SASKATOON — Saskatoon business owners say crime affecting local shops is not limited to downtown, arguing theft and vandalism are problems across the city.
A local business owner says crime such as shoplifting and attempted thefts is often reported with a focus on downtown, but the issue is more widespread and also affects communities and neighbourhoods throughout Saskatoon.
Gordon Burgess, who's been an owner of the 115-year-old clothing shop The Store For Men Caswells on Second Avenue South for 37 years, said portraying crime as primarily a downtown problem does not reflect reality.
“All the reporters tend to pick on downtown and say there's an issue downtown. No, it is a widespread issue in the city. It is happening in Confederation, Eighth Street, neighbourhoods and other areas. It is not only downtown,” said Burgess.
Downtown is Saskatoon’s primary business and commercial district. However, Riversdale, Broadway, Sutherland, Airport, Confederation, University Heights and a stretch of 33rd Street in the Hudson Bay Park neighbourhood are also key business areas.
Some businesses have been victims of vandalism, break-ins and theft, with several employees experiencing harassment, intimidation and threats. Some shop owners have kept their doors locked and use a buzzer to let customers in.
A shoplifting attempt occurred a few weeks ago at Caswells when an individual entered and allegedly tried to steal items, but the store’s staff recovered them and prevented the theft. The individual then moved to another shop and allegedly did the same thing, but was also unsuccessful.
Burgess said the business has been in its downtown location for 15 years and has not experienced major safety problems despite frequent concerns raised about the area. He added they have no issues with people outside their shop or on the street, and all of his staff are men.
“Are there people hanging around downtown? Yes, people are hanging around downtown, but we don't experience many issues. Downtown is no different from other areas of the city. Focus is more concentrated in downtown, but it is a city-wide problem,” he added.
Another business owner, Sydney Sylvester, said her The Purrfect Cat Café, which also runs a cat adoption program and accepts donations of cat food and other items, has experienced an increase in incidents over the two years.
“It was in December 2024 that everything started. That was the first window break, and since then, it’s been happening every six months or so. The café has experienced multiple incidents, including vandalized windows, a break-in and a garbage fire in the alley behind the shop,” said Sylvester.
The café had its window broken twice in less than a month, on Dec. 18, 2024, and Jan. 8, 2025, she said. A few weeks later, on Jan. 27, Q & H Fashion Hub was the victim of a break-in during which a window was broken and items worth nearly $10,000 were stolen, Sylvester shared.
Sylvester recalled another incident in which a man entered the café, asked questions and then left. Staff later discovered the individual had stolen two bikes belonging to visitors who had stopped in during a cycling trip from Manitoba.
The repeated incidents have changed how she reacts when problems occur.
“When we showed up one morning after another incident, my reaction was just ‘here we go again.’ It shouldn’t feel normal when your business gets broken into, but when it happens often enough, it starts to,” said Sylvester, noting repair costs are adding up.
The café already had security cameras and kept its doors locked, with a buzzer installed to alert staff when a customer was outside. However, those measures did not prevent someone from breaking in on the night of Feb. 23.
A man whose face was covered used a crowbar to remove the glass panel from the door to gain entry. He stole the cash register, an iPad, a business phone and several other items, including a rock with sentimental value to Sylvester. No cats were stolen, but the damage and theft cost more than $1,000.
Despite the challenges, Sylvester said the business has seen strong support from the community. Customers have been stopping by after hearing about the incidents, often purchasing coffee or leaving donations to help offset costs.
“It’s been really nice to see people go out of their way to help us. The café has also had a positive impact on the community through our adoption program, helping nearly 300 cats find homes since we opened. We are truly grateful to everyone,” she said.
Sylvester is now considering installing a roll-up or pull-down gate, or even metal bars, in front of the entrance. She said the recessed space near the doorway is sometimes used by people to take drugs, drink alcohol or sit and block the entrance.
Chamber raises concerns
Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce CEO Jason Aebig has also raised concerns about the location of Saskatoon’s new drop-in facility downtown and how it may affect nearby businesses.
He said facilities supporting vulnerable residents play an important role, particularly for people struggling with homelessness, mental health challenges and addiction.
“Without this kind of facility, vulnerable people will continue to struggle to navigate the complex web of services available to them and continue to live dangerously on Saskatoon’s streets,” said Aebig.
He added that the location and management of such facilities can also affect nearby businesses if clear operational standards are not in place.
The chamber has called on the City of Saskatoon to establish accountability measures, maintenance standards, rules around congregating near the facility and clear processes for documenting complaints from surrounding businesses.
It has also proposed compensation measures for businesses facing increased security costs or property damage tied to nearby services, such as tax relief or provincial grants.
For many business owners, the conversation about crime in the city remains complex. Some say they rarely encounter issues, while others deal with vandalism and theft more frequently.
What many agree on, however, is that addressing safety concerns will require solutions that balance the needs of businesses, residents and the city’s most vulnerable people.
