News Releases

Today, the City of Saskatoon officially started community engagement for the implementation of its Plan for Growth with Mayor Charlie Clark launching the first of a series of videos entitled Let’s Talk Growth.  As the City heads into implementation for its Plan for Growth, this video series emphasizes the importance of continuing a city-wide conversation about the implementation of the Plan for Growth and what it will take to welcome an additional 250,000 people to Saskatoon in the coming decades.

Mayor Clark acknowledged the importance of this infrastructure investment for Saskatoon’s future, noting that the City and the Government of Canada will share in a total contribution of $7.65 million towards the current Plan for Growth projects through the Public Transportation Infrastructure Fund (PTIF).

Following the Mayor’s remarks, the City provided updates on its current plan for growth initiatives.  As part of this update, Director of Planning & Development, Lesley Anderson, noted that the City and its partners are currently planning monthly engagement opportunities for residents and stakeholders that will begin in November leading up to a major public engagement event in March 2018.

The City and the Government of Canada will share in a total contribution of $7.65 million towards the current Plan for Growth projects through the Public Transportation Infrastructure Fund (PTIF).

Quotations:

“The Government of Canada recognizes how important it is for transit infrastructure to keep pace with community development. By investing in Saskatoon’s public transportation, we are helping create sustainable solutions for future growth that meet citizens’ needs for years to come.” – The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities.

“Everybody loves ideas when they’re at a 40,000 foot level, but when it actually starts to have an impact on a street, on a neighbourhood, on a block that’s when people really start to take an interest.  We’re there now as a City, which is why we’re taking the process of talking to and engaging with people very seriously.  We’re working to find the right balance, while recognizing that neighbourhoods and the City must change over time to stay financially, and environmentally sustainable.  Working together, I truly believe we have a chance to be known as the city that got it right, and that’s exciting for all of us!” – His Worship Charlie Clark, Mayor, City of Saskatoon

Video Link:

Watch the Let’s Talk Growth: October Conversation video on the City of Saskatoon’s YouTube Channel

Background:

At its April 25, 2016 meeting, Saskatoon City Council approved in principle the Growth Plan to Half a Million which includes plans for a re-envisioned transit system based around Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and infill at strategic locations in the city including downtown, the university endowment lands and along major transportation corridors.  Following this approval, the City created a Ten Year Action Plan to advance a number of the core initiatives identified in the Growth Plan to Half a Million.

The City and the Government of Canada will share in a total contribution of $7.65 million through the Public Transportation Infrastructure Fund for a number of the Plan for Growth projects including:

• Bus Rapid Transit / Transit Plan Implementation
• Corridor Growth
  • Transit Villages Concept Plans
  • Corridor Planning Program
  • Brownfield Renewal Strategy

The City is undertaking work to improve Transit shelters and bus stops along with significant upgrades to the sidewalks that connect people to Transit. The work is being partially funded by the federal government, who contributed $1.5 million through the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund. One of the objectives of the fund, which is administered by the province, is to improve the active transportation network of municipalities across the country.

“Getting people where they need to go safely, quickly and comfortably is essential to creating liveable and inclusive communities. I am pleased that work is underway on these important projects that will contribute to a safer and more accessible transit system in 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.

“The Public Transit Infrastructure Fund will help Saskatoon make their local transportation network better for their citizens and visitors. The provincial government is pleased to administer the PTIF program and appreciates the support of the City of Saskatoon and the federal government for their funding contribution. The provincial government values this program being available to municipalities to improve the lives of Saskatchewan citizens,” said Government Relations Minister Larry Doke.

“Undertaking improvements to Transit stops and the sidewalks that lead to them, can mean the difference between choosing to use Transit or not,” says Jim McDonald, Director of Transit. “When we’re improving bus stops and shelters, and making the sidewalks smoother and easier to navigate, we’re improving the overall Transit experience.”

With input from the public via its recent Bus Stop Blues campaign, Saskatoon Transit received over 40 location submissions on areas that would benefit from improvements. A listing of the improvements that are being implemented can be found at SaskatoonTransit.ca.

Sidewalks are being upgraded or installed at 20 locations around the city and a complete listing of these locations can be found at saskatoon.ca/BetterRoads (under Related Documents). An additional 247 sidewalk ramps – which connect sidewalk to roadway – are being installed at 124 locations across the city. The locations for sidewalk improvements were identified based on connectivity to Transit. Additional considerations included public input, Neighbourhood Traffic Review recommendations, and locations where there are no sidewalks on either side of the road (versus on one side).

The total investment in these improvements, including the Government of Canada and City contributions, is $3.03 million. 

The City is undertaking work to improve Transit shelters and bus stops along with significant upgrades to the sidewalks that connect people to Transit. The work is being partially funded by the federal government, who contributed $1.5 million through the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund. One of the objectives of the fund, which is administered by the province, is to improve the active transportation network of municipalities across the country.

“Getting people where they need to go safely, quickly and comfortably is essential to creating liveable and inclusive communities. I am pleased that work is underway on these important projects that will contribute to a safer and more accessible transit system in 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.

“The Public Transit Infrastructure Fund will help Saskatoon make their local transportation network better for their citizens and visitors. The provincial government is pleased to administer the PTIF program and appreciates the support of the City of Saskatoon and the federal government for their funding contribution. The provincial government values this program being available to municipalities to improve the lives of Saskatchewan citizens,” said Government Relations Minister Larry Doke.

“Undertaking improvements to Transit stops and the sidewalks that lead to them, can mean the difference between choosing to use Transit or not,” says Jim McDonald, Director of Transit. “When we’re improving bus stops and shelters, and making the sidewalks smoother and easier to navigate, we’re improving the overall Transit experience.”

With input from the public via its recent Bus Stop Blues campaign, Saskatoon Transit received over 40 location submissions on areas that would benefit from improvements. A listing of the improvements that are being implemented can be found at SaskatoonTransit.ca.

Sidewalks are being upgraded or installed at 20 locations around the city and a complete listing of these locations can be found at saskatoon.ca/BetterRoads (under Related Documents). An additional 247 sidewalk ramps – which connect sidewalk to roadway – are being installed at 124 locations across the city. The locations for sidewalk improvements were identified based on connectivity to Transit. Additional considerations included public input, Neighbourhood Traffic Review recommendations, and locations where there are no sidewalks on either side of the road (versus on one side).

The total investment in these improvements, including the Government of Canada and City contributions, is $3.03 million.

From the October 16, 2017 Meeting

7.2.1 2018 Preliminary Business Plan and Budget

Decision

*The Committee decided;

1. That the information be received and referred to City Council’s 2018 Preliminary Business Plan and Budget meeting for consideration; and
2. That the Governance and Priorities Committee recommend to City Council:

a) That the meeting agendas for the Standing Policy Committees leading up to City Council’s Budget Deliberations include “2018 Preliminary Business Plan and Budget” as a standing agenda item to allow for discussion and comment; and

b) That the Administration report back on the current tax agreement with the Saskatoon Airport Authority and other potential options, including information on other municipalities.

Background

*At its September 18, 2017 meeting, the Governance and Priorities Committee considered the 2018 Business Plan and Budget Update report which outlined a projected property tax increase of 4.96% for 2018.

9.1 Capital Project to Support City Council’s 10 Strategic Priority Areas

Decision

*The Committee decided that a report be submitted to City Council recommending:

1.       That a capital project for $50,000 be created to support the leadership of members of City Council in their assigned priority areas for consideration during the 2018 Business Plan and Budget Deliberations;

2.        That the recommended funding for this project be the Reserve for Capital Expenditures; and

3.       That City Council delegate to the Governance and Priorities Committee the authority to approve the spending requests from this project made by members of Council.

Background

*City Council, at its meeting held on April 24, 2017 resolved, in part, “3. That Council Member Leads be empowered to take a leadership role in citizen and stakeholder engagement in the 10 priority areas.” Additionally, in this report presented to City Council for its meeting on April 24, 2017, it was stated that the Mayor’s Office would consult with Councillors and Administration to develop a budget to support the leadership initiative of City Council and the work of the members of City Council within their assigned priority area.

9.2 Strategic Areas and Priorities Update: Environmental Sustainability – Councillors Gersher and Loewen

Decision

*The Committee agreed with the recommendation that the information be received.

Background

*On April 24, 2017, City Council formally adopted a new leadership model in which each member took on a leadership role for one of ten strategic areas: Community Safety and Wellness, Core Services, Downtown Development, Economic Development, Environmental Sustainability, Information Technology, Reconciliation, Inclusion and Diversity, Recreation, Culture and Leisure, Regional Planning, and Transportation.

Weather

Environment Canada ended a wind warning for Saskatoon early this morning.

A very intense low pressure system continues to move through central Saskatchewan today.

For the rest of the day, we can expect westerly winds at 40 km/h and gusts to 60 km/h this afternoon, diminishing to 30 km/h with gusts to 50 km/h before finally tapering off to 20 km/h overnight.

Parks & Urban Forestry

Parks received five calls last night. Two were urgent with trees down over roadways.

Parks crews have not reported any extensive damage and are confident they can handle the damage being reported so far.

Parks & Urban Forestry has 11 Arborists available to be assigned on a priority basis.

There are also three crews assisting with inspections as needed and collecting branches.

Pest Management staff will also assist with inspections along the MVA trail and Horticulture Technicians are checking pathways and play areas in parks for tree damage.

Post-event priorities include: assessing reported damage and responding to City trees that have failed and are presenting potential danger to the public and clearing trees blocking access to roadways and sidewalks.

Tree branches that have failed and are on the ground are less of a risk as compared to trees that are hanging over roadways and sidewalks.

Parks technicians assessing tree damage will be attaching bright orange “Storm Damage Assessment Notice” signs to trees that they have inspected.

These signs also say, “A Forestry Inspector has assessed this tree. Required work will be performed on a priority basis as staff and equipment become available.”

As usual, everyone is advised to be cautious near trees in parks and around the city.

To report damage to City-owned trees that have failed and are blocking roadways and sidewalks, please call 306-975-2890 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

After hours tree damage can be reported to the Saskatoon Customer Service line at 306-975-2476.

Trees on private property are the responsibility of the property owner and brush that is cleared as a result of private trees obstructing public sidewalks or roadways will be left on the adjacent private property for the owner to clean up.

Any elm branches must be disposed of at the Saskatoon landfill.

Saskatoon Light & Power

SL&P crews were kept busy through the night as a result of the wind.

The City power company had outages in Sutherland, Arbor Creek, Erindale,

Evergreen, Forest Grove and the Airport Industrial Area.

Tree contacts caused stress on lines, several wood power poles broke and street light poles were knocked over.

Power in the residential areas went out around 11:30 p.m. and was restored around 1:30 a.m... Two customers were still out of power this morning. 

SL&P has the necessary resources to handle any isolated calls of downed tree limbs or other issues arising out of the windstorm.

To report a tree limb contacting or threatening a Saskatoon Light & Power service line, please call 306-975-2621.

For a SaskPower service line please call 306-310-2220.

Service Alerts with regular updates will be issued if outages occur. As always, they will provide information about the cause of the outage and the anticipated time for restoration. 

Fire Department

Firefighters responded to a grass and brush fire in the RM of Corman Park.  This incident occurred and escalated as a direct result of the strong wind gusts.  Two engine companies, two brush trucks and one water tender were used to put down the flames.

Subsequently though, three crews had to be recalled to back-fill for the absence of three crews inside city limits.

There were a total of five incidents involving electrical hazards as a result of downed power lines.

Police

The Saskatoon Police Service had an increase in alarm calls as a result of the wind event. Police handled 24 alarm calls between 8 p.m. Tuesday and 7 a.m. Wednesday.

Typically during this same time period for the month of October, police handle 6 to 7 alarm calls on a Tuesday night into the Wednesday morning hours.

Roadways & Operations

R&O will have crews available for debris pick up on roads. As usual, the Customer Service Center is available to receive calls and dispatch work around-the-clock at 306-975-2476.

From the October 10, 2017 Standing Policy Committee on Transportation
7.1.3 Infill Lane Paving Requirements

Decision

*The Committee carried a motion to recommend to City Council:

1. That the Administration report back to the next meeting of the Standing Policy Committee on Transportation what the effect would be to discontinue charging alley paving fees for infill until a permanent policy is in place;
2. That whereas infill development continues to lag behind the growth plan and the paving policy is likely to de-incentivize small and medium buildings, that the Standing Policy Committee on Transportation recommend to City Council:
3. That, as part of permanent policy development, further study be done to investigate expanding the density bonus system to incentivize infill development in areas beyond the downtown district;
4. That the Administration report back on the environmental impact of lane-paving as part of its climate change business plan; and
5. That the Administration report back how the above will support the Growth Plan, as it pertains to infill.

Background

*City Council, at its meeting held on June 26, 2017, received an informational report entitled Measures to Incentivize Infill Development, from the General Manager, Community Services Department. This report provided an overview of the various initiatives underway to support the City of Saskatoon’s infill targets, and the implementation of both the Growth Plan to Half a Million and City Centre Plan. In all new development areas, lanes are paved and developers fund the cost of lane paving. Because infrastructure costs can be spread across all benefiting property owners and included in the price of the lot, there is a funding mechanism in place that does not require input from the mill rate. Infill developments in existing neighbourhoods with gravel lanes do not have such a funding mechanism in place. It is anticipated the round table process will provide valuable input for the Administration to use in developing a formal paved lane policy that aligns with a greater infill strategy, but until that time no formal policy exists.

7.1.4 Sid Buckwold Bridge Walkway Widening

Decision

*The Committee agreed that the report of the General Manager, Transportation & Utilities Department dated October 10, 2017, be received as information.

Background

*At its meeting held on November 28, 2016, City Council approved the award of engineering services to Stantec Consulting Ltd. for completion of the design and construction services for rehabilitation of the Sid Buckwold Bridge. The Standing Policy Committee on Transportation, at its meeting held on June 16, 2017, resolved: “That the Administration report back on adding design work on the pedestrian walkway of the Sid Buckwold Bridge in order to modify the walkway, in conjunction with the 2019 rehabilitation project, in support of the Active Transportation Plan.”

7.2.1 Right-of-Way Temporary Use Fees

Decision

*The Committee carried a motion to recommend to City Council:

1. That the proposed fees for temporary use of the Right-of-Way be approved; and
2. That the City Solicitor be requested to prepare the appropriate bylaw amendment to Bylaw No. 7200, The Traffic Bylaw.

Background

*City Council, at its meeting held on April 24, 2017, considered the report Amendments to Bylaw 7200, The Traffic Bylaw – Right-of-Way Fees and Fines and resolved, in part: “4. That the Administration enter into discussions with stakeholders related to the fees for Right-of-Way usage and report to the Standing Policy Committee on Transportation before the end of 2017.”

7.2.4 Inquiry – Former Councillor P. Lorje (March 3, 2014) Time Restrictions for Parking Turnover in Residential Neighbourhoods

Decision

*The Committee carried forward motions to recommend to City Council:

1. That the Administration report back on the possibility of extending the time limit for parking in residential areas, while stipulating there will be an exemption for operational services levels; and
2. That the Administration report back on the opportunity to apply for an exemption for a finite period of time.

Background

*The following inquiry was made by Former Councillor P. Lorje at the meeting of City Council held on March 3, 2014: “Will the Administration please review the requirement for parking turnover of private vehicles in residential neighbourhoods. Currently cars have to be moved at least every 36 hours. This poses a difficulty for people who wish to park their Inquiry – Former Councillor P. Lorje (March 3, 2014) Time Restrictions for Parking Turnover in Residential Neighbourhoods Page 2 of 4 car and go away for the weekend. Can consideration be given to lengthening the time restriction to 48, 60 or 72 hours.” At its meeting held on June 12, 2017, the Standing Policy Committee on Transportation considered the Street Cleaning and Sweeping Service Level report and resolved: “That the Standing Policy Committee on Transportation recommend to City Council Budget Deliberations, Option 1 of the report of the General Manager, Transportation & Utilities Department dated June 12, 2017, which is an increase to the annual budget allocation to meet the current service level.”

7.2.5 College Drive Speed Limit

Decision

*The Committee carried a motion to recommend to City Council that a speed limit of 80 kph on College Drive, from a point 100 meters east of Preston Avenue to the end of the College Drive and McOrmond Drive interchange, be established.

Background

*City Council at its meeting held on March 23, 2015, approved a report from the General Manager, Transportation & Utilities Department to change the classification of College Drive, between the CPR tracks and the city limits, to Urban Expressway in order to improve connectivity into the Holmwood Sector. Establishing the classification of the roadway and speed limit in advance is required to proceed with design of the interchange. A speed limit of 90 kph is being recommended for this purpose.

7.2.6 Complete Streets Design and Policy Guide

Decision

*The Committee agreed to recommend to City Council:

Background

*The Growth Plan was approved in principle by City Council in 2016. The directions of the Growth Plan provide guidance for civic investments in infrastructure and support programs over the short, medium, and long-term that will shape growth patterns and increase transportation choices, in order to achieve the social, economic, and environmental aspirations of the community. The Guide is a supporting document of the original Growth Plan work.

1. That the Complete Streets Design and Policy Guide be adopted in principle; and
2. That the Administration proceed with preparing a Council Policy based on the Complete Streets Design and Policy Guide provided in this report; and
3. That the implementation plan be approved.

From the October 10, 2017 Standing Policy Committee on EU&CS

7.1.2 Special Needs Garbage Collection Service

Decision

*The Committee agreed to recommend to City Council;

1. That through the Waste Utility consultation, the Administration engage with relevant stakeholders such as senior and disability services organizations as well as the Saskatoon Accessibility Advisory Committee to address accessibility needs as well as any updates required to the Special Needs Garbage Collection Service; and
2. That the report be forwarded to the Saskatoon Accessibility Advisory Committee for information.

Background

*City Council at its 2016 Preliminary Business Plan and Budget meeting held on November 30 and December 1, 2015, considered the report Services and Accommodations for Seniors and Residents with Physical Limitations – Options and Possible Partnerships and resolved, in part: “That a marketing promotion campaign, like the Snow Angel Program, with a focus on neighbours helping neighbours with moving their garbage/recycle bins, including the establishment of a process for groups to be on a list for providing a low-cost fee for service in assisting with moving bins be approved, with an increase to the budget of $12,000.” City Council, at its meeting held on September 25, 2017, considered the Waste Handling Levels of Service report and resolved, in part: “That all other service level changes be considered during the development and implementation of waste utility options.”

7.2.3 Update – North Commuter Parkway Bridge – Bridge Naming Engagement Process

Decision

*The Committee accepted the recommendation that the report of the A/General Manager, Corporate Performance Department dated October 10, 2017, be forwarded to City Council for information.

Background

*On June 22, 2015, City Council directed the Administration to identify responses and financial implications of the TRC Calls to Action. City Council also 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. On July 21, 2016, City Council unanimously voted in favour of engaging the community in naming the North Commuter Parkway Bridge in recognition of the TRC’s calls to action, specifically #79 which is ‘Participate in a strategy to commemorate Aboriginal peoples' history and contributions to Canada.’ The process undertaken to propose a name for the NCP Bridge will be community driven, building on the community reconciliation process and Aboriginal Elders will guide the Aboriginal Cultural and Spiritual processes for the naming process. City Administration has gathered key community members to form the Steering Committee to determine and carry out a community-led process for naming the North Commuter Parkway Bridge (NCP). The Steering Committee includes representatives from City Administration, the Office of the Treaty Commissioner (OTC), Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC), Central Urban Métis Federation Incorporated (CUMFI) and the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN).

7.2.4 Waste Bylaw Amendments

Decision

*The Committee agreed to recommend to City Council:

1. That Bylaw No. 8310, The Waste Bylaw, 2004 be amended as outlined in the report of the A/General Manager, Corporate Performance Department, dated October 10, 2017 to improve education and enforcement opportunities in the community; and
2. That the City Solicitor be requested to prepare the appropriate amendment to Bylaw No. 8310, The Waste Bylaw, 2004. 

Background

*On May 3, 2004, City Council approved the creation of Bylaw No. 8310, The Waste Bylaw. On December 1, 2016, City Council approved the ‘Fees for Waste-Related Services 2017, 2018, 2019’ report which included amendments to The Waste Bylaw. These amendments included updates to the Rate Schedules for Landfill Fees, Commercial Garbage Collection, Residential Recycling Programs and Compost Depot Commercial Haulers.

7.2.5 Wastewater Treatment Plant – Cogeneration System Project

Decision

*The Committee agreed to recommend to City Council:

1. That Capital Project #1247 – WWT – Energy Recovery and Capital Project #2211 – WWT – Electrical Redundancy be cancelled at this time; and
2. That the remaining previous approvals of $9.745 million from Capital Project #1247 – WWT – Energy Recovery and Capital Project #2211 – WWT – Electrical Redundancy be transferred to Capital Project #2579 – WWT – Digester Tank 4.

Background

*Studies investigating the viability of energy recovery at the WWTP were completed by third party reviewers in 2007, 2008, and 2010. Each report concluded the potential for cogeneration to offset electricity and natural gas demands was attainable. Capital funding was commenced to implement cogeneration as part of electrical redundancy and energy recovery at the plant, with the additional environmental benefit of utilizing biogas and reducing electrical demand at the plant.

Weather

Environment Canada has issued a wind warning for Saskatoon.

A very intense low pressure system is moving in from Alberta and passing through central Saskatchewan tonight.

Wind speeds in Saskatoon are expected to increase this afternoon from the southwest at 30 km/h gusting to 50 km/h.  This evening, the southwesterly wind is expected to increase to 50 Km/h gusting to 70 km/h.

The peak wind speeds in Saskatoon are forecast to occur between about 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., becoming westerly to northwesterly at 70 km/h gusting to 100 km/h -- with higher gusts possible.

The wind is expected to diminish to 50 km/h with gusting to 70 km/h.  Right now the wind is forecast to remain at that intensity for Wednesday morning and then easing toward evening.   

Damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows, may occur. High winds may toss loose objects or cause tree branches to break.

Wind warnings are issued when there is a significant risk of damaging winds.

Parks & Urban Forestry

The Parks Division is preparing Urban Forestry equipment and staff for potential tree damage.

Four Arborists will be on-call after hours between 4:30 p.m. tonight and 7:30 a.m. tomorrow for emergency work.

During the high wind event, the priority will be to assist only with tree clearing considered emergency work such as trees blocking emergency vehicles.

After the event, the priority will be to assess reported damage and respond on a priority basis to City trees that have failed and presenting potential danger to the public and trees blocking access to roadways and sidewalks.

Tree branches that have failed and are on the ground are less of a risk as compared to trees that are hanging over roadways and sidewalks.

Parks technicians assessing tree damage will be attaching bright orange “Storm Damage Assessment Notice” signs to trees that they have inspected.

These signs also say, “A Forestry Inspector has assessed this tree. Required work will be performed on a priority basis as staff and equipment become available".

As usual, everyone is advised to be cautious near trees in parks and around the city.

To report damage to City-owned trees that have failed and are blocking roadways and sidewalks, please call 306-975-2890 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

After hours tree damage can be reported to the Saskatoon Customer Service line at 306-975-2476.

Trees on private property are the responsibility of the property owner and brush that is cleared as a result of private trees obstructing public sidewalks or roadways will be left on the adjacent private property for the owner to clean up.

Any elm branches must be disposed of at the Saskatoon landfill.

Saskatoon Light & Power

Wind will continue to be the main challenge for the City’s power company over the next day.

To report a tree limb contacting or threatening a Saskatoon Light & Power service line, please call 306-975-2621.

For a SaskPower service line please call 306-310-2220.

Service Alerts with regular updates will be issued if outages occur. As always, they will provide information about the cause of the outage and the anticipated time for restoration. 

Roadways & Operations

Roadways and Operations will have night crews available for debris pick up on roads. The Customer Service Centre is available to receive calls and dispatch work around-the-clock.

Water & Waste Stream

When wind speeds reach 70 km/h or grater the landfill will be closed and collections operations will be suspended. This is due to the risk of trucks overturning while dumping and flying debris.

Garbage collection operations could be suspended for Wednesday, October 18 as well if the wind speed remains above 70 km/h.

Service alerts will be issued as required.

Transit                                       

Transit service is operating as regularly scheduled but will alter routes if needed. Customers could experience delays should weather conditions worsen.

Customers are also reminded to track their bus in real time through Transit App and Google Transit.  

Additional information

For timely updates check the City website and service alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts and on Twitter by following @YXEServiceAlert.

The City of Saskatoon’s proposed 2018 Corporate Business Plan and Budget rises to this year’s fiscal challenges which include the fiscal headwinds of falling non-tax revenues and the pressure of population and community growth.

We have responded by:

• Controlling expenditures
• Maintaining services
• Continuing to invest in infrastructure
• Maintaining an open and transparent process

“The City of Saskatoon has demonstrated its ability to overcome fiscal challenges consistently in the past, and we are doing so again in 2018,” says CFO Kerry Tarasoff.

“The 2018 Preliminary Business Plan and Budget shows that even in light of the  significant loss of grants-in-lieu as a result of the 2017/2018 Provincial budget,  we have balanced citizens’ expectations -- with fiscal prudence.”

This year the City has total operating expenditures of $491.0 million. This is an increase of $13.3 million, or 2.8%, over the 2017 approved Operating Budget. This is the lowest year-over-year operating expenditure increase in the last decade.

“While other governments have had to implement service reductions to address their fiscal pressures, the City of Saskatoon’s proposed plan and budget maintains most services and even increases areas of need identified by citizens such as roadways, policing and snow and ice,” Tarasoff says.

The 2018 Proposed Business Plan and Budget continue to invest in our public infrastructure to sustain the high quality of life citizens expect.  A significant portion of the $295 million investment being made is for rehabilitation or replacement of some assets.  A variety of utility, transportation, recreation and land development projects are included in the plan.

Additionally, after extensive efficiency reviews and creative solutions from staff across our organization, we were able to reduce expenditures in 2018 and the potential impact on the property tax increase.

“The fact is that the City’s non-property tax revenues are declining as a share of its total operating revenue,” says Tarasoff.

These declining revenues, along with the estimated inflationary and growth pressures, have created a funding gap of approximately $14.1 million in 2018, which is proposed to be filled through $3.2 million in assessment growth and $10.9 million from a 4.96% property tax increase. 

Since its last public report however, the Administration has identified $825,000 in further reductions made possible from:

• Discontinuing a printed version of the City’s Annual Report to Citizens
• City bank deposits earning better interest
• A staff position in long range planning will continue to be funded from the planning levy in 2018
• Various smaller spending adjustments

Based on these changes, the revised property tax estimate could be 4.59% -- these adjustments will be considered during the 2018 Budget deliberations as well as other recommended service level adjustments coming from the various standing policy committees.

The City provides more than 70 programs and services to residents. To pay for the operation of these services the City collects money through five different sources: property taxes and non-tax revenue sources such as general revenues, government transfers, user fees and grants-in-lieu.  Less than half of the proposed 2018 Operating Budget comes from property taxes.

“We have worked diligently to keep this year’s property tax increase to the minimum by controlling our expenditures even when confronting population growth and inflation,” Tarasoff says.  

The preliminary business plan and budget is being tabled today but final budget deliberations will take place on November 27-29, 2017. 

View the 2018 Preliminary Budget at a Glance and find more information on property taxes and how the City’s annual budget process works at saskatoon.ca/financial future.

The removal of leaves and debris from Saskatoon streets resumes again this fall with the program beginning Monday, October 16. The purpose of the Fall Street Sweeping Program is to reduce the risk of spring flooding by ensuring leaves and debris are not blocking street drains.

“This year, the priority is to sweep streets where higher volumes of leaves typically fall,” says Brandon Harris, Director of Roadways & Operations. “This is the first time sweeping will occur in areas based on tree density, rather than neighbourhood boundaries.

“So, this means some streets in a neighbourhood that previously were swept will not be included this year in order to sweep nearby streets that will have more leaves and the potential for clogged curbs and catch basins in the spring.”

Bright yellow ‘No Parking’ signs will be posted 36-48 hours before scheduled sweeping begins, so residents know when to move their vehicles. Vehicles remaining at 7 a.m. may be ticketed and relocated to a nearby street.

Before sweeping occurs, residents can prepare by raking up leaves from their property, including the boulevards. As a reminder, leaves can be placed in green carts, taken to compost depots, or bagged and put into black carts. Leaves cannot be swept or raked onto the street.

“It’s really important to keep extra leaves off the street, as it can delay sweeping. If excessive leaves become a problem for the sweepers, a street may be skipped entirely in order to keep on schedule,” Harris says.

To locate a vehicle that has been towed, visit Find My Vehicle! or call the 24-Hour Customer Service Centre at 306-975-2476..

Fall street sweeping is weather-dependant and the start date may be delayed if the daytime temperature remains below zero or if there is heavy rain or snow. Alternately, the program may end early if there is a heavy snowfall during the schedule that does not melt quickly.

Learn more at saskatoon.ca/sweeping.