August 2022 Newsletter

Ward 8 Updates

Rezoning and Discretionary Use Applications

Brighton Gate West - Dream Developments application to rezone land adjacent to western end of Brighton Gate is set to go to a Public Hearing on Monday for consideration of a final decision. Dream Developments is proposing to rezone the area to a mix of residential development consisting of:

• One-unit Residential Districts
• Small lot One-Unit Residential District
• One and Two-Unit Residential District

Learn more here.

254 Meglund Cres discretionary use application is requesting approval to develop this site into a Short-term Rental Property in the Wildwood neighborhood. Public consultation started August 12th and will be ongoing until September 2nd. Learn more here.

On Demand Transit in Brighton

On August 2 new changes were implemented for On Demand Transit (ODT) in Brighton.

• Brighton now has dedicated ODT buses. 
• The ODT buses will focus on a hub system, where Brighton and Rosewood (on the east part of the city) will each be hubs. These hubs connect to four other hubs, which are better integrated into the existing Saskatoon Transit system.  
• Hubs accessible from Brighton are Place Riel/College Drive, Centre Mall/8th Street, Nelson/Lowe and Preston Crossing. 

Read more about other enhancements at SaskatoonTransit.ca/OnDemand. 

Since the integration of ODT, I have been working with Saskatoon Transit to share your feedback. This process continues as we have implemented a survey to hear what you think! Tell us what you think about the new ODT system, and you could have a chance to win 1 of 5 $20 Tim Hortons gift cards. Please continue to keep in touch with me about your experience with the new changes, and please engage with the survey which you can access here OnDemand Transit Survey - Tell us What you Think .  

Speed Limits

This is a reminder that school zones and playground zones will come into effect on September 1, 2022. 

Changes include:

• New playground zones with reduced speed limits of 30 km/h;
• Year-round reduced speed limits in both school and playground zones 7 days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Adjustments to posted signs and length of current school zones; and
• Removal of reduced speed school zones from high schools, designating them a “school area” where u-turns are still restricted. 

Learn more about what to expect at saskatoon.ca/speedlimit.

Lakewood Recycling Depot

The Lakewood Recycling Depot is seeing its hours of operation change. The hours of operation are now 7:00 am to 7:00 pm daily. A lockable gate will be installed, with accompanying signage.

This pilot is looking to help address the contamination and safety concerns. The results of this pilot are expected to be reported in Q3 2023. Please feel free to share your feedback about how these changes are impacting your use on site.

City Council Meetings

Downtown Event and Entertainment District Site Options

Unfortunately I am unable to participate in discussions pertaining to land selection in regards to the future Downtown Event and Entertainment District (DEED). This is due to a potential for a conflict of interest relating to a family members’ business. I have sought out legal counsel to clarify my participation, and while I can engage in other DEED discussions (e.g. funding and financing solutions) I am unable to participate in land matters until a final decision has been made by City Council.

As such, I can only provide the link to public information. It can be found here.

I appreciate your understanding.

Mid-Year Budget Update

During our standard mid-year forecast, we are currently projecting an approximate deficit of 6.8 million for 2022. We continue to implement cost-savings measures through the year but if a deficit still remains at the end of the year, there are one-time measures we can look to implement to address this. 

Farmers' Market  

The lease to operate the River Landing Farmers' Market is going before Council on Monday! 

With a projected launch date of May 2023, the new space would see two dedicated farmers market days (Saturday and one evening), vendor spaces indoors, licensed space for alcohol vendors, restaurants spaces, as well as event spaces. 

The space will be open 6 days a week. 

It will be great to have the indoor space back open and operating for our community once again.

Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership Contract  

Homelessness has been increasing over the past number of years due to many factors such as population growth, increasing housing costs, inflation, COVID-19 related issues, gaps in social assistance programs and shortage of specialized housing and support systems. The recent count in April of 2022 had identified 550 individuals without permanent shelter.

The Saskatoon Housing Initiative Partnership has submitted a request to extend their current service contract and funding from September 1st, 2022 to December 31st, 2023. This 16-month extension is to help facilitate meetings, provide staff support to committees and action teams, help develop and enhance programs, research solutions, evaluate and report on progress, foster collective action and ensure the Homelessness Action Plan continues to be implemented.

Additional reports of interest 

• Proposed 2022 Electrical Rate Increase - Proposed Bylaw 9840
• Proposed Options to Reform Property Assessment and Taxation in Saskatchewan
• 2022 Municipal Code of Conduct Committee Report
• Proposed Closure of Right-of-Way – Portion of McOrmond Drive – Brighton Neighbourhood

Find the full agenda for August 29 at: regular business meeting and the public hearing.

COFFEE WITH YOUR COUNCILLOR - please check wardeight.ca/calendar for Septembers date.

• Greystone Heights Community Association AGM & BINGO night is set for October 14. Learn more here.
• Wildwood Community Association AGM & BBQ is set for September 27. Learn more here.
• Brighton's AGM and Movie Night is hosted with the Erindale Arbor Creek Community Association on September 16. Learn more here.
• For other neighbourhoods, stay tuned for AGM and event dates here: Briarwood, College Park and East College Park.
• The Salvation Army Fall Carnival is happening on September 10 in Greystone. Learn more here.
• Send a photo of your yard or garden for a chance to win 1 of 5 City leisure gift cards valued at $75! Email your name, photo, & phone number to: [email protected]. Winners to be announced Sept. 1, 2022.
• The City of Saskatoon has opened a call for nominations for Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal. Learn more here.
• Keep up to date with City engagement events by visiting saskatoon.ca/engage.