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City Council, Administration will continue work to reduce projected funding gap in upcoming 2024/2025 Budget meeting
August 9, 2023 - 4:15pm
City Council’s Governance & Priorities Committee (GPC) will continue its work to reduce the projected funding gap within the 2024/2025 Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget at its next Special Budget Meeting on August 15.
Following budget reductions of $21.6 million in 2024 and $1.6 million in 2025 as directed by GPC at its July 25 Special Budget Meeting, City Administration has been able to further refine estimates and update 2024 and 2025 revenue and expense projections based upon the most current data available. Heading into the August 15 Special Budget Meeting, the revised budgetary gap being presented for discussion is $26.2 million in 2024 and $19.3 million in 2025.
This reduces the current estimated tax increase that would be required if no further mitigation steps were introduced to a new starting point of 8.92 per cent in 2024 and 6.01 per cent in 2025, respectively.
“Work continues in a public and transparent way to address the funding pressures we’re facing ahead of Council’s 2024/2025 budget discussions in November this year,” says Director of Finance Kari Smith.
At its August 15 meeting, Committee will consider business line reports relating to Transportation, Community Support, Saskatoon Fire, Environmental Health, Taxation and General Revenue, Land Development, Arts, Culture and Events Venues, Recreation and Culture, and Urban Planning and Development.
Council has also requested to receive draft budgets from the Saskatoon Police Board of Commissioners and the Saskatoon Library Board earlier than normal so that they may be incorporated into future budget discussions.
The full AGENDA for the August 15, 2023, Special Budget Meeting is available for review. As with all, this meeting will be LIVE streamed, access LIVE VIDEO here.
Should any member of the public wish to submit a letter or request to appear in person at the August 15 Special Budget Meeting, the deadline to arrange for this is Monday, August 14, at 5:00 pm.
For more information on the 2024/2025 Multi-Year Budget & Business Plan, including answers to frequently-asked questions and reference charts and graphs, visit Saskatoon.ca/budget.
Active Transportation Advisory Group recruiting community representatives for 2023
August 8, 2023 - 2:30pm
City administration is recruiting up to four new members from the community for appointment to the Active Transportation Advisory Group (ATAG). ATAG weighs in on policies, programs and initiatives to improve community and infrastructure needs to increase options for cycling, walking and other modes of active transportation.
“We’re looking for people from the community who want to help us explore options for active transportation, such as cycling and walking,” says Jay Magus, Director of Transportation.
There are opportunities for people across Saskatoon to shift short trips from driving to walking and biking by creating safe active-transportation networks. The Active Transportation Advisory Group aims to build and strengthen connections between community groups, organizations, residents and the City of Saskatoon, to support the successful implementation of the Active Transportation Plan in Saskatoon.
To apply and for more information, visit saskatoon.ca/atag or contact atag@saskatoon.ca. The deadline for applications is on Sunday August 27, 2023.
City Administration to set stage for rollout of variable cart garbage utility in 2024
August 2, 2023 - 4:00pm
On Tuesday, August 8, City Administration will present an approval report to the Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services Committee (EU&CS) in order to purchase the new smaller sized carts for the City’s upcoming variable waste utility launching in 2024.
As previously directed by Council, the funding source for black cart garbage services will shift from property taxes to a utility model in 2024. Three different black cart sizes will be available to homes with curbside collection.
“We look forward to providing residents cart size options that reflect their household waste needs,” says Brendan Lemke, Director of Water and Waste Operations. “Following the successful launch of the city-wide green cart program, many residents are already noticing a smaller amount of garbage in their black carts. The variable utility model means that households will have more control over their costs and only pay for the waste they actually produce.”
A dedicated report on program implementation will be presented to the EUCS Committee this fall. This report will include information on cart size options, cart swap requests, timelines and proposed rates for the garbage utility.
Garbage collection will remain bi-weekly year-round. To view your collection calendar, visit saskatoon.ca/collectioncalendar or download the Saskatoon Waste Wizard app.
New John A. Macdonald Road name proposed: means “good relationship” in Cree
July 26, 2023 - 7:45pm
- August 9, 2023: Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services to consider the recommendation to approve the name
- August 30, 2023: City Council to consider the recommendation to approve the renaming and to direct a Street Name Change Bylaw
- September 27, 2023: City Council to consider the approval of Street Name Change Bylaw
- Fall/Winter 2023: Street sign and map changes
To recognize the City’s commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, City Council approved on June 28, 2021, the process to rename John A. Macdonald Road, to acknowledge the ongoing harm in the community experienced by Residential School Survivors.
Residential schools took Indigenous children away from their families, cultures and languages to assimilate them – so they would no longer exist as distinct peoples – and were responsible for the hunger, neglect, abuse and death of thousands of Indigenous children in Canada. Indigenous families today continue to experience this pain, grief, loss and inter-generational trauma.
“The City is committed to raising awareness and understanding of residential schools and their ongoing impacts,” says Melissa Cote, Director, Indigenous Initiatives. “We recognize that John A. Macdonald, the first prime minister of Canada, played a significant role in the development of Canada’s Indian residential school system which created and continues to create many harms for Indigenous families.”
Since Council’s direction in 2021, significant work has taken place to rename the road and there is important work still to do. The City has been meeting with Indigenous leaders, Residential School Survivors, Elders, Knowledge Keepers and youth, the Saskatoon Intercultural Association, members from the Chinese community, teachers from wâhkôhtowin School and many others to recommend a new name which will be presented to the Civic Naming Committee on August 1, 2023.
The road name that will be proposed to the Civic Naming Committee is miyo-wâhkôhtowin Road – a Cree word meaning good (miyo) relationship (wâhkôhtowin).
“The proposed name reflects the theme of Reconciliation and was thoughtfully and carefully chosen after listening to and learning from the community and the people that continue to be impacted by residential schools and the legacy of John A. Macdonald,” Cote explains. “Residential schools contributed to a breakdown in communities and relationships and division; good relationships will bring us together.”
After the Civic Naming Committee, the next steps in the approval process for the renaming, are:
Throughout the renaming journey, the City has engaged with John A. Macdonald Road property owners and residents and this evening held a meeting to inform them of the proposed name and provide an update on the renaming process. The City will support property owners and residents with having their address changed including approved associated costs. More information on how to access support will be available directly for property owners and residents in the upcoming months.
For more information, visit the John A. Macdonald Road webpage at saskatoon.ca/engage/renaming which is kept updated with the latest information.
City Council shaves projected funding gap by $21.6 million in 2024 and $1.6 million in 2025; additional reduction measures on deck for August meeting
July 25, 2023 - 6:00pm
- Limit inflationary increases to 25% of the programs projected requirements for Roadways, Facilities Maintenance, Saskatoon Light and Power’s Maintenance Requirements and Fire Apparatus Replacement
- Defer phase-ins for future operating impacts for fire halls, the East Leisure Centre and expansion of Transit to growing neighborhoods’ which will be addressed in the future years when they are operationally required
- Lowering the City’s Corporate Fuel Estimates by $0.15 per litre
- Adjustments to the City’s plan to repay the 2022 Emergency Snow Response and build funding for future responses
- Increase Parking Rates by $0.50/hour
- Transfer the cost of Parking App User Fees to the end user
- No increases for City Yard Security funding
- Defer increases for Roadway Maintenance Training positions
- Defer increases for paved roadways and sidewalk maintenance positions
- Defer increases for snow and ice management positions
- Defer increases for new street sweeping positions
- Defer increases for transportation services positions
- Limit inflationary increases in the snow and ice management program to $300,000 in 2024 and $350,000 in 2025
- No increases for inflation in street cleaning and sweeping program
- No increases for funding for bus stop snow removal
- No increases for training funding for Saskatoon Transit
Saskatoon City Council’s Governance and Priorities Committee(GPC), comprised of the Mayor and all City Councillors, made significant progress today at the second of three planned Special Budget Meetings to reduce the projected funding gap the City would face in the 2024-2025 Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget.
After reductions of $21.6 million in 2024 and $1.6 million in 2025, the remaining gap to be addressed in future budget meetings has been lowered to $29.2 million and $20.05 million.
So far, GPCs reductions if left unmitigated would translate into a 9.96% property tax increase for 2024 and 6.17% in 2025 -- that’s down from the original starting projected property tax rates of 17.33% and 6.25% respectively.
The Administration presented several reports, from which GPC recommended the following measures be integrated into the 2024/2025 Preliminary 2024/2025 Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget:
There is still much more work to do: GPC will discuss further budget reductions at another Special Budget Meeting scheduled on August 15. At this meeting, deferred business line reports relating to Community Support, Saskatoon Fire, Environmental Health, Taxation and General Revenue, Land Development and Arts, Culture and Events Venues will be considered. Additional business lines reports relating to Corporate Support & Revenue, Recreation and Culture and Utilities are also planned to be presented at that time There may be additional Special Budget Meetings planned.
Council will also request that the Saskatoon Police Board of Commissioners and the Saskatoon Library Board put forward their respective draft budgets earlier than they normally would so that they can also be incorporated into future budget discussions.
An additional motion was passed to create a working group of Administration and Council members to meet with the Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce and the North Saskatoon Business Association to further discuss each group’s recommendations on reducing the 2024/2045 starting funding gap.
City Council will finalize the 2024/2025 Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget this November at its final budget review and deliberations.
For more facts and reliable information on the 2024/2025 Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget, please visit Saskatoon.ca/budget
2024/2025 Budget action plan: revised funding gap, numerous options to lower property tax
July 19, 2023 - 3:30pm
- Transportation
- Community Support
- Saskatoon Fire
- Environmental Health
- Taxation and General Revenue
- Land Development
- Arts, Culture and Events Venues
City Administration is set to deliver a group of reports that outline options for City Council to lower the projected 2024/2025 property tax funding gap. The reports are part of the 2024/2025 Multi-Year Budget process which began in March. The reports will be discussed at the July 25, 2023, Special Budget Meeting, which is the next in a series of meetings related to the 2024/2025 Budget.
At these Special Budget Meetings, Council will provide early direction and propose solutions to the Administration so that changes can be incorporated into the Preliminary Business Plan and Budget documents that Council will ultimately consider in November.
With significant and challenging budget adjustments required to reduce the City’s estimated funding gaps for 2024 and 2025, at the July 25 meeting, the Administration will present a Budget Status Update Information Report which revises the funding needed over the next two years to maintain services at the service levels at which they are currently delivered by the City.
“We have a new starting point for the fully transparent view of the City’s budgeting process. As part of this process, the Administration is tasked to estimate the funding the City would need to keep services at the same level as they are now for the next two years,” says Clae Hack, Chief Financial Officer. “With increased revenue-sharing expectations from the province and other adjustments, the prior released funding gaps of $52.4 million and $23.2 million are now $50.9 million and $21.7 million for 2024 and 2025.”
Hack says without intervention, the new starting funding gap would translate into a 17.33% and 6.25% property tax increase for 2024 and 2025, respectively.
“I must stress again, these early figures in no way represent any kind of finalized or even proposed property tax increases for residents and our business community,” Hack says.
“The entire budget process is designed to be completely public and transparent and requires the City to look ahead to 2024 and 2025 estimated costs, which is what this process is all about. Our goal is to support the delivery of services and service levels in the most efficient way possible, to keep our community safe, and to aid Saskatoon’s ability to grow and attract new residents, and businesses that create jobs. The civic Administration will present Council with several strategic options to help substantially decrease the City’s funding gap driven by inflation and other budgetary pressures.”
With a targeted goal to examine everything on the table line-by-line, to adjust and find savings throughout the organization and to help lower the funding gap, the Governance and Priorities Committee (GPC) plans to explore savings options within the following business lines on July 25 to scrutinize the expenses, revenues, and historical budget increases/allocations:
Also, in response to prior Council resolutions, City Administration will present a series of Information Reports on the municipal comparison of Full-Time Equivalent employees (FTEs), impacts of a City-wide hiring freeze/not hiring additional staff, and the status of the City's temporary workforce for GPC’s review.
The full AGENDA for the July 25, 2023, Special Budget Meeting is available for review. As with all, this meeting will be LIVE streamed, access LIVE VIDEO here.
Should any member of the public wish to submit a letter or request to appear in person at the July 25 Special Budget Meeting, the deadline to arrange for this is Monday, July 24, at 5:00 pm.
GPC will table its third Special Budget Meeting on August 15, 2023, at 9:30 a.m.
Visit saskatoon.ca/budget for more information.
City receives grant to improve pedestrian crossing at 22nd Street and Avenue V
July 7, 2023 - 11:15am
The City of Saskatoon (City) has received a Provincial Traffic Safety Fund Grant to install a more visible pedestrian crossing at 22nd Street and Avenue V. The $80,824 grant, funded through photo speed enforcement proceeds, will go toward a pedestrian actuated signal at the intersection as well as pavement markings and signage.
“Right now, there are no pavement markings or illuminated signals to alert drivers of pedestrians crossing at this high-traffic location,” says Jay Magus, Director of Transportation. “Pedestrian safety will be significantly improved once the upgrade is complete.”
With the pedestrian crossing improvements at 22nd Street and Avenue V, drivers will be required to stop on a red signal. It is expected to be operational by this fall.
Provincial Traffic Safety Fund Grants are awarded to communities twice a year. The City will continue submitting funding applications to improve safety at other intersections and school zones throughout Saskatoon.
Dutch elm disease identified in two areas of Saskatoon
July 7, 2023 - 10:00am
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Immediate removal of the positive trees and disposal at the City landfill
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Increased surveillance of the surrounding area to search for stored elm wood
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Sampling of symptomatic trees within one kilometre of the infected tree
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Continuing regular elm surveillance and cyclical pruning of trees in parks and on boulevards
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Not pruning elms during the provincial pruning ban (April 1 to August 31)
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Not bringing elm wood into the city, storing elm wood for more than a day, or burning elm firewood
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Always disposing of elm wood at the City Landfill
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Sanitizing tools after working on elm trees
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Not building treehouses in elm trees, as the nail and screw holes can attract elm bark beetles
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Reporting dead or dying elm trees or branches to the City or to a professional arborist
This week, the City of Saskatoon Parks Department has confirmed two positive cases of Dutch elm disease (DED) in elm trees in Sutherland and one positive case in Pleasant Hill.
The City has initiated its DED Response Plan, which includes:
What will happen in impacted areas?
Parks staff will be conducting surveillance around impacted areas. Surveillance of these areas includes checking every property for elm firewood or brush and removing it when it is found. If residents are not home, staff will remove the elm wood and leave an Elm Infraction Notice with a note indicating that the wood was removed.
As part of the Forest Resource Management Act, the Provincial Dutch Elm Disease Regulations, 2005 allow inspectors to enter private property to inspect for elm wood, remove elm wood, and sample private elm trees. In accordance with the regulations, property owners will be asked to remove and dispose of infected elm trees.
What is DED?
DED is a serious disease caused by a fungus that clogs the elm tree’s water and nutrient conducting system, which eventually causes the tree to die. DED was introduced in North America in the 1930s and has since wiped out millions of elms across Canada and the United States. In Saskatoon, elms make up 25% of the public urban forest.
How is DED spread?
In Saskatchewan, the disease is spread by several species of elm bark beetles. These beetles can fly farther than two kilometres in search of elm trees. The DED fungus has tiny spores that stick to the body of the beetle. Elm bark beetles can carry these spores and infect other elm trees. The fungus can also be spread by infected pruning tools.
You can help prevent DED by:
How to identify and report unhealthy elm trees and firewood
American elm trees with DED may start showing symptoms as early as June. Typically, the leaves will start to wilt and turn yellow, then curl and turn brown. If you suspect an unhealthy elm tree or are unsure of what type of firewood you have, take a photo and complete the online form at saskatoon.ca/dutchelmdisease or call Urban Forestry at 306-975-2890.
For more information on DED, visit saskatoon.ca/dutchelmdisease.
Zoo animals prepare for cooler temperatures
October 11, 2022 - 1:00pm
Over the next several weeks, visitors to the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo) will start to see the Zoo animals preparing for the cooler winter temperatures ahead. Many species including the snow leopard, lynx, bobcats, bison and caribou thrive in cooler temperatures thanks to some very cool natural adaptations.
“Caribou are well adapted to life in cold climates,” says Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager. “The herd at the Zoo is already working on developing their dense undercoat made up of ultra-fine fur and a longer overcoat of hollow guard hairs that will keep them warm throughout the winter. Caribou also have large, sharp hooves that act like snowshoes allowing them to walk on top of the snow.”
Other animals like the grizzly bears and prairie dogs, are getting ready to sleep away the cold winter days.
“Mistaya and Koda have started making their beds so to speak,” says Mitchell. “You might see the bears combing through the extra straw and leaves the zookeepers have placed throughout their habitat. Mistaya and Koda like to carefully select each leaf and piece of straw, only taking the best of the best back to their den to make their bed.”
Dingoes Maple and Euci will soon be off-exhibit as the cool weather settles in. While the dingoes love to play in the snow for brief periods of time, they will be spending most of their time in their indoor habitat in favour of warmer temperatures.
A reminder to purchase your 2023 Zoo Season Passes before December 31, 2022 to receive 2022 rates. Zoo Season Passes are available for purchase at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo or any Leisure Centre.
The Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., visit saskatoon.ca/zoo for more information or to plan your next visit.
New home energy retrofit financing for Saskatoon
October 7, 2022 - 8:15am
Helping Canadians upgrade their homes to be more energy-efficient fights climate change, creates good jobs and helps save on monthly bills.
The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister for PrairiesCan, and Minister for CanNor, on behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources, and Mairin Loewen, member of the Board of Directors of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and councillor at the City of Saskatoon, today announced a $11.1-million investment through the Community Efficiency Financing (CEF) initiative to help implement a home energy retrofit financing program in the City of Saskatoon.
The Saskatoon Home Energy Loan Program is the first Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program in the province, designed to support retrofits for single-family homes by allowing repayment of loans through the property tax system. The program will provide financing for homeowners to undertake a range of measures, including energy efficiency upgrades, renewable energy installations, water conservation measures, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, and battery storage technology.
The program includes further support for low-income households: waiving its fixed administrative fee, providing certain services and equipment upgrades free of charge, and offering additional rebates. Through its partnership with SaskPower, the city will further support low-income participation in the existing Energy Assistance Program, which offers energy coaching and low-cost upgrades specifically to low-income households. Additionally, the program will encourage Indigenous businesses to participate in the pre-vetted qualified contractor list for the program.
The implementation of the Saskatoon Home Energy Loan Program follows a successful feasibility study, which received a $102,750 grant through the Green Municipal Fund’s (GMF) Community Efficiency Financing initiative to explore various program options and design a PACE residential financing program. The first intake of the loan program was extremely popular and now has a waitlist. The city will consider additional enhancements to the program to better serve homeowners.
The Community Efficiency Financing initiative is offered through the Green Municipal Fund (GMF) delivered by FCM and funded by the Government of Canada. CEF helps communities of all sizes implement innovative local financing programs that directly help homeowners cut their greenhouse gas emissions, make their homes more energy-efficient, comfortable and affordable, while creating local jobs and keeping the local economy moving.
This initiative is one of the ways GMF continues to build on its 20-year record of supporting transformative environmental initiatives at the community level. The Government of Canada has invested $1.65 billion in the GMF since its inception, enabling municipalities to support projects like this that will leverage local resources to drive innovative solutions.
Quotes
“We are working with partners across Saskatchewan to deliver greener buildings and support sustainable economic growth. Today’s announcement with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities will help deliver more efficient and comfortable homes that will lower bills for Canadian families, take action against climate change and create good jobs for workers. The Government of Canada is pleased to support these initiatives.”
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources
“It’s critically important to have everyone in the climate fight. Municipalities across Canada are doing their part with innovative solutions that create jobs and climate resilience. Green infrastructure investments in Canadian communities will make our air cleaner, our economy stronger, and set us on the path to a net-zero future.”
The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
“Families and local governments are taking innovative climate actions in their communities. By investing in programs to help make homes more energy-efficient, we’re creating jobs, fighting climate change and lowering energy bills for families. I want to thank the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the City of Saskatoon for their innovative approach to fighting climate change and helping families. These are the sort of innovative, locally led climate solutions our government will continue to support.”
The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister for PrairiesCan, and Minister for CanNor
“Municipalities are on the front lines of climate change and climate action, and communities of all sizes are showing climate leadership at a time when we need it most. The Green Municipal Fund empowers them to get results on the ground. We deliver results with our federal partners – supporting cities like Saskatoon build a greener, more sustainable community, create jobs and helping Canadians make their homes more comfortable and affordable. Together, we are on the path to net-zero.”
Mairin Loewen, member of FCM Board of Directors and councillor, City of Saskatoon
“Saskatoon is the first municipality in Saskatchewan to implement a program like the Home Energy Loan Program. It allows residents to borrow money from the City to make energy efficient retrofits for single-family homes. Whether it goes towards a new furnace, windows, replacing a leaky door, or multiple projects, this program helps citizens save money month-to-month on utility costs, as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This funding will enable us to expand this program, as it was immediately oversubscribed as a pilot project, resulting in a waitlist for residents wanting to make energy efficient improvements to their homes. To address equity, this program allows for the waiving of administrative fees and provides rebates for income-qualified households.”
Charlie Clark, Mayor, City of Saskatoon
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