Saskatoon Minute: Many Meetings, Youth Crime, and SaskTel Tower Opposition

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

This Week In Saskatoon:

• On Tuesday, at 9:30 am, there will be a meeting of the Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services. The Committee will appoint a Chair and Vice-Chair before discussing how to mitigate the potential impacts of partial closure of Nutana Lane. The Standing Policy Committee on Transportation will also meet on Tuesday, at 2:00 pm. Their agenda includes the Saskatoon Transit 2025 Fleet Renewal, as well as an electric scooter pilot program and an application to the Infrastructure Canada Active Transportation Fund 2025.
  
  
• The Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services will meet on Wednesday at 9:30 am to discuss the 2025 Cultural Grant Capital Reserve Awards, as well as hear an update on the East Side Leisure Centre Project. The Standing Policy Committee on Finance will also meet on Wednesday, at 2:00 pm. Their agenda includes the license agreement for the billboard on City-owned land adjacent to Circle Drive West of Avenue C North.
  
  
• On Thursday, at 9:00 am, there will be a City Council Strategic Planning Session. The meeting will be held in-camera (away from public view). Also on Thursday, at 12:00 pm, there will be a meeting of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee. The Committee will appoint a Chair and Vice-Chair, discuss Subcommittee Membership, and set 2025 meeting dates. On Friday, at 12:00 pm, the Saskatoon Accessibility Advisory Committee will have its meeting, at which they will also appoint a Chair and Vice-Chair and discuss 2025 meeting dates. Finally, the Public Art Advisory Committee will meet at 2:30 pm to deal with the same administrative necessities.

Last Week In Saskatoon:

• Saskatoon residents expressed outrage over SaskTel’s proposal to build a 35-metre cell tower in Canon Smith Park, citing concerns about its impact on the neighborhood and park usage. Locals argue the tower’s proximity to homes and a well-used community space is unacceptable, with some labeling the project as damaging and disruptive. SaskTel defended the site choice, stating it addresses coverage needs in a densely populated area where alternative locations are limited. Residents, however, have suggested other potential sites further from homes, which SaskTel claims do not meet technical requirements. The City has limited influence since the land is owned by SaskEnergy, but officials plan to discuss possible adjustments with SaskTel and the federal government.
  
  
• Saskatoon Police Chief Cam McBride has raised concerns about a growing number of youths becoming involved in violent crimes, including incidents involving teens as young as 11. Recent cases include a bear spray attack in a food court and a group assault, highlighting troubling trends. McBride noted that while not all youth crime is gang-related, gangs are increasingly recruiting children, sometimes as young as single-digit ages. Factors such as family connections, neighborhood influences, and a desire for belonging contribute to this issue. The police are focusing efforts through their guns and gangs unit and school resource officers to counter these influences and address the rising problem.
  
  
• After more than 50 years of serving Saskatoon, The Cave restaurant on 8th Street has been sold and will only continue operations until February 22nd. Established in 1973, the family-owned business has been a cherished local landmark, known for its unique ambiance and a history of hosting countless marriage proposals. Restaurant Manager George Kosmas cited the owners' decision to "call it a career" as the reason for the sale. The future plans of the new owners have not yet been disclosed.