Hello Dear Friends, Neighbours and Ward 2 community,
Happy New Year!
As I reflect on this journey, I am filled with gratitude for your trust and belief in me. Serving as your Ward 2 City Councillor is an honor I embrace with humility and unwavering dedication. I look forward to meeting the challenges and seizing the opportunities that lie ahead.
Since the election, I have been busy transitioning into my new role. From orientation and the swearing-in ceremony to committee work, council meetings, and my first budget session on December 2 and 3, 2024, it has been a productive and rewarding experience.
Meet Your Councillor Event
To kick off 2025, I’d like to invite you to Meet Your Councillor for a casual gathering over a meal. This “come-and-go” event will be a chance to share updates, engage in meaningful conversations, and connect with one another.
Join us for a free meal and casual conversation about the future of our community. Bring your family members, roommates, or neighbours to connect and share your thoughts. No RSVP is needed, everyone is welcome!
I hope to see you there!
Council Updates: Highlights from November 2024 – January 2025
Since the swearing-in of the new council in November 2024, addressing homelessness and enhancing community safety have been top priorities. As highlighted by the Civic Satisfaction Survey, homelessness and crime are the most pressing concerns for our community, driving our focused efforts to tackle these critical issues alongside other key priorities.
2025 Budget Highlights
On December 3, 2024, the council approved the $1.1 billion 2024/2025 multi-year operating and capital budget for 2025, with key investments including: Read here
- Property Tax Increase: A 4.96% mill rate increase, adding approximately $9.14 per month for the average homeowner (assessed at $344,000).
- Policing Support: A $1.64-million increase for the Saskatoon Police Service.
- Fire Safety: Two additional fire inspectors to support the STC Wellness Centre.
- Snow and Ice Management Program: An additional $500,000, on top of the $1.1 million increase already set, bringing the total snow removal budget to $18 million
Winter Navigation and Warming Centers
- Council approved a contribution of $200,000 at the November 27 meeting to support the 1.2M Winter Navigation and Warming Centers at St. Mary’s Parish and the Indian and Métis Friendship Center. Read Here
- Council approved $360,000 from reserve funds in December for the funding gap to renovate a temporary 30-40 beds shelter at 210 Pacific Avenue. Read Here
Initiatives and Projects
- Homelessness and Encampment Plan: $4.5 million in federal funding for projects, including a 30-unit supported living development and a permanent shelter. Read Here
- Dundonald Avenue Solar Farm: A $7.8-million solar farm project construction to start in starts summer of 2025, with completion by December 2025. Read Here
- Montgomery Place Drainage Project: Phase III construction will begin in 2025, with completion by 2026. Phase III will include Casino, Crerar Avenue, and Mountbatten Street. Read Here
- Policing: Safer Communities and Neighbourhood Program (SCAN): 37 additional officers to enhance community safety as part of the Government of Saskatchewan 11.9M announced last year. Read Here
- Urgent Care Center in Pleasant Hill: Construction has begun on the Urgent Care Center in Pleasant Hill, following an agreement between the Government of Saskatchewan and Ahtahkakoop Cree Developments (ACD). This project aims to enhance healthcare access and support community well-being. Read Here
- Urban Forest Diversification: The Council approved and directed the administration to apply for $1.11 million in matched funding from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund under the Growing Canada’s Community Canopies Initiative. The funds will support planting 930 trees and constructing 2,050 square meters of tree stands to combat Dutch elm disease. Read Here
Snow Removal Improvements
The City is making progress on snow removal from priority streets.
- Priority streets are still being cleared of snow. 70% of the snow mounds and windrows on priority streets have been cleared.
Property 2025 Reassessment Notice
- Key Dates:
- January 27, 2025: Reassessment Notices mail out and Assessment Roll opens for public inspection.
- March 28, 2025: Deadline for filing formal appeals during the 60-Day Customer Review Period.
- New Tool: Preview your 2025 assessed value assessment models at saskatoon.ca/taxtool.
Council and Committee Meetings
All meetings are open to the public
- Council Regular Business Meeting: Fourth Wednesday of every month.
The upcoming council meeting is on January 29, 2025 starting at 9:30 am and public hearing at 6:00 pm.
- Governance and Properties Committee: Wednesday, February 12 starting at 9:30 am
- Board of Police Commissioners: Thursday, February 20 starting at 1:00 PM
Ward 2 News
Ward 2 Civic Committee (W2CC)
I am forming a committee with representatives from each Community Association in Ward 2. Based on my previous experiences, I have found this type of committee to be highly effective in addressing community needs and fostering collaboration.
Community Associations: Please forward your representative’s contact information. For more details or any inquiries, feel free to reach out to me.
Town Hall and Consultation Meeting
Details coming soon! This meeting will provide an excellent opportunity to discuss key issues and share ideas for shaping the future of Ward 2. Stay tuned!
Looking Ahead
I am eager to continue working alongside you as we embrace the opportunities ahead. Together, we can achieve great things for Ward 2 and Saskatoon.
Thank you again for your trust and support.