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Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
Council boosts potential city-wide housing opportunities following Housing Accelerator Fund approvals
November 23, 2023 - 4:00pm
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Propose a zoning bylaw amendment that aligns with the HAF requirements to allow up to four residential units on a property in a residential zoning district and as long as development standard and conditions such as the lot size, sewer and water infrastructure can accommodate it, with a report back to a Public Hearing in the first quarter of 2024;
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Propose a zoning bylaw amendment that would permit four storey multiple-unit development within 800 metres of the bus rapid transit system corridors, with appropriate development standards, including servicing capacity and report back to a Public Hearing in the second quarter of 2024;
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Propose a zoning bylaw amendment that removes parking requirements from areas that are within the defined Corridor Areas and report back to a Public Hearing in the first quarter of 2024; and, that this motion be forwarded to the Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services, as part of the ‘Options for Review of Minimum Parking Regulations’ being considered at the December 6, 2023 meeting; and
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Work with the University of Saskatchewan to increase density and create opportunities for student housing in the College Quarter.
In addition, Council has requested that Administration report back on options to protect the character of neighbourhoods, in time for the public hearing in the second quarter of 2024.
City Council today took the first steps toward more housing opportunities to encourage greater density near transit corridors. During a continuation of City Council’s Regular Business Meeting November 23, 2023, motions were approved to support Saskatoon’s application to the federal Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF). The City will now provide a formal response confirming the amendments to the federal government.
“This is a generational shift in what housing looks like, More people will have access to stable and affordable housing, with walkable services and access to public transit and active transportation opportunities.” says Lesley Anderson, Director of Planning and Development. “The City had already started working on accommodating more people living in these areas years ago through its Corridor Planning Program, which is looking at how to make Saskatoon’s major transportation corridors into livable places. The HAF program is an extension of this, not a complete shift in the work we have already been doing.”
With approval of these amendments, Council has directed the Administration to:
“Not just Saskatoon, but major cities across Canada, have been negotiating Housing Accelerator Fund applications with the federal government to help address housing affordability and access,” says Anderson. “Approval of our application could potentially provide tens of millions of dollars to increase the city’s housing supply, including affordable housing with a focus on the areas of Saskatoon near transit corridors.”
Following the federal government’s receipt of the City’s formal response, finalization of the contribution agreement and a formal public announcement will be planned, along with more detailed next steps including plans for public consultation.
City makes Veteran Parking Project permanent
November 23, 2023 - 11:00am
Following City Council approval on November 22, on-street parking in Saskatoon's pay parking zones will continue to be free for Saskatchewan veterans with SGI-issued veteran licence plates within the posted time restrictions on a permanent basis.
Council approval came following a one-year pilot project that evaluated the impacts of a program on parking revenue, parking supply and usage. User feedback was also collected from stakeholders and it was found that impacts of a program modification would be minimal and that the pilot was well-received by users.
”Through stakeholder engagement and research, it was found that amendments to the existing program could be made to provide a simplified and improved process for veteran parking similar to other cities that are offering Veteran parking programs” says Matt Grazier, Director of Community Standards. “This is a program that we are pleased to offer as a small ‘thank you’ to Saskatchewan Veterans for their service to our city, province, and country.”
Veterans who qualified under the previous City of Saskatoon Veteran Parking Program still qualify under the new program. This program applies for on-street pay parking zones only and does not include public or private parking lots.
For more information, visit saskatoon.ca/veteranparking.
Saskatoon Transit wins CUTA Innovation Award using Preteckt’s technology to empower its bus maintenance team
November 20, 2023 - 2:00pm
The CUTA Awards honour and celebrate the achievements of individuals and organizations that go above and beyond to keep transit running.
Saskatoon Transit was named the winner of the 2023 Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) Innovation Award for using Preteckt’s AI-powered predictive maintenance technology to maintain its bus fleet. The award recognizes Saskatoon Transit’s excellence in using technology to make transit services more efficient.
“Keeping as many buses as possible on the road each day is critical for Saskatoon Transit to meet service demands,” says Tracey Davis, Fleet and Maintenance Manager, Saskatoon Transit. “Our enhanced preventative maintenance program with early detection predictive analysis is saving us money and increasing bus availability.”
Preteckt’s predictive software sifts through millions of data points daily to catch problems before they cause bus breakdowns and empowers technicians with the insights needed to make early repairs. Saskatoon Transit piloted this technology with Preteckt in 2021 and then implemented the AI solution for its entire fleet in late 2022.
Saskatoon Transit has not experienced service disruptions due to bus shortages since October 2022 due to intentional continuous improvement efforts, an enhanced preventative maintenance program and the partnership with Preteckt.
“Innovation happens when leaders take risks. The Saskatoon leadership team led by taking a risk and agreeing to do a pilot test with Preteckt in late 2020, which has allowed them to continue seeing amazing results. The Saskatoon Transit maintenance team continues to innovate by combining technology with continuous improvement expertise driven by AI, thus allowing them to make data-driven decisions,” said Krish Inbarajan, CEO of Preteckt and APTA Board Member. “As an AI company, people make all the difference, and we salute the innovative team at Saskatoon Transit and thank them for trusting their entire fleet with us.”
During the award ceremony CUTA recognized this innovation with the following paragraphs:
“Canadian start-up Preteckt partnered with Saskatoon Transit to implement their artificial intelligence (AI) for predictive maintenance. This AI, initially designed for heavy-duty trucks, analyzes vast data sets and uses AI to predict issues before they disrupt service. Despite initial skepticism, Saskatoon Transit embraced the innovation under CUTA’s Transit Vision 2040 theme, demonstrating leadership in Canadian transit.
The AI seamlessly integrates with Saskatoon Transit’s existing systems, enabling early issue detection and informed repair decisions, ultimately reducing costs. Saskatoon Transit stands as Canada’s pioneer in using AI for transit vehicle maintenance. This project’s success isn’t solely attributed to technology; it requires courage, effective leadership, and resource commitment. The process involved setting pilot objectives, procuring new technology, and integrating it into continuous improvement procedures. Training played a crucial role in implementation, with ongoing efficiencies anticipated.”
The Saskatoon Transit – Preteckt partnership highlights the integration of advanced technology, which will be essential to providing reliable, safe and efficient transportation services for a city that is planning for continued growth.
City releases Preliminary 2024/2025 Capital Budget Project Details, Introduction & Climate Budget
November 20, 2023 - 1:08pm
As part of the City’s Multi -Year Business Plan and Budget Process, the City produces three key documents to inform City Council and the public prior to its November budget deliberations.
Having released the first document, the Preliminary 2024/2025 Detailed Operating and Capital Summary Budget on November 9, 2023, the City’s last set of preliminary budget documents have been made available today, November 20, 2023 as follows:
#2. Preliminary 2024/2025 Capital Budget Project Details
#3. 2024/2025 Preliminary Budget Introduction and 2024/2025 Climate Budget
The Preliminary 2024 Operating Budget proposes total operating expenditures (excluding Saskatoon Public Library and Utilities) of $628.5 million, an increase of $35.9 million, or 6.06%, over the 2023 Operating Budget.
The Preliminary 2025 Operating Budget proposes total operating expenditures (excluding Saskatoon Public Library and Utilities) of $657.0 million, an increase of $28.4 million, or 4.53%, over the 2024 Operating Budget.
The Preliminary 2024/2025 Capital Budget provides a total capital investment of $785.1 million: $381.5 million in 2024, and $403.6 million in 2025.
Still to be considered by City Council is the final full review of the City’s 87 distinct Service Lines and 58 additional Administrative Options. There will undoubtedly be a number of further changes made to finalize the 2024/2025 Business Plan and Budget.
City Council will seek to find the proper balance between delivering core service levels residents and businesses expect for taxpayer dollars, maintaining affordability and ensuring long-term financial sustainability when making its final investment decisions at the 2024/2025 Budget Deliberations set for November 28-30, 2023.
Members of the public who wish to participate in the 2024/2025 final budget review by either submitting a letter and/or requesting to speak to City Council must arrange to do so before the cut-off, Monday, November 27, 2023, at 5 p.m.
Visit saskatoon.ca/budget
Pilot project for the installation of Accessible Loading Zones to improve inclusivity and accessibility for Saskatoon Residents
November 16, 2023 - 11:00am
The City of Saskatoon is pleased to announce the launch of a pilot project that will see the installation of accessible loading zones to foster inclusivity and accessibility.
Three locations have agreed to partake in the pilot and have accessible loading zones installed: Sutherland Elementary School, Luther Special Care Home and the Sturdy Stone Centre.
The accessible loading zones have been installed at Sutherland Elementary School and Luther Special Care Home this fall. The installation will take place at the Study Stone Centre in 2024 as it will be coordinated with other preservation construction.
“"Accessibility for all!" is the resounding message behind this initiative, emphasizing the city's commitment to providing equal opportunities for education, healthcare and community engagement,” says Jay Magus, Director of Transportation.
“By prioritizing inclusivity, we are taking a significant step toward creating a more accessible and welcoming environment for all members of our community.”
This pilot project is designed to provide individuals with limited mobility the opportunity to access education, healthcare and community services with greater ease and convenience. The newly established loading zones will feature a range of accessibility-enhancing elements, including accessibility ramps, clear side zones and dimensions tailored to accommodate both rear and side loading vehicles.
Respectful use of the designated loading zones is imperative. We urge all community members, including parents, school staff and students to familiarize themselves with the guidelines and help maintain the effectiveness of these crucial accessibility features.
This pilot project stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between the City, educational institutions, organizations like SaskAbilities and the Saskatoon Council on Aging, business improvement districts and the local community. By working together, we can create a more inclusive environment that benefits us all.