Fall is quickly approaching, and everyone is getting back into the swing of things. Back to School preparations are underway, and Community Associations are planning their first Fall meetings (info on how to get involved below). Regular Standing Policy Committees have resumed and Council meets again on Monday (agenda in brief below). With all that summer has to offer, it can be tough to switch gears, but there is lots of work and progress to be made ahead. I'm pleased to share some updates and information about upcoming opportunities with you.

Ward 2 updates:  

- Disaster Assistance: 
July 10 storm - The Province approved Council's applicaiton for disaster assistance under the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program following the storm on July 10th. Eligible residents must file for coverage by January 10, 2018. Further information is available here. 
August 8 storm - Council is also requesting eligibility for damages caused by the storm on August 8th. This will be considered first at Council on Monday, then by the Province. 

- New Playground: 
The much anticipated new accessible playground in Ashworth Holmes Park is soon to be open (likely in time for the weekend)! Congratulations to the Caswell Hill Community Association (CA) that played an instrumental role in this project. A celebration of the new playground will take place in the fall - watch for updates from the CA in the newsletter. 

- Safety Audits: 
Community safety audits of parks and other areas stemming from the recently completed Local Area Plan in Meadowgreen are underway. Four parks have been audited, and the final audit is of the North/South pathway and will take place on Aug. 31 @ 7:30pm. Meet at 18th St. W (west end of street) to share your perspective on the safety issues of this site. 

- Traffic Safety: 
The next step of the traffic safety review in the Pleasant Hillneighbourhood is taking place Tuesday Sep. 26th (7pm @ Station 20 West). Community input is critical, so come on out and voice your feedback and ideas for pedestrian, cyclist, and driver safety in Pleasant Hill.

- Detours: 
Thank you to everyone who has waited patiently for detours to end and roads to reopen with the many and varied construction projects in the area this season. The scale of infrastructure upgrades has been substantial. The most significant detour in the area right now is on 11th St. W between Chappell Drive and Hwy 7 for road reconstruction; This detour is in place Mon-Thurs only, lasting up to 4 weeks. The intersection at 11th St. W and Ave W is also closed for watermain upgrades and roadwork. Please plan routes accordingly.

For up to date road restrictions anytime, visit the online map here

- Utility Cuts: 
To find out when the utility cut on your route will receive final repair, or to report one that may be missed, visit the online map here

- Back Lane (Alley) maintenance: 
Ward 2 falls late in the schedule this year. Watch for lane maintenance in early October. More information here

- Outdoor Pools: 
The outdoor pools are closing at the end of the month. The last day of operations for Riversdale Pool is Tues Aug. 29; The last day at Mayfair is Wed Aug. 30. 

Community Associations

Community Associations resume meetings in September. To find out more about when yours meets, call 306-975-3378 and visit the City's site which contains a listing of each association with some additional information here. Now is a great time to get involved! 

City-wide updates & happenings/Consultations to participate in:

- Respect Work Zones: We continue to see work zone trespassing that results in compromised safety for workers and the public at work sites. It is never ok to ignore signage and enter a work site, even if it appears to be inactive. There may be invisible hazards. Please respect work zones.

- Play Like a Girl: The City's Recreation and Community Development Division has partnered with a number of organizations to host an opportunity for girls, age 10-14 to try out Agility, Football, Wrestling and Wheelchair Basketball. Learn more about joining Olympians, World Champions, and Team Canada members for a fun and challenging day here. Registration ends Sep 7th. 

- Curious about those new bridges? Stay up to date here: saskatoon.ca/bridgingtotomorrow
And while you're at it, help us name the North Commuter Parkway bridge!

- Building Better Roads Survey: provide your feedback and priorities here: surveymonkey.com/r/2017bbr. 

City Council 
City Council meets on Monday (Aug. 28). Both meetings are at City Hall in City Council chambers, and open to the public.  
Brief highlights are outlined below. For full agendas, visit https://www.saskatoon.ca/city-hall/city-council-boards-committees/council/minutes-and-agendas

Regular Business Meeting  | 1:00 PM  
  - Consideration of Municipal Heritage Designation of Third Avenue United Church following review by the Saskatchewan Heritage Review & Appeals Committee
  - Final approval for Award of Contract - Transit Villages Concept Plans
  - New billboards on Circle Drive - Southwest Industrial
  - Saskatoon Land - Internal Audit; report and next steps
  - Waste Utility & Organics Options - recommendation that administration explore these further with community consultation
  - Storm Water Utility - Business Plan; Consideration of flood protection strategies, emergency reserves, and rates
  - Residential Parking Permit Program Update
  - Snow & Ice Management Service level
  - Neighbourhood Traffic management - Vertical Traffic Calming Devices
  - 2018 Budget - 30 day challenge

Public Hearing Meeting  |  6:00 PM
  - Discretionary Use - childcare centre (Evergreen)
  - Debt limit - no change recommended
  
As always, if you'd like to speak to Council as a whole about something on the agenda, please get in touch with the Clerk's office before the meeting. More info here: https://www.saskatoon.ca/write-letter-councilcommittees

Policy Updates

Waste 
As has been discussed extensively lately, Council is being asked to direct the administration to consider the future of our Waste service - both it's funding model as a utility (user-pay, rather than tax-supported), and city-wide inclusion of elements such as organics (compost). I've received a lot of feedback from residents in Ward 2 about concerns regarding illegal dumping and using others' bins. These challenges are at top of mind for me, and also at top of mind for the administration as they consider options. After Monday (see brief agenda highlights above), there will be a community engagement process. I'll provide updates (on social media, and here as well) about opportunities to engage in this process. I invite you to engage in finding the best way forward with our Waste services.

Community Safety & Wellness
As noted previously, Council has assigned strategic priority areas for leadership by individual Councillors. The strategic priority area that I am leading is Community Safety and Wellness. My recent report to the Governance and Priorities Committee provides a brief update about the work being undertaken in the areas of Poverty Reduction, Rental Issues, and Safe Streets. You can find the full update here.  

Need to talk to the City? 

You can now find all of the online services available on the City's site on one page here. 

Customer Service Centre (24hr line)
Roads, Water, Sewer and Sidewalks Emergency Service - Maintenance Requests Program Information
306-975-2476

Safety & Property Maintenance: 
Report graffiti, unsafe structures, open excavations, smoke alarms, junked vehicles, long grass and weeds
306-975-2828

My 2017 Appointments: 
Please note that these appointments help to focus my work, but do not limit my scope. 

Strategic Priority: Community Safety and Wellness 

Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services, Member
Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services, Vice-Chair

Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee
Saskatoon Accessibility Advisory Committee
Saskatoon Public Library Board
Riversdale Business Improvement District
Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership
Saskatoon Ideas Inc. Board of Directors

Federation of Canadian Municipalities:
Standing Committee on Community Safety & Crime Prevention; Member
Standing Committee on Increasing Women’s Participation in Municipal Government; Member
Standing Committee on Social-Economic Development; Member

Don't hesitate to write, call, or catch me in person to discuss an issue or ask any questions you might have. If you need to speak with someone urgently or have an service/operational question please consult the list of phone numbers above, or call the Clerk's office: 306-975-3240