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Saskatoon Named Canada's Best City for Families

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Saturday, February 14th 2026 at 7:16 GMT by Global News
      Locales: Saskatchewan, Alberta, Ontario, British Columbia, CANADA

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan - February 14th, 2026 - Saskatoon has officially been declared the best city in Canada to raise a family, according to a comprehensive new report released by Fund Your Future. The findings, published this week, are sending ripples of excitement throughout the Prairie city and prompting a national conversation about the changing priorities of Canadian families.

The report, which evaluated cities across Canada using a multifaceted approach, places Saskatoon at the top of a list that traditionally favors larger, more established metropolitan areas. While cities like Toronto and Vancouver consistently dominate discussions around economic opportunity and cultural vibrancy, Saskatoon's strength lies in its surprising combination of affordability, robust community support, and increasingly accessible amenities.

Rubina Ahmed, founder of Fund Your Future, emphasized that the report deliberately moved beyond solely focusing on income levels as a measure of family wellbeing. "We wanted to paint a more holistic picture," Ahmed explained in a recent interview. "It's not just about how much money you make, but how far that money goes, and what kind of support systems are in place to help families thrive." The report considered factors like housing affordability (rental and ownership), childcare costs, access to quality healthcare, educational opportunities, safety statistics, and the strength of local community programs.

Saskatoon's performance in affordability was a key driver of its top ranking. With housing costs significantly lower than those in major cities like Toronto or Vancouver, families in Saskatoon have a greater disposable income to allocate to other essential needs and enriching activities. Childcare, another significant financial burden for many Canadian families, is also demonstrably more affordable in Saskatoon. This allows parents greater flexibility and reduces financial stress, crucial components of a healthy family life.

Beyond the economic advantages, the report highlighted the strength of Saskatoon's community network. Numerous city-funded and volunteer-run programs provide support for new parents, children's activities, and access to recreational facilities. The sense of community, described by Ahmed as "very strong," fosters a supportive environment where families can connect and build lasting relationships. This social cohesion is particularly valuable in a world increasingly characterized by fragmentation and isolation.

The report isn't without its acknowledgements of Saskatoon's limitations. The city's climate, characterized by long, cold winters, remains a significant factor for some. While Saskatoon has invested in winter infrastructure and recreational opportunities, the harsh climate may not appeal to everyone. The job market, while diversifying, is still smaller than those in larger urban centers, potentially limiting career choices for some.

However, experts suggest that the perceived downsides are increasingly outweighed by the benefits. The rise of remote work has lessened the need for many families to live in major job hubs. Furthermore, the increasing cost of living in those hubs is driving a reassessment of priorities, leading families to seek out more affordable and community-focused environments.

The Fund Your Future report's top 10 list provides a fascinating snapshot of Canada's shifting landscape for families:

1. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
2. Winnipeg, Manitoba
3. Laval, Quebec
4. Trois-Rivieres, Quebec
5. Sherbrooke, Quebec
6. Regina, Saskatchewan
7. Saint John, New Brunswick
8. Kelowna, British Columbia
9. Gatineau, Quebec
10. Halifax, Nova Scotia

Notably, Quebec cities feature prominently, demonstrating the province's commitment to affordable childcare and family-friendly policies. The presence of Winnipeg and Regina further reinforces the trend of Prairie cities offering a compelling combination of affordability and community spirit. The inclusion of Kelowna, BC, suggests that access to outdoor recreational opportunities is also a growing priority for Canadian families.

Saskatoon's newfound recognition as Canada's best city to raise a family is likely to attract new residents and further stimulate economic growth. City officials are already exploring initiatives to build on this momentum, including investments in infrastructure, education, and community programs. The future looks bright for Saskatoon, a city proving that quality of life doesn't have to come at an exorbitant price.