June City News from Cynthia 2022

A big reveal is coming for the Downtown Event and Entertainment District

I hope you are enjoying the season, as our city starts to move into summer mode. I don’t often begin these updates with future news, but we have been waiting a long time for this.

The District

Options for the Downtown Event and Entertainment District are expected to be made public in June, and the City will be seeking your feedback. While securing the event centre location is the next step, there will be many more before Council is asked to approve any large capital projects. There are surrounding amenities to be considered including a public plaza, options for a modern trade and convention centre, parking, coordination with Bus Rapid Transit and the All Ages and Abilities cycling network, and of course a financial plan. Based on examples in other cities similar to Saskatoon, things such as Tax Incremental Financing could go a long way to support the District, alleviating pressure on property taxes. It’s hard to believe this journey began in 2016, and we clearly have a long way to go. Still, it is a significant step.  Where we decide to locate this future event centre will set in motion many other aspects about how our downtown will evolve and grow. I want to send a shout out to our local Advisory Committee working with the City’s technical experts, as they help to guide this process. This is a once-in-a-generation project, and together we will create the District with and for our whole community.

Downtown Grocery

City Council has agreed to accelerate the timeline to upgrade the intersection at Idylwyld and Auditorium Avenue, to support Arbutus Properties’ plans to open a downtown grocery store in Midtown Plaza.  Pitchfork Market is expected to begin operations as early as this December.

 Homelessness Downtown

Council has approved an extension to the Temporary Emergency Shelter bylaw, as our community works to address the homelessness crisis that is impacting cities across our country.  Saskatoon Tribal Chief Mark Arcand told City Council that the Emergency Wellness Centre on 1^st Avenue will be moved out of the downtown and is likely to include two locations, both of which are being actively pursued. The provincial government has announced operational funding for this model, including wrap-around services to support those who are vulnerable. The City is working toward a whole-community approach to safety and well-being that seeks mutually beneficial solutions for all stakeholders, relatives, and the downtown community.  

30 Storeys

There were a lot of great questions asked about the proposal for a 30- storey high rise at 555 Eastlake during a virtual public meeting in May. This riverbank proposal is located behind Nutana Collegiate. It is one of several engagements anticipated in the months ahead, as the developer has indicated interest to modify aspects of its plans based on resident feedback.  

For more information, go to www.saskatoon.ca/engage 

Rotary Park Noise

Overnight noise in the Rotary Park parking lot is causing concern for residents living nearby.   The City will install a gate to see if this helps to curb the activity.  Council will be asked to decide details around the time of closure at its June meeting.  Users and user groups are encouraged to weigh in, to ensure adequate access for everyone.

Water Conservation

Council approved in principle Saskatoon’s Water Conservation Strategy, that is designed to defer infrastructure costs, reduce energy and greenhouse gases, and increase water system resiliency.  Find out more here: https://www.saskatoon.ca/environmental-initiatives/energy-water/water-conservation-strategy

ParkedIn

Saskatoon has a new paid parking app that will replace the WaytoPark app.  This change was driven by the vendor as a result of technological constraints with the WaytoPark app. The new app includes improved features like a QR code function and a debit card option. June 1^st was the first day that ParkedIn became available for use.  To help with the transition, WaytoPark will also be available until the end of the month.

Holliston School

I want to send a huge shout out to Mrs. Benjamin’s grade 5 class at Holliston School. I spent an incredibly inspiring morning with them as they celebrated their project called “Seeds for Peace” in support of Ukraine. Delivering sunflower seeds throughout the neighbourhood, they invited a Ukranian Choir to join them at an adjacent church to sing songs and plant sunflowers in boxes built by area residents. (Thanks to the businesses that donated materials) -- One student explained how she sees the sunflowers as people.  When the plant naturally reaches toward the sun, she imagines it is seeking the same in the darkness. Like people, they seek the light – or the peace. I will not forget that.

Some final notes..

Community swimming pools are opening! Lathey opens tomorrow and George Ward on June 16^th.  Congratulations to all of the young artists who participated in the Buena Vista Art show. And to all the dads in Ward 6, Happy Father’s Day!

Enjoy the start of summer,

Cynthia