With students of all ages back at school, Saskatoon is buzzing with energy. Even more of us are moving about the City at the same time of day and are feeling the pinch during our morning commutes. The timing couldn't be better to be opening two new bridges and thinking hard about how to improve our City's Transportation system in other ways. Read on for tips about avoiding bus congestion, when you'll be able to drive, walk and ride the new bridges, and what's next on some other big transportation projects.

Also under way right now are appointments to City advisory Committees. I encourage you to take a look and consider putting your name forward for appointment to a committee that aligns with your interests. More below under 'on the go this month'. 

Ward 2 updates: 

- Proposed discretionary use
An application for discretionary use of a property on 11th Street West in the Montgomery neighbourhood has been received. The proposal is for a pre-school at 3437 11th Street West; There will be a public information meeting on October 11th at 7pm in the Montgomery Elementary School Gym. Feedback from community received at the meeting and in other formats will be provided to Council when the item comes up for decision.

- Proposed rezoning
An application for rezoning has been received at 320 Ave P South; The proposal is for rezoning to M1 by agreement to allow a boarding house to serve patients and visitors of St. Paul's Hospital. If you have feedback or would like to learn more, please be in touch. The Pleasant Hill Community Association and nearby residents will be engaged directly by the City Planning department.

- Traffic Calming Installation - 29th St West
The rubber speed hump installed on 29th St West between Ave L North and McMillan Ave has been in place for a month or more now. Have you travelled over it? What are your thoughts? You can read more about the project here under the 'Vertical Traffic Calming Pilot Project' tab near the bottom of the page.

- Bus Barns & Water Treatment Plant
I should have some updates soon on a couple of files of interest. These are (1) the Caswell Hill Bus Barns site and its proposed redevelopment; (2) the timing of the road closures at Ave H and 11th St W as well as the enclosure for the Water Treatment plant.

City wide updates: 

- Bridging the City - You're invited! 
The hotly anticipated new bridges - the Traffic Bridge and the north Chief Mistiwasis bridge are set to open on October 2nd and 3rd. You're invited to the grand opening celebrations on Oct 2nd. First, at the Chief Mistiwasis bridge in the morning, and the Traffic bridge in the afternoon. Full details here.  

- Waste management - garbage & organics
There is a lot to discuss about the future of our waste management programs and how they are funded. I appreciate all of the opportunities I've had to hear from you about your desires for and concerns about changes to these services. Earlier this month Committee learned a few more details about what is being proposed and has asked that the financial impact of the options moving forward be clarified in time for Council's meeting on Monday. Some updated materials can be found here that attempt to clarify the intent of the proposed changes. I will be focusing my questions and direction on Monday on affordability both in the short term and in the long term. What this means is that I want to be sure that any changes remain affordable for residents immediately, but also that we do not incur unnecessary expenses that will cost us all more in the long run. At present, if we do nothing (do not add organics collection, do not move to a utility, do not improve waste diversion from the landfill), waste will cost us an additional $23M/year if amortized over 50 years); This compares to the proposal in front of us which will cost $18M/year. The challenge facing the City is not only one of environmental sustainability, but also of financial sustainability, and the direction we take now will have long-lasting impacts. It's critical that we get it right. Thank you for engaging. 

- Avoid congestion on Transit
At this time of year, many transit riders are figuring out their schedules and deciding between departure times. Lots of small adjustments have been made to improve service, and there are some big ones being worked on too. In the meantime, consider adjusting your schedule by 10 minutes or less, and routing your travel to make use of the high frequency corridors on 8th, 22nd and Attridge can help to minimize your wait time which is always preferred as the weather cools. More here including links to apps.

- Transportation & Growing Forward - BRT & Cycling
The administration's engagement around Bus Rapid Transit and a AAA Downtown Cycling Network have been extended and will be coming back in front of Council in Fall/Winter. I'll update here and on social media with opportunities to engage.

On the go this month: 

- City Committees:
Interested in the future of heritage or art investment in the City? What about the management of our event and culture venues? You're invited to put your name forward to serve on a City advisory committee or controlled corporation board. In particular, the City is seeking applicants interested in representing Saskatoon’s Youth, Seniors, First Nations, Métis, Visible Minorities, Newcomers, and LGBTQ2S communities as well as people with a disability, or caregiver of someone who has a disability. Applications are due October 5th, so get your application started today! 

- Recreation programming: 
Find out what's happening in your area through the fall leisure guide or find fall community association programming listed here. These programs are a great way to get to know your neighbours and keep busy through the cold months to come in a convenient location close to home! 

- Community Association AGMs: 
Many neighbourhood community associations (CA) are having their Annual General Meetings this month. These are a great opportunity to learn about your CA and how you can get involved in your neighbourhood! Find out more about your CA here. 

Consultations/Workshops to participate in:

Interested in engaging regularly? Consider joining our Citizen Advisory Panel. 
Members of the Citizen Advisory Panel are invited to participate in regular online surveys to provide input and ideas on improving City services.

Did you know...

The next Household Hazardous Waste drop off dates are October 28, and November 17. Drop off is in the Sasktel Centre parking lot (101-3515 Thatcher Ave); Info about what can be accepted here

City Council

City Council meets Monday (August 27th) at City Hall in City Council chambers. As always, Council meetings are open to the public. Brief highlights are outlined below. For full agenda, visit https://www.saskatoon.ca/city-hall/city-council-boards-committees/council/minutes-and-agendas

Regular Business Meeting  | 1:00 PM  
  - McOrmond Drive speed limit setting
  - Waste Service levels - organics & pay as you throw waste utility
    + ability to pay & rate setting reports
  - Vision Zero
  - TNCs & Taxi industry - consultation with Taxi industry; accessibility levy
  - Farmers Market building lease - future exploration; More on that here.
  - CUPE Local 59 - Contract negotiations
  - Special events funding & policy - explore administration by Tourism Saskatoon
  - Neighbourhood Land development profits to Chief Mistiwasis bridge project
  - Pilot project with Sarcan for glass recycling
  - Local Internet Exchange partnership
  - Microsoft Licence renewal; GIS governance contract
  - Power Outage Management System - Smart Grid
  - Traffic Calming & Control at crosswalks Policies
  - Council chambers bag check policy
  - Regional water agreements update
  - Procedures & Committees bylaw updates
  - Traffic bylaw updates (new/changed speed limits)

Public Hearing Meeting  |  6:00 PM
  - Land Use hearings: rezonings, discretionary use hearings (none in Ward 2)
  - Proclamations & Flag Raisings
  
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 or fill out the form at the link before 10 am the day of the meeting. https://www.saskatoon.ca/write-letter-councilcommittees