News Releases

For Release: November 25, 2014

Over 1,000 programs and services have been compiled and listed following a recent environmental scan of Saskatoon’s Aboriginal community. The Kitaskinaw project, released today, is a partnership between the City of Saskatoon, Saskatoon Tribal Council, United Way of Saskatoon & Area, and the Gabriel Dumont Institute of Native Studies and Applied Research. The report includes feedback from Saskatoon’s Aboriginal community about the comprehensive inventory of programs and services currently accessed.

“This is a solid and reliable resource,” says Saskatoon City Manager, Murray Totland. “Knowledge of the overlaps and gaps that have been identified through community feedback is essential when it comes to policy development regarding Aboriginal service delivery in our city.”

Through a Community workshop, an old people’s gathering, and a user survey, participants indicated cultural awareness and sensitivity are the most important qualities to have in an agency that serves Aboriginal people.

“The Kitaskinaw project is an important step in the delivery of services for citizens,” says Saskatoon Tribal Chief, Felix Thomas. “This is especially true for the First Nations population and the need for the delivery of effective, meaningful services to individuals and families.”

The report also highlights the need for mainstream organizations to be inclusive of Aboriginal people as employees within their organizations in order to build culturally competent service delivery.

“This important report, which includes the voices of those seeking service and help in our community, will influence how we work at the United Way,” says Saskatoon United Way Chair, Lea Pennock. “It will move us forward as an organization on our journey towards authentic engagement with Aboriginal Peoples in our community.”

Information gathered for Kitaskinaw, which means “our land” in the plains Cree language, will assist corporate, academic and political organizations make informed decisions.

“This project is the first of its kind for Saskatoon,” says Gabriel Dumont Institute Executive Director, Geordy McCaffrey. “With community voice, the inventory of programs and services, and the gathering of existing community information, the links between program and service delivery across Saskatoon may be better understood.”

Technical Committee

City of Saskatoon
Saskatoon Tribal Council
United Way of Saskatoon & Area
Gabriel Dumont Institute of Native Studies and Applied Research

Advisory Committee

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
Central Urban Metis Federation Inc. (CUMFI)
Saskatoon Indian and Metis Friendship Centre
University of Saskatchewan
Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools
Saskatoon Public Schools
YMCA
Saskatoon Health Region

Kitaskinaw will be available on the following partner websites in mid-December: saskatoon.ca, sktc.sk.ca, unitedwaysaskatoon.ca, and gdins.org.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

-30-

Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon invites residents to attend one of four upcoming public engagement events to discuss possibilities for shaping Saskatoon’s Growth Plan to Half a Million (Growth Plan).  The Growth Plan is being developed to help guide future infrastructure investments in areas like corridor redevelopment, transit, and core area bridges so residents will have more choices for how they live and move around the city as Saskatoon grows.
Main Event – Growth Plan Workshops
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
TCU Place (Salons A and B), 35 - 22nd Street East
Presentations will begin at 10:15 a.m. and 6:15 p.m., with revolving workshops to follow every half hour to discuss possibilities for corridor redevelopment, transit, and core area bridges.  You may choose to participate in one or all of the workshop topics.

Growth Plan Information Session:
Monday, December 1, 2014
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cliff Wright Branch Library, 1635 McKercher Drive
Presentation will begin at 6:15 p.m., followed by facilitated question and answer period.

Thursday, December 4, 2014
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cosmo Civic Centre, 3130 Laurier Drive
Presentation will begin at 6:15 p.m., followed by facilitated question and answer period.
Event materials and information are also available online at www.growingfwd.ca, along with an opportunity to submit comments.  You can also join the discussion on Twitter as we live-tweet the November 26, 2014 event – just follow the City of Saskatoon on Twitter or use the hashtag #yxegrowingfwd.
Public consultation will be ongoing throughout the development of the Growth Plan.  Those interested can sign up for project update notifications at www.growingfwd.ca.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours, and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

NEW

51ST ST E EB & WB CURB (OUTSIDE) & CENTER LANES CLOSED APPROACHING WARMAN RD
(Installation of Signs & Jersey Barriers)
Start: November 26, 9:00 a.m. End: November 26, 12:00 p.m.

2ND AVE & 26TH ST INTERSECTION RESTRICTIONS
(Manhole inspection)
No left turns from 2nd Ave at 26th St. No left turns or through traffic for 26th St EB & WB
Start: November 26, 9:00 a.m. End: November 26, 12:00 p.m.

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

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 on our saskatoon.ca homepage or subscribe to our Traffic Detour Service Alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

The City of Saskatoon Planning and Development Division’s publication, City of Saskatoon Neighbourhood Profiles (13th Edition) is now available.  Since 1976, the publication has been developed as a way to provide an extensive database of demographic data at city-wide and neighbourhood levels.  This data provides guidance to civic administration, officials, and community agencies when planning for future service provisions, as well as providing a snapshot of a neighbourhood.
The Neighbourhood Profiles (13th Edition) includes population, income, age, language, dwelling, education, and other data from the 2011 Federal Census and the 2011 National Household Survey as released in 2013.  Updated data includes:

1. 2013 demographic estimates referred to as the G5 Super Census and provided by Generation 5, which include mathematically derived estimated values for over 1,000 demographic variables found in the Federal Census;
2. housing affordability index based on 2013 real estate sales;
3. 2013 vehicle registration data provided by Saskatchewan Government Insurance;
4. 2013 school enrolment data provided by the Saskatoon Public School Division, The Greater Saskatoon Catholic School Division, the University of Saskatchewan, and Saskatchewan Polytechnic (Saskatoon Campus);
5. 2013 Home-Based Business Licensing; and
6. 2013 park space and neighbourhood area profiles.

City of Saskatoon Neighbourhood Profiles is available online at www.saskatoon.ca (look under “N” for Neighbourhoods).  Bound hard copies are also available for purchase from the Planning and Development Division (3rd Floor, City Hall).  For more information, call (306) 975-2645.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

For November 24, 2014

8.3.1 City of Saskatoon’s Corporate Business Plan and Budget – the Roads Ahead – Update and Year-End Projections (p.4)

Council will be asked to:

*Receive the information

Additional Information:

*The key projects outlined in the 2014 Corporate Business Plan and Budget are on track with some projects completed and others progressing well.

*The 2014 budget projections to year-end is a net deficit of $1.169 million. The Administration has implemented a discretionary spending and hiring freeze to mitigate as much of this deficit as possible at year-end. 

8.5.1 Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools – By - Election – Returning Officer’s Declaration of Results (p.4)

Council will be asked to:

*Receive the information

8.6.3 Transport of Dogs and Cats in Truck Beds and Designation of Hyde Park Off-Lease Recreation Area (p.5)

City Council will be asked to:

*Consider Bylaw No. 9232, The Animal Control Amendment Bylaw, 2014 (No. 2)

Additional Information:

*Bylaw No. 9232, The Animal Control Amendment Bylaw, 2014 (No. 2) implements City Council’s decision to amend Bylaw No. 7860, The Animal Control Bylaw, 1999 to:

(a)  restrict the transportation of dogs and cats in truck beds and open top cargo areas within the City; and

(b) establish a new off-leash recreation area within Hyde Park located in the Rosewood Neighbourhood.

8.10.1 Automated Speed Enforcement – Photo Radar (p.5)

City Council will be asked to:

*Consider the report of the City Solicitor regarding jurisdiction be considered with this matter; and

*Approve the pilot project

 Additional Information:

 *The City Solicitor determined Council’s role in policing is quite limited:

(a) Under The Police Act, Council must provide policing, but it is limited to paying for it. Council approves the overall police budget, but it does not approve it line by line as it does its own; and

(b) Council also appoints a Board of Police Commissioners, which is a body independent of Council. The Board is responsible to appoint a chief, and to provide overall policy and direction of the Police Service. However, the discretion as to what laws and how to enforce those laws remains with the police.

-30-

NEW
BROADWAY AVE NB CURB (OUTSIDE) & PARKING LANES CLOSED FROM 10TH ST E TO 11TH ST E
(Crane Lift)
Start: November 25, 6:00 a.m. End: November 25, 7:30 a.m.

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

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 on our saskatoon.ca homepage or subscribe to our Traffic Detour Service Alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

The City of Saskatoon (City) is developing a Recreation and Parks Master Plan (Master Plan) to guide the development, delivery, and continuous improvement of recreation and parks programs, services, and facilities.
As part of the development of the Master Plan, the City invites you to come and learn more about the project at an open house.  Members of the consulting team and City representatives will be in attendance to discuss the plan and collect any comments you may have.
OPEN HOUSE:  Recreation and Parks Master Plan
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. – “Come and Go” Open House, Brief Presentation at 12:30 p.m.
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. – “Come and Go” Open House, Brief Presentation at 6:00 p.m.
TCU Place, Salon E
35 - 22nd Street East
The input gathered at the open house will be used as the draft Master Plan is developed. 
If you are unable to attend the open house, please visit www.shapingsaskatoon.ca to review the open house material and provide your feedback.  The material will be online November 25, 2014.  If you have questions, please call the City’s Community Development Division at 306-975-2289.
For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

- 30 -

 

 

The City will operate four temporary snow storage sites this winter for contractor and public use.  Three sites are ready to open just in time for this weekend’s snow forecast:

1. Wanuskewin Road (1.8 kilometres north of 71st Street)
• Left turns into and exiting the site are extremely dangerous due to heavy traffic flow and are not permitted.  Please follow all traffic and on-site signs for access and exiting.
2. Central Avenue (4 kilometres north of Attridge Drive)
3. Valley Road (west of the Saskatoon Landfill access)
• Tailgate slamming is strictly prohibited at this location

New No Tailgate Slamming Policy in Effect: In order to minimize the noise disruption for the two temporary site adjacent to residential neighbourhoods, the common practice of tailgate slamming at the Valley Road and 8^th Street snow storage sites is not permitted.  Excessive noise from tailgate slamming may force the City to permanently close or limit access to a site.

These three sites are available 24/7 throughout the winter months.  The fourth site will be open over the next few weeks, located on 8^th Street, east of Boychuk Drive, with reduced hours, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily.  Tailgate slamming is also banned from this location due to the close proximity to residents.

Important information for snow storage site users:

• Please use caution when working around the snow moving equipment on site. 
• These sites are intended for snow only. No dumping of any solid waste, or any household, building or demolition materials.
• Snow hauling contractors may subscribe to receive Snow Storage Site Updates.
• Visit the website or contact Public Works customer service at 306-975-2476 for snow storage location information.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

Environment Canada is forecasting 5 to 10 centimetres of snow starting tonight and throughout the weekend. That - combined with today’s rainfall - City crews are out ahead of the coming ice/snow storm proactively applying sand and salt on the priority streets before the rain starts to freeze and the snow begins. Crews will continue sanding and salting priority streets 24/7 throughout the snow event, with all equipment at the ready. Drivers are reminded to please use extra caution as roadway conditions change.

If the snow reaches 5 centimetres or more, private contractor crews will be called in to assist with snow grading on priority streets. Also, regular Snow & Ice updates will be issued in the morning and late afternoon and the Snow & Ice Interactive Map will be updated as priority streets are graded. These updates will be shared on our social media channels and Saskatoon.ca.

To report any dangerous locations please contact Public Works Customer Service at 306-975-2476.

From sanding icy roads to snow grading, City crews are Plowing Ahead and are ready for whatever winter brings this year!

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

For Release: November 21, 2014

The latest update on the City of Saskatoon’s 2014 Corporate Business Plan and Budget: The Roads Ahead shows many key Continuous Improvement projects are on track, with some completed and others progressing well.

“For example, in one of several Continuous Improvement initiatives, the City saved $450,000 by optimizing the chemical dosage at the Water Treatment Plant through a reduction in chemicals used in the process,” says Catherine Gryba, Director of Corporate Performance. “These types of initiatives demonstrate that the City goes beyond conventional approaches to create greater efficiencies and savings.”

Additionally, over $25 million in increased operational efficiencies, capital savings and service level enhancements was identified in 2014.

The report also forecasts the City’s year-end deficit at $1.169 million.

“We continue to effectively meet service demands, but there are several additional factors affecting our bottom line,” says Kerry Tarasoff, Chief Financial Officer. “In an attempt to reduce our debt as much as possible by the end of the year, City Administration has implemented a discretionary spending and hiring freeze.”

The following is a summary of the main issues contributing to the projected variance:

Transportation

Snow Removal:  An estimated $688,000 deficit is projected as a result of intensified snow removal operations due to a harsh winter. Significantly more resources were spent on removal than in typical years, due in part to a reassignment of crews following the formation of ice pack on residential streets and removing snow against freeway barriers. A $489,000 reserve balance would exist at year-end to help offset this deficit. 

Street Cleaning and Sweeping:  An estimated $1.08 million deficit is projected as a result of intensified street cleaning and sweeping operations. Higher trucking costs to remove more debris and higher supply costs contributed to this deficit.

Transit Operations: Projected to be $1.755 million over budget due to two significant items: revenues are under budget by $900,000 due to a decrease in ridership, and $2.2 million from lost revenue during the labour disruption. This is offset by savings in expenses such as salaries and fuel of $1.4 million.

Taxation and General Revenues

General Revenue: Provincial utility franchise fees are higher than anticipated by $1.68 million due to increased consumption and customer growth in natural gas, while electrical usage increased related to growth. In addition, interest earnings are $1.36 million higher due to gains on residual bonds and higher balances held at the bank.

Property Levy: Assessment growth was $486,000 higher than the anticipated amount of $5 million due to increased construction activity. 

Municipal Revenue Sharing:  This will be $295,000 under the budgeted amount due to an adjustment in the estimated PST base which is used to calculate this grant.

Grant-in-Lieu of Taxation: Saskatoon Light & Power is projecting a lower grant-in-lieu of taxation in the amount of $110,000 resulting from decreased consumption revenue.

Environmental Health

Waste Handling Service: Increased equipment rentals for the landfill, as well as lower revenues, are contributing to a projected $542,000 deficit. 

Fire

The contract settlement for the Fire Department is expected to result in a deficit for salaries of $1.8 million. Through continuous improvement efforts identified to date, and one-time expenditure reductions, the overall deficit is forecast at $1.27 million. 

Recreation and Culture

Rec-Competitive Facilities: LeisureCard revenues are projected to be $378,000 lower than budgeted but offset slightly by higher paid admissions. Community Services is reviewing the services it provides to determine the necessary program changes. 

Utilities

Saskatoon Light & Power is projecting a $703,000 deficit due to overall reduced usage.  Expenditure savings and decreased transfers to reserves will bring the utility into a break-even situation by year-end. 

The Water and Wastewater utilities are projecting a combined deficit of $200,000 due mostly to the high volume of repairs required for water main breaks during a colder than usual winter. This deficit will be covered by the Water and Wastewater Stabilization Reserve.

City Council will receive the 2014 Corporate Business Plan and Budget: Roads Ahead update and year-end projections during its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, November 24, 2014.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

-30-