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Saskatoon’s transportation committee is set to decide Tuesday whether to begin expropriation proceedings against six private landowners to secure small parcels of land needed for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations. The move comes after negotiations with those owners broke down, with some refusing to sell and others stopping communication with the city entirely.
Land Needed for BRT Station Sites
A city administration report recommends taking over six parcels of land near planned BRT platform sites on 22nd Street West and 8th Street East. Each parcel measures between 30 and 57 square metres. The city began talks with landowners in 2024 and has since purchased 10 properties. Officials also expect to finalize five more purchases, leaving six sites unresolved.
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Administrators considered relocating the stations along the street but found those alternatives impractical. Moving the stops would block business access, require parking lot changes, or force transit users to walk longer distances. A second option — building stations entirely on city-owned land — also appears in the report, though administrators describe it as “substandard.” Those stops would lack shelter and passenger information, and could still require expropriation later if the public responds negatively.
Business Group Says Owners Were Caught Off Guard
Karen Kobussen, CEO of the Saskatoon West Business Association, says the expropriation proposal surprised many affected owners. She says those she spoke with received emails only on Friday, directing them to consult a lawyer and attend Tuesday’s meeting. “We’ve all been scrambling since Friday to try to put some thoughts together,” Kobussen said.
Owners are raising concerns about losing land, reduced parking, and potential changes to drive-through configurations. Some have also flagged general traffic and pedestrian safety concerns near the proposed shelter sites. Kobussen says she supports BRT overall but wants the city to continue talks and consider smaller platform designs before moving to expropriation.
Committee Chair Expects a Busy Meeting
Transportation committee chair Councillor Bev Dubois says she expects many people to speak at Tuesday’s session. She notes that some owners had already begun discussing land adjustments with the city before communication stopped. “They stopped responding to the City of Saskatoon employees,” Dubois said.
Under Saskatchewan’s Municipal Expropriation Act, expropriation is a last resort. The city must make reasonable purchase attempts, pass a bylaw, formally notify owners, and receive provincial approval before proceeding. Dubois says the outcome remains uncertain, with possible additional meetings before the matter reaches city council in late November. “You never know with negotiations,” she said. “There’s always a chance something could happen.”
Whatever the transportation committee recommends on Tuesday, city council will make the final decision on whether to move forward with the Bus Rapid Transit land expropriation process.
