News Releases

Saskatoon has seen its first snowfall of the 2017-2018 winter season and the City is ready to address the top concerns residents say they have every year: icy intersections, snowy driving lanes and uncleared sidewalks. Nearly 1,800 citizens participated in a survey or community service design workshop earlier this year to help the City identify the challenges or barriers they experience when it comes to snow and ice.

“While we’ve made many improvements, it was no surprise to hear respondents have ongoing concerns with winter maintenance,” says Brandon Harris, Director of Roadways & Operations. “The survey and workshop were very beneficial in helping us step inside the shoes of residents and develop innovative solutions to meet their needs.”

During budget deliberations later this month, City Council will consider how to allocate $1.2 million for dedicated snow removal and service level improvement funding. This funding is available as part of the 5-year incremental property tax increase introduced in 2015 to build a base for future city-wide snow removal.

“Sidewalk and transit users told us that uncleared neighbourhood sidewalks are the greatest barrier for getting around in winter,” says Harris. “We have proposed a pilot study to assemble a rapid response team to undertake targeted snow and ice clearing in residential areas while educating the public, supporting enforcement activities, and helping residents meet sidewalk clearing responsibilities.”

Other initiatives proposed for 2018 include bike lane clearing improvements, increased public awareness for winter driving safety, improved co-ordination of snow removal in the Business Improvement Districts, exploring a user-pay model for snow storage facilities, and expanding existing programs: snow removal, sanding operations, neighbourhood rut grading, blue flashing lights on road maintenance equipment, and a University of Saskatchewan partnership to develop a Road Weather Information system.

Drivers are reminded to watch for flashing lights that signal winter maintenance equipment is ahead and slow down for your safety and the safety of everyone around you.

The City provides a wide array of winter roadway services. Here are some winter snow maintenance facts:

• Following a major snowfall, plowing and grading occurs in order of street priority, beginning with high-traffic roadways such as Circle Drive. Priority streets are identified on the City’s Snow Grading Interactive Map which is updated annually.
• Crews are now using coarser salt which is more effective and less likely to blow off the road.
• On high traffic roadways, such as Circle Drive, crews use a pre-wetting solution on sand before it is applied. Wet and heavy sand sticks better in extreme cold.
• Snow grading and removal will occur as required along narrow, dense-parking streets where snow windrows are not a practical option.
• City-wide neighbourhood rut blitz may be initiated later in the season, when the snow pack reaches a minimum of 15 centimetres to prevent severe rutting.
• All high-speed winter maintenance equipment is equipped with flashing blue and amber lights, which are a critical element of a safe operation.
• During a snow event ­­— 5 centimetres or more snowfall — timely updates will be available at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts and @YXEServiceAlert on Twitter.

From snow grading to sanding, the city has crews working around the clock to bring you Better Winter Roads. Visit saskatoon.ca/snow for more about winter road maintenance and to view the approved Snow & Ice Management Service Level.

From the October 30, 2017 Meeting
7.1.1 Amusement Tax

Decision

*The Committee received the Administrative report and presentation from a representative of the Movie Theater Association of Canada as information and will be forwarding the report to City Council for information.

Background

*At its meeting on August 28, 2017, when considering the 2018 Business Plan and Budget Update – 30 Day Challenge report, City Council resolved, in part: “2. That the Administration report back to the Standing Policy Committee on Finance regarding the Amusement Tax.”

7.1.2 2017 Third Quarter Results – City of Saskatoon’s Corporate Business Plan and Budget – Shaping Our Financial Future

Decision

*The Committee received the report as information.

Background

*Quarterly updates on the City’s Corporate Business Plan and Budget help to ensure that City Council and the Administration are aware of emerging business plan and budget issues and challenges, so they can react accordingly.

7.1.5 Three-Year Land Development Report 2018 – 2020

Decision

*The Committee received the report as information.

Background

*The Three-Year Land Development Report is an annual report which summarizes the servicing of residential and non-residential suburban land within Saskatoon. This information is used by the Administration to plan and budget for growth-related infrastructure investments that are outlined in the Land Development Capital Budget. The report provides information on economic growth indicators, builder and developer inventory levels, servicing plans, and dwelling unit demand profiles based on various population growth scenarios.

7.1.6 New Fire Station No. 5 Update

Decision

*The Committee received the report as information.

Background

*In May 2015, Council approved a report updating the Saskatoon Fire Department’s Continuous Improvement Program which establishes an effective baseline for the provision of emergency service to the community with safety of the citizens and the response personnel providing the service being primary considerations. In part, the report outlined a proposal to move Fire Station No. 5 to the new College Quarter in the area of Preston Avenue and College Drive. This would remove existing overlap between Station No. 9 on Attridge Drive and gain the needed coverage for the University Campus. This initiative is in conjunction with the move of Station No. 3 to a location near the corner of Wilson Crescent and Clarence Avenue which commenced in 2016.

7.2.3 Neighbourhood Land Development Fund Surplus Allocation

Decision

*The Committee will be reporting to City Council supporting the recommendations for the proposed allocation of the Neighbourhood Land Development Fund surpluses.

Background

*At its October 21, 2013 meeting, City Council approved a declaration of $28 million of surpluses from the Evergreen neighbourhood. Additionally, on December 1, 2014, the Standing Policy Committee on Finance approved a declaration of $10 million of surpluses from the Evergreen neighbourhood. Of the $38 million declared, $25.794 million remains unallocated to specific capital projects as it was held to cash flow prepaid land development reserves that were planned to be in a net deficit position. However, the need to continue cash flowing for this purpose is no longer required as the 2018 estimate for the net prepaid reserves balance is to be in a positive positon.

At its November 28, 2016 meeting, City Council approved the sale of the former Saskatoon Police Service Headquarters (Police Headquarters) at 130 and 140 – 4th Avenue North. The financial implications within the report stated that proceeds from this sale would be applied to the City of Saskatoon’s (City) cash holdings to replenish funds used to purchase 202 – 4th Avenue North (Civic Square East) and related parking lots at 209 and 221 – 5th Avenue North.

At its November 30, 2016 meeting, when considering the Funding Plans Update report, City Council resolved that the updated Civic Facilities Funding Plan, Major Transportation Infrastructure Plan, and Gas Tax Allocation Plan be approved. This report showed an expected amount of $20 million from the NLDF to fund projects within the Civic Facilities Funding Plan.

At its meeting on August 14, 2017, the Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services considered a report from the General Manager, Community Services Department, regarding sustainable funding for the Affordable Housing Reserve. The report recommended that City Council approve that the level of annual funding be $750,000 for the Affordable Housing Reserve. It was resolved that the Administration report back to the Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services with an expanded report including reporting on the neighbourhood land development fund and its return on investment on this and other programs in Saskatoon.

From the October 30, 2017 Meeting
6.2.1 Application for Municipal Heritage

Property Designation – Mendel Building and Civic Conservatory

Decision

*The Committee will recommend to City Council the preparation of a bylaw by the City Solicitor to designate the property at 950 Spadina Crescent as a Municipal Heritage Property under the provision of The Heritage Property Act, with such designation limited to the exterior of the building and the interior lobby.  The committee is also supporting a recommendation for the allocation of $2,500 from the Heritage Reserve Fund for the supply and installation of a recognition plaque for the property.

Background

*The property has been identified on the Saskatoon Register of Historic Places as a significant heritage resource. The heritage value of the Mendel Building and Civic Conservatory resides in its architecture, cultural importance, and historic association with Fred S. Mendel.

7.1.4 Property Maintenance and Nuisance Abatement Bylaw

Decision

*The Committee received the report as information.

Background

*City Council at its meeting held on September 25, 2017, considered a report from the Fire Chief on Fire Service Levels and requested that the Administration provide a report specific to the present Saskatoon Fire Department service level for response times for enforcement of The Property Maintenance and Nuisance Abatement Bylaw. The purpose of the bylaw is to create a safe and comfortable environment for the residents of Saskatoon, address hazards, concerns for health and safety and ensure the amenity of the neighborhood is being maintained.

7.2.5 Meewasin Funding Support – Downtown Rink and Other Options

Decision

*The Committee will recommend to City Council for consideration at the time of the 2018 Business Plan and Budget Review meeting that an annual contribution to the MVA be increased by $45,000 and be dedicated specifically for operation of the Cameco Meewasin Skating Rink @ PotashCorp Plaza.  The Committee has asked for additional reporting that compares the options of mill rate funding and redeployment of grant funding from community support, as well as the cost to the City if it operated the skating rink.

Background

*In late 2016, Meewasin sent a formal letter to the City, requesting additional funding from the City to supplement the operational costs of the skating rink, and also providing additional background information regarding the skating rink. It was noted that ongoing operational costs for the skating rink and portable shelter are funded by Meewasin, with the exception of a small offset provided by Tim Hortons. Further, that the City provides maintenance for the permanent facilities, storage inside the permanent washroom facility, hot water for flooding the ice, and electricity for the warm-up facility. Meewasin has been successful in securing a donation from Tim Horton’s in the amount of $20,000 per year, ending in 2019, as well as average annual donations from the general public of approximately $2,300. See report.

7.2.6 Home Ice Campaign and University of Saskatchewan – Terms of the Contribution Agreement for Additional Funding

Decision

*The Committee will recommend to City Council support for the proposed terms of the amending agreement to the existing Contribution agreement, related to the additional $3.0 million capital contribution to Merlis Belsher Place on University of Saskatchewan property as outlined in the report of the General Manager, Community Services dated October 30, 2017.

Background

*At its April 25, 2016 meeting, City Council resolved: “That the Administration be authorized to negotiate a contribution agreement wherein the City of Saskatoon would provide a $1.0 million capital contribution to a twin pad ice facility on the University of Saskatchewan property, based on the contribution agreement recognizing ongoing community access to the facility.”

At its July 21, 2016 meeting, City Council approved the key terms of the Contribution Agreement with the University.

The Contribution Agreement was deliberate in not identifying a specific number of hours for community use. In exchange for the $1.0 million contribution, the University would provide: a) access by community ice user groups to rent the arena to support the growing program needs; b) access by community ice user groups to rent space for tournaments and special events; c) opportunities for drop-in public skating to address the community’s expressed need for more leisure ice time; d) opportunities for ice-related programs that support basic skill development in a variety of ice sports (i.e. learn to programs); e) opportunities for dryland sports, such as indoor lacrosse and ball hockey, in the off seasons; and f) community-based rental activities throughout the year.

During its January 30, 2017 meeting, the Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services (Committee) considered a report of the General Manager, Community Services Department, on the proposed request for $3.0 million additional funding and further information from the Home Ice Campaign Committee. The matter was forwarded to City Council for further consideration.

At its February 27, 2017 meeting, City Council resolved:

• That the Administration be directed to negotiate a contribution agreement with the University of Saskatchewan for an additional $3 Million for the construction of a twin ice facility, to ensure: a) long-term access for the community; b) access to the new gymnasium facility; c) longer-term acknowledgement of the City’s contribution; d) maximum benefit to the community;
• That the Administration report on options for funding the $3 Million, with a phased-in approach over six (6) years;
• That the information be received; and
• That further information from the U of S/Home Ice Campaign/Nustadia regarding any additional unscheduled hours in the facility as a whole, that could be used for public access as part Home Ice Campaign and University of Saskatchewan – Terms of the Contribution Agreement for Additional Funding of an expanded partnership agreement with the City of Saskatoon be provided to the appropriate committee as soon as possible.

7.2.7 Proposed Amendment to Animal Control Bylaw – Northeast Swale – Ecological Core

Decision

*The Committee supported the recommendations of the Administration and will be recommending to City Council that the proposed amendment to Animal Control Bylaw No. 7860 to prohibit domestic animals from the Ecological Core of the Northeast Swale be approved.

Background

*The Northeast Swale (Swale) is a diverse network of rare native prairie and wetlands approximately 26 kilometres long and covering 2,800 hectares. Three hundred hectares of this area fall within city limits and are bordered by the neighbourhoods of Aspen Ridge, Evergreen, Silverspring, and University Heights. The Master Plan was developed by the Meewasin Valley Authority (Meewasin) in collaboration with the City to support conservation, education, and passive recreation while integrating this rare and natural area into the growing urban form. As noted within the Master Plan, dogs are detrimental to the land use and are not recommended within the Ecological Core of the Swale.

7.2.9 Building Better Parks: An Asset Management Plan for Parks

Decision

*The Committee will be forwarding the report to City Council for information.  They also supported the recommendation from the Administration that the Administration provide an update on the Corporate Asset Management Plan, including the previously presented asset areas, along with the associated funding gap, to the November 14, 2017 Governance and Priorities Committee meeting.

Background

*At Preliminary Business Plan and Budget Deliberations on November 30, 2016, City Council received a Corporate Asset Management Strategy which included a report on park asset condition and funding gaps entitled Building Better Parks: An Asset Management Plan for Parks. City Council resolved that the 2017 allocation of the Corporate Asset Management Plan be approved and that the Administration report regarding a Parks borrowing option under the Corporate Asset Management Strategy.

7.2.10 Recreation and Parks Master Plan – Facilities Game Plan Capital Priorities – Proposed Plan for Funding Strategy Including Partnership Reserve

Decision

*The Committee supported the recommendations of the Administration in the October 30, 2017 report of the General Manager, Community Services and will be reporting to City Council in support of the 4 recommendations noted in the report.

Background

*Development of the 2015 Recreation and Parks Master Plan included identification of current demands and gaps in the provision of indoor and outdoor recreation and parks facilities and amenities. Since the Master Plan’s initial capital priority list was produced in 2015, the Administration has continued to refine the list of recreation and parks infrastructure priorities based on additional research and data. This has culminated in completion of the Game Plan. At the September 20, 2017 special meeting of the Governance and Priorities Committee, the Game Plan was put forward along with presentations from a number of community-based organizations requesting to partner with the City on the design and construction of indoor and outdoor recreation and parks amenities. At the September 20, 2017 special meeting of the Committee, the Committee resolved, in part: “3. That Administration be directed to prepare a report with funding options, and to be considered at the time of the 2018 Business Plan and Budget Review.” 

Saskatoon is currently experiencing the first snowfall of the winter season, with approximately 2 cm of snow on the ground from overnight flurries.

City sanders were out all night applying salt along Priority 1 streets and Circle Drive to keep ice from forming on our high speed roadways, which are expected to dry up as the temperatures rise today. Many of the priority streets were also salted through the night; however, residential streets have a layer of packed snow that may form ice with regular traffic and drivers should reduce speeds, especially approaching intersections.

“As temperatures drop below zero, drivers may consider switching to winter tires instead of relying on all-season tires,” says Brandon Harris, Director of Roadways & Operations. “Winter tires are softer and less stiff in low temperatures providing better traction in winter conditions.”

Sanders continue to patrol the priority street network today applying salt as needed until any ice dries up. City crews will also be clearing snow from high-use walkways, including along bridges and overpasses today. Pedestrians should also exercise caution as they move around our community.   

Transit service is operating as regularly scheduled. Find Transit service alerts and real-time tracking information on the Google Maps and Transit mobile apps.

“When it comes to safety in our work zones, we are pleased to report that we’ve had zero life-threatening incidents this year,” says Gardiner. “However, we continue to receive reports of drivers deliberately disregarding work zone signs and barriers, so the 2018 Respect Work Zones campaign will investigate new ways to reach those people.”

Since 2014, when the Building Better Roads program began, $224 million has been invested in Saskatoon’s most aggressive road construction program ever. The proposed 2018 Operating budget recommends another commitment of $61 million for the program.

“Significant progress has been made over the past four years and we would like to thank residents for their patience and cooperation. The Building Better Roads program will continue to dramatically improve the condition, safety and longevity of Saskatoon’s road network for years to come.”

For more information about projects completed in 2017 and the Building Better Roads program, please visit saskatoon.ca/betterroads.