Melissa Austin, RPP, MCIP, is the Neighbourhood Planning Manager with the City of Saskatoon. She is a municipal planning professional with more than 18 years of experience advancing neighbourhood revitalization, implementing land use policy, encouraging private investment through development incentives, and facilitating meaningful public engagement on local community issues. Melissa is passionate about shaping neighbourhoods that balance growth, livability, and long-term sustainability while reflecting the unique character and needs of the communities they serve.
Melissa leads initiatives focused on neighbourhood revitalization and local area planning, bringing together residents, community organizations, business improvement districts, developers, and City teams to create complete, inclusive, and resilient neighbourhoods/districts. Her work emphasizes collaboration, thoughtful policy development, and practical solutions that support both community well-being and city-building goals.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Regional and Urban Planning from the University of Saskatchewan and is a Registered Professional Planner and Member of the Canadian Institute of Planners.
This guided walking tour will highlight some of the City’s most significant recent investments in public space and placemaking.
Beginning at River Landing, participants will explore how former industrial lands have been transformed into a vibrant mixed-use destination that reconnects downtown to the South Saskatchewan River. The tour will examine the planning vision, partnerships, public investments, and development outcomes that have shaped this nationally recognized area.
The tour will continue through the downtown and Riversdale, showcasing recent streetscape improvements designed to explore resiliency, enhance walkability, support local businesses, add biodiversity plantings, and create more welcoming public spaces.
Participants will also visit Gather Local Market, Saskatoon’s newest public market and community gathering space. The tour will explore how adaptive reuse, local entrepreneurship, and collaboration have contributed to creating a destination that supports culture, tourism, and community life.
