Profile
Total Population: ~317,000 metropolitan population (2021)
% of Ukrainian Population: 16% of Ukrainians out of total population (highest concentration in Canada)
Climate: Saskatoon experiences a cold semi-arid climate near the humid continental climate, with typically warm summers and long, cold winters. Saskatoon is dry and sunnier than Canada’s average. Thunderstorms are common in the summer months and can be severe with torrential rain, hail, high winds, intense lightning and, on occasion, tornadoes.
Language: Predominantly English.
Known For: Saskatoon is the largest city in Saskatchewan. It is now often referred to as the “City of Bridges” or “Bridge City”. It is also known as the “Land of Living Skies” for its skyscapes. The city is divided by the South Saskatchewan river. Its lower half is agricultural and its northern half is forested. Saskatoon has transformed itself from a primarily agricultural and mining economy into one that is built around technology and financial services. The city is recognized as a world leader for agricultural biotechnology, an industry that attracts substantial investment from the world’s top pharmaceutical companies.
Pros: Many people from Saskatchewan have Ukrainian heritage and the Ukrainian culture is present in many of their communities. Saskatchewan has two national parks: Prince Albert National Park in the northern boreal forest, and Grasslands National Park in the rolling hills of the southwest. The South Saskatchewan river valley is protected and has over 80 kilometres of walking trails. Amongst the major Canadian cities, the cost of living and rent in Saskatoon is very low. Saskatoon is also a link city. It is situated on Highway 16, the Yellowhead highway spur of the Trans-Canadian highway system that connects Saskatchewan to Manitoba and all the way through British Columbia. It currently has a rapidly growing economy.
Cons: Saskatoon’s weather is extreme — very hot summers, and very cold, long winters. The crime rate is also higher than average. Especially in rural areas, the crime rate increases year over year. Because of it’s low population density, Saskatoon does not have a buzzing social scene or nightlife. Public transportation is a big issue with the city, with residents reporting inconvenient bus routes and infrequent service. There are limited international flights, so costs are high.
Cost of Living: Family of four estimated monthly costs are $4,066.15 without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are $1,172.77 without rent. Saskatoon is 9.90% less expensive than Toronto (without rent). Rent in Saskatoon is, on average, 46.26% lower than in Toronto.
Apartment vacancy rate: 4.8% (2021)
Average cost of rent (bachelor): $903.75 (2022)
Average cost of rent (1 bdrm): $995 (2022)
Average cost of rent (2 bdrm): $1,137 (2022)
Public Transportation: Because of its small size, Saskatoon’s only form of public transportation is its bus system. Saskatoon Transit serves all corners of the city, but it is advised that you may need a car to get around in order to arrive at destinations on time. However, Saskatchewan also has the lowest commute to work time in Canada.
Arts & Culture: Saskatoon has a rich cultural heritage, and constitutes the province’s largest Ukrainian community. The vibrant cultural life of Saskatoon supports many popular festivals, especially in the summer. The Saskatchewan Jazz Festival, Saskatoon International Fringe Festival and Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan Festival are just some of the many events that attract visitors from across Canada and internationally.
Pre-Arrival
Who to contact to secure housing and migration support:
Contact the Ukrainian Canadian Congress of Saskatchewan
Phone: 1.888.652.5850
Email: settlement@ucc.sk.ca
Or contact Saskatchewan Association of Immigrant Settlement Integration Agencies (SAISA). SAISIA is an umbrella organization that can make connections with local service provider organizations (SPOs) and dedicated staff based on the need. Saskatoon has SPOs which offer full spectrum of supports for newcomers:
| ORGANIZATION |
| Catholic Family Services Regina |
| Global Gathering Place, Saskatoon |
| Regina Immigrant Women Centre |
| Regina Open Door Society |
| Saskatchewan Intercultural Association |
| Saskatoon Open Door Society |
| Ukrainian Canadian Congress of Saskatchewan – Saskatoon |
| Ukrainian Canadian Congress of Saskatchewan – Regina |
The Government of Saskatchewan can also be contacted by email (ukrainesupport@gov.sk.ca) or by phone:
- Outside of North America: +1-306-787-0482
- Within North America: 1-833-613-0485
- International toll-free line for Hungary and Poland: 1-800-613-04855
Jobs:
- You can browse the many jobs posted on Saskatchewan’s leading job site. Employment opportunities to support displaced Ukrainian workers are posted with #sksupportsukraine.
- The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program is prioritizing applications received from Ukrainian applicants.
- SaskJobs.ca is connected to the National Job Bank, allowing employers to reach an even greater number of affected individuals. Many jobs are posted by employers here, some with a hashtag #sksupportsukraine. Employers have been flexible, especially in the Hospitality and Services sector. There are many jobs for people with skills in trades and manual labour.
- If you are looking for employment supports, you can contact SaskJobs Career Services at:
Toll-free Number: 1-833-613-0485
Email address: ukrainesupport@gov.sk.ca
Arrival
Airport: Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport (YXE)
First Touch-Point:
At the airport you will see a Ukrainian flag with a QR code and a 24-hour phone number to call for help accessing support: 1-833-613-0485
If you have a host, your host will meet you at the airport.
Or contact the Ukrainian Canadian Congress of Saskatchewan
Phone: 1.888.652.5850
Email: settlement@ucc.sk.ca
First 1-2 Weeks
Temporary Accommodations:
If a host cannot be found in advance, contact the Ukrainian Canadian Congress of Saskatchewan
Phone: 1.888.652.5850
Email: settlement@ucc.sk.ca
The Government of Saskatchewan can also be contacted by email (ukrainesupport@gov.sk.ca) or by phone:
- Outside of North America: +1-306-787-0482
- Within North America: 1-833-613-0485
- International toll-free line for Hungary and Poland: 1-800-613-04855
Sim Card: Provided
Social Services:
SIN card, health card, bank account, doctor, school, childcare/daycare, community, language, transportation, etc.
Provided by the Government of Saskatchewan and/or the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.
Settlement
WELCOME/INFO PACKS:
Accommodations (longer term), Jobs, Childcare, Education, Language Support, etc.
- First Days in Saskatchewan (UKRAINIAN & ENGLISH)
Additional Information
Information and important links
Benefits of Living in Rural Saskatchewan (UKRAINIAN)
Benefits of Living in Rural Saskatchewan (ENGLISH)