News Releases

An independent auditor concludes the City’s aggressive road construction and maintenance programs are efficient and economical.

“We always want to make sure we are spending taxpayers’ dollars in the best way possible,” says Jeff Jorgenson, General Manager of Transportation & Utilities. “We are pleased to report that independent auditors confirm that our roadways programs are well-managed”

Price Waterhouse Cooper analyzed the road condition, rehabilitation and maintenance programs and outlined its findings in a report endorsed Monday by the Standing Policy Committee on Finance. 

The audit examined whether the programs are economical, efficient and effective.  To further enhance the positive results the study identified four general areas for improvement:

• A finer level of detail in budgeting
• Clearly defined internal processes
• Enhanced monitoring and reporting of information
• Annual and life-cycle roadways maintenance planning and budgeting

“Many of the recommendations are already being acted on with innovative and creative solutions to provide optimal service improvements,” Jorgenson says.

The City’s action plan is included as 8.2.6 Attachment 1 in the City Council Agenda for April 25, 2016, on page 248. A follow-up report on the status of the audit’s recommendations will be brought forward in September, 2018.

For the April 25, 2016 Regular Meeting of City Council

9.2.1 Vacant Lot and Adaptive Reuse Incentive Program - Development Incentives – Parcel YY – Public Plaza – Supplementary Report

*City Council will be asked to approve the general conditions for a tax incentive for the Public Plaza located within the Parcel YY development at River Landing; and that the conditions for the tax incentive for the Plaza be contained within the Direct Control District Development Agreement for Parcel YY.

Additional Information

*The developer (Triovest) of Parcel YY has requested an annual tax incentive equivalent to the property taxes for the area of Parcel YY developed as a Public Plaza. This request was considered by the Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services on March 7, 2016. A recommendation to approve the incentive was passed by the Committee.
*During its March 7, 2011 meeting, City Council approved the Vacant Lot and Adaptive and Adaptive Re-use Incentive Program (VLAR). The VLAR Incentive Program includes incentives to encourage more housing within the Downtown. The VLAR program was recently amended to also include new incentives for offices and structured parking, in accordance with the City Centre Plan. At the present time, only the downtown housing incentives are available to development within River Landing.
*Triovest requested the same incentives which are offered within the Downtown. They have further requested an annual grant equivalent to the property taxes for the area of Parcel YY developed as a public plaza. Approved by the Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services.

9.3.1 2016 Corporate Business Plan and Budget – Shaping Our Financial Future

*City Council will be asked to receive the 2016 Corporate Business Plan and Budget – Shaping Our Financial Future.

Additional Information

*The document outlines the initiatives planned for the 2016 Business Planning and Budget cycle.
*In 2011, the City implemented major changes to its planning and budgeting process to create a framework which would allow the City to be more adaptive and responsive to the changing dynamics in our city, province, and country. The 2016 Corporate Business Plan and Budget continues to build on that foundation.

9.5.1 Resignation – Councillor Eric Olauson – Ward 8

*City Council will be asked to receive information on the resignation of Councillor Eric Olauson and that the vacancy in Ward 8 not be filled until the upcoming general election on October 26.

Additional Information

*In accordance with Section 15 of The Local Government Election Act, 2015 if a vacancy occurs on a council or board on or after January 1 in the year in which a general election is to be held, the council or board may proceed to fill the vacancy by a by-election or decide not to fill the vacancy until the next general election.

9.11.2 Enumeration/Voters List/Voter Registry

*City Council will be asked to receive the information and approve a recommendation that voters be registered at the polls on the dates set for voting during the 2016 Municipal and School Board Elections.

Additional Information

*There is no legislative or administrative requirement for a voters list. A voters list has not been prepared in Saskatoon since 1988.
*Conducting an enumeration is labour intensive and costly.
*A council may choose to enter into agreements with respect to sharing or using a voters list, or any other voter data used to create a voters list, with any officer established pursuant to a provincial Act or an Act of the parliament of Canada responsible to conduct an election.
*The use of a national or provincial register of electors in a municipal election may serve as a basis for a voters list.
*There is no provision in the legislation to allow for a process to preserve the voter registration forms from the 2016 Municipal and School Board Elections to formulate a list to be used for the purposes of developing a permanent voters list.

9.11.3 Growth Plan to Half a Million

*City Council will be asked to approve the following recommendations:
1. Recognize and approve, in principle, the long-term benefits of the vision and key directions of the Growth Plan to Half a Million;
2. That the Growth Plan be implemented in a phased, incremental approach, requiring specific recommendations for action in ten-year increments;
3. That the Administration report back with an implementation plan for the period of 2017 to 2026; and
4. That the Administration be instructed to bring forward specific reports on any actions related to overall plan implementation.

Additional Information

*The Growth Plan will guide the City’s growth for transportation, transit (Growth, and land-use planning to accommodate a population of half a million people).
*Without the Growth Plan, economic and community impacts of continuing the current growth patterns are expected to include increased traffic congestion, declining levels of transit service, longer commutes, and higher infrastructure costs, among others.
*The Growth Plan outlines eight key directions to guide transportation, transit, and land-use planning to accommodate a population of half a million.
*A ten-year action plan will be created to guide the implementation of the Growth Plan and will be brought to City Council for approval in early 2017.

From the April 18, 2016 Meeting

7.1.1 2017 Business Plan and Budget Process

Decision

*The committee endorsed a process for the 2017 Business Plan and Budget.  

Background

*In addition to the City’s Strategic Plan, City Council's priorities will provide direction and focus to the Administration in the preparation of the 2017 Business Plan and Budget.
*The 2017 Business Plan and Budget process will attempt to integrate a “policy-oriented” approach so that City Council can provide key direction to the Administration on various existing, and emerging, policy issues.
*The 2017 Business Plan and Budget process will include a public engagement component, so people of Saskatoon have an opportunity to provide input into the development of the 2017 Business Plan and Budget.

7.2.2 Growth Plan to Half a Million

Decision

*The committee will forward the following recommendations to City Council:

1. Recognize and approve, in principle, the long-term benefits of the vision and key directions of the Growth Plan to Half a Million;
2. That the Growth Plan be implemented in a phased, incremental approach, requiring specific recommendations for action in ten-year increments;
3. That the Administration report back with an implementation plan for the period of 2017 to 2026; and
4. That the Administration be instructed to bring forward specific reports on any actions related to overall plan implementation.

Background

*The Growth Plan will guide the City’s growth for transportation, transit (Growth, and land-use planning to accommodate a population of half a million people).
*Without the Growth Plan, economic and community impacts of continuing the current growth patterns are expected to include increased traffic congestion, declining levels of transit service, longer commutes, and higher infrastructure costs, among others.
*The Growth Plan outlines eight key directions to guide transportation, transit, and land-use planning to accommodate a population of half a million.
*A ten-year action plan will be created to guide the implementation of the Growth Plan and will be brought to City Council for approval in early 2017.

7.2.2.1 City of Saskatoon Growth Plan – SaskTel Centre – Current Status and Future Outlook

Decision

*City Council received the information.

Background

*In March, the committee held a Growth Plan Summit. Administration requested a presentation from the SaskTel Centre CEO regarding the current structure and plans for the future.
*SaskTel Centre, which opened in 1988, is rated among the top 100 arena concert venues in the world and has made Saskatoon a destination for major events and tours.
*Key issues noted within the presentation include: No Loading Dock for quickly loading shows in and out; Roof and trusses are too low and inadequate for event rigging; Kitchen and catering space is inadequate; With additions in permanent seating, concourse space and concession service locations outgrew; Limited public restrooms;Lack of permanent artist dressing rooms; Limited dressing rooms for national and international events.

8.2.1 Enumeration/Voters List/Voter Registry

Decision

*The committee recommended City Council receive the information and that voters be registered at the polls on the dates set for voting during the 2016 Municipal and School Board Election.

Background

*There is no legislative or administrative requirement for a voters list. A voters list has not been prepared in Saskatoon since 1988.
*Conducting an enumeration is labour intensive and costly.
*A council may choose to enter into agreements with respect to sharing or using a voters list, or any other voter data used to create a voters list, with any officer established pursuant to a provincial Act or an Act of the parliament of Canada responsible to conduct an election.
*The use of a national or provincial register of electors in a municipal election may serve as a basis for a voters list.
*There is no provision in the legislation to allow for a process to preserve the voter registration forms from the 2016 Municipal and School Board Elections to formulate a list to be used for the purposes of developing a permanent voters list.

8.2.2 2016 Local Government Elections – Mail-In Ballots

Decision

*The committee is forwarding the report to City Council recommending the City Solicitor be instructed to amend The Election Bylaw to remove the provision of “postage-paid” for the return of the mailing envelope to the returning officer for mail-in ballots.

Background

*Section 92 of The Local Government Election Act, 2015 authorizes Council to establish a mail-in ballot voting system for the purpose of receiving ballots in an election. In addition, clause 29(1)(b) of the Act authorizes Council to establish a mail-in ballot voting system for voters receiving care in a hospital, personal care facility or similar institution. Bylaw No. 8191, The Election Bylaw, 2012, provides for a mail-in ballot voting system.

8.2.3 2016 Local Government Elections – Hours of Voting

Decision

*The committee forwarded the report to City Council for information.

Background

*The Local Government Election Act, 2015 stipulates that polls must be open for voting between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on election day, and that the Returning Officer may open polls earlier than 9:00 a.m. on election day.
*In the past, polls have been open between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. and the same hours will be established for the 2016 Civic Election. Election officials must be at the poll at least 30 minutes before opening the poll and they are required to stay after the poll closes to complete their legislated duties, which means they are working a long day. It is therefore not being proposed that polls open any earlier than 8:00 a.m.

8.2.4 2016 Local Government Elections – Advance Polls

Decision

*GPC is forwarding the report to City Council for its information.

Background

*Section 85 of the The Local Government Election Act, 2015 authorizes the returning officer to establish one or more advance polls for voters at least three days and not more than 15 days before the day of the election, and set the days and hours for advance voting, excepting those to be established for personal care facilities and similar institutions.

8.2.5 2016 Local Government Elections – Homebound Voting

Decision

*GPC recommending to City Council that homebound voting in accordance with The Local Government Election Act, 2015 and Regulations be established on October 21, 24 and 26, 2016.

Background

*Section 30 of The Local Government Election Act, 2015 authorizes Council to provide for homebound voting any time between the first day of advance polling and the closing of polls on election day to take the vote of a voter that:
(a) has a disability or limited mobility and is unable to attend an established polling place to vote; or (b) is a resident caregiver and because of the care required for the voter who has a disability or limited mobility does not allow them to attend an established polling place to vote.
*Applications to engage the homebound voting service are made to the returning officer. Upon the returning officer’s satisfaction that the application is proper and complies with legislated requirements, the homebound voting service involves election officials going to the home of the voter to capture their vote. Personal Care facilities and similar institutions that are too small to warrant establishing a special poll for the required one hour minimum time frame would also be eligible for this service, provided residents meet the application criteria.
*It is being recommended that homebound voting be established on October 21, 24 and 26, as required.

Over the past 3 weeks, City and contractor crews have removed 4,460 tonnes of sand and debris from 620 lane kilometers of medians and high-traffic streets. That’s the equivalent distance from Saskatoon to Calgary. The city-wide neighbourhood street sweeping is scheduled to begin May 1, with curb-to-curb sweeping on all residential streets. Neighbourhood pothole repairs will be prioritized and follow street sweeping.

“The spring sweeping blitz is focused on collecting the bulk of sand and debris left over from winter on high-traffic streets, to clean up dirt and dust so residents and visitors can enjoy the outdoors this spring,” says Trent Schmidt, Acting Director of Public Works. “We continue to improve our program designs for street sweeping each spring and I think residents will agree our busier streets are looking great.”

Since April 11, when hot mix asphalt was available for permanent pothole patching, 302 tonnes have been used to repair the equivalent of 17,000 average potholes. Crews are also tackling the larger utility cuts on high-traffic streets, which can involve excavating to remove wet dirt and re-packing gravel material prior to patching, at this time of year. Residents are encouraged to report potholes for repair online at saskatoon.ca/betterroads, which are inspected and scheduled.

“While we can’t permanently patch some of these locations until the ground frost is completely out of the ground, we are monitoring temporary road repairs and grading gravel-covered locations as required,” says Schmidt. “In the meantime, we are focussing on the areas with the most impact to drivers and have repaired 30 of the 540 utility cuts including at Circle Drive at Venture Crescent, 2nd Avenue, 22nd Street, 8th Street and 33rd Street.”

The City-Wide Residential Street Sweep begins Sunday, May 1 in Parkridge and Meadowgreen (Streets only).

• Bright yellow “No Parking” signs are posted a minimum of 36 hours in advance of sweeping.
• Neighbourhoods with grid streets will have Streets and Avenues swept on different days to make parking available for vehicles that need to move.
• Vehicles that remain on a street at 7 AM on the posted day will be ticketed $100 and relocated to a nearby street.
• Find relocated vehicles with the “Find my Vehicle” application at saskatoon.ca/street-sweeping or by calling the customer service centre at 306–975-2476.
• Find street sweeping schedules for current neighbourhoods, and upcoming industrial areas (night), school zones (night) and Business Improvement District (night) sweeping at saskatoon.ca/street-sweeping.
• Residents are encouraged to check the online schedule often and pay attention to the day of the week on the “No Parking” signs placed on the street.
• If a neighbourhood is postponed due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, new signs will be posted when rescheduled.
• Sweeping Service Alerts are issued for changes to the schedule or to advise of any issues residents need to know about.

Since the February declaration of construction starting on the Bridging to Tomorrow project, the City and project partners, Graham Commuter Partners (GCP), have completed a substantial amount of work on both the North Commuter Parkway and the new Traffic Bridge.

Once complete in 2018, the North Commuter Parkway will support the transportation needs of citizens who live in Saskatoon’s northeast and work in the Marquis and North Industrial Areas, reducing traffic on the city’s existing bridges. The new Traffic Bridge, also slated for completion in 2018, will support the growing city centre by allowing motorists, pedestrians and cyclists to cross the river between the downtown and residential areas in the south sector of the city. The new bridge will look similar to the old bridge, but will be wider with the ability to accommodate emergency vehicles. 

Traffic Bridge Update – April 2016

Throughout the remainder of April, crews are continuing to work on refurbishing the south in-river pier (concrete column that supports the bridge deck), and are drilling piles to build the south abutment (supporting end of the bridge on the riverbank). The north berm that supported the bridge demolition has been removed, and crews have also finished removing part of the south berm to reduce impacts on river navigation. Later this spring and throughout summer, the southernmost pier will be reconstructed, the new north and south bridge abutments will be built, and the steel structure for the new southernmost span will be constructed.

North Commuter Parkway Update – April 2016

Parkway Bridge

A road has been constructed on the west side of the river to access the construction site. All regulatory permits to begin in-river construction have been received and work on an earthen berm to support construction of the first bridge pier has been built. By August, the first pier should be complete and work on the second pier will begin.

Parkway Roadways

Construction of the Parkway’s new roadways has begun. Clearing, topsoil stripping and ditch excavation are underway for the twinning and extension of Central Avenue to intersect with McOrmond Drive. This road will be extended to connect to the Parkway bridge. Earth has been moved to consolidate the ground under the future roadway in the Northeast Swale, and two clay berms (walls) have been installed through the Northeast Swale to prevent water from draining into the work zone. This work is being monitored by GCP’s environmental consultant and audited by the City’s technical advisor.

Improvements to the intersections of Central Avenue and Attridge Drive, and Marquis Drive and Wanuskewin Road, will begin in May.  

Traffic and Trails

Increased traffic will be evident at Marquis Drive and Wanuskewin Road with trucks hauling materials accessing the bridge construction site. Restrictions at Central Avenue and Attridge Drive, and at Marquis Drive and Wanuskewin Road, will begin in May and citizens will be notified of traffic detours through the City’s Daily Road Report, road signage, and social media.

Rotary Park and River Landing trail detours are in place and will continue through the construction period. Access to Crocus Prairie Trail from Central Avenue is closed until winter 2016. At times, the east sidewalk at Wanuskewin Road and Marquis Drive will be restricted for vehicle crossings.

Ways to Watch Construction Progress

Anyone interested can keep an eye on construction progress at saskatoon.ca/bridging. The webpage has a new quarterly video update, live project webcams, time lapse videos, and photographs. Construction viewing areas are also in place at River Landing and on the Meewasin Trail just north of the GCP construction trailer site at the intersection of Wanuskewin Road and Marquis Drive.

Stay Safe Near Construction Zones

Citizens are reminded to obey all traffic and Meewasin Trail detours in place, and to respect all safety measures in place including site fencing and site markings. The City is also reminding pedestrians to stay clear of work areas near the construction sites.

For more City of Saskatoon news, program information, Service Alerts, Traffic Detours, and links to our social media channels, please visit saskatoon.ca.

Since announcing the “Building Better Roads” road rehabilitation plan in 2013, the City has improved more than 420 kilometers of roadway – about the distance between Saskatoon and Medicine Hat. This summer, another 212 kilometers will be improved, including Broadway Avenue, Circle Drive from the Idylwyld Drive overpass to 33^rd Street, and College Drive between Preston Avenue and Central Avenue.

“We’ve made incredible progress over the past two years,” says General Manager of Transportation & Utilities, Jeff Jorgenson. “We are on pace to exceed our initial three-year projection of 432 kilometres by 44 percent as a result of improvements to various strategic processes.”

The City’s Building Better Roads plan is aimed at repair, but also improving traffic flow in order to reduce congestion. Traffic flow improvements will be made at some key intersections, including Highway 16 at 71st Street, 22nd Street at Diefenbaker Drive, and Warman Road at 51st Street. As for major projects, construction of the interchanges at McOrmond Drive and College Drive and at Boychuk Drive and Highway 16 will begin; the Idylwyld Drive overpass over Ruth Street will be reconstructed; and work continues on the Bridging to Tomorrow project, which includes the North Commuter Parkway Bridge and the new Traffic Bridge.

“Improving current road conditions and traffic flow is a significant portion of this construction season,” says Jorgenson. “Residents will also see further development in newer neighbourhoods, park development in seven neighbourhoods, new sound attenuation walls, new pathways, and sidewalk preservation.”  

Thirty-eight kilometers of sanitary sewer and water main infrastructure will continue, and the City will complete nearly 500 water and sewer connection replacements. The work on Broadway Avenue alone includes 1,380 metres of water main rehabilitation and replacement of 60 lead connections.

In 2016, nearly $59 million will be spent on street sweeping, pothole patching, sidewalk rehabilitation, back lane upgrades, road construction and repair, and snow and ice management in Saskatoon. This is $6 million more than last year, and 57 percent more than in 2013 ($37.3 million).

For more information on roadway construction, street sweeping, and to access the Report a Pothole Map visit saskatoon.ca/betterroads. The full list of road preservation and rehab projects broken down by City wards can be accessed at saskatoon.ca/roadpreservation.

Civic Administration will present the final Growth Plan to Half a Million (Growth Plan) report to the Governance and Priorities Committee on Monday, April 18, 2016, and request that the report be forwarded to City Council for approval, in principle, of the long-term benefits and key directions outlined in the plan.

“The Growth Plan was developed over the last two and a half years through a five-phase public engagement process called ‘Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon’,” says Alan Wallace, Director of Planning and Development.  “Residents were involved in discussions on everything from current and future challenges of growth to potential long-term changes for the city.”

Resident feedback has been used alongside technical work to prepare the final Growth Plan, which outlines eight key directions to guide transportation, transit, and land use planning to accommodate a population of half a million people.

The key directions included in the Growth Plan are:

1. focus growth and enable redevelopment along Saskatoon’s major corridors, with the goal of creating complete communities along these corridors;
2. support the development of strategic infill sites consisting of the Downtown, North Downtown, and the University of Saskatchewan’s endowment lands to achieve infill targets;
3. provide a robust transportation network that includes opportunities for all modes of transportation;
4. create a range of enhanced transit services over time to meet a variety of needs;
5. implement rapid transit facilities and services along the city’s major corridors as demand grows to support projected ridership;
6. use a range of operational methods to enhance the speed and reliability of transit services, including traffic management interventions where necessary;
7. acknowledge the need for future additional river crossing capacity within Circle Drive to serve anticipated travel demand and consider this alongside methods to increase the “people-carrying capacity” of all bridges; and
8. recognize that the supporting initiatives of the Financing Growth Strategy, the Employment Areas Study, and the Active Transportation Plan are also important components to achieving this vision.

“Without the Growth Plan, economic and community impacts of continuing the current growth patterns are expected to include increased traffic congestion, reduced levels of transit service, longer commutes, and higher infrastructure costs,” said Wallace.

If the Growth Plan is approved in principle, a ten-year action plan will be created to guide the implementation of the Growth Plan, which will be brought to City Council for approval in early 2017.

Comments and requests to speak at the Governance and Priorities Committee may be submitted, in advance, via the City’s website at www.saskatoon.ca/writetocouncil.

For more information on the Growth Plan, including the final technical and summary reports, please visit the project website at www.growingfwd.ca.

Extensive water main upgrades and road resurfacing will begin along Broadway Avenue on May 2. The work will last approximately five months, and has been specifically designed to minimize the impact on the community as much as possible. Broadway Avenue will remain open for business and entertainment as the work is completed in phases.

“This work will result in fewer water main breaks in the future, meaning less disruption to businesses and drivers,” says Celene Anger, Director of Construction and Design. “Road resurfacing will extend the lifespan of the avenue and result in a new, smoother surface. Deferring this project would result in further deterioration and increase future construction costs.”

In the first phase, the Broadway Bridge will be closed for approximately one week. The City will take this opportunity to simultaneously complete asset perseveration work on adjacent roads north of the bridge, minimizing the overall time the bridge will be closed.  Commuters are being asked to reroute their commute during the summer-long project, making use of other bridges and highways. Detours will be clearly marked, and when necessary, the primary detour route around Broadway Avenue (when the bridge is open) will be Dufferin Avenue.

When work on Broadway Avenue is complete, the project will move onto side streets, including block sections of 10th, 11th, and 12th Streets as well as a four block section of Main Street. Residents who require individual sewer line or lead water line replacements have already been notified.

“We have been working with homeowners and businesses since last November, giving as much advance notice as possible. Throughout construction there will be some unavoidable inconveniences, specifically with water supply and route access”, says Anger. “Whenever homes and businesses are briefly without regular water access, water will be supplied via temporary hookups.”

For more information please visit saskatoon.ca/broadway.

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information and subscribe to Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE.

From the April 4, 2016 Meeting

6.2.2 2015 Annual Report – Development Appeals Board

Decision

*The Committee has forwarded the report to City Council for information.

Background

*In 2015, 46 appeals were filed with the board – an increase over 2014 when 40 appeals were received. The scope of appeals in 2015 focused on development or building permit refusals.

7.1.2 2015 Annual Report – Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo

Decision

*The Committee received the report.

Background

*The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo (SFFP&Z) admissions set a record with 145,420. Annual overall facility usage number of guests of 285,162 is also an increase from 2014.
*The SFFP&Z continues to receive excellent community support from four volunteer organizations.
*The SFFP&Z has five reserves established for future expenditures. These reserves are well positioned for the 2016 operating year.

7.1.5 2015 Annual Report – Municipal Golf Courses

Decision

*The Committee received the report.

Background

*The accomplishments of municipal golf courses in 2015 included increased attendance from 2014 and significant generation of revenue from power carts, pull carts, the driving range, retail golf shop sales, and Club6Pack sales.
*In 2015, transfers to reserves exceeded budgeted amounts, resulting in a transfer of an additional $93,500 to the Golf Course Capital Reserve.
*The challenges in 2015 included an extended period of air quality issues, due to smoke from forest fires, and significant rainfall in September.

7.1.6 2015 Annual Report – Development Review Section

Decision

*The Committee received the report and has forwarded it to the Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee and the Municipal Planning Commission for information.

Background

*In 2015, 1,502 Development Permits, 20 Discretionary Use Applications, 37 Official Community Plan/Rezoning Applications, and 82 Subdivision Applications were reviewed.
*Zoning Bylaw No. 8770 was amended to further the implementation of the Neighbourhood Level Infill Development Strategy.
*The Andrew Boyd House (803 9th Avenue North) was designated as a Municipal Heritage Property.
*The Saskatoon Register of Historic Places (Register) was approved by City Council.

7.1.7 The Business Profile – Annual Report 2015

Decision

*The Committee received the report.

Background

*A total of 1,243 new businesses were licensed in 2015, bringing the total number of licensed businesses to 10,659.
*Of the 10,659 total licensed businesses, 58% (6,176) are commercial/industrial, and 42% (4,483) are home-based.
*The total number of licenses businesses increased by 2% since 2014 and by 46% since 2005.

7.1.8 2015 Year-End Report – Building Standards Division

Decision

*The Committee received the report.

Background

*The number of building permits issued in 2015 was 4,327. In 2014, 4,996 building permits were issued. The value of construction associated with the number of building permits issued in 2015 was $1,020,394,000; significantly higher than the value of construction of $878,238,000 associated with building permits issued in 2014.
*The year-end balance for the Community Services Department Plan Review and Inspection Service Stabilization Reserve increased by $2,000,205 from the 2014 reserve balance. As a result, the balance in the Reserve was $8,042,211 as of December 31, 2015.
*Building Standards continues to manage fiscal responsibilities by reviewing fees associated with programs and services offered to ensure division operations are aligned with Building Standards’ cost recovery model.
*The issuance of building permits for one-unit dwellings on single-family lots continue, on average, to be less than the 5 business day performance target in 2015.
*There were 32,867 building and plumbing inspections performed in 2015.

7.1.9 2015 Year-End Report – Neighbourhood Planning Section

Decision

*The Committee received the report.

Background

*The Neighbourhood Planning Section is involved in a wide variety of programs and services that help revitalize core neighbourhoods, improve safety, increase attainable housing, and improve urban quality in the City Centre.

7.2.1 Employment Areas Study

Decision

*The Committee recommended City Council receive the report and that policy directions for employment areas be brought forward for further consideration as part of a proposed implementation plan for the overall Growth Plan to Half a Million.

Background

*The Employment Areas Study is a related component of the City’s Growth Plan to Half a Million and is focused on ensuring that existing and future employment areas contribute to making Saskatoon a healthier, more sustainable, attractive, and accessible place to live and work.
*The Saskatoon Speaks Community Vision and the Strategic Plan goals for Sustainable Growth and Moving Around are the basis for the goals for employment areas.
*The Study includes an employment projection, which indicates that there is generally sufficient land available within the proposed Growth Plan to support employment growth to 500,000 people.
*Existing policies and plans that shape employment growth were reviewed to identify any gaps or inconsistencies in current planning practices that may limit the City from achieving the goals for future employment areas.
*The Study recommends a number of future policy directions centered on achieving employment areas that are well designed, accessible by all transportation modes, and located closer to where people live, while retaining a strong city centre that is the focal point of commerce in the city and region.

7.2.2 City-Wide Office Development Policy Review

Decision

*The Committee recommended to City Council:

1. That the report be received;
2. That Administration enter into discussions with commercial urban reserves;
3. That discussions be held with the development community (including but not limited to commercial realtors and developers, BID, SREDA, Ideas Inc.); and
4. That the Administration report its findings regarding the proposed numbers in the report to the Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services.

Background

*A strong office market is an important component to a healthy and vibrant City Centre.
*Saskatoon’s suburban and Downtown office vacancy rates are consistent with those of other resource-based jurisdictions in western Canada (Calgary, Edmonton, and Regina).
*The City Centre has an extensive range of advantages that support office development, but also has some challenges related to construction and occupancy costs, parking cost and availability, and perceptions of safety.
*A review of the City’s office policies and those of other jurisdictions showed a wide range of approaches to support City Centre office development. All jurisdictions reviewed, except Saskatoon, restrict offices in industrial zoning districts to some extent.
*Proposed limits on total area of new business parks, maximum office size limits in industrial areas, combined with modest incentives and process changes, will ensure that the City’s regulations, programs and procedures align with its policy supporting City Centre office development.

7.2.3 Saskatoon Hilltop Football Club Inc. Clubhouse Project

Decision

*The Committee recommended to City Council that the request by the Saskatoon Hilltop Football Club Inc. to construct a new clubhouse at Kilburn Park be approved in principle, subject to Administrative conditions outlined.

Background

*The City has a Lease Agreement with the Saskatoon Hilltop Football Club Inc. that outlines, among other things, conditions and approvals required to replace the existing clubhouse.
*The Hilltops organization was seeking approval to construct a new clubhouse at Kilburn Park.

7.2.4 Arena Partnership – Request from University of Saskatchewan to Contribute to Proposed Twin Pad Ice Facility

Decision

*The Committee recommended to City Council:
1. That the Administration be authorized to negotiate a contribution agreement wherein the City would provide a $1.0 million capital contribution to a twin pad ice facility on the University of Saskatchewan property, based on the contribution agreement recognizing ongoing community access to the facility; and
2. That upon conclusion of the negotiations, the Administration bring forward the proposed agreement for the Committee’s consideration.

Background

*The University of Saskatchewan is requesting a capital contribution from the City to help support the construction of a new twin ice pad facility (ice arena) to be built on the University property near the Saskatoon Field House.

7.2.6 Hosting Block Parties

Decision

*The Committee forwarded the report to City Council for information.

Background

*Residents, with the support of their neighbours, can host a block party by following a short application process and submitting a nominal application fee.
*General liability insurance is strongly encouraged for block parties and would be the responsibility of the block party organizers.

From the March 21, 2016 Regular Meeting of City Council

8.1.5 Update on the Saskatoon Minor Football Field Project

Decision

*City Council received the information.

Background

*The report is an update on the 2015 operating season at the Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the name of the new clubhouse, construction of Phases 1-3, and an update on the Friends of the Bowl Foundation fundraising campaign.
*The Saskatoon Minor Football Field (SMF) at Gordon Howe Park operated from mid-April to mid-November, 2015, for its first very successful full season.
*The Friends of the Bowl Foundation announced the first two phases of construction upgrades to the SMF Field, including the field, lighting, sound system, and clubhouse, will be completed this spring.
*With the construction of the new clubhouse nearing completion, the FOTBF Board has approved the name, Gordie Howe Sports Centre, for the clubhouse.
*The FOTBF has announced the third phase of the upgrade project, which is the plaza and ticket booth. Funding has been secured and the project will be completed this spring.
*The FOTBF has successfully achieved its fundraising goal to complete the three phases of upgrades at SMF Field.

8.2.4 Preliminary Year-End Financial Results

Decision

*City Council resolved:

1) The fuel surplus of $2.441 million not be transferred to the Fuel Stabilization Reserve.
2) The transfer of the Snow Removal and Ice Management Program allowable surplus amount of $0.622 million into the Snow and Ice Management Reserve be approved.
3) The transfer of the preliminary civic surplus of $1.436 million to the Fiscal Stabilization Reserve be approved.

Background

*The City has posted a $1.436 million surplus.
*Prior to the external audit of the City’s year-end financial statements, the Administration tables a report with City Council to inform City Council and the public on the preliminary year-end financial results.

8.4.1 Winter City Strategy Preparations

Decision

*City Council received the information.

Background

*In August 2013, City Council adopted the 2013-2023 Strategic Plan. In support of the Quality of Life strategic goal, the Plan specified a set of four-year priorities, including for the City to “provide opportunities for activities in a winter city”.
*There is a growing Winter City movement in North America that is drawing city leaders, community groups and the creative sector together to address specific winter problems as well as developing supportive plans and policies for the vitality of cities in winter.
*Existing City plans and policies already identify many opportunities for improving the local response to winter. Some of these will be acted on immediately as quick-wins in the lead-up to the launch of proposed public engagement to develop a Winter City Strategy in Saskatoon. The strategy will ultimately provide a roadmap for making Saskatoon as vibrant in winter as it is in summer.

9.6.2 The Anti-Bullying Bylaw, 2016

Decision

*City Council passed a motion that the anti-bullying bylaw be referred back to the Administration to review that the school divisions' Boards of Trustees that fall under the purview of the City of Saskatoon be invited to participate in discussions with the Administration and/or City Council with a report back to the Governance and Priorities Committee.

Background

*On February 10, 2014, City Council directed the City Solicitor draft an anti-bullying bylaw. In addition, City Council directed that the Administration consult with community partners and provide it with options respecting education and awareness programs.
*The intent of the Bylaw is to recognize the role of all levels of government and community agencies in combatting bullying and creating a positive environment.
*Highlights of the Bylaw as drafted include:

1. A definition of bullying which means: any unprovoked, repeated and inappropriate comment or conduct by a person which causes, which is intended to cause or which the person ought reasonably to know will cause harm, fear or physical or psychological distress to another person, including:
    a) taunting, tormenting, name calling, ridiculing, insulting, mocking and directing slurs towards another person
    b) kicking, pushing, hair pulling or pinching another person; and
    c) shunning, ostracizing, excluding another person and gossiping or rumour mongering about another person;
2. Prohibitions against bullying in a public place and aiding, abetting or encouraging the bullying of another person;
3. Recognition of the Chief of Police as the authority responsible for enforcement;
4. The requirement that a parent or guardian appear in court with a young person (defined as between the ages of 12 and 18 years) charged under the Bylaw;
5. The ability to participate in mediation to deal with charges as an alternative to the court process; and
6. A definition of “public place” that includes any place to which the public has access as of right or by express or implied invitation. One draft includes schools and school sites in its definition. The other specifically excludes these places except outside of school hours.

9.12.1 Police Commission Report – Evaluation of Adult Services Bylaw

*City Council received the information and granted permission for Chief Weighill to speak to the report which resolved that the Saskatoon Police Service continue to use and enforce Bylaw 9011.

Background

*In October 2015, City Council discussed Proposed Adult Services Licensing Bylaw amendments and resolved, in part, that the Board of Police Commissioners report to City Council regarding an evaluation of how well the bylaw has been working in order to meet its desired objectives from the perspective of the Saskatoon Police Service.
*The Board of Police Commissioners considered a report of the Chief of Police in this regard at its meeting in February 2016 and resolved that the Saskatoon Police Service continue to use and enforce Bylaw 9011, The Adult Services Bylaw and that the report be forwarded to City Council and Chief Weighill speak to the report.