Saskatoon Minute: Advance Voting, Mayoral Debate, and a Washroom Trailer Pilot

Saskatoon Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Saskatoon politics

This Week In Saskatoon:

• Today is the last day for regular advance voting in the municipal election. Advance polling stations are open from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm. You can locate a polling station here. Post-Secondary Advance Polls will still be available from November 5th to November 7th, 2024 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at the University of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
  
  
• There will also be a drive-through voting booth available on Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. It’s located at City Hall's parking lot off 4th Avenue. To get there, take the roadway access from 24th Street to 4th Avenue N behind City Hall where you will be directed by Election Saskatoon Officials.
  
  
• The Saskatoon Poppy Campaign is underway. The campaign, led by the Royal Canadian Legion’s Nutana Branch, raises funds through poppy donations displayed in local businesses and restaurants. The Legion says the funds raised during the campaign play a big role in addressing veterans' mental health needs by filling gaps in existing programs. The campaign aims to raise $200,000 by Remembrance Day.

Last Week In Saskatoon:

• During the recent mayoral debate, candidates discussed housing, taxes, and business development. Don Atchison criticized the current Council for mishandling policing and homelessness, while Cynthia Block defended the City's efforts to address these challenges despite financial constraints. Gordon Wyant emphasized the need for a budget overhaul, proposing a spending cap and efficiency audits, while Cary Tarasoff questioned the costs of public facilities like portable washrooms. The candidates also debated the impact of new housing initiatives and downtown projects, with differing views on their necessity and financial feasibility.
  
  
• The City reported a successful washroom trailer pilot project, describing it as a "very positive experience." Opened on August 27th at the Central Urban Métis Federation office, the trailer was accessed over 14,305 times and served as a hub for outreach groups to connect individuals in need with services. The trailer, which cost approximately $506,300, required only minor repairs despite high usage rates. Feedback from community partners and users has been overwhelmingly positive, according to the City.
  
  
• Saskatoon high school students participated in “Halloweening for Hunger” - a Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools tradition for almost 20 years. Groups of students collected non-perishable food items and essentials like baby formula to donate to the Saskatoon Food Bank. The students said that helping the community is a great feeling.