News Releases

The downtown Protected Bike Lane Demonstration Project is now entering its final summer season and the City would like feedback to determine if its project goals are being met.

“As a part of our evaluation of our downtown protected bike lanes we will be including input from citizens across Saskatoon,” says Angela Gardiner, Director of Transportation.

The Protected Bike Lane Demonstration Project’s goal is to increase accessibility for all ages and abilities to the downtown. It wants to achieve this by making the Central Business District a more attractive and vibrant destination to the benefit of the entire city. The project is also a step towards implementation of the City’s Active Transportation Plan, making it easier and more secure to get into and around downtown.

“We want to make sure that we get the balance right in our city between people driving, taking the bus, walking, or using their bike,” says Gardiner. “Protected bike lanes have been adopted permanently in other city centres but every city is unique. We need to find the right transportation mix for Saskatoon.”

Preliminary data indicates protected bike lane use is in line with what other cities such as Calgary and Vancouver have experienced during their demonstration projects. An average of more than 300 people per day are using the separate bike lanes to safely navigate downtown streets while limiting impacts to vehicles and pedestrians.

The City’s Protected Bike Lane Demonstration Project was approved in March of 2015 with a lane opening on 23rd Street later that year. The 4th Avenue lane was opened in May of 2016. In response to some preliminary feedback from downtown businesses and people who bike downtown, the City is planning some alterations to both lanes in the coming weeks.

The protected bike lanes support City Council’s Strategic Priorities for 2016 to 2020 of improved downtown development and environmental sustainability while meeting transportation needs of a growing city. A report and a recommendation on the future of the project will be prepared for City Council in fall 2017.   

Find more information at saskatoon.ca/bikelanes and share your feedback on the Shaping Saskatoon website.

After more than 1,000 online votes, the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo (Zoo) is pleased to announce that the infant Goeldi monkey has been named Evy.

“We wanted to extend a huge thank you to everyone that participated in selecting the name Evy for the newest member of the Goeldi troop,” said Tim Sinclair-Smith, Zoo Manager.

Evy was selected by popular vote after the Zoo narrowed down the selection to four potential names, including Evy, Laka, Zoila, and Elena.

“The name couldn’t be more fitting for this wonderful little animal, and she is settling into it well,” says Sinclair-Smith.

Citizens can see Evy and her parents in the monkey enclosure at the Kinsmen Children’s Zoo exhibit year-round.  The Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.  Additional information can be found online at saskatoon.ca/zoo.

Travel-planning website Expedia has named downtown Saskatoon as one of the “coolest” in North America.

“This recognition demonstrates the attention City Council pays to sustainable growth,” says Lesley Anderson, Director of Planning and Development.

“Our Urban Design program aims to keep the city core vibrant, help it attract people there and make it a great place to live, work and enjoy.”

Travel writer Kohleun Adamson highlights the list on the website’s travel blog Viewfinder which is based on, “…one-of-a-kind dining options, local arts venues, unique shopping experiences, fascinating historical sites, and access to urban greenspace.” 

Saskatoon shares company with cities such as: Boston, Massachusetts; Boca Raton, Florida; Pasadena, California and Cancun, Mexico.

The article and list of North America’s coolest downtowns can be found here.

This week's notifynow TEST message sent by the City of Saskatoon's Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) on Tuesday, May 9 was once again a success, based on feedback from residents and program delivery results.

“Residents that called in after the TEST message wanted to learn more about how to sign-up to customize their notifynow profile,” says Eron McCormick, Emergency Measures Coordinator. “In a city-wide or community emergency, you might prefer a text message - and an email in addition to receiving a voice message to your land line. Or maybe you want to make sure your children receive a text message. That’s what’s great about notifynow emergency notifications in Saskatoon. You can customize your profile, and tell us how to best to reach you - and your family members.”

To date, 21,213 residents have signed up to customize their preferred communication method. With the twice-yearly testing of the notifynow system, and by creating ongoing awareness for the program, the City and Emergency Measures Organization hope to continue to grow this number. The next TEST message will be sent in December of this year.

“Testing the system helps familiarize residents with what a notifynow message will sound like, and how it will be displayed on their phones or on the other preferred methods of communication they’ve let us know about by signing up,” says McCormick. “Test messages help residents realize that in the event of an emergency, they can trust receiving a timely and targeted notifynow message that tells them what to do, what to expect, or where to go.”

The EMO continues to encourage everyone to sign-up for notifynow. Make notifynow messages an important part of your personal emergency preparedness plan, and also for those you care about.

To sign-up for notifynow and to tell us how to best to reach you with timely, targeted and trusted notifynow messages in an emergency situation, visit saskatoon.ca/notifynow or call 306-975-3210 for more information.

Pothole work in Saskatoon neighbourhoods will be coordinated to start right after street sweeping work is complete.

“Pothole patching and utility cut repairs are year round activities for us,” says Brandon Harris, Director of Roadways and Operations.  “Now that neighbourhoods are being swept we are ramping up our road repair resources to follow the sweepers and repair roads when the streets are the cleanest.

With priority road pothole work wrapping up, crews are moving into neighbourhoods to complete pothole repairs that have been reported by city crews and on the City’s Report-A-Pothole interactive map.  Already 628 potholes have been reported using the interactive map.  Since the application was launched in 2014, over 10,000 people have logged on to use this application.

“It seems the community is really getting the hang of online reporting,” says Harris.  “The information we’re getting from everyone is very valuable, especially as we head into neighbourhoods.  We are able to make sure that larger repairs are planned for because residents are being so diligent about reporting potholes in their communities.  Planning work in advance improves our efficiency so we can get more repairs completed.”

The Neighbourhood Pothole Blitz starts with three days of filling the larger potholes that have the most impact on drivers and cyclists. After this work is done, crews coordinate with the neighbourhood sweeping schedule to focus on smaller potholes and utility cuts.

If you identify a gravel utility cut that has sunk and needs fill, or is rough to drive over, please inform our Customer Service Centre at 306-975-2476.  You can check the status of repairs online through our Utility Cuts and Repair Schedules map.
 

Neighbourhood street sweeping is scheduled to start this Monday, May 8, and one of the City’s target goals is to issue fewer parking tickets.

“Citizens want streets swept as soon as the snow is gone,” says Brandon Harris, Director of Roadways and Operations.  “We’ve been working on ways to speed up our process and that means working toward fewer parked vehicles on the road during street sweeping.”

Earlier this year, select priority roads received an early curb-to-curb sweep in April. With these streets now clean, residents can use them for on-street parking while residential areas are being swept.     

“We want to be in-and-out of your neighbourhood faster, more economically, with fewer tickets and vehicle relocations,” Harris says.  “We’ve freed up different roadways for parking, so when residents see those ‘No Parking’ signs, we encourage them to look to the clean priority streets for available parking spaces.” 

School zones are also part of the City’s improved approach to sweeping.  In the past, school zones were swept at night and were often not completed until much later in the year. By using a combination of city and private contractors, daytime school zone sweeping is now completed in a safe and controlled manner, at the same time as the residential sweeping.

With this approach, school zones are finished earlier in the year and with significant cost-savings.  Sweepers will avoid drop-off and pick-up times to minimize interaction with students and limit disruption to traffic.

City Council is investing more than $61 million this year to build better roads and sidewalks.  Efficient and effective street sweeping supports the City’s long-term goal for moving around, ensuring roads and streets are kept in good repair.  Cleaning our residential neighbourhoods not only looks better, it reduces dust, improves the safety of our roads and improves and reduces localized water pooling which can damage roads.

With the city’s Street Sweeping Spring Blitz well underway, workers will be shifting to neighbourhood street sweeping starting May 8.  Residents have a few different ways to find out when sweeping will take place in their neighbourhoods.

The familiar yellow No Parking signs will be posted on streets up to three days before sweeping starts. For more advance notice, the full Residential Street Sweeping schedule is on the city website at Saskatoon.ca/sweeping and on the interactive Street Sweeping Map.

Youth in Saskatoon are taking action to improve our environment. Approximately 300 grade 5-8 students, and 50 grade 11 students, from across the city have spent the last four months working on sustainability-focused projects in the areas of waste, water, food, transportation, biodiversity and energy.

“I am very proud of this partnership between the City, Schools Divisions, Environmental Society and the University,” says Mayor Charlie Clark. “Building the next generation of students who are informed and engaged on issues of sustainability is so important for the future. I have been very impressed at the quality of the student work in previous showcases and their passion in sharing them. I can’t think of a better way to build knowledge and citizenship than challenging these teams of students to take on real local problems with the support of community experts.”

School board trustees, superintendents, government representatives, family members, community organizations, and other stakeholders were invited to view over 40 projects at the Student Action for a Sustainable Future year-end student showcase, held at the Western Development Museum today.

“Congratulations to the participants of the Student Action for a Sustainable Future program on another successful year,” says Amber Weckworth, Manager of Education and Environmental Performance. “The year-end showcase provided an opportunity for students to tell their environmental success stories and demonstrate what’s possible in terms of taking action in our schools, homes, and community to improve our environment.”

In 2017, the program received international recognition as a feature case study by the Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP), a global partnership committed to advancing environmental literacy to create a more just and sustainable future through the power of education.  The program has also been locally recognized through three awards: a Regional Centre for Expertise Award for Education for Sustainable Development; the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council’s 2013 Waste Minimization Award for Youth/Schools; and St. Anne School (SASF 2015/16) received the Rob Dumont Youth Award. 

First developed in 2013, the Student Action for a Sustainable Future program is a partnership between the City of Saskatoon, Saskatoon Public School Division, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools, the Saskatchewan Environmental Society, the Sustainability Education Research Institute, and a number of educational consultants and community organizations. Over the last four years the program has involved 50 Saskatoon teachers, 36 schools, and approximately 1250 students. Awareness initiatives have reached over 17,000 students via school displays, assemblies, and newsletters.

The City of Saskatoon’s commitment to community environmental programs supports City’s Strategic Goal of “Environmental Leadership”, where Saskatoon strives to thrive in harmony with our natural environment, conserve resources, reduce our impacts, and promote environmental stewardship.

For more information, visit Saskatoon.ca/StudentAction.

From the April 4, 2017 Meeting

7.2.4 Victoria Avenue Corridor Transportation Improvements

Decision

*The Committee recommended to City Council that the proposed plan for Victoria Avenue between 8^th Street and 11^th Street be approved; That the amount of $295,000 be approved for Capital Project #2270 – Paved Roads and Sidewalk Preservation from the Transportation Infrastructure Expansion Reserve; and; That the amount of $30,000 be approved for Capital Project #2270 – Paved Roads and Sidewalk Preservation from the Active Transportation Reserve.

Background

*The Victoria Avenue Corridor Review resulted in a plan to address the combination of motor vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists anticipated after the Traffic Bridge is reopened.
*The proposed plan will reduce the number of lanes in the southbound direction from two to one and introduces a cycle track adjacent to the sidewalk on both sides.
*The proposed modifications will proceed in conjunction with water main replacement and road rehabilitation of Victoria Avenue in 2017.

7.2.6 2017 Annual Street Sweeping Work Plan

Decision

*The Committee recommended to City Council that the Administration be directed to implement the pilot program in the seven neighbourhoods outlined in the report; and 2. That following the pilot, the Administration report back on the overall effectiveness of the pilot including, but not limited to, citizen feedback and operational impacts.

Background

*Street sweeping is a core function of the City. Each component of the program is executed to enable mobility, preserve air and water quality, maintain surface drainage, and improve aesthetics of City streets and adjacent infrastructure.
*The annual sweeping program is divided into four main program groupings: 1) pre-sweeping winter debris pickup, 2) spring sweeping, 3) summer sweeping, and 4) fall leaf and debris removal.
*The City is piloting a new spring sweeping approach to improve efficiency, reduce costs and alleviate parking concerns in seven neighbourhoods.
*Factors such as a growing street network; balancing program efficiency with safety and parking convenience for citizens; and an intensive sign/ticket/tow approach continue to put pressure on the sweeping schedule and operating budget.

From the April 10, 2017 Meeting

5.1 City Council Strategic Priorities for 2016-2020

Decision

*The committee recommended to City Council: that the 10 year priority areas be set; that each priority area have a Council Member Lead; that Council Member Leads be empowered to take leadership role in citizen and stakeholder engagement in the 10 priority areas; that Administration be directed to prepare a draft policy that sets the parameters for Council Member Leads that includes the following: role and limits of authority for the Council Member Lead, requirements to report back to City Council, and the possibility of special working groups including make-up and mandate.

Additional Information

*The goal is to be the best run city in Canada – a city that punches above its weight class – a place that people are proud of and want to move to.
*Full report available here.

8.2.1 Inquiry – Councillor R.Donauer (July 21, 2016) – Whistleblower Policy

Decision

*The committee recommends to City Council that the City solicitor be directed to draft a Whistleblower Policy.

Additional Information

*Currently, there is limited whistleblower protection for municipal employees.
*The Province has identified options for offering whistleblower protection in Saskatchewan for municipal employees.
*Other Canadian jurisdictions have developed whistleblower bylaws and policies to offer protection to municipal employees.
*The City of Saskatoon can have a Whistleblower Policy that offers protection similar to other jurisdictions.

April 24, 2017 Meeting

8.1.5 Partnership Agreement – Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo and Foothills Research Institute – Grizzly Bear Program

Decision

*City Council approved the recommendations.

Additional Information

*The report recommends:
*Approval of a partnership.
*The intent of this new partnership is to provide an opportunity for the SFFP&Z to be directly linked to, and engaged in, conservation research on grizzly bears and other native species at the zoo.
*The new partnership will provide the SFFP&Z and the fRIGBP with a unique opportunity for scientific research findings to be communicated directly with zoo visitors, and for the grizzly bears currently housed at the SFFP&Z to actively contribute to conservation and research onsite.
*The partnership agreement between the SFFP&Z and the fRIGBP would be for a five-year term, with an option for an additional five-year renewal.

8.3.4 Victoria Avenue Corridor Transportation Improvements

Decision

*City Council approved the proposed plan for Victoria Avenue between 8th Street and 11th Street; approved the amount of $295,000 for Capital Project #2270 – Paved Roads and Sidewalk Preservation from the Transportation Infrastructure Expansion Reserve; and; approved the amount of $30,000 for Capital Project #2270 – Paved Roads and Sidewalk Preservation from the Active Transportation Reserve.

Additional Information

*The Victoria Avenue Corridor Review resulted in a plan to address the combination of motor vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists anticipated after the Traffic Bridge is reopened.
*The proposed plan will reduce the number of lanes in the southbound direction from two to one and introduces a cycle track adjacent to the sidewalk on both sides.
*The proposed modifications will proceed in conjunction with water main replacement and road rehabilitation of Victoria Avenue in 2017.

8.3.6 2017 Annual Street Sweeping Work Plan

Decision

*City Council approved the recommendation to direct Administration to implement the pilot program in the seven neighbourhoods outlined in the report; and 2. That following the pilot, the Administration report back on the overall effectiveness of the pilot including, but not limited to, citizen feedback and operational impacts.

Additional Information

*Street sweeping is a core function of the City. Each component of the program is executed to enable mobility, preserve air and water quality, maintain surface drainage, and improve aesthetics of City streets and adjacent infrastructure.
*The annual sweeping program is divided into four main program groupings: 1) pre-sweeping winter debris pickup, 2) spring sweeping, 3) summer sweeping, and 4) fall leaf and debris removal.
*The City is piloting a new spring sweeping approach to improve efficiency, reduce costs and alleviate parking concerns in seven neighbourhoods.
*Factors such as a growing street network; balancing program efficiency with safety and parking convenience for citizens; and an intensive sign/ticket/tow approach continue to put pressure on the sweeping schedule and operating budget.

8.4.5 Service Saskatoon Progress Report

Decision

*City Council received the report as information.

Additional Information

*Significant work is underway to prepare for a centralized one-stop shop for citizens to access our services.
*A process is underway to transition into a primary call centre.
*Service Saskatoon has been engaging and talking with citizens receiving in person service at City Hall. The information has helped in the planning for some citizen service improvements in 2017. 
*In 2017, there will be moderate changes introduced to the City Hall front entrance service/foyer area involving new informational signage for services and re-design of the Information Desk.
*A list of functional requirements for an enterprise Customer Relationship Management system is currently being finalized. An RFP is expected to be issued in 2017.
*Service Saskatoon is conducting community engagement to receive input for developing plans for moving the corporate open data initiative forward.

9.1.1 Revised On-Street Mobile food Truck Policy

Decision

*City Council approved the following recommendations:
-That proposed amendments to the parking meter hooding fees for on-street mobile food trucks.
-That mobile food trucks be allowed to operate adjacent to neighbourhood parks for the 2017 season.
-That the Administration provide a report to the Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services following the 2017 pilot with respect to allowing mobile food trucks to operate adjacent to neighbourhood parks, for review prior to the 2018 budget deliberations.

Additional Information

*Review of On-Street Mobile Food Truck Policy following four years of program operation has identified updates that will enhance the On-Street Mobile Food Truck Program, facilitate vendors, and address safety-related concerns.
*Amendments to allow a food truck to operate from a single location for up to six hours, instead of the current five, will accommodate the set-up and cool-down time requirements for food trucks.
*Amendments to reduce the minimum length of time that parking permits may be purchased will increase flexibility for vendors.
*Amendments to allow for parking of a support vehicle in conjunction with an overlength food truck may reduce vendors’ parking costs.
*Amendments to require proof of annual provincial gas inspection as a condition of licensing will ensure public health and safety.
*Changes to the parking meter hooding fee schedule for on-street food trucks will reduce parking expenses for vendors and align more closely with actual on-street parking fees.

From the April 4, 2017 Meeting

7.2.1 Service Saskatoon Progress Report and 2017 Plan

Decision

*The Committee forwarded the report to City Council for information.

Background

*Significant work is underway to prepare for a centralized one-stop shop for citizens to access our services.
*A process is underway to transition into a primary call centre.
*Service Saskatoon has been engaging and talking with citizens receiving in person service at City Hall. The information has helped in the planning for some citizen service improvements in 2017. 
*In 2017, there will be moderate changes introduced to the City Hall front entrance service/foyer area involving new informational signage for services and re-design of the Information Desk.
*A list of functional requirements for an enterprise Customer Relationship Management system is currently being finalized. An RFP is expected to be issued in 2017.
*Service Saskatoon is conducting community engagement to receive input for developing plans for moving the corporate open data initiative forward.

7.2.3 Storm and Sanitary Sewer Flow Monitoring Along Major Corridors – Sole Source

Decision

*The Committee recommending to City Council that administration prepare a sole source to Avensys Solutions Inc. for the supply of ISCO flow monitoring equipment for the total cost of $124,551 (including GST)

Background

*Storm and sanitary flow monitoring is essential for building and calibrating system models. These models are fundamental for cost effective planning, design, and operation of the storm and sanitary systems, while considering the environmental implications in existing and new neighbourhoods.
*The purchase of 17 new ISCO flow monitors is required for the Secondary Plan Process & Corridor Redevelopment component of the Growth Plan.
*In March of 2015, City Council approved the use of ISCO flow monitors as the City standard until December 31, 2018.

From the April 3, 2017 Meeting

7.1.3 Canadian Award for Financial Reporting

Decision

*The Committee received the information.

Background

*The City has been awarded a 2015 Canadian Award for Financial Reporting for its ability to present financial information in a clear, concise and informative manner.

7.2.6 Boychuk Interchange Land Acquisition  

Decision

*The committee forwarded the report to City Council

Background

*City Council approval is needed to purchase a 0.14 acre portion of land from George Brent Reddekopp for the Boychuk Interchange Project.
*Previous purchases for the Boychuk Interchange include the following land acquisitions; 7.51 acres from Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam (Ontario) Inc. in 2012, 0.09 acres from Larix Holdings Ltd. in 2016, and 0.50 acres from 101204822 Saskatchewan Ltd. In 2016.

From the April 3, 2017 Meeting

7.1.4 Growth Plan to Half a Million – Corridor Planning Program

Decision

*The report was received as information.

Background

*The intent of the Corridor Planning Program is to implement the Corridor Growth Core Initiative to enable the balanced approach to growth outlined in the Growth Plan.
*The Corridor Planning Program will be established through a framework of objectives and policies, intended to guide future detailed land use planning activities along the City of Saskatoon’s major transportation corridors.
*Corridor growth will provide opportunities to transform portions of the City’s major road network into vibrant urban corridors that support the use of Bus Rapid Transit and active transportation options in a connected and integrated system.

7.2.3 Partnership Agreement – Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo and Foothills Research Institute – Grizzly Bear Program

Decision

*The report was forwarded to City Council.

Background

*The report recommends:
-Approval of a partnership.
-The intent of this new partnership is to provide an opportunity for the SFFP&Z to be directly linked to, and engaged in, conservation research on grizzly bears and other native species at the zoo.
-The new partnership will provide the SFFP&Z and the fRIGBP with a unique opportunity for scientific research findings to be communicated directly with zoo visitors, and for the grizzly bears currently housed at the SFFP&Z to actively contribute to conservation and research onsite.
-The partnership agreement between the SFFP&Z and the fRIGBP would be for a five-year term, with an option for an additional five-year renewal.

7.2.6 Revised On-Street Mobile Food Truck Policy

Decision

*The Committee is recommending City Council approve amendments.

Background

*Review of On-Street Mobile Food Truck Policy following four years of program operation has identified updates that will enhance the On-Street Mobile Food Truck Program, facilitate vendors, and address safety-related concerns.
*Amendments to allow a food truck to operate from a single location for up to six hours, instead of the current five, will accommodate the set-up and cool-down time requirements for food trucks.
*Amendments to reduce the minimum length of time that parking permits may be purchased will increase flexibility for vendors.
*Amendments to allow for parking of a support vehicle in conjunction with an over length food truck may reduce vendors’ parking costs.
*Amendments to require proof of annual provincial gas inspection as a condition of licensing will ensure public health and safety.
*Changes to the parking meter hooding fee schedule for on-street food trucks will reduce parking expenses for vendors and align more closely with actual on-street parking fees.

From the March 27, 2017 Regular Meeting of City Council

8.1.2 Policy Review for Special Street Naming Requests

Decision

*City Council approved amendments to Naming of Civic Property and Development Areas.

Additional Information

*Special street naming involves assigning a name to an existing roadway that is symbolic and does not replace the legal street name.
*A review of the practice of special or temporary street naming in other Canadian municipalities was undertaken.
*Special street naming differs from standard street renaming in that the legal requirements and costs of a formal renaming are eliminated.
*Special street naming requests can be integrated into existing Naming of Civic Property and Development Areas Policy No. C09-008 (Naming Policy).

8.1.3 Saskatoon North Partnership Growth 2016 Annual Report

Decision

*City Council received the report as information.

Additional Information

*The report indicates the latest projections show the Saskatoon region nearing a population of 500,000 in the next 20 years. Given the economic climate, the group anticipates the region could reach a population of one million in the next 60 years.

8.1.10 Innovative Housing Incentives – Mortgage Flexibilities Support Program – Financing Update – Applications for Three New Projects

Decision

*City Council approved the recommendation.

Additional Information

*The recommendation was:

*That 59 additional affordable housing units at 720 Baltzan Boulevard, 250 Akhtar Bend, and 620 Cornish Road be designated under the Mortgage Flexibilities Support Program contingent upon them being fully approved for mortgage loan insurance flexibilities by Genworth Canada and/or the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
*That 42 affordable housing units to be built on Parcel KK at the corner of Baltzan Boulevard and Akhtar Bend under the Mortgage Flexibilities Support Program contingent upon this housing project being fully approved for mortgage loan insurance flexibilities by Genworth Canada and/or the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
*That 14 affordable housing units to be built at 250 Palliser Court be designated under the Mortgage Flexibilities Support Program contingent upon this housing project being fully approved for mortgage loan insurance flexibilities by Genworth Canada and/or the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

8.1.13 Process For Privately Sponsored Refugees Qualifying for the Leisure Access Program and Discounted Bus Pass Program

Decision

*City Council received the report as information.

Additional Information

*In response to the Syrian refugee crisis, the City of Saskatoon (City) implemented a process to include privately sponsored refugees in the Leisure Access Program and the Discounted Bus Pass Program.
*During the Syrian refugee crisis of 2015, it became evident that not all refugees qualified for the Leisure Access and Discounted Bus Pass Programs. While Government-Assisted Refugees were provided with documentation that verified level of income and a stipend to purchase a bus pass, other categories of refugees were provided neither.

8.1.14 City and Saskatoon CensusMetro Area Population Projection 2015-2035

Decision

*City Council received the report as information.

Additional Information

*Saskatoon is projected to reach a population of 312,772 by 2025, and 380,650 by 2035, assuming a Medium Growth Scenario annual growth rate of 2.0%. This growth rate is similar to what Saskatoon experienced over the 2006 to 2015 period.
*The projected population growth in the Medium Growth Scenario will require the equivalent of six neighbourhoods and 24,000 dwelling units by 2025. An additional six neighbourhoods and 26,000 dwelling units may be required by 2035.
*The Saskatoon CMA could reach a population of 366,155 by 2025, and 448,985 by the year 2035, assuming Saskatoon grows at the Medium Growth Scenario annual rate of 2.0% and surrounding municipalities grow at an annual rate of 3.0%.
*In the Medium Growth Scenario, the population of the surrounding municipalities will grow from 41,703 in 2015, to 53,383 in 2025, and 68,335 in 2035, assuming an annual growth rate of 3.0%. This is equivalent to adding approximately three communities the size of Warman or Martensville by 2035.

9.11.2 Yellow Quill Urban reserve Designation

Decision

*City Council approved the Municipal Services and Compatibility Agreement.

Additional Information

*Yellow Quill First Nation owns the office building located at 224 Fourth Avenue South in Saskatoon, as well as the parking lot which is immediately adjacent to the south. Yellow Quill First Nation requested the building be designated as an Urban Reserve. The parking lot was designated as Urban Reserve in 2014.

From the March 20, 2017 Meeting

7.2 Multi-year Business Plan and Budget Framework

Decision

*The committee received the information.

Additional Information

*The purpose of the report was to outline the various components of a Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget (MYB) Framework that need to be developed and receive approval of the Framework in principle.
*A Framework will form the basic structure and guiding principles for multi-year planning and budgeting.
*A policy sets the groundwork for an MYB process by establishing guidelines, responsibilities and direction.
*A defined process will increase the transparency of the process as well as ensure a seamless delivery of the MYB.
*A new document will be developed for the delivery and presentation of multiyear plans and budgets with increased emphasis on targets, outcomes and service levels.
*The implementation plan has a significant focus on change management within the corporation and includes the formation of an internal project team to ensure the successful implementation of this initiative.

From the March 6, 2017 Meeting

7.1.2 Transfer of Unpaid Utilities to Property Tax

Decision

*The Committee received the information.

Background

*The Cities Act allows Saskatchewan cities to transfer a tenant’s unpaid utilities (excluding electricity) to the property owner’s tax roll.
*Other cities, governed under the same legislation, have already implemented this ability or are contemplating doing so.
*The City of Saskatoon offers a Landlord/Tenant Agreement that helps mitigate the cost of service disruptions. 
*As requested by landlords, information is provided to landlords as early in the process as possible.

7.2.1 Corporate Risk Annual Report 2016

Decision

*The committee forwarded the report to City Council for information.

Background

*The Administration has successfully reduced the risk severity of 11 (48%) of its key strategic risks from high to medium, although continued effort will be required to achieve targets.
*The Risk Based Management program sets a positive and proactive risk management culture for the corporation through the adoption of a systematic, practical and ongoing process for understanding and managing risk.

The City is looking for your help to name the infant monkey at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo (Zoo)! Proud parents, Diego and Leah, welcomed an infant female Goeldi monkey on February 6, 2017, weighing in at approximately 56 grams.

“It is always exciting to welcome a new addition to the Zoo,” said Tim Sinclair-Smith, Zoo Manager.  “Both baby and mother are doing well, and now it is time to select a name for the newest member of the troop.”

The Zoo has narrowed the selection down to four potential names, including Evy, Laka, Zoila, and Elena.

“We want our citizens to have a special connection with this monkey and watch her grow throughout the years.  We are inviting the public to choose the final name by voting from the potential options,” says Sinclair-Smith.

To submit your vote, visit saskatoon.ca/zoo from Friday, April 28, to Thursday, May 11.  The winning selection will be publicly announced on Friday, May 12.

The Goeldi and her parents are located in the monkey enclosure in the Kinsmen Children’s Zoo exhibit.  Citizens are encouraged to come and experience the cuteness for themselves.  The Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until the end of April, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. beginning in May.  Additional information regarding the Zoo can be found online at saskatoon.ca/zoo.

This past winter, the City of Saskatoon conducted a number of public engagement activities to gather ideas about how we can improve our lived experience of winter in Saskatoon. A total of 770 people and 48 groups representing various sectors of the community provided feedback.

“We found from our engagement that people are very interested in making Saskatoon a great winter city, and we truly did receive a “blizzard” of ideas on how we can bring more energy to the winter season,” says Brenda Wallace, Director of Environmental & Corporate Initiatives. “So our next step is to review the engagement results with members of the community, see what is realistic in terms of actions, and begin the process of creating a Winter City Strategy that will benefit our economy, our residents and visitors to Saskatoon.”

Now the City is inviting the public to attend a community workshop to help shape the creation of a Winter City Strategy. The workshop will share the public engagement results. It will also include a discussion of priorities and ways everyone can work together to support new and existing winter initiatives. The session will also feature presentations by City-sponsored delegates who attended the Edmonton Winter City Shake-Up Conference in February.

The workshop will take place on Thursday, April 27 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion Saskatoon Branch 63 located at 606 Spadina Crescent West.

For more information on the Winter City Strategy, visit Saskatoon.ca/wintercityyxe.

From beginning to mid-May, the City will take action to control cottony ash psyllid.  As outlined in a report to City Council late last year, the pest is affecting trees in Saskatoon’s downtown area, business improvement districts, and surrounding neighbourhoods.

“Large numbers of psyllids were detected in trees planted within concrete cut-outs in our central business areas, which have been particularly susceptible,” says Michelle Chartier, Superintendent of Urban Forestry and Pest Management.

Cottony ash psyllid is a non-native yellow/green pest first identified in Saskatoon, in 2006, on black and mancana ash trees.  Native to central Europe, the insect has made several appearances in North America, including recent infestations in North Dakota, Minnesota, and Alberta.

“Cottony ash psyllids are most easily recognized by the damage they create, such as browning, yellowing, and curling around leaflets, and the presence of white cotton within the leaflet,” Chartier says.  “Heavily infested trees will often lose leaves, with the remaining leaves twisted into a corkscrew shape.”

Chartier says City-owned trees have been examined and marked with colour codes to signify the action that will be taken to lessen the infestation of psyllids and preserve the natural beauty of the business districts.

• White-marked trees will receive injections of an insecticide to try to prevent further damage and spread.
• Green-marked trees will be removed and replaced with a different species not susceptible to psyllids, including:  52 trees downtown, 14 in the Broadway area, 10 in Riversdale, and 29 along 22^nd Street.  Short-term parking restrictions will be in place in the work area.

“Cleanup, including stump removal and backfilling of topsoil, will be coordinated after tree removal.  During this time, safety measures will be placed around the tree stump area to avoid any possible tripping hazards,” Chartier says.

At home, the best approach to avoid cottony ash psyllid is to keep your ash trees in good health.  Water between rainfalls, protect your trees from root or trunk damage, and avoid the use of herbicides or excessive salts in the soil near trees.

For more information, please visit saskatoon.ca/cottonyashpsyllid or call 306-975-3300.

The Bridging to Tomorrow project, which includes the construction of the North Commuter Parkway and new Traffic Bridge, is halfway complete. At the North Commuter Parkway, all girders, which support the bridge structure, are in place on the west half. Now that they’re set, the berm can be moved from the west side of the river to the east side, where construction of the third and final pier and girder installation on the two remaining east spans can begin.  

“Everything is moving ahead as planned as we reach the halfway point of our three year construction schedule,” says Dan Willems, Special Projects Manager, Major Projects & Preservation. “With the early spring weather, roadway construction for the twinning of Central Avenue north of Attridge Drive will resume next week and so will construction of the new median, sound walls and landscaping.”

At the Traffic Bridge site, structural steel installation of three of four bridge spans is now complete. Willems says work on the trusses for the final span will be completed over the next couple of months.

“The Traffic Bridge is right on track and work is also continuing on the south side of the river where the Victoria Avenue retaining wall and other retaining walls around Rotary Park will be built throughout spring and summer.”

The North Commuter Parkway will support the transportation needs of northeast Saskatoon residents who work in the Marquis and North Industrial Areas. The Traffic Bridge will support the growing city centre by allowing drivers, pedestrians and cyclists to cross the South Saskatchewan River. It will resemble the original bridge, but will be wider to accommodate larger vehicles like fire trucks and Transit buses.

Both bridges remain on track to open in October of 2018.

Bridging to Tomorrow project updates, including detailed monthly summaries, links to live cameras at each bridge site, and quarterly video updates, are available at saskatoon.ca/bridging.

In person, anyone can watch Traffic Bridge progress at the River Landing viewing area. North Commuter Parkway construction can be viewed from the Meewasin Trail just east of the cul-de-sac at the north end of Kinnear Avenue (north of Silverwood Golf Course). 

The City of Saskatoon is launching an opportunity for interested citizens, schools and businesses to participate in the development of an open data sharing program.

“The City collects a vast quantity of high-quality information and data as part of its ordinary working activities,” says Pat Hyde, Director of Service Saskatoon. “As part of a growing city committed to open governance and transparency, we believe there are huge potential benefits by making this information and data open and accessible to the public.”

Community engagement will help to determine what the community’s priorities are for the program.

Starting today, a survey is available online to allow interested citizens, schools and business to provide input for the program design.

“Information from the survey will be used to develop in-person engagement sessions that will help determine program priorities and resource requirements to manage the open data,” Hyde says.

More details about improvements to the open data sharing program will be announced as Service Saskatoon incorporates the results of the citizen input engagement processes being launched today. For more information, visit https://goo.gl/XE6V0j.

Service Saskatoon and the Open Data initiative support the City’s goal of Continuous Improvement. It will leverage technology and emerging trends to reach our goal to provide great citizen experiences at every level.

The Governance and Priorities Committee (GPC) today approved a wide-ranging plan to address a sudden multi-million dollar hole left by the recent provincial budget cuts.  The committee today approved a tax increase of 0.93% added to the existing 1.62% increase (following the March tax policy decision) which delivers an overall 2.55% municipal tax increase.  That means for an average house it amounts to $43.80 per year or $3.65 per month over the 2016 City property tax bill.

“In the longer term, we’re looking for ways to both find further cost savings and looking for further revenues,” says Mayor Charlie Clark. “We want to really engage in an ongoing negotiation with the provincial government about what the future’s going to look like.”

With reassessment and the City’s recently shifted its tax policy, the overall tax impact on residential property owners would have been 1.62%. But because the province abruptly ended its Grants in Lieu of Taxes for SaskPower, SaskEnergy and TransGas property on city land, the City was required to find ways to address this budget cut.

Committee approved recommendations on principles that included:

• Keeping any property tax increases to a minimum and service levels up; maintaining jobs; City Hall salaries are frozen and the snow and ice levy won’t be collected this year.
• Adjusting all options – how we spend, and the cash collected in fines and fees; more money will go to taxpayers from the City-owned water and waste water utilities.  Parking ticket fines will go from $20 to $30.
• Back-filling the provincial budget hole without dipping into reserves.

The GPC today also received information which outlined Provincial downloading and transfer payments on the City.

Several City Councillors want clear answers on the role and use of reserves and more detail on the perception that City reserves have been built on the back of provincial government revenue sharing.

“Revenue sharing goes to support everyday operations,” says City Manager Murray Totland. “Those are the direct services to citizens such as snow clearing, road maintenance, police and fire service.”

Totland stresses the provincial cut is not a one-year shortfall – it is a permanent operating budget adjustment that requires back-filling by ongoing funds. Taking funds from a reserve would be a one-time solution which would have to back-filled in 2018 and future years to come.

“The reserves are not to cover our day-to-day operating expenses,” Totland says. “Pulling money out of our reserves just transfers this problem down the line and leaves us to deal with unexpected situations out of our operating budget.”

The City has about $140 million in the reserve, of which $21 million is used each year in capital and operating budgets.  If the City was to only use the reserve funds to deal with the ongoing impacts of the recent provincial budget, all of the reserves would be depleted in seven years.

“So at the end of seven years, we wouldn’t have the reserves to pay for all the major projects that they currently fund,” Totland says. “And in seven years, we still would not have a long term solution to pay for the provincial budget shortfall.

“We wouldn’t have anything in our savings account to pay for projects that keep our roads, leisure centres, outdoor swimming pools, or parks in good working condition.”

Find more on the provincial budget funding impact on our website.

From the March 13, 2017 Meeting

7.1.2 North Commuter Parkway and Traffic Bridge Construction Update

Decision

*The Committee received the report as information.

Background

*At the Traffic Bridge, Graham Commuter Partners has completed demolition of the final components of the original bridge and has now completed all of the new piers, both abutments, and erection of Span 4, the southernmost span of the bridge.
*At the North Commuter Parkway, construction of Pier 1 and Pier 2, the west and centre in-river piers, is complete. Erection of the girders for Span 2, the west-centre span, is underway.

7.1.3 Highway 16/Boychuk Drive and McOrmond Drive/College Drive Construction Update

Decision

*The Committee received the report as information.

Background

*The design for both interchanges has been progressing well and PCL Construction Management Inc. has started doing preliminary site work at both locations.
*The construction of detour roads will begin in April 2017 and the detours are anticipated to be in effect for June 2017.
*The street lighting along College Drive is scheduled to be in place before June 2017.
*The Administration is developing transportation plans for each location to minimize impacts to commuters and communicate transportation alternatives.

From the March 13, 2017 Meeting

6.1.2 2017 Goals and Objectives – Saskatoon Environmental Committee

Decision

*The Committee received a memo pertaining to goals and objectives of the Saskatoon Environmental Advisory Committee as information.

Background

*The 2017 Goals and Objectives of the Saskatoon Environmental Advisory Committee are outlined in this memo.

7.2.2 Diversity and Inclusion Annual Report 2016

Decision

*The Committee forwarded the report to City Council for information.

Background

*The City continues to work toward closing the gap between the workforce population statistics and the goals set by the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission for all four equity groups including Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities, Visible Minorities, and Women in Underrepresented Occupations.
*The Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan priorities for 2017 have been identified and grouped using the “Diversity and Inclusion Solutions Framework” developed by LaRoche & Yang (2014). This framework enables us to categorize specific action plans using the common links between them to support the City’s Strategic Plan.

7.2.5 Hydropower Joint Ownership Project With Saskatoon Tribal Council

Decision

*The Committee recommended to City Council:
-That the Administration be directed to prepare a Memorandum of Understanding with the Saskatoon Tribal Council that outlines a joint ownership model to begin a feasibility study for a hydropower station in Saskatoon.
-That the Memorandum of Understanding be brought forward to the Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services, and City Council for City approval.
-That the report of the General Manager, Transportation & Utilities, dated March 13, 2017, be forwarded to the Saskatoon Environmental Advisory Committee for information.

Background

*Saskatoon Light & Power has explored the feasibility of a hydropower station at the Saskatoon weir.
*Joint ownership of the project between the City and the Saskatoon Tribal Council will bolster all aspects of the project and benefit both parties. A partnership will strengthen applications to senior governments for rates and capital contributions, and the combined resources of both agencies result in a stronger project team during the investigatory and construction phases, should the project proceed to construction.
*The project provides an opportunity for the Saskatoon Region and the Saskatoon Tribal Council to realize economic and social benefits.
*Earlier stakeholder and community engagement shows support for a green power project at the weir that maintains its visual beauty, serenity and natural ecology. Continued engagement is planned as part of a new feasibility study.

From the March 6, 2017 Meeting

7.2.6 Process for Privately Sponsored refugees Qualifying for Leisure Access Program and Discounted Bus Pass Program  

Decision

*The report was forwarded to City Council for information.

Background

*In response to the Syrian refugee crisis, the City implemented a process to include privately sponsored refugees in the Leisure Access Program and the Discounted Bus Pass Program.

7.2.7 City of Saskatoon and Saskatoon Census Metro Area Population Projection 2015-2035

Decision

*The report was forwarded to City Council for information.

Background

*Saskatoon is projected to reach a population of 312,772 by 2025, and 380,650 by 2035, assuming a Medium Growth Scenario annual growth rate of 2.0%. This growth rate is similar to what Saskatoon experienced over the 2006 to 2015 period.
*The projected population growth in the Medium Growth Scenario will require the equivalent of six neighbourhoods and 24,000 dwelling units by 2025. An additional six neighbourhoods and 26,000 dwelling units may be required by 2035.
*The Saskatoon CMA could reach a population of 366,155 by 2025, and 448,985 by the year 2035, assuming Saskatoon grows at the Medium Growth Scenario annual rate of 2.0% and surrounding municipalities grow at an annual rate of 3.0%.
*In the Medium Growth Scenario, the population of the surrounding municipalities will grow from 41,703 in 2015, to 53,383 in 2025, and 68,335 in 2035, assuming an annual growth rate of 3.0%. This is equivalent to adding approximately three communities the size of Warman or Martensville by 2035.

7.2.8 Upgrades to Meewasin Trail – Children’s Discovery Museum to Riverworks Weir

Decision

*The Committee is recommending City Council endorse the proposed trail upgrades and that the City Solicitor add the proposed upgrades into Schedule C of the operating agreement between the City and Meewasin Valley Authority.

Background

*A Trail Study conducted by the Meewasin Valley Authority identified the section of the Meewasin Trail that connects the Children’s Discovery Museum to Riverworks Weir as the “highest priority” for improvement due to its substantial traffic volume.
*Meewasin is proposing to upgrade this section of the Trail. The upgrade consists of trail widening, accessibility enhancements, additional benches, garbage receptacles, and new lookouts.
*The proposed trail upgrades will result in an operating impact for the Parks and Facilities and Fleet Management Divisions, estimated to be $6,500 per year, plus winter maintenance, which will be tendered to contractors through the Public Works Division.

7.2.9 Growth Plan Implementation – Ten Year Action Plan and Engagement Approach

Decision

*The Committee recommended to City Council that the Ten-Year Action Plan and Growth Plan Engagement Handbook be approved to guide implementation of the Growth Plan to Half a Million.

Background

*The Ten-Year Action Plan outlines anticipated work to implement the “core” strategies of the Growth Plan to Half a Million and transition it from being a special project to part of the City’s operations.
*Priorities for implementation primarily involve projects connected with the federal Public Transit Infrastructure Fund, including detailed planning and design for the Bus Rapid Transit system and creation of a Corridor Area Planning program.
*The approach to engagement and communication outlined in the Growth Plan Engagement Handbook will ensure that engagement and information sharing is embedded in the Growth Plan implementation process, and that communication and interaction with the community are meaningful, consistent, relevant, and effective.
*The Action Plan and Handbook are “living” documents that will be revised periodically as the project proceeds, with significant changes to either the work plan or approach to engagement being reported to City Council.

From the February 27, 2017 Meeting

8.1.7 Progress Update – South Caswell Redevelopment Project – Former Transit Facility Site

Decision

*City Council received the report as information.

Additional Information

*Once redevelopment plans and possible future uses are identified for the area, a more generalized Concept Plan will be created, while still reflecting the community values and vision for the area, as outlined in the 2010 Concept Plan.
*There are considerable site preparation efforts associated with the South Caswell Redevelopment Project. Phasing of redevelopment will be strategic, based on the results of the detailed Phase II Environmental Site Assessment and required infrastructure improvements.
*A Safe and Secure Plan has been established for the South Caswell Redevelopment Project, and will be implemented after Saskatoon Transit completely relocates to the new Civic Operations Centre.
*A short-term use strategy is being explored to determine whether the former Saskatoon Transit buildings may be used by City Administration. It is yet to be determined whether interim uses can be accommodated while site preparation activities are underway.

8.1.9 Home Ice Campaign Committee and U of S – Proposal – Request for Additional Funding

Decision

*City Council directed Administration to negotiate a contribution agreement with the University of Saskatchewan for an additional $3 Million for the construction of a twin ice facility, to ensure:
a. long-term access for the community
b. access to the new gymnasium facility
c. longer-term acknowledgement of the City's contribution
d. maximum benefit to the community
*City Council directed Administration to report on options for funding the $3 Million, with a phased-in approach over six years.

Additional Information

*To date, the City has committed $1M towards the new twin ice pad arena, which recently expanded to include additional spectator seating capacity and a double gymnasium. The Home Ice Campaign Committee, tasked with fundraising for the project, submitted a proposal to the City requesting an additional contribution of up to $3M
*The new twin pad arena and gymnasium will add benefit to the broader community through community access to the arena and potential opportunities to access the gymnasium.
*The University is currently undertaking a parking study for the College Quarter North East Precinct which includes the new Merlis Belsher Place, the Saskatoon Field House, and surrounding 30 acres. The results of this study will provide direction for the short, medium and long-term needs of parking in this area, including the operating model.
*The Recreation and Parks Master Plan identified a number of indoor and outdoor infrastructure priorities, including a current shortage of one indoor ice arena within Saskatoon. Also within the Master Plan, it suggests two additional ice sheets would be needed between now and 2022. Prior to the 2018 Business Plan and Budget consideration, Administration will be providing updated information to Committee and City Council related to all sport, culture and recreation infrastructure priorities.

8.3.1 Neighbourhood Traffic Management – Feedback on Vertical Traffic Calming Devices

Decision

*City Council directed Administration to report back with details of the proposed pilot in advance of implementation including financial implications with recommendations on how this can integrate with the neighbourhood traffic review process.

Additional Information

*The City Neighbourhood Traffic Management Guidelines and Tools manual lists seven vertical deflection devices potentially used for traffic calming. These devices include: raised crosswalks, textured crosswalks, raised intersections, speed humps, speed table, speed kidney; and speed cushions.
*Concerns regarding the use of vertical deflection relate to noise and vibration to adjacent properties, reduction in response times for emergency services and impact to snow maintenance.
*Stakeholders including Saskatoon Transit, Roadways & Operations, Saskatoon Police Service, Saskatoon Fire Department, and MD Ambulance provided comments on the impact the different vertical traffic calming devices have on their operations.

8.4.2 North Commuter Parkway Bridge Naming Engagement Process

Decision

*City Council approved the process to name the North Commuter Parkway Bridge.

Additional Information

*The naming of North Commuter Parkway Bridge will support the TRC Calls to Action.
*The process undertaken to propose a name for the North Commuter Parkway Bridge will be community driven, building on the community reconciliation process and Aboriginal Elders will guide the Aboriginal Cultural and Spiritual processes for the naming process.
*Requests for a name will be screened by the Naming Advisory Committee with City Council having final approval.

8.4.3 2016 Waste Characterization Study

Decision

*City Council received the information and forwarded it to the Saskatoon Environmental Advisory Committee.

Additional Information

*A Waste Characterization Study was completed throughout 2016 with four seasonal sampling periods and targeting all waste generators in Saskatoon.
*The results of the Waste Characterization Study will be used to inform a Waste Diversion Plan, a Plan that will outline options for achieving 70% waste diversion by 2023. It will also be used in the review of civic waste management services.
*The Waste Characterization Study indicated that 77% of waste sampled in residential black carts could be diverted from the landfill if new programs for diversion are made available.
*On average, a single-family household puts 15.6 kg of waste in their black cart each week, and multi-family household puts 7.2 kg. The biggest percentage of this (58% and 40% respectively) is organic, mostly food waste.

8.4.4 Waste Management Master Plan – State of Waste

Decision

*City Council received the information, approved the values to be used in preparing options for a new Waste Management business model, including the ability to pay in terms of future cost allocations for fairness and equity, and directed Administration to report back at the next stage of the Waste Management Master Plan.

Additional Information

*Administration has completed a review of the current Waste Management business plan and found that it is not environmentally or financially sustainable.
*Administration has developed a plan to complete a comprehensive review of waste related services to better deliver those services to citizens.
*Administration has prepared a list of values for approval by City Council to be used in evaluating alternatives as part of the review.

9.4.1 A Culture of Continuous Improvement

Decision

*City Council received the report as information.

Additional Information

*The City has been focusing on creating a culture of continuous improvement since 2009.
*The Strategic Plan was approved by City Council in 2012, and it solidifies the City’s commitment by including A Culture of Continuous Improvement as one of its seven Strategic Goals.
*A formal approach to continuous improvement was adopted in late 2013, and has resulted in approximately $3M in potential staff time and hard dollar savings.
*City Council approved a total of $200,000 to support this initiative of which $150,000 has been spent to date. That means that, on an annual basis for this three year cycle, we spent approximately $50,000 in order to save taxpayers $1,000,000.
*There are a number of new initiatives planned for 2017 and beyond to continue to build and improve upon our culture of continuous improvement.

6.1 Street Activity Steering Committee – Request to Amend Panhandling Bylaw, 1999, No. 7850 and Streets Use Bylaw No, 2954

Decision

*City Council requested the City Solicitor’s Office amend Panhandling Bylaw, 1999, No. 7850 to prohibit panhandling around active users and those queued for use around any public parking pay stations.

5.1.3 Municipal Heritage Property Designation – Third Avenue United Church – 304 3^rd Ave. N.

Decision

*City Council referred the matter to the Municipal Heritage Review Board to be reviewed pursuant to Sections 14 and 15 of The Heritage Property Act.

Additional Information

*City Council at its meeting held on November 28, 2016, resolved that the City Solicitor bring forward a bylaw to designate the property at 304 3rd Avenue North as Municipal Heritage Property under The Heritage Property Act.

From the January 31, 2017 Meeting

7.2.2 Traffic Noise Sound Attenuation (TNSA) Policy

Decision

*The Committee recommended to City Council that the policy be approved.

Background

*A policy has been developed that defines the TNSA program, specifically providing details on assessment criteria, noise impact assessments, noise monitoring, noise barriers, and the monitoring of potential TNSA projects.

7.2.3 Neighbourhood Traffic Management – Feedback on Vertical Traffic Calming Devices

Decision

*The Committee forwarded the report to City Council for information and recommended a report be submitted to City Council recommending that the Administration undertake a vertical traffic calming device pilot project in locations that would not currently qualify for such devices under the existing policy. Proposed locations should be based on transportation data, neighbourhood feedback, and consultation with local City Councillors. The goal of the project is to measure the impact of such devices in the community. Include consideration of temporary devices that can be removed in winter months and reporting to the Standing Policy Committee on Transportation before and after the pilot project.

Background

*In June 2016, City Council considered the Neighbourhood Traffic Management – Revised Guidelines and Tools report, and resolved, in part that the Administration report, with feedback from Transit, Emergency Services, Public Works and contractors, about the possibility of expanding the use of speed humps and raised crosswalks as traffic calming measures in residential areas.
*Input from Saskatoon Transit, Roadways & Operations, Saskatoon Police Service, Saskatoon Fire Department, and MD Ambulance does not support the use of vertical devices for traffic calming.

From the January 31, 2017 Meeting

7.2.2 North Commuter Parkway Bridge Naming Engagement Process

Decision

*The Committee approved the process to name the North Commuter Parkway, as outlined in the report.

Background

*During its July 21, 2016, meeting, City Council resolved that, “With respect to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action report, would the administration report back on how to engage the community as a whole to name the pending new North Commuter Parkway in recognition of the TRC.”
*The process undertaken to propose a name for the North Commuter Parkway will be community driven, building on the community reconciliation process and Aboriginal Elders will guide the Aboriginal Cultural and Spiritual processes for the naming process.
*Requests for a name will be screened by the Naming Advisory Committee with City Council having final approval.

7.2.4 2016 Waste Characterization Study

Decision

*The Committee forwarded the report to City Council for information.

Background

*In October 2015, the Administration issued a Request for Proposals for the characterization of municipal solid waste generated in Saskatoon and development of a draft Waste Diversion Plan based on the characterization.
*A Waste Characterization Study was completed throughout 2016 with four seasonal sampling periods and targeting all waste generators in Saskatoon.
*The results of the Waste Characterization Study will be used to inform a Waste Diversion Plan, a Plan that will outline options for achieving 70% waste diversion by 2023. It will also be used in the review of civic waste management services.
*The Waste Characterization Study indicated that 77% of waste sampled in residential black carts could be diverted from the landfill if new programs for diversion are made available.
*On average, a single-family household puts 15.6 kg of waste in their black cart each week, and multi-family household puts 7.2 kg. The biggest percentage of this (58% and 40% respectively) is organic, mostly food waste.

7.2.5 Waste Management Master Plan – State of Waste

Decision

*The Committee recommended to City Council that the information regarding the state of waste be received; that the values to be used in preparing options for a new Waste Management business model be approved; and that the Administration be directed to report back at the next stage of the Waste Management Master Plan.

Background

*The 2012 - 2022 Strategic Plan has set Environmental Leadership, including waste diversion from the Landfill, green energy, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and soil quality as a goal.
*Administration has completed a review of the current Waste Management business plan and found that it is not environmentally or financially sustainable.
*Administration has developed a plan to complete a comprehensive review of waste related services to better deliver those services to citizens.
*Administration has prepared a list of values for approval by City Council to be used in evaluating alternatives as part of the review.

The Provincial budget is having a large impact on our city.  Because of the sudden changes announced by the province, the Administration has prepared an emergency report with some ideas for lessening the financial impact on citizens. The Province’s one percent increase of the PST and its cut to the Grants-in-Lieu of taxes (GILT) program have left the City of Saskatoon with $9 million hole in this year’s budget and $15 million in each of the following years. 

“City Council has two goals for how we want to respond to these cuts,” says Mayor Charlie Clark. 

“We need to find a way that mitigates the impact on taxes for residents, as well as maintaining the services that provide quality of life and keep the engine of our economy going.”

Administration based their recommendations on principles that included:

Keeping any property tax increases to a minimum, and service levels up;

Adjusting all options – how we spend, and the cash collected in fines and fees;

Short-term solutions that are doable this year as well as longer-term ones;

Back-filling the provincial budget hole without dipping into reserves;

Maintaining jobs.

"A wide range of solutions has enabled us to keep any possible property tax hike as low as we could," says City Manager Murray Totland.

Totland adds with the proposed 1.69% increase to cover the provincial shortfall, the total change over the 2016 City property tax bill -- on an average house assessed at $325,000 -- amounts to $56 per year or $4.70 per month.

A report on the City Operating Budget options will be presented to the Governance and Priorities Committee Monday, April 10, 2017.

“Council will discuss these options and determine the best way forward in this difficult situation,” Mayor Clark says.

The City and museum today made the first tangible step toward hosting our community and visitors to a multi-purpose gathering space like none other before in Saskatoon.

“We now have the keys to the building, which means we can get to the finishing work and secondary contracts,” says His Worship the Mayor, Charlie Clark.  “We have the keys to a bright future and tomorrow begins with today’s handover.”

Mayor Clark also outlines the impacts of this project on the City and its residents.

The Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority expects Remai Modern to contribute $17 million in annual GDP impact.

Remai Modern Board Chair Alain Gaucher emphasizes that while work to move from the former gallery is coming along, preparations continue at the new building.

“Over the next few months, work will continue in spaces like the feature gallery, restaurant kitchen and the installation of vault systems. We continue to work towards an opening in the Fall of 2017."

“Once we know the air quality, heating and humidity levels are where they must be, we can begin the complex process of moving art into the building. It’s our responsibility to safeguard the significant investments and public assets we are entrusted to protect at Remai Modern.”

Gaucher says Remai Modern has the potential to be an incredible art museum and so much more for citizens and visitors alike.

Among its many functions, Remai Modern will include a state-of-the-art learning centre where young and old will learn and engage with art and each other.

It will offer spectacular event spaces for community gatherings, family events or professional conferences, showing off sweeping views of the South Saskatchewan River.

It will be a gathering place where everyone can come to sit and think, catch up with friends and take in the art on display, including significant Canadian and international works.

“There is no doubt: this gallery will become the living room of our city, a place where locals and travellers come to the heart of our community,” Mayor Clark says.

Five ‘white powder’ calls in recent days have used up Saskatoon Fire Department resources totaling $75,650.

“Each instance was determined to be non-hazardous, but each time we have to treat it as a potential safety threat,” says Assistant Chief Wayne Rodger. “So, each time, we have to call out our hazardous materials and emergency measures teams, on top of regular crews – and that costs money.”

Saskatoon police detectives are now investigating the calls.  No arrests have been made in the March events, but following a similar incident in November, a Saskatoon woman is accused in court.

During the City Council meeting Monday, the most recent events prompted Councillor and Police Commissioner Darren Hill to ask the City Solicitor to explore seeking restitution in any ‘white powder’ court case which results in a conviction.

“These incidents cause a lot of disruption for the businesses they target, for the people who work in these buildings and for our community,” Rodger says.  “If someone is arrested and a judge decides any of these incidents break the law, City Council does not want taxpayers to pay for the emergency response.”

The costs as presented below include the salaries and operating costs of all Fire Department staff who attended the scene of each incident.  Also included are costs of off-duty staff called back to provide coverage of stations left vacant during each incident.

Each incident was attended with 7-8 vehicles/apparatus and 23-26 staff.

Date                         Hours            Cost

March 16, 2017     4.00            $20,900.00
March 23, 2017     2.00            $10,500.00
March 27, 2017     2.50            $13,125.00
March 27, 2017     3.00            $15,750.00
March 28, 2017     3.00            $15,375.00

If anyone suspects a package or container they believe has questionable contents:

• do not handle more than necessary
• isolate the area: prevent people access to stop the spread of possible contamination
• call 9-1-1

Komodo dragons, Thorn and Shruikan (Shrew-khan), arrived in Saskatoon on March 5, 2017, and have been settling into the new Komodo Island exhibit at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo (SFFP&Z).

“We know kids and adults of all ages will be amazed by the Komodo dragons,” says Tim Sinclair-Smith, Manager, SFFP&Z.  “Having these unique animals in Saskatoon provides a great opportunity for us to talk about threatened species around the world, including those in our own backyard.”

Visitors to the SFFP&Z will have their first opportunity to see the Komodo dragons when the exhibit officially opens to the public on Saturday, April 1, 2017.

The Komodo dragons are currently on loan from the Calgary Zoo and will be featured at the SFFP&Z for the 2017 season.  The exhibit was made possible through the generous support of the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation.

“The Saskatoon Zoo Foundation is thrilled to embrace the opportunity to be part of the Komodo Island exhibit,” says Dawn Woroniuk, Executive Director, Saskatoon Zoo Foundation.  “Working with the Zoo and many local sponsors, we were able to create a world class exhibit in a short amount of time.  We hope this exhibit will help bring awareness to the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation as we continue to work tirelessly to build for the future of this facility.”

The Saskatoon Zoo Foundation raises funds for capital improvements within the SFFP&Z.

Do not miss your opportunity to see the Komodo dragons!  From September to April, the zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and from May to August, daily hours are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.  Additional information regarding the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo can be found online at Saskatoon.ca/zoo.

For the sixth consecutive year, the City of Saskatoon is one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for 2017.

This competition examines Canadian employer’s initiatives for workplace diversity and inclusion and recognizes those with noteworthy and unique programs. 

“We are taking a more systematic approach to help us organize, guide, and support the development of specific action plans,” says Catherine Gryba, General Manager of Corporate Performance.

Gryba says, “It’s more than just diversity and inclusion hiring practices. We’re committed to comprehensive plans that create a workplace that is respectful and inclusive to all employees.”

Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for 2017 are outlined in the March 28, 2017 edition of The Globe and Mail as well as on Eluta.ca.

The City has a long-standing commitment to diversity and inclusion including being an equity partner with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission.  As an equity partner, the City commits to the basic principles and objectives which outline a larger responsibility to foster an inclusive society.  

City  Council today approved a tax ratio of 1.59; the ratio used to be 1.75.

In simple terms,  the City’s annual budget determines how much it will need to ask from property owners to pay for services like garbage pick up or snow clearing.

The tax ratio policy determines how the taxes needed to cover those costs are split up; or putting it another way: what share of the taxes that different property classes like residential and commercial will pay. 

So, the approved ratio of 1.59 means that for every $1.00 in property taxes that a residential property pays, a commercial property will pay $1.59 on an equivalent assessment.

Here's what it looks like: 

The tax ratio shift has not affected Saskatoon's standing as having some of the lowest property taxes among Canadian prairie cities. 

City Council wants to explore appropriate legal measures in coordination with SUMA and other affected municipalities – including a court injunction – to stop a provincial government plan that would create an $11.4 million shortfall in City finances.

“We are not raising taxes today. Instead we are considering every other option available,” says Mayor Charlie Clark. “What is happening is not fair or equal. The provincial government is asking city residents to pay twice for the same service. This is not right and we believe the provincial government should reconsider and explore other options.”

The Government of Saskatchewan released its budget Wednesday March 22, 2017; it became clear the provincial government plans to stop paying Grants-in-Lieu (GIL) of property taxes and to redirect those funds to the provincial government general revenue fund.

“The provincial government-owned power and gas companies are still charging customers the same amount, but instead of passing some of that on to cities, towns and villages for services those companies use, the government is keeping that money,” Mayor Clark says.  

“This leaves the City in a situation where our citizens will have to make up this loss of revenue one way or another - whether in service cuts or further cost reductions.”

Following a four-and-a-half hour special meeting Sunday afternoon, Council also resolved:

• To look into the long-term service agreements and options over lease payments from the Province for the P3 school sites including, but not limited to, charging market rent for the land
• That the Administration report on how much the Province be charged for emergency services and any other services the City provides on its properties
• That the Administration explore a market rent for the Rights of Way access by Crown Corporations
• That the Administration report on options for internal savings and revenue
• That the Administration implement a temporary hiring and discretionary spending freeze until Council can make a decision how to handle this situation, subject to the discretion of the City Manager (in the case of filling positions related to life-safety)
• That it request a joint meeting with Saskatoon Caucus MLAs from both parties to give them an information session on the impact the 2017 Provincial Budget will have on the citizens of Saskatoon

Mayor Clark stresses the provincial government’s move will have a huge impact on cities, towns and villages across the province.

“The city of Yorkton, for example, would lose the equivalent of 58% in revenue sharing – that’s a big hit.”

City Manager Murray Totland reports that nearly two-thirds of Saskatchewan’s population live in cities and are growing while other municipalities are getting smaller. He emphasizes that cities are the economic engine of the province and the magnitude of this cut is unprecedented and will have a lasting impact.

Clark adds the provincial government has suggested municipalities can fix this by taking money out of their reserves.

“Taking the money out of reserves would create a huge problem and a future liability for the city. We can’t kick the can down the road and create problems for the future,” states Clark. He says reserves are meant for when there is a big snowstorm or when buildings start to deteriorate. 

“This is why the Traffic Bridge went from being a $400,000 paint job to a $35 million bridge replacement - because there was not enough money put away to look after and maintain that bridge in the first place. We need to have the ability to maintain what we’ve already built.”  

Mayor Clark will join with other Mayors and Municipal leaders on Wednesday to meet with the provincial Minister of Government relations, Donna Harpauer, possibly other related Ministers.

“I will be talking about the impact this will have on our ability to provide services to our residents, the risk of drawing down reserves to pay for operating deficits, and the need to find another approach to dealing with this situation.  We need to take a problem-solving approach and keep the lines of communication open.”

The City of Saskatoon and communities across Canada are celebrating Water Week, March 20-26, 2017; it’s an opportunity for the City to highlight the vital role water plays in our daily lives and how it contributes to the overall quality of life we enjoy.

“Modern, efficient water and wastewater infrastructure is essential to safeguarding the well-being of Canadian families and building the Canada we want for tomorrow,” said the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. “We are very pleased to have provided funding so that Saskatoon can address their specific infrastructure priorities, while helping grow the middle class with good, well-paying jobs."

This year, the Government of Canada invested an additional $15.8 million in funding through its Clean Water Wastewater Fund, while the Government of Saskatchewan invested $7.9 million.

“The Government of Saskatchewan’s $7.9 million investment will contribute to improving Saskatoon’s water infrastructure and help keep our province strong,” the Honourable Donna Harpauer, Minister of Government Relations, said. “We are pleased to be working with our federal and municipal partners to make services better for the citizens we serve.”

The City is investing $43.3 million to replace aging water mains, sewer mains and lead service lines. All this funding approximately quadruples the annual budget for underground pipe renewal.

“Saskatoon is fortunate to have some of the best quality drinking water in Canada,” says Reid Corbett, Director of Saskatoon Water. “We can attribute this to the high regulatory standards we meet, our professional and highly-skilled staff, and our commitment to investing in state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure to serve a growing city and region.”

Lined up end-to-end, the underground pipes (not including service connections) that make up Saskatoon’s water distribution, sanitary sewer collection and storm water collection systems total 2,843 kilometres; that’s roughly the same distance as driving from City Hall to Toronto around the Great Lakes. The 2017 work includes the replacement of approximately 900 lead water service pipes, rehabilitation of approximately 15 kilometres of water mains, and re-lining approximately 22 kilometres of sanitary sewer mains.

In the Government of Canada’s Budget 2016, the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund was introduced to accelerate short-term municipal investments for the renewal of water and wastewater infrastructure to meet immediate priorities for clean water and healthier environments for communities.

Join the Water Week Facebook LiveChat! On Friday, March 24, everyone is invited to follow Saskatoon City News on Facebook and join our Why Infrastructure Renewal Matters Facebook LiveChat from 12:00 -12:30 pm. You can add your questions to the post now to make sure they get answered.

Learn more about Saskatoon’s water and sewer infrastructure at saskatoon.ca/waterweek and take a video tour of the City’s Waste Water Treatment Plant and Water Treatment Plant.

Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo (SFFP&Z) grizzly bears, Mistaya (miss‑TIE’‑yuh) and Koda (KOH’ dah), have successfully completed their first hibernation.

Mistaya and Koda started hibernating on December 5, 2016, and completed their hibernation on March 17, 2017.

“We monitored the bears throughout their first hibernation, gathering data that can be used in future research projects,” said Tim Sinclair-Smith, Manager, SFFP&Z.

After just over three months of hibernation, the bears have lost some weight, but due to not hibernating for ten years, they still have considerable fat reserves.  Mistaya and Koda will be offered small amounts of vegetables; the same food they would find in the wild after hibernation.  Mistaya and Koda will return to the Kinsmen Grizzly Bear Exhibit this weekend.

Mistaya is the sole-surviving cub from Bear 66, a well-known female grizzly killed on the Canadian Pacific railway tracks in Banff National Park, in 2005.  He stayed in the wild until it became clear that he could not survive without intervention.

Koda was orphaned that same year after his mother fled the den when a logging operation came through the Grand Prairie region.  He was rescued and nurtured by zookeepers at the Edmonton Valley Zoo. The cubs were paired at the Calgary Zoo and later transferred to their permanent home at the SFFP&Z.

For more information on the SFFP&Z, please visit www.saskatoon.ca/zoo.

A committee of City Councillors says the City should prepare a Memorandum of Understanding with the Saskatoon Tribal Council; the agreement would start a feasibility study for a jointly-owned hydropower station at the weir.

The Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities & Corporate Services approved the move at its meeting today.  It will be considered by City Council later this month.

“This is a positive first step,” says Kevin Hudson, Manager of Sustainable Energy for the City-owned Saskatoon Light & Power. “As we have said before, there could be many benefits of an initiative like this and we look forward to developing a partnership with the Saskatoon Tribal Council.”

The total estimated cost of the project is $61.5 - 65.2 million, which is expected to be funded by the Saskatoon Tribal Council and private-sector partners, off-set by revenue generated by the power station and funding from other green-energy funding sources.

The committee also recommended the City Administration meet with whitewater park supporters to discuss the development possibility of such a recreational facility be considered at the same time as the hydro project – including costs.

Earlier pre-feasibility and environmental baseline studies concluded the project was technically feasible and is expected to be economically viable.

 “Of course we need further details, but we are confident there is a tremendous opportunity here,” says Darrell Balkwill, Chair of STC investments Inc.  “First Nations would benefit from training, jobs and educational possibilities. Investment returns would help infrastructure and social programs in our member communities.”

The project will involve restoring the weir’s current infrastructure, and the construction of a river crossing for pedestrians and cyclists that will be wider, safer and more accessible than the current one on the CP Rail Bridge.

Previous studies found that such a project would not cause any significant disruption to the ecology of the area or negative downstream effects to the river valley: a slight raise in river water is expected but it tapers to zero beneath the Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge.

The project has been on hold since last presented to City Council in 2015 until funding could be identified. 

Construction on two new interchanges in Saskatoon starts this spring - at McOrmond Drive and College Drive and at Boychuk Drive and Highway 16. Site work and the relocation of utilities adjacent to each intersection is currently underway and construction begins in June. In the meantime, transportation plans for each location are in development.

“Commuters will begin feeling the impact of construction in June, and one of the ways we are going to minimize the impact is by maintaining a dual left turning lane from College onto McOrmond,” says Dan Willems, Director of Major Projects and Preservation. “Transportation plans also include the construction of detour roads at each interchange site and recommending alternative routes.”

Through a procurement process, PCL Construction Management Inc. was chosen to design and build both interchanges, which will also include pedestrian and cyclist paths/walkways.

The McOrmond Drive and College Drive interchange is expected to open in the fall of 2018 and the Boychuk Drive and Highway 16 interchange will open in 2019.

For more information on the Saskatoon Interchange Project, including background, FAQs, and upcoming Public Information Sessions, please visit Saskatoon.ca/interchanges. 

A catalogue showcasing a collection of temporary public artworks that were a part of the City’s Placemaker Program from 1994 to 2015 was unveiled at the Frances Morrison Library Gallery today.

“Art challenges, engages, and inspires us to see the world in new ways,” says His Worship Mayor Charlie Clark.  “The Placemaker Program has given the City a tremendous legacy of public art over the last 20 years.  Art and culture will continue to have important places in our Strategic Plan and the future of our city.”

The City’s Placemaker Program works with the Business Improvement Districts to add significance to civic spaces.  These exhibits temporarily transform public spaces to engage with audiences and promote an appreciation for contemporary art practices.  All artwork is considered annually and selected by the Public Art Advisory Committee.  Artists can submit in any medium.  Preference is given to submissions by emerging artists and pieces that reflect Saskatoon’s unique sense of place through its people, history, culture, or landform.

“The City recognizes the significance of this catalogue,” says Director of Planning and Development, Lesley Anderson.  “We now have a reference to our past works that is not only useful, but beautiful.”

The Placemaker Artwork Catalogue is the final component of the 66 Physiognomies project, led by local artist, Jinzhe Cui, who used a multi-media approach to celebrate the program’s 20-year history.  The project started in 2015 and included a traditional Chinese-style scroll ink drawing, illustrated cards, six public events, and a video.  Now, added to the list is a catalogue to document and interpret the past Placemaker artworks.

“It has been a joy and opportunity to explore public art practice and to meet new people,” says Cui.  “During my journey of 66 Physiognomies, I have been touched by the beauty and uniqueness from the people, history, culture, art, and landscape in Saskatoon.”

The 20^th Anniversary Placemaker Artwork Catalogue is available online to the public, and a copy can be found at every Saskatoon public library branch.

The City would also like to remind artists that the 2017 Placemaker Program Call for Submissions is open until Wednesday, March 29, 2017.

The City is encouraged by the latest figures contained in the Diversity and Inclusion Annual Report for 2016. The report will be presented as information to the meeting of the Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities & Corporate Services, on March 13, 2017.

“Our action planning for diversity and inclusion has become much more systematic,” says Marno McInnes, Director of Human Resources. “There is more work to do, but we’re hopeful a more focused strategy in 2017 will produce even better results.”

In particular McInnes highlights two key elements of the 2017 action plan:

• Using data and increased analysis to make more improvements.
• Using a model that finds solutions through three separate perspectives; people, systems and environmental.

“We have made some positive gains in relation to our Visible Minority workforce and we see improvements in the number of permanent position in relation to our Aboriginal workforce,” McInnes says. “Our priority as we move forward is to ensure that our current successes continue and we focus on those areas that need improvement.” 

The City has a long-standing commitment to diversity and inclusion including being an equity partner with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission.  As an equity partner, the City commits to the basic principles and objectives which outline a larger responsibility to foster an inclusive society.  

The City is preparing to enter a formal agreement with the Saskatoon Tribal Council for a new hydropower generation project at the weir.

“The Saskatoon Weir is an ideal location for expanding the City’s clean-power generation program to hydropower,” says Kevin Hudson, Manager of Sustainable Energy for the City-owned Saskatoon Light & Power. “The benefits of this initiative will be felt across the Saskatoon Region and we are delighted to have the Saskatoon Tribal Council as a partner to make it a reality.”

The total estimated cost of the project is $61.5 - 65.2 million, which is expected to be funded by the Saskatoon Tribal Council and private-sector partners, off-set by revenue generated by the power station and funding from other green-energy funding sources.

“First Nations can benefit from employment, training and education opportunities that extend beyond the construction phase of this project,” says Darrell Balkwill, Chair of STC Investments Inc. “We are confident that the investment returns from this project will allow us to continue to support community infrastructure and social programs in our member communities.”

Earlier pre-feasibility and environmental baseline studies concluded the project was technically feasible and could be economically viable over the long-term without any significant disruption to the ecology of the area or negative downstream effects to the river valley. The project has been on hold since last presented to City Council in 2015 until funding could be identified.

The project will involve restoring the weir’s current infrastructure, and the construction of a river crossing for pedestrians and cyclists that will be wider, safer and more accessible than the current one on the CP Rail Bridge.

For more details and preliminary renderings of the hydropower station and site, visit saskatoon.ca/hydropower.

In an unprecedented partnership, several Saskatchewan organizations have joined together to explore the opportunities that resulted from land claims settlements.  Prosperity Through Partnerships, the last of a three-part series on creating wealth through the land claim settlement process is taking place March 8 and 9, 2017  (today and tomorrow) between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at TCU Place in Saskatoon.

The conference will examine:

• The reserve creation process for the purpose of working together through local and provincial partnerships in Saskatchewan;
• How to increase economic prosperity and the quality of life for both First Nations and the wider public in the province by identifying actions for enhancing Aboriginal well-being and participation in our community; and
• How business communities have entered an era of newfound partnership and prosperity with Saskatchewan First Nations, urban and rural municipalities, which began with the 1992 Saskatchewan Treaty Land Entitlement Framework Agreement.

The three-part conference series is a partnership between the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, the City of Saskatoon, the City of Regina, Aboriginal and Northern Development Canada, the Government of Saskatchewan, the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority and the Saskatchewan First Nations Economic Development Network.

Prior events focused on financial and resource partners and additions to reserves for community development.

Implementation of Saskatoon’s Homelessness Action Plan (Action Plan) will be a key priority for the City over the next few years.  The creation of new, affordable rental units, supported by City initiatives, will provide options for those who lack a safe and affordable place to call home.

The Action Plan was released in November 2016, by a Steering Committee representing a variety of stakeholders in the community.  Last week, City Council approved funding for implementation of the Action Plan.  The plan will be implemented by the Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership over the next five years.

“The majority of the City’s funding for attainable housing is directed towards affordable rental housing, including transitional housing for those leaving homeless shelters,” says Director of Planning and Development, Lesley Anderson.  “Affordable rental housing will continue to be a focus in 2017 and 2018, alongside the implementation of Saskatoon’s Homelessness Action Plan.”

The recently released Annual Status Report on the Housing Business Plan 2013-2022 shows that the City’s supply of affordable and transitional rental housing is growing along with other types of attainable housing supported by the Housing Business Plan.

                              Results Achieved in the Housing Plan’s First Five Years

For more information on the Housing Business Plan and the work the City is doing in this area, please visit www.saskatoon.ca/housing or call 306-975-3340.

Komodo dragons that is!  On loan from the Calgary Zoo for the next year, Thorn and Shruikan (Shrew-khan) are settling into their home away from home in the new Komodo Island exhibit at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo.  Building of the new exhibit was made possible through the generous support of the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation, and it will officially open to the public on April 1, 2017.

“We have been very fortunate to work with zoos from across Canada over the years to bring unique species to Saskatoon, including the Komodo dragons,” says Tim Sinclair‑Smith, Manager, Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo.  “We are very excited to share the unique story of the Komodo dragons and provide an opportunity for visitors to get an up-close look at these larger than life lizards.”

Komodo dragons are easily identified by their massive size, flat heads, bowed legs, and long, thick tails.  Known as the heaviest lizards on Earth, Komodo dragons can reach more than three metres in length and weigh more than 150 kilograms.  While Komodo dragons are not considered endangered, they are very rare and, today, are found in the wild only on Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda Islands.

Do not miss your opportunity to see these giant reptiles at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo!  From September to April, the zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and from May to August daily hours are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.  Additional information regarding the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo can be found online at www.saskatoon.ca/zoo.

The City continues to implement its Risk-Based Management Program and make headway on reducing the severity of its key strategic risks as identified in the release of the City’s Corporate Risk 2016 Annual Report.

“Risk management is not about eliminating the chances of something bad happening, it is about making sure the City is well positioned to respond to, and recover from, surprises and disruptions,” says City Manager, Murray Totland. “The City of Saskatoon, like all municipalities, faces many types of risk that, if not effectively managed, can impede the successful delivery of essential services our residents, workers and visitors rely on every day.”

Of the 23 risks identified through the Strategic Risk Assessment process, Totland says the City has been able to reduce the severity of 11 of its strategic risks from high (i.e. high likelihood and high impact) to medium (i.e. medium likelihood and medium impact), with three risks now assessed within a desired  risk zone.

“When risk is managed effectively it supports continuous improvement and the way Saskatoon runs,” Totland says.  “With that, our citizens are more likely to have greater confidence in how City Hall operates.”

At its March 6, 2017 meeting, the Standing Policy Committee on Finance will receive the Annual Report, updated information regarding each of the City’s key strategic risks and the additional risk mitigation activities planned for the next one-to-three years. 

“Identifying, understanding, and managing our risks helps us make informed decisions,” says Director of Corporate Risk, Nicole Garman.  “That means we can take a realistic look at what might happen, ways to control what we can, and what we can do to put those strategies into action.” 
Building on the successes achieved to date, more operational, financial, and compliance risk assessments will be done in 2017.

Frequently Asked Questions and more Risk-Based Management information is available at saskatoon.ca/corporaterisk. 

The City has balanced the budget with a modest surplus well over half a million dollars.

“This is obviously good news,” says Clae Hack, Director of Finance. “We always strive to keep the City in the black and we’ve been able to achieve that in 2016.”

All civic utilities, including Saskatoon Light and Power and Saskatoon Water, posted surpluses.  The City’s Boards, including the Saskatoon Police Service, also posted surpluses.

Details are highlighted in a report to the Standing Policy Committee on Finance, scheduled to meet Monday, March 6, 2017.

The report outlines the surplus is due primarily to lower than expected oil and fuel prices throughout 2016. Additionally, fewer snow events in 2016 helped contribute to lower expenditures for snow and ice management.  The City also received a surplus payment from the Workers Compensation Board.

Hack says lower than expected revenues were posted in waste handling, at recreation centres and in fines – partially from better compliance.  The City also had to spend more on extra street cleaning and sweeping.  More money was also devoted to road maintenance because of warmer temperatures in spring and fall which extended the work season.

“The majority of the surplus is recommended to be transferred to the City’s Snow and Ice Stabilization Reserve to be used in future years when snow and ice management services exceed budget.”

The report supports the Strategic Goal of Asset and Financial Sustainability by demonstrating how the City invests in what matters, and demonstrates openness, accountability and transparency in the allocation of resources.

The City’s Planning and Development Division has released the City of Saskatoon and Saskatoon Census Metropolitan Area Population Projection 2015 to 2035 report.  The population in Saskatoon is projected to reach 380,650, and the Saskatoon Census Metropolitan Area is projected to reach 448,985 by 2035.

Saskatoon’s growth will result in the need to build the equivalent of six new neighbourhoods and 24,000 dwelling units by 2025.  Saskatoon’s current development capacity in existing, developing, and planned new neighbourhoods will be able to accommodate this projected growth.

“It is an exciting time for Saskatoon,” says Lesley Anderson, Director of Planning and Development.  “Some of our recently adopted long-range plans, such as the Growth Plan to Half a Million, will be integral in setting our City up for the future.”

“Change is inevitable, but this change will be managed.  Saskatoon will be able to accommodate this growth and remain a city where citizens continue to enjoy a high quality of life.”

Based on the annual growth rate of 2.0%, the 20-year projected population growth indicates Saskatoon will see a large increase in the number of people over age 65 and an even larger increase of those over the age of 80.  This spike is due to the aging baby boom generation.  The seniors’ population will increase from its current 12.8% to make up 14.1% of the total population by 2035.

Other highlights in the report are as follows:

• Net migration is forecast to account for 69.0% to 74.0% (62,000 to 122,000 persons) of the population increase projected over the next 20 years.
• New neighbourhoods are typically designed to house 10,000 people.  The Medium Growth Scenario will require the equivalent of an additional six neighbourhoods and 26,000 dwelling units by 2035, assuming an average household size of 2.4 people.
• An increase of 28.8% of children will be coming into, or already be in, the primary and secondary school systems by 2025 and 58.8% children by 2035.
• The estimated median age is projected to increase from 35.8 in 2015, to 37.4 in 2035.
• The dependency ratio is 65 to 67, which is an increase from 58 in 2015.Population projections are also useful to community agencies planning for future service provision.  The Planning and Development Division completed similar projections in 1996, 2002, 2008, 2010, and 2012.

The Planning and Development Division regularly calculates population estimates for the City using information from Statistics Canada and factoring in recent trends in growth.  These projections assist City Council and the Administration in developing policy framework, long-range plans, and forecasting future municipal servicing needs and land consumption.

Population projections are also useful to community agencies planning for future service provision.  The Planning and Development Division completed similar projections in 1996, 2002, 2008, 2010, and 2012.

For more information, or to view the full report, please visit www.saskatoon.ca/sustainable-growth.

The City invites citizens to help improve winter mobility on roads and sidewalks by participating in a new survey this March.

“Year after year, the City’s annual Civic Services Survey shows how important snow and ice maintenance is to Saskatoon citizens,” says Brandon Harris, Director of Roadways and Operations. “Rather than guessing what improvements will best help residents get around in the winter, we thought we might ask them.”

Citizen input will be collected to understand how people move around in winter, and to identify challenges or barriers residents experience due to snow or ice. The survey data, in conjunction with perspectives of local interest groups, will be used by the City to improve existing programs and plan new strategies to most efficiently address the needs of Saskatoon residents.

The Better Winter Roads survey is open to everyone and is now available at saskatoon.ca/snow. City representatives will also have digital surveys for people to complete at the upcoming Homestyles Show (March 9-12) and Gardenscape (March 24-26) at Prairieland Park.

The City is offering the survey in English, French, Mandarin and Arabic to ensure that a broad spectrum of Saskatoon residents, from new Canadians to seasoned winter veterans, can share their unique experiences.  

“City Council approved this citizen-first approach to improving the level of service as part of the 2017 winter road maintenance budget,” says Harris.

For 2017, more than $61.7 million has been invested in Building Better Roads including Road Maintenance, Snow & Ice Management and Street Cleaning and Sweeping. In fact, this year an additional $1.1 million has been dedicated to Snow & Ice Management.

In addition to this survey, we have also invited residents to help create a new approach to how winter is perceived in Saskatoon as part of WinterCityYXE, Saskatoon’s Winter City Strategy. Both surveys will identify ways in which we can work together as a community to make Saskatoon a great place to live in the winter time.

Visit saskatoon.ca/snow for more information and to participate in the survey today!