As our beautiful fall turns into some colder weather, I have prepared some updates for our Ward 8 neighbourhoods.
Our community continues to be in a challenging situation with COVID-19. I spoke about exhaustion last month, but I know it continues more than ever. In the past month new Public Health Orders have come into effect, including masking, and proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test, with more measures to be discussed at the upcoming City Council meeting on Monday (more below). Keep up to date with this information at saskatoon.ca/covid-19.
In addition to policy that looks to minimize the transmission of COVID-19, City Council has given direction to proclaim November 1 - 8, 2021 "Health Care Worker Appreciation Week". I was proud to lead this work, as we wanted to extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to all our health care professionals, who continue to show heroic efforts in protecting our community during the COVID-19 pandemic. At Monday's meeting, we will be confirming that during November 1 - 8, 2021, health care professionals, will receive 40% off access to leisure centres for them and their families. More information will be released in the coming days.
With Halloween on the horizon, I wish everyone a safe time trick or treating. While I am not aware of any protocols in place yet, please remember to keep distanced, follow proper hand hygiene and mask up.
Sincerely,
Sarina
City Council Meeting: October 25, 2021Here are a few items of interest on the agenda:
The full agenda for the regular and public hearing meetings can be found in the attached hyperlinks. Waste and Organics Utilities and Affordability OptionsThe discussions regarding green bin and black bin utilities have been longstanding. In follow up to direction issued earlier this year about establishing these waste services as utilities (similar to recycling), direction is needed about the timing of these programs. Committee recommended unanimously to City Council that we proceed with a fixed monthly rate for the curbside organics utility with a January 2023 implementation, and a variable rate for black cart garbage utility with implementation in 2024. Furthermore, Committee provided direction to report back on an affordability program, which could help with the transitional cost for low income qualified households as we bring in the black bin utility. A helpful graphic has been prepared about the financial impacts of this decision. The full report also talks about other options that were considered, and next steps. Gathering LimitsCouncil will be considering a report regarding gathering limits. After the September City Council meeting, a request was made to the Province to institute gathering limits in Saskatoon, due to the urgent COVID-19 situation in our city. Due to this request being denied, City Council has asked Administration to report back on the logistics of creating a bylaw in Saskatoon to institute gathering limits. This report includes consideration of enforcement and jurisdiction. The report can be found here. How to share feedback ahead of the meetingContact me directlyDo not hesitate to reach out to share feedback ahead of our meeting. You can contact me any point in the month. Contact information is available here. Send a letter to City CouncilThis avenue allows you to send a letter (or request to speak) to items on the agenda. This needs to be submitted before 10:00 AM on Monday, October 25 as it forms part of the supplementary agenda. Find more information on how to make the request here. |
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SAVE THE DATE - COFFEE WITH YOUR COUNCILLOR
The Zoom link will be posted online ahead of the event. |
What's happening in Ward 8!
Here are some other great things happening in Ward 8 soon or put on by members of our community.
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Sarina Gersher - Ward 8 Councillor
www.wardeight.ca