News Releases

Visitors to City Hall, the downtown transit terminal, and several City leisure facilities can now enjoy complimentary WiFi service with guest access powered by Shaw Go WiFi. The service, made possible through a partnership agreement with Shaw Communications Inc, is an exciting initiative through the City’s new service model - Service Saskatoon.

“Access to complimentary public WiFi is a benchmark for modern cities”, says Mayor Donald Atchison. “The internet keeps people connected, informed and part of our great city. I believe everyone should have the opportunity to access the complimentary WiFi at City owned locations. This makes sense.”

“The new WiFi services at key sites across Saskatoon will provide a cost-effective opportunity for people to stay more closely connected to their friends, family, and work colleagues while on-the-go,” said Greg Pultz, Vice President, Operations, Shaw Communications. “Providing these services in collaboration with a great partner like the City of Saskatoon furthers our ability to deliver an enhanced connectivity experience to Canadians.”

“Through our new and improved approach to service with the introduction of Service Saskatoon, we want to create multiple channels for citizens to access the information they need and answers they require,” says Pat Hyde, Director of Service Saskatoon. “With that purpose in mind, the Service Saskatoon public WiFi initiative will assist residents in connecting to the information they need on the internet including City programs and services.”

Saskatoon residents and visitors can access the Shaw Go WiFi network on their WiFi enabled devices by selecting ‘ShawGuest’ from the list of available WiFi settings and following the on-screen instructions to connect. Shaw customers will be able to automatically log onto the WiFi service through the Shaw Go WiFi network.

Effective Wednesday, May 4, residents and visitors can sign up for Guest Access on the Shaw Go WiFi network when visiting one of the following civic locations:

Saskatoon City Hall

• 222 - 3rd Avenue North

Leisure Centres

• Cosmo Civic Centre, 3130 Laurier Drive
• Lakewood Civic Centre, 1635 McKercher Drive
• Lawson Civic Centre, 225 Primrose Drive

Outdoor pools (summer months)

• Lathey Pool, 815 Taylor Street
• Mayfair Pool, 1025 Ave F North

Arenas

• ACT Arena, 107 - 105th Street
• Gordie Howe Kinsmen Arena, 1405 Avenue P South

Golf Course Club Houses

• Holiday Park, 1630 Avenue

Saskatoon Transit Terminals

• Downtown Transit Terminal, 23rd Street E

Today is an important start for this initiative, which will continue with an additional 27 City facilities. A schedule of installation will be available on saskatoon.ca/wifi as it becomes available.

For more information on Service Saskatoon, and for updates on various initiatives under each pillar, please visit saskatoon.ca/service.

Much anticipated work at Broadway Avenue is set to begin this Monday, May 2nd.

“Good weather and good planning has kept this significant project on time and on target,” says Celene Anger, Director of Construction and Design. “With so many contributing factors playing into this project, keeping to the schedule as much as possible has been, and will continue to be a top priority.” 

The Broadway Avenue Improvement Project will see extensive water main upgrades and road resurfacing to Broadway Avenue and surrounding areas, with work scheduled to last approximately five months. The project has been specifically designed to minimize impact on the community, allowing for business to remain open and events to take place as normally as possible.

“We’re modernizing the infrastructure under our City’s very first commercial district,” Anger says. “When this work is complete, Broadway Avenue residents and businesses will see a marked reduction in water main breaks, which will mean fewer disruptions for everyone.

“The road resurfacing will make Broadway Avenue look better and last longer. When people attend events like the Fringe Festival, they are going to see a huge difference in the quality of the street surface.”    

As the project is starting on time, the scheduled closure of Broadway Bridge is also on target for May 9, and will be closed to vehicle traffic for approximately one week. However, pedestrians and cyclists will be able to use the walkways on the bridge. 

“If Broadway Avenue is a typical way downtown, we’re reminding those folks to reroute their commute during the construction and to use another bridge such as the Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge,” she says.

Saskatoon Transit will also be rerouting its commute, using alternate streets including Dufferin Avenue as necessary.   

For more information please visit saskatoon.ca/broadway.

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information and subscribe to Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE.

There continues to be some misinformation circulating in the community around the sale of the former Saskatoon Police Service Headquarters property on Fourth Avenue.

As far as an alleged new central library project is concerned, the reliable public information is: over a number of years, but more recently since 2013, the Saskatoon Public Library (SPL) has identified the need for a new central branch.

The 2016 Approved Operating & Capital Budget also outlines the SPL’s priorities on pg. 166 – notably a five-year facilities plan, and a Master Building Program.  Funding for a central library is not even proposed until 2019.

Finally, let me be clear about the former police property sale terms: there is no sale condition that requires a particular development of the former police headquarters building, whether it’s new construction or re-purposed.

The City is not seeking any conditions above what zoning and existing development controls would already dictate.  The City’s interest is to sell the building and vacant parcel of land.

There have been two offers on the former police headquarters building.   In those instances, the purchaser chose not to move forward with their offer to complete the purchase of the building.

It is typical of the development industry to produce conceptual drawings for a project they want to promote, but without a parcel of land to build it on, there is no project; it is just a concept or a dream.

Murray Totland
City Manager

An independent auditor concludes the City’s aggressive road construction and maintenance programs are efficient and economical.

“We always want to make sure we are spending taxpayers’ dollars in the best way possible,” says Jeff Jorgenson, General Manager of Transportation & Utilities. “We are pleased to report that independent auditors confirm that our roadways programs are well-managed”

Price Waterhouse Cooper analyzed the road condition, rehabilitation and maintenance programs and outlined its findings in a report endorsed Monday by the Standing Policy Committee on Finance. 

The audit examined whether the programs are economical, efficient and effective.  To further enhance the positive results the study identified four general areas for improvement:

• A finer level of detail in budgeting
• Clearly defined internal processes
• Enhanced monitoring and reporting of information
• Annual and life-cycle roadways maintenance planning and budgeting

“Many of the recommendations are already being acted on with innovative and creative solutions to provide optimal service improvements,” Jorgenson says.

The City’s action plan is included as 8.2.6 Attachment 1 in the City Council Agenda for April 25, 2016, on page 248. A follow-up report on the status of the audit’s recommendations will be brought forward in September, 2018.

For the April 25, 2016 Regular Meeting of City Council

9.2.1 Vacant Lot and Adaptive Reuse Incentive Program - Development Incentives – Parcel YY – Public Plaza – Supplementary Report

*City Council will be asked to approve the general conditions for a tax incentive for the Public Plaza located within the Parcel YY development at River Landing; and that the conditions for the tax incentive for the Plaza be contained within the Direct Control District Development Agreement for Parcel YY.

Additional Information

*The developer (Triovest) of Parcel YY has requested an annual tax incentive equivalent to the property taxes for the area of Parcel YY developed as a Public Plaza. This request was considered by the Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services on March 7, 2016. A recommendation to approve the incentive was passed by the Committee.
*During its March 7, 2011 meeting, City Council approved the Vacant Lot and Adaptive and Adaptive Re-use Incentive Program (VLAR). The VLAR Incentive Program includes incentives to encourage more housing within the Downtown. The VLAR program was recently amended to also include new incentives for offices and structured parking, in accordance with the City Centre Plan. At the present time, only the downtown housing incentives are available to development within River Landing.
*Triovest requested the same incentives which are offered within the Downtown. They have further requested an annual grant equivalent to the property taxes for the area of Parcel YY developed as a public plaza. Approved by the Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services.

9.3.1 2016 Corporate Business Plan and Budget – Shaping Our Financial Future

*City Council will be asked to receive the 2016 Corporate Business Plan and Budget – Shaping Our Financial Future.

Additional Information

*The document outlines the initiatives planned for the 2016 Business Planning and Budget cycle.
*In 2011, the City implemented major changes to its planning and budgeting process to create a framework which would allow the City to be more adaptive and responsive to the changing dynamics in our city, province, and country. The 2016 Corporate Business Plan and Budget continues to build on that foundation.

9.5.1 Resignation – Councillor Eric Olauson – Ward 8

*City Council will be asked to receive information on the resignation of Councillor Eric Olauson and that the vacancy in Ward 8 not be filled until the upcoming general election on October 26.

Additional Information

*In accordance with Section 15 of The Local Government Election Act, 2015 if a vacancy occurs on a council or board on or after January 1 in the year in which a general election is to be held, the council or board may proceed to fill the vacancy by a by-election or decide not to fill the vacancy until the next general election.

9.11.2 Enumeration/Voters List/Voter Registry

*City Council will be asked to receive the information and approve a recommendation that voters be registered at the polls on the dates set for voting during the 2016 Municipal and School Board Elections.

Additional Information

*There is no legislative or administrative requirement for a voters list. A voters list has not been prepared in Saskatoon since 1988.
*Conducting an enumeration is labour intensive and costly.
*A council may choose to enter into agreements with respect to sharing or using a voters list, or any other voter data used to create a voters list, with any officer established pursuant to a provincial Act or an Act of the parliament of Canada responsible to conduct an election.
*The use of a national or provincial register of electors in a municipal election may serve as a basis for a voters list.
*There is no provision in the legislation to allow for a process to preserve the voter registration forms from the 2016 Municipal and School Board Elections to formulate a list to be used for the purposes of developing a permanent voters list.

9.11.3 Growth Plan to Half a Million

*City Council will be asked to approve the following recommendations:
1. Recognize and approve, in principle, the long-term benefits of the vision and key directions of the Growth Plan to Half a Million;
2. That the Growth Plan be implemented in a phased, incremental approach, requiring specific recommendations for action in ten-year increments;
3. That the Administration report back with an implementation plan for the period of 2017 to 2026; and
4. That the Administration be instructed to bring forward specific reports on any actions related to overall plan implementation.

Additional Information

*The Growth Plan will guide the City’s growth for transportation, transit (Growth, and land-use planning to accommodate a population of half a million people).
*Without the Growth Plan, economic and community impacts of continuing the current growth patterns are expected to include increased traffic congestion, declining levels of transit service, longer commutes, and higher infrastructure costs, among others.
*The Growth Plan outlines eight key directions to guide transportation, transit, and land-use planning to accommodate a population of half a million.
*A ten-year action plan will be created to guide the implementation of the Growth Plan and will be brought to City Council for approval in early 2017.

From the April 18, 2016 Meeting

7.1.1 2017 Business Plan and Budget Process

Decision

*The committee endorsed a process for the 2017 Business Plan and Budget.  

Background

*In addition to the City’s Strategic Plan, City Council's priorities will provide direction and focus to the Administration in the preparation of the 2017 Business Plan and Budget.
*The 2017 Business Plan and Budget process will attempt to integrate a “policy-oriented” approach so that City Council can provide key direction to the Administration on various existing, and emerging, policy issues.
*The 2017 Business Plan and Budget process will include a public engagement component, so people of Saskatoon have an opportunity to provide input into the development of the 2017 Business Plan and Budget.

7.2.2 Growth Plan to Half a Million

Decision

*The committee will forward the following recommendations to City Council:

1. Recognize and approve, in principle, the long-term benefits of the vision and key directions of the Growth Plan to Half a Million;
2. That the Growth Plan be implemented in a phased, incremental approach, requiring specific recommendations for action in ten-year increments;
3. That the Administration report back with an implementation plan for the period of 2017 to 2026; and
4. That the Administration be instructed to bring forward specific reports on any actions related to overall plan implementation.

Background

*The Growth Plan will guide the City’s growth for transportation, transit (Growth, and land-use planning to accommodate a population of half a million people).
*Without the Growth Plan, economic and community impacts of continuing the current growth patterns are expected to include increased traffic congestion, declining levels of transit service, longer commutes, and higher infrastructure costs, among others.
*The Growth Plan outlines eight key directions to guide transportation, transit, and land-use planning to accommodate a population of half a million.
*A ten-year action plan will be created to guide the implementation of the Growth Plan and will be brought to City Council for approval in early 2017.

7.2.2.1 City of Saskatoon Growth Plan – SaskTel Centre – Current Status and Future Outlook

Decision

*City Council received the information.

Background

*In March, the committee held a Growth Plan Summit. Administration requested a presentation from the SaskTel Centre CEO regarding the current structure and plans for the future.
*SaskTel Centre, which opened in 1988, is rated among the top 100 arena concert venues in the world and has made Saskatoon a destination for major events and tours.
*Key issues noted within the presentation include: No Loading Dock for quickly loading shows in and out; Roof and trusses are too low and inadequate for event rigging; Kitchen and catering space is inadequate; With additions in permanent seating, concourse space and concession service locations outgrew; Limited public restrooms;Lack of permanent artist dressing rooms; Limited dressing rooms for national and international events.

8.2.1 Enumeration/Voters List/Voter Registry

Decision

*The committee recommended City Council receive the information and that voters be registered at the polls on the dates set for voting during the 2016 Municipal and School Board Election.

Background

*There is no legislative or administrative requirement for a voters list. A voters list has not been prepared in Saskatoon since 1988.
*Conducting an enumeration is labour intensive and costly.
*A council may choose to enter into agreements with respect to sharing or using a voters list, or any other voter data used to create a voters list, with any officer established pursuant to a provincial Act or an Act of the parliament of Canada responsible to conduct an election.
*The use of a national or provincial register of electors in a municipal election may serve as a basis for a voters list.
*There is no provision in the legislation to allow for a process to preserve the voter registration forms from the 2016 Municipal and School Board Elections to formulate a list to be used for the purposes of developing a permanent voters list.

8.2.2 2016 Local Government Elections – Mail-In Ballots

Decision

*The committee is forwarding the report to City Council recommending the City Solicitor be instructed to amend The Election Bylaw to remove the provision of “postage-paid” for the return of the mailing envelope to the returning officer for mail-in ballots.

Background

*Section 92 of The Local Government Election Act, 2015 authorizes Council to establish a mail-in ballot voting system for the purpose of receiving ballots in an election. In addition, clause 29(1)(b) of the Act authorizes Council to establish a mail-in ballot voting system for voters receiving care in a hospital, personal care facility or similar institution. Bylaw No. 8191, The Election Bylaw, 2012, provides for a mail-in ballot voting system.

8.2.3 2016 Local Government Elections – Hours of Voting

Decision

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

Background

*The Local Government Election Act, 2015 stipulates that polls must be open for voting between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on election day, and that the Returning Officer may open polls earlier than 9:00 a.m. on election day.
*In the past, polls have been open between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. and the same hours will be established for the 2016 Civic Election. Election officials must be at the poll at least 30 minutes before opening the poll and they are required to stay after the poll closes to complete their legislated duties, which means they are working a long day. It is therefore not being proposed that polls open any earlier than 8:00 a.m.

8.2.4 2016 Local Government Elections – Advance Polls

Decision

*GPC is forwarding the report to City Council for its information.

Background

*Section 85 of the The Local Government Election Act, 2015 authorizes the returning officer to establish one or more advance polls for voters at least three days and not more than 15 days before the day of the election, and set the days and hours for advance voting, excepting those to be established for personal care facilities and similar institutions.

8.2.5 2016 Local Government Elections – Homebound Voting

Decision

*GPC recommending to City Council that homebound voting in accordance with The Local Government Election Act, 2015 and Regulations be established on October 21, 24 and 26, 2016.

Background

*Section 30 of The Local Government Election Act, 2015 authorizes Council to provide for homebound voting any time between the first day of advance polling and the closing of polls on election day to take the vote of a voter that:
(a) has a disability or limited mobility and is unable to attend an established polling place to vote; or (b) is a resident caregiver and because of the care required for the voter who has a disability or limited mobility does not allow them to attend an established polling place to vote.
*Applications to engage the homebound voting service are made to the returning officer. Upon the returning officer’s satisfaction that the application is proper and complies with legislated requirements, the homebound voting service involves election officials going to the home of the voter to capture their vote. Personal Care facilities and similar institutions that are too small to warrant establishing a special poll for the required one hour minimum time frame would also be eligible for this service, provided residents meet the application criteria.
*It is being recommended that homebound voting be established on October 21, 24 and 26, as required.

Over the past 3 weeks, City and contractor crews have removed 4,460 tonnes of sand and debris from 620 lane kilometers of medians and high-traffic streets. That’s the equivalent distance from Saskatoon to Calgary. The city-wide neighbourhood street sweeping is scheduled to begin May 1, with curb-to-curb sweeping on all residential streets. Neighbourhood pothole repairs will be prioritized and follow street sweeping.

“The spring sweeping blitz is focused on collecting the bulk of sand and debris left over from winter on high-traffic streets, to clean up dirt and dust so residents and visitors can enjoy the outdoors this spring,” says Trent Schmidt, Acting Director of Public Works. “We continue to improve our program designs for street sweeping each spring and I think residents will agree our busier streets are looking great.”

Since April 11, when hot mix asphalt was available for permanent pothole patching, 302 tonnes have been used to repair the equivalent of 17,000 average potholes. Crews are also tackling the larger utility cuts on high-traffic streets, which can involve excavating to remove wet dirt and re-packing gravel material prior to patching, at this time of year. Residents are encouraged to report potholes for repair online at saskatoon.ca/betterroads, which are inspected and scheduled.

“While we can’t permanently patch some of these locations until the ground frost is completely out of the ground, we are monitoring temporary road repairs and grading gravel-covered locations as required,” says Schmidt. “In the meantime, we are focussing on the areas with the most impact to drivers and have repaired 30 of the 540 utility cuts including at Circle Drive at Venture Crescent, 2nd Avenue, 22nd Street, 8th Street and 33rd Street.”

The City-Wide Residential Street Sweep begins Sunday, May 1 in Parkridge and Meadowgreen (Streets only).

• Bright yellow “No Parking” signs are posted a minimum of 36 hours in advance of sweeping.
• Neighbourhoods with grid streets will have Streets and Avenues swept on different days to make parking available for vehicles that need to move.
• Vehicles that remain on a street at 7 AM on the posted day will be ticketed $100 and relocated to a nearby street.
• Find relocated vehicles with the “Find my Vehicle” application at saskatoon.ca/street-sweeping or by calling the customer service centre at 306–975-2476.
• Find street sweeping schedules for current neighbourhoods, and upcoming industrial areas (night), school zones (night) and Business Improvement District (night) sweeping at saskatoon.ca/street-sweeping.
• Residents are encouraged to check the online schedule often and pay attention to the day of the week on the “No Parking” signs placed on the street.
• If a neighbourhood is postponed due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, new signs will be posted when rescheduled.
• Sweeping Service Alerts are issued for changes to the schedule or to advise of any issues residents need to know about.

Since the February declaration of construction starting on the Bridging to Tomorrow project, the City and project partners, Graham Commuter Partners (GCP), have completed a substantial amount of work on both the North Commuter Parkway and the new Traffic Bridge.

Once complete in 2018, the North Commuter Parkway will support the transportation needs of citizens who live in Saskatoon’s northeast and work in the Marquis and North Industrial Areas, reducing traffic on the city’s existing bridges. The new Traffic Bridge, also slated for completion in 2018, will support the growing city centre by allowing motorists, pedestrians and cyclists to cross the river between the downtown and residential areas in the south sector of the city. The new bridge will look similar to the old bridge, but will be wider with the ability to accommodate emergency vehicles. 

Traffic Bridge Update – April 2016

Throughout the remainder of April, crews are continuing to work on refurbishing the south in-river pier (concrete column that supports the bridge deck), and are drilling piles to build the south abutment (supporting end of the bridge on the riverbank). The north berm that supported the bridge demolition has been removed, and crews have also finished removing part of the south berm to reduce impacts on river navigation. Later this spring and throughout summer, the southernmost pier will be reconstructed, the new north and south bridge abutments will be built, and the steel structure for the new southernmost span will be constructed.

North Commuter Parkway Update – April 2016

Parkway Bridge

A road has been constructed on the west side of the river to access the construction site. All regulatory permits to begin in-river construction have been received and work on an earthen berm to support construction of the first bridge pier has been built. By August, the first pier should be complete and work on the second pier will begin.

Parkway Roadways

Construction of the Parkway’s new roadways has begun. Clearing, topsoil stripping and ditch excavation are underway for the twinning and extension of Central Avenue to intersect with McOrmond Drive. This road will be extended to connect to the Parkway bridge. Earth has been moved to consolidate the ground under the future roadway in the Northeast Swale, and two clay berms (walls) have been installed through the Northeast Swale to prevent water from draining into the work zone. This work is being monitored by GCP’s environmental consultant and audited by the City’s technical advisor.

Improvements to the intersections of Central Avenue and Attridge Drive, and Marquis Drive and Wanuskewin Road, will begin in May.  

Traffic and Trails

Increased traffic will be evident at Marquis Drive and Wanuskewin Road with trucks hauling materials accessing the bridge construction site. Restrictions at Central Avenue and Attridge Drive, and at Marquis Drive and Wanuskewin Road, will begin in May and citizens will be notified of traffic detours through the City’s Daily Road Report, road signage, and social media.

Rotary Park and River Landing trail detours are in place and will continue through the construction period. Access to Crocus Prairie Trail from Central Avenue is closed until winter 2016. At times, the east sidewalk at Wanuskewin Road and Marquis Drive will be restricted for vehicle crossings.

Ways to Watch Construction Progress

Anyone interested can keep an eye on construction progress at saskatoon.ca/bridging. The webpage has a new quarterly video update, live project webcams, time lapse videos, and photographs. Construction viewing areas are also in place at River Landing and on the Meewasin Trail just north of the GCP construction trailer site at the intersection of Wanuskewin Road and Marquis Drive.

Stay Safe Near Construction Zones

Citizens are reminded to obey all traffic and Meewasin Trail detours in place, and to respect all safety measures in place including site fencing and site markings. The City is also reminding pedestrians to stay clear of work areas near the construction sites.

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

Since announcing the “Building Better Roads” road rehabilitation plan in 2013, the City has improved more than 420 kilometers of roadway – about the distance between Saskatoon and Medicine Hat. This summer, another 212 kilometers will be improved, including Broadway Avenue, Circle Drive from the Idylwyld Drive overpass to 33^rd Street, and College Drive between Preston Avenue and Central Avenue.

“We’ve made incredible progress over the past two years,” says General Manager of Transportation & Utilities, Jeff Jorgenson. “We are on pace to exceed our initial three-year projection of 432 kilometres by 44 percent as a result of improvements to various strategic processes.”

The City’s Building Better Roads plan is aimed at repair, but also improving traffic flow in order to reduce congestion. Traffic flow improvements will be made at some key intersections, including Highway 16 at 71st Street, 22nd Street at Diefenbaker Drive, and Warman Road at 51st Street. As for major projects, construction of the interchanges at McOrmond Drive and College Drive and at Boychuk Drive and Highway 16 will begin; the Idylwyld Drive overpass over Ruth Street will be reconstructed; and work continues on the Bridging to Tomorrow project, which includes the North Commuter Parkway Bridge and the new Traffic Bridge.

“Improving current road conditions and traffic flow is a significant portion of this construction season,” says Jorgenson. “Residents will also see further development in newer neighbourhoods, park development in seven neighbourhoods, new sound attenuation walls, new pathways, and sidewalk preservation.”  

Thirty-eight kilometers of sanitary sewer and water main infrastructure will continue, and the City will complete nearly 500 water and sewer connection replacements. The work on Broadway Avenue alone includes 1,380 metres of water main rehabilitation and replacement of 60 lead connections.

In 2016, nearly $59 million will be spent on street sweeping, pothole patching, sidewalk rehabilitation, back lane upgrades, road construction and repair, and snow and ice management in Saskatoon. This is $6 million more than last year, and 57 percent more than in 2013 ($37.3 million).

For more information on roadway construction, street sweeping, and to access the Report a Pothole Map visit saskatoon.ca/betterroads. The full list of road preservation and rehab projects broken down by City wards can be accessed at saskatoon.ca/roadpreservation.

Civic Administration will present the final Growth Plan to Half a Million (Growth Plan) report to the Governance and Priorities Committee on Monday, April 18, 2016, and request that the report be forwarded to City Council for approval, in principle, of the long-term benefits and key directions outlined in the plan.

“The Growth Plan was developed over the last two and a half years through a five-phase public engagement process called ‘Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon’,” says Alan Wallace, Director of Planning and Development.  “Residents were involved in discussions on everything from current and future challenges of growth to potential long-term changes for the city.”

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

The key directions included in the Growth Plan are:

1. focus growth and enable redevelopment along Saskatoon’s major corridors, with the goal of creating complete communities along these corridors;
2. support the development of strategic infill sites consisting of the Downtown, North Downtown, and the University of Saskatchewan’s endowment lands to achieve infill targets;
3. provide a robust transportation network that includes opportunities for all modes of transportation;
4. create a range of enhanced transit services over time to meet a variety of needs;
5. implement rapid transit facilities and services along the city’s major corridors as demand grows to support projected ridership;
6. use a range of operational methods to enhance the speed and reliability of transit services, including traffic management interventions where necessary;
7. acknowledge the need for future additional river crossing capacity within Circle Drive to serve anticipated travel demand and consider this alongside methods to increase the “people-carrying capacity” of all bridges; and
8. recognize that the supporting initiatives of the Financing Growth Strategy, the Employment Areas Study, and the Active Transportation Plan are also important components to achieving this vision.

“Without the Growth Plan, economic and community impacts of continuing the current growth patterns are expected to include increased traffic congestion, reduced levels of transit service, longer commutes, and higher infrastructure costs,” said Wallace.

If the Growth Plan is approved in principle, a ten-year action plan will be created to guide the implementation of the Growth Plan, which will be brought to City Council for approval in early 2017.

Comments and requests to speak at the Governance and Priorities Committee may be submitted, in advance, via the City’s website at www.saskatoon.ca/writetocouncil.

For more information on the Growth Plan, including the final technical and summary reports, please visit the project website at www.growingfwd.ca.