Centrally located in the province of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon is situated on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River with seven bridge crossings within the city limits. The altitude of Saskatoon is 481.5 meters above sea level. The city covers an area of 144 sq. kilometers which includes over 120 hectares of riverbank parklands. The city lies 780 kilometers northwest of Winnipeg, a little over 520 kilometers southeast of Edmonton, and just over 300 kilometers north of the U.S. border.
Saskatoon is Saskatchewan's largest city with a population of 209,000 and growing. A clear indicator of the desirability of Saskatoon is the city's dramatic and constant population growth. While Saskatchewan remains relatively static at around one million inhabitants, Saskatoon is growing at the rate of about 4,500 per year, about one-half of this due to in-migration from other areas of the province. People move to Saskatoon to attend university, find work, and to retire because it is well regarded as safe and vibrant community with many amenities.
The name Saskatoon comes from the Cree Indian name "Mis-sask-quah-toomina", their name for the berries that we know today as Saskatoon berries. The residents of Saskatoon take pride in their riverside city, and take full advantage of its extensive park and trail system, museums, heritage sites, arts and cultural events, and recreation facilities. The Globe and Mail's Report on Business Magazine described Saskatoon as "a small, sunny city where quality of life springs from a prairie-fed spirit of cooperation and community." Most areas of the city are within a 15 minute drive of any residential neighbourhood, and the cost of living is among the lowest of major North American cities.
The city is home to a wide range of world-class annual festivals, exhibitions, and cultural and sporting events, all of which are well attended by the active population. It is not uncommon on a pleasant prairie evening to find people strolling the promenades and pathways along the riverbank or walking to pubs and restaurants in the downtown. Children are safe to walk the streets to and from school, and the air and water quality are among the best in the world.
The Saskatoon area has been inhabited for some 6,000 years. However, it was not until the summer of 1883 that the first settlers began to arrive, and subsequently in 1903, that the town charter was obtained.
Saskatchewan grows half of the entire quantity of Canada's major export crops: wheat, oats, barley, rye, flaxseed, and canola. Saskatoon is at the heart of this market, providing a variety of services and products to the farm sector. Mining is also an important part of the economy. The Saskatoon region is the world's largest exporter of uranium, and nearly two-thirds of the world's recoverable potash reserves are located in the Saskatoon region.
Value-added food processing is one of the fastest growing industries in Saskatoon, which is considered the agriculture biotechnology capital of Canada. Saskatoon was named "one of the best cities in Canada for knowledge based businesses" by the Globe and Mail in 1995.
Saskatoon has a dynamic and progressive industrial community. In 1998, the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) undertook a study to determine the economic development direction for 1999-2004. On the basis of this research, SREDA determined the industrial sectors that present the greatest potential for growth in Saskatoon: Agricultural Biotechnology, Nutraceuticals, Value-Added Food Processing, Manufacturing, Mining, Information Technology, Warehousing & Transportation, Environmental Industries, and Multi-Media & Film.
Agricultural Biotechnology. Saskatoon's agricultural biotechnology industry symbolizes the growth and advancement of the city into a world-class community. By uniting its historical agricultural roots with cutting edge technology, the city's agricultural biotechnology industry has grown with strength and speed. Saskatoon is recognized as one of the top biotechnology centers in the world, and this growth comes as no surprise to anyone who has examined the infrastructure and cooperation that exists within and for the industry. With most biotech research occurring at the University of Saskatchewan and Innovation Place Research Park, scientists work closely together promoting synergy and breakthroughs. There is no doubt that this industry will continue to grow and strengthen.
Nutraceuticals. Nutraceuticals are products derived from agricultural materials which have pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial uses. At the heart of an excellent supply of raw materials, Saskatoon's nutraceutical industry is poised to undergo significant growth in the near future. This, in combination with our b foundation in agricultural research, is leading local and multi-national companies to discover the excellent opportunities available in the region for the development of research, production, and processing aspects of this industry. It is anticipated that the number of companies in the sector will grow, and that collaborations will make it as b and renowned as Saskatoon's agricultural biotechnology industry.
Value-Added Food Processing. Another industry that finds its roots in agriculture is the value added food processing industry. Supported by proximity to raw materials, transportation efficiencies, appropriate labor pools, and b industry and institutional support, this industry fosters a b bond with the community. Food processing has had the opportunity to make many advances during the last decade as research in the food sciences is ongoing at the world renowned University of Saskatchewan's College of Agriculture. Saskatoon's food processing companies find that their products are in demand, and therefore many have cultivated export relationships with other regions, provinces, and countries.
Manufacturing - Metal Fabrication. Building on their expertise in agricultural and mining equipment, local manufacturers are tackling new projects. Metal fabricators have exhibited innovation and willingness to develop the local metal fabricating industry by expanding their operations and manufacturing new products. Also, with the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) many manufacturers have established new markets for exporting.
Mining Mining is one of Saskatoon's the most important industries. Exploration and mining remain ongoing for potash, uranium, gold, and diamonds. The region has almost two-thirds of the world's recoverable potash reserves and is the world's largest exporter of uranium. There are seven potash mines located in the Saskatoon region and their head offices are located in Saskatoon. Many of the employees for the northern operations live in the city. These industries are of great importance to the economic well-being of Saskatoon as they inject many dollars and jobs into the economy.
Information Technology & Telecommunications. Saskatoon is an attractive location for information technology companies due to the excellent infrastructure and environment within the city. Over 100 information technology companies provide variety of services including programming, software, systems integration, data processing, information retrieval, and maintenance and repair to a wide range of market sectors. These sectors include agriculture, engineering, healthcare, manufacturing, mining, and transportation.
Warehousing & Transportation. Saskatoon is widely recognized as one of the best and most cost-effective locations for the warehousing and transportation of goods across all of Western North America, particularly because of its extremely low outgoing transportation costs. In fact, Saskatoon has the lowest outgoing transportation costs of cities compared across North America. These low costs, combined with its central location, labor force availability, abundance of transportation companies, and superior telecommunications technology, are all factors that establish the infrastructure for this industry in Saskatoon.
Environmental Industries. Saskatoon is ideally suited to the development and growth of industries in the environmental sector. Research-based companies have the considerable advantage of the expertise provided by the National Water Research Center and the other resources of the University of Saskatchewan. Consulting groups are able to rely on this research to assist companies throughout Western Canada address environmental concerns. And manufacturers of hazardous products are able to take advantage of Saskatoon's environmental industrial park to establish operations quickly without need for additional environmental impact studies.
Multi-Media and Film. Saskatoon is poised to take advantage of significantly lower production costs than other centers in North America for multi-media and film production. The industry has been developing local expertise over the past few years in all aspects of filming and production which will be put to good use by national and international investors seeking to take advantage of Saskatchewan's highly competitive 35% labor tax credit for the film industry.
Corporate Satellite Offices. In addition to its other strengths, Saskatoon is recognized as an excellent location for back office operations. Location of office space, in terms of proximity to the market place, is becoming less important with the availability of advanced communications technology. Location of office space in terms of cost however, is becoming more important as the costs of beginning or maintaining a successful business continually escalate. Because of the city's telecommunication leadership, pro-business regulations and procedures, cost and quality of living, transportation efficiencies, and access to academic, industrial and institutional support, Saskatoon is in an enviable position to bring corporate satellite offices to the community.
With access to excellent k-12 schools, technical schools and the University of Saskatchewan, many educational opportunities are available. The University of Saskatchewan (U of S) is the only university in Canada to house all five health science colleges and the major teaching hospital on the same campus. Some of the first experiments undertaken aboard the space shuttle were the result of research conducted at the University of Saskatchewan. Innovation Place, located on the university grounds, is one of the most successful university related research parks in North America.
The University of Saskatchewan offers 58 degrees, diplomas, and certificates in over 100 areas and disciplines. Colleges and schools include: Agriculture, Arts and Science, Commerce, Dentistry, Education, Engineering, Graduate Studies and Research, Kinesiology, Law, Medicine (includes Physical Therapy), Nursing, Pharmacy and Nutrition, Veterinary Medicine, and the Extension Division. Off-campus credit courses may be taken at regional colleges and SIAST campuses throughout the province. Students have the option of independent studies, mixed mode classes (tutor and audio teleconferencing), or televised classes which are available at up to 55 sites.
Research conducted at the U of S has resulted in the first genetically engineered vaccine for animals, the first Canadian experiment undertaken aboard a space shuttle, and the introduction of over 100 new crop varieties.
Saskatoon is a four season destination with much to offer visitors. History comes alive at many exceptional museums such as the Western Development Museum with its popular 1910 Mainstreet Boomtown, and six thousand years of habitation can be explored at Wanuskewin Heritage Park.
Many festivals and special events are celebrated annually. From Winterfest in February, to the ethnic celebrations of Folkfest and Vesna, the renowned Saskatchewan Jazz Festival, the innovative Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan Festival, and the popular Saskatoon Exhibition. Good times are guaranteed.
The Sister City Agreement between Chernivtsi and Saskatoon was signed on June 6, 1991.