It's hard to believe that September is just around the corner. Whether September signals a change in your household's routines or not, I hope that you're finding some joy in these late summer days. As the seasons change, Summer programs are largely coming to a close, and registration is underway for Fall programs - check them out! 

City Council meets on Wednesday next week. Read on for some highlights. As always you'll find a full listing of reports at the bottom of this email.

Downtown Entertainment & Event District

Wendnesday's meeting includes two reports about the planning for a Downtown Event and Entertainment District (DEED)
There's lots of background on the DEED Planning to date on the website including the conceptual design.

Private Partner - agreement framework 
The first report, which saw initial review earlier this month outlines the framework for the proposed agreement with OVG360 which is the venue operator who scored highest in procurement process that was undertaken, exceeding all requirements in the request for proposals. Administration have been negotiating a draft agreement with OVG which operates hundreds of venues around the world. Administration is seeking City Council's endorsement of the framework for that agreement. Highlights include: 
- $20M in up-front capital contribution
- Est. $150M in operating revenue sharing over the 25 year agreement
- Management services in line with an approved budget
- Alignment with certain City policies such as procurement and naming rights policies
- One City Event day guarantee, along with preferred rates for non-profit community groups and the opportunity to self-cater
- A local economic inclusion policy, and competitive wages and benefits for staff

The agreement would proceed soon if the framework is approved by Council, but could be cancelled anytime if the project does not proceed and does not hold the City to building an arena, or otherwise investing in DEED. More below re: funding strategy.

Funding Strategy
A report outlining a funding strategy built from a mix of funding sources is being presented. It proposes a mix of funding sources, including the private partner contribution outlined above, public contributions, grants and other funding tools such as amusement taxes, parkade revenues, tax incremental financing, and a contribution from the property realized reserve. 

Council will consider this report and direct whether administration can proceed with executing this strategy which involves pursuing the financial opportunities outlined. Key elements to secure include Provincial and Federal contributions which are essential to the plan. 

The strategy relies heavily on the accommodation industry and amusement tax revenues. It does not require any property tax increases, but does include two municipal sources: tax incremental financing  and a contribution from the property realized reserve, essentially collecting back only 57% of the monies used from that reserve, rather than 100% as would be typical for a civic project. All of the funding sources are explained in this appendix.

Council is not deciding about whether to proceed with construction of the DEED. We are being asked about whether to take the next step to pursue the financial opportunities developed in the strategy. Only if/when those contributions and tools were secured would Council be asked to proceed with construction.

Other Council reports

HAF progress The public hearing meeting includes land use change consideration needed to move forward the use of City owned land for Affordable Housing development as part of the City's Housing Accelerator Fund Action Plan. This parcel, next to Lakewood Civic Center, is expected to be able to be developed as 75-150 units of housing.

Other Updates

Playground surface - repair coming soon @ Ashworth Holmes
The City has been working with a contractor to create a detailed repair plan at several parks around the City that have substantial damage to the rubberized membrane surface under playgrounds. Ashworth Holmes park is one of those parks and City staff advise that repairs to the rubberized membrane will be completed this Fall.

School Zones along 20th St W
The Administration is removing the school zone along 20^th Street from Avenue F to west of Avenue G. This school zone was associated with a school which is no longer in operation.  The school zone and 30 km/h speed limit signs on 20^th Street will be removed by City crews before the start of the school year.

I continue to get questions about the school zone that is farther west along 20th Street around Avenue M. While the new policy adopted a few years ago does not require this zone, there are a few safety improvements required at Ave M, N, and O before the zone will be removed. It is anticipated that these improvements will be completed next year, so this zone will remain in place for a while yet. 

Phone Scam
The City wants to warn residents again about an identified scam involving phone calls appearing to come from the resident’s utility company. The caller indicates that the resident or business has a delinquent account and owes money, otherwise their power will be shut off. A number of concerned business owners have contacted the City on this matter. Please remember: the City and Saskatoon Light and Power do not send texts or emails or robocalls about collections in the form of 'pay or have your power cut off'. We also do not request payment information by phone. 

Dutch Elm Disease
A new case of Dutch Elm Disease has been identified in the Varsity View neighbourhood. Reminder that you can help reduce the likelihood of DED spread by not storing elm wood or branches, not burning it, and disposing of it at the landfill. The pruning ban has now ended for the season. For more information about how to safely handle elm, please visit saskatoon.ca/dutchelmdisease 

City Council | Aug 28th

City Council meets on Wednesday. Brief highlights are outlined below. Click here to find the full agendas. Correspondence on Council items can be made in writing or as a request to speak (accommodated by phone or in person). Meetings are live streamed.

Regular Business Meeting  |  9:30 AM
  - Green Loan request - Civic Water conservation
  - Light and Power bylaw - update fee schedule for special services
  - Pedestrian Rail Crossing - Assiniboine Dr - budget adjustment
  - Transit - service disruptions status update
  - Vacant Lot & Adaptive reuse incentives - 312 Ave C South, 620 Webster St, 2302 22nd St W
  - Vacant Lot & Adaptive reuse incentives - Midtown - 210 1st Ave S
  - Naming - Riverbank lands donated - Ellen Remai Natural Area
  - Corporate investment policy - amendments
  - Lease of City Land for cell towers to Sasktel
  - Nutrien Wonderhub - lease renewal
  - DEED - Private Partner Agreement Framework
  - Mayor's Office - security renovations
  - Protocol Policy - updates
  - Appointments - Diversity committee
  - Zero Emission Vehicle - Awareness Initiative
  - DEED - Funding Strategy
  - 2023 Audited Financial Statements & reports
  - Transit Fares Amendment bylaw
  - Motion (Hill): Community Grants Program Application Cycle

Public Hearing Meeting  |  6:00 PM
  - Discretionary Use - Parking Station - 1213 1st Ave N
  - Concept Plan amendment & Rezoning - Brighton Gate & Gibson Bend
  - OCP Amendment & Rezoning - 555 Eastlake Ave & 403 12th St E
  - Removal of MR designation - 1635 McKercher Dr (HAF - City owned land for Affordable Housing)
  - Proclamations & Flag Raisings