News Releases

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.