All posts by VVCA

City Seeks Community Input on Wetland Policy

VVCA News & Events,

The City of Saskatoon (City) is seeking input on a new planning initiative that will establish a framework for the identification, preservation, and management of wetlands in the City’s future growth areas. The Wetland Policy will ensure that impacts to wetlands are an important consideration in any future development decisions within Saskatoon.

Saskatoon is growing and with that comes pressure on the natural environment. Saskatoon and the surrounding areas contain a significant number of wetlands that when preserved can provide many social, environmental, and economic benefits to the community. The benefits of integrating wetlands into the urban landscape include:

  • replenishing ground water supply;
  • reduced flooding;
  • less reliance on traditional storm water infrastructure;
  • habitat preservation;
  • improved water and air quality; and
  • recreational and educational opportunities.

The Wetland Policy will require developers to account for and address impacts to wetlands as part of the development of new neighbourhoods so that the effects can be minimized and important wetlands can be preserved and integrated into the city.

The preservation of important wetlands supports many of the strategic goals identified in the City’s Strategic Plan 2012-2022. Specifically, the Wetland Policy furthers the strategic goals of Quality of Life and Environmental Leadership by preserving natural areas for citizens to enjoy, reducing damage to property from flooding, improving water quality, and providing habitat for plant and animal life.

To provide feedback on the draft Wetland Policy or to learn more about wetlands in Saskatoon, please visit the City’s website, www.saskatoon.ca/go/wetlandpolicy

#25 SPECIAL City Transit Service

VVCA News & Events, ,

The residents of Luther Tower have graciously invited other residents of VVCA to make use of the above service, which is available from Monday to Friday. Normal City transit fares apply. Buses leave from the sidewalk stop alongside the driveway of 1223 Temperance St at 9:15 am and 12:45 pm. They travel down Temperance St. to Clarence Ave., along Clarence Ave to 12th St., along 12th St. to Broadway Ave., across the Broadway Bridge, down 3rd Ave., to the terminal and then to Midtown Plaza. Return buses leave Midtown Plaza at 11:37 am and 2:35 pm.

Passengers new to the service are asked to permit Tower residents to get into their accustomed seats before boarding. As well, they are invited to use seats further back in the bus in inclement weather, if the bus arrives early, but are asked to ensure that the driver does not leave Luther Tower early.

We’re MEND – Mind, Exercise, Nutrition… Do it!

VVCA News & Events, ,

Our vision is a world where we all live fitter, healthier and happier lives.

MEND empowers children and adults to become fitter, healthier and happier and to reach or maintain a healthier weight. We believe in innovation, partnership and social action.

So how does MEND make a difference?

We design expert programs and services that offer long-term solutions to help people improve their health, fitness, and self-esteem. We provide the information and support people need to choose healthier foods and to become more active.

MEND 7-13 is a free, fun healthy lifestyle program for 7 to 13 year olds who are above a healthy weight. Parents /caregivers join their children in each session to learn about how to choose healthier foods and spend more time being physically active.

Click here for more information on the MEND program.

Canada Homestay is Looking for Host Families

VVCA News & Events,

Canada Homestay International is looking for host families! We invite you to open your heart and your home to an international student who will be coming to study in Saskatoon in the fall. We provide you with first language support, a student who is matched to your interests and preferences, orientation and 24-hour emergency support, and a generous stipend.

Students will be adults (18+) attending programs such as Business, Nursing, Engineering at SIAST. They will have at least an intermediate level of English and will be from countries such as Korea, Japan, China, India, Mexico, and Brazil.

For further information and to apply online, go to canadahomestaynetwork.ca.

Questions? Contact us via email: siast@canadahomestayinternational.com or by phone: (306) 667-3825 ext. 2080.

After-School Time Period Program Directory Launches

VVCA News & Events, ,

Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA) has launched a new online After-School Time Period (ASTP) Program Directory. The Directory was populated from the information received from program participants of the ASTP Provincial Survey, distributed in November 2012.

Search the ASTP Program Directory or add your program to the directory HERE.

What is the After-School Time Period (ASTP) Program Directory?
The Directory of After-School Time Period (ASTP) programs focus on opportunities which are available for children and youth in Saskatchewan between ages 5 to 18 and are delivered during the hours of 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., throughout the school year.

What is the purpose of the ASTP Program Directory?
To provide information for communities, parents, schools and stakeholders on the sport, culture and recreational opportunities available for young people in the After-School Time Period. The Directory is an informational tool to promote sport, culture and recreation programs and organizations in your area. You can locate programs in your area, find activities that are appropriate for different ages and find opportunities to participate or collaborate with others in your community.

Varsity View Local Area Plan reports

VVCA News & Events, ,

The Varsity View Local Area Plan (LAP) now has its own page here on the VVCA website. You can check for information on the LAP, whether upcoming meetings, or to review the drafts done so far on the Plan.
SEPTEMBER 2013: The complete Varsity View Local Area Plan draft document is ready for review!

The report itself is available at: http://www.saskatoon.ca/go/lap

Given that the majority of the report has been previously reviewed by the LAPC, it is hoped that it can be reviewed in two meetings, although a third meeting is tentatively scheduled if necessary. Each of the following meetings are from 7:00 p.m. til 9:30 p.m. in the Brunskill School Library (101 Wiggins Avenue South):
– Wednesday, September 25 – Review Meeting #1
– Wednesday, October 2 – Review Meeting #2
– Thursday, October 3 – Review Meeting #3 (if necessary)

Review Meeting #1 willl aim to cover the following sections: 3.0 Parks & Open Space, 5.0 Traffic & Circulation, 6.0 Active Transportation, 1.0 Land Use, and 2.0 Infill & Redevelopment.

The agenda for Review Meeting #2 will pick up after that and also endeavour to review the remaining portions of the document. As well, we will discuss the approval process ahead that will culminate with adoption of the report by City Council, which then allows for the implementation of recommendations to begin.

From City Hall: “The LAP is a very lengthy document, so if you are unable to review every page of each chapter, I suggest you focus upon reviewing the identified goals and recommendations for each section. As you review the report, it will be helpful to make notes for yourself to bring to the meetings.

If you are unable to attend the review meetings, please provide any comments to me prior to the meetings and I can share your thoughts with the group on your behalf.

Thank you to all members of the Varsity View LAPC for your contributions and patience during the creation of the Varsity View LAP!”

Notes from past meetings and LAP reports for other neighbourhoods can be found on the City of Saskatoon website at www.saskatoon.ca (look under “L” → Local Area Planning).

Remember: School Zone Speed Limits

VVCA News & Events, ,

Drivers are reminded that reduced speed limits in elementary and secondary school zones will be in effect starting on Tuesday, September 3, 2013. The maximum speed limit in school zones is 30 kilometres per hour from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, September 1 to June 30. No exceptions are made for statutory holidays or school breaks.
The bright yellow/green school zone signs are accompanied by speed limit signs, and are in locations chosen in consultation with each school.

The penalty for violating the school zone speed limit is a fine that starts at $140 and SGI demerit points.