News Releases

There continues to be some misinformation circulating in the community around the sale of the former Saskatoon Police Service Headquarters property on Fourth Avenue.

As far as an alleged new central library project is concerned, the reliable public information is: over a number of years, but more recently since 2013, the Saskatoon Public Library (SPL) has identified the need for a new central branch.

The 2016 Approved Operating & Capital Budget also outlines the SPL’s priorities on pg. 166 – notably a five-year facilities plan, and a Master Building Program.  Funding for a central library is not even proposed until 2019.

Finally, let me be clear about the former police property sale terms: there is no sale condition that requires a particular development of the former police headquarters building, whether it’s new construction or re-purposed.

The City is not seeking any conditions above what zoning and existing development controls would already dictate.  The City’s interest is to sell the building and vacant parcel of land.

There have been two offers on the former police headquarters building.   In those instances, the purchaser chose not to move forward with their offer to complete the purchase of the building.

It is typical of the development industry to produce conceptual drawings for a project they want to promote, but without a parcel of land to build it on, there is no project; it is just a concept or a dream.

Murray Totland
City Manager

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.