News Releases

From the December 11, 2017 Meeting

7.2.1 Proposed Memorandum of Understanding with the Gabriel Dumont Institute of Native Studies and Applied Research and the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies

Decision

*The Committee will recommend to City Council that the Administration continue discussions with the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies and with Gabriel Dumont Institute of Native Studies and Applied Research regarding establishing Memorandum of Agreements with each respective party as outlined in the report.

Background

*City Council, at its meeting held on June 22, 2015, resolved, in part, “That the City of Saskatoon declare July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016 the year of reconciliation and that the Administration work with the Office of the Treaty Commission, and other community groups, leaders and institutions in Saskatchewan, to promote reconciliation in our province.”

Separate meetings have been held between the Aboriginal Relations division and representatives from GDI and SIIT regarding strengthening the relationship between these organizations and the City. Both SIIT and GDI are interested in pursuing a more formalized arrangement with the City.

From the December 5, 2017 Meeting

6.1.1 Saskatoon Accessibility Advisory Committee – Complete Streets Design and Policy Guide

Decision

*The Committee received the information and passed a recommendation that the Administration engage the Saskatoon Accessibility Advisory Committee in future stakeholder discussion related to the Complete Streets Design and Policy Guide.  

7.1.3 Transit IT Roadmap Update – December 2017

Decision

*The Committee received the information.

Background

*At its meeting held on February 9, 2016, the Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities & Corporate Services considered the Transit IT Roadmap report which detailed three near-term initiatives: decreasing cancellation rates for Access Transit, Ridership Business Intelligence, and Real-time Transit Information & Open Data.

7.2.1 Transit – Intelligent Transportation System Software Upgrade – Award of Contract

Decision

*The Committee will recommend to City Council;

1. That the City enter into an agreement with Trapeze Software Incorporated for the upgrade from Trapeze Novus Intelligent Transportation System to Trapeze TransitMaster for a total cost of $1,347,202 (including applicable taxes); and
2. That Purchasing Services issue the appropriate purchase order.

Background

Saskatoon Transit currently employs Novus ITS to provide ITS functionality. While Novus ITS does provide reliable Global Positioning System (GPS) location information to feed General Transit Feed Specification – Real Time for public facing bus location information and operational reporting, TransitMaster contains service adjustment capabilities including: Real time detour management; Real time passenger information relative to bus capacity and overloads; and Feeds to external RSS, Twitter and third party applications. 

These TransitMaster specific capabilities will be heavily relied upon by Transit’s Control Centre to ensure the successful service delivery of future Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) implementations.

7.2.2 Taxi Service Proposals and Regulation of Transportation Network Companies

Decision

*The Committee will recommend to City Council:

1. That the Administration report on the creation of a comprehensive vehicle for hire bylaw including contents and options of same and a stand-alone bylaw for TNCs with consequential amendments to the Taxi Bylaw; and
2. That the Administration be directed to report back concerning:
   1. Amending The Taxi Bylaw to allow the implementation of part-time Flex Service licenses, issued to qualified drivers, to meet demand in peak periods;
      b. Amending The Taxi Bylaw to allow for the replacement of seasonal licenses with full-time plates, issued to qualified drivers, reflecting the Sask Plates proposal;
      c. Reviewing  the current taxi meter fare structure and develop options to improve affordability; and
      d. Reviewing regulations applicable to the taxi industry to support a ‘level playing field’ should development of regulations for transportation network companies be approved by City Council.

The Committee will recommend to City Council: 

1. That the Administration provide a further report on mechanisms to evaluate the impacts of ridesharing, taxis, and autonomous vehicles on Transit and congestion, as well as the opportunity for utilizing data generated from taxi industry and potentially ridesharing to help evaluate this; and
2. That the Administration provide a further report on the current levels of service to people requiring accessible service, and the potential impacts of the incorporation of ridesharing on Accessibility services.

Background

*On May 8, 2017, the Standing Policy Committee on Transportation received a report providing an update on the regulation of TNCs which indicated that a follow up report would be coming forward with policy options for consideration. Further, when considering the May 8, 2017 report regarding Taxi and Limousine Stakeholder Engagement regarding TNCs, the Committee resolved:

“That the Administration create a stakeholder group that includes, drivers, companies and appropriate stakeholders, in order to prepare for a report on further regulations regarding transportation network companies.”

7.2.4 Roadway Preventative Maintenance Strategy

Decision

*The Committee will recommend to City Council:

That a budget adjustment of $50,000 to Capital Project #1356 – V&E Additional Vehicles and Equipment funded from the Paved Roadways Infrastructure Reserve be approved to fund the acquisition of a rubberized crack filling machine.

Background

*Investment in the rehabilitation of the road network significantly increased in the summer of 2014 with the introduction of the Building Better Roads Program. With the added investment, road conditions network-wide have improved significantly; roads in good condition require different treatments to optimize maintenance expenditures and sustain good road conditions.

7.2.5 West Material Handling Facility – 2017 Budget Adjustment Request

Decision

*The Committee will recommend to City Council:

That a budget adjustment of $383,000 to Capital Project #2259 - TU-PW Satellite Yards funded from the Reserve for Capital Expenditures be approved to purchase land for a West Material Handling Facility.

Background

*To continue to perform road maintenance on a growing network, additional property is required to manage material such as sand, gravel, and recycled asphalt pavement. This site will be in addition to existing Roadways satellite facilities at the Civic Operations Centre, Wanuskewin Road, and Central Avenue. The Civic Operations Centre is permanent and is used exclusively for snow management. The Wanuskewin Road site is temporary and is also used solely for storing snow. Central Avenue is a temporary site, situated in the Small Swale, and is currently used for both snow storage and material handling. An alternative site for handling material is needed in the short term due to space constraints and to mitigate environmental impacts. The City is currently working on a comprehensive plan for facilities to accommodate the future of Civic operations across all City divisions.

From the December 5, 2017 Meeting

7.1.1 Green Infrastructure Strategy- Update

Decision

*The Committee accepted the recommendation to receive the information.

Background

*During 2017 Preliminary Business Plan and Budget Deliberations held on November 30 and December 1, 2016, City Council approved an amended scope of work for Capital Project #2390 – Green Infrastructure Strategy (Strategy). The purpose of the Strategy is to develop an integrated approach to planning for and maintaining a sustainable, biodiverse city by considering natural and supporting areas as important infrastructure.

At its meeting held on March 13, 2017, the Committee received the Meewasin Valley-wide Resource Management Plan for information. The Strategy will investigate a similar approach to management of other green spaces that are outside of the Meewasin Valley Authority’s (Meewasin) jurisdiction.

At its meeting held on May 8, 2017, the Committee considered the Green Infrastructure Strategy report which described the expected outcomes of the Strategy and the project’s alignment with the priorities of the City of Saskatoon.

 7.2.1 Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action Update – December 2017

Decision

1. *The Committee will recommend to City Council that the information be received; and that a copy of the report be forwarded to the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) to the attention of the Director of Policy; and that in future updates, the Controlled Corporations be afforded the opportunity to provide an update.

Background

*On June 22, 2015, City Council directed the Administration to identify responses and financial implications of the TRC Calls to Action and declared July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016 the Year of Reconciliation. The Administration was directed to work with the Office of the Treaty Commissioner (OTC), and other community groups, leaders, and institutions in Saskatchewan to promote reconciliation. The Administration reported on October 19, 2015, and was directed to provide regular updates outlining successes, as well as outstanding items, along with an update of events recognizing the Year of Reconciliation in Saskatoon. The Administration was also directed to report with a plan for increased professional development and training for employees, with a long-term target of 100 percent participation. A progress report was brought to City Council on March 21, 2016 and January 10, 2017, with a commitment to report back on the Action Plan for Reconciliation in fall/winter 2017.

From the December 4, 2017 Meeting

7.2.4 Municipal Asset Management Program Grant

Decision

*The Committee will recommend to City Council:

1. That the Administration apply for a grant from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Municipal Asset Management Program for the Culvert Assessment and Drainage Study project; and
2. That if approved for the grant funding, the City of Saskatoon
   1. commit to conducting the activities proposed in the application to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities; and
   2. increase Capital Project No. 1619 TU – Storm Sewer Trunk and Collection for the amount of approved grant funding and commit the City of Saskatoon’s share of this initiative from the already existing 2018 Budget in Capital Project No. 1619.

Background

*The MAMP is a 5-year, $50 million program funded by Infrastructure Canada. Subject to funding availability, applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until June 2020.

7.2.5 Property Tax: Recognition of Unique Property Impacts

Decision

*The Committee will forward the information to City Council, and recommended that the Administration report back on options to address communications about coefficients in assessment to provide better understanding of the process.

Background

*At its June 26, 2017 meeting, City Council adopted the following recommendation contained in the report of the Standing Policy Committee on Finance: “That the Administration report back on how to address issues of gross inconsistencies of properties that are not addressed through the assessment process including, but not limited to, the approach used in other Canadian cities.”

7.2.6 Transfer of Unpaid Utilities to Property Tax

Decision

*The Committee will recommend to City Council:

1. That the Landlord-Tenant Agreement be amended as outlined in the report of the CFO/General Manager, Asset and Financial Management dated December 4, 2017;
2. That the City Solicitor be instructed to amend the Landlord-Tenant Agreement; and
3. That the City Solicitor be instructed to amend the Rules and Regulations sections as required in Bylaw No. 7567, The Waterworks Bylaw, 1996 and Bylaw No. 2685, otherwise known as The Electric Light and Power Bylaw.

Background

*At its meeting on April 24, 2017, when considering a report from the CFO/General Manager, Asset and Financial Management Department, regarding the transfer of unpaid utilities to property tax, City Council resolved that the Administration bring back modified procedures regarding the transfer of tenant utility accounts to the tax accounts of landlords, such that City procedure is more reflective of those in place with other utilities such as SaskEnergy.

From the December 4, 2017 Meeting

7.2.1 Neighbourhood Level Infill Development Strategy – Three-and-Four-Unit Dwellings per Corner Site

Decision

*The Committee received the report as information; and passed a recommendation that the Administration submit a report to the SPC on Planning, Development and Community Services in the first quarter of 2018 regarding the next steps for implementation of opportunities outlined in the Infill Roundtable Report (provided by the Saskatoon & Region Home Builder’s Association).

Background

*At its December 16, 2013 meeting, City Council endorsed the Strategy. The Strategy was completed to address growing concerns with residential infill development in established neighbourhoods. The Strategy outlined best practices, design guidelines, and regulations that provide design flexibility and minimize the impact of neighbourhood level infill development on neighbouring property owners. A report was considered by the Planning and Operations Committee on March 25, 2014, that identified four main items for implementation: garden and garage suites, development standards and design guidelines for primary dwellings, corner lot infill development, and site drainage requirements.

7.2.4 Licensing Rental Properties and Regulations of Nuisance Calls for Emergency Services

Decision

*The Committee will recommend to City Council that the Administration be directed to explore a licensing program for rental property businesses which includes provisions to regulate nuisance calls for emergency services and report back including recommendations to City Council through the Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services.

Background

*On May 24, 2016, City Council considered the 2015 Annual Report of the Crime Free Multi-Housing Advisory Committee, including a report authored by the Chief of Police entitled “Information Report on CFMH Best Practices and Nuisance properties – a review of programs in Canada” (the “Best Practices Report”). The City of Saskatoon currently has The Property Maintenance and Nuisance Abatement Bylaw, 2003 (the “Property Maintenance Bylaw”). The Property Maintenance Bylaw regulates nuisances; however, nuisance is defined as the condition of a property or a thing that affects the amenity of a neighbourhood. The Property Maintenance Bylaw does not regulate behavioural nuisance i.e. the regulation of repeated human activity which may affect the amenity of a neighbourhood or interfere with the enjoyment of another’s property. Also, the Property Maintenance Bylaw does not address nuisance calls for emergency services.

7.2.5 Residential Fire Pits/Revision of Open-Air Fire Bylaw

Decision

*The Committee will recommend to City Council that the information be received; and that the Fire and Protective Services Bylaw be amended to limit open-air fires daily from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Background

*The Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services, at its meeting held on May 29, 2017, received a report from Administration regarding the above item and resolved:

“That the Administration report further on the matter, including:

           1. Limiting open air fires between certain hours and certain days of the week;

2. Permit process including costs to set up such a process and the cost of a permit;

3. What other jurisdictions in Canada regulate, including all of the matters identified in this request for further information;

4. Option for leaner versions to burn;

5. A phase out process;

6. Proper enforcement;

7. Outline out of the 192 complaints how many are repeats, how many are unresolved and how penalties might be structured for repeat offenders; and

8. Limitations on the duration of backyard fires.”

7.2.6 Progress Update – South Caswell Redevelopment Project – Former Saskatoon Transit Sites

Decision

*The Committee will recommend to City Council that the information be received.

Background

*During its May 30, 2016 and January 30, 2017 meetings, the Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services (Committee) received information reports that provided an update on the South Caswell Redevelopment Project, including:

a) the planning process and community engagement aspects;

b) costs associated with site preparation and potential revenue from land sales;

c) environmental conditions of the City-owned sites and the condition of existing buildings (former Saskatoon Transit facilities);

d) plans to undertake a detailed Phase II ESA and Risk Assessment of the City-owned sites to better understand the environmental contamination and risks;

e) security measures for vacant buildings and outdoor storage areas to avoid unwanted access and/or vandalism; and

f) short-term strategies being explored to determine whether the existing structures could be utilized as holding buildings for inactive equipment and vehicles, and whether City staff could utilize the office space.

The Administration indicated in the January 30, 2017 report, that a further report with an update on the redevelopment project would be forthcoming once the detailed Phase II ESA and Risk Assessment was completed.

Impaired driving has deadly, life-changing effects.  Enjoy yourself this New Year’s Eve but make a safe choice and take Transit for free.

Since 1989, Saskatoon Transit and Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) have partnered to offer free Transit and Access Transit service on New Year’s Eve.

For Nolan Barnes, the wrong choice had irreversible consequences; an impaired-driving crash in May of 2010 left Barnes paralyzed and a close friend dead. 

“We make decisions every day, some less important than others,” Barnes says.  “Having free transit service on New Year’s Eve makes the decision not to drink and drive easy.” 

“I’m a victim of my decisions.  I lost a friend and the use of my legs before understanding how the choices we make affect more than just us.”  

Barnes says, making a choice to have a safe ride home not only helps individuals, but everyone trying to get where they’re going.  

“Make the resolution not to drink and drive,” he says.

Free bus service, starts at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 31 and will run until 2:45 a.m. (times may vary slightly by route).

“Ding in the New Year allows residents to celebrate responsibly by taking advantage of free transit,” says Mayor Charlie Clark.  “This gives residents an option to have a safe ride home without driving under the influence and putting themselves or others at risk.”

The police service adds its support and advice for thinking ahead for New Year’s Eve celebrations.

“It is crucial everyone has a solid plan for getting home safely before they head out for the evening,” says Saskatoon Police Service Staff Sergeant Patrick Barbar.

Planning is easier than ever: customers who are new to Saskatoon Transit as well as current riders are encouraged to use the free Transit app to plan their route. Wait at a regular stop or flag down a bus at any point along the route, if you are in need of a ride.

“There is no reason for impaired driving, especially on New Year’s Eve,” says Jim McDonald, Director of Saskatoon Transit.  “We strongly encourage residents to jump on the bus and let us take you to and from your destination.”

“When flagging a bus, use caution, stand on the curb at a safe place for the bus to stop and raise your hand to get the operators attention.”

McDonald says Saskatoon Transit is thankful to have SGI as a partner again this year to provide free service.

“Impaired driving is 100 per cent preventable and there is always a better option than getting behind the wheel if you have been drinking,” says Tyler McMurchy, Media Relations Manager for SGI.  “If your New Year’s Eve plans involve alcohol, take the bus for free with Ding in the New Year or make other plans for a safe, sober ride home.”  

Following an extensive veterinary examination of injuries sustained from another animal in his elk herd, the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo had the sad responsibility on Tuesday of euthanizing one of the elk by the name of Winston. 

“We are all heartbroken by this,” says Tim Sinclair-Smith, Zoo Manager.  “We noticed Winston displayed some lameness and discovered he’d been injured near the right shoulder – likely by a kick from one of the other animals in the herd.  This can happen among animals living in a herd – it’s unfortunate but something that just occurs in nature.”

When staff noticed Winston wasn’t himself, they undertook several examinations and transported him to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan for a more in-depth examination.

Following the examination and given a very grim prognosis, Sinclair-Smith and a panel of seven veterinarians met to make the decision to euthanize the elk.

“We simply did not want him to suffer any more,” he says.  “Winston was a very calm and well-mannered elk that won the hearts of all that cared for him.  We will miss Winston and we know that all who knew him will feel the loss.” 

Saskatoon Transit wants to help eliminate the hassle of parking and offer shoppers access to multiple shopping destinations as efficiently as possible.  To do this, Transit is piloting a program called Jingle Bell Express — a new holiday service that will take shoppers on a loop to four malls.

“The holidays can be stressful enough without trying to find parking,” says Jim McDonald, Director of Saskatoon Transit. “We hope to make it a little easier for residents to get around leading up to the holidays and alleviate some of the stress that comes with Christmas shopping.”  

The Jingle Bell Express will be in operation from December 13th until December 23rd.  Regular fares will apply with the exception of Boxing Day when service on the Jingle Bell Express will be free.  Weekday service from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., weekend service from 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Boxing Day service from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.  The Jingle Bell Express (route #1225) will travel between the following locations:

• Confederation Mall
• Lawson Heights Mall
• Centre Mall
• Market Mall   

Residents are encouraged to use the Transit app to find the bus stop closest to them. Individuals will be able to board the bus and pay using their usual method of payment or $3 in cash. This will be of particular advantage to families who purchase a day pass which will allow four people (max of two adults) to ride for a 24 hour period on the weekend for only $8.50.  Day passes can only be purchased at the Saskatoon Transit customer service office in the downtown terminal.

The Jingle Bell Express route and schedule will be available on the Transit app (route #1225). 

All those who use the service will be encouraged to take a short, 4 question survey and be entered to win one of four $100 gift cards to one of the participating malls.

Yesterday’s notifynow TEST message sent by the City of Saskatoon’s Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) was once again a success based on the feedback from residents and program delivery results.

“Residents that called in yesterday after the TEST message wanted to learn more about how to sign up to customize their notifynow profile, says Deb Davies, Acting Director of Emergency Planning. “Residents are recognizing that in the event of a wide-scale emergency, or one affecting only their neighborhood, they might prefer a text message, and an email in addition to receiving a voice message to their landline. Or maybe they want to make sure their children receive a text message. That’s what is great about the notifynow emergency messaging system; people can customize their profile and tell us how best to contact them and their family members.”

To date, 22,470 residents have gone online to customize their preferred communication method. With the twice-yearly testing of the notifynow system, and by creating ongoing awareness for the program, the City’s EMO hopes to continue to grow this number.

“Testing the system helps  to familiarize residents with what a notifynow message will sound like and how it will be displayed on their phones or their other preferred methods of communication they’ve let us know about by signing up,” says Davies. “Testing helps residents know that a timely and targeted notifynow message is legitimate - and should be trusted. Should a resident receive a notifynow safety message, they’ll know what to do, where to go, and what to expect in an impending, escalating, or occurring emergency situation in Saskatoon. We ask that people save the contact in their address books and cell phones as notifynow for easier identification.

The ability to receive timely emergency communications is critical for all people, including the deaf and hard of hearing. The TEST yesterday sent messages to 86 TTY devices; again, the EMO hopes to continue to see this number grow. To receive accessible notifynow messages, sign up and enter up to two different TTY electronic device methods for text communication via telephone.

The EMO continues to encourage everyone to sign up for notifynow. Tell us how to best reach you with timely, targeted and trusted notifynow messages in an emergency situation. Visit saskatoon.ca/notifynow or call 306-975-3210 for more information.

This holiday season the City of Saskatoon is encouraging residents to keep recycling options in mind.

“We know that the holidays are a time where our community generates a greater amount of garbage than normal. Our ‘Create Memories, Not Garbage’ campaign is an opportunity for us share a gentle waste reduction message,” says Brenda Wallace, Director of Environmental and Corporate Initiatives. “Recycling and composting are important successes for our community, and it’s also important that we start thinking about waste reduction year-round.”   

Wallace says almost 100,000 tonnes of garbage is added to the landfill each year and waste reduction is a critical component to deferring the replacement of the landfill. The costs to close the existing landfill and establish a new landfill are estimated at $26 million and $100 million respectively.  

Here are some recycling and waste reduction suggestions for the holidays:

• Wrapping gifts with reusable materials
• Gifts with less packaging
• Gifts without packaging such as a Leisure Gift Card or tickets to a performance
• Gifts of time participating in one of Saskatoon’s many winter activities
• Gifts of food in reusable or recyclable containers

This is the first year that the City of Saskatoon has conducted a holiday waste reduction campaign. The campaign, built upon Metro Vancouver’s yearly waste reduction campaign will run on social media until January.

More information about purchasing Leisure Gift Cards is available at www.saskatoon.ca/admissions. Winter City activity information is available at www.saskatoon.ca/wintercityyxe.

The campaign supports the Strategic Goal of Environmental Leadership including the four-year priority to promote and facilitate city-wide composting and recycling and the long-term strategy to eliminate the need for a new landfill and to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions tied to City operations.  In addition, it supports the Waste Diversion Performance Target to divert 70% of waste by 2023.