Good morning!

I'm finding it hard to believe that it has been a month already since my last update. Time seems to be flying. This month has brought several opportunities to celebrate. It was an honour to participate in Wanuskewin's virtual Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations and in the Virtual Pride Parade.

Celebrating culture and community are important. These annual events, along with global conversations around racism taking place this year, provide a reminder and opportunity to learn, unlearn, and find ways to move toward a more equitable and just community for everyone. Racism and gender-based discrimination are real. It takes all of us to build a reality where all kids grow up knowing that our community loves and values them equally, and all community members feel safe being who they are. I'll provide some links in the Community Notes section below with opportunities for learning.

There's lots to update on, so let's jump in.

Policy Files at Council this month:

- A partnership of organizations and community associations have proposed a way forward for community use at the Victoria park lawn bowling site. Council will consider endorsing further work on this.

- The Montgomery Place Storm Water Management (8.3.1) approach will be considered by Council. Committee endorsed the administration's recommendation for cost sharing earlier this month. 

- The Transportation Infrastructure Plan (8.4.1) lays out the investment list for transportation projects following a set of prioritization criteria. 

- The refresh of the Official Community Plan will again be presented at the Public Hearing meeting of City Council on Monday. This is a substantial piece of planning work that captures years of progress in planning policy and presents the collective long term vision for the City. 

- The Bicycle Bylaw that appeared in front of Council last month was deferred so a new version of the bylaw will now be considered in July. Sections on higher traffic corridors in BIDs and passing on trails may be redrafted based on discussion this month (10.1.1 & 14.1).

- The approach for the Municipal Economic Enhancement Program will be set on Monday, with final prioritization of one set of projects to take place at the July 20th meeting.

- I will be moving a motion (14.3) to have the administration explore what it would take to create a comprehensive Community Safety and Wellbeing strategy for our community. Through discussion with community members, leaders at Saskatoon Police, community safety experts, and colleagues, I have become convinced that now is the time to initiate this important work and call on Provincial, community, CBO and other sector partners to take this on with us.

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.

- The latest phases of re-opening in SK have permitted the City to work toward opening a number of summer facilities. All spray pads are now open, while paddling pools and outdoor pools are in the works. Indoor pools will wait for the next phase. This work requires a significant amount of hiring and preparation, so openings will take place gradually and be updated here. 

- Household Hazardous Waste is back up and running. The next drop day is July 5. Full details of acceptable materials, how to check wait times, etc. on the HHW page.

- 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!).

Applications for Rezoning/Discretionary Use in Ward 2: 

   - 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.

Both of these applications are being reviewed by the administration and they're looking to hear from residents before they go to Council for consideration. Please visit the links above to learn more and for contact information for the City planners who are eager to hear your feedback and answer questions.

Major Construction in Ward 2: 

- 29th Street Watermain Replacements (Aves E to G) - if you'd like updates about this project, please subscribe by emailing [email protected] and provide them your Name, Address, and Contact Information. Updates can also be found at saskatoon.ca/construction

Southwest Industrial noise: 

- I have been learning about and discussing this issue with residents in Pleasant Hill, Southwest Industrial, and King George. I believe there are some opportunities for progress by engaging external expertise, and updating the long-range plans for the area. I will be asking some questions on Monday about these opportunities.

Community Notes:

As promised, here are a few resources I encourage you to check out as learning tools relating to racial and gender-based discrimination and Canada's colonial legacy.

- ConnectR Reconciliation tool is a tool created by Reconciliation tool to help us each find progress on our reconciliation journey. Check out the Reconciliation Saskatoon challenge details here.

- OUTSaskatoon is always an excellent space to start to expand your knowledge about 2SLGBTQ+ issues. Why not start with some queer terms? 

- The Saskatoon Public Library has been publishing some great reading lists including lists of digital materials accessible with your library card!
  - Reading lists for Pride
  - Read for Reconciliation
  - Reading lists on Anti-racism for: kids, teens, and adults

City Council | June 29th 
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
  - partnership direction - victoria park lawn bowling site
  - Fee review - Cannabis Business License
  - Montgomery Place - Storm Water Management approach
  - Storm Pond Vegetation Control options 
  - Transportation Strategy - Infrastructure Plan
  - Municipal Economic Enhancement Program - spending approach & prioritization
  - Bicycle Bylaw - follow up on high traffic corridors
  - SL&P - Capital funding reallocation 
  - Gordie Howe sports complex - interim financing
  - Library Tax Amendment 
  - 2019 Audited Financial Statements - City of Saskatoon  
  - 2019 public accounts
  - Municipal Asset Management program grant
  - Animal Control Bylaw - Dangerous Animals - amendment
  - Traffic bylaw - amendment
  - Pedestrian Underpasses - Report from Police
  Motions:
  - Loewen - bike bylaw - section 13
  - Donauer - Speed on Marquis
  - Gough - comprehensive Community Safety & Wellbeing strategy

Public Hearing Meeting  |  6:00 PM
  Official Community Plan - bylaw proposal
 Discretionary Use & Rezoning applications:
  - none in Ward 2
 Minimum Site area for FUD district with Holding Symbol
 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.