It may feel like spring is a ways away, but project planning for summer is in full swing and some longer-term work is being studied as well. Read on for a snapshot of the work impacting Ward 2 the most directly. As always, a preview of the big items in front of Council for decision on Monday can be found under the 'City Council' section.

Ward 2 updates & engagements: 

- Circle Drive West study
The Circle Drive West Functional Study was conducted to explore options for establishing more free-flowing travel on the West side of Circle Drive. The preferred option was presented at an open house last month by City consultants. The project team and I have heard lots of concern about the impacts of the proposed changes on neighbourhoods adjacent to Circle Drive West. Feedback received is being incorporated into a revised proposal and further engagement will follow. Stay tuned for updates by visiting the project page linked.

- Upcoming Neighbourhood projects:
-- The Montgomery Place Drainage improvement project aims to improve storm water drainage on parts of Caen, Lancaster and Dundonald to reduce flood risks. This is proposed to take place in conjunction with scheduled watermain and lead service connection replacement work this summer. Considerations about driveways and other landscaping impacts need to be made including funding sources for replacement of non-regulation infrastructure, and the future regulation of driveways. Thank you to the ~50 residents who attended the open house. Our admin and I learned a lot from your participation. All residents of the neighbourhood are encouraged to fill out the engagement survey by Monday to have your perspective considered before a report goes to City Council. 

-- Water infrastructure upgrades are also planned in areas of Caswell Hill and Riversdale (phase 2) this summer. A come and go info session is being held for the Caswell Hill project on February 26th in the Library at Bedford Road Collegiate from 6:30-8:30pm. Impacted property owners will have received a notice in their mailboxes earlier this month.

-- A new Neighbourhood Bikeways Project is underway. The City has identified five corridors in which to develop neighbourhood bikeways to enhance safety for all users. Two are proposed in Ward 2 : (1) Dudley from Spadina West to Dawes; and (2) 29th Street West or 31st street West from Idylwyld to Circle Drive. Engagement events for each are on March 5th and 12th respectively. Full details on the engagement page.

Policy & updates: 

- Short Term Accommodations
A proposal for how to regulate this growing property-use is on the public hearing agenda of Monday's City Council meeting. The proposal is to regulate the industry through the zoning bylaw and business licencing treating 'Homestays' differently than 'Short-Term Accommodation' properties. You can find the full reports under item 6.1.4 here. 

The City Council preview below lists other policy files underway with decisions or updates on Monday including important work on the Green Infrastructure Strategy's Green Network.

Did you know...

- The Saskatoon Police are looking for help addressing a number of suspicious fires in the Central Division area. More details about how you can help.

- The Roadways team has been busy figuring out how to make necessary nighttime work less disruptive and have made a breakthrough! The fleet is being retrofitted with a 'white-noise' back-up alarm which will continue to alert of a large vehicle backing up without the disruptive 'beep-beep' of the typical alarms. Here's to a better night's sleep! 

- Signing up for NotifyNow is the most reliable way to be sure you're in the know in an emergency. Sign up today.

Community Notes

- There's one week left to nominate a community champion for the Living in Harmony Awards. These awards recognize individuals and organizations working to eliminate racial discrimination in our community. Consider nominating a champion before February 28th!

- The City has teamed up with the University of Saskatchewan by awarding scholarships to support research on municipal questions and challenges. Check out the great projects and partnerships getting started! 

- Kudos to all who participated in Winter Bike to Work day on the 13th! It was a chilly day but over 50 people stopped by the 'commuter station' at the UofS and my bike and I were counted 31st when I came by the station at City Hall that morning. Thanks to all of the organizations who hosted stations to keep us warm with coffee and treats! 

- Saskatoon is embracing the cold winter months. Coming this winter, watch for the release of the draft outcomes and actions for the WintercityYXE Strategy. Learn more at Saskatoon.ca/WintercityYXE.

- There is a new searchable database of current Community Association programming on the City's website. Check it out here and sign up for a class in your neighbourhood! 

- Have you been wondering about the rink in your neighbourhood? It's likely run by your community association - check in with them about when the warming shack will be open and when there are supervised skate times. Skating at other times is welcome too! 

- Curious about what's happening in our community and province regarding Reconciliation? Check out news and event updates from the Office of the Treaty Commissioner and consider exploring the resources from ConnectR (a project of Reconciliation Saskatoon) to get connected.


City Council | February 24th 

City Council meets Monday 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
  - Animal Control & Dangerous Animal bylaw amendments
  - Green Municipal Fund - electric buses
  - 2020 BID budgets
  - Conference attendance criteria - policy amendment
  - Green Infrastructure Strategy - Interconnected green network
  - Waste collection - Accessibility Considerations
  - Recovery Park funding plan - revised
  - Bicycle Bylaw - proposed revisions
  - Reporting: Council travel, training, car allowance spending
  - Committee appointments - various
  - CUPE 59 contract
  - Provision of legal services - new policy
 

Public Hearing Meeting  |  6:00 PM

  Discretionary Use & Rezoning applications:
  - Tavern with Brew Pub - 1605 33rd Street West (Ward 2 adjacent)
  - Recreational Vehicle and Equipment Storage site - Chappel Dr (Ward 2)
  - Rezoning - 301 Clarence Ave
  Proposed regulations for Short-Term Accommodations

  Proclamations and Flag Raisings
 

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