News Releases

Fellow Citizens,

I want to add a bit more perspective and clarity on information circulating in the community on the City’s use of external consultants. Many of the comparisons that you may have seen, heard or read are incomplete. In the interest of ensuring you have the ability to compare apples to apples, we want to set the record straight.

While a surface-level review suggests that we have a different approach to hiring external consultants than other cities, the reality is that we have a different approach to reporting. Our administrative report includes all spending on consultants and contracts, which goes beyond the spending reported in many other communities.

I will expand on this below, but consultants and contracts allow us to obtain specialized skills we don’t keep in-house and to meet the demand of surge periods while holding the line on creating permanent full-time city jobs.

Recognizing the depth of our reporting is necessary to fully understand our spending. 

The Background

In response to a question in the January City Council meeting, we prepared a thorough, open and transparent report on costs related to the City’s use of outside advice and services. Given the interest in this subject, we felt a full report to City Council and the public was appropriate.

The facts are:

*All external consultant costs were approved in the 2015 Business Plan and Budget. We have not taken on additional or unexpected costs that were not approved in the budget process.
*The City invested $16 million or 4% of our total City budget on advice and services in support of capital projects – addressing an unprecedented need for construction projects made necessary by an unprecedented period of growth in our community.
*The City invested $2.6 million or 0.4% of our total City budget on advice or services to the City for operations. For example this includes $213,000 for internal audit services that are more cost effective to outsource.

Finding Accurate Comparisons

To be clear, the report to be discussed at the Finance committee next week includes all costs where an external consultant or service provider participated in our work. This ranges from preliminary planning and concept studies to using outside help to design and manage a project.

In other words, we cast a wider net than what it appears other municipalities may have reported to their citizens. We believe this level of openness is the most responsible way to report to citizens.

For example, if we were to compare referenced information from the City of Regina on consultants hired for planning studies or strategic policy advice with what Saskatoon spent on the same, our expenditures would be in the neighbourhood of $1.8 million (including $1.6 million on capital projects).  This is in line with the $1.75 million spent by the City of Regina in 2015.

Listening to our Community

The City of Saskatoon has experienced significant growth over the past decade and we have acted to address the priorities identified by our citizens – more notably traffic congestion, roads, bridges and infrastructure.

The money spent on capital contracts and consulting is due in large part to our rate of growth and infrastructure development.  Saskatoon outpaced most Canadian cities over the past number of years with an infrastructure investment of $500 million. It’s like we have been “building” another Humboldt or Melfort for the past several years.

As part of this, the City also develops land that, in turn, delivers a dividend to its citizens and helps pay for that growth and infrastructure.

We have turned to consultants as a responsible and prudent approach, allowing us to meet the demands of a growing city while controlling the growth of full-time city staff positions. The City performs its due diligence on quality assurance to further enhance accountability and to confirm the services we provide are in line with best practices.

Taking all these factors into consideration, a proper comparison requires an examination of a city’s economic growth and a common standard of reporting.

We always have your economic interests at heart and will continue to recommend work to City Council when we believe it is time and cost effective to do so.

Kind regards,
Kerry Tarasoff
Chief Financial Officer
 

This unseasonably warm winter with less snowfall has been a welcome for many people in Saskatoon. Less snow typically results in less shoveling on sidewalks for residents. Unfortunately, with the daytime melting followed by overnight freezing temperatures, residents are faced with icing conditions on their sidewalks.

Given Saskatoon’s reputation for strong community spirit, it comes as no surprise that again this year, the City of Saskatoon is recognizing the Snow Angels who go above and beyond to help fellow neighbours keep sidewalks clear, despite the added challenge of ice this season.

His Worship, Mayor Donald Atchison today thanked and presented a gift to Elmer and Agnes Regier, this month’s winners of the Snow Angel program’s prize draw. The Regiers were nominated as a Snow Angel by their neighbour, Janet Gordon.

“Elmer is an all-year angel”, says Gordon. “In summer he gives total care to the grass and grounds in my yard, and in winter he clears the snow and ice from my walks and large driveway. I was so lucky when the Regiers became my neighbours for many reasons. Elmer says it keeps him in shape, and l am so grateful for their help.”

“Clearing sidewalks quickly after a snowfall makes it easier and safer for people to move around, especially during an icy winter like the one we’ve had” says Acting General Manager of Community Services, Alan Wallace. “A thoughtful act from a neighbour like this epitomizes the spirit of many citizens in Saskatoon and is worthy of recognition.”

If residents receive help with their snow clearing, they can nominate them as a Snow Angel online at saskatoon.ca/snow. They’ll be sent a thank you card from His Worship, Mayor Donald Atchison as well as entered into a monthly prize draw.

The Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee (MHAC) recognized the “Spirit of Alliance - War of 1812” monument in the category of Education. The Heritage Awards were presented by His Worship Mayor Donald Atchison at the February 29 meeting of City Council.

“This is an achievement to be proud of,” says Kevin Kitchen, Community Development Manager.  “Commemorations contribute to Saskatoon’s urban landscape.  Whether as statues, monuments, or cairns, they describe our connections to the past, express community and individual values, contribute to telling our story, and help to create a sense of place.”

The education awards recognize the achievements of an individual, group or organization to educate the citizens of Saskatoon about its heritage in the areas of archaeology, history, museums, historic buildings and sites, genealogy, natural history, and folklore.

The City of Saskatoon received the donation of the Spirit of Alliance monument from the Whitecap Dakota First Nation to commemorate the alliance between the British Crown, the Dakota and others; and how the Dakota came to reside in the area. 

The City of Saskatoon’s Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee (MHAC) today announced the recipients of the 2015-2016 Heritage Awards. The Committee presents Heritage Awards every second year to recognize contributions to heritage preservation within the City of Saskatoon in the areas of archaeology, history, museums, historic buildings and sites, genealogy, natural history, and folklore.

“The Heritage Awards represent an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the work of preservation, restoration and stewardship of buildings of heritage value and education in our community,” stated Carla Duval-Tyler, Committee Chair. “These awards recognize what is often an immense amount of vision, time, and a financial commitment for something that benefits the entire city.”

“We thank all applicants as they demonstrate a vision on the part of Saskatoon residents and business in preserving, conserving and restoring our local heritage, and maintaining a sense of history as we build for the future of our city,” added Ms. Duval-Tyler.

Organizations were recognized in the following categories:

BUILDING SITES AND GROUNDS

Sensitive Addition (2 Awards)

Academic Health Sciences D Wing Addition

Presented to:

o   University of Saskatchewan (Property Owner)

o   Henry Downing Architects (Architect)

o   Graham Construction and Engineering Ltd.(General contractor)

o   Flad Architects (Lab Design Specialists)

St Thomas Moore College 2013 Addition     

Presented to:

o   Edwards Edwards McEwen Architects (Architects)

o   St Thomas More College (Property Owner)

o   Quorex Constructions Services Ltd. (Project Manager)

o   Robb-Kullman Engineering LLP (Prime Consultant, Structural Engineer)

Adaptive Re-Use (3 Awards)

210/212 20^th Street West (Grazing Goat / Green Ark)       

Presented to:

o   Strata Development Corporation (Property Owner and General Contractor)

433 - 20^th Street West (MGM Communications)      

Presented to:

o   Lionel Wong (Property Owner)

o   Strata Development Corporation (General Contractor)

o   MGM Communications (Tenant)

616-10^th Street East (Brainsport)        

Presented to:

o   Group2 Architecture (Architect and Designer)

o   Brainsport (Property Owner)

o   S2 Construction (General Contractor)

Heritage Space (1 Award)

616-10^th Street East (Brainsport)        

Presented to:

o   Group2 Architecture (Architect and Designer)

o   Brainsport (Property Owner)

o   S2 Construction (General Contractor)

VOLUNTEER PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD

Della Greer

o   Commitment to making Saskatoon a place that recognizes and celebrates arts, culture and heritage through her work with the Marr Residence and other agencies.

EDUCATION AWARDS (3 Awards)

Nutana and Broadway Heritage QR Code Tour

Presented to:    

o   Broadway Business Improvement District

o   Nutana Community Association

Spirit of Alliance Monument     

Presented to

o   J. S. Gauthier, Adrian Stimson,  Happy (Ian) Grove (Artists/ Sculptors)

o   Chief Darcy Bear (Funder, Visionary)

Joe Wickenhauser

o   Commitment to preserving and sharing the history of sexual and gender diversity in Saskatoon through lectures, walking tours, film events, displays and print publications and contributions to social media.

The awards will be presented in City Council Chambers (City Hall) by Mayor Atchison on Monday, February 29, 2016 at 5:00 PM. Reception to follow at The Bassment – 202 4^th Avenue North.

Detailed information on the Heritage Awards Program can be found at saskatoon.ca/HeritageAwards. 

The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo has launched an exciting new video showcasing a general medical exam on the popular red panda, Phoenix.

“The opportunity to create this unique video highlights the longstanding partnership in animal health between the Western College of Veterinary Medicine and the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo,” says Lynne Lacroix, Director of Recreation and Community Development.

Phoenix is a permanent “citizen” of Saskatoon who has lived in Phase II of the PotashCorp Ark exhibit since he moved from the Assiniboine Zoo in Winnipeg in 2014.  Red pandas, known for their resemblance to raccoons, have been classified as vulnerable due to habitat loss and poaching.  Slightly larger than a domestic cat, red pandas are recognizable with their reddish-brown fur and shaggy tail. 

Showcasing the educational aspects of the animal health program benefits many – from teaching skills to veterinary students for their future careers, to showing school students how in-depth an annual physical examination for a wild animal is.

“The video demonstrates the commitment of both our skilled staff and the City in ensuring a quality health program for the animals in our care,” says John Moran, Manager of the Forestry Farm Park & Zoo. “Showcasing this exclusive ‘behind the scenes’ footage brings to light the facility does more than just feed and clean the animals in our care; that our animal care and welfare initiatives are of the utmost importance in the work we do every day.”

The video is showcased on the City’s YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook pages.  It is also highlighted on saskatoon.ca/zoo and will be played in the Children’s Zoo and Discovery Centre as part of a public education initiative.  

The City Administration is asking for City Council permission to go ahead with the first steps of building two new road interchanges.  An urgent report has been added to the agenda of Council’s Monday afternoon meeting.

“We are taking the unusual step of seeking procurement of these projects before the federal government funding has been secured,” says Major Projects Director, Mike Gutek.

“We remain confident this project will be favourably considered by the Provincial and Federal Governments, but timing is becoming a factor.”

The City made an application to the Building Canada Fund seeking $29 million for the Highway 16 & Boychuk Drive interchange portion of this project, with approximately $14.52 million coming from each of the Federal and Provincial governments.

Negotiations with Dream Developments concluded in August 2015 and confirmed a funding strategy for the interchange at McOrmond Drive & College Drive.

In the unlikely event that the City’s application for Building Canada funding is not approved for the interchange, the Major Transportation Infrastructure Funding (MTIF) Plan, which consists of reserve funding, Building Canada Funding and borrowing as its main funding sources, would be adjusted to fund this project. 

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

In keeping with the City of Saskatoon’s strategic goal of continuous improvement, a new online tool has been launched that will allow residents to report traffic related concerns more accurately and efficiently. The new online interactive map provides citizens with the opportunity to report a traffic issue or concern associated with traffic, road signage/signals and safety on any Saskatoon street.

“The Report a Traffic Issue map is designed to replace the previous method of reporting, an online survey that linked to the City website,” says Angela Gardiner, Director of Transportation. “Residents can now pin point the exact location of the issue they are reporting and provide more details, including adding a photo, which will help engineers to investigate the concern.”  

Similar to the City’s Report a Pothole Map, residents find the correct location, place a dot on the map and follow the prompts to report an issue. There are nine traffic issue categories to choose from including cycling safety, back lanes, pedestrian safety, road construction, shortcutting traffic, speeding, signage, traffic delays or congestion and walkways.  

The application allows a user to add an image and provide an explanation of the issue they are reporting in an open comment box. Once submitted, the user is provided with a Request ID number that can be used for follow up with the Transportation Division. A customer service representative will respond to map users on their reported issues within 2 business days.

The one difference between this application and the pothole map is, once a report is submitted on the Report a Traffic Issue Map , the red point will no longer display on the public facing map. It will however continue to show up on the internal facing map referenced by City engineers. This is designed so other residents are not deterred from making a report by thinking an issue has already been reported. Duplicate reports of the same issue by multiple residents will help Transportation engineers determine the priority of the issue.

“This new online tool will streamline processes and allow for greater efficiencies in tracking and dealing with concerns in a timely and effective manner,” says Gardiner. “We will also be able to use the data to assess any developing trends that emerge.”

The City’s Transportation Division addresses traffic concerns in residential areas through the Neighbourhood Traffic Review process where appropriate. Otherwise, concerns are investigated on a case-by-case basis and action depends on engineering assessment and funding levels.

The Report a Traffic Issue Map is available on a desktop browser, smart phone or tablet device. To access the map please visit saskatoon.ca/TrafficIssuesMap.

In keeping with the City of Saskatoon’s strategic goal of continuous improvement, a new online tool has been launched that will allow residents to report traffic related concerns more accurately and efficiently. The new online interactive map provides citizens with the opportunity to report a traffic issue or concern associated with traffic, road signage/signals and safety on any Saskatoon street.

“The Report a Traffic Issue map is designed to replace the previous method of reporting, an online survey that linked to the City website,” says Angela Gardiner, Director of Transportation. “Residents can now pin point the exact location of the issue they are reporting and provide more details, including adding a photo, which will help engineers to investigate the concern.”  

Similar to the City’s Report a Pothole Map, residents find the correct location, place a dot on the map and follow the prompts to report an issue. There are nine traffic issue categories to choose from including cycling safety, back lanes, pedestrian safety, road construction, shortcutting traffic, speeding, signage, traffic delays or congestion and walkways.  

The application allows a user to add an image and provide an explanation of the issue they are reporting in an open comment box. Once submitted, the user is provided with a Request ID number that can be used for follow up with the Transportation Division. A customer service representative will respond to map users on their reported issues within 2 business days.

The one difference between this application and the pothole map is, once a report is submitted on the Report a Traffic Issue Map , the red point will no longer display on the public facing map. It will however continue to show up on the internal facing map referenced by City engineers. This is designed so other residents are not deterred from making a report by thinking an issue has already been reported. Duplicate reports of the same issue by multiple residents will help Transportation engineers determine the priority of the issue.

“This new online tool will streamline processes and allow for greater efficiencies in tracking and dealing with concerns in a timely and effective manner,” says Gardiner. “We will also be able to use the data to assess any developing trends that emerge.”

The City’s Transportation Division addresses traffic concerns in residential areas through the Neighbourhood Traffic Review process where appropriate. Otherwise, concerns are investigated on a case-by-case basis and action depends on engineering assessment and funding levels.

The Report a Traffic Issue Map is available on a desktop browser, smart phone or tablet device. To access the map please visit saskatoon.ca/TrafficIssuesMap

In December, City Council approved an additional $1.04 million in the 2016 budget to increase ice management and to build a base for future city-wide snow removal on residential streets. Up to $240,000 will increase sanding and salting on priority 3 streets from twelve hours to six; with $85,000 dedicated to outfitting the fleet of sanders with pre-wet mechanisms.

“This increased budget will allow us to address the types of conditions we have been experiencing this winter more effectively,” says Pat Hyde, Director of Public Works. “While mild weather is always welcomed, the increased number of freeze/thaw cycles is something we could continue to experience in winters to come. We’ll be better prepared for these types of weather events and the unique challenges they present with new equipment added to our fleet.”

Last winter, the City piloted a new technique called pre-wetting. A sanding truck was modified to spray a magnesium-chloride brine to the salt/sand blend as it was applied to the road surface. The moisture helped the sand stick to the roadway for traction, while the chemical activated the melting properties of salt to soften ice at lower temperatures.

“The pre-wetting solution has proven to be highly effective on priority streets. With the recent approved budget, we have been able to order 8 additional pre-wet systems and 4 1-tonne sanders, making for a grand total of 12. With an entire fleet of sanders on board by next winter, drivers will be sure to notice improved traction and less icing on priority streets.”

The additional funds for snow removal will be used to increase the frequency of windrow removal on priority streets. School Zones will also have more frequent snow removal, with a goal to increase windrow zones by 20 m. The plan for these programs is under development and will be presented to City Council over the next few months.

Winter road maintenance results so far this winter:

• 1,600 tandem truckloads of snow removed from City streets
• 20,000 tonnes of sand, 5,000 tonnes of pre-wet sand/salt and 4,500 tonnes of pre-mix sand applied
• 60 tonnes of cold mix asphalt used to temporarily repair potholes and utility cuts
• 130 total combined water and sewer main breaks were repaired restoring services for residents

For the fifth consecutive year, the City of Saskatoon is one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for 2016.

“We are pleased to be recognized for our accomplishments in this area,” says City Manager, Murray Totland.

Recognized for a fifth year demonstrates the City’s employment initiatives are supported at the national level.

“A sustainable strategy to reach our goals is important,” Totland says. “We will continuously improve and promote our progress toward a workplace which embraces diversity.”

Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for 2016 are outlined in the February 24, 2016 edition of The Globe and Mail as well as on Eluta.ca.