Centrally located, Saskatoon is situated on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River, which is crossed by seven bridges within the city limits. The 'City of Bridges' is the largest city in the province and one of the sunniest cities in Canada, however with four distinct seasons Saskatoon has plenty to offer.

The overall real estate market - activity and the outlook - has been exceptionally buoyant. An indicator of the real estate market activity is the Multiple Listing Service with a record high $693-million in transactions reported in 2006. In 2007, the first eight months have seen a 107% increase above last year's record high with $1.0-billion in sales reported to date.

Location

Saskatoon is centrally located in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada, in townships 36 and 37, range 5 and township 36, range 6, west of the third meridian (Latitude 52.24 North, Longitude 106.67 West). The city lies 780 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg, a little over 520 kilometres southeast of Edmonton, and just over 300 kilometres north of the U.S. border.

The altitude of Saskatoon is 481.5 meters above sea level. The city covers an area of 176 sq. kilometres which includes over 120 hectares of riverbank parklands.

Environment

Saskatoon is one of the sunniest cities in Canada, receiving an average of 2,381 hours annually. Saskatoon experiences four distinct seasons with temperatures ranging from 30°c (86f) on the warmest summer days to -30°c (-22f) on the coldest winter days. The average annual precipitation level is 347.2mm.

Saskatoon was rated the number one city in Canada for air and water quality by Chatelaine magazine.

Time Zone
Saskatoon uses the Central Standard Time zone year round.

Economy

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.

Contact the city's Regional Economic Development Authority for more information on Saskatoon's economy and business opportunities.

Population
Saskatoon is Saskatchewan's largest city with an estimated population of 208,300 and growing (as of Dec. 31, 2007).

History

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. "Saskatoon" is derived from 'mis-sask-quah-toomina', the Cree Indian name for a local indigenous berry. Saskatoon was incorporated as a city on May 26, 1906, and celebrated its 100th birthday in 2006.

Click here to view a complete history of Saskatoon.

Education
With access to excellent k-12 schools, technical schools and the University of Saskatchewan, many educational opportunities are available.

The University of Saskatchewan is the only university in Canada to house all five health science colleges and a major teaching hospital on the same campus. Some of the first experiments undertaken aboard the space shuttle were a 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. For information on Saskatoon's education institutions click on U of S, SIAST, public, catholic, or francophone school boards.

Attractions & Events

Saskatoon is a four season destination with much to offer visitors. History comes alive at many exceptional museums such as the Western Development Museum and its popular Mainstreet Boomtown 1910. Six thousand years of habitation can be explored at Wanuskewin Heritage Park.

Many festivals and special events are celebrated annually. From the ethnic celebrations of Folkfest and Vesna, to the renowned Saskatchewan Jazz Festival, to the innovative Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan Festival and the popular Saskatoon Exhibition, the good times are guaranteed.

The Tourism Saskatoon website has a wealth of information on Saskatoon sites, attractions, accommodations and special events.

Thanks to the City of Saskatoon for this information.