SPC Committee on Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services Decisions in Brief
From the May 9, 2016 Meeting
7.1.1 Environmental Education Initiatives
Decision
*The committee received the report as information.
Background
*The report provides information on environmental education initiatives provided by the City for the community and corporation.
*Education is provided to encourage changes in behaviour that result in positive environmental outcomes including the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through water conservation, waste diversion, and energy conservation. Additional environmental protection benefits are also achieved through these programs.
*Utility-funded education efforts focus on supporting civic utility services while millrate-supported education programs provide information about civic initiatives that help citizens reduce their own environmental footprint.
7.1.2 Remai Modern Construction Update
Decision
*The committee received the report as information.
Background
*Construction of the EllisDon contract is approximately 90% complete.
*Secondary contracts outside of the EllisDon scope include furniture, signage and lighting.
*Contracts for the glass wall and security screen, shell gallery and restaurant fitout are being managed by the Gallery.
*The Contractor is estimating that the building construction will be complete in the fourth quarter of 2016, as long as the project does not experience delays going forward.
*The Gallery is planning the move, transition, art preparation and opening of the Remai Modern.
*Community program and public access to the building is being planned for when the building first opens in early 2017. Art exhibitions are scheduled to commence in mid-2017.
*The Administration continues to do everything possible to prudently manage the contract with EllisDon and protect the City’s interests.
*The projected funding shortfall continues to be between $2.5 and $4.5 million considering all factors.
7.1.4 Long-Term Lead Service Line Replacement and Water Main Capacity Improvement Strategy
Decision
*The committee received the report as information.
Background
*The report outlines the major factors Administration considered when developing a proposed program to accelerate Lead Service Line (LSL) and water main replacements.
*As cast iron water mains age, internal corrosion can restrict flow. Problems are most evident in pre-1940s water mains and will continue to deteriorate over time.
*Administration has identified water mains in need of capacity improvements and these water mains are in the same areas as over 80% of LSLs.
*A coordinated program of water main capacity improvements and LSL replacements is recommended. The recommended option will significantly accelerate LSL replacements and result in a completion date of 2026 for replacement of all LSLs. Alternative options are presented for completion by 2023, or 2030.
*Saskatoon Water will report on the financial impact of the recommended strategies as part of the 2016-2019 utility rate approval.
7.2.1 Integrated Waste Management Annual Report 2015
Decision
*The committee received the report as information.
Background
*A Waste Diversion Rate of 70% by 2023 has been established as a Performance Target. The 2015 rate is 21%, below the national average (2012) of 33.7%.
*Saskatonians continue to dispose less waste than the national average (which includes rural areas), but at a rate higher than most Canadian cities at 242 kilograms per person.
*The City’s membership to the National Zero Waste Council was approved on April 22, 2016.
*The City’s residential curbside recycling, multi-unit residential recycling, compost depots, public space recycling, and civic facilities recycling diverted a total of 14,678 tonnes of materials, an increase from 2014.
*1.97 million garbage carts were emptied in 2015 with a reliability rate of 99.9%. City staff responded to 2,950 calls about missed residential garbage collections.
*More than 88,000 vehicles delivered loads to the landfill. Total material deposited in 2015 was 112,418 tonnes, down from 126,174 tonnes in 2014.
*91% single family and 74% multi-family households recycle all or most of their recyclable items and 93% of residents are very satisfied or somewhat satisfied with the overall quality of the recycling service received.