News Releases

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. 

The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) continues to take steps to improve safety and service for Saskatoon residents.  To meet these goals it plans to relocate Fire Station No. 5 from Central Avenue to the College Quarter at the University of Saskatchewan.

“What we want everyone to understand about the new service model is that it’s aimed at increasing safety and decreasing overlap between stations,” says Fire Chief Morgan Hackl. “Emergency services to the Sutherland, University and other nearby area neighbourhoods will be maintained, or even improved by the new location.”

Chief Hackl says the SFD is responsible for emergency response and protection for nearly $100 billion worth of buildings and assets.

The change comes as a result of a review of SFD operations leading to the development of a new service model to make response times even better for the entire City. The model aims to ensure that the delivery of services to citizens is done in the most effective and efficient way possible as the City looks to the future and how to provide emergency response service to a city of 500,000 residents.

“This is all part of good governance,” Hackl says. “Re-evaluating station locations allows us to concentrate on spending tax dollars effectively and efficiently while working toward meeting national standards for response times.”

Come-and-go information sessions for area residents and stakeholders will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on November 7 at the Sutherland School and on November 9 at the Saskatoon Field House.

A capital budget request of $8.79 million will be included in the City of Saskatoon’s 2018 Preliminary Corporate Business Plan & Budget for the relocated station. A request for $500,000 was previously approved for 2017.

Along with the relocation of No. 3 Station, Hackl says this relocation will mean a third station in Stonebridge won’t be necessary – saving the City $6 million in construction costs and $3 million each year in operating costs.

Saskatoon Land has been working with the University of Saskatchewan to identify an adequate site for Fire Station No. 5 within the College Quarter that would assist the Fire Department in meeting national standards for response times. An announcement on the exact new location will be made when plans are finalized.

More information, including frequently asked questions and the history of Fire Station No. 5, is available at saskatoon.ca/NewServiceModel.

The safety of the entire community is a priority in the City’s strategic goal to improve the quality of life for citizens, and specifically the four-year priority to ensure that emergency response times for the Saskatoon Fire Department meet the needs of citizens.

From the October 23, 2017 Regular Meeting of City Council

8.1.1 Naming Advisory Committee Report – Third Quarter 2017

Decision

*City Council approved the recommendation to rename a portion of Victoria Park, ‘Reconciliation Circle.

Additional Information

*According to Naming of Civic Property and Development Areas Policy No. C09-008 (Naming Policy), all names proposed for the Names Master List will be screened by the Naming Advisory Committee and meet City Council’s guidelines for name selection. All requests for naming of roadways from the Names Master List will be selected or endorsed by His Worship the Mayor. Name suffixes are circulated through the Administration for technical review. At the May 18, 2017 meeting of the Naming Advisory Committee, a request was made to rename Victoria Park, or a portion thereof, to Reconciliation Park. At that time, the committee moved that further information be provided to consider a possible naming of a portion of Victoria Park.

8.1.6 Naming Major Projects – Amendments to Naming of Civic Property and Development Areas

Decision

*City Council approved the recommendations;

1. That the proposed amendments to Naming of Civic Property and Development Areas Policy No. C09-008 be approved; and

2. That Administration provide an attachment to the policy which would lay out the processes for naming major infrastructure and refer to the Naming Advisory Committee for review.

Additional Information

*During its January 25, 2016 meeting, City Council resolved, in part: “1. That City Council amend the naming policy process such that Council applies a name during the planning stages of major projects and that the Administration report back with specific wording.”

8.1.9 Vacant Lot and Adaptive Reuse Incentive Program

Decision

*City Council approved the recommendations;

1. That a five-year tax abatement up to 100% of the incremental taxes for the building and structured parking to be developed at 309 22^nd Street East, be approved; and
2. That the five-year tax abatement take effect in the taxation year following completion of the project; and

Additional Information

*The Vacant Lot and Adaptive Reuse Incentive Program is designed to encourage infill development on vacant and underutilized sites and buildings within Saskatoon’s established neighbourhoods, including the Downtown. During its June 23, 2014 meeting, City Council approved amendments to the Vacant Lot and Adaptive Reuse Incentive Program to include new incentives for offices and structured parking in accordance with the City Centre Plan.

8.2.1 External Audit Services – Award for Request for Proposals

Decision

*City Council approved the recommendation that the proposal submitted by Deloitte LLP for external audit services, at a total estimated cost of $205,000, plus applicable taxes be approved.

Additional Information

*As per The Cities Act (Section 159(1)), it is City Council responsibility to appoint an auditor for the City. The contract for external audit services for the City has expired. This service has been provided by Deloitte since 2002 after three contracts awarded through an RFP, the last one being in 2012. It is the City’s practice to issue an RFP for such services every five years. In continuation of that practice, an RFP was issued on March 31, 2017 with a closing date of May 12, 2017.

Waste Bylaw Amendments

Decision

*City Council approved the recommendation that Bylaw No. 8310, The Waste Bylaw, 2004 be amended as outlined in the report of the A/General Manager, Corporate Performance Department, dated October 10, 2017 to improve education and enforcement opportunities in the community.

Additional Information

*On May 3, 2004, City Council approved the creation of Bylaw No. 8310, The Waste Bylaw. On December 1, 2016, City Council approved the ‘Fees for Waste-Related Services 2017, 2018, 2019’ report which included amendments to The Waste Bylaw. These amendments included updates to the Rate Schedules for Landfill Fees, Commercial Garbage Collection, Residential Recycling Programs and Compost Depot Commercial Haulers.

8.3.4 Wastewater Treatment Plant – Cogeneration System Project

Decision

*City Council approved the recommendations;

1. That Capital Project #1247 – WWT – Energy Recovery and Capital Project #2211 – WWT – Electrical Redundancy be cancelled at this time; and
2. That the remaining previous approvals of $9.745 million from Capital Project #1247 – WWT – Energy Recovery and Capital Project #2211 – WWT – Electrical Redundancy be transferred to Capital Project #2579 – WWT – Digester Tank 4.

Additional Information

*Studies investigating the viability of energy recovery at the WWTP were completed by third party reviewers in 2007, 2008, and 2010. Each report concluded the potential for cogeneration to offset electricity and natural gas demands was attainable. Capital funding was commenced to implement cogeneration as part of electrical redundancy and energy recovery at the plant, with the additional environmental benefit of utilizing biogas and reducing electrical demand at the plant.

8.3.6 Update – North Commuter Parkway Bridge – Bridge Naming Engagement Process

Decision

*City Council accepted the recommendation that the report of the A/General Manager, Corporate Performance Department dated October 10, 2017, be received as information.

Additional Information

*On June 22, 2015, City Council directed the Administration to identify responses and financial implications of the TRC Calls to Action. City Council also 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. On July 21, 2016, City Council unanimously voted in favour of engaging the community in naming the North Commuter Parkway Bridge in recognition of the TRC’s calls to action, specifically #79 which is ‘Participate in a strategy to commemorate Aboriginal peoples' history and contributions to Canada.’ The process undertaken to propose a name for the NCP Bridge will be community driven, building on the community reconciliation process and Aboriginal Elders will guide the Aboriginal Cultural and Spiritual processes for the naming process. City Administration has gathered key community members to form the Steering Committee to determine and carry out a community-led process for naming the North Commuter Parkway Bridge (NCP). The Steering Committee includes representatives from City Administration, the Office of the Treaty Commissioner (OTC), Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC), Central Urban Métis Federation Incorporated (CUMFI) and the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN).

8.3.7 Special Needs Garbage Collection Service

Decision

*City Council passed the recommendations;

1. That through the Waste Utility consultation, the Administration engage with relevant stakeholders such as senior and disability services organizations as well as the Saskatoon Accessibility Advisory Committee to address accessibility needs as well as any updates required to the Special Needs Garbage Collection Service; and
2. That the report of the A/General Manager, Corporate Performance Department, dated October 10, 2017 be forwarded to the Saskatoon Accessibility Advisory Committee for information; and
3.  That the Administration report at 2018 budget deliberations outlining the potential for and impact of accepting new applicants to the Special Needs Garbage Collection Service for the interim term prior to the results of the Waste Utility consultation and resulting updated Waste Management and Services implementation.

Additional Information

*City Council at its 2016 Preliminary Business Plan and Budget meeting held on November 30 and December 1, 2015, considered the report Services and Accommodations for Seniors and Residents with Physical Limitations – Options and Possible Partnerships and resolved, in part: “That a marketing promotion campaign, like the Snow Angel Program, with a focus on neighbours helping neighbours with moving their garbage/recycle bins, including the establishment of a process for groups to be on a list for providing a low-cost fee for service in assisting with moving bins be approved, with an increase to the budget of $12,000.” City Council, at its meeting held on September 25, 2017, considered the Waste Handling Levels of Service report and resolved, in part: “That all other service level changes be considered during the development and implementation of waste utility options.”

8.4.1 Infill Lane Paving Requirements

Decision

*City Council requested that whereas infill development continues to lag behind the growth plan and the paving policy is likely to de-incentivize small and medium buildings:

a. That, as part of permanent policy development, further study be done to investigate expanding the density bonus system to incentivize infill development in areas beyond the downtown district;

b. That the Administration report back on the environmental impact of lane-paving as part of its climate change business plan; and

c.  That the Administration report back how the above will support the Growth Plan, as it pertains to infill.

Additional Information

*City Council, at its meeting held on June 26, 2017, received an informational report entitled Measures to Incentivize Infill Development, from the General Manager, Community Services Department. This report provided an overview of the various initiatives underway to support the City of Saskatoon’s infill targets, and the implementation of both the Growth Plan to Half a Million and City Centre Plan. In all new development areas, lanes are paved and developers fund the cost of lane paving. Because infrastructure costs can be spread across all benefiting property owners and included in the price of the lot, there is a funding mechanism in place that does not require input from the mill rate. Infill developments in existing neighbourhoods with gravel lanes do not have such a funding mechanism in place. It is anticipated the round table process will provide valuable input for the Administration to use in developing a formal paved lane policy that aligns with a greater infill strategy, but until that time no formal policy exists.

8.5.5 Capital Project to Support City Council’s 10 Strategic Priority Areas

Decision

*City Council accepted the report recommending;

1.       That a capital project for $50,000 be created to support the leadership of members of City Council in their assigned priority areas for consideration during the 2018 Business Plan and Budget Deliberations;

2.       That the recommended funding for this project be the Reserve for Capital Expenditures; and

3.       That the authority to approve the spending requests from this project made by members of Council be delegated to the Governance and Priorities Committee. 

Additional Information

*City Council, at its meeting held on April 24, 2017 resolved, in part, “3. That Council Member Leads be empowered to take a leadership role in citizen and stakeholder engagement in the 10 priority areas.” Additionally, in this report presented to City Council for its meeting on April 24, 2017, it was stated that the Mayor’s Office would consult with Councillors and Administration to develop a budget to support the leadership initiative of City Council and the work of the members of City Council within their assigned priority area.

9.5.1 2018 Preliminary Business Plan and Budget

Decision

*City Council passed the recommendations;

1. That the meeting agendas for the Standing Policy Committees leading up to City Council’s Budget Deliberations include “2018 Preliminary Business Plan and Budget” as a standing agenda item to allow for discussion and comment;

2. That the Administration report back on the current tax agreement with the Saskatoon Airport Authority and other potential options, including information on other municipalities;

Additional Information

*At its September 18, 2017 meeting, the Governance and Priorities Committee considered the 2018 Business Plan and Budget Update report which outlined a projected property tax increase of 4.96% for 2018.

From the October 23, 2017 Public Hearing Meeting of City Council

Decision

*City Council approved the following proclamations and flag raising requests;

6.1 Republic Day in Turkey – Proclamation and Flag Raising Request.

6.2 Global Entrepreneurship Week – Flag Raising Request.

6.3 United Nations Day – Proclamation and Flag Raising Request.

6.4 Adoption Awareness Month – Proclamation Request.

6.5 Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign – Flag Raising Request.

6.6 Restorative Justice Week – Proclamation and Flag Raising Request.

6.7 Veterans Week – Proclamation and Flag Raising Request.