News Releases

Community leaders are in Saskatoon this week discussing how to put the recommendations and lessons learned from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) into action.

The third annual Wîcihitowin (wee-chee-HEE’-toe-win) Aboriginal Engagement Conference on October 11-12 brings together experts and leaders from across Canada to take action on improving Aboriginal engagement and inclusion in communities.

This year’s conference theme is ‘Leadership in Reconcili-ACTION’ and focuses on how individuals and organizations can respond to the TRC’s Calls to Action.

“We’ve selected a diverse range of speakers based on their commitment to enacting the 94 Calls to Action from the TRC; those who can articulate in practical ways what’s worked in their respective fields, whether it be child welfare, justice, education, faith-based groups or sports.” says Neal Kewistep, Interim Director of Population & Public Health, Saskatoon Health Region. “They truly represent leadership in moving the reconciliation process forward in their communities.”

Conference organizers say tickets were snapped up with 500 Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal experts, leaders, youth and Elders expected to participate.

The two-day conference includes panel sessions on how youth, faith groups and business can answer the TRC’s Calls to Action, as well as a special Mayors’ Panel on Reconciliation featuring the Mayors of Saskatoon, Regina, Elbow and Warman.

Key note speakers include Shelagh Rogers, CBC journalist, Chancellor of the University of Victoria, and honourary witness to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission; Ry Moran, Director of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and member of the Métis Nation; and Ashley Callingbull, a model and actor from the Enoch Cree Nation.

“Wîcihitowin is a safe place for people to come together to discuss reconciliation, the TRC’s Calls to Action, and for people to better understand the dark chapter of our history, “says Judy Pelly, Elder and Indian residential school survivor.  “We must not forget those that are no longer with us to witness the movement toward reconciliation. We must work together as a community to discuss these sensitive issues, and find new solutions and ways of promoting true reconciliation.”

Wîcihitowin is a Cree/Saulteaux word for “helping each other” or “working together” -- which is an important component of delivering enhanced programs and services.

The conference is presented in partnership with the United Way of Saskatoon, Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan, the Saskatoon Health Region, and the City of Saskatoon.

Wîcihitowin supports the City’s Strategic Goal of “Quality of Life” by identifying actions for enhancing Aboriginal well-being and participation in our community.

This initiative is made possible by the Community Fund for Canada’s 150th, a collaboration between Potash Corporation, Saskatoon Community Foundation and the Government of Canada.

From the October 2, 2017 Finance Committee Meeting

7.1.3 Request for Direct Sale to Saskatchewan Housing Corporation – 303 Fast Court in Aspen Ridge

Decision

*The Committee will recommend to City Council that the Director of Saskatoon Land be authorized to offer, by direct sale, Lot 1, Block 701, Plan 102201769 to Saskatchewan Housing Corporation for the purpose of constructing a group home.

Background

*Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC) is a Crown corporation owned by the Government of Saskatchewan, dedicated to providing a range of programs and services to help Saskatchewan people in greatest housing need. Three to four individuals normally reside in these group homes which are staffed 24 hours a day with support staff. On August 11, 2016, a letter was received from the Real Estate Officer of Housing Development requesting a direct sale of a designated group home lot in Aspen Ridge. Prior to submitting a direct sale request to the Standing Policy Committee on Finance in 2016, the Administration was informed that the purchase would have to be delayed. On August 22, 2017, SHC indicated they had the approval to proceed with the purchase of the designated site at 303 Fast Court.

7.1.4 City Owned Land Inventory in the Downtown and Plans for Development

Decision

*The Committee agreed that the information be received.

Background

*At its May 1, 2017 meeting, the Standing Policy Committee on Finance resolved, in part: “2. That the Administration report by September 2017 on all Saskatoon Land inventory in the downtown and any approved plans for development.”

From the Monday, October 2 Planning, Development & Community Services Meeting
6.1.5 Naming Advisory Committee Report

Decision

*There was unanimous support to recommend to City Council;

1. That ‘Peacock’ and ‘Prasad’ be added to the Names Master List (Unassigned); and
2. That the report of the General Manager, Community Services Department dated September 14, 2017, be forwarded to City Council for approval of a request to rename a portion of Victoria Park 'Reconciliation Circle.’ 

Background

*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.

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

Decision

*The Committee will recommend to City Council;

1. That the proposed amendments to Naming of Civic Property and Development Areas 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.

Background

*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.”

7.2.2 Vacant Lot and Adaptive Reuse Incentive Program

Decision

*The Committee will recommend to City Council;

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.

Background

*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.

City Compost & Mulch Available Free for Saskatoon Residents

Saskatoon residents are invited to the west compost depot, to bring a shovel and fill sturdy containers with finished compost and mulch from now until the depot closes on November 12.

“This fall, we are pleased to offer rich, healthy compost and mulch to citizens for free,” says Michelle Jelinski, Senior Project Management Engineer. “The City’s compost depots keep yard and food waste out of the Landfill and produce a high-grade product for the benefit of the entire community.”

Compost and mulch from Saskatoon's Compost Depots are used to keep Saskatoon parks and community gardens healthy and beautiful every year. The City is making this available to Saskatoon residents as a pilot to determine the level of interest in these materials. .

“When you participate in the City’s green cart program or drop off yard waste at the compost depots, you keep organic waste out of the landfill and help create a valuable resource,” Jelinski says.

Finished compost is rich in nutrients and can be used in your garden, on your lawn, and in your containers to make plants healthier. Mulch can be spread around trees, plants and shrubs to hold in moisture, reduce weeds, and for protection over winter.

For bulk loads larger than one cubic yard, please call 306-975-2486 and make an appointment for a time when a loader is available. Bulk material can be purchased at $15 per cubic yard.

Citizens can load their own compost and mulch at the City’s Compost Depot on Highway 7, 1.8 kilometres south of 22nd Street, daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Please cover or tarp any open loads to prevent the materials from blowing around. Learn more at saskatoon.ca\compostdepots or call 306-975-2486.

The City is decommissioning the northwest slope of the Landfill, which is at full capacity. This fall, more than 2,000 truckloads of soil will cover the entire 38,000 square metres of surface at least one metre thick before being compacted to minimize any environmental impact.

“This northwest mound was originally opened in 1955 and has served Saskatoon well,” says Michelle Jelinski, Senior Project Management Engineer. “Once it is fully compacted and contained, we will expand the landfill gas collection system to this area and further reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

Drivers will notice construction from Circle Drive South in an area the size of 8.5 CFL football fields, representing about ten percent of the total Landfill site. The soil cover reduces odour, litter and potential for negative impacts to groundwater.

In 2011, City Council approved the Landfill Optimization Plan to extend the life of the Landfill by 40 more years to 2050. Recommendations include adopting new operational processes, reclaiming inefficiently-filled areas, managing gas emissions, expanding waste cells where possible and a concerted effort toward waste minimization.

“By being proactive and closing out this area of the landfill, we are able to meet regulatory requirements, minimize environmental impacts, and be a good neighbour to the citizens of Saskatoon by improving the esthetics of the Landfill,”  says Jelinski.

Citizens are invited to take the 30-Day Waste Challenge and help Saskatoon move Towards 70% waste diversion by 2023 at saskatoon.ca/wastediversion. That means keeping waste out of the landfill by reusing, reducing, recycling and composting.

Learn more about the Landfill at saskatoon.ca/landfill.