News Releases

The City of Saskatoon and Saskatoon Tribal Council have signed an official Memorandum of Understanding regarding the development of a new hydropower generation station at the location of the Saskatoon Weir. City Mayor Charlie Clark and STC Tribal Chief Mark Arcand signed the agreement at TCU Place this morning during the First Nations Power Authority 2017 Western Canadian Indigenous Renewable Energy Forum.

“Partnerships like this are opportunities to put the concept of Reconciliation into action,” says His Worship Charlie Clark, City of Saskatoon Mayor. “This project gives us a chance to learn the best way to generate renewable power for future generations, where we can create economic opportunity for the Tribal Council and City of Saskatoon while also preserving the integrity of our cherished river valley.” 

“The TRC Calls to Action state that Indigenous peoples should receive equal opportunity to access lasting sustainable benefits from economic development projects,” says Tribal Chief Mark Arcand. “The hydropower project’s equal ownership model exemplifies the true spirit and intent of reconciliation.”

First Nations Power Authority (FNPA) is an Indigenous not-for-profit advisory service with a mandate to support Indigenous communities and businesses in advancing their active investment in the power sector.  For this project, FNPA, via its’ 10-year Master Agreement with SaskPower, supports STC activities in this project as a facilitator, a developer and an owner’s representative throughout the development process, to ensure Indigenous interests are maximized. 

While pre-feasibility studies concluded this project was technically feasible, economically viable, and would cause no significant environmental disruption, the next step will be a full feasibility study for a jointly owned hydropower station at this location.

Some of the benefits of this project will include:

• Expanding the City’s clean-power generation program to hydropower;
• Restoration and upgrade of the current weir infrastructure;
• Construction of a river crossing for pedestrians and cyclists that will be wider, safer and more accessible than the current one on the CP Rail Bridge;
• Opportunities for First Nations employment, training and education;
• Generation of investment returns that will enable the STC to support community infrastructure and social programs in member communities.

The total estimated cost of the project is between $60 and 65 million, which is expected to be funded by the STC and private-sector partners, off-set by revenue generated by the power station and funding from other green-energy funding sources.

For more details and preliminary renderings of the hydropower site, visit saskatoon.ca/hydropower.

From the November 6, 2017 Meeting of the SPC on Transportation

7.2.2 Plan for Growth – Bus Rapid Transit Preferred Configuration

Decision

*The Committee carried unanimously a motion to recommend to City Council that the preferred configuration and conceptual network for the Bus Rapid Transit system, as outlined in the report of the General Manager, Community Services Department dated November 6, 2017, be approved as the basis for further engagement and design.

Background

*At its July 26, 2017 meeting, City Council awarded a contract to HDR for Bus Rapid and Conventional Transit Planning, Design, and Engineering Services. The major deliverables of this project include:

a) Existing Conditions Assessment;

b) a BRT Functional Plan;

c) BRT Station Design;

d) BRT Detailed Design;

e) a Park and Ride Study and Concept Design;

f) a Transit System Plan; and

g) an Implementation Plan.

7.2.3 Protected Bike Lane Demonstration Project – Evaluation Next Steps

Decision

*The Committee carried a motion to recommend to City Council:

1. That a provision for protected bike lanes be included in the Downtown All Ages and Abilities cycling network;
2. That the Administration develop a Downtown All Ages and Abilities cycling network (including protected bike lanes) in concert with other downtown policy and planning initiatives in 2018;
3. That the existing protected bike lanes on 23^rd Street (from Spadina Crescent to Idylwyld Drive) and 4^th Avenue (from 20^thStreet to 24^th Street) be retained until the Downtown All Ages and Abilities cycling network is developed; and
4. That the report of the A/General Manager, Transportation & Utilities Department dated November 6, 2017 be forwarded to the Traffic Safety Committee for information.

Background

*City Council, at its meeting held on March 23, 2015, resolved:

“1. That the protected bike lanes be installed on 23rd Street (from Spadina Crescent to Idylwyld Drive) as a demonstration projects in 2015; and

2. That the protected bike lanes be installed on 4th Avenue (from 19th Street to 24th Street) as a demonstration project in 2016; and

3. That the curb parking be installed on the north side of 24th Street between Ontario Avenue and Idylwyld Drive.”

The Growth Plan, endorsed by City Council in 2016, provides guidance for civic investments in infrastructure and support programs over the short, medium, and long term that will shape growth patterns and increase transportation choices, in order to achieve the social, economic, and environmental aspirations of the community. The Active Transportation (AT) Plan, endorsed by City Council in 2016, also identified the need to improve cycling for people of all ages and abilities, and recommended the Administration develop a Downtown AAA network.

7.2.4 Winter Road Maintenance – 2018 Snow & Ice Maintenance Program Options

Decision

*The Committee carried unanimously a motion to recommend to 2018 Preliminary Business Plan and Budget deliberations:

That Option 1 be implemented as outlined in the report of the A/General Manager, Transportation & Utilities Department dated November 6, 2017.

Background

*The City of Saskatoon Winter Road Maintenance Level of Service document was included in the 2016 Budget package which resulted in City Council approval of a five year incremental mill rate increase of 0.55 mills per year of additional funding. City Council, at its meeting held on March 27, 2017, considered the 2016-2017 Winter Road Maintenance – Operations Update report and resolved, in part:

“2. That the Administration look into and report back on the possibility of further snow clearing activities during snow events on Priority One Streets.

Due to budgetary pressures in April 2017, the mill rate increase was deferred. Over the spring of 2017, Administration conducted a comprehensive engagement study to identify winter maintenance improvements that would most significantly improve accessibility across different transportation modes including passenger vehicles, transit riders, cyclists, and sidewalk users. City Council, at its meeting held on August 28, 2017, considered the Snow and Ice Management Service Level report and resolved, in part:

“2. That Option 2 as outlined in Attachment 2 of the report of the A/General Manager, Transportation & Utilities Department be recommended to the 2018 Preliminary Budget and Business Plan deliberations; and

3. That the Administration report on phasing in Option 5 on reducing corporate costs related to snow management facilities for the 2018 Preliminary Budget and Business Plan deliberations.”

The City is repairing multiple locations where water main pipes have cracked due the quick drop in temperature that started on Sunday. Since Monday at 12 pm there were 9 water main breaks across the city, resulting in water service interruptions in most cases.

“This cluster of water service pipes breaking is due to the sudden drop in temperature this week,” says Russ Munro, Director of Water & Waste Stream. “As the ground freezes, the frost can disrupt underground utilities.  Regardless of the age of the pipes – new or old – frost can cause the ground to shift and this slight movement can cause a pipe to crack and leak water.”

On Monday evening, a break on primary water main along 25th Street caused a full road closure between 5th Avenue and 3rd Avenue. The repair process at this location is already underway and the road is expected to re-open before the Thursday morning traffic peak. Until then, drivers are advised to reroute their commute, use the Broadway Bridge and allow themselves extra time. 

“We are managing this influx of repairs the best we can with our own staff and contractor assistance, to ensure that we stay as close to our 48-hour target for repairs as possible,” says Munro.

Overnight Saturday, the temperature dropped from around zero to -17, which was sustained for the past few days. With warmer weather in the forecast for this week, the ground frost may subside.

 What you can expect from us

1. The water will be turned off at locations affected by water main breaks until the repair is complete.
2. Occupants of affected businesses and homes will receive a yellow Drinking Water Advisory door hanger with instructions for using water once the water is restored.
3. A water trailer or other drinking water will be provided to locations where the repair will take more than 24 hours. Affected residents can visit a nearby City of Saskatoon Leisure centre with identification to confirm their address to use the shower facilities at no charge.
4. When the water is restored, several samples are tested to ensure there is no bacteria and it is safe to drink, which can 24-48 hours.
5. A green Lifted Drinking Water Advisory door hanger will be delivered to confirm the water is safe to drink, with instructions for flushing out taps and your water heater.

For more information about drinking water service, visit saskatoon.ca/drinkingwater.

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.