News Releases

With the forecasted warm weather the City of Saskatoon is wrapping up its Priority Street Snow Removal Program and transitioning into surface drainage management and pothole repairs. The extended forecast is for very warm temperatures, which will dry up the potholes enough for a cold mix asphalt repair. The City has additional road crews assigned to address these locations as quickly as possible.

“Currently we have three City boiler trucks that are actively defrosting catch basins to improve drainage,” says Trent Schmidt, Acting Director of Public Works. “Since Wednesday, additional staff and equipment have been assigned to both day and night shifts to address and repair high-priority potholes, with up to 8 cold mix 1-ton trucks assigned to each shift. Pothole crews will continue repairing potholes day and night with gravel and cold mix asphalt until the frost is out of the ground in early May.”

City crews have been repairing potholes in the driving lane of Priority 1 & 2 streets since the snow started melting with a temporary cold mix asphalt to help prevent damage to vehicles and for safety. The cold mix is a semi-permanent patching material that can be used in temperatures above -10 degrees (with wind chill) even where moisture exists. So far this winter, 60 tonnes of cold-mix asphalt have been used to repair potholes (roughly the equivalent of 3450 potholes). Road crews are also maintaining approximately 567 utility cuts.

“As the warmer temperatures we’ve been experiencing are expected to continue, we’re reminding drivers to slow down when driving through puddles on the road” says Schmidt. “During spring melt, pools of water can cover deep potholes and drivers travelling at higher speeds could be caught by surprise, resulting in loss of vehicle control or vehicle damage.”

The Spring Pothole Blitz will begin over the next few weeks. Potholes will be prioritized and repaired on high-traffic, collector and arterial streets. Potholes on residential and other streets will be prioritized and repaired in coordination with the Neighbourhood Street Sweeping schedule, which begins May 1. Hot mix asphalt will be available at that point for permanent repair of potholes, and warning barricades may be installed until either temporary or permanent repairs can be made.

The Spring Sweeping Blitz is designed to collect the bulk of the debris left behind over the winter and benefits the Accelerated City Wide Neighbourhood Sweeping program by making it more efficient and cost effective. The Blitz will also remove sand and debris from medians where snow was stored. The Sweeping Blitz is scheduled to start on April 11 and will be focused along many of the same high-traffic streets as the Spring Pothole Blitz. There will be no parking enforcement applied during the Blitz programs as sweepers will go around parked vehicles.

The online Report a Pothole map is currently going through maintenance and upgrades and will be available April 1. So far this winter, residents have reported 185 potholes to the Customer Service Centre; 119 of these have been repaired. Residents are encouraged to report hazardous potholes on busy streets, blocked catch basins or other emergency road conditions to our 24-hour Customer Service Centre at 306-975-2476.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

March 8, 2016 Meeting

7.1.1 Interim Report – Climate Adaptation Strategies – Infrastructure

Decision

*The Committee received the information.

Background

*In September 2015, the Committee asked Administration to report back on the following:
-steps for implementing systems in key departments which would evaluate new infrastructure and projects (and retrofits to existing infrastructure/projects) to ensure adequate performance in a variety of weather conditions including extreme events.
-additional information speaking to the adequacy of current funding approaches to dealing with possible changing weather conditions and their impacts on civic assets and services.
*Administration reported there are several measures in place or in progress to prepare for, and respond to, severe weather events in relation to key infrastructure and through the Corporate Risk Program and Corporate Asset Management Plan. Further refinement to asset planning and the retrofitting of existing assets will ensure infrastructure can be resilient during extreme weather events.
*The Major Natural Events Reserve has a zero balance, and there are no regular or budgeted contributions to this reserve.

7.1.2 Civic Operations Centre Construction Update

Decision

*The Committee received the information.

Background

*The construction is progressing as expected and monthly progress reports indicate that all activities are on track.
*In October 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.

7.1.3 8^th Street East and Lorne Avenue Sanitary Chamber Installation – Emergency Design Build Update

Decision

*The Committee received the information.

Background

*A new sanitary chamber as well as an upgrade of adjacent infrastructure at the intersection of 8th Street East and Lorne Avenue took place in the fall of 2015. Work began on November 2, 2015, and the infrastructure upgrades and initial temporary restoration of the intersection were completed on December 18, 2015.
*The urgent infrastructure upgrade work has been completed.
*The infrastructure work was completed before the end of 2015 with final restoration of the intersection to take place in the spring of 2016.
*Hydraulic conditions have significantly improved in the sanitary main; aging infrastructure in the intersection have been replaced; and sewer gas emissions have been reduced.

7.2.1 Winter City Strategy Preparations

Decision

*The report will be forwarded to City Council for information.

Background

*In August 2013, City Council adopted the 2013-2023 Strategic Plan. In support of the Quality of Life strategic goal, the Plan specified a set of four-year priorities, including for the City to “provide opportunities for activities in a winter city”.
*There is a growing Winter City movement in North America that is drawing city leaders, community groups and the creative sector together to address specific winter problems as well as developing supportive plans and policies for the vitality of cities in winter.
*Existing City plans and policies already identify many opportunities for improving the local response to winter. Some of these will be acted on immediately as quick-wins in the lead-up to the launch of proposed public engagement to develop a Winter City Strategy in Saskatoon. The strategy will ultimately provide a roadmap for making Saskatoon as vibrant in winter as it is in summer.

7.2.3 Progress Report on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action

Decision

*The report will be forwarded to City Council for information.
*The Committee is also recommending that the language around public acknowledgements (as set out at the bottom on page p.7 of the information report) be circulated to all members of City Council; and that a copy of the report be sent from City Council to the Saskatoon Tribal Council, Metis Nation of Saskatchewan, Central Urban Metis Federation Inc., Office of the Treaty Commissioner and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Background

*In 2015, The City declared July 1, 2015-June 30, 2016 as the year of reconciliation and directed the Administration to work with the Office of the Treaty Commission, and other community groups, leaders and institutions in Saskatchewan, to promote reconciliation in our province.
*The City has made progress on initiatives that respond to the TRC “Calls to Action”.
*A City priority is to develop a long-term plan for increased Aboriginal awareness training for all civic employees.
*The City is working with several community partners on a “Community Action Plan.”

7.2.5 2016 Lead Service Line Replacement Funding

Decision

*The Committee is forwarding a report to City Council supporting the following recommendations:
-That $750,000 be transferred from the Water & Wastewater Stabilization Reserve to the Infrastructure Replacement Reserve – Water and Sanitary Sewers.
-That funding from the Infrastructure Replacement Reserve for Capital Project #1615 – Water Distribution be increased by $750,000, to facilitate an accelerated 2016 Lead Service Line Replacement program as outlined in this report.

Background

*Saskatoon’s approved Level of Service for Lead Service Line (LSL) Replacements includes an annual program replacing LSL’s at the request of homeowners.
*In 2015, there was a sharp increase in homeowner requests, creating a six to seven year backlog of replacements at current funding levels.
*Administration requests City Council approval to transfer funds in the amount of $750,000 from the Water & Wastewater Stabilization Reserve to the Infrastructure Replacement Reserve – Water and Sanitary Sewers.
*A request to fund an additional $750,000 from the Infrastructure Replacement Reserve – Water and Sanitary Sewers to increase the LSL’s replaced in 2016 by 100.

March 8, 2016 Meeting

7.1.3 Update on Railway Delays  

Decision

*Administration will look into the cost of a feasibility study of rail line relocations and report back to the 2017 Business Plan and Budget deliberations for consideration and action.
*Administration will continue the course of action with the Railway Working Group.
*A presentation from CN and CP on rail safety, proximity guidelines, and the rail mobile app will be provided to the Committee at a future meeting.

Background

*Transport Canada has been engaged to regulate Canadian National Railway’s (CNR) operations in the southwest portion of the City.
*Transport Canada has confirmed that the spur line rail crossing into the Viterra Grain terminal is federal jurisdiction and has subsequently pursued a formal investigation into the concerns.
*The Administration is continuing to collect data and document incidents of excessive delays and will be meeting with CNR and Transport Canada in the near future to discuss possible solutions to the ongoing concerns.
*Criteria for prioritizing the locations for further investigation include impact on emergency response, impacts of public transit, vehicular delays and benefit to railway operations.
*An investigation into the feasibility and cost of relocating railway operations outside of city limits is estimated to cost between $300,000 and $400,000 depending on scope and whether relocation of both railways is included.

7.1.4 Transportation Network Companies (i.e. Uber)

Decision

*Administration will report back to the Committee on the possibility of implementing consistent standards with respect to training, medical reporting, etc. should Saskatoon proceed with introduction of Transportation Network Companies.
*Administration will engage with industries, including taxi and limousine drivers and companies, to hear their concerns and issues regarding the matter.
*Correspondence from Uber will be joined to the file and the City Solicitor has been encouraged to reach out to the representatives of Transportation Network Companies.
*Administration will report back on the Edmonton model, as presented in the report, including information on the fee structure and feedback from taxi drivers and companies.

Background

*On October 22, 2015, a letter was sent out at City Council’s request to Don McMorris advising of the City’s support for the provincial regulation of Transportation Network Companies (TNCs).
*In response, the Province has advised it is not in a position to regulate TNCs at a provincial level and that further consultation is required.
*The Province poses that “municipalities really are in the best position to ascertain how companies like Uber best fit into their community” and that, once this is determined, municipalities may petition the government for any provincial regulatory changes required.
*In the past few months, there have been significant developments in TNCs’ regulation across Canada. These developments bear consideration for the potential regulation of TNCs in Saskatoon.

7.2.6 Protected Bike Lane Demonstration Project Update

Decision

*The committee will recommend to City Council that the 2016 contract for snow clearing in the protected bike lanes and transit terminal be increased by $48,114 to $125,000 (including taxes).
*Administration will bring forward a report on other options for the maintenance of bike lanes to provide additional information for 2017 Business Plan and Budget deliberations, as well as future budget deliberations.

Background

*The protected bike lane demonstration project is underway, with the first phase (23rd Street) implemented in 2015.
*Design, installation, and communications (capital) costs for the first phase are as expected and there is sufficient funding to proceed with the second phase (4th Avenue).
*Street maintenance costs (operating) are higher than anticipated and will be included in the 2017 operating budget.

We now have a clearer picture of how to grow Saskatoon over the next 30 years. Today, the City revealed the final Growth Plan to Half a Million (Growth Plan) Technical Report.  It will be presented to City Councillors during a special afternoon and evening Growth Plan Summit event as part of the Governance and Priorities Committee meeting on Monday, March 14, 2016.

“This is an important time in Saskatoon’s history, with significant choices to be made about how the city will continue to grow,” says City Manager Murray Totland.  “The Growth Plan will help proactively manage the changes associated with growth and create a city that is vibrant and attractive to future generations.” 

Developed over the last two and a half years through a five-phase public engagement process called “Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon,” residents have been involved in discussions on everything from current and future challenges to potential long-term changes for the city.

Resident feedback has been used alongside technical work to prepare the final Growth Plan, which outlines a number of key directions to guide transportation, transit, and land use planning to accommodate a population of half a million.

The key directions included in the Growth Plan are:

1. focus growth and enable redevelopment along Saskatoon’s major corridors, with the goal of creating complete communities along these corridors;
2. support the development of strategic infill sites consisting of the Downtown, North Downtown, and the University of Saskatchewan’s endowment lands to achieve the City’s targets for infill development;
3. provide a robust transportation network that includes opportunities for all modes of transportation;
4. create a range of enhanced transit services, including bus rapid transit, over time to meet a variety of needs;
5. implement rapid transit facilities and services along the city’s major corridors as demand grows to support projected ridership; and
6. acknowledge the need for future additional river crossing capacity within Circle Drive to serve anticipated travel demand and consider this alongside methods to increase the “people-carrying” capacity of all bridges.

“Growth will occur with or without a plan,” says Alan Wallace, Director of Planning and Development. “Proactively addressing the challenges of growth allows City Council to make smart investment decisions to help build a community that’s a great place to work, live, and play.”

In advance of requesting a final decision on the Growth Plan, the City Administration will be presenting the key directions of the plan at a public Growth Plan Summit (Summit) event as part of City Council’s Governance and Priorities Committee meeting on Monday, March 14, 2016.

Following the presentations, members of the public will be invited to provide comments on the Growth Plan to the Committee.  Written requests to speak may be submitted in advance via the City’s website at saskatoon.ca/writetocouncil.  Prior requests will be accommodated first, followed by those in attendance who wish to speak.

The Summit can be live-streamed on the City’s website at saskatoon.ca/watchcouncil.  The broadcast will also be archived for viewing at a later date.

For more information on the Growth Plan, including the full Summit agenda and final Technical Report, please visit the project website at growingfwd.ca.   

March 7, 2016 Meeting

7.1.4 Preliminary Year-End Financial Results

Decision

*The Committee is recommending to City Council:

1) The fuel surplus of $2.441 million not be transferred to the Fuel Stabilization Reserve.
2) The transfer of the Snow Removal and Ice Management Program allowable surplus amount of $0.622 million into the Snow and Ice Management Reserve be approved.
3) The transfer of the preliminary civic surplus of $1.436 million to the Fiscal Stabilization Reserve be approved.

Background

*The City has posted a $1.436 million surplus. 
*Prior to the external audit of the City’s year-end financial statements, the Administration tables a report with City Council to inform City Council and the public on the preliminary year-end financial results.

7.1.5 Consultant Services – 2015

Decision

*The Committee received the report as information.
*The Committee resolved Administration report  on a review of the value of consulting contracts including some analysis to help clarify what money has been saved using consultants.
*The Committee resolved that Administration report on how the City ensures value for money in the City’s use of consultants on a go-forward basis.
*The Committee resolved that the Power Point presentation be provided to all members of City Council.

Background

*At the January 25, 2016 meeting of City Council, consultant contracts were awarded for an Agency of Record and a Business Case on Recovery Park. Discussions regarding these contracts included the City’s use of consultants. In addition, a media request was received in relation to the City’s use of consultant services and the Administration determined that a report on this topic to the Standing Policy Committee on Finance would be appropriate.
*All external consultant costs were approved in the 2015 Business Plan and Budget. The City has not taken on additional or unexpected costs that were not approved in the budget process.
*The City invested $16 million or 4% of our total City budget on advice and services in support of capital projects – addressing an unprecedented need for construction projects made necessary by an unprecedented period of growth in our community.
*The City invested $2.6 million or 0.4% of our total City budget on advice or services to the City for operations. For example this includes $213,000 for internal audit services that are more cost effective to outsource.
*CFO Kerry Tarasoff presented the Committee with an apples to apples comparison. For example, if the City of Saskatoon used the same criteria as the City of Regina, it would show Saskatoon spent roughly the same as Regina for consultants hired for planning studies or strategic policy advice at $1.8 million and $1.75 million respectively.

7.2.4 Leasing of Civic Property – Bowerman House -1328 Avenue K South

Decision

*The Committee will be reporting to City Council indicating support for the recommendations in the report regarding the new lease and operating agreement with the Meewasin Valley Authority for the City-owned property known as the Bowerman House.
*The Committee resolved Meewasin maintain the premises in accordance with the proposed agreement for a period of five years, in lieu of paying rent.

Background

*The Meewasin Valley Authority requested to continue to lease the Bowerman House from the City.
*The Bowerman House was built in 1907 as a private hunting lodge and summer residence for Allan Bowerman (a member of Saskatoon’s first town council). The building was acquired by the Saskatchewan Anti-Tuberculosis League in 1924, serving thereafter, as a residence for sanatorium doctors until 1987.
*The Bowerman House, and a portion of its surrounding grounds, was designated as a Municipal Heritage Property in 1986. The City purchased the property from the Province in 2004, and leased the house to Meewasin. Meewasin had previously managed the Bowerman House on behalf of the Province.