Hello! 

I hope your weekend is off to a good start and that you're finding some time to recharge, whether this is a day off or workday.

Council's Agendas for Monday are 383 and 654 pages respectively. I'll do my best to highlight what I can below, but as always, you can view the whole package here.

Policy Files at Council this month:

Updates from last month:
-My motion to consider studying solutions for the nuisance issues between the West Industrial area and adjacent neighbourhoods was supported.
- The proposal that went to Council for use of the Municipal Economic Enhancement Program (MEEP) funding was approved resulting in funding for 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.

This month Council will again consider proposed regulations for the short term rental industry. This debate was deferred in February. 

Council will also be making a final decision on the regulation of mask use when accessing civic services. The current recommendation which had majority support at Committee last week is to mandate masks on Transit buses, and recommend their use in other civic places such as leisure centres, etc. Included in that report was an analysis of data from public health combining a few measures of the severity of COVID-19 in our community. I believe that we should be making use of this combination of data in the coming months to guide future conversations about any further intervention (mask-related or not) that may be needed in Saskatoon specifically.

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.

- Recreation facilities: As summer/outdoor facilities are closing for the season, teams are working hard to open indoor leisure facilities. Full details online.

- Saskatoon Transit: Council will make a final decision on Monday, but anticipating support of the current recommendation, the wearing of non-medical face masks will be mandatory on Transit buses beginning Sept 1 in order to enable the full bus to be used, and recognizing that physical distancing is impossible with full-bus usage. This decision will align with the back-to-school timing to support a safe commute for secondary students who use Transit to get to school. There will be lots of communications from the City about this once it's confirmed on Monday and I will be sure to share it on social media.

- 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: The penalty-free deadline is September 30th. This additional information which accompanied your mailed notice may be useful. 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!).

Neighbourhood Traffic Reviews (NTRs)
- The NTR is underway for the Gordie Howe Management Area, West Industrial Area and Southwest Industrial Area. Details here. Please submit your concerns for review and study.

Neighbourhood Bikeways project
- The online public meeting for 29th/31st street is on September 9th. Review the project details and options for engaging here.

City Council | Aug 31st 
City Council meets virtually on Monday. Brief highlights are outlined below. Click here to find the full agenda. Council continues to meet virtually. Correspondence on Council items can be made in writing or as a request to speak (accommodated virtually). Meetings will continue to be live streamed.

Regular Business Meeting  |  1:00 PM
  - Good Neighbour Guide 
  - Civic Naming Report
  - Incentive - 410/420 5th Ave North - Baydo
  - Incentive - ABC Canada Technology Group
  - Former SPS Outdoor Firing Range - disposal
  - Nuisance Tree Replacement Policy 
  - Taxi Cost Index Review
  - Meewasin Valley Authority - Master Agreement
  - Whistleblower Protection Policy
  - Masks on Transit - use of non-medical masks and civic services
  - Board of Revision - Governance Review
  - Polling Location Update - Civic Election

Public Hearing Meeting  |  6:00 PM
 Discretionary Use & Rezoning applications:
  -  112 Ave L South - Parking Station Discretionary Use Application (Ward 2)
 Proposed Regulations for Short-Term Accommodations
 Cannabis Business Licence Amendment Bylaw
 Saskatoon North Partnership For Growth - Planning District Bylaw & District Official Community Plan Bylaw
 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