News Releases

The risk of contracting COVID-19 in Saskatoon and province-wide remains low and public events may go on as planned.

“At this time, Saskatchewan does not have a confirmed case of COVID-19, and the risk to Canadians remains low. SHA Public Health in Saskatoon recommends large gatherings like the JUNOS 20 Awards proceed,” says Dr. Johnmark Opondo, Medical Health Officer in Saskatoon for the Saskatchewan Health Authority.

“We continue to encourage participants and attendees to practice strong hand hygiene, minimize close contact such as no hand shaking, and should not attend if they are feeling sick. These guidelines will help prevent the spread of infectious illnesses, including influenza and gastroenteritis.”

What is the City doing to prepare?

The City of Saskatoon has been monitoring and actively engaged in assessing the impact of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) since January 2020. 

“The City has been involved in ongoing planning and information sharing on teleconference calls coordinated through the Emergency Operations Centre with at least a dozen different organizations,” says Pamela Goulden-McLeod, Director of Emergency Management Organization.

Goulden-McLeod says an expert from the Saskatchewan Health Authority – Medical Health Office takes part in every teleconference call as the City continually consults with the Medical Health Office.

“Of course, we will continue to communicate when the level of risk of COVID-19 in Saskatoon changes along with appropriate actions that can be taken.”

What are accurate sources of information?  

During any emergency or large-scale event, it is essential to follow accurate, factual, locally specific sources of information. The Government of Saskatchewan’s website remains the best source of information on this evolving situation, and is updated regularly.

Because of the fluidity of this event, we also strongly encourage anyone planning international travel to review the Government of Canada travel updates regularly for additional information.

What can you do?

As a respiratory illness, the best method to protect yourself against COVID-19 is to practice everyday preventive actions, including:

• Practice proper cough and sneezing etiquette (into the bend of your elbow);

• Wash your hands often with soap and water; if soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands;

• Maintain safe food practices; and 

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick

There is no evidence that surgical masks protect persons who are not sick. The World Health Organization does not recommend the use of any masks if you do not have a travel history and respiratory symptoms.

The City of Saskatoon has been announced as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for the ninth year in a row. This competition recognizes employers across Canada that have exceptional workplace diversity and inclusiveness programs.

“By using our refreshed corporate values as a lens for how we work together, we’re creating a smart, healthy and safe workplace where everyone has an opportunity to shine,” says Sarah Cameron, Chief Human Resources Officer. “Over the past year, we’ve provided ongoing opportunities for employee feedback and have taken action by addressing barriers and promoting equality, dignity and respect.”

This competition looks at successful diversity initiatives in a variety of areas, including programs for employees from five groups: (a) Women; (b) Members of visible minorities; (c) Persons with disabilities; (d) Indigenous peoples; and (e) Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender/Transsexual (LGBT) peoples. Employers are compared with other organizations in their field to determine which ones offer noteworthy and unique diversity initiatives.

Highlights of City initiatives include:

• City Council’s priority on reconciliation, inclusion and diversity and developing new partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. The City introduced mandatory Indigenous Awareness training for employees and offers a Truth and Reconciliation Resource Kit to enable ongoing learning.

• Improving employee understanding of diversity and inclusion through a number of training initiatives covering a variety of topics, such as cultural bridging, understanding invisible disabilities and inclusive practices for LGBTQ2S identities.

• Participation in the launch of the Immigration Partnership Saskatoon office, an inter-sectional committee that works to help improve the lives of newcomers in the region.

“Through our employee training and community education opportunities, we’re raising awareness and educating our employees in areas they might never have had the opportunity to do so. These initiatives, like our mandatory Indigenous Awareness Training, are helping us create a welcoming and inclusive environment in which all employees can contribute and achieve their full potential,” says Cameron.

Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for 2020 are outlined in the March 6, 2020 edition of The Globe and Mail, as well as on Canada's Best Diversity Employers website.

The City has a long-standing commitment to diversity and inclusion, and as Saskatoon’s population continues to grow and diversify it is imperative that we recruit and retain a workforce that represents and understands the Saskatoon community.    

Work to renovate, re-animate and revitalize the Farmers’ Market Building in River Landing continues to move forward. Here’s an update:

Building Tenant

In 2019, City Council directed the Administration to find a tenant who will fully use and attract people to the Farmers’ Market Building at least six days a week. This site animation includes having a market focused on locally produced food and goods for sale.

A Request for Proposals (RFP) was released in November and it closed late December 2019. A team of City staff from departments relevant to the project evaluated the submissions.  An independent fairness monitor oversaw the evaluation process.  The team made its evaluation based on criteria outlined in the RFP and how closely a proposal met those criteria. The City is in negotiations with the highest ranked proponent, but is not yet in a position to speak publicly about any details; business discussions are ongoing and confidential.

City Council and the community will be informed once our discussions conclude; we anticipate this to happen later this spring.

Outdoor Market on Market Square

During discussions at Committee and Council in 2019, the Administration committed to City Council that we would ensure that Market Square is animated with an outdoor farmers’ market in 2020.  The City has received an application through its regular booking process for Market Square, to be used for a farmers’ market as an extension of the adjacent annual Street Stall Saturdays. As there is no building tenant at this time, the City has approved this application, as an interim initiative, in order to meet our commitment to City Council. It is anticipated to run May to September.

Roof

Last year the City discovered significant repairs were needed to the roof of the Farmers’ Market Building.  The City hired a roofing consultant to determine the best type of roof system to be installed on the building. A Request for Quotes for a roofing contractor was issued and closed last month.  The City aims to have the roofing contractor in place within the next few weeks.  Dependent on weather and the contractor’s own schedule, the work is expected to happen between May and June.

For more information on the Farmers’ Market Building at River Landing, visit saskatoon.ca/farmersmarket.

The City is saddened to learn about a fatal incident this morning (Wednesday, March 4) involving a pedestrian and a private contractor recycling collection truck. Our thoughts are certainly with this person’s friends and family at this difficult time. The collection work was being done by a private contractor for a non-City organization’s recycling contract. City workers or vehicles were not involved. Of course and if required, the City would cooperate with any police investigation.

Again, we offer our deepest condolences to everyone touched by this sad event.

--

Angela Gardiner

General Manager, Utilities & Environment Department

The public is invited to the opening ceremony for Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Month on Friday, February 28 at 1:30 p.m. in Council Chambers, City Hall.  The ceremony will include greetings from His Worship Mayor Charlie Clark; Judge David Arnot, Chief Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission; Students of Aden Bowman’s Collective Voice Program; and, Dr. Fatima Coovadia from the Islamic Association of Saskatchewan (Saskatoon).  A flag raising in Civic Square (outdoors at City Hall - 23rd Street) will follow the ceremony.

Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Month Opening Ceremony
Friday, February 28, 2020
1:30 p.m.
Council Chambers, City Hall

The public is reminded that the deadline for nominations for the annual Living in Harmony Recognition Awards, which recognizes local organizations or individuals for their efforts in eliminating racism in our community, is Friday, February 28, 2020.  Nomination forms are available at saskatoon.ca/livinginharmony.

Since 1994, the City’s Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Committee has presented the Living in Harmony Recognition Awards at a special ceremony on March 21, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.  This year, the awards will be presented in partnership with Saskatoon Public School Board, Greater Catholic School Board and the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union at the Broadway Theatre on Friday, March 20, 2020 starting at 1:15pm. 

A listing of community events taking place during Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Month can be found on saskatoon.ca.

Measuring pharmaceuticals in Saskatoon’s wastewater, diverting food from the landfill to save money and the planet, and improving property assessment appeals are some of the first research projects of the new Research Junction collaboration between the City of Saskatoon (City) and University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers.

“It is incredible to see City employees and university researchers come together to solve problems and address such a wide variety of issues facing Saskatoon,” said Mayor Charlie Clark. “This helps us move forward as a community and shows how we can lead the country through collaboration to create the best results for our community and residents. As we work together on these projects, we can create real benefits and build a healthy, strong and sustainable future.”

Five projects have been awarded a total of $100,000 through the Research Junction Development Grant program, a jointly funded university-municipal research partnership announced in September of 2019.

“Through the power of research, these collaborative projects will address some tough challenges in our community,” said USask President Peter Stoicheff. “It is exciting to see from this list of approved projects the first concrete ways in which this strategic partnership will help build a better Saskatoon.”

The grants provide researchers with access to the City’s resources, data and expertise, and provide City staff with access to analyses and data resulting from the projects to inform decision-making. Projects funded through the initiative also create hands-on learning and research opportunities for USask students and post-doctoral fellows, helping them prepare for future careers. 

The first Research Junction projects funded are:

• Preventing food from going to waste. USask community health and epidemiology researcher Rachel Engler-Stringer will work with the City’s  community leadership and program development manager Katie Burns to find ways to prevent surplus food from food-based businesses from ending up in the landfill by studying and providing information to these businesses on how to donate. The Saskatoon Food Council will coordinate the project. The aim is to reduce the environmental impact of edible food ending up in the landfill. If all surplus food was reclaimed, it could divert 13,000 tonnes of food city-wide and save up to $138,000 worth of space per year at the City’s landfill.
• Improving municipal appeals. USask law professor Heather Heavin will collaborate with Alan Rankine a lawyer with the City Solicitor’s Office  to examine three high-volume, City-appointed tribunals (Board of Revision, Development Appeals Board, and License Appeal Board). The goal is to promote efficient and reliable City-appointed tribunals.
• Increasing demand for downtown living. USask urban planner Ryan Walker and city centre planner Brent McAdam will work with other USask researchers, the City’s urban design manager, and the executive director of the Saskatoon Downtown Business Improvement District to examine how downtown Saskatoon can be made a more attractive location in which to live.The team will study other cities and survey Saskatoon’s current, new and long-term downtown residents. The results will provide evidenced-based data to inform decisions on key proposals for the City’s future downtown development.
• Exploring municipal voting rights for permanent residents. USask political scientist Joe Garcea will collaborate with the City’s  diversity and inclusion consultant (immigration) April Sora to examine extending the right to vote in Saskatoon’s municipal elections to non-citizens who are Canadian permanent residents. Permanent residents already hold voting rights in New Zealand, Australia, and some countries in Europe. In recent years this issue has been explored by a few major cities in Canada.
• Measuring pharmaceuticals in Saskatoon’s wastewater.  USask toxicology researcher Markus Brinkmann, in collaboration with other researchers from USask’s Toxicology Centre and the College of Engineering, will work with City’s wastewater treatment plant operations manager Mike Sadowski to conduct comprehensive measurements of pharmaceuticals—antibiotics, pain killers, beta-blockers, hormone-like substances and others. The treated wastewater is discharged after an extensive treatment process from Saskatoon’s wastewater treatment plant into the South Saskatchewan River.
  Pharmaceuticals, while not officially regulated in wastewaters, have become an important class of wastewater elements that many treatment plants across Canada have worked to measure. By sampling water in the wastewater treatment plant and downstream in the river, the researchers will work to better understand and stay current with technology and new solutions to treat wastewater.

Two additional collaborative projects have also been awarded nearly $50,000 for research relating to homelessness in Saskatoon through a related program, “Pathways to Equity,” funded by an anonymous donor.

The Pathways to Equity projects are:

• Improving quality of life and reducing poverty through oral health. USask dental public health specialist Dr. Keith Da Silva and the Community-University Institute for Social Research (CUISR) led by co-directors USask professor emerita Isobel Findlay and the City’s senior planner Bill Holden, will examine access to dental care and how it may enhance quality of life for Saskatoon’s homeless population and those living in poverty. The ultimate goal is to reduce poverty by alleviating some social symptoms of poor oral health: lowered self-esteem, limited social interaction, and reduced employability.
• Reducing 2SLGBTQ Youth Homelessness. USask women and gender studies researcher Marie Lovrod will work with City housing analyst Michael Kowalchuk and OUTSaskatoon executive director Rachel Loewen Walker, a queer and sexuality studies specialist. This team will study the success of OUTSaskatoon’s Pride Home, a five-bed home for 2SLGBTQ youth. 2SLGBTQ youth are at high risk for housing insecurity and consequently have increased physical and mental health challenges. The aim of the project is to create an evidence-based model for reducing queer youth homelessness to be shared across Canada. 

Applications are now open for the 2020 Research Junction Development Grant to support research projects carried out by USask researchers in partnership with City of Saskatoon staff. The deadline is May 15, 2020.

For more information, visit research.usask.ca.

For the ninth year in a row, the City of Saskatoon has been selected as one of Saskatchewan’s 2020 Top Employers. The competition recognizes Saskatchewan employers that lead their industries in offering exceptional places to work, and this year took a special focus on initiatives that responded to our employee's desire to feel more connected, improve access to information and stay informed about what is going in our workplace

“This is an exciting time at the City. The refresh of our corporate values and the inclusion of People Matter is a commitment to continue work towards listening to our employees and providing them with a healthy, safe and engaged workplace,” says Chief Human Resources Officer Sarah Cameron. “By using our corporate values as the lens for how we work together, we’re creating a work environment where our employees have an opportunity to shine, where they are engaged and committed to delivering exceptional service to the citizens of Saskatoon.”

The City of Saskatoon was evaluated on eight criteria, the same used for the Canada Top 100 Employer’s competition: Physical Workplace; Work Atmosphere & Social; Health, Financial & Family Benefits; Vacation & Time Off; Employee Communications; Performance Management; Training & Skills Development; and Community Involvement.

“Over the past year, we made it a priority to better connect with our employees working in the field, away from a desk. Our new mobile-friendly intranet has allowed us to communicate valuable information and share timely corporate updates with all City employees regardless of where they work,” Cameron says. “In addition, we provided ongoing opportunities through our Leadership Connect Lunch Program and All-Employee Town Halls where employees at all levels could hear directly from senior leaders about important corporate initiatives, ask questions and provide feedback. These well-attended events reinforced our refreshed corporate purpose and values.”  

Employers are compared with other organizations in their field to determine which ones offer the most progressive and forward-thinking programs.

The Saskatchewan’s 2020 Top Employers are highlighted in today’s Saskatoon StarPhoenix and Regina Leader-Post. 

As we learn of Peter Zakreski's passing, my condolences go out to Elaine, the Zakreski family and all of those whose lives have been touched by Peter.

We have lost an incredible community builder. Peter Zakreski has left a legacy in Saskatoon that reflects so much of who we have become as a city. He has been central to life in sports, politics, business, philanthropy, arts, community safety, and more.

Peter's vision and impact went well beyond Saskatoon – most notably with the incredible efforts he made working so closely with Elaine on the Hope for Malawi  project.

In Peter's role as a nation builder, he was recognized as a Member of the Order of Canada.

Peter’s warmth and generosity were infectious. His partnership with Elaine and his devotion to family, friends, and the people who live here is remarkable.

Peter has also left a legacy with the many people whom he mentored. They are following in his footsteps by making a difference in community building and philanthropy.

We are a better community because of Peter’s leadership.

He will be missed.

Mayor Charlie Clark
 

Saskatoon’s Green Infrastructure Strategy (Strategy), which forms the vision, actions, initiatives and mapping for Saskatoon’s Green Network is now complete.

Green infrastructure creates a network of natural, enhanced, and engineered assets that protect, restore or enhance green space.  Saskatoon’s green spaces are under pressure from urban growth and increasing stress from climate-related impacts such as invasive pests, flooding, heat and drought.  When the quality of green space diminishes, ecosystem services such as fresh water, storm protection and air quality are at risk.

“As Saskatoon continues to grow and our climate changes, we must look to strengthen the Green Network by improving the condition of our green spaces, partnering with the community, and nurturing relationships between people and nature,” says Jeanna South, Director of Sustainability. “This Strategy outlines how, by integrating Green Infrastructure into the system of urban fabric and creating a comprehensive green network, Saskatoon can better provide resilient municipal and ecosystem services and high quality environments to live, work, learn and play.”

Through research, engagement, and analysis of the findings, the Strategy proposes a series of 15 actions, each with associated tasks for implementation. The next step for Saskatoon is the development of a Green Infrastructure Program to carry out the actions presented in the Strategy, including:

• Preparation of education material to promote understanding of the Green Network, including biodiversity and urban agriculture
• Collaboration with Meewasin to coordinate with their programs
• Review opportunities for community grants and incentives for green projects
• Green space management planning and engagement

The Green Infrastructure Strategy supports the Strategic Goals of Asset & Financial Sustainability, Quality of Life, Environmental Leadership, and Sustainable Growth. 

For a complete list of the 15 Strategy actions, to read the Strategy, or learn more about Saskatoon’s Green Network, please visit: saskatoon.ca/greeninfrastructure.

The City of Saskatoon has again received a favourable endorsement from S&P Global Rating Services, which today reconfirmed the City’s ‘AAA’ credit rating with a “stable” outlook.

“We’re pleased and excited to receive our ‘AAA’ rating today,” says Kerry Tarasoff, Chief Financial Officer. “This year’s introduction of the City’s first Multi-Year Business Plan & Budget Planning process has supported our fiscal transparency, and our ongoing commitment to improve our financial management practices as we plan for Saskatoon’s future.”

Noting Saskatoon’s diverse economy and observing the City’s “strong operating surpluses and financial management,” S&P Global Rating Services today reaffirmed ‘AAA’ long-term issuer credit and senior unsecured debt ratings on the City with an outlook that is ‘stable’.

Key points within the February 4, 2020 S&P Ratings Direct® Report are:

• The City’s management team is described as “experienced and qualified to effectively enact fiscal policies and respond to external risks.”
• “Management accountability is strong and financial policies are prudent.”
• The City’s has a “lengthy track record of passing budgets before the start of the fiscal year with minimal variations from budgeted revenues.”
• With “exceptional levels of liquidity, (the City’s) debt burden is expected to remain around current low levels of just under 40% of consolidated revenues.”
• Saskatoon’s strong economy has supported “budgetary balances leading to large operating surpluses more than sufficient to fund (the City’s) capital agenda.”

“Maintaining the City’s ‘AAA’ rating is important as it supports our confidence in our budgetary decisions for Saskatoon’s bright future with continued and steady growth,” Tarasoff says. “We remain confident in our ability to minimize debt as we undertake long-term planning for infrastructure to support our great quality of life in Saskatoon.”

The full report entitled “City of Saskatoon Ratings Affirmed At ‘AAA’; Outlook Remains Stable” is available on the City’s website saskatoon.ca.

Approximately 400 properties in the Sutherland neighbourhood experienced a water outage and lower water pressure in the evening of February 3, following an issue with the primary water main on 102nd Street W at O’Neil Crescent. These properties are on a Precautionary Drinking Water Advisory issued by the Water Security Agency and Saskatchewan Health Authority and should boil their water until notified.

There were two separate water main breaks that caused the water distribution system in the area to depressurize. The water main breaks occurred on 102nd Street W at O’Neil Crescent, and Packham Avenue affecting approximately 400 properties south of 108th Street W. 

The water was restored to all properties; however, there could be some localized water outages as crews tackle the repair to the individual water main breaks.

“We thank everyone for their patience as we work as quickly as possible to restore water service,” says Trent Schmidt, Acting Director of Water & Waste Operations. “This is the time of year when the frost is gets closer to the depth of our water pipes and we can notice an increase in breaks, unfortunately.”

Crews are flushing out the water system this morning, which could carry into tomorrow due to the size of the area affected. Following flushing, water testing can take another 48-72 hours to confirm the drinking water quality is achieved. Affected properties will receive a green Drinking Water Advisory Lifted Notice when the water quality tests confirm it is safe to drink.

Properties affected are reminded to review the white letter from the Water Security Agency and Saskatchewan Health Authority, and the yellow door hanger from the City delivered to their front door for instructions. Learn more at saskatoon.ca/drinkingwater.

City and CUPE Local 59 reach tentative contract deal

The Bargaining Committees for the City of Saskatoon and CUPE Local 59 reached a tentative agreement on January 24, 2020.

The term of the tentative deal is for four and one-half years expiring on June 30, 2023. Details of the settlement will be released upon ratification by both parties.

The ratification process will begin the first week in February.

CUPE Local 59 is the largest collective bargaining unit of City employees.

Following the direction of City Council, negotiations on possible locations for a new Downtown Event and Entertainment District continue to move forward.

“As one of the most significant projects the City is likely to undertake in the next decade, we are investing significant efforts to ensure pre-planning and site analysis is thoroughly completed,” says Dan Willems, Director of Technical Services.

"This file is extremely active and we are currently working with landowners and key stakeholders,” says Willems.

An Information Report will be presented to City Council at its meeting on Monday, January 27, 2020. In the report, Administration provides an update on the site selection process for a Downtown Event and Entertainment District, which includes:

• Researching best practices and reviewing the experience of other cities in developing comparable downtown event entertainment districts;

• Engaging the services of two external advisory firms with experience in the development of arena/convention centre/entertainment districts to gain insight into aspects such as site design, patron access, site access (loading/unloading, etc.) and other technical considerations that will influence the feasibility of potential sites; and,

• Negotiating with owners of potential private sites, in addition to assessing all potential sites on City-owned property. 

As negotiations have progressed, it has become evident that additional time will be required to sort out the necessary details to secure land and achieve an agreeable outcome for all parties before public communications on the potential sites can occur.

Once negotiations with private site owners have progressed further, Administration will report back to City Council on the preferred site options and recommended public engagement strategy.

“The public will be able to provide input on all sites that were considered reasonable options before Council is asked to formally approve a preferred location for a future event and entertainment district,” Willems says.

Information will be available on saskatoon.ca later in the year with details on how the public can get involved.

The City of Saskatoon Corridor Transformation Plan aims to re-imagine the major transportation corridors that currently serve to move traffic from one place to another and turn them into vibrant, connected neighbourhoods that fit holistically into the city of the future. The Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services will be presented the Corridor Transformation Plan on January 14, 2020.

“The Corridor Planning Program (CPP) is a key component of The Growth Plan to Half a Million,” says Chris Schulz, Special Project Manager for the Plan for Growth. “It is intended to provide a mechanism that allows us to balance future outward growth of the City with infill development.” A map of the corridor planning area is attached.

The Corridor Planning Program, along with other Growth Plan components like the Transit Plan and Brownfield Renewal, aims to help ensure that future growth and development in Saskatoon occurs in a sustainable and livable way. “The Corridor Transformation Plan is meant to assist us in creating transit-friendly and walkable areas where people can live, work, learn, and play,” says Schulz. “The Plan provides a vision and guidelines that will set the stage for turning busy roads like 8^th Street into animated places where people want to stay.”

The Transit Villages Plan, a part of the corridor program that looks at specific transit hubs, will also be presented at the January 14^th Planning, Development, and Community Services meeting.

Report information, including technical recommendations, is available on the City of Saskatoon website at saskatoon.ca/corridor-planning. The official agenda for the Committee meeting, including supporting documents, can be found at saskatoon.ca/city-hall.

On January 13, the Administration will present options for requirements for recycling and organics for the Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (ICI) sector to the Standing Policy Committee of Environment, Utilities, and Corporate Services. The Administration is recommending that the ICI sector be required to have separate containers for garbage and recycling and, if food or yard waste is generated as part of operations, a separate container for organics. Implementing this approach will involve an amendment to the Waste Bylaw (No. 8310).

“A more comprehensive organics and recycling program is critical to achieving our waste diversion goals and extending the life of our landfill,” says Jeanna South, Director of Sustainability. “This cannot fall only on residents; Saskatoon businesses and organizations must participate when it comes to waste diversion and environmental leadership.”

The ICI sector generates 68% of all garbage sent to Saskatoon and area landfills, with approximately 45% (75,800 tonnes) representing recyclables or organics that could be diverted.

“24% of what is landfilled by the City is from the ICI sector, which represents a significant diversion opportunity that can’t be ignored,” adds South.

Option 1, being recommended by the Administration comes with the following requirements from members of the ICI sector:

• Separate and labelled containers for recycling and garbage
• A separate container for organics if food or yard waste is generated as part of operations
• Education on how to properly sort and store materials for employees and tenants
• Ensuring removal and proper disposal of waste

To support this priority, the Administration engaged with 870 participants from businesses and organizations through workshops, online surveys, and face-to-face meetings.

The 2019 ICI Waste and Recycling Survey and the 2019 Waste and Recycling Survey (residential) revealed high levels of support from residents, businesses and organizations for the implementation of recycling and organics requirements for the ICI sector.

 “The recommended option comes at a lower cost than the others, and has been successfully implemented in other municipalities,” says South. “It will give us the best chance of meeting residents’ expectations of the ICI sector and achieving our waste diversion goals.”

Option 1 was the most preferred mandatory approach by stakeholders. The Waste Diversion Options Fact Sheet provides a more detailed comparison of the options presented.

The Admin Report and all attachments can be found here.

For more information, please visit saskatoon.ca/yxetalkstrash or saskatoon.ca/wastediversion.

No defendant has filed an appeal in the Ontario case involving $1.04 M in stolen City funds directed to a fraudster’s bank account in August. 

“All the money stolen in the fraud scheme is now back in the City’s hands,” says Acting City Solicitor Christine Bogad.  “The passing of this deadline brings the case to a close.”

Last month an Ontario Superior Court Justice ordered the return of $345 thousand in City money fraudulently obtained in August. The majority of the stolen money had already been returned. 

The remaining $345 thousand had been the subject of court hearings in Toronto where three parties claimed they had been unwitting victims of the fraud scheme.

Justice Michael A. Penny found none of the remaining defendants provided enough evidence to require a trial.

Each defendant had a 30 day window to appeal, which closed yesterday.

View related news releases on this matter on saskatoon.ca.

*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.

NEW

MCORMOND DR EB & WB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM WANUSKEWIN RD TO CENTRAL AVE
(Streetlight repairs)
Start: December 24, 9:30 a.m. End: December 24, 1:30 p.m.


ONGOING

TAYLOR ST E ROAD CLOSED FROM LANSDOWNE AVE TO ALBERT AVE
(Valve replacement)
Start: December 23, 8:00 a.m. End: December 24, 5:00 p.m.

CENTRAL AVE NB RIGHT TURN LANE CLOSED FROM KONIHOWSKI RD TO GARVIE RD
(Water main & roadway construction)
Start: December 12, 8:00 a.m. End: December 24, 5:00 p.m.
 

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.

Local, non-profit organizations have the opportunity to apply for a grant to implement initiatives supporting the City’s strategic goal of Environmental Leadership, there is $44,000 available in 2020.

Funding will be prioritized for initiatives that:

• Generally relate to the City’s goal of Environmental Leadership ($14,000);
• Increase awareness and protection of our water resources ($10,000);
• Reduce the amount of waste going to landfills ($10,000); and
• Encourage active transportation ($10,000). 

Applications will be accepted until February 15, 2020.

For more information on the City’s Environmental Grant, including eligibility requirements, visit: saskatoon.ca/envirogrant.

The City of Saskatoon has just launched its new Recycle Better in your Ugly Sweater campaign that encourages residents to keep waste reduction and diversion top of mind during the holiday season.

“Gifts, wrapping material, decorations, celebrations, and festive feasts can all result in a significant amount of waste over the holiday season, so we have to find opportunities to cut down on that waste and to effectively divert it from our landfill,” says Amber Weckworth, Education and Environmental Performance Manager, Utilities & Environment. “Our effort is to educate residents about all the ways they can cut down on their holiday waste in a fun and festive way.”

Here are some of the tips that the City will be promoting over the course of the campaign:

• Make memories by giving experiences over things
• Make homemade gifts out of old reusable material
• Regift old or unused items that might still bring joy to others
• Reuse or pass down your old decorations
• Skip the fancy wrapping and reuse paper, ribbons, bows, and bags
• Wrap gifts with newsprint and other unique material
• Reduce food waste by planning meals efficiently
• Take large or excess recycling to a City Recycling Depot, but please don’t overfill them
• Recycle your live Christmas Tree at a City drop-off site from December 26 to January 31
• Get the ‘how-to’ on holiday waste diversion by asking the Waste Wizard

Residents are also reminded of the following important waste information over the holiday season:

• Don’t miss pick-up day!
  • Check your Collection Calendar or download the Saskatoon Recycle & Waste app and never miss pick-up day again
  • Holiday Collections Reminder: December 25 garbage and recycling collections will happen on December 28. January 1 collections will happen on January 4
• Spread some joy by helping your neighbours roll out their carts
• The City Landfill will be closed December 25 and January 1
• Cut down on emissions by carpooling with friends and family, or get your ‘shop on’ and hop on the Jingle Bell Express for quick access to all the malls in Saskatoon

For more information and tips on holiday waste reduction and diversion visit saskatoon.ca/holidayrecycling.

The City of Saskatoon’s Emergency Management Organization (EMO) reports that this morning’s 10:00 a.m. city-wide notifynow TEST message was successfully delivered to 87,996 contacts using 141,029 message pathways (text, phone message, and email).

“Saskatoon’s population is now over 270,000 and growing. To date, we’ve had just over 26,000 residents customize their notifynow profile,” says Pamela Goulden-McLeod, Director of Emergency Management. “We have had an increase in sign-ups since we sent a notifynow message last month, but we would really like to see more residents customize their profile, telling notifynow how to best reach them. Notifynow can’t reach you and your family if you have incomplete or out-of-date contact information in the notifynow system.”   

Did you receive your notifynow TEST message today? Notifynow is a free service and these important safety messages can help you be prepared, connected and informed in the event of a city-wide emergency or one affecting only your neighbourhood.

“If you have a phone number that is publicly available, you may be in the notifynow system,” Goulden-McLeod says. “However, we encourage residents to visit the City’s website to tell us how they want to receive their notifynow public safety notification messages.”

Goulden-McLeod says people can receive notifynow messages on their cell phone, by text and email, and also register up to five different addresses that are important to them.

“To ensure you receive notifynow public safety information messages, you must have at least one address registered.”

It’s easy to customize your notifynow profile and your communication preferences. Signing-up lets you choose your preferred communication method. Help notifynow reach you - and more Saskatoon residents with timely, trusted and targeted public safety notification messages.

“Notifynow messages should play an important part of your family’s emergency preparedness plan,” adds Goulden-McLeod. “These public safety notification messages can tell you what to do, what to expect, or even where to go in an emergency situation, and this greatly helps to reduce stress for you and those you care about.”

Last month, at the request of the Saskatoon Police Service, a city-wide notifynow public safety notification was sent to alert Saskatoon residents on the escape of two inmates.

The notifynow system issued a public safety message to a localized area in August 2017 for a potential flooding situation, and again in November 2017 to a targeted neighbourhood area when a semi-tanker rolled-over on College Drive.

Visit saskatoon.ca/notifynow today to customize your communication preferences or call 306-975-3210 for more information.

Following three days of presentations, questions, and debate of the City’s first Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget, Mayor Charlie Clark and City Council have finalized the budget investments for 2020/2021. City Council’s Strategic Priorities, Strategic Plan and public input guided the multi-year budget process.
Notable Multi-Year Budget Investment Highlights

City Council started its budget review with a property tax increase of 3.14 per cent in 2020 and 3.52 per cent in 2021. City Council made several adjustments and adopted various options to minimize tax increases to ensure citizens would receive maximum benefits for their tax dollars invested for 2020 and 2021.

The municipal property tax has been finalized at 3.70 per cent for 2020 (the lowest increase in 10 years) and 3.87 per cent for 2021. In 2020, 1 per cent of the property tax is equivalent to $2.45 million, and $2.56 million in 2021.

Multi-Year Budget Property Tax Rates for Residential Property Owners

For a homeowner with a property assessment value of $371,000, in 2020, the 3.70 per cent increase equates to $5.82 per month or $69.87 for the year. In 2021, the 3.87 per cent increase equates to $6.28 per month or $75.35 for the year.

City Council Considered Various Budget Options

Approximately $19.0 million in funding was available to advance City Council’s priority projects in 2020 and 2021 comprised of: a one-time doubling of the Federal Gas Tax in 2019, available Reserve for Capital Expenditure (RCE) funding in 2020 and 2021, and funding from the Multi-Material Stewardship Western (MMSW) Program in 2020.

City Council had the option to allocate these funds based on its earlier prioritization results or retain any amount of reserve funds in anticipation of future needs or initiatives not yet identified.

At the recommendation of the Administration, $242,000 was left in reserves to be utilized for future contingency or other emerging issues. Notable capital investments include:

• $10.0 million in 2020 for the Curbside Organics Program
• $2.0 million in 2020 and $800,000 in 2021 for Growth Plan implementation and Corridor Planning/Infill Development
• $180,000 in 2020 for continued work on an intelligent transportation system that communicates rail crossing delays to first responders
• $150,000 in 2020 for a Downtown Stimulus Strategy
• $150,000 in both 2020 and in 2021 to make measurable progress on Green Infrastructure implementation

Operating Budget Adjustments

• A total of $1.8 million was phased-in for Asset Management Plans for Bridges, Parks and Sidewalks
• $175,000 increase for Transit expansion into Rosewood in 2020, and $175,000 to expand Transit into Brighton in 2021
• $250,000 increase for the Low Emissions Community Plan
• ​$178,900 increase for various items such as increases to the funding agreements with Saskatoon Crisis Intervention Services and Wanuskewin, dust issues on Beef Research Road, the Recreation Game Plan, anti-racism initiatives and Culture Plan implementation

This first Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget for 2020 and 2021 is an important first step to further improving the City’s strategic investments, transparency and ongoing accountability. City Council’s investment decisions in the priorities and services that matter most to citizens will ensure Saskatoon continues to be a great place to live, work, learn and play.

The finalized 2020/2021 Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget document will be on saskatoon.ca/budget as soon as it is available.

An Ontario Superior Court Justice has today ordered the return of $335 thousand in City money fraudulently obtained in August.  This means the City will recover all $1.04 M that was directed to a fraudster’s bank account in August 2019 through a fraud scheme.

“This is exactly the outcome we have wanted for the past three months,” says City Manager Jeff Jorgenson. “We are grateful to the Court and for the efforts made by many people and organizations to recover this stolen money.”

Mr. Justice Michael A. Penny reserved his decision on November 5. The remaining funds had been the subject of court hearings in Toronto, where three parties claimed they had been unwitting victims of the fraud scheme.

Justice Penny found none of the remaining defendants provided enough evidence to require a trial. He also awarded the City $25 thousand in Court costs.

Each defendant has 30 days to appeal.  Until then the money will be held in trust by the City’s lawyers.

Jorgenson says the City is currently finalizing the costs of the recovery and has already installed tighter accounting measures at City Hall.

“The finance team has worked closely with our internal auditors to implement appropriate controls that are now in place to help ensure that nothing like this happens again.”

Jorgenson anticipates an update report on the full cost of the recovery and findings of the root cause investigation will be provided to City Council before year-end.

View related news releases on this matter on saskatoon.ca.

Following a competitive request for proposal and negotiations process, the City has finalized a new eight-year agreement with Loraas Recycle for Curbside Recycling Services, effective January 1, 2020 through 2027.

“We are happy to continue our partnership with Loraas Recycle to deliver a successful recycling program and to offer the levels of service the City and its residents have come to expect,” says Russ Munro, Director of Water & Waste Operations.

The program will continue to have bi-weekly collection year-round and have the same collection routes and days in 2020. The City will also maintain its contract with Cosmopolitan Industries through 2023.

Because of increased pressures and shifts in the global recycling market, there are changes required to both residential recycling programs that will take effect January 1, 2020, including:

• Removal of black plastics (e.g. takeout containers and disposable coffee cup lids)
• Removal of polycoat* (e.g. paper coffee cups and beverage cups)
• Curbside Residential Recycling rate increase to $7.38 per household per month in 2020 and $7.47 in 2021 pending City Council approval
• Multi-Unit Residential Recycling rate increase to $3.71 per household per month in 2020 and $3.86 in 2021 pending City Council approval

Additional information on these changes can be found in this fact sheet.

As noted, these changes come after much deliberation and are a result of significant changes in global recycling markets, impacting municipal recycling programs across North America. Demand for high-quality material and a decrease in commodity values has lowered profits for the sale of those materials, resulting in lower revenues to offset processing costs. 

“An ideal scenario would have us accepting all recyclable material and maintaining the rates for our residents, but unfortunately the market is dictating otherwise,” says Munro. “That said, the changes we are implementing to our residential recycling programs will help stabilize us during this time of market uncertainty and put us in a better financial position than other prairie cities with similar recycling programs.

“We remain diligent in working with our recycling partners to run an efficient and cost-effective recycling program for the City and its residents.”

The administration will present a report, Additional Information for Curbside Residential Recycling for 2020 and Beyond, to the Standing Policy Committee of Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services on December 2, 2019.

*Tetra Pak containers (e.g. juice boxes, milk cartons, and soup broth containers) are still accepted in the program as they can be recycled through SARCAN Recycling.

City Council is set to deliberate Administration’s proposed 2020/2021 Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget on November 25, 26,27, 2019.

The multi-year business plan, operating and capital budget will guide the investments, projects, and service levels the City wants to achieve over the next two years, with an eye to future planning.

To maintain and improve the high quality of life Saskatoon residents enjoy, a significant portion of the proposed 2020/2021 Budget is aimed at investing in core programs and services that reflect the top priorities of Saskatoon residents. Learn more about the proposed 2020/2021 Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget.

City Council will make careful investment decisions to ensure:

• property taxes and fees are kept as low as possible for the next two years
• dedicated investments are made in the core services residents rely on every day and consider the most important
• the right investments are made for a sustainable future
• the City’s debt levels and assets are properly maintained

Watch the Your City Video on the City's first two-year budget planning approach. 

The budget deliberation sessions are open to the public and begin at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, November 25, in Council Chambers. 

Members of the public may email using the online form or write a letter to City Council relating to 2020/2021 Budget matters.  Emails/letters must be received before 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 25, 2019.

More details at saskatoon.ca/write-letter-councilcommittees.

A record of Saskatoon’s former residents who fell in military service during the Second World War and in the following years is on display at City Hall.

“We’re so pleased to have this volume and be able to have it where it can be seen by more people,” says City Archivist Jeff O’Brien.  “It joins the First World War Book of Remembrance we already have at the archives and together they form such a vital community historical resource.”

As was the first book, the second volume is a gift to the City from the Military Institute of Saskatoon.

The book contains the names of 345 residents of Saskatoon who died during the Second World War, three killed in the Korean War, seven during peacetime operations and five during the War in Afghanistan.

The latest book was presented to City Council in 2018 and is now part of the permanent collection of the City of Saskatoon Archives.

The Book of Remembrance will be available for viewing until Friday, November 15, 2019.

The City of Saskatoon is awaiting the decision of an Ontario Superior Court Justice on the return of City money fraudulently obtained in August.

The issue was considered in a Toronto courtroom Tuesday, November 5^th. 

“The matter has been heard by the Court and no further actions can be taken on recovery efforts until we know its decision,” says City Manager Jeff Jorgenson. “So we can’t speculate on how long it will take or what the decision will be.”

The City has recovered just over two thirds or nearly $700 thousand of the City’s money that was directed to a fraudster’s bank account in August 2019 through a fraud scheme.

“As we’ve said from the outset, we’re extremely grateful for the efforts made by many people and organizations to recover the stolen money,” Jorgenson says.  “We remain optimistic that the remaining funds that are still frozen in several bank accounts will be returned to the City.”

Jorgenson anticipates an update report on the findings of the root cause investigation will be provided to City Council before year-end.

A fraudster obtained $1.04 million in the scheme, and any money that has not been returned to the City has been identified, traced and locked down by the Court.

View related news releases on this matter on saskatoon.ca.

The following is a statement from Terry Schmidt, General Manager of Transportation and Construction:

"At around 5 a.m. today there was a report of erratic driving involving a City of Saskatoon one ton sanding truck. At this point, there have been no reports of injuries, property damage or theft.

The driver, a City of Saskatoon employee, was detained by Police.

Separate investigations by the City of Saskatoon and Saskatoon Police Service are underway."

Saskatoon has one of the safest water supplies in North America.  The vast majority of Saskatoon neighbourhoods do not have lead line connections.

However, a goal to replace lead pipes that link older homes and businesses to Saskatoon’s main water supply is progressing as planned. In 2017, the City committed to removing all underground pipes containing lead and install lead-free ones within 10 years. The work is being done in conjunction with necessary water main and road upgrades.

“Most recently, water main replacement projects have been underway in Saskatoon’s most established neighbourhoods, such as City Park and Riversdale, where the pipes are more than 100 years old in many cases,” says Angela Gardiner, General Manager of Utilities and Environment.  “Replacements also occur when a water main breaks. The connections from the main water lines into homes and businesses are replaced at the same time.”

Of the 4,900 lead water service connections identified in 2017, over 2500 have already been replaced. The City expects to have all connections replaced by 2026, completing nearly 500 every year.

The City began replacing lead connections in established neighbourhoods in 2010. City Council accelerated the program in 2017.

“When it comes to overall quality, Saskatoon has one of the safest water supplies in the world. Regular test results show lead level content in our drinking water supply is 100 times lower than the Health Canada limit when it enters the water distribution system.”

However, properties within city neighbourhoods built before 1950 may still have lead water service pipes.  In these older neighbourhoods where lead connections remain present in someone’s home, there is a greater possibility that lead can be present in water left stagnant for six hours or more.

Because of this, and every year, the City makes sure every household with a lead connection is made aware of it and ensures owners or residents receive a pamphlet containing information about the accelerated rehabilitation program, how connection replacements are coordinated and what they can do to reduce their exposure to lead. The information is also available online at Saskatoon.ca/lead.

“The most important thing someone can do is flush the water for all least five minutes if it is going to be consumed.  It’s also safe for other uses like washing dishes or watering plants – so it doesn’t have to be wasted,” Gardiner says.

Without the aggressive program now in place, the timeline would have been 90 years.

Focusing on investing in infrastructure, maintaining service levels and supporting future growth, the City today released the 2020/2021 Preliminary Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget.

“We’ve put forward careful investments in high-quality civic services and programs that stretch taxpayer dollars and add value for residents,” says Clae Hack, Interim Chief Financial Officer.  “Citizen input shared with us through our civic services surveys was considered in our proposed budget planning.  Citizen feedback on service priorities helps inform City Council when it makes investment decisions in November.”

While the 2020/2021 Preliminary Budget invests in those civic services most important to residents, it is also guided by the vision and goals outlined in City Council’s 2018-2021 Strategic Plan and its 10 Strategic Priority areas of focus.

The 2020/2021 Preliminary Business Plan and Budget deliberations are scheduled for November 25, 26 and 27 in City Council Chambers.

This is the City’s first multi-year budget approach. It will provide greater certainty for residents about future property taxes, give better alignment with the City’s longer-term goals, and improve transparency, financial stability and accountability.

The multi-year budget is built from this foundation, and a four-step process that started with:

• Determining costs to maintain current service levels for the next two years - the original estimate required a 3.94% and 4.17% property tax increase;
• City Council providing a property tax target goal for 2020 and 2021; City Council then directed Administration to bring back options to reduce the proposed property tax increase estimate;​
• Administration providing various options and plans to help achieve City Council’s strategic and property tax goals, effectively lowering the proposed property tax increases to 3.23% for 2020, and 3.54% for 2021; and​ 
• ​Incorporating corporate business plans into the proposed 2020 and 2021 multi-year budget document, including six property tax-reducing options.

“City Council will consider additional operating budget options aimed at helping to accelerate its top priority areas of focus in November,” Hack says.

With the above considerations, the 2020 and 2021 Operating Budget proposes total expenditures of $530.0 million and $548.3 million respectively.  This is an investment increase of $19.6 million, or 3.84%, in 2020; and $18.4 million, or 3.47%, in 2021.

With a commitment to improving safety in Saskatoon, Policing represents the largest portion of the City’s operating expenditures at approximately 21%, or $109.6 million, in 2020; and $114.0 million in 2021.  All other civic operations make up the rest of the operating budget, with $420.4 million in 2020 and $434.4 million in 2021.

The proposed 2020/2021 Capital Budget aims to prepare Saskatoon for future growth, improve mobility, enhance public safety and quality of life, and protect the environment. Investments of $390.8 million in 2020 and $293.5 million in 2021 will provide a continued focus on road and infrastructure enhancements, transit improvements, and expanded water and wastewater distribution systems.

The proposed municipal property tax increase is 3.23% in 2020, and 3.54% for 2021.  These increases would generate an additional $7.9 million in 2020 and $8.7 million in 2021.  In 2020, 1.0% of property tax is equivalent to $2.4 million, and $2.5 million in 2021.

For a homeowner who owns a single-family detached home with an average assessed value of $371,000, this amounts to $60.95 for 2020, or $5.08 a month, and $66.83 for 2021, or an additional $5.57 month.

Learn more about the investments the City proposes in services, programs and projects valued by citizens, and those that will ensure Saskatoon stays a great place to live, work, learn and play through the detailed 2020/2021 Preliminary Business Plan and Budget at saskatoon.ca/budget

For the safety and protection of residents and homeowners on the east riverbank, new regulations are being proposed to support continued development of riverbank areas.  The City has identified two zones on the east bank with existing ground conditions that may experience slope instability to be regulated on a go-forward basis.  

“The regulations provide options for owners to continue development within the area while maintaining, to the extent possible, the integrity of the riverbank,” says Kara Fagnou, Director of Building Standards.  “Meanwhile the City continues to monitor the east and west riverbank slopes for slope instability.”  

Fagnou says historical studies, recent geological assessments and a review of slope management practices from across Canada have been used to develop the proposed regulations. The regulations she says are intended to provide consistency and a clear process to support development in the two zones. 

The proposed regulations are outlined in an Administration report to the Municipal Planning Commission which meets today, Tuesday, October 29.  The regulations provide a clear process for the development of new structures, changes to existing structures and site work.  Examples of development are minor projects such as decks and garages, and major projects including houses, retaining walls, and swimming pools.   

Owners will be required to hire a geotechnical engineer to prepare a geotechnical report to support their building and development permit application. Geotechnical reports are already required for subdividing and rezoning property on the east riverbank and the proposed regulations will help to make requirements consistent throughout the area.

Owners will need to review the recommendations with their geotechnical expert, including costs of development, to understand the impacts of developing their property both for themselves and for the surrounding area.  

Following the Municipal Planning Commission meeting the regulations are expected to proceed to the Public Hearing meeting of City Council on November 18.

A map of the Riverbank Slope Overlay District can be viewed here.

The City and Kahkewistahaw [kak-uh-WISH’-tuh-how] First Nation have cleared a path to designate the First Nation’s land at 1215 Claypool Drive as an urban reserve.

Mayor Charlie Clark and Chief Evan Taypotat, along with the Council of Kahkewistahaw First Nation, and Saskatoon Board of Police Commissioners Chair, Darlene Brander, today signed urban reserve agreements during a special signing ceremony.

“Creating a new urban reserve in Saskatoon is a sign of strength for our city,” says Mayor Charlie Clark. “We can be proud as a community that the Kahkewistahaw First Nation saw opportunity in Saskatoon for a partnership and committed to work with the City to spur investment and opportunity. Urban reserves forge new relationships and stimulate growth, and I would like to thank the Chief and Council for advancing this in Saskatoon.”

At its regularly scheduled meeting on September 30, 2019, City Council approved the Municipal Services and Compatibility Agreement negotiated with Kahkewistahaw First Nation. The Saskatoon Board of Police Commissioners also approved the Police Services Agreement at their regularly scheduled meeting on October 17, 2019. These agreements fulfill the municipal requirements for urban reserve designation.

The agreements address:

• Municipal and police services the City will provide;
• service fees Kahkewistahaw First Nation will pay the City in lieu of property taxes; and,
• compatible land-use and development standards. 

“Chief and Council of the Kahkewistahaw First Nation represent approximately 2,100 Cree band members. We are pleased to come to an agreement with the City of Saskatoon on a proposed Municipal Service Agreement (MSA). We are appreciative that this MSA was approved unanimously by the Saskatoon City Council. This demonstrates that they are in favor of Kahkewistahaw’s proposed land development in the Hampton Village Business Park. We intend to name this property Kahkewistahaw Eagles Landing,” says Kahkewistahaw First Nation Chief Evan B.G. Taypotat.  

“We firmly believe that economic development is where Kahkewistahaw’s sovereignty lies. If we can make jobs, we employ our people. If we employ our people, they make money. If a person has money for their family, they have opportunity. If they have opportunity, then we leave the affect of residential school in the past. That is the vision and direction we will proceed with Kahkewistahaw Eagles Landing. We are excited that there will be numerous possibilities for all the people who call Saskatoon home. Together, we will make Saskatoon the greatest city in Canada to live in.”

Decisions on reserve designation are made by the federal government. Once the property is designated as a reserve, it will become the eighth urban reserve in Saskatoon. When a property transfers to reserve status, it is no longer under City jurisdiction.

For more information on urban reserves, please visit saskatoon.ca/urbanreserves.

About Kahkewistahaw First Nation
Kahkewistahaw First Nation is a member of the Yorkton Tribal Council whose home reserve is located approximately 15 kilometres north of Broadview, Saskatchewan. A signatory of Treaty No. 4, Kahkewistahaw First Nation has 2,020 members. Approximately 670 members reside on the home reserve and 1,350 members live in other communities throughout the province. 

The City of Saskatoon has now recovered just over two thirds or nearly $700 thousand of the City’s money that was directed to a fraudster’s bank account in August 2019 through a fraud scheme – that’s roughly $300 thousand more than last month’s update.

“We recognize and are thankful for the efforts expended by multiple parties in order to recover these funds and look forward to further recovery in the coming weeks,” says City Manager Jeff Jorgenson.

Jorgenson says the next court hearing on this matter is scheduled for November 5, 2019, in Toronto.

“As we continue our work with investigators, banks and our legal team in Ontario, we’re optimistic that the remaining funds that are still frozen in several bank accounts will soon be returned to the City.”

Jorgenson anticipates an update report on the findings of the internal investigation will be provided to City Council and the public likely in November or December of 2019. 

A fraudster obtained $1.04 million in the scheme, and any money that has not been returned to the City has been identified, traced and locked down by the Court.

View related news releases on this matter on saskatoon.ca.

Over 800 leading experts, community leaders, elders and youth are coming together in Saskatoon today for the Wîcihitowin (wee-chee-HEE’-toe-win) Indigenous Engagement Conference.

Reaching its highest attendance yet, the conference focuses on responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action and how to address Indigenous engagement and inclusion issues. The conference also aims to build allies in the community and honour Indian residential school survivors, missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, sixties scoop and day schools.

This year’s conference theme - Be a good person, try to lead a good life - honours the late Walter Linklater, a well-known and respected knowledge keeper who shared many universal teachings that continue to help guide people on a path to reconciliation.

“Our late father Walter Linklater often spoke about education as a way to bring people together and build bridges of understanding,” says son Lyndon Linklater, Traditional Knowledge Keeper. “To use our traditions and ceremonies to meet the challenges and crises we will encounter in our lives. Above all, to respect each other, to be kind to one another, and to try to live a good life.”

The conference welcomes an impressive and diverse line-up of 50 keynote speakers and panelists from across Canada, including Dr. James Makokis and Anthony Johnson, better known as Team Ahkameyimok, winners of The Amazing Race Canada, Season 7.
This year, attendees will learn from core teachings, gather key takeaways, and gain practical resources to incorporate reconciliation in both their personal and professional lives.

“Moving towards reconciliation takes courage and commitment from leading organizations within our communities, and a recognized responsibility from each of us as individuals to listen and learn the truth,” says Lisa Mooney, Global Lead, Sustainability & Strategic Inclusion, Nutrien.  “Nutrien is proud to support Wîcihitowin in cultivating an environment of openness, acceptance and healing through sharing the stories of Indian residential school survivors and encouraging safe conversations that plant the seeds of understanding.”

Conference topics include Indigenous health transformation, the impact of colonialism on Indigenous values, traditions, languages and customs, and restoring the rights of Indigenous women and girls to citizenship and safety.

“As a residential school survivor, to see this conference evolve to where it is today, is a testament of our Elders who prayed for us while we were at these schools and to our courageous youth who listened to those prayers and by letting others know that we were not forgotten. My healing journey continues with Wîcihitowin in my heart,” says Gilbert Kewistep, Knowledge Keeper, Indian residential school survivor and Wîcihitowin Conference Organizer.

This conference is made possible because of the financial support of community investors such as Nutrien, the Saskatoon Community Foundation, Affinity Credit Union and 15 other organizations representing businesses and organizations from across the province.  

The Wîcihitowin Organizing Committee is already looking ahead to next year’s conference to be held on October 6 - 8, 2020.

Following a request from the City of Winnipeg, twenty workers from Saskatoon Light & Power and the Parks Division will travel tomorrow to help clean-up efforts in the Manitoba capital.

“We are all very proud of our staff for volunteering to leave their friends and families,” says City Manager Jeff Jorgenson.

“When the call went out asking for anyone interested to go to Winnipeg, there were more volunteers than spots available. This speaks to the dedication of City workers willing to help our neighbours during a time of need.”

On Saturday October 12, Winnipeg EMO asked its Emergency Management counterparts in Saskatoon for assistance after a severe winter storm hit the province Wednesday, October 9.

The storm badly damaged Winnipeg’s urban forest, with estimates in the tens of thousands of City-owned trees damaged. The storm’s effects prompted that city to declare a Local State of Emergency on Sunday. 

A safe clean-up requires trained and skilled staff with the proper equipment, so City of Saskatoon staff worked over the weekend to gather resources to deploy to Winnipeg. To help clear downed trees, limbs and debris in Winnipeg, the 20 workers will respond with:

• 4 aerial lift trucks with chippers
• 2 ground trucks with chippers
• 1 log truck
• 2 half ton trucks

The City of Winnipeg will cover all costs. The Saskatoon team is expected to leave at 5:30 a.m. tomorrow and scheduled to be in Winnipeg for five days.

The City and Kahkewistahaw First Nation have cleared a path to designate the First Nation’s land at 1215 Claypool Drive as an urban reserve.

The City will host a special signing ceremony on Tuesday, October 22, 2019, at 9:30 a.m. in Council Chambers for the Kahkewistahaw First Nation Chief and Council, the Mayor and the Saskatoon Board of Police Commissioners to come together to formally sign the Agreements and honour the relationship between Kahkewistahaw First Nation and the City. 

At its regularly scheduled meeting on September 30, 2019, City Council approved the Municipal Services and Compatibility Agreement negotiated with Kahkewistahaw First Nation to fulfill the requirement needed for urban reserve designation. 

The agreements address:

• Municipal and police services the City will provide;
• service fees Kahkewistahaw First Nation will pay the City in lieu of property taxes; and,
• compatible land-use and development standards. 

Decisions on reserve designation are made by the federal government. Once the property is designated as a reserve, it will become the eighth urban reserve in Saskatoon. When a property transfers to reserve status, it is no longer under City jurisdiction.

For more information on urban reserves, please visit saskatoon.ca/urbanreserves.

About Kahkewistahaw First Nation
Kahkewistahaw First Nation is a member of the Yorkton Tribal Council whose home reserve is located approximately 15 kilometres north of Broadview, Saskatchewan. A signatory of Treaty No. 4, Kahkewistahaw First Nation has 2,020 members.  Approximately 670 members reside on the home reserve and 1,350 members live in other communities throughout the province. 

City Council, at its regular business meeting held on September 30, 2019 opted to maintain the list of acceptable items, minus black plastics and polycoat (e.g. disposable coffee cups), as recommend by the Administration. This decision comes during a wave of uncertainty in the global recycling markets, driven by restrictions imposed by the Chinese Government, falling oil prices, and weak market prices in the plastics market.

“An ideal scenario would have us accepting all recyclable material, but unfortunately that is out of our control,” says Russ Munro, Director of Water & Waste Operations. “Changing markets and higher processing costs are the reality we are facing, but we will continue to be diligent in working with our recycling partners to run an efficient and cost effective recycling program for Saskatoon residents. We believe the decision made by Council to enter into this long term contract will help stabilize us during this time of uncertainty in the recycling market and put us in a more favourable financial position than other prairie cities with similar recycling programs.”

City Council also opted to continue the Glass Recycling Partnership with SARCAN Recycling which would see a greater number of glass bottles being diverted for recycling. Glass will still be collected through the Curbside Program but this additional drop-off option results in less breakage and a greater potential to recycle glass containers.

The current contract for curbside residential recycling services expires on December 31, 2019, and a new contract is required for 2020 and beyond. After a competitive RFP process, the City has entered into negotiations with the highest ranked proponent to finalize an agreement. Details of the 2020 recycling program will be shared when negotiations are complete, including information on service levels, accepted materials, and rates.

The detailed report and all of its attachments can be found here.

A Queen’s Bench judge has allowed the owner of a Briarwood home – already slated for demolition – more time to file information and evidence to support the property owner’s request for an interim injunction or delay on the home’s demolition.

An injunction has not been granted.

Rather, Mr. Justice R.W. Elson today, ordered the owner of 166 Beechdale Crescent to bring back a proper application on Friday, October 11, 2019.

While this matter is pending, the City of Saskatoon has been directed not to demolish the property at 166 Beechdale. The City’s demolition is on hold.

The construction equipment, along with perimeter fencing, was already mobilized at 166 Beechdale Crescent; the construction equipment will be removed until the judge makes a decision.

Key Points:

• The owner of 166 Beechdale lives out of Canada and despite the City’s many efforts has not had any contact with the City until now 
• The property has become a serious health and safety hazard to neighbours
• Since March 2019, the City has followed the proper legal process for derelict or deficient properties
• The building may look fine on the outside, but inside it is uninhabitable and beyond a cost-effective repair 
• The property has been abandoned since 2016; as a result, the property suffered a water-filled basement from burst frozen pipes
• Because of the excessive water and moisture, severe mould damage developed throughout the entire home; the entire interior of the home is structurally unsound, again, a safety hazard.
• The demolition does not cost City taxpayers – the demolition cost is added to the property’s taxes or is the owner’s responsibility.

The City of Saskatoon has recovered roughly $400 thousand in funds that in August were directed to a fraudster’s bank account through a fraud scheme. 

City Manager Jeff Jorgenson says the City continues to actively work with law enforcement,  banks, and its legal team to recover the remainder of the stolen money.

“There is an important court hearing taking place this week in Toronto,” Jorgenson says.  “It’s expected there will be further movement on the return of more funds following that hearing. For now, the funds still remain frozen in various bank accounts.”

Jorgenson adds the internal investigation has been completed. An update report will be provided to City Council and the public in October or November 2019.

After discovering the fraud August 12, 2019, the City took quick action and on August 16, 2019, an Ontario Superior Court judge ordered the City funds to be frozen.

The vast majority of the $1.04 million obtained in the fraud scheme that has not been returned to the City has been identified, traced and locked down by the Court.

View related news releases on this matter on saskatoon.ca.

Next week, Saskatoon will host the 2019 Creative City Summit (Summit). From October 1 to 3, municipalities, arts organizations and government agencies will meet in Saskatoon to share ideas, connect and work together to build vital infrastructure for arts and cultural development in Canada. 

The Summit is the annual gathering of the Creative City Network of Canada (CCNC), an organization of municipal staff, organizations and individuals working in communities across Canada on arts, cultural and heritage policy, planning, development and support.  The CCNC exists to connect and educate the people who do this work so they can be more effective in cultural development in their communities. 

“The Creative City Network of Canada has named Saskatoon this year’s ‘Creative City.’ The Summit we will be gathering on First Nation Traditional Land of Treaty 6 and the Homeland of the Métis, and we look forward to learning more about the Indigenous culture of the region,” says Kelly Jerrott, President, Creative City Network of Canada.  “Cultural colleagues from across Canada will be sharing, learning and celebrating the significant role culture has in creating vibrant and healthy communities.”

2019 is the first time the Summit will be hosted in Saskatoon. Hosting a Summit puts the host municipality in the spotlight and raises the profile of the community across Canada by encouraging people to visit and experience the community’s cultural resources. The Summit can also strengthen the support for culture within the community and highlight local achievements.    

“The theme of this year’s Summit, ‘Growing the Creative Cultural Economy for 21st Century Cities,’ is intended to challenge delegates to view cultural assets and resources as powerful municipal economic drivers,” says Kevin Kitchen, the City’s Community Development Manager. “We look forward to learning from other cities and from creative industries on how we can further develop our own creative cultural economy in Saskatoon.” 

For more information on the Summit, visit saskatoon.ca/artsandculture and creativecity.ca. 

The City of Saskatoon, together with Reconciliation Saskatoon is proud to support Orange Shirt Day on September 30. The day aims to raise awareness of the devastating impact of the Indian residential school system on Indigenous people, their families and the social fabric of the community, and supports the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Call to Action #80.

“Our roots got shaken up, pulled up and cut off from our families but we are slowly re-rooting ourselves by reclaiming and re-learning our languages, our ceremonies – these are our sacred sites of resistance,” says Linda Young, a residential school survivor from Onion Lake Cree Nation.

“Speaking our ancestral language, practicing our ceremonies, protecting the Land and Water, is slowly but surely unclogging the blocked arteries to our hearts, giving us new life,” adds Young.

The public is invited to attend any of the following events to mark this day and learn more about the historical legacy of Indian Residential Schools:

Speaker Event – September 26

As a residential school survivor, Linda Young will share her personal story of time spent at St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Indian Residential School. The event is free and takes place at Cosmo Civic Centre Theatre from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Please register in advance.

Free Community Pancake Breakfast – September 30

Hosted by CUMFI, this event aims to honour Indian residential school survivors, Sixties Scoop survivors, Day School, MMIWG and Two-Spirited peoples. It will take place at the Central Urban Metis Federation (CUMFI) Office from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Traditional Ceremonies & Mini Round Dance – September 30

Hosted by survivors and old people circle, the theme for the day is "Every Child Matters". This event will celebrate the children and families at three traditional ceremonies. Events are taking place at White Buffalo Youth Lodge from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

“CUMFI is working with Reconciliation Saskatoon to educate the grass roots community on the impacts of Indian Residential Schools and the Sixties Scoop by honouring the Survivors. We invite you all to wear orange on September 30 and to attend our community pancake breakfast,” says Central Urban Metis Federation Inc. President Shirley Isbister, President.

Orange Shirt Day grew out of the story of six-year old Phyllis Webstad who wore an orange shirt on her first day of residential school. It was forcefully removed from her and her story is now a powerful reminder of the inter-generational trauma that has resulted from decades of cultural loss.

Reconciliation Saskatoon is a 98-member initiative of community organizations, non-profit organizations, businesses and partners who have come together to initiate a citywide conversation about reconciliation and provide opportunities for everyone to engage in the Truth and Reconciliation (TRC) Calls to Action.

The City of Saskatoon’s commitment to the TRC Calls to Action supports the City’s strategic goal of Quality of Life by identifying actions for enhancing Indigenous residents’ well-being and participation in our community.

Orange Shirt Day events are made possible through the support of community investors Nutrien, Affinity, Dakota Dunes Community Development Corporate, SIGA, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon Community Foundation and the National Indian Brotherhood Trust Fund.

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) and the City of Saskatoon are partnering on a new program to help solve challenging urban issues through the power of research collaboration.

The new $100,000 cost-shared program—Research Junction—will involve research teams of at least one USask researcher and one City of Saskatoon staff member working together to address community needs around issues that include urban planning, reconciliation, transit, environmental sustainability, and youth issues.

Research Junction is a major initiative under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed last year between the City of Saskatoon and USask to explore wide-ranging collaborations.   

“As the City of Saskatoon and the university work together towards a healthy, strong and sustainable future, Research Junction will provide the opportunity for our staff to join with researchers to problem solve and create unique solutions to the issues facing our city,” said Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark. “The result of this collaboration will have tremendous and positive outcomes for our community.” 

The funding—$50,000 from USask and $50,000 from the City of Saskatoon (committed in last year’s city budget)—will be allocated through a grant competition, with a Nov. 1 deadline. It is anticipated that this initial “seed funding” will attract external funding longer term.

“This exciting flagship initiative of our university-city partnership draws on the wealth of knowledge and expertise of our research community to help find locally tailored solutions to pressing City of Saskatoon research needs,” said USask President Peter Stoicheff. “It’s one way that we can give back to our community and be the university the world needs – starting with addressing complex challenges right here in our city.”    

The research questions and projects will be co-developed and each project will either create a new collaborative partnership or broaden the scope of an existing partnership.

Half a dozen grants of $10,000 to $30,000 each will be awarded to projects that support the city’s strategic goals and contribute to making Saskatoon a great place to live, work, learn and play. Projects must be completed within 18 months.

“This program will enable university researchers and city staff to connect on research needs and opportunities in a more co-ordinated way,” said Dan Willems, the city’s Interim Chief of Strategy and Transformation Officer. “We’ve had collaborations for a long time within areas such as engineering research and other issues, but this initiative will enable us to broaden the topics and issues that we work together to help solve. These types of collaborations often unlock creative innovation.” 

Research Junction will provide researchers with access to the city’s resources, data and expertise for research projects, and provide city staff with access to analyses and data to inform decision-making. 

The initiative will also create co-developed experiential learning and research opportunities for USask students and post-doctoral fellows, which could help prepare them for future careers.    

USask donor provides another $98,000 to augment community impact  

In addition, thanks to a $98,000 anonymous donation, USask has launched a related initiative to focus research on community well-being through collaborative community-based research proposals with the City of Saskatoon and other partners. This year, up to $50,000 of this fund will be allocated for collaborative projects related to homelessness.  The deadline for proposals for this Pathways initiative is Nov. 1.

“It is inspiring when donors come forward to help drive social change in our community through the power of research,” said Laura Zink, director of USask Strategic Research Initiatives. “Collaborations between our researchers and city personnel through the Pathways initiative will help find solutions to the many dimensions of homelessness.”

The research collaborations and success stories from Research Junction and the Pathways initiative will be shared on a website: research.usask.ca/research-junction.

To streamline administrative processes, the City of Saskatoon and USask are creating a master research agreement and data licensing agreement.

The Wîcihitowin Indigenous Engagement Conference is pleased to announce the following key note speakers at this year’s conference: The Honourable Dr. Lillian Dyck, award-winning physician Dr. Alika Lafontaine, Season 7 Amazing Race Winners Dr. James Makokis and Anthony Johnson, University of Alberta Associate Professor Dr. Sean Lessard and University of Winnipeg Assistant Professor Dr. Marc Kuly.

“We are honoured to have such a wonderfully diverse range of speakers at this year’s conference. Our theme this year is particularly meaningful – it is inspired by the late Elder Walter Linklater whose world view teaching of “being a good person and trying to live a good life” continues to guide people on a path to reconciliation,” said Elder Gilbert Kewistep and Indian residential school survivor.

Held on October 16 and 17, the Wîcihitowin (wee-chee-HEE’-toe-win) conference brings together leading experts, community and business leaders, elders and youth to discuss the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action and address Indigenous engagement and inclusion issues. 

Early bird tickets are available from wicihitowin.ca until September 15 and include breakfast and lunch on both days. Groups of 10 are available at the early bird pricing.

The 2019 theme for the conference revolves around the number five because of its significant meaning in the lives of thousands of Indigenous people across Canada. It was at this age that many children were removed from their families and sent to live in Indian residential schools, as a way to assimilate Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian culture.

Now in its fifth year, the Wîcihitowin Indigenous Engagement Conference is commemorating these children and is demonstrating respect to the survivors of Indian residential schools, Indian day schools, missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, and the sixties scoop by recognizing that they were, and continue to be, seeds for change.

This conference is presented in partnership with the United Way of Saskatoon, Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Health Authority, Johnson Shoyama Institute of Public Policy and the City of Saskatoon, and supported by community investors Nutrien, Saskatoon Community Foundation and Affinity Credit Union.

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