News Releases

Spring is finally here, and with that, the City of Saskatoon’s winter road maintenance season is coming to a close. Crews worked 24/7 sanding, salting, grading, plowing and removing snow and ice from streets to keep drivers moving. Crews will continue to respond if a snow or ice event occurs in the coming weeks.

“With the favourable weather, we are now shifting our focus to the annual Sweeping and Pothole Repair Programs,” says Jeff Jorgenson, General Manager of Transportation & Utilities. “The Spring Sweeping Blitz is already underway and is designed to collect the bulk of the debris left behind over winter, which in turn increases efficiency and cost effectiveness of the City Wide Neighbourhood Sweeping program.”

The Blitz will also remove sand and debris from medians where snow was stored. Sweepers will go around parked vehicles during the Blitz program; parking enforcement will not be applied.

If weather cooperates, city- wide sweeping is expected to start May 1. During the city-wide program, parking enforcement will be applied in order to allow for a full curb-to-curb sweep. The now familiar bright yellow “No Parking” signs will be used to notify residents and visitors of sweeping dates for each neighbourhood.

“With more typical spring conditions, we want to get out there and clean things up as quickly as possible,” Jorgenson says. “Less sand and debris on city streets and improved methods of reporting and managing potholes are just a few of our priorities for 2016.”

The Spring Pothole Blitz begins April 11 when hot mix asphalt is available, with the focus on many of the same high-traffic streets as the Spring Street Sweeping Blitz.

Pothole repairs are prioritized based on their size, depth, location within the roadway (driving lane, curb lane, etc.), and the traffic volume on that street. Potholes that cause concern in the driving lanes of high traffic streets will be repaired first.

Residents are encouraged to report potholes with the Report-a-Pothole interactive map on our website, beginning Monday, April 4.

Report-a-Pothole interactive map

• There are now three classifications of potholes to select from: low, medium, and high priority. High Priority (red) potholes locations are repaired first, followed by Medium Priority (yellow) locations. For program and crew efficiency, Low Priority (grey) locations will be repaired following the neighbourhood street sweeping in May and June.
• A construction projects map layer shows if construction is happening or about to. Paving will occur after construction is completed. Pothole repairs will be coordinated and prioritized with other construction activities to maximize crew efficiency and cost savings. 
• The application requires contact information in order to report a location, which allows inspectors to contact residents directly to confirm details in order to locate and rate each pothole.

“While our focus shifts towards our spring street sweeping and pothole patching programs, we are always aware that the last snowfall typically occurs in April and has been known to happen as late as May,” says Jorgenson. “Crews will be ready for whatever Mother Nature brings our way.”

Winter road maintenance results:

• 12 snow falls, including 3 where more than more than 5 centimeters fell
• Removed 4,524 tandem truckloads of snow
• Applied 11,000 tonnes of sand, 5,500 tonnes of Caliber blend sand, 4,090 tonnes of Salt and 132 tonnes of Caliber pre wet liquid
• Used 305 tonnes of cold mix asphalt to temporarily repair potholes and utility cuts
• Repaired 311 total combined water and sewer issues

For more information about the City’s Snow & Ice programs visit saskatoon.ca/snow. Find street sweeping and pothole patching updates and schedules at saskatoon.ca/betterroads, and to report emergency pothole locations, please phone Public Works immediately at 306-975-2476.

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

The final regulatory permits necessary to begin in-river construction of the North Commuter Parkway Bridge have now been received, and that work will begin today.

"This is really what we’ve been waiting for," says Dan Willems, Director of Major Projects. "Our contractor can now get into the river and start the foundation work for this vital piece of City infrastructure."

Graham Commuter Partners will work with the City over the next three years to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the North Commuter Parkway.

Regulatory permits were required from a number of organizations and agencies prior to the start of in-river construction for the Parkway bridge including: Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Transport Canada, Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment, Saskatchewan Water Security Agency, and Meewasin Valley Authority.

The new Traffic Bridge is also part of Bridging to Tomorrow, and work on that project continues. A complete project update will be issued in the near future.

For more information about the Bridging to Tomorrow Project, including the new Traffic Bridge and the North Commuter Parkway, visit saskatoon.ca/bridging.

Note: At this time, the best view of the North Commuter Parkway project can be found via time lapse camera footage posted on grahamcommuterpartners.ca. A live webcam for this project is coming soon.

The City of Saskatoon and communities across Canada are celebrating Water Week, March 21-27, 2016; it’s a time to recognize the critical role water plays in our daily lives and how it contributes to the overall quality of life we enjoy in Saskatoon.

“This year we want to remind residents to be water wise and reduce their impact on the environment,” says Tim Bushman, Plant Manager at Saskatoon Water. “Our awareness campaign will encourage people to get involved and share what they learn with friends and family.”

Starting Monday, residents can submit their answer to the Water Week Question of the Day on the City’s Facebook page. Participants have a chance to win a $25 gift card for any City leisure activity. Questions will provide an opportunity for residents to learn more about:

• processes we use to provide a clean and safe water supply,
• environmental protection through management of the wastewater & storm water collection systems,
• tips for properly disposing of waste which may cause system blockages.

The City maintains 1,074 kilometres of sanitary sewer pipes which collect and transport all of the waste water from your sink and tub drains, toilets and floor drains. When animal and vegetable fats, as well as oil used in cooking and preparing foods go down the drain, they can build-up along the walls of the pipes, creating obstructions that can cause sewer backups.

The issue compounds when obstructions such as grease build-up or tree roots exist, and other inorganic materials, such as cleaning wipes and sanitary products are flushed. Not only does it prevent proper flow in the sanitary sewer system, it can result in a messy and costly basement backup.

“When fats, oil, grease, and cleaning/sanitary products go down the drain, they clog pipes, create odours and can cause sewer backups,” says Bushman. “On average the City responds to approximately 100 sewer main blockages per year due to grease and over 3,500 home blockages which are due to roots, grease and wipes flushed down the line. Approximately 20% of that total is due to grease/personal hygiene and cleaning products.”

Residents can avoid blockages and sewage backups through proper disposal techniques:

• Wipe cooking oil, butter, sauces and salad dressing off cooking equipment with paper towels before washing;
• Scrape and toss any leftover solid food into a garbage container before washing the dishes or placing them in the dishwasher;
• Never put eggshells, coffee grounds, or kitty litter down the drain or toilet;
• Collect excess fats and oils in a sealed container and place in your Black Cart;
• Cleaning wipes/personal hygiene products should not be flushed down the toilet, but thrown out with your regular garbage (even ones advertised as flushable wipes); and
• Use recycling centres to dispose of motor oil and other hazardous materials.

Find more ways to Put Waste in the Right Place at saskatoon.ca/recycle

The storm water sewer runs alongside the sanitary sewer, collecting rain and snow melt water that drain into the catch basins on the street to prevent flooding. These pipes lead directly to the South Saskatchewan River. It is important that other chemicals and waste do not enter our storm water sewer system, as it can harm fish and wildlife, as well as reduce water quality for human use. The City is partnering with Meewasin this spring to educate students about the storm water system and will be sponsoring a community-based awareness program called Yellow Fish Road. Groups are encouraged to sign up for kits to paint yellow fish beside catch basins and distribute information to their neighbours.

“A clean and safe water supply and environmental protection are top priorities for the City of Saskatoon, as we know they are too for our citizens,” says Bushman. “Our staff works hard and takes pride in these services and are committed to ensuring all precautions are taken to keep our citizens safe when work or construction is occurring on the water, wastewater and storm sewer systems.”

Like Saskatoon City News on Facebook for our daily contest where there are lots of cool prizes! Check out saskatoon.ca/waterweek for tips and information and take a video tour of the City’s Waste Water Treatment Plant and Water Treatment Plant.

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

Following the February 10, 2014 direction of Saskatoon City Council, the City Solicitor has drafted an anti-bullying bylaw.  A report will be presented at Council’s regular business meeting Monday, March 21.

“The intent of the Bylaw is to recognize the role of all levels of government and community agencies in combatting bullying and in creating a positive environment,” says City Solicitor Patricia Warwick.  “To that end, one of the Bylaw’s purposes is to complement the education, prevention and awareness initiatives administered through the school system.”

The City consulted interested stakeholders in advance of submitting the Bylaw for consideration. 

The main elements of the Bylaw include:

*A definition of bullying which means: any unprovoked, repeated and inappropriate comment or conduct by a person which causes, which is intended to cause or which the person ought reasonably to know will cause harm, fear or physical or psychological distress to another person, including:
 -taunting, tormenting, name calling, ridiculing, insulting, mocking and directing slurs towards another person;
 -kicking, pushing, hair pulling or pinching another person; and
 -shunning, ostracizing, excluding another person and gossiping or rumour mongering about another person;

*Prohibitions against bullying in a public place and aiding, abetting or encouraging the bullying of another person;

*Recognition of the Chief of Police as the authority responsible for enforcement;

*The requirement that a parent or guardian appear in court with a young person (defined as between the ages of 12 and 18 years) charged under the Bylaw;

*The ability to participate in mediation to deal with charges as an alternative to the court process; and

*A definition of “public place” that includes any place to which the public has access as of right or by express or implied invitation. One draft includes schools and school sites in its definition. The other specifically excludes these places except outside of school hours.

If approved, the proposed effective date of the Bylaw is September 1, 2016, which will permit implementation of an awareness campaign and provide time for an appropriate mediation program to be developed to handle the diversion of matters from the court process.

The Circle Drive cloverleaf overpass will need weeks of repairs following a collision yesterday morning.

“A preliminary analysis estimates damage to the overpass at $ 0.5 million to $1.0 million.” says Rob Frank, Engineering Manager for Asset Preservation.

Just before 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 16, a semi-truck hauling a cultivator collided with the Circle Drive/Highway 11 & 16 cloverleaf in the city’s south end.  The farm equipment struck several girder lines underneath both sets of the Circle Drive/Highway 16 lanes overhead.

Portions of the overpass were refurbished this past summer.  Damage to the structure means repairs will be necessary in the late spring and summer months. While lane closures and traffic restrictions will be necessary at that time, all the cloverleaf traffic lanes are currently open. Engineers have inspected the structure and are confident it is safe to drive overtop and underneath.  

 “While an incident like this is covered by insurance without a cost hit on taxpayers, there is a social cost in terms of traffic restrictions that will have to happen,” Frank says.

The impact exposed rebar and loosened concrete over a northbound lane of highway 11/Circle Drive; the outside or curb lane had to be closed until work crews knocked-down loose concrete and cleaned up the debris.

The repair work is expected to be tendered in the coming weeks.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

March 8, 2016 Meeting

7.1.1 Interim Report – Climate Adaptation Strategies – Infrastructure

Decision

*The Committee received the information.

Background

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

7.1.2 Civic Operations Centre Construction Update

Decision

*The Committee received the information.

Background

*The construction is progressing as expected and monthly progress reports indicate that all activities are on track.
*In October 2014, City Council approved the award of the Request for Proposal for the COC, Phase One, to Integrated Team Solutions (ITS). This Team will design, build, finance and maintain the new Saskatoon Transit Facility, and design, build, finance, maintain and operate the permanent Snow Management Facility.

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

Decision

*The Committee received the information.

Background

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

7.2.1 Winter City Strategy Preparations

Decision

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

Background

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

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

Decision

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

Background

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

7.2.5 2016 Lead Service Line Replacement Funding

Decision

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

Background

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

March 8, 2016 Meeting

7.1.3 Update on Railway Delays  

Decision

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

Background

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

7.1.4 Transportation Network Companies (i.e. Uber)

Decision

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

Background

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

7.2.6 Protected Bike Lane Demonstration Project Update

Decision

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

Background

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

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

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

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

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

The key directions included in the Growth Plan are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

March 7, 2016 Meeting

7.1.4 Preliminary Year-End Financial Results

Decision

*The Committee is recommending to City Council:

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

Background

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

7.1.5 Consultant Services – 2015

Decision

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

Background

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

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

Decision

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

Background

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

March 7, 2016 Meeting

6.3.2  Kaela Tennent – Residential Backyard Fires

Decision

*Letters from Kaela Tennent were received as information and forwarded to the Administration to be included in the review of the bylaw (Fire and Protective Services Bylaw No. 7990).

Background

*Kaela Tennent of the 1400 block of Avenue C North wrote letters to Council concerning residential backyard fires. Tennent’s son has asthma and believes “the right to breathe and live a healthy life outweighs the right to enjoy backyard fires”. Tennent would like City Council ban backyard fires.
*Fire Chief Morgan Hackl addressed the Committee and said the Fire Department will review the bylaw this year.

7.2.1 Application for Funding Under Heritage Conservation Program – Bottomley House (1118 College Drive)

Decision

*The Committee supported forwarding a report to City Council recommending approval of the funding, up to a maximum of $3,337.50, through the Heritage Conservation Program for the restoration of the front verandah column bases and guardrails at Bottomley House and preparation and signing of the necessary agreement.

Background

*The Bottomley House at 1118 College Drive features a two-storey wood frame house built in 1912. The heritage significance of the property lies in its Queen Anne Revival architectural style with its bell-cast domed roof, curved windows, corner turret, and wrap-around verandah with Doric columns. The property’s original owner, Richard Bottomley, was a real estate developer who owned large tracts of land, and as such, required a prominent and distinct home that evoked a sense of affluence. The Bottomley House was designated as a Municipal Heritage Property in 2006 under City Bylaw No. 8485.
*The Heritage Conservation Program, under Civic Heritage Policy No. C10-020, provides funding for designated Municipal Heritage Properties for the conservation and rehabilitation of the character-defining elements of a heritage property. Financial incentives include a tax abatement for 50% of the eligible costs of a project to a maximum of $150,000.

7.2.3 Status Report on the Ten-Year Housing Business Plan 2013-2022

Decision

*The Committee will be forwarding a report to City Council to recommend it be received as information, for the Administration to report back at the time of the 2017 Business Plan and Budget deliberations on funding requirements and housing targets for 2017, and for the Administration to report back on the potential stabilization of funding through the establishment of a reserve.

Background

*In December 2014, City Council revised the 2015 housing target to 500 units across the attainable housing continuum. In November 2015, City Council allocated $500,000 to the Affordable Housing Reserve and set a target of 400 new attainable housing units for 2016.
*The 2015 housing targets have been achieved with the creation of 560 new attainable units. The City is also on track to achieve its 2016 housing targets.
*The housing need for low-income residents remains high.
*Moderate-income households now have adequate choices in both the rental and ownership markets.
*Progress is being made toward locating attainable housing in all areas of the city.
*A new Community Action Plan to address homelessness, created by the Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) and the United Way, is expected to be presented to City Council in the second quarter of 2016.
*Housing targets and funding levels for 2017 will be determined at the Business Plan and Budget deliberations in December 2016.

7.2.5 Chief Whitecap Park Master Plan Update

Decision

*The Committee received the update report as information.

Background

* The detailed design process for Chief Whitecap Park is currently underway and will be completed in 2016. Prior to the final plan being approved in 2016, and construction completed in 2017 or 2018, the land will continue to be used as an active and passive recreation area.
*Construction of a gravel parking lot at the north access of CWP is to begin in 2016, weather permitting.

7.2.7 Update on Saskatoon Minor Football Field Project

Decision

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

Background

*The report is an update on the 2015 operating season at the Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the name of the new clubhouse, construction of Phases 1-3, and an update on the Friends of the Bowl Foundation fundraising campaign
*The Saskatoon Minor Football Field (SMF) at Gordon Howe Park operated from mid-April to mid-November, 2015, for its first very successful full season.
*The Friends of the Bowl Foundation announced the first two phases of construction upgrades to the SMF Field, including the field, lighting, sound system, and clubhouse, will be completed this spring.
*With the construction of the new clubhouse nearing completion, the FOTBF Board has approved the name, Gordie Howe Sports Centre, for the clubhouse.
*The FOTBF has announced the third phase of the upgrade project, which is the plaza and ticket booth. Funding has been secured and the project will be completed this spring.
*The FOTBF has successfully achieved its fundraising goal to complete the three phases of upgrades at SMF Field.

7.2.9 Vacant Lot and Adaptive Re-use Program – Development Incentives – Parcel YY – River Landing

Decision

*The Committee will forward a report to City Council supporting the recommendations outlined in the report.

Background

*In March 2011, City Council approved the Vacant Lot and Adaptive Re-use Incentive Program (VLAR). The VLAR Incentive Program includes incentives to encourage more housing within the Downtown. The VLAR program was recently amended to also include new incentives for offices and structured parking, in accordance with the City Centre Plan.
*Because a portion of Parcel YY is to be developed as a public plaza open for community use, the developer (Triovest) of Parcel YY requested the same incentives which are offered within the Downtown. They have further requested an annual grant equivalent to the property taxes for the area of Parcel YY that will be developed as a public plaza.
*Recommendations are:

1) That a five-year tax abatement of the incremental taxes for the residential building, office buildings, and a structured parking facility located on Parcel YY, be approved;
2) That the five-year tax abatements take effect in the next taxation year following completion of each of the phased projects;
3) That the property taxes associated with the public plaza be granted back to the owner in exchange for construction and maintenance of the public plaza and guaranteed, reasonable public access;
4) That the City Solicitor be requested to prepare the appropriate agreements, and that His Worship the Mayor and the City Clerk be authorized to execute the agreements, under the Corporate Seal; and
5) The above recommendations be subject to the submission of a comprehensive site development concept plan and the proponent obtaining approval of the development concept from all approving authorities in accordance with the DCD1 regulations.

Saskatoon’s growth, weather and the price of fuel have helped the City post a net surplus of $1.436 million.

“There were a number of factors which contributed to the surplus,” says Chief Financial Officer Kerry Tarasoff.  “Lower fuel prices certainly played a role as did our overall community growth and a relatively mild winter.”

The year-end financial results are highlighted in a report today to the Standing Policy Committee on Finance.

“The silver lining to the downturn in oil prices has helped the City spend less,” Tarasoff says. “We also spent less on snow removal and all our boards including the Police Service had surpluses.”

Tarasoff further notes while a mild winter may mean savings in Public Works, it also means the City’s power company sells less electricity leading to a small deficit at Saskatoon Light & Power.

Positive figures were also offset by factors such as lower than expected revenues from traffic fines, landfill and parking, as well as an increase in fire protection spending and a transfer to the utility reserve.

To view the complete report, visit saskatoon.ca under City Hall>Council, Boards & Committees.

Fellow Citizens,

I want to add a bit more perspective and clarity on information circulating in the community on the City’s use of external consultants. Many of the comparisons that you may have seen, heard or read are incomplete. In the interest of ensuring you have the ability to compare apples to apples, we want to set the record straight.

While a surface-level review suggests that we have a different approach to hiring external consultants than other cities, the reality is that we have a different approach to reporting. Our administrative report includes all spending on consultants and contracts, which goes beyond the spending reported in many other communities.

I will expand on this below, but consultants and contracts allow us to obtain specialized skills we don’t keep in-house and to meet the demand of surge periods while holding the line on creating permanent full-time city jobs.

Recognizing the depth of our reporting is necessary to fully understand our spending. 

The Background

In response to a question in the January City Council meeting, we prepared a thorough, open and transparent report on costs related to the City’s use of outside advice and services. Given the interest in this subject, we felt a full report to City Council and the public was appropriate.

The facts are:

*All external consultant costs were approved in the 2015 Business Plan and Budget. We have not taken on additional or unexpected costs that were not approved in the budget process.
*The City invested $16 million or 4% of our total City budget on advice and services in support of capital projects – addressing an unprecedented need for construction projects made necessary by an unprecedented period of growth in our community.
*The City invested $2.6 million or 0.4% of our total City budget on advice or services to the City for operations. For example this includes $213,000 for internal audit services that are more cost effective to outsource.

Finding Accurate Comparisons

To be clear, the report to be discussed at the Finance committee next week includes all costs where an external consultant or service provider participated in our work. This ranges from preliminary planning and concept studies to using outside help to design and manage a project.

In other words, we cast a wider net than what it appears other municipalities may have reported to their citizens. We believe this level of openness is the most responsible way to report to citizens.

For example, if we were to compare referenced information from the City of Regina on consultants hired for planning studies or strategic policy advice with what Saskatoon spent on the same, our expenditures would be in the neighbourhood of $1.8 million (including $1.6 million on capital projects).  This is in line with the $1.75 million spent by the City of Regina in 2015.

Listening to our Community

The City of Saskatoon has experienced significant growth over the past decade and we have acted to address the priorities identified by our citizens – more notably traffic congestion, roads, bridges and infrastructure.

The money spent on capital contracts and consulting is due in large part to our rate of growth and infrastructure development.  Saskatoon outpaced most Canadian cities over the past number of years with an infrastructure investment of $500 million. It’s like we have been “building” another Humboldt or Melfort for the past several years.

As part of this, the City also develops land that, in turn, delivers a dividend to its citizens and helps pay for that growth and infrastructure.

We have turned to consultants as a responsible and prudent approach, allowing us to meet the demands of a growing city while controlling the growth of full-time city staff positions. The City performs its due diligence on quality assurance to further enhance accountability and to confirm the services we provide are in line with best practices.

Taking all these factors into consideration, a proper comparison requires an examination of a city’s economic growth and a common standard of reporting.

We always have your economic interests at heart and will continue to recommend work to City Council when we believe it is time and cost effective to do so.

Kind regards,
Kerry Tarasoff
Chief Financial Officer
 

This unseasonably warm winter with less snowfall has been a welcome for many people in Saskatoon. Less snow typically results in less shoveling on sidewalks for residents. Unfortunately, with the daytime melting followed by overnight freezing temperatures, residents are faced with icing conditions on their sidewalks.

Given Saskatoon’s reputation for strong community spirit, it comes as no surprise that again this year, the City of Saskatoon is recognizing the Snow Angels who go above and beyond to help fellow neighbours keep sidewalks clear, despite the added challenge of ice this season.

His Worship, Mayor Donald Atchison today thanked and presented a gift to Elmer and Agnes Regier, this month’s winners of the Snow Angel program’s prize draw. The Regiers were nominated as a Snow Angel by their neighbour, Janet Gordon.

“Elmer is an all-year angel”, says Gordon. “In summer he gives total care to the grass and grounds in my yard, and in winter he clears the snow and ice from my walks and large driveway. I was so lucky when the Regiers became my neighbours for many reasons. Elmer says it keeps him in shape, and l am so grateful for their help.”

“Clearing sidewalks quickly after a snowfall makes it easier and safer for people to move around, especially during an icy winter like the one we’ve had” says Acting General Manager of Community Services, Alan Wallace. “A thoughtful act from a neighbour like this epitomizes the spirit of many citizens in Saskatoon and is worthy of recognition.”

If residents receive help with their snow clearing, they can nominate them as a Snow Angel online at saskatoon.ca/snow. They’ll be sent a thank you card from His Worship, Mayor Donald Atchison as well as entered into a monthly prize draw.

The Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee (MHAC) recognized the “Spirit of Alliance - War of 1812” monument in the category of Education. The Heritage Awards were presented by His Worship Mayor Donald Atchison at the February 29 meeting of City Council.

“This is an achievement to be proud of,” says Kevin Kitchen, Community Development Manager.  “Commemorations contribute to Saskatoon’s urban landscape.  Whether as statues, monuments, or cairns, they describe our connections to the past, express community and individual values, contribute to telling our story, and help to create a sense of place.”

The education awards recognize the achievements of an individual, group or organization to educate the citizens of Saskatoon about its heritage in the areas of archaeology, history, museums, historic buildings and sites, genealogy, natural history, and folklore.

The City of Saskatoon received the donation of the Spirit of Alliance monument from the Whitecap Dakota First Nation to commemorate the alliance between the British Crown, the Dakota and others; and how the Dakota came to reside in the area. 

The City of Saskatoon’s Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee (MHAC) today announced the recipients of the 2015-2016 Heritage Awards. The Committee presents Heritage Awards every second year to recognize contributions to heritage preservation within the City of Saskatoon in the areas of archaeology, history, museums, historic buildings and sites, genealogy, natural history, and folklore.

“The Heritage Awards represent an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the work of preservation, restoration and stewardship of buildings of heritage value and education in our community,” stated Carla Duval-Tyler, Committee Chair. “These awards recognize what is often an immense amount of vision, time, and a financial commitment for something that benefits the entire city.”

“We thank all applicants as they demonstrate a vision on the part of Saskatoon residents and business in preserving, conserving and restoring our local heritage, and maintaining a sense of history as we build for the future of our city,” added Ms. Duval-Tyler.

Organizations were recognized in the following categories:

BUILDING SITES AND GROUNDS

Sensitive Addition (2 Awards)

Academic Health Sciences D Wing Addition

Presented to:

o   University of Saskatchewan (Property Owner)

o   Henry Downing Architects (Architect)

o   Graham Construction and Engineering Ltd.(General contractor)

o   Flad Architects (Lab Design Specialists)

St Thomas Moore College 2013 Addition     

Presented to:

o   Edwards Edwards McEwen Architects (Architects)

o   St Thomas More College (Property Owner)

o   Quorex Constructions Services Ltd. (Project Manager)

o   Robb-Kullman Engineering LLP (Prime Consultant, Structural Engineer)

Adaptive Re-Use (3 Awards)

210/212 20^th Street West (Grazing Goat / Green Ark)       

Presented to:

o   Strata Development Corporation (Property Owner and General Contractor)

433 - 20^th Street West (MGM Communications)      

Presented to:

o   Lionel Wong (Property Owner)

o   Strata Development Corporation (General Contractor)

o   MGM Communications (Tenant)

616-10^th Street East (Brainsport)        

Presented to:

o   Group2 Architecture (Architect and Designer)

o   Brainsport (Property Owner)

o   S2 Construction (General Contractor)

Heritage Space (1 Award)

616-10^th Street East (Brainsport)        

Presented to:

o   Group2 Architecture (Architect and Designer)

o   Brainsport (Property Owner)

o   S2 Construction (General Contractor)

VOLUNTEER PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD

Della Greer

o   Commitment to making Saskatoon a place that recognizes and celebrates arts, culture and heritage through her work with the Marr Residence and other agencies.

EDUCATION AWARDS (3 Awards)

Nutana and Broadway Heritage QR Code Tour

Presented to:    

o   Broadway Business Improvement District

o   Nutana Community Association

Spirit of Alliance Monument     

Presented to

o   J. S. Gauthier, Adrian Stimson,  Happy (Ian) Grove (Artists/ Sculptors)

o   Chief Darcy Bear (Funder, Visionary)

Joe Wickenhauser

o   Commitment to preserving and sharing the history of sexual and gender diversity in Saskatoon through lectures, walking tours, film events, displays and print publications and contributions to social media.

The awards will be presented in City Council Chambers (City Hall) by Mayor Atchison on Monday, February 29, 2016 at 5:00 PM. Reception to follow at The Bassment – 202 4^th Avenue North.

Detailed information on the Heritage Awards Program can be found at saskatoon.ca/HeritageAwards. 

The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo has launched an exciting new video showcasing a general medical exam on the popular red panda, Phoenix.

“The opportunity to create this unique video highlights the longstanding partnership in animal health between the Western College of Veterinary Medicine and the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo,” says Lynne Lacroix, Director of Recreation and Community Development.

Phoenix is a permanent “citizen” of Saskatoon who has lived in Phase II of the PotashCorp Ark exhibit since he moved from the Assiniboine Zoo in Winnipeg in 2014.  Red pandas, known for their resemblance to raccoons, have been classified as vulnerable due to habitat loss and poaching.  Slightly larger than a domestic cat, red pandas are recognizable with their reddish-brown fur and shaggy tail. 

Showcasing the educational aspects of the animal health program benefits many – from teaching skills to veterinary students for their future careers, to showing school students how in-depth an annual physical examination for a wild animal is.

“The video demonstrates the commitment of both our skilled staff and the City in ensuring a quality health program for the animals in our care,” says John Moran, Manager of the Forestry Farm Park & Zoo. “Showcasing this exclusive ‘behind the scenes’ footage brings to light the facility does more than just feed and clean the animals in our care; that our animal care and welfare initiatives are of the utmost importance in the work we do every day.”

The video is showcased on the City’s YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook pages.  It is also highlighted on saskatoon.ca/zoo and will be played in the Children’s Zoo and Discovery Centre as part of a public education initiative.  

The City Administration is asking for City Council permission to go ahead with the first steps of building two new road interchanges.  An urgent report has been added to the agenda of Council’s Monday afternoon meeting.

“We are taking the unusual step of seeking procurement of these projects before the federal government funding has been secured,” says Major Projects Director, Mike Gutek.

“We remain confident this project will be favourably considered by the Provincial and Federal Governments, but timing is becoming a factor.”

The City made an application to the Building Canada Fund seeking $29 million for the Highway 16 & Boychuk Drive interchange portion of this project, with approximately $14.52 million coming from each of the Federal and Provincial governments.

Negotiations with Dream Developments concluded in August 2015 and confirmed a funding strategy for the interchange at McOrmond Drive & College Drive.

In the unlikely event that the City’s application for Building Canada funding is not approved for the interchange, the Major Transportation Infrastructure Funding (MTIF) Plan, which consists of reserve funding, Building Canada Funding and borrowing as its main funding sources, would be adjusted to fund this project. 

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

In keeping with the City of Saskatoon’s strategic goal of continuous improvement, a new online tool has been launched that will allow residents to report traffic related concerns more accurately and efficiently. The new online interactive map provides citizens with the opportunity to report a traffic issue or concern associated with traffic, road signage/signals and safety on any Saskatoon street.

“The Report a Traffic Issue map is designed to replace the previous method of reporting, an online survey that linked to the City website,” says Angela Gardiner, Director of Transportation. “Residents can now pin point the exact location of the issue they are reporting and provide more details, including adding a photo, which will help engineers to investigate the concern.”  

Similar to the City’s Report a Pothole Map, residents find the correct location, place a dot on the map and follow the prompts to report an issue. There are nine traffic issue categories to choose from including cycling safety, back lanes, pedestrian safety, road construction, shortcutting traffic, speeding, signage, traffic delays or congestion and walkways.  

The application allows a user to add an image and provide an explanation of the issue they are reporting in an open comment box. Once submitted, the user is provided with a Request ID number that can be used for follow up with the Transportation Division. A customer service representative will respond to map users on their reported issues within 2 business days.

The one difference between this application and the pothole map is, once a report is submitted on the Report a Traffic Issue Map , the red point will no longer display on the public facing map. It will however continue to show up on the internal facing map referenced by City engineers. This is designed so other residents are not deterred from making a report by thinking an issue has already been reported. Duplicate reports of the same issue by multiple residents will help Transportation engineers determine the priority of the issue.

“This new online tool will streamline processes and allow for greater efficiencies in tracking and dealing with concerns in a timely and effective manner,” says Gardiner. “We will also be able to use the data to assess any developing trends that emerge.”

The City’s Transportation Division addresses traffic concerns in residential areas through the Neighbourhood Traffic Review process where appropriate. Otherwise, concerns are investigated on a case-by-case basis and action depends on engineering assessment and funding levels.

The Report a Traffic Issue Map is available on a desktop browser, smart phone or tablet device. To access the map please visit saskatoon.ca/TrafficIssuesMap.

In keeping with the City of Saskatoon’s strategic goal of continuous improvement, a new online tool has been launched that will allow residents to report traffic related concerns more accurately and efficiently. The new online interactive map provides citizens with the opportunity to report a traffic issue or concern associated with traffic, road signage/signals and safety on any Saskatoon street.

“The Report a Traffic Issue map is designed to replace the previous method of reporting, an online survey that linked to the City website,” says Angela Gardiner, Director of Transportation. “Residents can now pin point the exact location of the issue they are reporting and provide more details, including adding a photo, which will help engineers to investigate the concern.”  

Similar to the City’s Report a Pothole Map, residents find the correct location, place a dot on the map and follow the prompts to report an issue. There are nine traffic issue categories to choose from including cycling safety, back lanes, pedestrian safety, road construction, shortcutting traffic, speeding, signage, traffic delays or congestion and walkways.  

The application allows a user to add an image and provide an explanation of the issue they are reporting in an open comment box. Once submitted, the user is provided with a Request ID number that can be used for follow up with the Transportation Division. A customer service representative will respond to map users on their reported issues within 2 business days.

The one difference between this application and the pothole map is, once a report is submitted on the Report a Traffic Issue Map , the red point will no longer display on the public facing map. It will however continue to show up on the internal facing map referenced by City engineers. This is designed so other residents are not deterred from making a report by thinking an issue has already been reported. Duplicate reports of the same issue by multiple residents will help Transportation engineers determine the priority of the issue.

“This new online tool will streamline processes and allow for greater efficiencies in tracking and dealing with concerns in a timely and effective manner,” says Gardiner. “We will also be able to use the data to assess any developing trends that emerge.”

The City’s Transportation Division addresses traffic concerns in residential areas through the Neighbourhood Traffic Review process where appropriate. Otherwise, concerns are investigated on a case-by-case basis and action depends on engineering assessment and funding levels.

The Report a Traffic Issue Map is available on a desktop browser, smart phone or tablet device. To access the map please visit saskatoon.ca/TrafficIssuesMap

In December, City Council approved an additional $1.04 million in the 2016 budget to increase ice management and to build a base for future city-wide snow removal on residential streets. Up to $240,000 will increase sanding and salting on priority 3 streets from twelve hours to six; with $85,000 dedicated to outfitting the fleet of sanders with pre-wet mechanisms.

“This increased budget will allow us to address the types of conditions we have been experiencing this winter more effectively,” says Pat Hyde, Director of Public Works. “While mild weather is always welcomed, the increased number of freeze/thaw cycles is something we could continue to experience in winters to come. We’ll be better prepared for these types of weather events and the unique challenges they present with new equipment added to our fleet.”

Last winter, the City piloted a new technique called pre-wetting. A sanding truck was modified to spray a magnesium-chloride brine to the salt/sand blend as it was applied to the road surface. The moisture helped the sand stick to the roadway for traction, while the chemical activated the melting properties of salt to soften ice at lower temperatures.

“The pre-wetting solution has proven to be highly effective on priority streets. With the recent approved budget, we have been able to order 8 additional pre-wet systems and 4 1-tonne sanders, making for a grand total of 12. With an entire fleet of sanders on board by next winter, drivers will be sure to notice improved traction and less icing on priority streets.”

The additional funds for snow removal will be used to increase the frequency of windrow removal on priority streets. School Zones will also have more frequent snow removal, with a goal to increase windrow zones by 20 m. The plan for these programs is under development and will be presented to City Council over the next few months.

Winter road maintenance results so far this winter:

• 1,600 tandem truckloads of snow removed from City streets
• 20,000 tonnes of sand, 5,000 tonnes of pre-wet sand/salt and 4,500 tonnes of pre-mix sand applied
• 60 tonnes of cold mix asphalt used to temporarily repair potholes and utility cuts
• 130 total combined water and sewer main breaks were repaired restoring services for residents

For the fifth consecutive year, the City of Saskatoon is one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for 2016.

“We are pleased to be recognized for our accomplishments in this area,” says City Manager, Murray Totland.

Recognized for a fifth year demonstrates the City’s employment initiatives are supported at the national level.

“A sustainable strategy to reach our goals is important,” Totland says. “We will continuously improve and promote our progress toward a workplace which embraces diversity.”

Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for 2016 are outlined in the February 24, 2016 edition of The Globe and Mail as well as on Eluta.ca. 

More information has come to light about an incident which damaged Leslie Potter’s work “Visionaries” overnight.

“We are somewhat relieved it appears the damage was accidental,” says Community Initiatives Manager, Kevin Kitchen.  “Of course, we would prefer no harm come to public works of art, but we are similarly encouraged the artist tells us he believes it can be restored.”

Further details may be forthcoming, but initial accounts are police received a call on Monday just after 8:00 p.m. that a traffic collision involving multiple vehicles caused damage to the statue.

“Visionaries” was installed in 1994 at the corner of 21st Street East and 2nd Avenue South.  In all, two of three carved Dolomite figures were knocked over, and one of the carvings broke into three pieces.

Kitchen says staff will still have to follow up with the City’s insurance company and the artist to see what the next steps will be.

After an incident, which appears to have happened overnight, Community Development staff filed a police report today outlining damage to the Leslie Potter sculpture entitled “Visionaries.” 

“It’s sad to see a sculpture wrecked like this,” says Community Initiatives Manager, Kevin Kitchen.  “Once we knew about it, we immediately took steps to speak to the police.”

“Visionaries” was installed in 1994 at the corner of 21^st Street East and 2^nd Avenue South and has since been a valued fixture there.  One of three carved stone columns was somehow toppled, which left the column smashed in four separate pieces.

“On the one hand, it’s troubling if it is purely accidental and no one takes responsibility, but if this was done on purpose – it is one of the worst types of vandalism,” Kitchen says.  “It attacks a work of art and an object that has been part of downtown Saskatoon for more than 20 years; people have been walking by, taken pictures and told us how upset they are to see this work smashed like this.”

Kitchen says staff will follow up with the City’s insurance company and the artist to see what the next steps may be.

The City of Saskatoon’s largest-ever bridge-building program is underway. Today, the City of Saskatoon, Government of Saskatchewan and Government of Canada marked the official launch of the North Commuter Parkway and new Traffic Bridge construction project.

“Investing in infrastructure is vital to creating middle class jobs today and sustained economic growth for years to come,” Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale said. “The progress of this project marks an important milestone for the City of Saskatoon, one that also further demonstrates the benefit of partnering with the private sector to deliver projects such as the North Commuter Parkway and new Traffic Bridge to help build resilient and inclusive communities in which Canadians desire to live, which is something this Government is committed to.”

 “Our government is pleased to invest $50 million toward the North Commuter Parkway Bridge,” Education Minister and Saskatoon Southeast MLA Don Morgan said on behalf of Government Relations Minister Jim Reiter. “The City of Bridges’’ latest addition, the North Commuter Parkway, will serve a valuable role in reducing commute times, while also increasing capacity for Saskatoon’s future growth.”

“We’re grateful for the continuing strong partnerships with the federal and provincial governments in helping to ensure the people of Saskatoon benefit from infrastructure investments,” Saskatoon Mayor Donald Atchison said.  “Both the Parkway and the new Traffic Bridge will shorten commute times, cut fuel costs, offer more transportation options for cyclists and pedestrians, and help grow the economy—all of which improve our quality of life.”

Through the P3 Canada Fund, the federal government will invest up to 25 per cent of eligible costs toward the project, while the Province of Saskatchewan will contribute $50 million.

Following a careful selection process, Graham Commuter Partners (GCP), is the company the City contracted to undertake the construction of the project.

“We’re pleased to be a partner in the development of this historic infrastructure project, and to be continuing our long-term relationship as a valued service provider to the City of Saskatoon,” GCP Senior Vice President, Infrastructure John Connolly said.

Preparations for the new Traffic Bridge began in December 2015. Equipment and supplies are now being mobilized to begin construction on the North Commuter Parkway. Both bridges are expected to be complete by October 2018.

More information on the project is available at www.saskatoon.ca/bridging

Today the City of Saskatoon, along with the Government of Saskatchewan and Government of Canada, celebrated the grand opening of the City’s newly expanded Water Treatment Plant.

This project includes the construction of new reservoirs at the Avenue H and 42nd Street facilities to increase useable water storage capacity from 42.1 to 71.8 million litres, and new high lift pumping stations at each location for improved efficiency and reduced operating costs.  This brings the overall useable water storage capacity for the City of Saskatoon to 113.2 million litres, including the Acadia Street reservoir.

In addition, an ultraviolet disinfection system was added at the new four-storey-tall Avenue H facility.  The ultraviolet disinfection facility enables water to be pumped past a series of UV lamps to neutralize organisms missed by other disinfection processes.  Although Saskatoon’s stringent drinking water processes already comply with current water quality regulations, this additional measure further advances water quality assurances for the community.

The total cost of this project was $77 million with the Government of Canada contributing $12 million, the Government of Saskatchewan contributing $7 million and the City of Saskatoon contributing $58 million.

“The Government of Canada is proud to have partnered with the Province of Saskatchewan and the City of Saskatoon to increase the availability of quality drinking water for residents of Saskatoon,” said the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “This is an excellent example of building on existing infrastructure to meet the needs of years to come.”

“Our government is proud to have contributed $7 Million dollars to this important upgrade and expansion to the City’s water treatment system,” Saskatoon Eastview MLA Corey Tochor said on behalf of Government Relations Minister Jim Reiter.  “This investment will ensure future water needs can keep up with growth in the City of Saskatoon, which is now more than 260,000 people strong. We look forward to continuing to work with our municipal and federal partners on important infrastructure projects as our province continues to grow.”

“The investment ensures City of Saskatoon infrastructure can easily handle high demand periods for water usage, particularly in the summer months,” Saskatoon Mayor Donald Atchison said.  “With the new UV disinfection facility, we’re well-positioned to meet future treatment regulations that ensure protection from biological threats.”

Learn more about the City’s water treatment system at saskatoon.ca.

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

On Sunday, February 7 at 8:30 a.m., the far north span of Saskatoon’s Traffic Bridge will be taken down. While this phase of demolition will not be as dramatic as the first phase of demolition last month, the same stringent safety precautions will be in place for workers and the public. 

“Sections of the north span will be cut and explosive charges will be used, however rather than the entire span falling onto the berm, the south side of the span will simply tip onto the berm,” says Dan Willems, Special Projects Manager with Major Projects. “This will ensure there is no damage to the retaining wall near the riverbank; workers will then manually dismantle the span and begin the clean-up process.”

The demolition will be managed by Graham Commuter Partners (GCP), contracted by the City to undertake the construction of the Bridging to Tomorrow projects, through their contract with demolition contractor Rakowski Cartage & Wrecking Ltd. Stakeholders including the Saskatoon Fire Department, Saskatoon Police Service, and others have been consulted.

An exclusion zone with a radius of 250 meters from the blast site will be in place approximately one hour prior to the blast to limit public access and maintain resident safety. Residents located within the exclusion zone are being notified in writing by the contractor and provided with safety information, including the message to remain indoors during the demolition.

Anyone interested in viewing the demolition may watch from outside the exclusion zone. The optimum viewing area will be on the south end of the Broadway Bridge, as this Bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic for the demolition. Eye or ear protection is not required as there is no risk of high decibel noise, flying debris or dust from this location.

The Saskatoon Fire Department is cautioning spectators to avoid walking on or standing on the ice on the South Saskatchewan River during the demolition or at any time during the winter. Regardless of temperature, the river current can create unstable ice at any point and at any time. Fire and Police will be patrolling the site to ensure everyone remains safe.

Three minutes prior to the blast, a series of three short sirens will signal a warning that the blast will occur. After the blast, which will take only a few seconds, the contractor will check the site to ensure all explosives have been detonated and the site is safe. At this time, a longer all-clear siren will sound.

Road closures and traffic detours will be in place from between approximately 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. to ensure vehicles are safely outside the exclusion zone. Details of these will be shared in advance using the City’s regular communication mechanisms.

The public is free to take photos and video of the demolition from any area outside of the exclusion zone. The public may also watch the demolition on a live webcam accessible at Saskatoon.ca/bridging.

As with the first phase of demolition, all materials produced by the demolition are the property of GCP and cannot be released to the general public. The bridge materials will be disposed of in certified facilities as required. All other material, such as asphalt and concrete rubble, will be recycled.

The remaining centre span of the old bridge will be taken down as construction progresses. Details on the final demolition will be shared as they are known.

 For more City of Saskatoon news, program information, Service Alerts, Traffic Detours, and links to our social media channels, please visit saskatoon.ca.

The City has launched a Corporate Asset Management Plan to manage infrastructure, and to ensure that the City’s assets are capable of meeting the levels of service required to support the City of Saskatoon’s goals. 

“Our Asset Management Planning is an important step in establishing levels of service for the rehabilitation of all City assets, and identifying supporting financial strategies,” Director of Finance, Clae Hack says. “This type of long-term planning supports our goal of managing the City in a smart, sustainable way.”

The overarching Corporate Asset Management Plan will guide future funding, assist in the stewardship of assets, and support the delivery of City services by:

•        providing sufficient information to make informed and balanced decisions;
•        ensuring the required levels of services are provided in a cost-effective manner over the assets life;
•        ensuring maximum benefit is received from the assets; and
•        helping to manage risks to the delivery of the services (risk of asset failure).

“Under our Corporate Asset Management Plan, we are also planning eight individual Asset Management Plans for our major asset categories to begin with, but our goal over the next few years is to have a master asset management plan that encompasses all assets that the City owns,” Hack says.

To start, the eight major asset categories addressed in the Corporate Asset Management Plan will be:

•        Buildings and Facilities
•        Roads and Sidewalks
•        Bridges and Overpasses
•        Parks
•        Vehicles and Equipment
•        Transit
•        Water, Wastewater and Storm Water
•        Electrical Utility

Each individual plan will focus on four main questions:

•        What does the City own and what is it worth?
•        What is the current condition assessment?
•        What is the desired condition?
•        What is the funding gap required to reach the desired condition?

The content contained in each individual asset management plan will be slightly different depending on the asset class. Although the level of service and condition level for each type of asset is defined differently, an expenditure funding level will be identified in order to address any potential service level gaps.

The Asset Management Plans will be presented to City Council with a recommendation that the information be received and that the matter be considered during the City’s annual Budget Review process, next for 2017.  The plans will ensure that City Council has complete information when making decisions on how to fund the rehabilitation and maintenance of the City’s assets.  City Council will have the ability to select a desired condition rating (such as the age of the City’s Transit fleet or number of water main breaks over 25 years) as well as an expenditure level to address any gaps between the current and desired condition.

The overarching Corporate Asset Management Plan and the individual asset management plans support the Strategic Goal of Asset and Financial Sustainability, and the 4-year priority to establish levels of service for rehabilitation of assets and identify supporting financial strategies. The plans also support the City’s longer 10-year strategy to adopt and implement a corporate-wide asset management and rehabilitation philosophy.

To view the complete report along with Frequently Asked Questions, visit saskatoon.ca>Budget & Finance.

For more City of Saskatoon news, program information, Service Alerts, Traffic Detours, and links to our social media channels, please visit saskatoon.ca. 

Four major infrastructure projects are planned for the 2016 construction season.  Extensive rehabilitation work will take place on Broadway Avenue between the Broadway Bridge and 8th Street; rehabilitation is planned for the Ruth Street overpass on Idylwyld Drive; functional improvements will be made at Attridge Drive and Central Avenue; and work will continue on the Victor Road Interchange at Highway 11.

“The plan for 2016 is to continue to improve the functionality, condition and longevity of Saskatoon’s infrastructure to ensure these corridors can serve the residents and visitors of Saskatoon better and well into the future,” says Mike Gutek, Director of Major Projects. “To achieve these goals, there will be some traffic impacts and disruption to residents and businesses. The City is working diligently to minimize these impacts as much as possible through measures like traffic planning, early communication, site rental fees, and night work when appropriate.”

Each project will include the necessary traffic restrictions and detours to ensure the work can be completed safely. The impacts may include the closure of Broadway Bridge for approximately one week, detours and restrictions along Broadway Avenue, and reducing traffic to one lane in each direction on the Ruth Street overpass. Transportation planning has been carried out to ensure these projects do not have a cumulative traffic effect in any one area of the city.

The major repairs and improvements planned for 2016 will have impacts on residents, businesses, and commuters. The City has been working with stakeholders to ensure those immediately affected can plan appropriately for the impacts of these projects. Once this summer’s construction calendar is finalized, the City will outline the impacts to various commuting routes, and provide route options.

“Results from the 2015 Civic Services Survey indicate residents feel roads and sidewalks are by far the most important issue facing the city as well as infrastructure in general,” says Gutek. “We’ve made some great progress through the Building Better Roads program over the past two years and we will continue to build on that success.”

A report outlining the four major projects and the anticipated traffic restrictions will be presented to SPC on Transportation on Tuesday, February 9.

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

The City is starting off 2016 on a high note by making a positive stride toward our Strategic Goal of a Culture of Continuous Improvement.  For the fifth year in a row, the City has been selected as one of Saskatchewan’s 2016 Top Employers. The competition recognizes leading employers which offer exceptional places to work.

“Being named a Saskatchewan Top Employer for five years in a row is an outstanding achievement” says Catherine Gryba, General Manager of Corporate Performance.  “We make conscious efforts to continuously enhance our workplace culture.”

The City of Saskatoon was evaluated on eight criteria, the same used for the Canada Top 100 Employer’s competition:

1. Physical Workplace
2. Work Atmosphere & Communications
3. Financial Benefits & Compensation
4. Health & Family-Friendly Benefits
5. Vacation & Personal Time Off
6. Employee Engagement
7. Training & Skills Development
8. Community Involvement

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

“This achievement would not be possible without the hard work of City staff,” Gryba says. “Our employees are our greatest asset.”

Saskatchewan’s Top Employers 2016 are highlighted in the February 3, 2016 editions of the Saskatoon StarPhoenix and Regina Leader-Post. 

For more City of Saskatoon news, program information, Service Alerts, Traffic Detours, and links to our social media channels, please visit saskatoon.ca. 

International bond rating agency Standard and Poor’s (S&P) has awarded the City of Saskatoon its top rating of ‘AAA’/Stable. Every year, S&P reviews the City’s finances and delivers a rating in a report based on that study.

“Standard and Poor’s believes the City demonstrates what they view as good political and managerial strength, and this is evidenced in our very lengthy track-record of balancing budgets and meeting goals for the City,” says His Worship Mayor Donald Atchison. “Our financial management is strong, and our financial policies are well-planned and prudent. We time and time again demonstrate our stability.”

Standard & Poor’s notes, “…the stable outlook reflects expectations that, throughout the two-year outlook horizon, Saskatoon will continue benefiting from a very strong economy, and maintain exceptional liquidity and very strong budgetary flexibility.”

“Once again, this is excellent news,” says Chief Financial Officer Kerry Tarasoff. “The ‘AAA’ rating will continue to provide the City with the financial certainty and budgetary flexibility necessary to maintain and add infrastructure as we grow toward half a million people.” 

“The City’s budgetary performance has historically been stable and very strong, in our view,” the agency notes.  As S&P continues to view the financial outlook for Saskatoon as stable, it further outlines that even with a downturn in the resource sector somewhat affecting Saskatoon’s economy, the City’s revenue structure will be able to mitigate this impact.

The agency also points to the City’s transparency: “…good, annual financial statements and robust annual operating and capital budget documents…” as other reasons to award the rating.

The City has received the ‘AAA’/stable credit rating every year for more than a decade allowing the City to borrow money at lower interest rates.

View the full report from Standard & Poor’s on saskatoon.ca.

For more City of Saskatoon news, program information, Service Alerts, Traffic Detours, and links to our social media channels, please visit saskatoon.ca. 

Saskatoon is an active winter city and keeping people moving around is a top priority. To keep roads clear through all types of winter weather conditions, our roadway maintenance plan includes a variety of ice management and plowing strategies developed and fine-tuned over a number of years.

“While we continue to look for ways to improve and be more efficient with new products and equipment, the foundation of our winter maintenance strategies is the use of sand for traction and salt to soften the ice,” says Pat Hyde, Director of Public Works.

“A constant during winter is change,” Hyde says “Snow, as well as any change to temperature, moisture levels, wind, amount of traffic, or any combination of these, can create new road conditions and this is what happened this past weekend.”

Saskatoon had its first stretch of extreme cold which contributed to icy conditions, followed by light, puffy snow on Monday night adding additional moisture. This, along with dropping temperatures from -14 C to -22 C during the Tuesday morning commute  created ice crystals that settled on the roadways.  Added to this was wind, which effectively polished and concealed the ice. Aware of the forecast for snow, crews were out with a combination sand and salt mixture blended with a magnesium chloride additive to reduce the formation of ice and enhance traction.

In preparation for warmer temperatures that may go above the freezing point forecast for Friday (Jan. 22), crews – as usual – will be out applying sand and de-icing materials. Tonight there will be 13 sanders applying sand and de-icing materials to high-traffic roadways, along with 4 graders that will be shaving down any packed snow or ice.

“Even with the use of sand and de-icing agents, roadway conditions similar to what drivers experienced earlier this week may be present Friday because of the change in temperature, moisture from melting, and peak driving times,” Hyde says.

Drivers are reminded to slow down and be cautious.

Additionally, the City takes extra precautionary measures for managing bridges and overpasses which are more susceptible to icy conditions. When icy conditions exist, all bridge decks are checked and sanded as required every two hours. Bridge decks are usually sanded just before rush hour because it’s very difficult to sand during peak times.

We will also be starting our Circle Drive Snow Removal Program this Sunday night, also known as the “Snow Train.” The goal is to complete this work in two nights, to remove snow from the walls of bridges, overpasses and guard rails.

Please watch for equipment on the road. The large, slower-moving, machines used are equipped with flashing amber lights, and can be found on the road at any time of day or night.  Drivers should stay back a minimum of 15 metres (about 2.5 car lengths) from the equipment and approach slowly if passing is necessary.   

When safe to do so, drivers can report icy locations to Public Works Customer Service at 306-975-2476.

Snow What to Do this winter by visiting saskatoon.ca/snow. Find real time Snow & Ice and Traffic Detour alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts or follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert.

Earlier this morning, a car collided with a Saskatoon Transit bus northbound on Clarence Avenue.  It happened at the intersection of Isabella Street – which is controlled by stop signs on Isabella.

Paramedics have taken a man who was in the car to Royal University Hospital; at last word he was said to be in serious condition.

There were no injuries to anyone on the bus.

Saskatoon Transit is fully cooperating with the ongoing Police investigation. 

Traffic restrictions are in place at the collision scene.  While the # 17 Market Mall-Stonebridge-City Centre continues to run, pick-ups and drop-offs are not available at four stops between Hilliard and Taylor Streets because of the investigation.

Please check saskatoontransit.ca for details or call 306-975-3100.

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

At 9:00 a.m. today, the two south spans of Traffic Bridge were successfully taken down using explosive charges. The area has now been inspected and secured and road closures and traffic detours are being reopened. The 250 m exclusion zone has also been lifted.

The demolition was managed by Graham Commuter Partners (GCP), through their contract with licensed blasting specialist Rakowski Cartage & Wrecking Ltd. Saskatoon’s Police Service and Fire Department patrolled the area surrounding Traffic Bridge to ensure public safety.

Once the debris from the demolition is cleared, construction of the south portion of the new bridge can begin. GCP is hopeful that residents will start to see the first new southern span being erected by this summer.

The remaining two northern spans of the old bridge will be taken down as construction progresses. Details on future demolition dates will be shared as they are known.

The City wishes to thank residents, especially property owners and tenants within the exclusion zone, for their cooperation during this first phase of demolition. For more information about the Bridging to Tomorrow Project, including the new Traffic Bridge and the North Commuter Parkway, visit saskatoon.ca/bridging.

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

Work continues on the new Traffic Bridge and on Sunday, January 10 at 9:00 a.m. the two south spans of the old bridge will be taken down. To dismantle the spans, cuts will be made on sections of the bridge and explosive charges will cause the spans to fall.

“The demolition will be conducted according to a comprehensive demolition plan that has been shared with stakeholders including the Saskatoon Fire Department, Saskatoon Police Service, and others,” says Dan Willems, Special Projects Manager with Major Projects. “The demolition plan outlines the blast procedure, safety measures to ensure the public and workers are safe, and the clean-up of any hazardous material located within the old bridge material.”

The demolition will be managed by Graham Commuter Partners (GCP), through their contract with licensed blasting specialist Rakowski Cartage & Wrecking Ltd.

An exclusion zone with a radius of 250 meters from the blasting site will be in place approximately one hour prior to the blast to limit public access and maintain citizen safety. Property owners located within the exclusion zone are being notified in writing by the contractor and provided with safety information, including the message to remain indoors during the demolition.

Residents in the exclusion zone who sign up to receive messages via the City’s NotifyNow notification system will also receive notifications about the demolition.

Safety officers hired by the contractor, as well as the Saskatoon Police Service and the Saskatoon Fire Department, will be on site around the exclusion zone perimeter. The Saskatoon Fire Department will also patrol the South Saskatchewan River and riverbank to ensure public safety.

Anyone interested in viewing the demolition may watch from outside the exclusion zone. The optimum viewing area is the Broadway Bridge, which will be closed to vehicle traffic. Eye or ear protection is not required as there is no risk of flying debris or dust from this location.

Three minutes prior to the blast, a series of three short sirens will signal a warning that the blast will occur. After the blast, which will take only a few seconds, the contractor will check the site to ensure all explosives have been detonated and the site is safe. At this time, a longer all-clear siren will sound.

Road closures and traffic detours will be in place from between approximately 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. to ensure vehicles are safely outside the exclusion zone. Details of these will be shared in advance using the City’s regular communication mechanisms.

The public is free to take photos and video of the demolition from any area outside of the exclusion zone.

The remaining two spans of the old bridge will be taken down as construction progresses. Details on demolition dates will be shared as they are known.

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

The City of Saskatoon is celebrating the season of giving at this time of year, and recognizing the Snow Angels who go above and beyond to help fellow neighbours keep sidewalks clear of snow and ice throughout winter.

His Worship, Mayor Donald Atchison today thanked and presented a gift to Pat Freriks, this month’s winner of the Snow Angel program’s prize draw. Freriks was nominated as a Snow Angel by his neighbour, Simon Valentine.

“Saskatoon is a city full of thoughtful folks who help each other out; the Snow Angel program embodies the spirit of being good neighbours, which is something we take pride in,” says His Worship, Mayor Donald Atchison. “Pat is just one of hundreds of wonderful citizens nominated as a Snow Angel each winter, lending a hand to make Saskatoon a great place to live.”

“Every year since Pat has been living beside us, he clears my house of snow along with his,” says Valentine. “He’s never asked for anything in return and brushes it off when we thank him.”

A City bylaw requires residential sidewalks be clear of snow and ice within 48 hours after a snowfall. Commercial properties must have their walkways and sidewalks cleared within 24 hours. The City is responsible for clearing sidewalks adjacent to civic facilities, the Meewasin Trail and lit pathways in City parks.

“Clearing sidewalks quickly after a snowfall makes it easier and safer for people to move around,” says Andrew Hildebrandt, Director of Community Standards. “A considerate gesture from a neighbour like this goes a long way in improving accessibility and mobility for everyone and deserves to be recognized.”

If residents receive help with their snow clearing, they can nominate them as a Snow Angel online at saskatoon.ca/snow. They’ll be sent a thank you card from His Worship, Mayor Donald Atchison as well as entered into a monthly prize draw.

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

The City of Saskatoon Building Standards will begin permitting six storey wood frame construction in early 2016 when the 2015 National Building Code of Canada (NBC) is formally printed.  The building code currently limits wood frame construction to a maximum of four storeys. 

“There is a growing interest from our customers to build six storey wood frame structures,” says Kara Fagnou, Building Standards Director.  “Six storey wood frame construction consists of mid-rise commercial and, or residential buildings made out of wood instead of traditional steel or concrete materials.”

Six storey wood frame construction will be accepted in Saskatoon through the Building Standards Alternative Solution Process - supported by the 2015 NBC framework - in advance of anticipated adoption by the Province of Saskatchewan in mid-2017.

“This change provides a new opportunity to create beneficial, cost-effective mid-rise options between the current low-rise and high-rise development,” says Fagnou.  “Other jurisdictions have reported cost savings of $30 to $40 per square foot, or up to 20%, when compared to a similar building built with steel and concrete.”

Safety of the wood buildings is of primary importance, and applicants will be required to adhere to the upcoming 2015 National Fire Code, which has been amended to provide a prescription to reduce risk.

“Building Standards will work closely with the Saskatoon Fire Department and our municipal partners that have already implemented six storey wood buildings, to learn best practices to be accepted in Saskatoon,” she says.

This initiative will also support the goals of our Growth Plan to a Half Million, increasing urban density through the use of mid-rise commercial and, or residential buildings in key areas such as downtown, north downtown, University of Saskatchewan lands, and along the 22nd Street, Idylwyld Drive, 8th Street, College Drive, and Preston Avenue corridors.

For more information on the NBC or six storey wood frame construction, visit www.saskatoon.ca/buildingpermits.

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

December 14, 2015 Meeting of City Council

9.5.1  Saskatoon Public Schools - By-Election - Ward Nine Establishment of Date, Hours of Voting, Polling Areas and Places, Advances/Special and Mobile Polls Wednesday, February 24, 2016 

*City Council passed a recommendation that establishes hours of voting, polling areas and places, Special Poll and Advance Poll hours and locations, and a Mobile Poll, for the Saskatoon Public Schools, Ward Nine by-election to be held on February 24, 2016.

Additional Information:

*There is a vacancy on the Saskatoon Public School Board for Ward Nine. In accordance with Section 7(1) of The Local Government Election Act, City Council is to name a day specified by the board as election day.
*At the November 24, 2015, regular meeting of the Saskatoon Public School Board, February 24, 2016 was set as the by-election date.

9.6.1 2016 Taxi License Fee Increase

*City Council passed Bylaw No. 9342, The Taxi Amendment Bylaw, 2015 (No. 3).

Additional Information:

*During the November 23, 2015 City Council meeting, Administration recommended the annual taxi license fee for 2016 increase from $375 to $525.

9.6.2 2016 Transit Fare Adjustment

*Council passed Bylaw No. 9340, The Transit Fares Amendment Bylaw, 2015.

Additional Information:

*During meetings on November 30 and December 1, 2015, Administration recommended Transit fares for 2016 be adjusted by increasing the costs of tickets, monthly passes, annual passes, senior passes and low income passes, and by decreasing the cash fares for post-secondary students, adults and seniors.

9.6.3 Fee Increase for Woodlawn Cemetery

City Council passed Bylaw No. 9341, The Cemeteries Amendment Bylaw, 2015.

Additional Information:

*During meetings on November 30 and December 1, 2015, Administration recommended an increase to cemetery fees for 2016 by an overall average of 5%.

9.6.4 2016 Fee Increase for Multi-Unit Residential Recycling

City Council passed Bylaw No. 9339, The Waste Amendment Bylaw, 2015.

Additional Information:

*The Waste Amendment Bylaw implements City Council’s decision to increase the Multi-Unit Residential Recycling Program fees effective January 1, 2016.

9.6.5 Regulation of Electronic Cigarettes/Vaping and Ceremonial Tobacco Use

City Council passed Bylaw No. 9338, The Smoking Control Amendment Bylaw, 2015.

Additional Information:

*On November 23, 2015, City Council received a report recommending possible exemptions to existing smoking prohibitions to include the use of electronic cigarettes within an electronic cigarettes retailer and the use of tobacco in traditional Aboriginal spiritual or cultural practices or ceremonies being carried out in City-owned public places. City Council resolved that such exemptions be implemented and that the City Solicitor prepare the necessary bylaw amendment.

9.6.6 Municipal Governance Structure

City Council passed Bylaw No. 9331, The Procedures and Committees Amendment Bylaw, 2015 (No. 3).

Additional Information:

At its meeting held on November 23, 2015, City Council passed a resolution that:
-Executive Committee be renamed the Governance and Priorities Committee and remain a Committee of all members of Council; the Governance and Priorities Committee’s mandate includes: governance, strategic priorities, annual business plan and budget process, legal matters, human resource and collective bargaining issues and government relations; and, the Governance and Priorities Committee continues to meet on the third Monday of every month.
-City Council have the ability to extend a Regular Business Meeting past 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. upon a majority vote of the members present.
-For Public Hearings, members be prohibited from voting when absent for an entire Hearing; members vote when they have missed part of a Hearing but have reviewed a summary or a recording of what was missed; and, procedural provisions be included which aid in preventing members from missing small parts of Hearings.”

For the December 14, 2015 Regular Meeting of City Council

9.5.1  Saskatoon Public Schools - By-Election - Ward Nine Establishment of Date, Hours of Voting, Polling Areas and Places, Advances/Special and Mobile Polls Wednesday, February 24, 2016 

*City Council will be asked to consider a recommendation that establishes hours of voting, polling areas and places, Special Poll and Advance Poll hours and locations, and a Mobile Poll, for the Saskatoon Public Schools, Ward Nine by-election to be held on February 24, 2016.

Additional Information:

*There is a vacancy on the Saskatoon Public School Board for Ward Nine. In accordance with Section 7(1) of The Local Government Election Act, City Council is to name a day specified by the board as election day.
*At the November 24, 2015, regular meeting of the Saskatoon Public School Board, February 24, 2016 was set as the by-election date.

9.6.1 2016 Taxi License Fee Increase

*City Council will be asked to consider Bylaw No. 9342, The Taxi Amendment Bylaw, 2015 (No. 3).

Additional Information:

*During the November 23, 2015 City Council meeting, Administration recommended the annual taxi license fee for 2016 increase from $375 to $525.

9.6.2 2016 Transit Fare Adjustment

*Council will be asked to consider Bylaw No. 9340, The Transit Fares Amendment Bylaw, 2015.

Additional Information:

*during meetings on November 30 and December 1, 2015, Administration recommended Transit fares for 2016 be adjusted by increasing the costs of tickets, monthly passes, annual passes, senior passes and low income passes, and by decreasing the cash fares for post-secondary students, adults and seniors.

9.6.3 Fee Increase for Woodlawn Cemetery

City Council will be asked to consider Bylaw No. 9341, The Cemeteries Amendment Bylaw, 2015.

Additional Information:

*During meetings on November 30 and December 1, 2015, Administration recommended an increase to cemetery fees for 2016 by an overall average of 5%.

9.6.4 2016 Fee Increase for Multi-Unit Residential Recycling

City Council will be asked to consider Bylaw No. 9339, The Waste Amendment Bylaw, 2015.

Additional Information:

*The Waste Amendment Bylaw implements City Council’s decision to increase the Multi-Unit Residential Recycling Program fees effective January 1, 2016.

9.6.5 Regulation of Electronic Cigarettes/Vaping and Ceremonial Tobacco Use

*City Council will be asked to consider Bylaw No. 9338, The Smoking Control Amendment Bylaw, 2015.

Additional Information:

*On November 23, 2015, City Council received a report recommending possible exemptions to existing smoking prohibitions to include the use of electronic cigarettes within an electronic cigarettes retailer and the use of tobacco in traditional Aboriginal spiritual or cultural practices or ceremonies being carried out in City-owned public places. City Council resolved that such exemptions be implemented and that the City Solicitor prepare the necessary bylaw amendment.

9.6.6 Municipal Governance Structure

*City Council will be asked to consider Bylaw No. 9331, The Procedures and Committees Amendment Bylaw, 2015 (No. 3).

Additional Information:

At its meeting held on November 23, 2015, City Council passed a resolution that:

-Executive Committee be renamed the Governance and Priorities Committee and remain a Committee of all members of Council; the Governance and Priorities Committee’s mandate includes: governance, strategic priorities, annual business plan and budget process, legal matters, human resource and collective bargaining issues and government relations; and, the Governance and Priorities Committee continues to meet on the third Monday of every month.
-City Council have the ability to extend a Regular Business Meeting past 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. upon a majority vote of the members present.
-For Public Hearings, members be prohibited from voting when absent for an entire Hearing; members vote when they have missed part of a Hearing but have reviewed a summary or a recording of what was missed; and, procedural provisions be included which aid in preventing members from missing small parts of Hearings.”

Tomorrow, the City of Saskatoon hosts Jazz Aviation’s final stop on their cross-country tour in search of Santa. The event is intended to bring holiday cheer as some of Saskatoon’s most deserving children join Jazz, and community partners such as Saskatoon Transit, in a special day of “Searching for Santa.”

“You hear people talk about ways to instill holiday cheer, but we literally get to deliver it,” says Michael Moellenbeck, Operations Manager for Saskatoon Transit. “When we take these children to the airport, we are delivering them to an experience they will talk about for years to come. Saskatoon Transit is proud to be a part of this worthwhile holiday experience.”

For the Saskatoon portion of this seasonal event, Saskatoon Transit will be transporting 35 children from the Boys & Girls Club to the Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport where they will begin their holiday adventure. After their flight the children will enjoy breakfast with His Worship the Mayor Donald Atchison while they share their exciting stories.

As part of a national initiative, Jazz is enlisting the help of children from communities across Canada to help them search for Santa. In each community, children from various organizations board a Jazz aircraft where they get the opportunity to go for a short flight while helping to locate Santa.

“Christmas is a time for making positive memories that last a lifetime,” says Jon MacWilliams, Jazz’s Area Manager of Customer Service for the Prairies. “Jazz is grateful to Saskatoon and the many businesses and organizations like Saskatoon Transit that jumped on board when we proposed this idea. We do these events all across Canada and I am so pleased to bring this special adventure to some very special children here in Saskatoon.”

For more information about Saskatoon Transit, visit transit.saskatoon.ca or follow @StoonTransit on Twitter. You can also plan your route in advance using any of the following tools: Saskatoon Transit Trip Planner, Google Transit Trip Planner, or the Transit App on your mobile device.

With equipment moved on site, all regulatory permits in place, and the Meewasin Trail detours finalized, construction on the new Traffic Bridge is officially underway. Trail detours and construction fencing will be installed over the next couple of days and in-river construction will start next week.

Graham Commuter Partners (GCP) will work with the City over the next three years to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the new Traffic Bridge.

Starting tomorrow (Dec. 12), areas of the Meewasin Valley Trail will be restricted. Phase I of the restrictions will be in place until Spring 2016, and include the closure of the Trail between Broadway Avenue and the Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge on the south side of the South Saskatchewan River. Trail users will be detoured onto Saskatchewan Crescent East at each end of this section of the Trail via pedestrian crosswalks.

“Signage will be in place to ensure Trail users understand where the Trail is closed, the new temporary route, and where pedestrian crosswalks are located along Saskatchewan Crescent East,” says Dan Willems, Special Projects Manager with Major Projects.  “In addition to the detour signage, construction fencing will be going up around the perimeter of the construction site, and we remind residents to comply with posted signage. We want to ensure people are safe when moving around the live construction site.”

Next week, work on the construction berm in the river is expected to begin. “GCP will be constructing an earthen berm that extends from the south bank of the river to the existing pier in the centre of the river,” says Willems. “The berm will allow vehicles and equipment to access the river to work on the new bridge.”

Once the berm is constructed, the first phase of bridge demolition will occur. Information regarding the demolition will be shared in the coming weeks.

GCP is also in the process of applying for final permits to begin work on the North Commuter Parkway, the second component of the Bridging to Tomorrow project. It is expected construction of this bridge will start in early 2016. The City and GCP will be holding public information open house events on the Parkway piece of the project in early 2016.  

For more information, and a map of the Trail detours, visit saskatoon.ca/bridging.

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

The City is pleased it has been able to achieve a settlement with the Transit union on the matter of two weeks of damages due to that portion of the lockout last year being declared illegal.

The final amount of the payment is approximately $651,000.  The payment will have no adverse budget impact for 2015 or for 2016, as the City already accrued a sufficient amount during the 2014 year-end and funds were reserved for this purpose.

It’s expected affected Transit staff should receive a payment by mid-February.

Despite the City’s efforts, continuing discussions with the Transit union on wages and pension concerns unfortunately remain at an impasse.  Nonetheless, we will remain working on a new contract with the Transit union. 

Fire officials are offering some advice on how to keep your family safe during the holiday season.

Today, Saskatoon Eastview MLA Corey Tochor, on behalf of Government Relations Minister Jim Reiter, joined Saskatoon Mayor Donald Atchison at a demonstration of a natural Christmas tree burn to remind citizens to be fire safe this holiday season.

“During the busy Christmas season, remember to add fire safety to the top of your holiday list, as you prepare to celebrate this wonderful time of year,” Tochor said.

“As we celebrate this season, I hope families will make fire safety a tradition in their holiday plans,” Atchison said.  “Please take a few minutes to make sure your home is always a safe and welcoming place for friends and loved ones.”

Picking a tree:
When choosing a real Christmas tree, pick one with fresh, green needles that don’t fall off when touched.  At home, and before placing the tree in a stand, cut at least two inches from the base of the tree trunk.  Make sure the tree’s base is watered right away with it immersed at all times, then check and water it daily.

Placing, decorating and disposing of a tree:
The tree should be placed at least three feet from any heat source like fireplaces, radiators, candles and heat vents.  Tree decoration light strings should be approved by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), discarded if damaged, and never left on when leaving home or going to sleep.  Trees should also be disposed of quickly after celebrating the holidays.

Smoke alarms:
Remember to check your home’s smoke alarms before the holidays and test them monthly.  Everyone in your home should understand a smoke alarm’s sound and know they are to exit a building quickly and calmly before calling the fire department.

For fire safety message videos, visit the Government of Saskatchewan at https://youtu.be/RdvVdkNlQTM and the City of Saskatoon at https://youtu.be/ssEC0ZbhJ3I.

The Ministry of Government Relations includes the Emergency Management and Fire Safety Branch and the Office of the Fire Commissioner of Saskatchewan.

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

December 8, 2015 meeting

8.2.1 Appointments to Governance and Priorities Committee

*The purpose of the report is to transfer the 2016 appointments for Executive Committee to the newly-formed Governance and Priorities Committee.
*The committee approved forwarding a report to City Council recommending the 2016 appointments for Executive Committee be transferred to the Governance and Priorities Committee.

Background

*On November 23, City Council requested the following changes be implemented:
-Executive Committee be renamed the Governance and Priorities Committee and remain a Committee of all members of Council; the Governance and Priorities Committee’s mandate includes: governance, strategic priorities, annual business plan and budget process, legal matters, human resource and collective bargaining issues and government relations; and, the Governance and Priorities Committee continues to meet on the third Monday of every month.

8.2.2 Deferral Report – Municipal Governance – Practices and Procedures for the Reporting Out of In Camera Items

*Executive Committee approved deferral of the report until the January 18, 206 meeting of the Governance and Priorities Committee.

Background

*At the Executive Committee meeting of November 16, the Leadership Team Governance Subcommittee committed to providing a report respecting practices and procedures for the reporting out of in camera items. The finalization of this report has been delayed partly due to the passage of new Cities Act provisions impacting the issues. 

The City’s new garbage system will improve collection reliability, enhance customer service and improve efficiencies for the benefit of all black, blue and green cart customers.

“We’re so pleased to introduce new collection routes and take a bold step toward our vision of a highly efficient and effective waste management system,” said Brenda Wallace, Director of Environmental and Corporate Initiatives. “The City’s new efficient waste system will improve our service level to Saskatoon citizens, lower fuel costs and reduce our carbon footprint.”

Using real-time data collected by the new system over the past several months, the City is introducing optimised routes and schedules, designed specifically to move efficiently and directly through Saskatoon’s road network and neighbourhoods. The new routes also consider trips each truck needs to take to drop off collected materials at the landfill, recycling centre, or compost depot and ensures these trips are as short and direct as possible, with reduced back-tracking by collection trucks. There is no location change for front-street or back lane collections.

The new collection days begin January 4, 2016 and are clearly identified in the personalized 2016 Cart Collection Service guide and calendar delivered by Canada Post in December.

“Almost every neighbourhood will have a new day for at least one program starting January 4,” says Wallace.  “We encourage people to help their neighbours catch on to the new collection days for black and blue carts by reminding them if they don’t have their cart out, and by rolling out a cart for someone with physical challenges.”  

In addition to developing more efficient collection routes, the City’s new garbage system tracks where a garbage truck is on a route and confirms when your garbage has been collected. It also identifies any missed collections before a truck leaves the neighbourhood, and reduces the amount of kilometers the trucks travel, which is better for the environment and saves money in gas.

Increased efficiency of waste collection supports the City’s Strategic Goal of Asset and Financial Sustainability and being the best-managed city in Canada.

December 7, 2015 Meeting

7.1.1 Saskatoon Light & Power Smart Meter Program Update

*The committee received the report as information, which outlines progress on the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Project as well as steps SL&P has taken to ensure commitment to safety through the smart meter replacement program.
*The AMI network for communicating with electricity and water meters within the SL&P service area has been installed.
*System acceptance testing is underway for the AMI system and integration with the existing billing system is set for early 2016.
*SL&P has completed safety checks for all new and existing meters including inspections of private and SL&P infrastructure.

Background

*In June 2014, City Council approved the implementation of AMI. In early 2015, to ensure a commitment to safety through its smart meter replacement program, SL&P announced plans to conduct safety checks on all meter installations.

7.1.2 Building Better Infrastructure: Water & Wastewater Systems

*The committee received the report as information. The report provides information on the sanitary collection and water distribution inventory, value, condition, and asset management initiatives.
* Saskatoon currently has $3.39 and $2.84 billion of sanitary collection and water distribution assets.
*The water distribution system’s current preventative maintenance funding levels are sufficient for distribution mains. Further information is required to appropriately assess service connections, primary mains, valves and hydrants.
*The sanitary collection system’s current preventative maintenance funding levels are sufficient for sanitary collection mains and service connections. Further information is required to appropriately assess force mains, sanitary trunk mains and manholes.

Background

*The sources of data contained in the report are the City’s Geographical Information System (GIS) database, asset management databases, past contract values, and operations and maintenance records.

7.2.1 Service Saskatoon – Free Public WiFi Service

*The report will be forwarded to City Council for information. It provides information on the procurement process, and the business partner selected to provide citizens, visitors and businesses with free public WiFi service at a number of City-owned facilities.

Background

*A Request for an Expression of Interest and a Request for Proposal were issued for providing free public WiFi service in City customer-serving facilities.
*Shaw Communications has been awarded the agreement and will provide free WiFi at no cost to the City in transit terminals, recreation and sport facilities, libraries and City Hall.

7.2.5 Update from Corporate IT

*The report will be forwarded to City Council for information. It articulates high level activities the Information Technology (IT) division has been focused on during the past 6 months.

Background

*An independent consulting report recommended the development of a multi-year business plan determining how IT will support the strategic direction of the City. Based on the results of this review, IT launched a new vision and mandate statement in July 2015. Main components to the vision outlined in the IT Division are:
•Being a strategic business partner empowering our citizens and the Corporation in effectively utilizing technology to access our programs and services.
•IT would become the leaders in innovative business solutions for our business partners providing the effective and efficient use of the corporations’ resources. In conjunction with the development of a strategic business plan for IT, activities that are in alignment with goals of the Corporation have been initiated.

December 7, 2015 Meeting

7.1.1 Update on Railway Delays

*The report updates ongoing operational issues with Canadian National Railway in the southwest part of the city and provides an overview of the Rail Working Group.
*Administration will:
-provide a report with the traffic projections for Marquis Drive and 51st Street between Wanuskewin and Millar Avenue after opening of the new commuter parkway bridge
-provide a report with the criteria and assessment used in deciding which crossings to evaluate for the possibility of grade separation, including traffic counts, traffic projections, frequency of delays, length of delays, or whatever other criteria were used and to include a fact-based rationale for which crossings were selected, which were not, and why.
-review the possible relocation of the CN freight yards
-be instructed to review the relocation of the CP Yards in Sutherland and that they entertain the joint use/co-sharing of the CN mainline south of the city.

 Background

*In January, 2015 City Council resolved a committee be established between the City, CN, and CP to develop solutions to reduce delays resulting from at-grade railway crossings.
*In September, a letter was sent to the Regional Director of Transport Canada requesting clarification of jurisdiction and enforcement of regulations on the spur line at 11th Street West. To date, there has not been a response.

7.1.3 Varsity View Neighbourhood Traffic Review – Main Street and Wiggins Avenue

*The committee received the report outlining results of the additional public consultation with Varsity View residents and the Community Association on the proposed temporary traffic restriction at Main Street and Wiggins Avenue.

Background

*Administration will proceed with three relatively minor changes to signage along Main Street to mitigate shortcutting traffic. The majority of residents did not support the first restriction which included installing a raised curb to restrict east-west vehicular movement.

7.2.2 Neighbourhood Traffic Review – Revised Process

*The report outlines proposed changes to the Traffic Calming Guidelines and Tools document.
*The proposed changes include that major roadway modifications are made on a temporary basis for at least one year, at which time the Administration will evaluate impacts to traffic and collect community feedback to determine the level of support for maintaining the changes.
*The committee recommends to City Council that the Administration:
-be directed to update the “Traffic Calming Guidelines and Tools” procedure.

-be directed to proceed with current and 2016 Neighbourhood Traffic Reviews as outlined, until the Traffic Calming Guidelines and Tools document has been updated and approved by Council.

Background

*In November, the committee asked Administration to report back with recommendations on a clear policy regarding the endorsement of a final Neighbourhood Traffic Review, including a process outlining alternatives where some elements of a Neighbourhood Traffic Review may not be acceptable to Council.

City Council approved a 3.96% property tax increase at final budget deliberations yesterday which translates to a $64.70 per year increase, or $5.40 per month based on an average residential assessment value of $325,000.

** All figures in millions

Highlights of the Final 2016 Budget 

Transportation: 7% increase in expenditures or total change of $8.2 million over 2015

Snow & Ice Management: City Council resolved to dedicate 0.55% ($1.039M) of the increase to snow and ice programs in 2016, and instructed the Administration to bring forward similar increases in 2017 through 2020.  This additional funding will be used to improve snow removal programs immediately, and over a number of years of phased-in increases, this funding could eventually be sufficient to fund city-wide snow removal on residential streets when conditions warrant.  The January SPC on Transportation will be considering improved service levels to implement in 2016 and beyond, and is expected to make recommendations for Council to consider at its January meeting.

Snow disposal sites are a major consideration of this initiative for future years.  As such, Council has directed the Administration to bring forward detailed options and funding implications to the 2017 budget process.

Other Major Initiatives for Transportation in 2016:

• Build the North Commuter Parkway project, Traffic Bridge, interchanges at Boychuk Drive and Highway 16 and at College Drive and McOrmond Drive
• Continued focus on improving the condition of the transportation network through the Building Better Roads Program
• Establish a long-term Transit Strategy
• Utilize automated technology to provide a condition assessment of all of Saskatoon’s roadways
• Free Transit Service on Election Days
• Implement Neighbourhood Traffic Management Process

Environmental Health: 0.72% decrease in expenditures or total reduction of $0.14 million over 2015

• Funding approved for Major Initiatives that include the first phase of a Dutch Elm Disease Response Plan to prevent loss of urban forest trees and to increase public awareness; Recovery Park; a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Business Plan; Community Waste Reduction and Resource Recovery aimed at the Household Hazardous Waste Program in 2016; and Landfill Replacement Reserve
• To support waste diversion from the Saskatoon Landfill, the 2016 Green Cart Program subscription remains unchanged at $55 per year

Utilities: 4.9% increase or total change of $14.0 million in expenditures over 2015 - Capital $2.9 million,
ROI $3 million Operations (2.8%) $8.1 million

• For major initiatives that include continued Conservation Education Programs Odour Abatement
• Saskatoon Light & Power’s Green Energy Generation Projects; Additional power source-reliability; and infrastructure renewal funding strategies
• Water Treatment Plant upgrades to reliability and efficiency; additional fill main & reservoir in the NE and E Sectors
• Waste Water Treatment Plant Odour Abatement  with a goal of reduction to 76%; and addition of Fourth Digester/Liquid Waste Haulers Station/ Lift Station upgrades

Urban Planning & Development: 2.87% increase in expenditures or total change of $0.4 million over 2015

• For Major Initiatives that include the Growth Plan to Half a Million; New Regional Plan; New Active Transportation Plan; Parking Strategy; Comprehensive Re-write of the Building Bylaw; and Centralized Bylaw Enforcement through the Community Standards Division

Community Support: 2.54% increase in expenditures or total change of $0.4 million over 2015

• For Major Initiatives that include partnerships and programs for the Urban Aboriginal Leadership Program; the Age Friendly Saskatoon Action Plan; Immigration Action Plan; Culture Plan Implementation; and renewal of Accessibility Action Plan

Recreation & Culture: 3.65% increase in expenditures or total change of $1.74 million over 2015

• Major Initiatives include Recreation and Parks Master Plan implementation; planning for the next Leisure Centres; development of a sustainable plan for the maintenance of Parks & Recreation assets; and establishment of a PotashCorp Playland Asset Replacement and Maintenance Reserve

Fire: 3.3% increase in expenditures or total change of $1.49 million over 2015

• Expanded operations requiring additional resources due to the expansion of the city’s population and physical boundaries, and to meet the Service Levels established by City Council

Corporate Asset Management: 6.2% increase in expenditures or total change of $0.6 million over 2015

• For Major Initiatives that include enhancement of the Corporate Radio Communications network to meet civic demand and city growth; development of core capital renewal principles and funding strategies for long-term asset preservation; and corporate partnerships in Asset Management and Service Agreements to support program delivery

Corporate Governance & Finance: 6.99% increase in expenditures or total change of $4.5 million over 2015

• Service Saskatoon – 311/Customer Relationship Management
• For other Major Initiatives that include service levels for assets and preventative maintenance; continued Civic Service Reviews to ensure continuous improvement; risk management; strategies for Citizen Engagement; alternate sources of revenue through bundling advertising opportunities

Land Development: 24.34% decrease in expenditures or total reduction of $2.1 million over 2015

• Major Initiatives include the continued servicing of initial phases of Aspen Ridge; extending arterial roads and trunk sewers into Aspen Ridge and Brighton; Elk Point Concept Plan; new park construction throughout the city; and continuing to service last phases in Marquis Industrial Area for further employment growth

Taxation & General Revenues: 6.38% increase or total change of $21.9 million over net revenue 2015

• Major Initiatives include investigating alternate revenue sources to help alleviate pressure on the property tax levy; examining User Fees and Subsidies Policy; and analysis of Non-Tax Revenue

For more related budget reports, visit saskatoon.ca > Budget & Finances

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

Following two days of final budget deliberations, City Council has approved a 3.96% property tax increase which translates to a $64.70 per year increase, or $5.40 per month based on an average residential assessment value of $325,000. 

** All figures in millions

The preliminary budget initially had proposed a 3.95% property tax increase of which 3.57% was allocated to the Building Better Roads Program (year three of a planned four-year phase-in) and Policing.“The 2016 budget investment is based on Council’s full consideration of a variety of challenges facing our growing city,” says Kerry Tarasoff, Chief Financial Officer and General Manager, Asset & Financial Management. “The need for preservation and maintenance of infrastructure, providing appropriate emergency services for safe communities, and ensuring quality of life through City services were key decision drivers.”

“Bigger-picture inputs like the City’s Strategic Plan, citizen input gained through public engagement held throughout 2015, and the City’s Performance Measures which measure successes and track progress towards our set goals were also considered by Council in their decision making for 2016 budgetary spending,” Tarasoff says.

The Administration advanced numerous adjustments to the 2016 Business Plan and Budget, leading to further discussion, and additions and reductions to arrive at the current property tax increase of 3.96% for 2016:

• City Council resolved to dedicate 0.55% (which amounts to $1.039M of the property tax increase) to snow and ice programs in 2016, and instructed the Administration to prepare the 2017 through 2020 preliminary budgets with a similar additional allocations in each year.  This additional funding will be used to improve snow removal programs immediately, and over a number of years of phased-in increases, this funding could eventually be sufficient to fund city-wide snow removal on residential streets when conditions warrant. 
• The January SPC on Transportation will be considering improved service levels to implement in 2016 and beyond, and is expected to make recommendations for Council to consider at its January meeting.
• Snow disposal sites are a major consideration of this initiative for future years.  As such, Council has directed the Administration to bring forward detailed options and funding implications to the 2017 budget process.
• The Saskatoon Police Service received funding to hire four officers in January 2016 and four more officers in August, 2016; this results in a final operating budget of $469.3 in staff compensation and operating costs.  
• $50,000 grant approved for Saskatoon Tourism adding .03% to mill rate.
• $65,000 approved for Truth and Reconciliation Commission initiatives planned for 2016 or a .03% addition to the mill rate.
• Net impact of $45,000 for an addition Customer Service Position withing Urban Planning and Development or a .02% addition to the mill rate.
• $12,000 approved for seniors and residents with limited mobility, specifically for assistance focused on moving their waste and recycling carts equal to a .01% mill rate increase.
• $44,000 approved for the extension of paddling pool hours to maximize daytime use for patrons or a .02% mill rate increase.

City Council allocated all of the revised assessment growth, $1,248,100 in total, to reduce the mill rate. This reduced the impact by 0.66 % which resulted in a final property tax increase of 3.96%.

With rapid growth, and the City’s non-tax revenues declining as a share of the budget, there’s been a greater reliance on property tax to fund City operations. City Council and Administration  remain committed to their long-term 10-Year Strategy of increasing alternate revenue sources and reducing the reliance on residential property taxes as a source of revenue to pay for ongoing operations. To address the needs of citizens today and tomorrow, the City is focused on the long-term goal of managing the City in a smart, sustainable way.

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

Shaw Communications has been selected as the City’s first partner to provide free public WiFi service to 41 City facilities, Saskatoon Transit hubs and other select locations.

“Providing free access to the internet at various civic facilities is a great step toward ensuring citizens feel well connected and confident in the service being provided by their City,” says Rob Gilhuly, Service Saskatoon Manager.

Shaw customers will be able to automatically log onto the WiFi service through the Shaw Go WiFi network. Citizens and visitors can sign up for Guest Access on the Shaw Go WiFi network when visiting one of the participating City facilities.

“Free WiFi in our Leisure Centres will be a great way for more citizens to access the Drop-in Online service on our website,” says Lynne Lacroix, Director of Recreation & Community Development. “They will be able to get the latest drop-in schedule information for their favourite classes and activities, and can always be aware of any program cancellations.”

“Free public WiFi at transit terminals will be a great addition to the services provided for transit customers. It will provide additional convenience for individuals waiting for the bus and to those who want to use the transit app or google transit to check the status of the next bus,” says Jim McDonald, Director of Saskatoon Transit.

The City and Shaw will meet later this month to confirm facilities and installation schedules in 2016. A schedule of installation will be available on saskatoon.ca as it becomes available.