A tower proposal for Nutana and a funding strategy for downtown
It’s hard to believe “back to school” is almost here. I hope you enjoyed a break over the summer and are looking forward to fall.
There are two decisions going to City Council this Wednesday that I wanted to be sure you are aware. The funding strategy for the Downtown Event and Entertainment District is on the agenda, and as directed by Council, does NOT include a property tax increase. There are NO plans for construction. Like all major City projects, we need to be “shelf-ready” when other orders of government announce major infrastructure projects. I have been clear that I would not support moving Sasktel Centre downtown if it included a property tax increase. You can find more details here: 10.1.2 Downtown Event and Entertainment District Funding Strategy
The other decision is the proposed high density mixed use development at 555 Eastlake Avenue in Nutana. You can find more information here: 6.1.5 Proposed Rezoning by Agreement – 555 Eastlake Ave and 403 12th St East The public hearing begins at 6pm on Wednesday. Please find more information about how to have your say, here: Submit a Letter/Request to Speak to Council and Committees.
This year, Saskatoon will once again deliver the largest investment in basic infrastructure in our city’s history, as we strive to get roads, sidewalks and underground pipes onto a cycle of “best practices”. It has been a busy construction season in Ward 6 with big upgrades, including new roadway along College Drive, flood control projects in Brevoort Park and Varsity View, and 7 kilometres of sidewalk rehabilitation. I know these can cause headaches for residents and the City continues to strive for better ways to deliver good quality infrastructure with minimal impact. The full safety improvements at Wiggins and College will be installed in September, to protect pedestrians and cyclists at this highly used intersection.
Like cities across the country, Saskatoon is focused on making sure everyone can be safely housed. Working with all orders of government and community partners, we are finding new ways to support people who are unhoused in our community, and Council has passed the Housing Accelerator Fund program, which will provide $41 million dollars in federal funding for affordable housing. Changes to zoning near the future Bus Rapid Transit system are anticipated to add more density and housing opportunities, while reducing pressure on rising costs for both renters and home buyers.
I met with our new Chief of Police and agree we must pivot Saskatoon's approach on Saskatoon's approach to community safety to ensure residents feel safe in their neighbourhoods. A new strategy is underway in the Pleasant Hill neighbourhood, and early indications suggest a combination of patrols and resident involvement could be repeated elsewhere in our city.
Community Safety Officers are now on Saskatoon buses to support riders and residents, and starting September 1st children in grade 8 and under can ride the bus and Access Transit for free. Other cities have found this supports equity but also increases ridership and transit revenue.
A few other highlights: The Neighbourhood Bikeway is now in operation along 14th Street between Cumberland and Sask Crescent; Gather Public Market at River Landing has opened and operates 6 days per week; Saskatoon’s first electric buses are on the road; Buena Vista Park has some new upgrades and signage has finally gone up in Rod V Real Park. Thanks to everyone who is working hard to make our neighbourhoods a great place to live.
As this is likely to be my last newsletter as the City Councillor for Ward 6, I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for the opportunity to serve you at City Hall over the past 8 years. It has truly been an honour and a privilege.
With Gratitude, Cynthia