News Releases

Despite preliminary tests showing the water is clear of contaminates, the Water Security Agency (WSA) Do Not Use Notice for a small number of homes in the Aspen Ridge neighbourhood remains in effect. The WSA issued the Notice on January 10 after hydrocarbons were visually detected in some hydrants within one section of the neighbourhood.

“So far it looks good. The tests we’ve done in homes have come back clear and visual inspections also show no contamination in pipes,” says Angela Gardiner, Acting General Manager of Transportation and Utilities. “However, the Do Not Use Notice has to remain in effect until final testing has been confirmed.”

The City has not yet determined how the hydrocarbons got into the hydrants.

“Right now, we are busy inspecting hydrants and developing a remediation plan,” Gardiner says. “To date, four out of six have been found to be contaminated and five inspections remain.”

The City continues to provide temporary water supplies for drinking, cooking and handwashing until a longer-term solution can be implemented.

“Because water use may be restricted for a few more weeks, the City is exploring the option of establishing temporary shower facilities for affected residents,” she says. “In the meantime, residents may continue to use showers at a City leisure facility at no cost or, we encourage them to reach out to friends and family.”

The Notice affects 19 homes, 10 of which are occupied. The City will continue to take weekly water samples from the occupied homes throughout the investigation.

Today, the City of Saskatoon is starting a public conversation on climate change. A climate action plan is currently under development, which will focus on the actions and investments that are necessary to meet our community’s greenhouse gas reduction targets, as well as examine how taking action on climate change can lead to financial, social, and environmental benefits.

The public is invited to participate in a series of engagement opportunities that will shape how our community addresses and responds to climate change. Community engagement activities will include a series of pop-up discussions, online surveys, focus groups and a workshop. 

“We invite the community to look ahead to 2050 and imagine who we want to be, what kind of world we want to live in, as well as what we need to do today to make that future a reality,” says Brenda Wallace, Director of Environmental and Corporate Initiatives. “Community members are invited to get involved in the community discussions and make their own climate action commitments by writing and sharing letters to their future selves, loved ones, or a place they care about.”

To promote engagement activities, the City is launching a campaign entitled ‘Future You Acted on Climate Change Today.’ The campaign features Saskatoon residents telling personal climate change impact stories. The ‘Count Me In!’ portion of the campaign calls upon the community to sign up to commit to climate action and stay updated on upcoming discussions.

 “In June 2017, Council adopted greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets to reduce emissions by 80% below 2014 levels by 2050,” says Councillor Mairin Loewen, council co-lead for the priority area of Environmental Sustainability. “These are ambitious targets, but we know our community has some great ideas on how we can reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to a changing climate.”

The City of Saskatoon is committed to taking action on climate change. It is a member of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy, which is an international alliance of cities and local governments with a shared long-term vision of promoting and supporting action to combat climate change. As part of these commitments, Saskatoon is working to develop and submit a climate action plan by the end of 2018.

Visit www.saskatoon.ca/climatechange to find out more information on climate action planning, upcoming engagement opportunities, and the ‘Count Me In!’ initiative.  

The climate action plan supports the strategic goal of Environmental Leadership, the community and corporate targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% below 2014 levels by 2050, and the strategy of creating new sources of green energy.

Today, the City of Saskatoon provided the second in a series of operational updates on the City’s Plan for Growth projects.  Standing outside a Transit Village Stakeholder Workshop, Mayor Charlie Clark and Director of Planning & Development, Lesley Anderson, emphasized the important role the Plan for Growth is playing in preparing Saskatoon to meet the future needs of a city of 500,000.

“At its core, the City’s Plan for Growth is all about people,” said Mayor Charlie Clark. “The Growth Plan is about making sure that people of all ages and abilities can get to where they need to go, it’s about creating a community that supports a high quality of life for everyone, and it’s about making sure that our growth is smart and sustainable for future generations. This community engagement is important because by having conversations with people who live, work and shop in these areas, we can make sure that the details of the plan work for people now and in the years to come.”

Following their opening comments, Lesley Anderson provided an update on the City’s current Plan for Growth projects which include: a new Transit Plan which calls for the introduction of Bus Rapid Transit and a reconfiguration of existing Saskatoon Transit services, new concept plans for future Transit Village locations, a Corridor Planning Program to drive transit-oriented development, and the development of a Brownfield Renewal Strategy to enhance future corridor growth opportunities.

“We all know Saskatoon is growing fast, our Plan for Growth is our response to that – it forms a new growth model for our City” says Anderson.  “Being prepared for future growth requires us to start city-wide conversations now, which is why Saskatoon’s putting people at the centre of our planning… we’re asking big questions now so that we are able to pursue smart and sustainable growth into the future.”

PROJECT UPDATES

Transit Plan Update (Bus Rapid Transit / Transit Plan Implementation)

Since the approval of the Preferred Configuration by Council on November 20, 2017, the City and HDR Corporation have been hard at work moving the Functional Planning process forward.  An Existing Conditions Report is now complete, and work is well underway on an economic analysis (includes cost-benefit study), functional plan development, station design, park and ride strategy, transit system re-configuration plan.  A critical component of these projects is ongoing engagement with the public and impacted stakeholder groups with numerous opportunities for participants to weigh in on what matters most.

In December, the City and HDR hosted a number of stakeholder engagement activities.  The City received 883 responses to its online survey, over 70 stakeholders attended workshops, and a public open house encouraged participants to ask questions about the Preferred Configuration.  A full version of the Consultation Report: Fall 2017 is available at Saskatoon.ca/engage/transit-plan.

Transit Village Concept Plan Update

In November 2017, DIALOG completed their preliminary site analysis, and background study as well as initial interviews with Commercial Landowners at future Transit Village locations.  On January 17, 2018, the City and DIALOG will use what they heard in November to facilitate a highly collaborative and engaging stakeholder workshop for landowners in order to advance key planning and design elements for each of the Transit Villages locations. Facilitators will work with key landowners to establish a vision for each site, working collaboratively to design preliminary concept plans that recognize the unique potential and context of each site for future density and intensification.

Immediately following the conclusion of the Jan 17 workshop, DIALOG and the City will be taking these preliminary concept plans to Confederation Mall, a future Transit Village location, where the public will be asked to further define what kinds of shops, services, and activities they’d like to see at each of the future Transit Village sites.  This highly-engaging multi-day pop-up workshop is open to the public and will run on January 17th (4 pm – 8:30 pm) and January 18th (10 am – 8 pm).

Corridor Planning Program Update

City Staff continue to advance Phase 1 of the Corridor Planning Program.  This work includes detailed research and analysis along the Bus Rapid Transit Red Line, focusing on identifying land-use and densities as well as parking availability and public realm analysis.  A 3D Model of the BRT Red Line Corridor is nearing completion which will be used to guide future site-level development regulations and guidelines, and further engage with the public.

The Corridor Planning Program is preparing a major engagement opportunity at the upcoming March 7 Plan for Growth Engagement Event at the Western Development Museum from 4:30–8:30PM.  Participants will be invited to stand in our past, and talk about our future.  Without giving away too many surprises, participants will be asked to engage around a very large map of our BRT Red Line Corridor!

Brownfield Renewal Strategy

The City and Dillon continue to plan for soil condition assessment investigative field work that is scheduled to begin at the end of January.  The results of this work will identify the soil quality at proposed future BRT station locations, as well as provide valuable insight on the environmental condition of the soil near Corridor Planning Program potential brownfield areas. Dillon is nearing completion of both its Brownfield Renewal Strategy Research and Recommendation Report as well as an inventory of all Brownfield Sites along the BRT Red Line corridor.

Background:

At its April 25, 2016 meeting, Saskatoon City Council approved in principle the Growth Plan to Half a Million which includes plans for a re-envisioned transit system based around Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and infill at strategic locations in the city including downtown, the university endowment lands and along major transportation corridors.  Following this approval, the City created a Ten Year Action Plan to advance a number of the core initiatives identified in the Growth Plan to Half a Million.

The City and the Government of Canada will share in a total contribution of $7.65 million through the Public Transportation Infrastructure Fund for a number of the Plan for Growth projects including:

• Transit Plan – (includes Bus Rapid Transit and Transit System Plan Implementation)
• Corridor Growth
  • Transit Villages Concept Plans
  • Corridor Planning Program
  • Brownfield Renewal Strategy

For more information / to sign up for project updates please visit saskatoon.ca/growth.  Learn more about engagement opportunities by visiting saskatoon.ca/engage.

From the January 8, 2018 Meeting

6.1 An Overview of Municipal Development Corporations

Decision

The Committee will forward the report to City Council for information and will advise City Council that the Administration has been requested to report further on:

• options for improving the transparency and governance of the existing operations of Saskatoon Land and that consideration be given for SREDA to work with the Administration on the analysis of options and engagement of the local development community in exploring the issues; and
• the next steps for creating a Municipal Development Corporation with a focus on city building objectives, starting with the Downtown area, to include options for addressing the 5 issues outlined on page 4 and 5 of the report of the December 4, 2017 report of the City Manager and any preliminary estimates of costs of the business model options.

Background

At its August 14, 2017 meeting, the Standing Policy Committee (SPC) on Finance considered a report from the City of Saskatoon’s Internal Auditor, entitled “Saskatoon Land Internal Audit Report”. The audit report provided several recommendations aimed at improving various procedures or functions at Saskatoon Land. One suggestion was to explore the possibility of establishing a Municipal Development Corporation for Saskatoon Land.

At its meeting on August 28, 2017, City Council adopted the following recommendations, in part, of the Standing Policy Committee on Finance:

“1. That the Administration further explore what opportunities and options could exist for the City of Saskatoon to create a Municipal Land Development Corporation including the possibility of including infill development; and

2. That a report be provided to the Standing Policy Committee on Finance no later than December 31, 2017 on any appropriate recommendations for a potential new governance model for land development by the City of Saskatoon.”

8.2.2 2018 Property Tax Notice

Decision

The Committee will forward the report to City Council as information – The report provides information regarding the format for separate Property Tax (municipal and library) and Education Property Tax Notices, as requested by City Council.

Background

At its meeting on April 24, 2017 when considering a report of the CFO/General Manager, Asset and Financial Management Department, regarding the 2017 tax levy and BID levies, City Council resolved, in part:

“2. That Administration be directed to provide two separate tax notices to property owners for 2018.”

8.2.5 Revision of the City of Saskatoon’s Procurement Policy

Decision

The Committee is recommending to City Council that the draft Purchasing Policy be adopted in principle and be brought back for approval following consultation with relevant stakeholders.  The Committee has also asked the Administration to consult with local stakeholders to identify areas where the City could use leading procurement processes to bolster social and environmental impact, and Aboriginal Inclusion, and report back on the results of that consultation.

Background

At its meeting held on May 2, 2016, the Standing Policy Committee on Finance considered the recommendations of The Procurement Office with respect to improving the City’s procurement framework. At its meeting held on December 18, 2017 Council resolved:

“That the Administration report back on the possibility of including waste diversion, among other sustainability best practices, for consideration in civic procurement processes, including assessing the waste management plans of individual bids.”

From October to December 2017, the City of Saskatoon and HDR Corporation launched the first round of conversations with the community around the future transit system based around bus rapid transit (BRT). Over the course of the three months, over 976 stakeholders were engaged through: an online survey, stakeholder workshops, open house, and one-on-one meetings. Presentations, display boards, concepts and maps gave participants a chance to envision a transit system that will meet the future needs of a city of half a million.

What We Heard (Download Consultation Summary: Fall 2017)

The feedback from each of these engagement activities will help HDR and the City understand the needs of those impacted most by these changes. HDR is currently incorporating the feedback into BRT planning and design work and Transit Route Network Reconfiguration planning work.

“In the workshops and at the public open house we have heard that our City is passionate about change, and that people want to talk about how a new Transit System supported by Bus Rapid Transit will help us achieve our Plan for Growth. HDR has presented a strong path forward, but this is just the start. As a City we have lots of great conversations ahead of us – we have to do this together as a community.” – Lesley Anderson, Director of Planning & Development, City of Saskatoon

“These conversations are critical to ensuring success in the next phases of BRT and transit network planning. I couldn’t be happier with the response we received from the public. What we heard through the online survey as well as public and stakeholder conversations provides valuable information and insight for our team. We want to plan and design a transit system that the community will use, and that starts by designing with Saskatoon residents in mind.” – John Hubbell, Transportation Lead, HDR Corporation.

What’s Next?

The next round of input on the BRT and Transit System Plan will include:

Stakeholder Workshops

February 7/8, 2018, TCU Place

Public Come & Go Event

DATE:  February 7, 2018

TIME:  5:30 - 8:00PM

LOCATION:  TCU Place, Regal B (35 22nd Street East)

To learn more, visit Saskatoon.ca/engage.

Project Background

In April 2016, Saskatoon City Council approved the Growth Plan to Half a Million which includes plans for a re-envisioned transit system based around Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and a Transit Route Network Reconfiguration as well as infill at strategic locations and along major corridors.

The City then created a Ten Year Action Plan to advance a number of the Growth Plan core initiatives. A number of Plan for Growth projects are advancing through contributions from the Federal Government’s Public Transportation Infrastructure (PTIF) Fund:

• Transit Plan
  • Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
  • Transit Route Network Reconfiguration
• Corridor Growth
  • Transit Villages Concept Plans
  • Corridor Planning Program
  • Brownfield Renewal Strategy

For more information / to sign up for project updates please visit: saskatoon.ca/growth. 

In light of current events in Hawaii, Saskatoon Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) officials reassure notifynow remains a locally-controlled and reliable mass-alert system.

“What happened in Hawaii Saturday has many people wondering if they can trust the information they get from notifynow,” says EMO Coordinator, Deb Davies.  “The short answer is: absolutely.”

Davies reminds everyone of some key facts:

• notifynow sends targeted, timely messages regarding the personal safety of the citizens in Saskatoon
• Messages are never automated and issued with team input
• Messages are always sent to key emergency and senior staff.  In the event of an error, it can be immediately corrected with a follow-up to the exact people that received the first message
• Residents are encouraged to go to notifynow to indicate their personal preferences to receive alerts, such as, voice-mail, e-mail, text messages and/or TTY.

Davies reminds citizens that SaskAlert and Alert Ready are provincial and federal alert systems while notifynow is the City of Saskatoon's alert system.

“The weekend event provides us with an opportunity to reassure everyone here in Saskatoon that notifynow remains secure and it remains the best way to receive messages to protect themselves and loved ones.”

For more information, and to sign-up and tell us how you prefer to receive your notifynow messages, visit saskatoon.ca/notifynow  or call 306-975-3210.

Until further notice, the Water Security Agency (WSA) has issued a “Do Not Use” notice for a small number of homes in the Aspen Ridge neighbourhood.

“I want to stress that residential water has tested clean, but hydrocarbons have been detected in some hydrants in the area,” says Angela Gardiner, Acting General Manager of Transportation and Utilities. “For this reason – the hydrocarbons in some hydrants – the WSA has ordered the water supply can’t be used for personal contact at 19 addresses in Aspen Ridge.”

Gardiner says at this point the City cannot be positive about how the hydrocarbons got there.

“That is part of an ongoing investigation,” Gardiner says. “This is not normal and so we went through extra steps to protect the water supply.

“Obviously, we are extremely concerned at this turn of events – we are doing everything we can to ease what we know is a terrible inconvenience to the affected households.”

The City is providing temporary water supplies for drinking, cooking and handwashing until a longer-term solution can be implemented.

“While the residential supply tested safe, the WSA recommends this precaution until the investigation is complete.

“What we know is the hydrocarbons are not detectable at all in testing because the levels are so low – but they are visibly present on inspection.”

Affected residents are able to use a City leisure facility for showering or are being asked to reach out to friends and family for bathing needs.

City staff have met with the affected residents to communicate the order and to answer any questions residents may have.

The order does not affect laundry and flushing toilets – those uses are allowed.

From the January 8, 2018 Meeting

7.1.1 Aboriginal Engagement and Inclusion – Naming Process

Decision

The Committee will forward the report to City Council, and recommend that the Administration further pursue modifying the naming policy to include non-surnames as submissions.

Background

At the September 21, 2015 meeting of the Executive Committee, it was resolved, in part: “That with respect to the efforts for increased awareness for the City’s “Naming of Civic Property and Development Areas Policy”, and related processes, a further report be received in one year by the appropriate committee on the yield of nominations as a result of increased awareness.”

Furthermore, at the May 19, 2016 NAC meeting, the Administration was instructed to report back regarding revisions to the Naming Policy specifically on the admission of non-surname submissions and that the names ‘Ayishinoo’ (Métis word meaning ‘Aboriginal’), ‘Rispay’ (Métis word meaning ‘respect’), ‘Shakihi’ (Métis word meaning ‘love’), and ‘Newo’ (Cree word meaning ‘four’) be kept on hold pending said revisions.

8.1.1 Request for Funding- 2018 and 2019 Federation Internationale de Basketball 3 x 3 World Tour

Decision

The Committee approved the funding, in the amount of $190,000 dollars (spread over two years), for Tourism Saskatoon under the Special Event (Sport) category, as an exception to Policy No. C03-007, Special Events Policy, for the 2018 and 2019 FIBA 3x3 World Tour events, with the funding to be dispersed each year respectively as per policy criteria.

Background

On October 17, 2017, the Administration was made aware that Tourism Saskatoon intended to apply for a Special Event Grant for the FIBA World Tour event for 2018 and 2019, as it had signed a three-year commitment with FIBA to host this event in Saskatoon for 2017, 2018, and 2019. On November 16, 2017, the Administration met with representatives of Tourism Saskatoon to discuss this event and its grant eligibility. On November 24, 2017, Tourism Saskatoon submitted a Special Event Grant application for both the 2018 and 2019 FIBA World Tour events, requesting $95,000 in grant funding for each year, respectively, for a total of $190,000.

8.1.2 Development of the Swale – Response to Northeast Swale Watchers’ 12 Points – Northeast Swale Working Group

Decision

The Committee received the report as information and is forwarding the report to the SPC on Transportation and the Saskatoon Environmental Advisory Committee.

Background

During its March 13, 2017 Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services meeting, in response to the Development of the Swale – Response to Northeast Swale Watchers’ 12 Points report, the Committee resolved:

“3. That the Administration bring together stakeholders in regards to the Northeast Swale (Swale) to continue the discussion about protection of the Swale. Stakeholders should include, but are not limited to, the City of Saskatoon, University of Saskatchewan, Meewasin Valley Authority, Saskatoon Environmental Advisory Committee, Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee and the Swale Watchers. Stakeholders’ composition does not need to come back to Committee, but suggested starting points for initial discussion include integrated project management, long-term planning, financial implications, community engagement and communications.”

In addition, the Standing Policy Committee on Transportation recommended the following at its August 15, 2017 and September 11, 2017 meetings, respectively:

a) that the issue of the future of Lowe Road be referred to the Swale stakeholder group and the Administration for report back; and

b) that discussion about the speed limit on McOrmond Drive from Central Avenue to Wanuskewin Road be referred to the Northeast Swale stakeholder committee before the speed is determined.

8.2.1 Addition of Afghanistan 2001 to 2014 Plaque to Saskatoon Cenotaph

Decision

The Committee will recommend to City Council that an “Afghanistan 2001 to 2014” plaque be added to the Saskatoon Cenotaph.

Background

Commemorations contribute to Saskatoon’s urban landscape. Whether as statues, monuments, or artworks, commemorations describe connections to the past, express community and individual values, contribute to telling stories, and help to create a sense of place. In response to the importance that community places have on commemoration, the Administration developed a comprehensive policy to govern requests for commemorative art, statues, and monuments in Saskatoon. The Commemorations and Monuments Policy was adopted by City Council in May 2013.

8.2.4 Cannabis Legalization and Regulation – Overview of City of Saskatoon’s Response

Decision

The Committee will forward the report to City Council in support of the recommendations of the Administration for proposed amendments to Bylaw No. 8286, The Smoking Control Bylaw, 2004, and for the City Solicitor to prepare the necessary amendments to broaden the definition of smoking in public places.  The Committee is also supporting the recommendation for a further report from the Administration on options for municipal regulation of cannabis in relation to business licensing, zoning, and community standards within the City of Saskatoon.

Background

In February 2016, City Council received as information a report outlining the current regulatory scheme in place for medical marijuana. This was in response to an August 17, 2015 presentation from Mr. Mark Hauk regarding the prospect of regulating medical marijuana dispensaries within Saskatoon. The report indicated that a further report to City Council would be brought forward in the event of changes to the regulations applicable to the possession, consumption, and sale of marijuana.

The Government of Canada has proposed a framework for the legalization and regulation of cannabis through Bill C-45, the Cannabis Act, which is expected to become law in July 2018. At the time of writing this report, Bill C-45 had been through second reading in the Senate.

The federal, provincial, and municipal governments all have a role in the creation of a new legal and regulatory regime. The federal government will retain responsibility for regulating cannabis producers and setting rules and standards for the industry, respecting matters such as permitted products and ingredients, potency, labelling, packaging, and promotional activities.

Provincial and territorial governments will license and oversee the distribution and sale of cannabis, subject to federal conditions. They also have the option to increase the minimum age from the federally mandated age of 18 (but not lower it), lower personal possession limits, and create additional rules for growing cannabis at home or consuming it in public.

The Province of Saskatchewan (Province) is currently working on a framework for the regulation of cannabis in the Province.

8.2.5 Gordie Howe Sports Complex Master Plan – Project Update and Funding Request

Decision

The Committee will ask City Council to support the recommendations of the Administration as set out in the report.  Recommendation 2 was changed slightly to be clearer that the additional $5M was not being approved at this time but that the Administration would report further on the implications to the Recreation and Parks Game Plan Funding Plan of incorporating $6.0 million dollars of funding towards the Gordie Howe Sports Complex upgrades, including the $1.0 million dollars already approved.

Background

Since early 2013, when the capital upgrades at Gordie Howe Sports Complex began, the Friends of the Bowl has received approval from City Council to manage most aspects of the project. This has included approval to project manage the design and construction of the capital upgrades for: Saskatoon Minor Football Field (SMF Field) with artificial turf; score clock; sound system; the clubhouse; the entrance plaza and ticket booth; and most recently the replacement of the bleachers. This also included approval to solicit donor recognition for naming rights and asset-naming opportunities for the various phases of the fundraising campaign and to solicit contributions from various donors with installments paid over time.

With the final stage of the upgrades related to the SMF Field nearing completion, the Friends of the Bowl began to consider further upgrades which led to the development of a plan to upgrade all other areas of the Sports Complex.

At the September 20, 2017 Special Meeting of the Governance and Priorities Committee, the Friends of the Bowl presented an overview of the new Gordie Howe Sports Complex Master Plan and made a formal request for a $5.0 million capital contribution from the City. This request was considered at the November 20, 2017 City Council meeting, where it was resolved that $1.0 million in partial funding for the Friends of the Bowl be approved in 2018, and that a more detailed report on this project be presented at a later date for any additional funding beyond 2018.

From the December 18, 2017 Regular Meeting of City Council

8.1.2 Neighbourhood Level Infill Development Strategy – Three - and – Four – Unit Dwellings

Decision

*City Council received the information.

Background

*At its December 16, 2013 meeting, City Council endorsed the Strategy. The Strategy was completed to address growing concerns with residential infill development in established neighbourhoods. The Strategy outlined best practices, design guidelines, and regulations that provide design flexibility and minimize the impact of neighbourhood level infill development on neighbouring property owners. A report was considered by the Planning and Operations Committee on March 25, 2014, that identified four main items for implementation: garden and garage suites, development standards and design guidelines for primary dwellings, corner lot infill development, and site drainage requirements.

8.1.5 Licensing Rental Properties and Regulations of Nuisance Calls for Emergency Services

Decision

*City Council approved the recommendation that the Administration be directed to explore a licensing program for rental property businesses which includes provisions to regulate nuisance calls for emergency services, consult with key stakeholders including, but not limited to, the Saskatchewan Landlord Association, Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership and Renters of Saskatoon and Area, and report back including recommendations to City Council through the Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services.

Background

*The City of Saskatoon currently has The Property Maintenance and Nuisance Abatement Bylaw, 2003 (the “Property Maintenance Bylaw”). The Property Maintenance Bylaw sets out minimum standards for structures and yards in the City. The Property Maintenance Bylaw regulates nuisances; however, nuisance is defined as the condition of a property or a thing that affects the amenity of a neighbourhood. The Property Maintenance Bylaw does not regulate behavioural nuisance i.e. the regulation of repeated human activity which may affect the amenity of a neighbourhood or interfere with the enjoyment of another’s property. Also, the Property Maintenance Bylaw does not address nuisance calls for emergency services.

8.2.7 Transfer of Unpaid Utilities to Property Tax

Decision

*City Council approved the recommendation that the Landlord-Tenant Agreement be amended as outlined in the report.

Background

* At its meeting on April 24, 2017, when considering a report from the CFO/General Manager, Asset and Financial Management Department, regarding the transfer of unpaid utilities to property tax, City Council resolved that the Administration bring back modified procedures regarding the transfer of tenant utility accounts to the tax accounts of landlords, such that City procedure is more reflective of those in place with other utilities such as SaskEnergy.

8.4.5 Taxi Service Proposals and Regulation of Transportation Network Companies

Decision

*City Council approved the recommendations;

1. That the Administration report on the creation of a comprehensive vehicle for hire bylaw including contents and options of same and a stand-alone bylaw for TNCs with consequential amendments to the Taxi Bylaw; and

2. That the Administration be directed to report back concerning:

   a. Amending The Taxi Bylaw to allow the implementation of part-time Flex Service licenses, issued to qualified drivers, to meet demand in peak periods;

   b. Amending The Taxi Bylaw to allow for the replacement of seasonal licenses with full-time plates, issued to qualified drivers, reflecting the Sask Plates proposal;

   c. Reviewing the current taxi meter fare structure and develop options to improve affordability

   d. Reviewing regulations applicable to the taxi industry to support a ‘level playing field’ should development of regulations for transportation network companies be approved by City Council; and

3. That the Administration provide a further report on mechanisms to evaluate the impacts of ridesharing, taxis, and autonomous vehicles on Transit and congestion, as well as the opportunity for utilizing data generated from taxi industry and potentially ridesharing to help evaluate this; and

4. That the Administration provide a further report on the current levels of service to people requiring accessible service, and the potential impacts of the incorporation of ridesharing on Accessibility services.

Background

*On May 8, 2017, the Standing Policy Committee on Transportation received a report providing an update on the regulation of TNCs which indicated that a follow up report would be coming forward with policy options for consideration.

Further, when considering the May 8, 2017 report regarding Taxi and Limousine Stakeholder Engagement regarding TNCs, the Committee resolved:

“That the Administration create a stakeholder group that includes, drivers, companies and appropriate stakeholders, in order to prepare for a report on further regulations regarding transportation network companies.”

9.1.1 Residential Fire Pits/Revision of Open-Air Fire Bylaw

Decision

*City Council approved the recommendations;

1. That Bylaw No. 7990, The Fire and Protective Services Bylaw, 2001 be amended to limit open-air fires daily from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.; and

2. That the Administration report back on the potential of restricting open-air fire pits to gas burning fire pits in new neighbourhood developments, including an environmental impact component; and

3. That Administration report back on a free permitting system that would ensure users of fire pits know the rules and regulations as outlined in the Bylaw.

See Minutes.

Background

*The Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services, at its meeting held on May 29, 2017, received a report from Administration regarding the above item and resolved:

“That the Administration report further on the matter, including:

1. Limiting open air fires between certain hours and certain days of the week;

2. Permit process including costs to set up such a process and the cost of a permit;

3. What other jurisdictions in Canada regulate, including all of the matters identified in this request for further information;

4. Option for leaner versions to burn;

5. A phase out process;

6. Proper enforcement;

7. Outline out of the 192 complaints how many are repeats, how many are unresolved and how penalties might be structured for repeat offenders; and

8. Limitations on the duration of backyard fires.”

9.10.1 Proclamation Requests

Decision

*City Council approved all proclamation requests as set out in this report.

9.12.1 Air Support Unit Recommendations – Capital Purchase Approval

Decision

*City Council approved the recommendation that the capital purchase of $800,000 CAD to facilitate the purchase of an aircraft to replace the current leased Air 1 be approved.

Background

*See report. 

Now that the weather is warming up, so are the winter activities and events around the city. Residents are encouraged to warm up to winter with opportunities to get outside, get together, and get involved over the next few months.

“This is a chance for residents and visitors to embrace winter, and the many opportunities we have to enjoy the season,” says Brenda Wallace, Director of Environmental & Corporate Initiatives. “Events like the annual Nutrien Wintershines Festival in a few weeks or the new Crokicurl game next week, are part of the wintertime fun.”

Winter community events are just the tip of the iceberg. The City and community stakeholders are working on WinterCityYXE, an intentional effort to celebrate what makes Saskatoon unique as a four-season place that is inviting, vibrant and prosperous, even in the coldest months of the year. This Winter City Strategy will guide the changes necessary to help residents, businesses and visitors embrace winter with as much enthusiasm as they have for the summer season.

As part of the Winter City Strategy to improve the quality of life in the winter season, the City has awarded funding to recipients through the WinterCity YXE Grant program. Wallace says, “Though we can’t change winter, we can provide resources to community groups to help them make winter more fun and exciting for everyone.”

2017 WinterCityYXE Grant recipients include:

January 13 - February 25, 2018
Crokicurl
Recipient: Broadway Business Improvement District
Location: Broadway Avenue & 12^th Street
Combining two iconic Canadian pastimes, crokinole and curling, to become an exciting outdoor sport.

January 18 - 20, 2018
Theatre on the Trail
Recipient: Sum Theatre Company
Location: Meewasin Trail
Explore the wintertime beauty of Saskatoon’s beautiful Meewasin Trail through a live theatrical walk featuring a combination of professional artists, including Indigenous and Newcomer performers.

January 18-21, 2018
Winterruption
Recipient: Friends of the Broadway Theatre
​Location:  Broadway area
Encompassing 23 shows in 9 indoor venues, and also an outdoor festival featuring storytelling, free sleigh rides, face painting, free hot beverages, outdoor food and more.  As part of Winterruption, a tipi will be raised in late November as central venue for free storytelling during Winterruption.  It will also be used by Ecole Victoria School for much of the winter.

February 3, 2018
Wanuskewin Winter Festival
Recipient: Wanuskewin Heritage Park
Location: Wanuskewin Heritage Park
A family event with indoor and outdoor programming centred around Indigenous games, activities, and trapping skills. 

January - March 2018
Ice Cycle 2.0
Recipient:  Flatlanders FatTire Brigade
Location: Various locations around Saskatoon
A collection of events that will bring together local organizations, businesses, and community groups to celebrate winter cycling culture in Saskatoon.

For more information, including a full calendar of winter activities in Saskatoon, visit saskatoon.ca/wintercityyxe. To have an event or activity added to the WinterCityYXE calendar, please contact us at wintercityyxe@saskatoon.ca.