City News April 2024
City Council deals with several housing issues and the River Landing Market prepares to re-open.
As fall has quickly turned to winter, I am grateful we were able to capture a family photo before the snow arrived, albeit with somewhat unwilling participants.
Budget
Council completed its first multi-year budget in late November, with the lowest property tax increase in a decade at 3.70% for 2020 and 3.87% for 2021. The budget focuses on the basics, including more money for sidewalks. It also starts to address a long-term structural deficit with our black bin program. There will be more money to improve parks and also a phase-in for curbside organics that will begin in 2023. Saskatoon Police Service received additional funding as it approaches new ways to manage crime, safety and well-being, and Council approved a new Sustainability Reserve to finance the Low Emissions Community Plan.
Council approved Saskatoon Public Library’s (SPL) plans to build a new central library downtown, albeit for a smaller mortgage than had been requested. After 20 years of planning, 10 years of saving and 3 years of public engagement and functional design, SPL hopes to open the new building (location TBA) in 2026. The library levy will increase by $5 per year (2020-2026) for the average household, to fully fund capital and operational expenses.
The Blue Bin program is seeing changes in global markets for recycled products and as a result, black plastic (coffee lids, takeout containers) and polycoat (single use coffee pods) will be banned, along with plastic film such as grocery bags. Glass will still be collected, and the option to drop off at SARCAN will continue. While glass often gets broken, it can be used for other things. The monthly cost per household is $7.38 in 2020.
In a snapshot, here is where your tax dollars will go in 2020 and 2021:
Coffee with Your Councillor
I hope to see you at the next Coffee with your Councillor, a come ‘n go event, and an opportunity to meet in person to discuss civic issues that matter to you.
Sunday, December 8, 2019
D’Lish by Tish Café
3pm – 4:30pm.
I want to take this opportunity to thank your community association volunteers for the amazing work they do to support everything from soccer programs, yoga and rink maintenance to special neighbourhood events and advocacy at City Hall.
To everyone in Ward 6, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah and Happy Holidays! All the best to you and your families in 2020!
Sincerely,
Cynthia
[email protected]
306-244-2228
*Sign up for monthly E-updates that arrive directly to your inbox: www.cynthiablockward6.com
Latest posts
Jan/Feb 2024 City News
Deadline for black cart switch approaching, and updates on housing and DEED.
Dec 2023 City News from Cynthia
Multi-year budget highlights and potential zoning changes