where politics can still tug us apart.

🏈 Sports as Civic Glue

We kick things off with the joy of cheering on the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the cross-Canada loyalty of Blue Jays fans. From game-day energy to shared heartbreak and celebration, sports remind us how connected we really are.

💰 National and Local Budgets

Then we shift into the world of budgets —the vote on the national budget that took place yesterday and then in Part 2 - why city budgets matter and what we can expect next week when Council deliberates. From transit to policing to housing, simple highlights to point us to listening in next week.

⚠️ A Light Dip Into Politics & Polarization

We touch on the growing partisan tone across Canada — not too deep, but enough to ask:
How do we stay connected as neighbours when national politics get loud?

This episode blends fun, civic insight, and a little bit of reflection on what keeps our communities strong.

💬 Join the conversation!

Share with us your thoughts. And how do you stay grounded when politics *(and sports) get noisy?

Civically Speaking,

Lenore and Christina

Civically Speaking- Saskatoon Saskatchewan's #1 show about civic issues.

Send us a text

Hello Dear Civically Speaking Listeners,

In a sleep deprived week I aimed to bring a smattering of Saskatoon based news in Part 1 including a little tail-end musing about the Blue Jays...ugggg

And in Part 2, while watching the proceedings live - ran through some of the highlights coming in from media feeds. It's quite the budget - we won't know how the House votes on it yet - but guessing it will pass - with NDP shying away from the vote.

So there you have it... on this eve of a Beaver Full Moon.

Civically Speaking,

Lenore with regrets from Christina

Civically Speaking- Saskatoon Saskatchewan's #1 show about civic issues.