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Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
City Council and Committees to resume in-person meetings in April
April 8, 2022 - 7:34am
After more than two years, Saskatoon City Council and its Committees will resume in-person meetings in April and will reopen Council Chamber to the public. Meetings have been conducted virtually online since shortly after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“With COVID-19 restrictions lifting, it’s exciting to welcome back Council members and members of the public to attend City Council proceedings in Council Chamber or to other public committee meetings,” says Adam Tittemore, City Clerk. “While there are no COVID-related restrictions or a capacity limit in Chambers at present, public visitors may still choose to physically distance themselves and or wear an optional face-covering.”
Meeting participants and the public will have the option to attend upcoming meetings in person or virtually from another location. City Council proceedings will continue to be made available for public viewing via a live stream video link.
To add greater accessibility to City Council’s live-streamed video of public meetings, the City has added a closed captioning service whereby people with impaired hearing can toggle the “cc” icon on or off to make text appear on the screen below the video. Closed captioning may at times convey inaccurate spellings or words interpreted incorrectly due to the technology or speaker. “The City is committed to providing an open municipal government and this includes adding accessibility supports to best serve all members of the community,” adds Tittemore.
Visitor Screening Procedures introduced pre-pandemic will also be in place, including the visual bag inspection, for the public attending Council Chambers for City Council or Committee meetings. This safety measure is the City’s commitment to making Council Chamber as open, accessible and secure as possible for all visitors and City employees.
Helpful Links
Interacting with City Council & Committees
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Visit saskatoon.ca .
Funding Increase Proposed for Saskatoon SPCA
April 8, 2022 - 2:44am
A recommendation to increase funding to the Saskatoon SPCA (SPCA) for pound services in 2022 will be presented to the Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development & Community Services at its meeting on Tuesday, April 12.
The City of Saskatoon and the SPCA have had a longstanding relationship to ensure pound services – the capture and hold of stray companion animals for up to 96 hours – are available to the residents of Saskatoon. The SPCA is an organization able to provide pound services and is also suited to provide extra animal services such as pet adoption, animal shelter and education programs.
Through a lease agreement* and Pound Services Agreement, the SPCA provides pound services for the City. In turn, the City permits the SPCA to provide its own extra animal services out of the City-owned facility on Clarence Avenue South. Beyond the 96 hours required under the Pound Services Agreement, the animals then transition to the subsequent shelter services, which have always been fully funded by the SPCA.
A recent review of the current funding structure for pound services delivered by the SPCA was undertaken collaboratively by the City and SPCA Administration and determined that the total amount allocated in the 2022/2023 Operating Budget for pound services is not meeting the current costs to deliver the program. Administration is recommending a 50 per cent increase in total funding to the SPCA for pound services in 2022 to $698,000 to more accurately reflect the cost of the pound services operations.
“We know that the SPCA has the experience and expertise to provide adequate animal care to animals dropped off at the pound, and an increase in funding will allow the City and the SPCA to continue this longstanding relationship to ensure pound services are available to the residents of Saskatoon,” says Lynne Lacroix, General Manager, Community Services.
If approved, Administration will continue working with the SPCA to determine the actual funding required to deliver pound services for 2023 and will also review funding options and service level changes that may be implemented which could reduce the costs associated with pound services. A report on a detailed plan and future level of funding would be presented in advance of the 2023 Budget approval.
For more information on pound services provided in the City of Saskatoon, visit https://www.saskatoon.ca/services-residents/pet-licensing-animal-services/enforcement.
*In 2005, when the SPCA was experiencing financial difficulties and needed help to address the situation, they approached the City about purchasing their land and building to provide some much-needed funding for operations and ensure the ongoing provision of pound services for Saskatoon. The City agreed to the purchase and in addition, invested $100,000 into capital improvements to the facility.
City of Saskatoon awarded 14th consecutive financial reporting award
April 7, 2022 - 8:42am
For the 14th consecutive year, the City of Saskatoon has won the Canadian Award for Financial Reporting (CAnFR) from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada.
The CAnFR award, presented for the City’s 2020 Annual Report, represents a significant accomplishment for municipal government and its financial management. The award recognizes the City’s commitment to high standards and excellence in financial transparency and accountability.
“We are committed to financial transparency and openly communicating to the citizens of Saskatoon with full disclosure in our annual reporting,” says Kari Smith, Director of Finance. “We are proud to receive this award and proud of our employees who are dedicated to making the City of Saskatoon a leader in producing high-quality financial reports year after year.”
The City’s 2020 Annual Report has been judged by impartial Canadian Review Committee members to meet the high standards of the program, including demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” designed to clearly communicate the municipality’s financial story and to motivate potential users and user groups to read the report.
The Canadian Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting Program (CAnFR) was established to encourage municipal governments across Canada to publish high-quality financial reports and to provide peer recognition and technical guidance for officials preparing these reports.
Visit saskatoon.ca to view additional financial reports from the City of Saskatoon.
New pay parking app planned to launch in June
April 6, 2022 - 4:30pm
The vendor of the City’s current pay parking application (app), WayToPark, will be releasing a new app in June called Parkedin. Beginning July 1, Parkedin will officially replace WayToPark as the City’s app-based parking payment service.
The Parkedin app will be available for public download and use starting June 1. Both WayToPark and Parkedin will be available in tandem during a transition period from June 1 to June 30, 2022.
The new Parkedin app will operate and function similar to the WayToPark app, with some additional features such as the ability to pay for parking by scanning a QR code on the nearest pay station as well as support for debit payments.
“Our Parking Services team is looking forward to the implementation of the new app to provide an improved offering for customers and to ensure that there is no service disruption.” says Matt Grazier, Director of Community Standards.
A report on proposed amendments to the Traffic Bylaw to facilitate usage of the new app will be presented to the Standing Policy Committee on Transportation on Monday, April 11.
For more information on Pay Parking, visit saskatoon.ca/payparking.
Targeted financial plan & use of reserves recommended to offset 2021 preliminary deficit
April 6, 2022 - 10:25am
- $3.71 million from the reallocation of Canada Community Building Funds originally put into contingency for this specific purpose;
- $1.72 million through a one-time increase from the Water Utility Return on Investment (ROI); and
- $1.11 million to be transferred from the Fiscal Stabilization Reserve.
- Saskatoon Light & Power (SL&P) reported a surplus of $4.49 million.
- Saskatoon Water reported a year-end surplus of $3.63 million.
- Wastewater Utility reported a year-end surplus of $2.74 million.
- Storm Water Management Utility reported a year-end surplus of $345,485.
- Waste Services Utility reported a year-end surplus of $1.04 million.
- the Police Board was under budget by $860,000, this is included in the preliminary year-end deficit.
- SaskTel Centre and TCU Place posted preliminary deficits of $3.96 million and $3.37 million respectively, to be balanced through contributions from their facility and capital reserves.
- Remai Modern posted a preliminary surplus of $310,526.
The City of Saskatoon has released its 2021 preliminary year-end financials showing a $6.54 million deficit in the civic operating programs and a $12.25 million surplus in the utility programs, before year-end audit confirmation.
Although last year brought ongoing change and uncertainty, the City remained dedicated to the delivery of core services residents rely on while continuing to find corporate-wide savings and reduce overall spending. Through the saving strategy, the City reduced training budgets and carefully examined discretionary spending to help make up for reduced revenue and other budget pressures arising from the pandemic. Fuel savings also helped reduce the deficit.
Under provincial law, municipalities are not allowed to operate with a deficit. On April 12, 2022, the City Administration will present a report to the Standing Policy Committee on Finance (7.2.4) that sets out the City’s financial strategy to offset this deficit.
“The preliminary $6.54 million deficit represents a variance of just over one per cent from the City’s overall Civic Operating Budget of $546.6 million,” says Director of Finance, Kari Smith. “Our shortfall is largely the result of snow & ice removal costs resulting from the November 2020 blizzard, higher than anticipated Information Technology costs, and lower than budgeted operating revenues. I’m confident in the well-laid financial plan and strategy Administration is recommending to address the preliminary deficit, and importantly, it won’t impact our future service delivery to residents.”
The Administration is recommending the deficit of $6.54 million be funded by:
“While the City has continued to face significant non-tax revenue challenges in user fees and our other forms of revenue have remained flat or decreased year over year, it is important to recognize that several of our businesses also achieved surpluses in 2022 including Saskatoon Light & Power and Saskatoon Water,” Smith says.
2021 Preliminary Year-end Yields Surplus Utility-Related Results
In addition to the utility posted surpluses:
The City’s Financial Position Remains Future Healthy
The City’s overall and future financial standing continues to be strong and sound, having its ‘AAA’/Stable credit rating reaffirmed by S&P Global in January 2022. In planning for a bright and sustainable future, the City is committed to finding year-over-year increased operational efficiencies, creating greater savings across the organization and recovering from the financial impact of COVID-19.
The external audit of the 2021 financial statements is expected to be completed in June 2022. Following the external audit, the audited financial statements will be presented to City Council for approval. At that time, the year-end financial results will be confirmed or adjusted based on the recommendations of the external audit and presented in the 2021 Annual Report later this year.
Roof Repaired on 137-year-old Marr Residence
April 1, 2022 - 10:00am
The roof of the 137-year-old Marr Residence was replaced after a leak was identified in 2020. City Council approved a plan to use the capital expenditures reserve, grant funding from the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation, as well as donations from the public to fund the repairs and build capital for any future maintenance of the building.
“The generous donations and support from the public and the grant from the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation were essential to the successful completion of this project,” says Troy LaFreniere, Director of Facilities Management. “The oldest building in Saskatoon on it’s original site, an important heritage site for our community can continue to be maintained for many years to come for residents of Saskatoon and visitors to enjoy.”
The entire roof of the Marr Residence was removed and replaced as well as replacement and repair of rotten wood, soffit and facia. The roof was rebuilt to match the prior structure to maintain the character and heritage of the building. The total cost of the project was $88,689. With the new roof, the building remains in a good state of repair.
“We’re so grateful for the generosity of all those who have donated to the project as the Marr Residence is a piece of history in our City and such an important part of Saskatoon’s story,” says Della Marshall, volunteer board chair for the Marr Residence. “We welcome everyone back to the house.”
Council lifts mask requirement for City facilities, maintains masks for Transit
March 28, 2022 - 10:58am
City Council continues to guide the City of Saskatoon’s response to COVID-19 in the community to protect the health and safety of residents and customers, following the provincial government's previous decision to lift provincial Public Health Orders.
At its meeting today, City Council considered a monthly COVID-19 update on masking in City facilities and Saskatoon Transit. Council approved a transition from a mandatory to discretionary approach for masking in City facilities. As noted in the February 8, 2022 City Council resolution, the City extended the masking requirement in City facilities beyond the expiration of the Public Health Order as a temporary measure to help transition the community to a new COVID-19 environment.
As of Monday, April 4, people accessing City facilities, including City Hall, Leisure Centres, indoor arenas, golf course buildings, indoor spaces at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo and the downtown Saskatoon Transit Customer Service Centre are no longer required to wear a face mask. Masks are welcome and will be available upon request.
Masks will continue to be required when travelling on Saskatoon Transit vehicles. Mask education will continue with riders through signage and interior and exterior audible announcements on each bus. Masks will continue to be made available to Transit customers.
The Saskatoon Emergency Management Organization continues to monitor the COVID-19 impacts on City staff and services in accordance with the COVID-19 Response Levels. A monthly update will be presented at the next meeting of City Council in April.
For the latest updates, visit saskatoon.ca/covid-19.
Downtown Event & Entertainment District Advisory Group named
March 28, 2022 - 11:30am
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Ali Abukar – CEO, Open Door Society
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Bertrand Bartake – Architect, Kindrachuk Agrey Architecture
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Alisha Esmail – CEO/Owner, Road Coffee Inc.
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Geri Fernet – Retired Business Proprietor
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Shawna Nelson – Hotel Marketing/Management, James Hotel
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Stephen Yee – Product Manager, Andgo Systems
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Saskatoon Tribal Council – Tribal Chief Mark Arcand
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Métis Nation-Saskatchewan Western Region 2A – Kathie Pruden-Nansel
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Downtown Business Improvement District – Brent Penner
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Riversdale Business Improvement District – Randy Pshebylo
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Tourism Saskatoon – Stephanie Clovechok
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North Saskatoon Business Association – Keith Moen
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The Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce – Jason Aebig
As the City moves toward the development of a Downtown Event and Entertainment District, anchored by a new arena and a new or renovated convention centre, the Downtown Event and Entertainment District Advisory Group has been established to foster connections between business, community partners, the provincial government and the City to support the successful implementation of the project.
Planning for the development of a Downtown Event and Entertainment District is in the preliminary stages, with the current phase focused on the selection of a future site location for a new arena. While the City will retain overall ownership of these new facilities and infrastructure once constructed, numerous community partners, key project partners, and sponsors will be integral in driving the successful development and delivery of the project.
“Having key community agencies represented on the Advisory Group will be tremendously important for the successful development and funding of this project,” says Dan Willems, Director of Technical Services. "In addition, having representation from the Province of Saskatchewan provides a reasonable balance of designated agency representation.”
The open call for public applications to the Advisory Group resulted in an overwhelming response, and the Governance and Priorities Committee sincerely thanks all valued applicants for their interest. In considering the applications, the Governance and Priorities Committee recommended expanding the number of public representatives from five to six to capture a slightly broader cross-section of the community, while agreeing that the Advisory Group’s overall size and composition need limits to allow for the work of the group to be conducted efficiently and effectively.
At its meeting Thursday, March 24, the Governance and Priorities Committee of City Council recommended appointment of the following individuals to serve as public representatives on the Advisory Group:
The Committee also accepted the Province of Saskatchewan's recommendation for Ken Cheveldayoff, MLA for Saskatoon Willowgrove, to serve as the Province of Saskatchewan's representative, joining the Advisory Group’s previously appointed agency representation:
Council representatives on the Advisory Group are Mayor Charlie Clark, Councillor Troy Davies and Councillor Cynthia Block. Councillor Block and Councillor Davies will be the co-chairs of the Advisory Group.
The recommended appointments will be formally approved by City Council at its meeting on Monday, March 28.
More information about the Downtown Event & Entertainment District project can be found at saskatoon.ca/entertainmentdistrict.
Saskatoon has a lot to celebrate during Canada Water Week
March 21, 2022 - 2:23am
Canada Water Week (March 21-27, 2022) is a national celebration of water that is held annually to coincide with World Water Day on March 22.
“Saskatoon has a lot to celebrate and be proud of when it comes to our water,” says Pam Hamoline, Interim Director of Saskatoon Water. “Not only does our city have one of the highest quality water supplies in North America, but right now we have several projects in motion to ensure we continue to deliver a high quality and safe drinking water product.”
During Canada Water Week, the City is featuring some of those initiatives in a social media campaign, like the new McOrmond Drive Reservoir and Pump Station, Transfer Pumping and Electrical Upgrades project and Spadina Lift Station project, while also educating about our water source and how it gets into and out of our homes.
“Every day, we turn on our taps and flush our toilets without always thinking about where the water is coming from, how it reaches our homes and what happens to it when we’re done with it.”
The theme for World Water Day on Tuesday, March 22 is Groundwater. While Saskatoon’s drinking water is sourced from the South Saskatchewan River, Hamoline says protecting this important underground water resource is vital.
“What we as residents do above ground, matters underground. For example, we should be mindful of what we put on our lawns and gardens and what may be draining down the city’s storm sewers.”
Keep an eye on the City of Saskatoon’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram this week to learn more about Saskatoon’s water system, our groundwater resource, and some of the big water and waste water projects underway.
Construction on dry storm pond in Churchill Park underway
March 9, 2022 - 3:05am
Construction of a dry storm pond to help reduce neighbourhood flooding during significant rain events is underway in Churchill Park. Work began in the park in February and the project will be completed in 2023.
“Investing in climate-resilient infrastructure will protect communities from extreme weather events such as floods,” says the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities. “The Churchill Park dry storm pond will help increase Saskatoon’s resilience in the face of increased occurrences of floods while providing a recreation area and preserving green space. Our Government will continue to work with our provincial and municipal partners to improve residents’ safety and build stronger communities."
“This is the second of nine planned projects under the Flood Control Strategy that was approved by City Council in 2018,” says Acting Director of Saskatoon Water, Pam Hamoline. “Once complete, it will reduce the flood risk for properties near the intersections of Ruth Street at Cairns Avenue and York Avenue, and Bute Street at Munroe Avenue and Albert Avenue.”
Dry storm ponds hold water that would otherwise cause flooding in intersections and nearby properties during intense rainfalls. The water flows into the pond instead, then slowly drains into the storm sewer system. Whenever dry, it is used as recreational or park space.
Flood Control Strategy (FCS) projects have been planned to reduce flooding in neighbourhoods that were established prior to 1989, when improved storm water infrastructure standards were established. The first FCS project in W.W. Ashley District Park was successfully completed in late 2021 and will fully open later this year.
The Government of Canada is contributing 40% of the eligible construction costs up to a maximum of $21.6 million toward the nine FCS projects. The City is funding the remaining construction costs through the Storm Water Utility Capital Program and revenue generated from Storm Water Utility charges.
For more information about the FCS program and future project locations, visit saskatoon.ca/floodplan.