The Reconciliation flag was raised in Civic Square this morning, and events are taking place across the City over the next month to celebrate our community's diversity and strength, and the work ahead - culminating in the Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation on June 21st. Find this and other community events in the 'community news' section below. Also included below are some updates on the major transportation files from last month and thoughts about improving the condition and accessibility of our sidewalks.

I hope that you have an excellent weekend. I look forward to bumping into many of you at the many community events that make spring such a wonderful time in our city.

Ward 2 updates: 

- Sidewalks: I've been hearing from many with concerns about the condition of sidewalks in their neighbourhoods. As you know, the City has focused a lot of energy and money on the condition of our roadways over the last number of years, bringing the conditions to a level expected by all of us, and working to maintain that. Work on sidewalks has largely been paired with roadways work, gaining many efficiencies, but also, at times, leaving little left for other high priority sidewalks. I believe that it is time to set a specific focus on sidewalk conditions, and also sidewalk accessibility. Budget 2020 is an opportunity to set that priority and follow up on some of my motions last budget deliberations and some reports that have come through Transportation committee lately. 

- The report to follow up on the spike in frozen water pipes is expected at Committee on June 10th outlining the issue and how we can prevent the unusually long wait times that a number of households faced without water this year. 

- The design for the West Central multi-use corridor is awaiting consideration from CP Rail and I hope to be able to take a look at the plans with you soon. Stay posted here and check in on social media (links at bottom) over the coming weeks in case of updates in the meantime.

- Wanting to anticipate the next steps of the water treatment plant enclosure project & associated transportation network changes? There's a full project page with all the details.

City wide policy updates: 

- Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) update: last month Council selected the routing for BRT corridors through Nutana and Downtown. The selected routes are Broadway and 1st avenue. This was a substantial step in moving forward this monumental project aimed at improving the options for moving around our City.

- Cycling Lanes: Council also selected the routes for the future, permanent Downtown Active Transportation (AT) network of cycling lanes. The selected routes are 23rd Street and 3rd Avenue. This comes following the adoption of the Active Transportation Plan in 2016 and a pilot project of temporary lanes on 4th ave and 23rd St. 

- On street parking policy - Council will be considering extending the current 36 hour on street parking limit to 72 hours. Amendments to the Traffic Bylaw will be considered during the daytime meeting of City Council on Monday (meeting details below).

- You've likely noticed some traffic impacts as a result of work on the Sid Buckwold Bridge. Two way traffic will be maintained throughout the project, but lane restrictions will continue to cause delays. Full project information here.

Consultations/Workshops to participate in:

- None relevant at the moment, but feel free to check the 'Engage' page anytime at www.saskatoon.ca/engage

- 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...

- There are new Energy Efficiency requirements in the 2019 Building Code. If you're planning major renovations, building a garage, or undertaking a new build this summer be sure you know the requirements - learn more here.

- As the weather warms, Summer facilities are gearing up for opening (with some open now!). Check out schedules online: Nutrien Playland at Kinsmen Park  &  Outdoor pools, paddling pools, and spray pads

- You can customize your notifynow profile! If you didn't get the notices on May 7th from the City's emergency notifynow system during the test that day, now is the time to update your profile so that during an emergency, you get the notices to the devices that reach you the fastest.

- You can Report a Pothole online!
You know that pothole that's been bugging you? Indicate it on the map to be sure it doesn't get missed - photos welcome. This works for utility cuts as well. You can also report potholes/utility cuts by calling 306-975-2476

- Spring/Summer maintenance schedules are online
The neighbourhood street sweeping schedule reflects rotating start times so that neighbourhoods are treated fairly and are not always early or late in the schedule. For full details on what to expect and how you can help, click here. For back lane maintenance, check back in a little while here to find the neighbourhood schedule. Work begins in late spring/early summer. As always with any roadways work, please watch for signs, detours, and proceed slowly around working crews. 

- The Saskatoon Police Service has online reporting.
Check it out here, or download their mobile app to access a number of additional features such as bike registry and more.

Community Notes

A city-wide festival to celebrate Nature in the City is underway! Check out the NatureCity Festival for some fun and educational opportunities this weekend! 

Many Neighbourhood Community Associations (CA) have held their spring clean ups. Thank you to all who've volunteered your time to keep our community beautiful and safe. There are a couple more to go in Caswell Hill and Meadowgreen. Get in touch with your CA to find out how you can be involved - many hands make light work!

Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation on June 21st. The Grand Entry is at 9am in Victoria Park and the walk will begin at 9:30. All are welcome - bring a friend! 

As noted in past updates, the City and partners submitted a proposal to the Federal Government's Smart Cities Challenge that was shortlisted in the $10M category. Unfortunately, we were not awarded the prize. The project and goals of investing in our young people are no less relevant today though and the group will continue to explore ways to move this forward. 

City Council

City Council meets Monday (May 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  
  - 2018 Audited Financial Statements
  - 2018 Public Accounts
  - Right-of-way Boulevard Leases
  - Vacant Lot & Adaptive Reuse Incentive - 604/610 Broadway Ave
  - Shakespeare on the SK update 
  - 2019 Cultural Grant Awards
  - Streamlining Downtown Dev't Process & Potential expansion
  - Social & Indigenous Procurement update
  - Budget adjustment - Taylor St in Rosewood
  - Flood Control Strategy update - WW Ashley Park
  - Committee/Board appointments: Sutherland BID, Diversity Equity Inclusion Advisory Committee, Public Art, Municipal Planning, Municipal Review, Saskatoon Public Library, Airport Authority
  - Budget adjustment - Digester Tank 4 
  - IBEW collective agreement
  - Motion : Speed Hump pilot - potential location on Glasgow St.
 Bylaw updates
  - Traffic Bylaw: 72 hour on street parking & Trucking routes
  - Taxi Bylaw: Replacement to seasonal licences
  - Animal Control: Designation of Chief Whitecap Park off-leash area

Public Hearing Meeting  |  6:00 PM
  Land Use hearings & Bylaw Amendments:
  - Rezoning in Riversdale: 438 Ave H South - from B1 to B1B
  - OPC amendment & Rezoning - North Park
  - Corman Park - Saskatoon Planning District OCP Amendments
  - Proposed closure of Public Improvement parcel - SW Dev't Area
  - Proposed closure of Right of Way allowance adjacent to Idylwyld Drive in Riversdale/River Landing
  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