News Releases

Since tabling the 2017 Preliminary Budget on November 7, 2016, the following three significant changes have taken place:

• Higher assessment growth of $1.2 million than originally estimated, decreasing the mill rate by 0.61%;
• SaskPower’s proposed 5.0% rate increase on January 1, 2017, was reduced to 3.5% by the Saskatchewan Rate Review Panel for a net increase of $306,300 or 0.15%; and
• On November 17, 2016 the Saskatoon Police Board approved a budget $699,600 higher than originally tabled or a 0.34% increase.

All put together, these changes have a net reduction to the property tax requirement of $235,900 or 0.12%, on the City of Saskatoon’s (City) originally tabled budget for a revised preliminary tax increase of 3.85%.

“The good news is that assessment growth is higher than what we were estimating in the budget by $1.2 million – so this is additional money we have available to offset expenditures,” says Chief Financial Officer Kerry Tarasoff.

However, Tarasoff points out there are a few changes to the expenditure side as well.

“As you may have heard, the Saskatoon Board of Police Commissioners has now set its budget and it is being tabled with City Council with a $ 699,600 increase over what is in the current budget already proposed.”

Additionally, Tarasoff explains the smaller SaskPower rate increase also has an effect on the amount of money the city has to use.

“While the lower rate is good news for citizens on their power bills, it has a negative impact to Saskatoon Light and Power and to the mill-rate,” Tarasoff says.  “This affects the amount of revenue we receive from our own power company and franchise fees from SaskPower – as a result the net impact is a $306,300 decrease in our general revenue.”

Tarasoff says the easiest approach to dealing with the new conditions is to build these three changes into the budget already tabled and re-table the 2017 Preliminary Budget on November 30, with a newly proposed 3.85% property tax increase rather than the 3.97% increase previously discussed.

Here is a breakdown of the individual impacts:

The revised budget proposal will be introduced to City Council at its Preliminary 2017 Corporate Business Plan and Budget meeting beginning Wednesday November 30.

To view the 2017 Preliminary Corporate Business Plan and Budget, Executive Summary and other related City of Saskatoon Financial Reports, visit saskatoon.ca/financialfuture.

Following the Governance and Priorities Committee’s unanimous confirmation of the City’s existing wage and benefits offer to the Transit union, communications with stakeholders have been enhanced about this proposal and the impact of the Transit union job action on citizens and transit users.

Jeff Jorgenson, General Manager of Transportation and Utilities says the City is making every attempt to provide service with as little impact on riders.

 “As we know, the Transit Union continues to direct its members to take job action,” Jorgenson says.  “So, Saskatoon Transit management has made adjustments in order to make service as predictable as possible.  Transit has implemented a new approach to high school service, which will allow us to re-deploy buses to cover primary service.

The result is the best solution for dependable school service and dependable core service.  If the Transit Union escalates job action, there could be further delays, cancellations and over-crowding on some buses throughout the system.”

Due to the current job action by the union, between 5% and 8% of service is not being provided. Operations managers are focusing on keeping primary transit routes running as usual. Services such as the high school “extras” that have been cut due to lack of staff are primarily buses where other parallel service is available.

Transit management will be identifying service that can be reduced or eliminated on a consistent basis with the least impact to riders. This will improve predictability of the service and will make it easier for riders to understand the service reductions that are expected until the end of job action or until job action escalates.

“We have and continue to be in direct communication with the school boards, the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, and the Saskatoon Health Region to advise them of the disruptions to the Transit service,” says Catherine Gryba, General Manager of Corporate Performance.

Gryba says communications are key in dealing with the Transit union job action and certainly speaking to transit employees directly is the most important goal.

“We want every transit worker to know that if they accept the contract agreement, everyone including past and retired staff who were employed from 2012-2016, will receive their back pay in time for the holiday season,” Gryba says.

Reassuring current and retired employees, Gryba stresses the Transit pension is secure and the pension deal that eight other City unions have accepted is the same deal being offered to the Transit union.

Transit employees will retain an excellent defined benefit plan that does not change by agreeing to the City’s offer. Retired employees will continue to receive their pension every month just as they always have.

“We are focused on negotiating an agreement and the City’s offer is about being equal to everyone,” she says. “If the Transit union wants more, there are only two sources where dollars would have to come from: taxpayers and bus riders, both of whom already pay their fair share.”

For the sake of all City employees – including transit workers – and for the sake of protecting the public purse, we simply cannot compromise on the pension changes and the sustainability plan for the pension.  The City has to make sure wages and pension benefits are not an unreasonable burden to taxpayers.

For facts on Transit contract negotiations, visit saskatoon.ca/factsontransit.

From the November 14, 2016 Meeting

8.1.1 Civic Operations Centre (COC) Construction Update

Decision

*The Committee received the report as information.

Background

*In October of 2014, City Council approved the award of the Request for Proposal for the COC, Phase One, to Integrated Team Solutions (ITS). This Team will design, build, finance and maintain the new Saskatoon Transit Facility, and design, build, finance, maintain and operate the permanent Snow Management Facility.
*Construction is progressing as expected and all activities are on track for Substantial Completion on December 31, 2016.

8.1.2 Remai Modern Construction Update

Decision

*The Committee received the report as information.

Background

*Construction of the EllisDon contract is approximately 97% complete.
*The Contractor is estimating that the building construction will be complete early 2017, as long as the project does not experience delays going forward.
*Secondary contracts outside of the EllisDon scope include furniture, signage and lighting.
*The Gallery is managing the contracts for the shell (Feature) gallery and restaurant fit-out. They are responsible for the move, transition, art preparation and the opening.
*The building opening is dependent upon the construction schedule.
*The Administration continues to do everything possible to prudently manage the contract with EllisDon and protect the City’s interests.
*The projected funding shortfall continues to be between $2.5 and $4.5 million considering all factors.

8.1.3 City Plan for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action

Decision

*The Committee received the report as information.

Background

*The Aboriginal Awareness Program is an education program for employees that shares the history of residential schools, their impact, and open dialogue on reconciliation in the workplace.
*The program involves a multi-year strategy to train all permanent staff with completion expected in 2019.
*The fall 2016 Leadership Forum included a presentation to raise awareness and understanding across the City’s 400 senior managers and supervisors. Program development is being guided by the community and community partnerships.
*The program will also be supplemented with a TRC Resource Kit, the City’s corporate training programs, and a supervisor/manager refresher course.

8.2.2 Service Saskatoon Progress Report and 2017 Plan

Decision

*The report has been forwarded to the 2017 Business Plan and Budget Deliberations

Background

*A new division called Service Saskatoon was created in early 2016 and the Service Saskatoon model was launched to the public in April 2016.
*The new model of citizen service is a City-wide shift in delivery of frontline service, response to service and information requests, and improvement of services into the future.
*The technology centre piece of the new model will be a new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system that will prioritize requests and give citizens ways to monitor progress of their service request/inquiry.
*Changes to the main floor of City Hall will provide a one-stop experience for citizens, making it easier to access services and information.
*Saskatoon is becoming involved in the open data movement and will engage with interested parties in providing information and data files using web-based open data.
*Service Saskatoon is responsible to ensure that website and digital information management is executed and provide support to other divisions across the corporation to manage and maintain quality control.

8.2.3 Aquatic Invasive Species: Response to PARCS

Decision

*The Committee forwarded the report to City Council for information and asked the Administration provide a report containing more detail in terms of specific local impacts and resources required.
*The report has been referred to the Saskatoon Environmental Advisory Committee to review and report back to the Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities, and Corporate Services with input.

Background

*The Committee received a letter from PARCS on May 9, 2016, asking for support, by motion, and with a letter to the Premier, for a comprehensive systematic border inspection program for invasive mussel species that are commonly carried on boats.
*The City receives drinking water from the South Saskatchewan River. Lake Diefenbaker, upstream of the city along the river, is at risk for aquatic mussel infestation.
*The City does not currently have programming targeted at educating residents about aquatic invasive mussels as it is a member of the South Saskatchewan River Watershed Stewards (SSRWSI), which receives funding from the province to carry out an awareness campaign about aquatic invasive mussels within our watershed.
*The province has installed a sign outside of city limits on Highway 11 to Prince Albert and has offered additional free highway signs to the City to help raise awareness of aquatic invasive mussels.

8.2.4 Recovery Park Next Steps

Decision

*The report has been referred to the 2017 Business Plan and Budget deliberations.

Background

*Recovery Park will be a one-stop recycling and waste facility near the City landfill that will support waste diversion.
*KPMG conducted market sounding of businesses across Canada to determine a business case and options for delivery models for Recovery Park.
*The Administration has been working on a traffic model and site design for Recovery Park. There is sufficient capital funding in place to proceed with the first phase of Recovery Park.
*The private sector is interested in investing in the Organics waste stream if minimum volumes of organic waste can be guaranteed by the City.
*The Administration has identified a number of opportunities to improve the efficiency of the Green Cart Program in 2017.

From the November 14, 2016 Meeting

8.1.8 North Commuter Parkway and Traffic Bridge Construction Update

Decision

*The Committee received the report as information.

Background

*The project continues to be on time and on budget.
*At the Traffic Bridge, Graham Commuter Partners (GCP) has completed Pier 3 as well as the north and south bridge abutments. Span 4, the southernmost span of the bridge, has also been completed.
*Demolition of the last original Traffic Bridge span took place November 17, 2016.
*At the North Commuter Parkway bridge, construction of Pier 1, the west in-river pier, has been completed. Construction of Pier 2, the centre in-river pier, is underway with the pier foundation, diaphragm, and columns already complete, and construction of the pier cap currently underway.
*Earthworks for the new roadways subgrades is underway. Storm sewer installation for the new roadways is ongoing until the end of November.

8.1.10 Building Better Bridges: An Asset Management Plan for Bridges and Structures

Decision

*The Committee received the plan as information.
*Administration will provide a report for the 2017 Business Plan and Budget deliberations as part of the Corporate Management Plan.

Background

*The report shows the physical condition of bridges and structures. Currently, 29% of bridges, 58% of overpasses and 76% of pedestrian crossings are in good to very good condition.
*A potential funding plan is illustrated with the goal of bridging the funding gap to enable the assets to reach the desired condition over time.

8.1.11 Building Better Roadways: An Asset Management Plan for Roadways

Decision

*The Committee received the plan as information.
*Administration will provide a report for the 2017 Business Plan and Budget deliberations as part of the Corporate Management Plan.

Background

*The City’s roadway replacement value is estimated at $2.82 billion. In order to maintain the roadways in satisfactory to good condition, an annual investment of $26.2 million is required. This funding level will be reached in 2017 as the final year of a four year dedicated levy is completed.

8.1.12 Building Better Sidewalks: An Asset Management Plan for Sidewalks

Decision

*The Committee received the plan as information.
*Administration will provide a report for the 2017 Business Plan and Budget deliberations as part of the Corporate Management Plan.

Background

*The condition of sidewalks in Saskatoon range from ‘failed’ to ‘good’ condition depending on location. At a network level, the current overall, or system average, physical condition of sidewalks is considered to be satisfactory.
*Two potential funding plans are illustrated with the goals of bridging the funding gap to enable the assets to reach the desired condition of good over time and to show the cost of using asphalt overlays in comparison to not using asphalt overlays as a preservation strategy.

8.2.1 Building Better Sidewalks: Sidewalk Programs Overview

Decision

*The Committee recommended to City Council that Administration be directed to eliminate the practice of using asphalt overlays on concrete sidewalks and that funding for this service level be reallocated.

Background

*Capital Project #0948 – New Sidewalks and Pathways is a retrofit program to construct sidewalks and pathways at locations where they do not currently exist.
*Capital Project #1963 – Corporate Accessibility Implementation addresses the identified priorities of the Accessibility Service Level Guidelines, and a portion of this capital project includes accessibility ramp installations to address accessibility issues throughout Saskatoon.
*Capital Project #2270 – Neighbourhood Network and Primary Network Preservation Programs is administered by Major Projects and is a program to restore and maintain sidewalks in a safe condition for users, which involves repairing or replacing panels of sidewalks having trip hazards or missing sections.
*The Sidewalk Maintenance and Safety program is administered by Public Works and is a program to address spot repairs of sidewalk panels to address immediate safety concerns.
*Eliminating asphalt overlays from the treatments available for use, yet maintaining the same treatment coverage, would require an increase in funding of $2.2 million annually. This can be achieved with either a funding increase to the program or a re-distribution of funding allocations within the existing program

8.2.5 Update on Railway Working Group

Decision

*The report has been forwarded to City Council for consideration.

Background

*Modifications were made to Canadian National Railway’s (CN) operations in the south west portion of the city to reduce traffic delays in the area.
*Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) has completed a preliminary analysis of the economic impact of rail delays at key rail crossings throughout the city.
*The scope of the first phase of the grade separation and rail relocation feasibility study has been developed to compare both options.
*The second phase involves more detailed analysis on the chosen option.

8.2.6 Traffic Noise Sound Attenuation Policy Framework

Decision

*The Committee recommended to City Council:
1. That the Administration proceed with preparing a Council Policy based on the Traffic Noise Sound Attenuation policy framework provided in this report;
2. That the recommended Traffic Noise Sound Attenuation monitoring program be included in the Council Policy; and
3. That the report be considered during the 2017 Business Plan and Budget deliberations.

Background

*In 2013, a report was submitted to City Council during the 2014 Budget Deliberations and approved the construction of nine sound attenuation projects in Capital Project #1522 – Traffic Noise Sound Attenuation. The funds were to be borrowed and repaid over a 10-year period to complete these projects. City Council also requested a revised policy before additional locations on the priority list are funded and that the priority list be updated based on this policy. During consideration of the Capital Project #1522 – Traffic Noise Sound Attenuation report, the Standing Policy Committee on Transportation, at its meeting held on July 19, 2016, resolved: “That the matter be referred to the Administration to provide an update report regarding policy and standards prior to a report being submitted to the 2017 Business Plan and Budget deliberations.”

The City invested $162 million over three years to improve the condition of roads, sidewalks and back lanes. In addition, enhancements continue to be introduced to the street sweeping; pothole and utility cut repairs; road, sidewalk and back lane rehabilitation; and line painting programs. The City’s annual Civic Services survey confirms that residents are noticing a difference and rate road and sidewalk maintenance as less of a concern each year, since 2013.

“We’re wrapping up another successful construction season with 204 lane kilometres of road construction and almost 10 kilometres of new sidewalk completed, and a long list of other accomplishments,” says General Manager of Transportation & Utilities, Jeff Jorgenson. “Today we are celebrating how far we’ve come and thanking everyone for their patience and cooperation during a busy construction season.”

Road construction was scheduled to minimize the impact to the public as much as possible. Approximately 45 lane kilometres of road work were completed at night on College Drive, 8th Street, Circle Drive overpass at Idylwyld Drive, Avenue C and Faithfull Avenue. Work was completed in sections on high-volume locations on the Idylwyld Drive overpass at Ruth Street and on Broadway Avenue to maintain traffic flow.

“We continue to improve our tendering and traffic planning processes, as evident in the successful comprehensive approach to the Broadway Improvement and Queen Street projects,” says Jorgenson. “By coordinating the rehabilitation of underground utilities, roads and sidewalks at these locations, we will save money in the long-term and increase reliability of these services for businesses and residents who rely on them.”

Building Better Roads

• Road rehabilitation:
  • 204 lane kilometres in 2016 – the distance from City Hall to Kindersley
  • 624 lane kilometres over three years – the distance from City Hall to downtown Calgary
• Sidewalk replaced: almost 10 kilometres in 2016; more than 21 kilometres over three years
• Potholes repaired: 225,000 in 2016; 576,000 over three years
• New durable line markings: More than 16 kilometres in 2016; more than 44 kilometres over three years
• Back lanes reconstructed: 9 kilometres in 2016; 46 kilometres over three years
• 11,800 cubic metres of dust, leaves and debris removed with spring and fall street sweeping collected in 2016
• Major projects include Idylwyld Drive overpass reconstruction over Ruth Street; Broadway Improvement Project; Queen Street Water & Sewer Rehabilitation, pedestrian overpass on College Drive near Preston Avenue, North Commuter Parkway/Traffic Bridge, Civic Operation Centre and intersection improvements on Zimmerman Road/ Highway 16 and at 22nd Street/ Diefenbaker Drive

Residents are noticing an improvement in the condition of roads, with fewer people (32% telephone, 22% online) citing roads and sidewalks as the most important issue facing Saskatoon, compared to 2013 (36% telephone, 31% online). Since 2013, fewer people surveyed report road and sidewalks as the City’s top issue; 4% fewer (telephone) and 9% fewer (online). Satisfaction levels with the City’s road and sidewalk programs are on the rise (refer to page 21 of the 2016 Civic Services Survey).

For more information about projects completed in 2016 and the City’s road plan, please visit saskatoon.ca/betterroads.