News Releases

From the September 20, 2017 Meeting

4.1.1 Recreation and Parks Master Plan – Long Range Plan – Game Plan

4.1.1.1 Introduction and Presentation

Lynne Lacroix, Director of Recreation & Community Development

4.1.1.2 Invited Speakers and Groups

Children’s Discovery Museum

Friends of the Bowl Foundation

Lacrosse Saskatoon SWAT

Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan

Saskatoon River Park Association

Soccer, Canadian Premier Soccer League SK

YMCA

Video of presentations

Decision

*The Committee will recommend to City Council:

1. That the information be received;
2. That the Committee refer the partnership projects and business plans to the Administration to further assess the connection to the Game Plan and report back on specific priorities within these;
3. And that Administration be directed to prepare a report with funding options, and to be considered at the time of the 2018 Business Plan and Budget Review.

Background

* During development of the Master Plan, part of the process was to identify the current demands and gaps in provision of both indoor and outdoor recreation and parks, facilities, and amenities. Within the Master Plan Implementation Plan presented to City Council in July 2015, the Administration identified the top priorities for any future capital funding for both indoor and outdoor facilities. During presentation within the 2017 Business Plan and Budget Review meeting, the Administration committed to providing updated information to City Council, related to the recreation infrastructure priorities, and consideration for how these priorities will be integrated into a funding plan. The Administration committed to reporting in time for City Council’s consideration during the 2018 Business Plan and Budget Review meeting.

From the September 18, 2017 Meeting

 7.1.1.1 2018 Business Plan & Budget Update

Decision

*The Committee accepted a recommendation that the information be received.

Background

*At its August 21, 2017 meeting, the Governance and Priorities Committee considered the 2018 Business Plan and Budget Update report which outlined a current projected property tax increase for 2018 of 5.59%. It also stated that the Administration was working on several strategies to develop ideas and help mitigate this property tax impact. Further to this, a letter from the North Saskatoon Business Association (NSBA) dated August 15, 2017 was referred to Administration for further analysis and dialogue with the NSBA, following up with implementation where applicable.

7.2.1 Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Saskatchewan

Decision

*The Committee will recommend to City Council:

1.        That the City of Saskatoon enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Saskatchewan with the terms and intent as outlined in the report of the City Manager dated September 18, 2017; and

2.        That the City Solicitor be instructed to draft a Memorandum of Understanding based on the contents of the report, and to do so in collaboration with the appropriate persons at the University of Saskatchewan.

Background

*At a recent meeting of the President and Vice President of Finance and Resources of the U of S with the Mayor and City Manager, the idea of establishing an MOU was discussed as a way to be more intentional and strategic about collaborations. Following this, teams from the U of S and the City have been meeting to discuss this initiative in more detail and to work on such an MOU. Both the U of S and the City conducted environmental scans to identify and understand some of the current collaborations that exist, whether it be student internships, research projects, land management, transit agreements, or environmental initiatives. This allowed the two parties to see that strong collaborations already exist, and it also allowed for an understanding of where increased collaboration could occur and would be beneficial. The two organizations came up with: proposed guiding principles of an MOU; terms of reference for a joint working group on the MOU (under development); and plans for involving students in the joint projects when relevant.

 

For the second year in a row, a pink fire truck will be patrolling Saskatoon’s streets to raise awareness and money for breast cancer research. Firefighters have long seen their colleagues, mothers, wives and daughters fight breast cancer and want to make a difference.

Fire Engine 12 is wrapped in pink for the month of October. Saskatoon residents will be able to sign the pink fire truck in exchange for a $10 donation to breast cancer research. Please make sure the truck is not involved in an emergency before approaching.

Engine 12 will continue to be an integral part of the Saskatoon Fire Department’s fleet during October.  If possible, the pink truck will be at the following events:

• Nickelback Concert at Credit Union Centre on September 23^rd
• Woman’s World at Prairieland Park on September 30^th
• C95 Radio Marathon for Breast Cancer Research at Lawson Heights Mall on October 13^th
• Ladies Gala at TCU Place on October 14^th
• Local 80 Comedy Night for Breast Health at the Parktown Hotel on October 20^th  

The pink truck is the result of a three-way partnership between the Saskatoon Fire Department, IAFF Local 80 and Cowan Imaging Group who donated the costs associated with installing the wrap.

All proceeds will be donated to the C95 Radio Marathon for Breast Cancer Research to fund research being done right here in Saskatoon.

After a distinguished career of nearly 36 years, City Manager Murray Totland will retire on December 31, 2017. 

“After serving five Mayors, 11 City Councils, and the people of Saskatoon since the early 1980s, it’s time for me to move on to the next chapter,” says Totland. “I have been fortunate to have had the solid support of both Mayor Atchison and now Mayor Clark.  Managing Canada’s fastest growing city for nearly a decade has been extremely rewarding.” 

Totland thanks his staff for all of their support over the years. “Any success I have enjoyed as City Manager is largely due to having 3,600 dedicated colleagues here at the City who work tirelessly to deliver the great civic services our citizens and visitors depend upon.”

"Mr. Totland has navigated this city through many big changes and unprecedented growth over the last decade,” says Mayor Charlie Clark. “His steady leadership has been instrumental in bringing innovation and new approaches to City Hall to improve how we deliver important civic services. I have seen the dedication Mr. Totland has to the success of the City and I am grateful for his many decades of service."

Both Totland and Mayor Clark note Totland’s trusted relationship with the current and previous City Councils.

“It’s been my pleasure and privilege to serve three City Councils in this role,” Totland says. “Their support of my continuous improvement efforts over the years has been critical in our City’s pursuit to become the best-managed city in Canada.”

“Mr. Totland has built a strong relationship with every City Council I have seen him work with.”  Mayor Clark adds “I am grateful for these months we have worked together in my role as Mayor. His reassuring presence will be a challenge to replace”.

Murray joined the City in 1982, and has held increasingly senior positions within the corporation.  In 2004, he was selected as General Manager of the Utility Services Department, where one of his goals was to change the organizational culture to be more accountable, responsive, and adaptive.

In 2006, he was appointed General Manager of the Infrastructure Services Department where he adapted the change strategy to meet the requirements of this large, diverse department.  

In January 2009, Murray was appointed to the position of City Manager. 

In these capacities, Murray was responsible for delivering critical, multi‑million dollar infrastructure projects, including the $300 million Circle Drive South project, and the City’s Civic Operations Centre being delivered as Saskatchewan’s first P3 project.

“I am confident that City Council’s goal of providing our citizens with a high quality of life, and our position as an economic and cultural leader, will be in good hands with whomever City Council chooses as my successor.”

City Council will launch the recruitment process for a new City Manager in the coming weeks.  

Since nominations opened in July, all members of the community have been invited to submit names for the North Commuter Parkway Bridge that either acknowledge an Aboriginal historical event or figure, represent the spirit of community, coming together, or connection.

A series of public information sessions are being planned in October for citizens to get involved with naming the North Commuter Parkway Bridge.

“We’re striving to be inclusive and ensuring all Saskatoon citizens have an opportunity to get involved in the reconciliation process by nominating a name for the North Commuter Parkway Bridge.” says Harry Lafond, Executive Director, Office of the Treaty Commissioner.  “It’s essential First Nations, Métis and all members of our diverse community can see themselves represented in the naming of our shared public spaces, such as bridges, parks and streets.”

The community-led project responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #79: Participate in a strategy to commemorate Aboriginal People’s history and contributions to Canada.

“Naming the bridge shows our community’s commitment to answering the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the process of reconciliation,” says Shirley Isbister, President of Central Urban Métis Federation Inc.  “Reconciliation is what is going to move Saskatoon forward by uniting our community and building positive and mutually beneficial relationships.”

Citizens can nominate online or in-person at a number of general public information sessions planned, including specific sessions targeting groups such as youth, seniors/old people and people living with disabilities.

For more details on how to nominate online and information sessions, visit Saskatoon.ca/namethencp.

All qualified names received through the naming project will be added to the master names list for use in naming future civic infrastructure.  The nomination period will be open until October 31st.

Under the City of Saskatoon’s Strategic Goal of Quality of Life, this project supports the recognition of our built, natural, and cultural heritage.  The naming of civic facilities celebrates the history, environment, and outstanding contributions of our diverse community.

Following the incident Monday at Dundonald Park, representatives of the City and Saskatoon Public School Division administrations met this afternoon to discuss safety reviews underway within each organization.

“We both agree that working together on the review of this tragedy and to come up with rationale and timely recommendations to increase safety in our community, is in everyone’s best interest,” says City Manager Murray Totland. 

The City and public school officials will compile a diverse team for the comprehensive review.

“Our school division has a valued partnership with the City of Saskatoon. We believe when it comes to the safety of children, a community response is necessary,” says Saskatoon Public School Division Director of Education, Barry MacDougall.

Additionally, the City and Saskatoon Public School Division agree to collaborate and reach out to the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Children’s Advocate to cooperate with those respective investigations.

Following continual review of several financial options, City Administration has estimated the most current property tax increase at 4.96%.

“As we’ve said all along, we’re focussed on exploring numerous strategies to find savings that will help minimize next year’s property taxes,” says Director of Finance Clae Hack.

The Governance and Priorities Committee will consider the 2018 Business Plan and Budget Update at its Monday, September 18 meeting.

Despite a $6.1 million reduction in provincial funding -- equivalent to a 2.77% property tax increase -- the Administration has continued to work towards minimizing the property tax impact for 2018. 

 “While we continue to face significant challenges as a result of the provincial funding decreases, we’ve heard through our public engagement that it’s very important to maintain our existing service levels throughout the City,” Hack says.

As the GPC report outlines, several changes have been made to the 2018 projected budget to arrive at the revised property tax estimate at 4.96% for 2018, some of which include:

• Repayment of sound wall borrowings over 10 years instead of 5 which has resulted in a decrease of $250,000 in expenditures.
• Removal of the $240,000 growth allocation to roadways preservation and maintenance as their annual targets will continue to be met without this due to favourable pricing.
• Decrease of $600,000 to the transfer to Reserve for Capital Expenditures (RCE) in order to reduce the reliance on the property tax.
• Adjustment of $200,000 to traffic fines and penalties based on refined estimates; this adjustment results in an overall decrease in revenue of $300,000 instead of the originally estimated $500,000.

The 2018 Preliminary Budget is currently estimated at $491.0 million which is a $13.3 million increase over 2017.

The next 2018 Business Plan and Budget Update will be the full presentation of the 2018 Preliminary Business Plan and Budget book to the Governance and Priorities Committee on October 16, 2017.

Find further details and related budget and finance documents at saskatoon.ca/budget.

 

The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo’s resident Red Panda, Phoenix, will be leaving Saskatoon on Sunday, October 1, 2017.

“For the past three years, Phoenix has lived with us in the PotashCorp Ark Exhibit and his presence was enjoyed by visitors of all ages,” says Zoo Manager Tim Sinclair-Smith.

Sinclair-Smith adds, “Phoenix’s move is part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP) developed by the (American) Association of Zoos and Aquariums to help ensure the survival of selected species in zoos and aquariums, most of which are threatened or endangered in the wild.”

“The SSP plans to grow and develop a long-term program for red pandas, and Phoenix will play a key role in the continued development of the program.”

Recently, the red panda has been classified as Endangered because its population in the wild is estimated to be less than 10,000 and continues to decline due to habitat loss among other causes.

“We hope that one day red pandas will return to the Zoo, but for now our commitment is to the SSP and the important work it is doing to maintain a healthy, genetically diverse, and stable population for red pandas,” says Sinclair-Smith.

In celebration of Phoenix’s final days in Saskatoon, the Zoo Animal Care team will be on hand to answer questions at the PotashCorp Ark Exhibit throughout the month of September.

The Zoo is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and the Forestry Farm Park gates are open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

A special meeting of the Governance and Priorities Committee will be held on Wednesday, September 20, 2017, for City Council to hear an update on the Recreation & Parks Master Plan Long-Range Capital Plan.  The meeting will include presentations from community-based organizations interested in partnering with the City on capital initiatives.

In 2015, City Council approved the Recreation & Parks Master Plan to provide a framework for guiding the development, delivery and improvement of recreation and parks programs, services and facilities now and into the future.  It identified recommendations for implementation for the City and community over the next 15 years.

“The Master Plan was developed by a diverse team,” says Lynne Lacroix, Director of Recreation and Community Development.  “This included the City Administration and recreation experts, along with extensive community and stakeholder engagement.  The team heard from key agencies and sectors involved in and affected by recreation and parks services.”

The next step in the implementation of the Master Plan is to set priorities for long-range capital budget planning for recreation and parks facilities.  The goal will be to identify gaps and to formalize a process for setting priorities:  that is, what, when, and where to build or upgrade amenities.

“We’ve developed a game plan for prioritizing enhanced or new recreation and parks facilities.”

Lacroix says the plan focuses on three areas:

• maintenance of existing City-owned facilities;
• identifying new initiatives based on trends and partnership opportunities; and
• growth-related infrastructure in new areas of the city.

The game plan details annual capital expenditures and priorities related to recreation and parks infrastructure using the Master Plan tools and framework.  Once received by the Governance and Priorities Committee, this game plan, along with a proposed funding strategy, will proceed to City Council for debate in the budget proceedings later this year.

Please visit www.saskatoon.ca/recmasterplan for the highlights of the Recreation & Parks Master Plan, to view the plan in its entirety, and for more information on implementation.

From the September 11, 2017 Meeting

7.1.2 Capital Project #2407 – North Commuter Parkway & Traffic Bridge Construction Update

Decision

*The report of the Acting General Manager, Transportation and Utilities Department, was received as information.

Background

*At a special meeting held on September 8, 2015, City Council awarded the RFP for the North Commuter Parkway and Traffic Bridge, naming GCP the Preferred Proponent. At its meeting on November 23, 2015, City Council received information regarding the financial details of the Project Agreement (PA) with GCP. A construction update was last provided on March 13, 2017 to the Standing Policy Committee on Transportation.

7.1.3 Highway 16 and Boychuk Drive, McOrmond Drive and College Drive Interchanges – Construction Update

Decision

*The report of the Acting General Manager, Transportation and Utilities Department, was received as information.

Background

*At its meeting held on November 28, 2016, City Council awarded the Request for Proposals for the Saskatoon Interchange Project, naming PCL Construction Management Inc. (PCL) the Preferred Proponent for the project. PCL and the City of Saskatoon finalized the Project Agreement with an effective date for the project of December 12, 2016. A project update was last provided on March 13, 2017 to the Standing Policy Committee on Transportation.

7.2.1 2018 Residential Parking Program Expansion

Decision

*The Committee is recommending to City Council:

1. That Residential Parking Permit zones be expanded, as outlined in the report, effective in 2018, using existing resources, including that the Administration speak with businesses, institutions and organizations affected by the Residential Parking Program changes to ensure they are not encountering undue hardship, and where reasonable, accommodations be made; and

2. That the City Solicitor be requested to prepare the proposed amendments to Residential Parking Program, 1999, Bylaw No. 7862.

Committee also resolved that the Administration report back on the possibility of including multi-unit dwellings in the Residential Parking Permit program, specifically, in cases where those dwellings are similar to single family homes, such as in the case of street-facing townhouse condos.

Background

*Permit zones have been created to increase on-street parking opportunities for residents in areas with high on-street parking demand. Policies and Bylaw dictate Permit zones must:

a) be predominantly residential and not in a pay parking area;

b) have a shortage of on-street parking; and

c) be supported by no less than 70% of households on each block-face or by no less than 50% of households in Limited Permit zones.

Creation or expansion of a Permit zone is a community-lead initiative, driven by the following process:

1. Residents request a Permit zone by submitting a petition with 70% of households per block-face supporting the zone.

2. The Administration verifies the results of the petition.

3. When the petition requirements are met, the Administration conducts a parking study to confirm there is an on-street parking shortage in the area.

4. When the parking study requirements are met, a report is sent to City Council seeking approval of the new or expanded Permit zone.

7.2.2 Road Maintenance Service Level

Decision

*The Committee is recommending to City Council:

1. That the current service level for the Road Maintenance service line be maintained and approved; and

2. That the option of increasing road maintenance by $200,000 be forwarded to the 2018 Preliminary Business Plan and Budget deliberations.

Background

*At the May 15, 2017 meeting of the Governance and Priorities Committee, the Administration committed to bring forward a series of service level documents on core services. The service level template communicates two key messages:

1. Information for citizens, Committees, and City Council about “what we do”, “why we do it”, and “how much it costs” for each service line.

2. Viable options to the current state of service levels, entitled “what else is possible”.

7.2.3 Proposed Amendments to Bylaw No. 7200 – The Traffic Bylaw – Speed Limit Changes

*Decision

The Committee is recommending to City Council:

1. That the speed limit on Central Avenue from a point 220 metres north of Somers Road to Agra Road be reduced from 60 kph to 50 kph;

2. That a speed limit on Lowe Road from Agra Road to a point 800 metres north of Agra Road be reduced from 80 kph to 50 kph;

3. That a speed limit on McOrmond Drive from Fedoruk Drive to a point 800 metres east of Lowe Road be reduced from 60 kph to 50 kph;

4. That a speed limit of 60 kph on Central Avenue from Agra Road to McOrmond Drive be established;

5. That a speed limit on Lowe Road from a point 800 metres north of Agra Road to McOrmond Drive be reduced from 80 kph to 60 kph;

6. That a speed limit of 60 kph on McOrmond Drive from a point 800 metres east of Lowe Road to Central Avenue be established;

7. The Small Swale has been recognized to have similar ecological significance to the Northeast Swale, as such the decision to determine the speed limit for the Small Swale be referred to the Northeast Swale stakeholder committee before a speed limit is determined on McOrmond Drive from Central Avenue to Wanuskewin Road.

8. That a speed limit on Millar Avenue from 60^th Street to 71^st Street be reduced from 60 kph to 50 kph;

9. That a speed limit on Zimmerman Road from Highway No. 16 to a point 1,000 metres north of Highway No. 16 be reduced from 80 kph to 60 kph;

10. That a speed limit on 71^st Street West from Thatcher Avenue west to the City Limit be reduced from 90 kph to 70 kph;

11. That a speed limit of 80 kph on College Drive from a point 100 metres east of Preston Avenue to the East City Limit be established;

12.  That the City Solicitor be requested to prepare the appropriate bylaw amendment to Bylaw No. 7200, The Traffic Bylaw, effective December 1, 2017.

Background

*The recommended maximum allowable speeds for new and/or modified roadways are based on road classification, adjacent land use, driver behaviour and familiarity, and/or safety concerns. The goal is to establish a reasonable and safe speed limit that is appropriate for a particular roadway based on its design and classification.