Good evening,

I'm finding it hard to draft a positive like I usually do here. This week has been extremely challenging for our community knowing that many residents made vulnerable by imperfect systems were being displaced. The evacuation of the City Center Suites provides relief knowing that our community members will no longer be living in the deplorable conditions there. It also brings a huge amount of uncertainty knowing that the systems in place to re-house people are varied, challenging and imperfect. Many agencies have come together to collaborate and I am so grateful to each individual who has worked to support our neighbours through this transition. I hope this results in greater stability and opportunity for each resident. I encourage you to support that outcome in the ways that you can. Two ways that come to mind are: donations to agencies involved in the rehousing and supports; and correspondence to provincial authorities encouraging use of their available social housing units and the support residents will need within them. 

On to the updates.

Policy Files at Council this month:

- I have presented my colleagues with a motion to consider (item 14.1) about studying solutions for the nuisance issues between the West Industrial area and adjacent neighbourhoods. I look forward to debating this on Monday.

- The projects that will form the investment of Municipal Economic Enhancement Program economic stimulus funds will be finalized on Monday. The current proposal includes some extremely exciting projects such as an $8M injection into sidewalks, investment in the west central multi-use corridor (active transportation path alongside CP Tracks through Ward 2), a public wifi pilot project and more. Full reporting at 9.5.1 here. Also, I had a chance to talk about the implications of some of these investments and mail in ballots on CTV.

- Following a number of procedural deferrals, the updated Bicycle Bylaw is being considered on Monday. Sections on higher traffic corridors in BIDs and passing on trails may be redrafted based on discussion last month.

- My motion from last month (14.3) to have the administration explore what it would take to create a comprehensive Community Safety and Wellbeing strategy for our community was passed unanimously. Thank you to everyone who provided input on that motion.

Civic services adjustments:
City Council and Civic administration have been making careful and difficult decisions about civic services to curb the spread of COVID-19, guarantee essential services, and support Saskatoon residents. A full updated listing of all civic services impacted/not can be found at saskatoon.ca/covid-19.

- Summer facilities: all spray pads and paddling pools that will be open this year are now open regular hours. Riversdale and George Ward pools are also open and require advance booking - booking is now available online.

- Indoor recreation facilities: Lakewood Civic Centre and Shaw Centre will open with limited drop-in programs soon. Full details.

- City Hall services such as customer service, collections, etc. are now open. Physical distancing will be enforced. To avoid lineups, consider continuing to use online options.

- Participation in Council/Committee meetings continues to be remote for both Council and the public. In addition to writing in to add comments to the agenda, there continues to be the opportunity to participate verbally by a remote connection. 

- Property taxes: Notices have been mailed, but the penalty-free deadline continues to be September 30th. This additional information was also included. Click here for payment options.

Ward 2 updates & engagements: 
Visit the engagement page to check out any ongoing online engagements (now including land use matters!).

The administration is resuming engagement on transportation projects.
   - The Neighbourhood Traffic Review is getting underway for the Gordie Howe Management Area, West Industrial and Southwest Industrial. Details here and first meeting (virtual) on Aug. 27th. 

The administration continues to seek feedback on the rezoning applications below. Please visit the links above to learn more and for contact information and feedback options:
    - 535 Ave H South - proposal to construct 8 unit dwelling at corner of Ave H and 17th Street 
   - 112 Ave L South - proposal to establish a parking station on Ave L South just south of 22nd Street.

Southwest Industrial noise - see above under policy files.

City Council | July 27th 
City Council meets virtually on Monday. Brief highlights are outlined below. Click here to find the full agenda. City Hall is closed to the public at the moment. Correspondence on Council items can now be in writing or as a request to speak (accommodated virtually). Meetings will continue to be live streamed.

Regular Business Meeting  |  1:00 PM
  - COVID 19 Community Response Fund for Vulnerable Populations
  - Join use facility study - East side school/leisure centre
  - Multi-unit residential recycling contract amendment negotiation
  - Municipal Economic Enhancement Program - project finalization
  - Mail-in ballot procedures
  - Bicycle Bylaw 
  - Traffic amendment bylaw
  - Vehicles for Hire amendment bylaw
  Motions:
  - Gough - Southwest Industrial Noise Study

Public Hearing Meeting  |  6:00 PM
 Discretionary Use & Rezoning applications:
  - none in Ward 2
 Western Development Museum - Lease renewal
 Proclamations and Flag Raisings
 

If you'd like to communicate to City Council as a whole about something on the agenda please get in touch with the Clerk's office or fill out the form before 10 am the day of the meeting. 

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

My City Council Strategic Priority: Community Safety and Wellbeing

My 2020 board and committee appointments are:

Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services
Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services (vice-chair)

Diversity Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee
Saskatoon Public Library
33rd Street Business Improvement District
Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership
Wanuskewin Heritage Park

Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM):
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 have a service/operational question or need to speak with someone urgently please consult the list of phone numbers above, or call the 24hr Customer Service line: 306-975-2476

Take good care. Wash hands often. Wear a mask if you can.

All the best,
Hilary 


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[email protected]
306-717-4533
222 3rd Ave North
Saskatoon, SK S7K 0J5

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