Saskatoon Minute: Swearing In, Shelter Spaces, and a Water Main Break

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

This Week In Saskatoon:

• On Tuesday, at 9:30 am, the Governance and Priorities Committee will meet to discuss the 2025 Appointments of Deputy Mayor and the 2025 City Council and Committee Meeting Schedule, as well as Councillor appointments to Boards, Commissions, and Committees. Also on Tuesday, at 12:00 pm, there will be a meeting of the Municipal Planning Commission. The agenda focuses on proposed concept plan map amendments to the Stonegate Shopping Centre Regional Commercial area. Later in the day, at 4:00 pm, the Development Appeals Board will meet.
  
  
• There will be a Regular Business Meeting of City Council on Wednesday at 9:30 am. Council will discuss the establishment of a capital project - Winter Navigation and Warming Centres. The cost for this endeavour would be $1.2 million, funded by $200,000 from the Reserve for Capital Expenditures and by $1 million from other levels of government, local community organizations, and private contributions. Council will also discuss several previous motions, including one from former Councillor Hill regarding a safety review of the intersection of Central Ave, Reid Road, and Rossmo Road. Later on Wednesday, at 6:00 pm, there will be a Public Hearing to address the redesignation of the buffer strip adjacent to Central Avenue in the Silverspring neighbourhood, and the subsequent transfer of that land to SaskEnergy.
  
  
• The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee will meet on Thursday at 12:00 pm. The Committee will discuss its annual report and work plan. Finally, on Friday, at 11:30 am, the Saskatoon Environmental Advisory Committee will meet. The agenda includes a funding request from Saskatoon Public Schools for an in-school composting program.

Last Week In Saskatoon:

• Mayor Cynthia Block and the newly elected City Council were sworn in. Six Councillors are new to Council, while four others returned, including two who won by acclamation. During her campaign, Block emphasized addressing homelessness and plans to work with government and service providers to develop permanent housing strategies. Block said she intends to maintain strong communication with residents, building on online engagement she began during her campaign.
  
  
• The Mustard Seed is set to open shelter spaces and transitional housing in Saskatoon, focusing on partnerships to address Indigenous cultural needs. Concerns have been raised about the organization’s religious background and its ability to serve Indigenous populations sensitively, prompting efforts to build community trust. The temporary shelter at Pacific Avenue is undergoing renovations, with operations expected to begin early in 2025. Additionally, The Mustard Seed will manage the former Lighthouse building, offering wrap-around supports to help residents transition into sustainable housing. The organization emphasizes inclusivity, volunteer engagement, and a focus on moving individuals into permanent housing solutions.
  
  
• A water main break on Millar Avenue near Circle Drive in Saskatoon has caused significant ice buildup and road closures. The break flooded streets on Friday, leading to traffic disruptions and warnings from police for drivers to avoid the area. As temperatures dropped, the water froze, creating hazardous driving conditions and forcing the closure of several access ramps and roads, including Millar Avenue at 43rd Street. Residents in affected areas had their water turned off, and emergency water trailers were brought into the area.