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Service, Savings & Sustainability: Impactful achievements despite challenging year
July 19, 2021 - 4:07am
- An estimated $850K in operational savings were identified through a combination of one-time overall and annual savings.
- Saskatoon Land generated $43.7 million in sales and leasing revenues. Financial returns from Land Development operations stay in Saskatoon and are allocated for use in capital projects that would otherwise be funded through property taxes or borrowing.
- Grant funding approvals totaled $69.8 million through a combination of federal and provincial programs.
The City’s 2020 Report on Service, Savings and Sustainability (SSS Report) highlights how teams worked together, and apart, in 2020 to find new and improved ways to deliver services to residents during the pandemic while focusing on finding savings and reducing our impact on the environment.
“I am very proud of our City employees,” says Celene Anger, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer. “Despite last year’s extraordinary circumstances, including a work-from-home directive impacting about 1,000 staff, they continued to find innovative ways to continue the safe delivery of essential core services to residents, maximize value for taxpayer dollars and minimize costs for the Corporation.”
“Even with the challenges of 2020, the City moved forward on several major projects including the approval of our Official Community Plan and nationally recognized Green Infrastructure Strategy,” Anger adds. “From making the switch to LED streetlights, adding GPS to our City fleet of vehicles, or the innovative ways found to administer the civic election during the pandemic - every efficiency gained and savings achieved are especially important within a year where COVID-19 greatly impacted our civic finances.”
2020 SSS Report financial highlights include:
The annual SSS Report provides highlights to City Council and the community at large on the City’s previous year’s accomplishments related to our Strategic Goal of Continuous Improvement through improved service, increased savings and found efficiencies, and successful sustainability initiatives across civic operations.
The 2020 Report on Service, Savings and Sustainability report will be presented to the Governance and Priorities Committee of City Council today, Monday July 19.
Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls & Two Spirit report recommends community Matriarch as a safety resource
July 14, 2021 - 10:16am
- Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan
- Iskwewuk Ewichiwitochik (Women Walking Together)
- Les Filles de Madelaine/CUMFI
- OUTSaskatoon
- Saskatoon Public Schools
- Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools
- Saskatoon Tribal Council
- Saskatchewan Health Authority
- Sixties Scoop Indigenous Society of Saskatchewan Inc.
- Saskatoon Police Service
- Saskatoon Public Library
- Saskatoon Fire Department
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police
- Coordination of services that work in tandem with City departments and other agencies offering services to IWG2S
- Indigenous search and rescue unit
- Centralized knowledge base and referrals
- Ceremony / Elders/ Matriarchs
A report directed by City Council to explore supports for Indigenous women and girls and two spirit people (IWG2S) recommends establishing an Independent Office of the Representative Matriarchs who will work with other matriarchs on creating an IWG2S Centre. The Matriarch or “Auntie” will assist IWG2S.
“She would act as aunties do,” says Melissa Cote, Director of Indigenous Initiatives. “Indigenous women, girls and two spirit people know they can go to an auntie with anything and an auntie will provide advice; they will advocate for them within the systems and challenge the system itself. They do their best to protect them and keep them safe.”
This work follows a July 29, 2019 resolution of City Council that the Administration review the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and identify options for how the City of Saskatoon can respond to the Report’s Calls for Justice that are within the City’s jurisdiction, in a fashion similar to the existing review that has been undertaken for the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
In November 2020, the City created a Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two Spirit (MMIWG2S) Advisory Group comprised of an Elder and a number of organizations:
The purpose of the Advisory Group was to assist in the selection of a consultant; share information and collaborate; and provide guidance and advice in the development of the report.
If approved by City Council, Cote says the Office of the Representative of the Matriarchs will ensure that IWG2S are connected to services that they need to be connected to, be there for IWG2S who are in trouble and provide guidance.
“But most of all, the Auntie will be there to let them know that they are loved and that they matter.”
Cote says the City will work with the Advisory Group and partners to determine the process for selecting a representative of the Aunties.
The report entitled “IWG2S Coming Home” was prepared by Hope Restored Canada; these consultants believe it is critical to acknowledge the role that Indigenous women have played in the past and that their experiences and knowledge be brought to the forefront for present and future actions. To capture this, they have chosen and used the term “matriarch” in this report. In Indigenous families, aunties often serve as an extra parent who provides advice and emotional support to relatives.
“So, these are the empowered leaders for families and community. They are the Indigenous women and two spirit people that are already advising all over the City on Indigenous issues – the ones that people go to for advice as counsellors, advisors, leaders and confidants.”
The Administration will present the study to the Governance and Priorities Committee of City Council on Monday July 19.
Based on an initial review, Administration will then bring forward options for operational and capital funding in the 2022-23 Business Plan and Budget to implement the recommendation and actions in the Final Report.
If implemented, the Centre will work with non-profit organizations, federal and provincial governments to coordinate services. The report offers possibilities such as:
Next steps will include an analysis of the Final Report submitted by Hope Restored Canada; a debrief with the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two Spirit Advisory Group and Hope Restored Canada. Following this, a communications, public education, and engagement plan will be developed.
“This report stresses we need to listen to the Aunties,” Cote says. “At a very basic level, every Indigenous woman, girl and two-spirited person needs safe spaces: a place to sleep; a bathroom to use in privacy; a kitchen in which to feed themselves and family. These are basic needs; a human right and an action people can get behind.”
Improvements to neighbourhood pedestrian safety with traffic calming construction
July 15, 2021 - 2:00pm
Thirty-nine Saskatoon neighbourhoods will benefit from permanent construction of up to 150 traffic calming installations this summer, including curb extensions, median islands and location-specific solutions. These projects were identified over the past several years through Neighbourhood Traffic Reviews (NTRs) or other traffic safety assessments to address concerns.
Saskatchewan’s Municipal Economic Enhancement Program (MEEP) awarded the City $3.325 million for shovel-ready projects that will improve safety in residential areas. These projects are included in the $35.5 million MEEP grant for City of Saskatoon projects that was announced in September 2020 to stimulate the economy and help Saskatchewan industries recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Construction is already underway and will continue through summer. Locations with temporary traffic calming measures in place will be replaced with permanent infrastructure.
Learn more about the Neighbourhood Traffic Review and projects planned for your area at saskatoon.ca/ntr and review the Traffic Calming Guide at saskatoon.ca\traffic-calming.
City releases 2021 Service, Savings, Sustainability (SSS) Report
July 13, 2022 - 10:06am
- Doubling minor sidewalk repairs
- City Hall Lobby reconfigured to prioritize customer experience
- Improvements to Saskatoon.ca to make it more mobile friendly
- Reintroduction of prescribed fires to help ecological health
- LED street light upgrade completed
- Solid Waste Reduction & Diversion Plan unveiled
- Facility improvements to increase energy efficiency
- Use of recycled asphalt
- ePermitting improvements for building and development permits
Every year, the City of Saskatoon produces its Service, Savings and Sustainability (SSS) Report. The report focuses on the preceding calendar year and highlights the ways City employees worked to capture savings, enhance services for residents, and make improvements in the area of sustainability.
“The theme of the 2021 report is 2021: Resilience & Readiness,” says Celene Anger, the City’s Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer. “We wanted to tell the story of how we worked together to continue delivering and improving programs and services in the second year of a global pandemic, all while working to keep residents and staff safe.”
Initiatives featured in the 2021 report include:
The 2021 Service, Savings and Sustainability (SSS) Report reflects the City’s year-over-year commitment to find savings, explore and take on new challenges, and find practical, forward-thinking solutions to meet the changing needs of the community.
“At the City of Saskatoon, we have a strong commitment to continuous improvement and are always looking for new ways to improve performance and deliver value for taxpayer dollars,” says Anger.
The 2021 SSS Report will be presented as an information item at the Governance and Priorities Committee meeting on Monday, July 18. The report is available now at saskatoon.ca/SSSreport.
Update: City response to Saskatchewan Re-Opening Roadmap, Step 3
July 8, 2021 - 10:38am
- Remove the requirement to wear masks
- Remove the requirement to physically distance
- Continue to use barriers
- Continue the current increased cleaning
With over 71 percent of eligible residents over the age of 12 having received their first COVID-19 vaccination, and 49 percent eligible residents over the age of 12 being fully vaccinated, the Government of Saskatchewan announced the full implementation of Step 3 of the Re-Opening Roadmap will occur on Sunday, July 11th.
This means that all Provincial Public Health Orders will be removed, including the province-wide mandatory mask order in public and the removal of limits on events and gathering sizes.
“The lifting of Public Health Orders is an exciting time in our City. In the next few weeks there will be many adjustments and I encourage residents to continue to be patient and kind with each other and City staff as we all move forward together again," says Pamela Goulden-McLeod, Director of Emergency Management Organization.
The City’s approach to recovery will be phased and methodical. Important work continues within many City departments as there are many programs and services that are being reviewed prior to full resumption.
“COVID-19 created many challenges for our staff and the residents of Saskatoon. Thank you to our staff and our residents for all their work since March 2020 to help keep our community safe. We appreciate the patience and kindness residents have shown when accessing City services.”
The City will follow the direction of the Provincial Government and the Re-Opening Roadmap. As of July 11th, we will:
Staff, facility visitors and patrons are welcome to continue to wear masks if they choose and physically distance where possible.
Return of Staff to the Workplace
As noted last month, the City is preparing to return roughly 30% of its staff – who have been working at home since the onset of the pandemic – back to the workplace by September 1.
Some City teams have already determined there is still a requirement for masks or physical distancing for some tasks or meetings, including those who work in critical services, or for those who enter residences and other businesses.
Additional measures may be re-introduced to protect staff from the transmission of COVID-19 in the workplace. Department Directors will work with City Health and Safety staff to complete assessments as needed.
Until Sunday, July 11, when visiting an indoor civic facility such as a Leisure Centre, City Hall, Transit Customer Service, and while riding a Saskatoon Transit bus, protocols must still be followed by all staff and customers including those who have received a COVID-19 vaccination. This includes wearing a mask and maintaining physical distance.
Throughout the summer, any remaining outdoor and facility signage indicating mask wearing and/or physical distancing will be addressed by City crews.
Saskatoon Transit
Physical distancing will no longer be promoted at shelters or on the bus. All transit vehicles will operate at full standing capacity.
Operators and customers will not be required to wear a mask when operating or riding the bus nor will they be required in the Transit Customer Service Centre. Masks will be optional for both customers and operators.
Operators will be encouraged to continue to use the vinyl barriers for continued safety; however, they will not be required.
The health and safety of employees and customers remain a number one priority and enhanced cleaning protocols will continue, including the fogging of buses each night.
City Hall
The Payment Centre, Customer Service & Collections counters located in the lobby of City Hall continue to be open for in-person transactions. Plexiglass shields will remain in place at Corporate Revenue Customer Service wickets.
Additional customer services previously available on other floors of City Hall may be available from the lobby starting September 1. Access to the remainder of City Hall will be reviewed along with cafeteria services on the fourth floor.
Residents and customers are still encouraged to continue to use convenient online services.
Announced earlier, City Council meetings will resume in Chambers this September. Watch for more details on upcoming in-person meetings as they are announced.
Leisure Facilities & Programs
Leisure Centres and seasonal facilities and attractions will be preparing to increase regular programming in the Fall. Details will be available on the City’s website, social media channels, and in the seasonal Leisure Guide. The Leisure Guide will be available starting Friday, August 6 on saskatoon.ca/leisureguide or at any leisure facility, library or over 120 retail locations where the StarPhoenix is sold.
Specific information regarding upcoming swimming lessons and other registered programming over the summer will be shared with registrants over the next week.
Drop-in program capacity will increase starting Sunday, July 11.
Saskatoon Forestry Farm & Zoo
Most areas of the zoo will be open without restrictions and the one-way path will be removed. The Meerkat display is now open; however, the Children's Zoo will remain closed at this time. The Affinity Learning Centre is closed for construction.
Public Pathways & Pedestrian Crosswalks
Pedestrian bridge crossings, walkways, overpasses and underpasses will return to two-way traffic and the temporary signs will be removed over the next few weeks.
At traffic signals, the signs advising pedestrians they don't need to push the buttons to receive walk signals will be removed over the next few weeks.
Waste & Recycling
Plastic/acrylic COVID-19 barriers being used in various business and public spaces are not accepted in the City's recycling program. While this material does fall under #7 plastics, it is not marketable; therefore it is considered garbage. Flexible plastic sheets or screens are also considered garbage.
If you choose to remove your barriers, anything larger than 2 ft x 2 ft must be taken to the landfill or reused for alternative purposes. Items placed outside of carts or bins will not be collected and are considered illegal dumping with fines starting at $500.
Plexiglas barriers can be donated to Prairie Harm Reduction: operations@prairiehr.ca; or International Women of Saskatoon: operations.systems@iwssaskatoon.org.
Facemasks, gloves, and other PPE material are also not accepted in the recycling and should be safely and securely discarded in the garbage.
Impound Lot
As of July 11, normal hours of operation at the impound lot will resume, which are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m Monday to Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Members of the public may drop in at any time during these hours of operation; appointments will no longer be required.
Public Engagement
In-person forms of public engagement, such as meetings and open houses, will be restored over the course of the year. Efforts will be made for in-person engagements to feel safe and comfortable for both attendees and staff. Virtual forms of engagement, such as online public surveys and online meetings, will continue to be offered to accommodate those who prefer providing their input this way. Currently scheduled virtual engagements will continue as planned.
City of Saskatoon Bylaw Court
The City of Saskatoon Bylaw Docket Court will be re-opening on Wednesday, July 14, 2021. Confirm your new FIRST APPEARANCE adjourned date here.
Visit saskatoon.ca/bylaws for more information.
Watch for more information and announcements regarding programs and services at saskatoon.ca.