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City council upcoming agendas and minutes of past meeting are available online.
For more information, please visit the City of Saskatoon Website.
Council Decisions In Brief:
For March 1, 2010
Landfill Fee Increase — City Council approved that landfill commercial rates be increased incrementally from 2010 to 2013 in order to provide the industry with more time to adjust to the increase. The rates reflect increased revenue in order to fund capital upgrades at the landfill. In addition, customers will be charged $5 for the first two landfill visits per year, and then be charged $10 for any subsequent visits (to be tracked by license plates).
Green Energy Park at the Landfill — City Council approved that civic Administration proceed with the concept of a Green Energy Park at the Landfill. Green energy is another step toward the City’s long term vision to provide alternative energy sources. The proposed Park will include several renewable and/or low-impact electrical generation facilities. The projects approved or being considered have a combined capacity of 8.6 megawatts. The Energy Park will produce enough power for 5,550 homes and provide an annual greenhouse gas offset of 117,000 tonnes. The projects include: a tall wind turbine; landfill gas to energy power generation facility; turboexpander generation facility (it recovers useful energy from the pressure drop in a natural gas regulating station); direct fuel cell generation facility (this uses natural gas as a feedstock for direct fuel cell generation), and a rankine cycle heat recovery generation facility (this recovers waste heat from the direct fuel cell facility to generate electricity). The projects could be operational starting in 2012, 2013, and 2016.
Parking Meters Hooding — City Council referred this report back to the Planning and Operations Committee to review the effects on long-term construction projects and festivals. The report initially proposed that a 24-hour parking meter hood (restricting parking at anytime) and a 9-hour parking meter hood (restricting parking from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.) be approved, and that the cost for the 9-hour hood be set at $35 a day, and the cost for a 24-hour hood be increased from $13.50 per day to $115 per day. The proposed changes are Administration’s options in response to the high demand for on-street parking, with a limited supply in the downtown area. The report also proposed that the maximum number of parking stalls allowed to be hooded be six stalls per block, or four stalls per block if it exceeds two days.
Proclamations --
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, March 21, Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan
Purple Day, March 26, Epilepsy Saskatoon
Internal Audit Awareness Month, May 2010, Institute of Internal Auditors, Sask. Chapter
For further information:
Jill Cope, Communications Manager, 975-3461
For February 8, 2010
Municipal and Education Property Tax Notices — City Council has approved for Administration to send out two tax notices in one envelope, in order to further clarify where tax dollars are distributed. The first notice will list the City and Library taxes, and the second will list the school board taxes. The City is legislated to collect three separate property taxes on behalf of the school boards, library, and the municipality. Currently, one property tax notice is issued, listing all three levels of taxes. This results in confusion with some residents as to where their payment is distributed. The City and Library receive 51% of the taxes and the school boards receive 49%. Property tax notices are mailed in May.
Increase in Landfill Fees — City Council has referred a report back to the Administration to consult with interested parties and present the report to Executive Committee on February 16, regarding the recommendation that Landfill fees be increased for 2010, 2011, and 2012. The City currently charges a $5 entry fee to the Landfill and a subsidized per tonne tipping fee on loads up to 350 kilograms. Heavier loads and special handling loads are charged additional fees. A portion of the tipping fee is transferred to the Replacement Reserve and the remainder covers operational costs. The proposed fee increase is recommended to ensure continued sufficiency of the Reserve and to address increasing operating costs. The proposed fee structure for entrance to the Landfill is $5 for each of the first two visits in the year, and $10 for each visit after that. The fees for heavier loads will also increase incrementally over the next three years. Although rate increases are required to fund necessary capital and operating costs, the increased tipping fees will help promote use of other City programs for recycling, composting, and waste reduction..
Proclamations --
International Development Week, February 7-12, Municipal Partnership Program
John Howard Week, February 14-20, John Howard Society of Saskatchewan
Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Month, March 2010, Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Coordinator
Chastity Awareness Week, April 17-24, Teen-Aid Saskatoon
Architecture Week, June 20-26, 2010 SAA-RAIC Conference & Festival of Architecture
Ronald McDonald House Week, September 5-11, Dale Webb
For further information:
Jill Cope, Communications Manager, 975-3461
For January 18, 2010
Fire Services Agreement with Corman Park -- City Council approved the recommendation that the City enter into a new Fire Services Agreement with the Rural Municipality of Corman Park. The new Agreement includes increased fees and would be for a term of three years, commencing on January 1, 2010. It includes the provision of firefighting services, dangerous goods response services, rescue services, and fire prevention services.
Proposed Fire and Protective Services Growth Plan -- City Council approved in principle the proposed Fire and Protective Services Growth Plan to adequately service existing and planned new neighbourhoods. The plan is subject to available funding, and proposes a fire station in the Northwest Sector (Hampton Village) to be completed and staffed by 2012; in the CN Industrial area (Stonebridge and Willows) to be completed and staffed by 2014; and in the Northeast Development Area (Evergreen/University Heights) to be completed and staffed by 2018. The fire hall currently under construction in the Southeast Sector (Briarwood and Rosewood) is tentatively scheduled to open in June 2010.
Snow Route Fine Structure -- City Council approved the recommendation that the fine for an offence for parking on a designated snow route during a ban be increased from $65 to $80. The increase would cover towing costs of $68 (for tows with dollies), as well as administration costs of $12 per ticket. The current cost of $65 was based on an average amount for towing, and does not include administration fees.
2009 Local Area Planning Status Report -- City Council approved the recommendation that Administration undertake a review of the LAP Program and directions for possible future candidate neighbourhoods. The last of the LAP neighbourhoods identified in the Official Community Plan, and approved by City Council in 1997, have been adopted or are currently underway. Local Area Planning is a community-based approach to developing comprehensive neighbourhood plans involving residents, business owners, and other stakeholders.
Proclamations --
Crime Stoppers Month, January 2010, Saskatoon Crime Stoppers
NASCAR Day, August 4, Auto Clearing Motor Speedway
Realtor Community Safety Week, September 6 to 11, Saskatoon Region Association of Realtors
For further information:
Wendy McLeod, Communications Officer, 975-3071
For December 14, 2009
2010 Preliminary Capital Budget -- City Council approved a report from the Budget Committee recommending a total capital investment of $326.6 million for the 2010 Capital Budget.
As Saskatoon continues to grow, the City of Saskatoon will be required to make strategic, long-term capital investments to ensure that residents have the necessary infrastructure and services they need to enjoy the benefits of a growing city. With its 2010 Capital Budget, the City of Saskatoon is beginning the process by making strategic and focused investments that will not only accommodate growth, but also: (a) improve mobility within our city; (b) protect our physical environment; and (c) enhance our quality of life.
The 2010 capital investments include: $119 million for the Circle Drive South Project (which includes the new south bridge; this overall project is $300 million); $0.750 million for a new Mayfair Pool with an additional $4.250 million committed for 2011; $7.5 million to divert organics from the landfill; $5 million for the recapture of landfill gas with an additional $5 million planned for 2011; and $71.3 million for land development projects.
Funding for Community Engagement Strategy and Process -- City Council approved the community engagement plan for the City’s Community Visioning initiative and Phase II of the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw Review. As Saskatoon continues to grow and the issues facing us become more complex, there will be a need to engage citizens on a community-wide basis to ensure that civic strategies reflect those of the community. Administration is proposing to launch the Community Visioning initiative which will proactively seek out, analyze, and document a community-wide vision for Saskatoon. The intent is to adopt a vision for our future that is clear, forward thinking, sustainable, inclusive, and desirable to residents. The engagement process will provide an opportunity for the community to share their values and talk about what really matters to them. The feedback will provide direction to City Council and Administration, and will be incorporated into the long-term strategic planning process. The Community Visioning involves a Spring 2010 forum, followed by workshops in Fall 2010 and much of 2011. More details about the community visioning and how to be involved will be available in early 2010.
Tall Wind Turbine -- City Council approved a report from Administration that a consultant be hired to conduct a wind resource and environmental assessment for a tall wind turbine to be developed at the Landfill. This assessment is the next step in exploring the viability of constructing and operating a single tall wind turbine to generate clean electricity. The process now calls for the construction of a meteorological tower with instrumentation at the Landfill to gather wind data, as well as to conduct an environmental assessment meeting federal and provincial requirements. The 80-metre tower will be in place for 12 months. When the proposed turbine project is constructed, it has the potential of generating enough power for 600 homes and offsetting greenhouse gas emissions by 4,500 tonnes per year.
Proclamations
February 2010 - Heart Month, Heart and Stroke Foundation
February 15, 2010 - Family Day, in motion
For further information:
Jill Cope, Communications Manager, 975-3461
For November 30, 2009
River Landing Destination Centre – City Council approved in principle the development of the Destination Centre at River Landing with the Saskatchewan Art Gallery as the anchor attraction. Additional features include: an adaptable community studio, lecture theatre, and dressing rooms; an atrium that serves as a winter haven and gathering place for visitors, including a gift shop, restaurant, accessible washrooms, information kiosk; and a River Landing Administration office. The report also proposed the expansion of Persephone Theatre’s black box theatre and enlargement of their office and carpentry shop (subject to funding by Persephone Theatre). Subject to capital budget approval, City Council also authorized the hiring of Lundholm Associates Architects to prepare a functional program plan for the Destination Centre. The Destination Centre is estimated to cost $58 million (which includes an underground parking garage) and will be located adjacent to Persephone Theatre facing south toward the river.
Water, Wastewater, and Infrastructure Rates for 2010 – 2012 – City Council approved the recommendation from the Administration and Finance Committee that water, wastewater, and infrastructure rate adjustments increase the average bill by 7.5% annually, beginning on the first billing date in January 2010, 2011, and 2012. The rate adjustments are driven by increased operating and capital costs and to encourage greater water conservation. Even with this increase, the average water bills for Saskatoon remain significantly less than other prairie cities. Under the new rates, homeowners who consume an average amount of water would pay $53.75 per month, which works out to an extra $2.49 per month from what they are currently paying.
Future Recreation Facility Needs Assessment Study – City Council approved the recommendation from the Planning and Operations Committee that the Future Recreation Needs Assessment Study be referred to the Capital Budget Committee for consideration. The Study is to assess the future demand and type of indoor sport and recreation facilities in response to a growing population and changing demographic in Saskatoon over the next twenty years.
For further information:
Jill Cope, Communications Manager, 975-3461
For November 16, 2009
Parking Meter Rate Increase – City Council approved the recommendation that parking meter rates be increased from $1.50 to $2.00 per hour effective January 1, 2010. They also approve that the increased revenue be used to offset the construction costs for the 3rd Avenue Streetscape Project for 2010 - 2012.
Consultant Services – Taxi Industry – City Council approved the recommendation that Tennessee Transportation & Logistics Foundation conduct a comprehensive study of the taxi industry in Saskatoon. The City of Saskatoon is responsible for the issuing of 160 taxi licenses, 5 wheelchair accessible licenses, and 5 temporary wheelchair accessible licenses. Issues and concerns have been raised regarding taxi availability within Saskatoon. A comprehensive study is needed to fully understand the situation and provide City Council with recommendations for improvement. The study is expected to be completed by mid April 2010.
Transit Fare Increase – City Council approved the recommendation that transit fares be increased effective January 1, 2010. The fare increases are to help offset the costs of service expansions to accommodate city growth, provisions to fund bus replacement reserves, inflationary costs, and anticipated salary increases (for a total of approximately $2.2 million). Anticipated increase of ridership by 5% will also help offset this cost. The new cash fares are $2.75 for adults (up from $2.50) and $2.10 for students (up from $1.90). The new fares for tickets are $2.10 for adults (up from $2.00) and $1.50 for students (up from $1.40). For monthly transit passes, the new costs are: $71.00 for adults (up from $68.00); $21.00 for seniors (up from $20.00); $51.00 for students (up from $48.00). This is the first fare increase since 2008.
Proclamations –
Non-Violence Month, October 2009, India-Canada Cultural Association
Agriculture Business Awareness Week, January 11-15, 2010, Prairieland Park
Family Literacy Day, January 27, 2010, ABC Canada Literacy Foundation
United Way Month, November 2009, United Way of Saskatoon and Area
Saskatchewan Multiculturalism Week, November 22-29, Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan
For further information:
Jill Cope, Communications Manager, 975-3461
For September 14, 2009
River Landing Funding Update – City Council received a report from Administration updating the costs of River Landing. The River Landing project reflects an investment of $82.1 million (Phase 1, $13.4 million; Phase 1 Riverfront, $12.7 million; Phase 2, $52.1 million; and the Destination Centre, $4 million). City Council also received a strategy for the funding shortfall identified within Phase 2 of $6.3 million. The shortfall will be offset by the sale of land which has been increased to reflect current appraised values. Should land sales be insufficient to offset the shortfall, potential funding options include re-allocation of available funds resulting from senior government grants; borrowing funds and dedicating an additional year of incremental assessment growth as repayment; or funding through the normal, capital budget process. Administration will continue to monitor the costs of Phase 2 and will report further on any funding shortfall.
New Rental Construction Land Cost Rebate Program – University of Saskatchewan Student Housing – City Council approved a recommendation from the Executive Committee for the funding application of $600,000 for the University of Saskatchewan’s creation of 120 new purpose-built rental units on University land east of Cumberland Avenue. Most of the units have three or four bedrooms with a total capacity of housing 400 students. The funding will come from the Affordable Housing Reserve with the overall goal of encouraging the creation of 1,000 new purpose-built rental units. The Innovative Housing Incentives Program provides for a grant of $5,000 per unit. This is the second application under the Program.
Temporary Sign Bylaw Amendment – City Council approved a recommendation from Administration to amend the Temporary Sign Bylaw to include the prohibition of people holding or wearing temporary signs in places where temporary signs are prohibited, such as medians and traffic islands. Sometimes the signs are commercial or relate to an election. The intention is to prevent the creation of traffic hazards by distracting motorists.
Proclamations –
Think Pink Week, September 14-18, CUBC Run for the Cure
In motion Month, October 2009, Saskatoon Health Region
World Ostomy Day, October 3, Saskatoon Ostomy Association
Fire Prevention Week, October 4-10, Saskatoon Fire & Protective Services
Poverty Awareness Week, October 18-29, Saskatoon Anti Poverty Coalition
Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Month, November 2009, Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada
Restorative Justice Week, November 15-22, Communities Responding to Human Needs
For further information:
Jill Cope, Communications Manager, 975-3461
For August 17, 2009
Consultant Services – Taxi Industry in Saskatoon -- City Council authorized Administration to engage the services of a consultant to undertake a comprehensive study of the taxi industry in Saskatoon. The taxicab industry in Saskatoon has, for many years, operated in a manner requiring minimal intervention by City Council. However, increasingly, issues and concerns regarding taxi availability have arisen. Administration, upon research and discussion with other cities, feels there are no simple solutions and a comprehensive study is warranted to fully understand the current situation and provide recommendations. Administration will issue a Request for Proposals for consultants in early September, have the tender awarded in mid-December, and the study will take between three to five months.
Mortgage Flexibility Support Program -- City Council approved the recommendation from the Planning and Operations Committee that the first project under the Mortgage Flexibility Support Program be approved with funding of $800,000 for up to 50 affordable housing units. The goal of the new Program is to encourage the creation of new, affordable, multi-unit housing projects for homeownership. The Program provides a grant equal to a five percent mortgage down-payment to pre-screened low and moderate income households for home ownership. The housing units being considered under the Program are the six-plexes moved from McNab Park to Camponi Place which have been significantly renovated and upgraded.
River Landing Capital Budge Update -- City Council approved a report from Administration recommending that a post budget increase of $6.3 million for River Landing Phase II capital projects be funded. The River Landing redevelopment project is designed to enhance the sustainability of the city’s downtown and core neighbourhoods by reclaiming and developing under-utilized areas of the city adjacent to the riverbank. The River Landing Phase II budget has various projected cost increases such as the riverfront construction, boat dock, activity areas, streetscape design and construction of Avenues A, B, C, and the 19th Street reconfiguration. The increased costs are due to a tender coming in higher than the budget, the addition of ancillary items to complete the project, and the addition of Contract 4 (the east side accessible pedestrian access, landscaping, boat dock, activity areas). The funding to cover these increased costs is anticipated to come from the sale of various parcels of land in River Landing Phase II for development.
Proclamations –
Ukraine Week, August 17-23, Ukraine Day in the Park
Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month, September 2009, Muscular Dystrophy Canada
Saskatchewan Derby Day, September 5, Prairieland Park
Maple Leaf Day, September 23, Tree Canada
LIVESTRONG Day, October 2, Saskatoon Supporting LIVESTRONG
International Epidermolysis Bullosa Awareness Week, October 25-31, Walk a Mile in My Shoes
For further information: Jill Cope, Communications Manager, 975-3461
For July 13, 2009
Cankerworms -- City Council received a report from Administration on cankerworms, and resolved that the matter of pest control be referred to the Planning and Operations Committee for review and report to the Budget Committee. The report noted that cankerworms do not affect the overall health of a tree, and any damage is considered to be cosmetic. Trees will re-leaf within a couple of weeks once feeding has completed. The City discontinued spraying for tree insect pests in the late nineties. The Administration does not recommend that people spray City-owned trees in front of their home, as Saskatoon has a healthy and vigorous urban forest, and there is currently no way in which to monitor to ensure that any spraying done won’t have a negative impact on the health of the trees. Administration is working with researchers and looking at alternatives to spraying as a means to control insects and disease pests.
Election Signs -- City Council received a report from Administration regarding the Temporary Sign Bylaw, and moved amendments so that temporary election signs be prohibited on non-residential streets and buffer strips where the speed limit is 60 kph or higher. Election signs are considered temporary signs and are subject to the Bylaw.
Contract Negotiations - Firefighters -- City Council approved a report from Administration regarding the collective agreement between the City and the International Association of Firefighters Local 80. The contract has a wage increase of 18.09% over two years, to the end of 2010. This is reflective of settlements for firefighters in other western Canadian cities, including Regina, which recently had an arbitrated settlement of 17.99% over three years to the end of 2009. Saskatoon firefighters perform other functions outside of the traditional role of firefighters, including enforcement of the Property Maintenance and Nuisance Abatement Bylaw, emergency medical services, fire inspections, and pre-incident planning. The contract also reflects some significant changes in terms of succession planning, seniority, and uniform replacements.
Proclamations –
Red and White Week, August 2-9; 2010 IIHF World Junior Championship
Day of the Sponsored Child, September 4, Christian Children’s Fund of Canada
Home Energy Efficiency Project Day, October 8, SaskEnergy
Waste Reduction Week, October 19-25, Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council
For further information: Jill Cope, Communications Manager, 975-3461
For June 22, 2009
Conversion to Individual Waste Containers -- City Council received a report from Administration updating them as to the new approach for pickup for individual waste containers for those neighbourhoods converted to individual containers since fall 2008. For those neighbourhoods already converted, Administration suggested a process to determine the preference for front-street or rear-lane pickup. Administration is reviewing the comments received from the neighbourhood; they are also consulting with the ward Councillor to get a better understanding of the issues they see in each neighbourhood. If it is felt that there is a clear preference from the neighbourhood, a decision will be made regarding the pickup location. If the neighbourhood has mixed views and it is unclear what the majority prefer, a telephone survey will be conducted, and the results shared with the ward Councillor and Administration, and then taking into consideration the configuration of the neighbourhood, a decision will be made regarding the pickup location. As of now, Hudson Bay Park and Exhibition will be reverting to rear-lane collection. Kelsey-Woodlawn will remain with collection as is; City Park will remain with lane collection, none of the area that was converted before September 2008 will be changed; and Mayfair and parts of Caswell Hill will be surveyed. Flyers will be delivered to all neighbourhoods alerting residents of where and when their waste collection will be as decisions are made for each area.
Proposed Mortgage Flexibility Support Program –City Council amended the Innovative Housing Incentives Policy to add the Mortgage Flexibility Support Program. The program will unlock available mortgage flexibilities offered by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and encourage any lending institution to participate and assist low and moderate-income households with the purchase of an affordable dwelling. The program would provide a grant equal to a five percent mortgage down payment to pre-screened low and moderate-income households; the homeowner would be responsible for paying full property taxes upon purchase of the affordable unit; and the property tax collected by the City would be redirected back in to the Affordable Housing Reserve until the original amount off the forgivable grant had been repaid. SaskHousing would assist with applicant screening and homeownership training.
Proclamations:
International Literacy Day, September 8, Saskatoon Literacy Coalition
Biotech Week, September 18-25, Ag-West Bio
Family Business Day, October 21, Heather Anderson
Day of the Honey Bee, May 29, 2010, Clinton Ekdahl
For further information: Jill Cope, Communications Manager, 975-3461
For June 1, 2009
New Approach to Front Street Garbage Collection -- City Council approved a report from Administration that all future neighbourhoods converted to individual roll-out garbage containers have the containers picked up in the back alley, and that neighbourhoods in the process of being converted to individual containers, have their collection in the back alley too. City Council also approved that Administration review and report back on a process to allow those neighbourhoods converted to front street pick up since September 2008 as part of the accelerated conversion process, to revert in whole or in part to back alley collection. Individual garbage containers help reduce vandalism and illegal dumping in back alleys, as well as help reduce the amount of waste going to the landfill, as homeowners can manage their own garbage. Some of the neighbourhoods recently converted have unique challenges including narrow lots, narrow streets, and no driveways, making it difficult for front street collection.
Electrical Rates Revision -- City Council approved that the electrical rates in the City of Saskatoon electrical distribution area be revised so that customers will pay the same as SaskPower customers. SaskPower is increasing its rates effective June 1, 2009. The average impact of this year’s increase on residential customers will be 9.8% or approximately $8.00 per month. The various commercial customers will see impacts ranging from 5% to 15%. Saskatoon residents are served by two electrical providers: SaskPower and Saskatoon Light & Power (City of Saskatoon). The Saskatoon Light & Power service area falls within the 1958 boundaries of Saskatoon. The rate adjustment is necessary so that Saskatoon Light & Power customers pay the same rates as SaskPower customers.
Evergreen Neighbourhood Concept Plan -- City Council approved in principle the Evergreen Neighbourhood Concept Plan. Evergreen is proposed to have 265 hectares of land which includes residential and commercial development, institutional uses, a variety of park spaces, elementary school sites, drainage areas, and roadways. When fully developed, the neighbourhood is estimated to have 12,600 residents. Evergreen will be located north of Willowgrove and the University Heights Suburban Centre areas. Evergreen is a sustainable neighbourhood, with such features as an integrated linear park trail system within the neighbourhood with strategic connectivity to outside of the neighbourhood; a “green” bridge linking the two sides of the neighbourhood over an arterial road; a village centre and a village square; and having 60% of its single-family lots with the perfect orientation for solar energy systems.
Proclamations –
Refugee Month, June 2009, Saskatoon Refugee Coalition
Shriners Week, June 1-6, WAWA Shriners
For further information: Jill Cope, Communications Manager, 975-3461