Ward 8 Newsletter - April 2023

Ward 8 Updates

McKercher Drive - Proposed Changes 

The City is reviewing options for access to Duncan Crescent from McKercher Drive.

The proposed changes include changing access to Duncan Cres, details about the traffic light at McKercher/Degeer, changes to the pedestrian crossing light at Mount Allison and enhanced pedestrian safety.

A survey is currently underway to get feedback on these changes. It will remain open until April 28, 2023 to gauge neighbour feedback. 

If you missed the open house on March 30, you can find all the slides and poster boards at the Engage Page. 

Please take time to share your feedback on these proposed options. 

Community Events

There are lots of community events planned by our Community Associations or community members. These include:

• Erindale Arbor Creek [Brighton] Community Association Garage Sale on May 13
• Briarwood Community Garage Sale on Saturday, May 27
• Wildwood Community Garage Sale on Saturday, June 10
• Save the date: Greystone End of Summer Block Party for all ages on Saturday, September 9

Our Community Associations do great work in our neighbourhoods. Interested in learning more or joining the board? Check out your local one here:

• Briarwood: briarwoodca.com
• Brighton via Erindale Arbor Creek: erindalearborcreek.org
• College Park: collegeparksaskatoon.com
• East College Park: ecpark.ca
• Greystone: thegreystone.ca
• Wildwood: ourwildwood.ca

Green cart rollout

It's almost time for our first collection of the green carts. Don't forget to check the schedule for your first pick-up.

Videos have been released about the program. Check out these short videos here. 

There are also lots of great pieces of information and FAQ at saskatoon.ca/greencart. 

Zoning Bylaw 

The sixth amendment package for the Zoning Bylaw is underway. Topics covered in this amendment package include:

• Additional Accessible Parking Review, as directed by Council on January 25, 2023
• Amend the Environmental Area - the B5C - Riversdale Commercial District to permit residential uses
• B4MX District Review
• Environmental Review
• Garden and Garage Suites in New Neighbourhoods
• Revised Definitions for Alcohol Serving Establishments
• Dormers and Building Height Calculation

More information about this review can be found at saskatoon.ca/engage/zoning-bylaw-review.​​​​​​​​​​

Community Events 

Annual Iftar Dinner held at the Baitur Rahmat Mosque

Briarwood Community Association AGM

Winter in the Park hosted by the East College Park Community Association

Sikh Heritage Month Flag Raising

SUMA 2023 Annual Conference

City Council Meetings

Greenhouse Gas Targets 

The City of Saskatoon established its greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets in 2017 using best practises at the time. Since then, climate models and projections have
been updated, indicating that more aggressive action is needed. Jurisdictions across Canada and internationally have updated their GHG reduction targets to align with Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) targets to stay within 1.5°C and attaining net-zero emissions by 2050. 

It is recommended that the City update its long-term GHG reduction target to net-zero by 2050. Furthermore, that the City use a science-based approach to set interim targets through the planned Low Emission Community Plan refresh set for 2024-2025.

Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget Policy 
Amendment – Climate Budget  

At the January 25, 2023 meeting of City Council, direction was given to introduce a climate budget as a part of the multi-year budget process. As such, this report prepares the appropriate amendments to the Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget Policy including:

• Climate Budget definition,
• Statement on the City's commitment to acting on climate change,
• Climate Budget principles, and
• Climate Budget process.

The full report and policy can be found here.

Rapid Housing Initiative 

As part of the Government of Canada’s Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) program, the City was recently awarded $6,787,546, under the Cities Stream of funding. This funding is to develop a minimum of 33 new permanent affordable housing units to be available within 18 months and to have affordability maintained for a minimum of 20 years. 

Using the Affordable Housing Reserve, the City would contribute $678,755 to leverage the financial support provided by federal funding.

Next steps include further approval from CMHC and agreements between the City/Proponent. Successful proponents and associated projects would be announced in May 2023, pending further approvals and agreements. 

Additional reports of interest 

• Proposed Bylaw to Address Street Harassment whereby the report is forwarded to the Board of Police Commissioners and a request for information from the Hate Crimes Unit
• SREDA – Business Incentives – 2023 Tax Abatements 
• Tax Exemptions and Relief where the Administration work with the Province and SUMA to request amendments to The Cities Act to clarify the definition of “Places of Worship” for purposes of assessment and taxation 
• 2022 Contract Negotiations (2020-2023) Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local No. 47

The full agendas can be found here: regular business and public hearing. 

• Short videos have been created to showcase the new art for Brighton. The first episode "Birds of Brighton" can be found on YouTube: youtu.be/e-qHnpXOD24.
• MyHEAT SOLAR helps Saskatoon residents calculate benefits of home solar panel installation. Check out solar.myheat.ca/saskatoon.
• Home Energy Renovation Resources continue to be updated by the City of Saskatoon, include energy coaching. Visit Saskatoon.ca/RenoResources.
• Chamber Event: State of the City Address with Mayor Clark on May 9. 
• A reminder that the pruning ban for Elm Trees took effect Friday, April 1 and runs until Thursday, August 31. Learn more at saskatoon.ca/dutchelmdisease.
• Keep up to date with City engagement events by visiting saskatoon.ca/engage.