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City Council to debate and finalize the 2022/2023 Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget starting Monday, November 29
November 26, 2021 - 3:04am
City Council is set to debate, adjust and finalize the City’s 2022/2023 Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget starting Monday, November 29 to Wednesday, December 1, 1:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
View the full 2022/2023 Preliminary Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget AGENDA
This year, the City Council budget review will be held virtually. The public can view the budget deliberations via live stream beginning at 1:00 p.m. each day. Submissions providing comments and/or requesting to speak will be accepted using the online form at saskatoon.ca/write-letter-councilcommittees. If your submission includes a request to speak, you will be contacted by a representative from the City Clerk’s Office with further information.
City Council’s Budget Review is set for three days and is treated as one continuous meeting. The deadline for receipt of public submissions to provide comments and /or request to speak is 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 29. Contact the City Clerks Office at 306-975-3240 with any questions regarding this process.
Visit saskatoon.ca/budget to review the full suite of 2022/2023 preliminary budget-related documents, including the Administrative Reports City Council will receive on November 29.
City releases preliminary 2022/2023 multi-year business plan and budget
November 24, 2021 - 10:03am
- In June 2021, costs were determined to maintain current service delivery and service levels at status quo for the next two years; the original indicative property tax estimate presented in June 2021 required a property tax increase of 5.96% and 5.42% in 2022 and 2023 respectively.
- In August 2021, City Council then directed Administration to bring back options to reduce the initial proposed property tax estimate and information on the longer-term structural budget challenges facing the City, its stagnant revenue growth and increased reliance on property taxes.
- In October 2021, Administration provided various options and plans to support the City’s new 2022-2025 Strategic Plan’s goals. These options will be presented at the Business Plan and Budget Review meeting on November 29, 2021.
- To achieve the lower proposed tax increases, adjustments were made to remove the phase-in for the Bus Rapid Transit project and adjustments related to the implementation of the waste utility funding model resulting in proposed property tax increases of 3.51% and 3.14% in 2022 and 2023 respectively.
- Roadway Preservation: $32.0 million and $33.0 million in 2022 and 2023
- Bus Rapid Transit system: $10.5 million and $46.3 million in 2022 and 2023
- Land Development: $51.5 million and $46.9 million in 2022 and 2023
- Utility Infrastructure maintenance and improvements: $107.1 million and $108.3 million in 2022 and 2023
The City today released the 2022/2023 Preliminary Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget. The Administration’s budget for the next two years is focused on maintaining core civic services and programs, preserving current service levels, and investing in infrastructure to support a good quality of life in our growing and inclusive city.
“With the financial impact of COVID-19 continuing to create a challenging economic climate, the Administration has presented a preliminary budget that maintains appropriate funding for quality civic services, service levels, and programs that deliver value for citizens,” says Clae Hack, Chief Financial Officer. ”While the pandemic has highlighted the City’s operating revenue challenges, we’ve worked hard to present a preliminary budget that is disciplined and committed to keeping property taxes as low as possible.”
City Council will debate, adjust and finalize its investment decisions within the 2022/2023 Business Plan and Budget on November 29, 30 and December 1, 2021.
The 2022/2023 Operating Budget proposes a municipal property tax increase of 3.51% and 3.14% in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
The proposed property tax increases would generate an additional $9.3 million in 2022 and $8.8 million in 2023.
In general terms, this means a homeowner who owns a single-family detached home with an average assessed value of $344,000 would have a municipal property tax increase of $67.29 in 2022 or $5.61 per month, and $62.33 in 2023 or $5.19 per month.
“The Administration’s proposed property tax rates for 2022 and 2023 maintain the service levels citizens expect for their taxpayer dollars and ensure long-term financial stability for the City. City Council will make the final investment decisions for the next two years,” adds Hack.
The 2022/2023 Preliminary Budget is built from a four-step process whereby this year:
“City Council has directed the Administration to prioritize several areas over the next four years,” says Hack. “At budget review time, some of Council’s priorities may be achieved without financial impact, however, some initiatives will require financial investment such as efforts to support community safety, Bus Rapid Transit, and support for reconciliation and inclusion spaces.”
The 2022 Operating Budget is proposing total operating expenditures of $566.0 million, an investment increase of $19.3 million, or 3.54%, over the 2021 Operating Budget.
The 2023 Operating Budget is proposing total operating expenditures of $581.3 million, an investment increase of $15.3 million, or 2.70%, over the 2022 Operating Budget.
To address inflation and growth pressures, the total expenditure increase within the Business Plan and Budget is $13.0 million in 2022 and $10.0 million in 2023 (excluding Police).
With a commitment to improving community safety in Saskatoon, investment in the Saskatoon Police Service represents the largest portion of the City’s operating expenditures at approximately 21%, or $119.7 million in 2022 and $124.6 million in 2023.
The 2022/2023 Preliminary Capital Budget proposes a total investment of $571.9 million, including $274.4 million in 2022 and $297.5 million in 2023.
The City’s capital budget provides for infrastructure to address Saskatoon’s continued growth and invests in roads, transit, water, and wastewater distribution systems.
Notable Key Capital Projects Include:
The 2022/2023 Preliminary Budget funding supports clear and achievable actions to support the vision and goals within the City’s draft 2022-2025 Strategic Plan expected to be approved by City Council in January 2022.
Importantly, public input gained on civic service priorities and preferences received through the City’s two 2021 Citizen Services Surveys as well as feedback on the draft 2022-2025 Strategic Plan, will be considered by City Council before its final budget review.
The City’s second multi-year budget approach continues to provide greater certainty for residents about their future property taxes, alignment with the new 2022-2025 Strategic Plan’s vision and longer-term goals. This budget approach supports transparency, financial stability and accountability for the City.
Learn more about the investments the City proposes in services, programs and projects valued by citizens, those that will ensure Saskatoon stays a great place to live, work, learn and play through the detailed 2022/2023 Preliminary Business Plan and Budget documents available at saskatoon.ca/budget.
Renewed program provides essential skills, water treatment training to Indigenous people
November 24, 2021 - 4:58am
The kanātan nipīy (the water is clean/clean water) program is continuing for 2022. The kanātan nipīy (kaa-NAH-tan / nii-PEA) program is an opportunity for Indigenous people to gain essential skills and access employment opportunities in water treatment and distribution facilities—such as with the City of Saskatoon’s Water and Waste Operations. This program is a collaborative effort between the City of Saskatoon, Gabriel Dumont Institute, Radius Community Centre, Saskatchewan Polytechnic and Saskatoon Tribal Council.
The kanātan nipīy program includes essential skills training taught by the Radius Community Centre. Sask Polytech provides training in water treatment and distribution. Participants will also receive first aid/CPR and WHMIS training and two weeks of work experience. Certified water and wastewater operators are in demand. Trained employees, who can operate and maintain water and waste systems to provide clean drinking water, are needed in City of Saskatoon and First Nation communities across Saskatchewan.
“This kanātan nipīy program is an important pathway to knowledge and employment and I am very pleased that the City of Saskatoon is part of it,” says Mayor Charlie Clark. “Our futures are bound together, in our city and in Indigenous communities across Saskatchewan. I would like to thank all of the partners who are part of this program and are strengthening our future together.”
“The success of the kanātan nipīy program is a testament to the need for initiatives like these; that create opportunity and remove barriers to Métis people. GDI is looking forward to continuing this partnership and connecting our Métis clients with specialized training and sustainable employment,” says Lisa Bird-Wilson, executive director, Gabriel Dumont Institute.
“For more than 50 years Radius Community Centre has been helping people work towards their career goals,” says Dorothy Hyde, executive director, Radius Community Centre. “We are honoured to be a part of this community team supporting Indigenous employment and know that working together helps to build a brighter future for individuals, families, business and community.”
“We are excited to continue this collaborative partnership with the City of Saskatoon, Gabriel Dumont Institute, Radius Community Centre, and Saskatoon Tribal Council,” says Dr. Larry Rosia, president and CEO, Sask Polytech. “This partnership is a testament of what can be done when the community comes together. Through the kanātan nipīy program students receive excellent training and work experience to prepare them for future employment.”
“As First Nations people, we are all protectors of water, and this training program provides the opportunity for our people to carry out this important work. The graduates of this program improve the quality of life for all people that require clean water,” states Saskatoon Tribal Chief Mark Arcand. “By working together in unity with our partners, we provide opportunities for Indigenous Peoples to become gainfully employed.”
The kanātan nipīy program meets the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call To Action #92: Ensure Indigenous peoples have access to jobs, training and education opportunities; and they benefit from economic development. This project’s success is based on having a cohesive team of community partners engaged for a single purpose: improving employment options for Indigenous workers.
Interested in learning more? Email poitrina.powder@saskatoon.ca to register for the Zoom information session to be held Dec. 7th from 2 to 3 p.m.
Ready to apply? Email copies of the following items to kanatannipiy.project@gmail.com: Grade 12/GED diploma and transcripts, Class 5 driver’s licence and driver abstract for the last 3 months, updated resumé including three references. The application deadline is Dec. 10, 2021.
Newly Renovated Affinity Learning Centre at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo Opening Friday, November 26
November 23, 2021 - 10:00am
- Poison Dart Frogs
- Hermann’s Tortoise
- Ball Python
- Western Tiger Salamander
- Axolotl
- Garter Snake
- Blue-tongued Skink
- Cichlids from Lake Malawi, Africa
Renovations to the Affinity Learning Centre at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo) are nearly complete and the building is set to open to the public on Friday, November 26.
“We have completely redesigned the layout of the Affinity Learning Centre and added some really amazing exhibits that will be home to several new species like the colourful poison dart frogs, axolotl and a variety of cichlids from Lake Malawi, Africa,” says Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager.
The newly renovated facility will be home to a variety of reptiles, amphibians and fish including:
The Zoo would like to thank the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation, Affinity Credit Union and Krawchuck Construction for their continued partnership and support of the Affinity Learning Centre.
The Zoo would also like to remind residents that a non-medical mask is required when accessing indoor City-operated facilities and services including the Affinity Learning Centre, Meerkat House and washroom facilities at the Zoo. Although masks are not required in outdoor spaces, the City recommends wearing a mask throughout your visit, even while enjoying the outdoor exhibits. The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo is not included in the list of City of Saskatoon programs and facilities where public access requires proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.
The Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is by donation until March 31, 2022. Visit saskatoon.ca/zoo for more information or to plan your next visit.
City of Saskatoon is one of 95 global cities named as new generation of climate leaders on CDP 2021 A List
November 18, 2021 - 10:00am
Saskatoon has been recognized by CDP as one of 95 cities across the globe, and one of only 7 Canadian cities, that are taking bold leadership on environmental action and transparency.
CDP is a global non-profit that runs the world’s environmental disclosure system for companies, cities, states, and regions. Designed to encourage and support cities to ramp up their climate action and ambition, CDP’s Cities A List is based on environmental data disclosed by cities to their unified reporting system.
To score an A, a city must disclose publicly and have a city-wide emissions inventory, have set an emissions reduction target and a renewable energy target for the future, and have published a climate action plan. It must also complete a climate risk and vulnerability assessment and have a climate adaptation plan to demonstrate how it will tackle climate hazards. Many A List cities are also taking a variety of other leadership actions, including political commitment from a city’s Mayor to tackle climate change.
“We’re proud to be among the 7 Canadian cities leading the way on climate action,” says Jeanna South, Director of Sustainability. “The actions in our Climate Action Plan guide the City and the community over the next 30 years to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make Saskatoon more resilient against the changing climate.”
A List cities are taking twice as many mitigation and adaptation measures as non-A List cities, and also identify more than twice as many opportunities. Local examples include Saskatoon’s Home Energy Loan Program to help homeowners improve the energy performance of their homes, and the upcoming 2.2 MW Dundonald Avenue Solar Farm to enable Saskatoon Light & Power to generate renewable electricity for their customers.
“What gets measured, gets managed – Saskatoon is committed to managing its environmental risks and impact, and to building a safe and secure city for people to live and work in,” says Mayor Charlie Clark. “Disclosing information is a critical step towards taking the right action, and towards cities and governments at all levels developing the right climate change policies.”
Saskatoon, and the other cities on this year’s A List, are also celebrated for showing that urgent and impactful climate action is achievable at a global level, and in cities with different climate realities and priorities. However, actions need to go further and faster to meet the new targets agreed at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) held in Glasgow earlier this month.
Visit cdp.net o view the full 2021 A List of cities and to find out more about this ambitious initiative.
Events taking place to honour Louis Riel for his dedication to Métis people
November 16, 2021 - 3:02am
On the anniversary of Louis Riel’s execution – which occurred in Regina on November 16th, 1885 – several organizations are putting on events to honour Riel’s legacy.
Riel led two popular Métis governments, was a central figure in Manitoba’s entry into Confederation, and led the 1885 resistance to Canadian encroachment on Métis lands (leading to his execution). Riel is widely considered the most famous Métis leader and an important figurehead for Métis people in Western Canada.
Métis Nation–Saskatchewan President Glen McCallum says, “Our Métis citizens always look forward to honouring Louis Riel Day to celebrate and remember Riel's leadership. We continue the commitment to the rights of our Métis citizens and the ultimate sacrifice our leader Riel made for our Nation. It is encouraging to see more people in Saskatchewan know about the history of Riel's leadership, his accomplishments, and our unique and distinct Métis identity, culture, values, and language.”
Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark says, “Louis Riel was an influential leader who shaped the story of our country from right here in Saskatchewan. Today is a chance to reflect on this history and understand the important role the Métis community has played - and continues to play - in both our city and our country.”
LOCAL EVENTS
These are just a few of the events taking place around Saskatoon this week.
Louis Riel ooma sa Zhoornii – Gathering
Presented by Métis Nation–Saskatchewan, Western Region 2A, CUMFI Local, Local 126, Local 11 and 11a
Gathering at the statue of Gabriel Dumont in Friendship Park near the Broadway Bridge. Entertainment and traditional Métis lunch to follow at St. George's Hall.
Nov. 16, 2021, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Virtual Riel Day Celebration
Presented by Gabriel Dumont Local 11, Saskatoon & Area
Nov. 16, 2021, 6:30 p.m.
via Zoom > Register here
A Conversation on Louis Riel
Presented by the Gabriel Dumont Institute, Parks Canada, and Friends of Batoche
Recorded Nov. 15, 2021
Access recording here
Blizzard-like conditions expected in Saskatoon on Tuesday
November 15, 2021 - 10:41am
Environment and Climate Change Canada is forecasting a significant snowfall and high winds for Saskatoon starting Tuesday. Rain is expected to start this evening, which may result in slippery sidewalks as people head to work. City crews will be applying salt to keep freeways, intersections, on/off ramps and bridge decks from freezing.
“Fortunately, we are not staring down a storm like we experienced last year,” says Goran Saric, Director of Roadways, Fleet and Support. “However, there will still be lots of snow and strong winds which will create challenging driving conditions on Tuesday and into Wednesday.
“Our crews are ready and will be out to keep the roads clear for emergency vehicles and Saskatoon Transit, but we’re asking everyone to consider delaying non-essential trips outside of Saskatoon. If you need to travel, make sure you have a vehicle emergency kit and charged cell phone."
As the snow begins in Saskatoon Tuesday, City crews and equipment will plow Circle Drive and on/off ramps until the snow stops. Reduced visibility on Saskatoon streets may occur during the day Tuesday with combination of snow falling and wind up to 80 km/h into the evening.
Emergency Management Organization Director Pamela Goulden-McLeod says the Cold Weather Strategy for Saskatoon’s vulnerable is activated with warming shelters open for those who need them.
“Using a whole-community approach to emergency management there are over twenty organizations involved with the Cold Weather Strategy. These organizations, under the leadership of the Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership, work to make sure that individuals and families experiencing or at risk-of homelessness are aware of safe available sleeping options and warming locations."
Goulden-McLeod also reminds all residents and businesses that we each have a role to play in emergency planning and review winter storm planning to make sure they are prepared when it happens.
High winds could create disruption in electrical service. Trees can sometimes contact with above-ground power lines causing breaks or downed lines.
“If a tree falls onto a line stay at least 10 metres or three car lengths away from it and stay away from other equipment that comes into contact with the line,” says Trevor Bell, Director of Saskatoon Light & Power. “If the line is on the ground, call 9-1-1 immediately and stay back.”
Ten to 15 cm of snow is expected, and a Snow Event will be declared once the snow stops. Contractor graders will join the City fleet in the priority street cleanup on freeways, arterial and collector streets, storing snow on medians, boulevards and in parking lanes. Specialized crews will clear City facility sidewalks, Meewasin Trail, park pathways with street lighting and bridge/overpass walkways at the same time. Given the forecast, it is very unlikely that the new Roadways Emergency Response Plan (PDF) will be triggered for this snow event. Activating the plan would be considered after a blizzard with snow accumulations of at least 25 centimetres and mobility reduced to the point light vehicles cannot drive on city streets, to add extra staffing and contractor resources for city-wide grading and snow removal.
Learn more about the City’s priority street grading plan at saskatoon.ca/snow. Look-up your address on the Street Grading Priority Streets map to see if snow grading happens on your street after a snow event. For Saskatoon Ligh & Power customers, refer to the new interactive power outage map if you experience an issue.
Back to snow-rmal when it comes to snow grading this winter
November 9, 2021 - 9:11am
- Priority 1 streets get plowed first. That’s vital stuff like freeways, major arterials and bridges.
- Priority 2 streets get graded second. These are the arterial roads with double-lanes and bus routes, like Clarence Ave.
- Priority 3 streets are completed last. These streets take you through your neighbourhood like Louise Ave, Howell Ave and Main St.
Winter weather is on the horizon and snow crews are ready to keep everyone moving around city streets and sidewalks. Our fingers are crossed it will be a typical Saskatoon winter when it comes to snow grading and removal.
No one in Saskatoon will soon forget last November’s 30-40 cm snow fall that kept people at home for days. That was the first year in decades that snow was graded and removed from all residential streets.
Now that we’re back to “snow”rmal, please remember that snow grading and removal on all residential streets is not in the budget for normal Saskatoon winters.
When it snows more than 5 cm, a Snow Event is declared and contractor graders join the City fleet to grade all priority streets within 72 hours.
There are three types of priority streets that determine the order of snow grading.
Following every significant snowfall, City-facility sidewalks, Meewasin Trail, park pathways with street lighting, pathways along freeways and arterials, and bridge walkways are graded within 48 hours.
Visit saskatoon.ca/snow to learn about snow grading after a snow event and search your address on our priority street snow grading map using the magnifying glass.
City’s first Flood Control Strategy project substantially complete
November 9, 2021 - 8:07am
In 2018, City Council approved a Flood Control Strategy (FCS) aimed at reducing flooding in Saskatoon’s most flood-prone areas during intense rainfalls. The dry storm pond at W.W. Ashley District Park, which took approximately ten months to build, is now substantially complete and will catch overflow but also serve as a sports field and park space when dry.
“The landscaping turned out beautifully with trees, a surrounding pathway, and spectator seating built into the slopes,” says Russ Munro, Director of Saskatoon Water. “We are very pleased with the end result and, while none of us want to experience excessive amounts of rain within very short periods of time, that is when we will see the new pond and underground drainage systems in action.”
Substantial completion means there’s still some finishing touches to be done before the site can open, like installing stair railings and park benches. The site will remain closed until approximately fall 2022 to give the newly installed sod and seed time to establish. In the meantime, Saskatoon Water is gearing up for the second of nine FCS projects: constructing a dry storm pond in Churchill Park.
“Consultations have taken place and we have received great feedback from the community. We have moved forward with design plans and will proceed with construction in early 2022.”
Dry storm ponds are designed to hold water that would otherwise cause nearby flooding during intense rainfalls. The water flows from properties and roads into the dry storm pond, then slowly drains into the storm sewer. Prior to the establishment of the FCS, Saskatoon already had nine dry storm ponds, mostly in neighbourhoods built after 1989 when enhanced storm water infrastructure standards were established. The FCS focuses on neighbourhoods that were established prior to then.
The Government of Canada is contributing 40% of the eligible construction costs up to a maximum of $21.6 million toward 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, and to subscribe to Flood Protection Plan updates, visit saskatoon.ca/floodplan.
Inland Steel secures deal in Marquis Industrial: Avenue P yards to close
November 8, 2021 - 3:30pm
Saskatoon Land and Inland Steel Products have reached an agreement on a parcel in the Marquis Industrial area which will lead to the relocation of the company’s current operations at Avenue P and 17th Street West.
“Reaching this land agreement with Saskatoon Land creates the opportunity for our company to build a new headquarters and state-of-art metal recycling facility in Saskatoon, where our family business was formed 55 years ago,” says Matt Ditlove, President of Inland Steel Products. “This investment demonstrates our company’s continued commitment to serving the people of Saskatoon and surrounding area, and to the creation of additional jobs for our community.”
The new expanded metal recycling facility on the Marquis lands will ensure a fast and stress-free experience for recycling scrap metal in Saskatoon, for both industrial vendors and individuals. Furthermore, the state-of-the-art processing equipment will increase the company’s ability to recycle more volume and continue to grow the company’s ability to service clients throughout Saskatchewan.
Mayor Charlie Clark says Inland’s decision demonstrates confidence in Saskatoon’s future, which is especially welcome as we come through the pandemic.
“This project is a big win-win for the community and for Inland Steel. It is a great commitment by Inland Steel to continue to grow this company and create good jobs right here in Saskatoon, as they expand their activities across the continent. Moving their activities from Avenue P to the North Industrial will also reduce heavy industrial activity close to the homes and schools in that area, which has been a long term goal for the city.”
The City had three parcels that total nearly 12.4 hectares (30.6 acres including a 10.7 ha or 26.4 acre industrial site) which had been held back from the market with the strategy that it would attract a heavy industrial buyer such as Inland Steel Products to foster expansion, relocation and job creation in the region.
“These parcels are shovel-ready,” says Frank Long, Director of Saskatoon Land. “All are fully serviced and immediately available for construction.”
The land deal will set in motion the opportunity to have the current Inland Steel site rezoned for light industrial uses.
“We’ve wanted to move away from heavy industrial uses in this area for many years,” says Director of Planning and Development, Lesley Anderson. “With Inland’s eventual departure, future land use on the site as a light industrial use will be a better fit with the surrounding residential neighbourhoods.”