News Releases

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. 

Now that the weather is warming up, so are the winter activities and events around the city. Residents are encouraged to warm up to winter with opportunities to get outside, get together, and get involved over the next few months.

“This is a chance for residents and visitors to embrace winter, and the many opportunities we have to enjoy the season,” says Brenda Wallace, Director of Environmental & Corporate Initiatives. “Events like the annual Nutrien Wintershines Festival in a few weeks or the new Crokicurl game next week, are part of the wintertime fun.”

Winter community events are just the tip of the iceberg. The City and community stakeholders are working on WinterCityYXE, an intentional effort to celebrate what makes Saskatoon unique as a four-season place that is inviting, vibrant and prosperous, even in the coldest months of the year. This Winter City Strategy will guide the changes necessary to help residents, businesses and visitors embrace winter with as much enthusiasm as they have for the summer season.

As part of the Winter City Strategy to improve the quality of life in the winter season, the City has awarded funding to recipients through the WinterCity YXE Grant program. Wallace says, “Though we can’t change winter, we can provide resources to community groups to help them make winter more fun and exciting for everyone.”

2017 WinterCityYXE Grant recipients include:

January 13 - February 25, 2018
Crokicurl
Recipient: Broadway Business Improvement District
Location: Broadway Avenue & 12^th Street
Combining two iconic Canadian pastimes, crokinole and curling, to become an exciting outdoor sport.

January 18 - 20, 2018
Theatre on the Trail
Recipient: Sum Theatre Company
Location: Meewasin Trail
Explore the wintertime beauty of Saskatoon’s beautiful Meewasin Trail through a live theatrical walk featuring a combination of professional artists, including Indigenous and Newcomer performers.

January 18-21, 2018
Winterruption
Recipient: Friends of the Broadway Theatre
​Location:  Broadway area
Encompassing 23 shows in 9 indoor venues, and also an outdoor festival featuring storytelling, free sleigh rides, face painting, free hot beverages, outdoor food and more.  As part of Winterruption, a tipi will be raised in late November as central venue for free storytelling during Winterruption.  It will also be used by Ecole Victoria School for much of the winter.

February 3, 2018
Wanuskewin Winter Festival
Recipient: Wanuskewin Heritage Park
Location: Wanuskewin Heritage Park
A family event with indoor and outdoor programming centred around Indigenous games, activities, and trapping skills. 

January - March 2018
Ice Cycle 2.0
Recipient:  Flatlanders FatTire Brigade
Location: Various locations around Saskatoon
A collection of events that will bring together local organizations, businesses, and community groups to celebrate winter cycling culture in Saskatoon.

For more information, including a full calendar of winter activities in Saskatoon, visit saskatoon.ca/wintercityyxe. To have an event or activity added to the WinterCityYXE calendar, please contact us at wintercityyxe@saskatoon.ca.

From the December 11, 2017 Meeting

7.2.1 Proposed Memorandum of Understanding with the Gabriel Dumont Institute of Native Studies and Applied Research and the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies

Decision

*The Committee will recommend to City Council that the Administration continue discussions with the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies and with Gabriel Dumont Institute of Native Studies and Applied Research regarding establishing Memorandum of Agreements with each respective party as outlined in the report.

Background

*City Council, at its meeting held on June 22, 2015, resolved, in part, “That the City of Saskatoon declare July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016 the year of reconciliation and that the Administration work with the Office of the Treaty Commission, and other community groups, leaders and institutions in Saskatchewan, to promote reconciliation in our province.”

Separate meetings have been held between the Aboriginal Relations division and representatives from GDI and SIIT regarding strengthening the relationship between these organizations and the City. Both SIIT and GDI are interested in pursuing a more formalized arrangement with the City.

From the December 5, 2017 Meeting

6.1.1 Saskatoon Accessibility Advisory Committee – Complete Streets Design and Policy Guide

Decision

*The Committee received the information and passed a recommendation that the Administration engage the Saskatoon Accessibility Advisory Committee in future stakeholder discussion related to the Complete Streets Design and Policy Guide.  

7.1.3 Transit IT Roadmap Update – December 2017

Decision

*The Committee received the information.

Background

*At its meeting held on February 9, 2016, the Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities & Corporate Services considered the Transit IT Roadmap report which detailed three near-term initiatives: decreasing cancellation rates for Access Transit, Ridership Business Intelligence, and Real-time Transit Information & Open Data.

7.2.1 Transit – Intelligent Transportation System Software Upgrade – Award of Contract

Decision

*The Committee will recommend to City Council;

1. That the City enter into an agreement with Trapeze Software Incorporated for the upgrade from Trapeze Novus Intelligent Transportation System to Trapeze TransitMaster for a total cost of $1,347,202 (including applicable taxes); and
2. That Purchasing Services issue the appropriate purchase order.

Background

Saskatoon Transit currently employs Novus ITS to provide ITS functionality. While Novus ITS does provide reliable Global Positioning System (GPS) location information to feed General Transit Feed Specification – Real Time for public facing bus location information and operational reporting, TransitMaster contains service adjustment capabilities including: Real time detour management; Real time passenger information relative to bus capacity and overloads; and Feeds to external RSS, Twitter and third party applications. 

These TransitMaster specific capabilities will be heavily relied upon by Transit’s Control Centre to ensure the successful service delivery of future Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) implementations.

7.2.2 Taxi Service Proposals and Regulation of Transportation Network Companies

Decision

*The Committee will recommend to City Council:

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:
   1. 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; and
      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.

The Committee will recommend to City Council: 

1. 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
2. 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.”

7.2.4 Roadway Preventative Maintenance Strategy

Decision

*The Committee will recommend to City Council:

That a budget adjustment of $50,000 to Capital Project #1356 – V&E Additional Vehicles and Equipment funded from the Paved Roadways Infrastructure Reserve be approved to fund the acquisition of a rubberized crack filling machine.

Background

*Investment in the rehabilitation of the road network significantly increased in the summer of 2014 with the introduction of the Building Better Roads Program. With the added investment, road conditions network-wide have improved significantly; roads in good condition require different treatments to optimize maintenance expenditures and sustain good road conditions.

7.2.5 West Material Handling Facility – 2017 Budget Adjustment Request

Decision

*The Committee will recommend to City Council:

That a budget adjustment of $383,000 to Capital Project #2259 - TU-PW Satellite Yards funded from the Reserve for Capital Expenditures be approved to purchase land for a West Material Handling Facility.

Background

*To continue to perform road maintenance on a growing network, additional property is required to manage material such as sand, gravel, and recycled asphalt pavement. This site will be in addition to existing Roadways satellite facilities at the Civic Operations Centre, Wanuskewin Road, and Central Avenue. The Civic Operations Centre is permanent and is used exclusively for snow management. The Wanuskewin Road site is temporary and is also used solely for storing snow. Central Avenue is a temporary site, situated in the Small Swale, and is currently used for both snow storage and material handling. An alternative site for handling material is needed in the short term due to space constraints and to mitigate environmental impacts. The City is currently working on a comprehensive plan for facilities to accommodate the future of Civic operations across all City divisions.

From the December 5, 2017 Meeting

7.1.1 Green Infrastructure Strategy- Update

Decision

*The Committee accepted the recommendation to receive the information.

Background

*During 2017 Preliminary Business Plan and Budget Deliberations held on November 30 and December 1, 2016, City Council approved an amended scope of work for Capital Project #2390 – Green Infrastructure Strategy (Strategy). The purpose of the Strategy is to develop an integrated approach to planning for and maintaining a sustainable, biodiverse city by considering natural and supporting areas as important infrastructure.

At its meeting held on March 13, 2017, the Committee received the Meewasin Valley-wide Resource Management Plan for information. The Strategy will investigate a similar approach to management of other green spaces that are outside of the Meewasin Valley Authority’s (Meewasin) jurisdiction.

At its meeting held on May 8, 2017, the Committee considered the Green Infrastructure Strategy report which described the expected outcomes of the Strategy and the project’s alignment with the priorities of the City of Saskatoon.

 7.2.1 Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action Update – December 2017

Decision

1. *The Committee will recommend to City Council that the information be received; and that a copy of the report be forwarded to the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) to the attention of the Director of Policy; and that in future updates, the Controlled Corporations be afforded the opportunity to provide an update.

Background

*On June 22, 2015, City Council directed the Administration to identify responses and financial implications of the TRC Calls to Action and declared July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016 the Year of Reconciliation. The Administration was directed to work with the Office of the Treaty Commissioner (OTC), and other community groups, leaders, and institutions in Saskatchewan to promote reconciliation. The Administration reported on October 19, 2015, and was directed to provide regular updates outlining successes, as well as outstanding items, along with an update of events recognizing the Year of Reconciliation in Saskatoon. The Administration was also directed to report with a plan for increased professional development and training for employees, with a long-term target of 100 percent participation. A progress report was brought to City Council on March 21, 2016 and January 10, 2017, with a commitment to report back on the Action Plan for Reconciliation in fall/winter 2017.