Summer has been well underway. I hope you have had the chance to enjoy this time.
This month City Council has a shortened meeting schedule. This newsletter provides an update on the items that will be before City Council on Wednesday, July 31 and some ward specific updates.
I also wanted to take this opportunity to thank neighbours for their patience as I completed my brief maternity leave. Through my absence, either other members of Council or members of Administration were able to respond to all enquiries. If you have any outstanding enquires from during this time, please let me know.
While I was not away in full during these past few months, I want to acknowledge that things did look a little different. Thank you for your support and understanding while I balanced my role as a City Councillor and also settled into this new experience for our family.
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Sarina
Ward 8 UpdatesBrighton Neighbourhood Concept Plan AmendmentCatterall & Wright Consulting Engineers have submitted an application on behalf of BDM Enterprises Ltd. to amend The Brighton Neighbourhood Concept Plan. The application primarily affects the the layout of local roads and the linear park system in the western-most corner of the neighbourhood. More information on this application can be found here. Brighton Gate and Gibson BendThe Planning and Development Department has received an application from North Prairie Developments Ltd. proposing to amend the Brighton Neighbourhood Concept Plan and rezone land within the neighbourhood to accommodate residential development. More information on this application can be found here. Potential blue-green algae identified at Briarwood Pond: residents advised to avoid water use.During routine monitoring of storm water ponds, the City of Saskatoon has identified a potential blue-green algae bloom at Briarwood Pond in Briarwood. Blue-green algae, also known as Cyanobacteria, is a bacteria that can be harmful to humans and animals. Out of an abundance of caution, all recreational water activities are strictly prohibited until further notice. Signage is being produced and will be placed around the pond to inform visitors of potential dangers. Residents with pets also are advised to completely avoid the pond. When ingested, water with blue-green algae can cause sickness and/or death in animals depending on the level of toxicity. Health Precautions:
Visit Health Canada to learn about the risks of cyanobacteria and their toxins, and how to keep yourself safe. Changes to Saskatoon Transit in BrightonBrighton, since June 30 we have moved from OnDemand Transit (tier 1) to Fixed Route (tier 2) service. Route 29 – Brighton / Nelson Road
Fire Community Support team launches with expanded staff and servicesThe Community Support Program (CSP) operated under the management of the Business Improvement Districts since 2012. As of July 1, the management of the CSP has been transferred to the Saskatoon Fire Department, now known as the Fire Community Support (FCS) team. In the 2024 Budget, six additional staff members were added to provide up to 11,700 hours of transit support, aligning with the program's transition to the Saskatoon Fire Department. The goal of the FCS team is to connect and build relationships with residents and visitors, including those experiencing challenging situations such as homelessness, mental health issues and addictions. FCS workers are trained with de-escalation skills and will have immediate direct contact with emergency services if necessary. The FCS team will operate two battalions, each consisting of one FCS Supervisor and five FCS members, to provide seven-day-a-week coverage. Each battalion will alternate a four-on-four-off schedule. The start and stop times of these shifts will be based on operational requirements determined using collected data. These shifts will fall primarily between 8:00 a.m. and 12:15 a.m. the following day. The FCS workers are expected to have a greater presence in the community and on transit routes. If residents are out in the community and see someone in distress, are lost, or happen to see negative street activity, the FCS team can be reached at 306-382-6935. City Council MeetingsZoning Bylaw Amendment to Remove Minimum Parking RequirementsThis report describes proposed amendments to the Zoning Bylaw to remove minimum parking requirements citywide. City Council, at its Regular Business meeting on December 20, 2023, considered a report with options for the review of minimum parking requirements in the Zoning Bylaw. Options ranged from an approach focused on reducing minimum parking requirements for affordable housing to address the City’s Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) commitment to removal of minimum parking requirements altogether. City Council directed Administration to undertake the work to pursue Option 3 – Remove Minimum Parking Requirements. This direction goes beyond the City’s HAF commitment. The full report can be found here. A summary of the recommendations include:
General information about the recommendations and engagement to date can be found at saskatoon.ca/engage/minimum-parking-requirements. Bus Rapid Transit Branding, Wayfinding and Marketing DevelopmentThe City of Saskatoon will soon be implementing a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. I am pleased to share the proposed name for our BRT system will be Link, subject to City Council approval. To read more about the name and associated visual identity, check out the full report here. The City of Saskatoon is pleased to announce all funding for the BRT is now in place. Read more about the exciting next steps here. Proposed Brighton Neighbourhood Concept Plan AmendmentDream Asset Management Corporation (Dream) has applied to amend the Brighton Neighbourhood Concept Plan to alter the boundary of a multiple-unit dwelling parcel and designate five sites for Residential Care Home use. Learn more about the application here. Downtown Event and Entertainment District - Updated Timing for Funding Strategy and Private Partner ReportsThe Administration is finalizing the funding strategy for the Downtown Event and Entertainment District. Negotiations are underway with a potential private partner to provide operations management and contribute funding to the development of the new event centre/arena and expanded convention centre. Negotiations on the Agreement Framework are being finalized and an envoy from the proponent is being arranged to attend the formal presentation of these reports. Unfortunately, the proponent was unable to confirm in-person representation for this July 31, 2024 meeting of City Council; therefore, the Administration intends to bring forward these reports at the August 14, 2024 meeting of the Governance and Priorities Committee. Additional reports of interest
The full agendas for the July meeting can be found here: Regular Business and Public Hearing. |
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