News Releases

From the April 10, 2017 Meeting

5.1 City Council Strategic Priorities for 2016-2020

Decision

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

Additional Information

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

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

Decision

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

Additional Information

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

From the April 4, 2017 Meeting

7.2.4 Victoria Avenue Corridor Transportation Improvements

Decision

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

Background

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

7.2.6 2017 Annual Street Sweeping Work Plan

Decision

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

Background

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

From the April 4, 2017 Meeting

7.2.1 Service Saskatoon Progress Report and 2017 Plan

Decision

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

Background

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

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

Decision

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

Background

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

From the April 3, 2017 Meeting

7.1.3 Canadian Award for Financial Reporting

Decision

*The Committee received the information.

Background

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

7.2.6 Boychuk Interchange Land Acquisition  

Decision

*The committee forwarded the report to City Council

Background

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

From the April 3, 2017 Meeting

7.1.4 Growth Plan to Half a Million – Corridor Planning Program

Decision

*The report was received as information.

Background

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

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

Decision

*The report was forwarded to City Council.

Background

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

7.2.6 Revised On-Street Mobile Food Truck Policy

Decision

*The Committee is recommending City Council approve amendments.

Background

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

From the March 27, 2017 Regular Meeting of City Council

8.1.2 Policy Review for Special Street Naming Requests

Decision

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

Additional Information

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

8.1.3 Saskatoon North Partnership Growth 2016 Annual Report

Decision

*City Council received the report as information.

Additional Information

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

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

Decision

*City Council approved the recommendation.

Additional Information

*The recommendation was:

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

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

Decision

*City Council received the report as information.

Additional Information

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

8.1.14 City and Saskatoon CensusMetro Area Population Projection 2015-2035

Decision

*City Council received the report as information.

Additional Information

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

9.11.2 Yellow Quill Urban reserve Designation

Decision

*City Council approved the Municipal Services and Compatibility Agreement.

Additional Information

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

From the March 20, 2017 Meeting

7.2 Multi-year Business Plan and Budget Framework

Decision

*The committee received the information.

Additional Information

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

From the March 6, 2017 Meeting

7.1.2 Transfer of Unpaid Utilities to Property Tax

Decision

*The Committee received the information.

Background

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

7.2.1 Corporate Risk Annual Report 2016

Decision

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

Background

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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