Saskatoon Minute: Flood Control, Garbage Carts, and an Organics Public Hearing

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

This Week In Saskatoon:

• The Municipal Planning Commission will meet on Tuesday at 12:00 pm. The Commission will discuss two land use amendments regarding allowing for residential care homes on Taskamanwa Street. Zoning amendments to allow for higher density around the city will also be considered.
  
  
• On Wednesday, City Council will meet at 9:30 am. On the agenda is a discussion about establishing a capital project, in the amount of $22,110,000 to be funded through borrowing, to set up a City-owned organics processing facility. The project could also subject to a public hearing later in the day.Discussions will also take place regarding entering into a Contribution Agreement with the Cities of Warman and Martensville for a Regional Fire Training Facility. The Ministry of Highways has provided Council with a final draft for the Saskatoon Freeway Functional Planning Study, which will be reviewed at this meeting. Council will also consider options to provide expanded access to public washrooms in the Riversdale and Pleasant Hill neighbourhoods.
  
  
• Also on Wednesday, at 6:00 pm, there will be a Public Hearing. On the agenda are several land use amendments, including a discretionary use application for a retail development at 110 Marquis Drive West, as well as the intent to borrow the funds for the aforementioned organics facility.

Last Week In Saskatoon:

• Saskatoon has launched its fourth flood control strategy project, this one intended to address flooding in the Brevoort Park neighbourhood. Construction around Early Drive and Tucker Crescent will soon begin, with mitigation efforts expected to start by 2025. The project involves installing new storm sewer pipes and underground stormwater storage tanks to manage rainwater from intense storms. These tanks will temporarily hold water, which will then drain slowly into the storm sewer system and eventually the South Saskatchewan River. Landscaping will be added around the tanks, and most of Brevoort Park will be closed for several months during construction. Over the next three years, five more flood control projects are planned for Saskatoon's most flood-prone areas.
  
  
• Nearly 11,000 smaller black garbage carts have already replaced the larger ones, with initial swaps completed in 40 neighbourhoods ahead of schedule. Residents who requested a smaller cart but haven't received it should check the online calendar for updated schedules. If the first swap was missed, the City's vendor will return before June 15th for a second attempt. Residents must leave their carts out on collection days from 7 am to 6 pm until the swap window closes. The second round of cart swap requests will begin on July 8th for those still interested in downsizing.
  
  
• An unfortunate incident occurred on a City bus when an 18-year-old man was stabbed, prompting a police investigation. The assault happened at 12th Street East and Broadway Avenue, with the suspect fleeing before officers arrived. The victim was taken to the hospital and is reported to be in stable condition. This incident highlights a broader trend of escalating violence on Saskatoon's public transit system, which has seen a rise in assaults and negative interactions. In response, the City plans to deploy community support officers on problematic routes starting July 1st, and has increased patrols and supervision on buses.