Local businessmen lobbied to get more railways, and the town soon became a railway hub. Growth and development was steady until the Depression, when Saskatchewan suffered greatly from the downturn in farming. Since that time, Saskatoon's economy has diversified, and today the largest employer is the University of Saskatchewan. Relatively near to Saskatoon are large uranium and potash deposits, so the city is also a centre for the mining industry. Meatpacking, and agricultural processing are also important industries here.
Winters can be very cold, and summers can get fairly hot.
Saskatoon has facilities for all seasons, and so a visit here at any time of year can be enjoyable. In the summer the trail is a great hiking and biking path. The river offers various opportunities for water sports. Many of Saskatoon's noteworthy places can be seen from the river, so a river cruise is a great way to view these. There are many pleasant parks for picnics, barbecues and other leisure activities.