Overview of discussions at Thursday February 29, 2024 VVCA board meeting:
– City Nature Challenge April 26-29 presentation. Take photos of nature and wildlife, possibly win prizes, plus info is useful to the City and Meewasin.
– City Urban Forestry presentation by Cate Francis about plans for President Murray Park. City no longer does irrigation and heat and drought are taking toll on spruce. Park not scheduled for upgrade within 10 years. Asked about budget for irrigating so VVCA could consider this as a project.
– General discussion about tree proposal on 14th Street. City is in early planning stages for water retention pond at 14th and Cumberland, which may effect planting. Major issue is obtaining volunteers to water new trees for 1-3 years. VVCA to firm up budget for next meeting.
– City approved for federal Housing Accelerator Fund, which means increase of density in VV. (board tried to attend City online presentation at beginning of meeting, but it was not working well for the group. A video of the recorded presentation should be posted to City site soon (https://www.saskatoon.ca/engage/corridor-land-use-and-rezoning).
– Ski trails groomed (but likely covered over since weekend snowfall)
– Grosvenor Park area looking at expansion of RPP. RPP program is being discontinued?
– newsletter articles and materials to be submitted asap. 15-50 day notice of AGM required.
– no facilitator yet for planning retreat.
– Community Liaison noted City has items for special events (tents, tables, etc). Deadlines for grant applications. Not too early to start planning 40th Anniversary in 2025.
– City / Sask Water attending March meeting to discuss stormwater retention/dry ponds. Two ponds planned in community.
– Finances good. Payments to instructors coming up. E-transfers need to identify the program participant. Would like to pay instructors by e-transfer, policy to be presented at next meeting.
– spring program registration March 14 and 19 in Brunskill School foyer. Cap on badminton registrants. Learn to Skate adult version did not happen – people didn’t show up. Soccer registration open online until March 11. Gift cards for rink crew!
– community clean up date will soon be established.
– some damaged advertising boards in rink. Check with supplier if there are more durable boards. Renewals for sponsorships soon.
– Albert Community Centre booking manager job description being finalized and then will be posted.
– spring programs posted on website and social. City Housing Accelerator Fund info posted on social and website.
– next meeting Wednesday March 20, 2024.
Category Archives: City of Saskatoon
Corridor Proposed Land Use Plans
This work is part of the Housing Accelerator Fund Action Plan endorsed by City Council in May 2023 intended to increase available housing in Saskatoon. Since the public engagement sessions in Fall 2023, the City has been working on initiatives identified in the Housing Accelerator Fund Action Plan to have even more impact on housing in Saskatoon. As a result, much of what was presented in Fall 2023 is no longer what the City is working toward.
Incorporating the required changes from the Housing Accelerator Fund Action Plan and feedback from the fall engagement sessions, the Corridor Planning team has completed revisions to the proposed land use plans. College Drive Corridor and 8th Street Corridor images below.
NOTE: Video recording and presentation slides of February 29, 2024 online information session are now posted on the City page below.
https://www.saskatoon.ca/…/corridor-land-use-and-rezoning
Corridor Growth Area – Land Uses
The following land use descriptions can be found in the Official Community Plan (OCP) – Revised December 19, 2022.
Corridor Transit Village Land designated as “Corridor Transit Village” has the potential for a mix of medium to high density residential, commercial, institutional, and recreational uses that are located in strategic locations along the BRT network and have the opportunity to significantly contribute to corridor growth objectives and targets in the Growth Plan to Half a Million. These sites are typically located within Urban Centres and are intended to provide a mix of employment, residential, recreational, and open space uses that support and benefit from their location along the BRT network. These sites are typically developed in a phased fashion.
Station Mixed Use Land designated as “Station Mixed Use” has the potential for medium density, generally three to six storey mixed use developments that incorporate transit-oriented development principles and a broad range of residential, commercial, institutional, cultural, and community uses. Depending on the site context or as determined through the Corridor Area Plan process, there will be cases where modest differences in height will be permitted. These lands are located on the BRT routes near to a BRT station as illustrated in the BRT map, (refer to Appendix D, Map 6 – High-Frequency Transit Corridor and Transit Villages) or as determined through a Corridor Area Plan.
Corridor Mixed Use Land designated as “Corridor Mixed Use” has the potential for medium density, two to four storey mixed use developments that are pedestrian-oriented and incorporate transit-oriented development principles. These lands are located on the BRT routes between station locations, or on other major transportation corridors in proximity to the BRT routes or as determined through the Corridor Area Plan process.
Corridor Main Street Land designated as “Corridor Main Street” has the potential for medium density mixed use developments that are pedestrian-oriented and incorporate transit-oriented development principles. These areas are typically existing commercial streets located on the public transit system. Corridor Main Street areas are intended to enhance the existing character, function, and built form in historic or significant commercial districts located within the Corridor Growth Area.
Corridor Residential Land designated as “Corridor Residential” has the potential for ground-oriented, low to medium density residential development. These areas are located near to the BRT routes and are intended to provide a transition of densities from Station Mixed Use, Corridor Mixed Use and/or Corridor Main Street lands into the surrounding neighbourhoods.
https://www.saskatoon.ca/business-development/planning/growth-plans/plan-growth/corridor-planning
January 2024 board meeting
Overview of discussions at the January 17, 2024 VVCA board meeting:
– tree planting proposal on hold until City completes Planting Plan guidelines. City is working with Meewasin.
– VVCA to contact City about replacement of dying trees in President Murray Park. Possible invitation of City rep to attend and speak at future meeting.
– hope to hold VVCA planning retreat before AGM. City rep schedule is too full to assist – what are other options for facilitators?
– VVCA bylaw and constitution are being revised. May have a good start and be able to present at AGM.
– President Murray Park cross country ski trails have been groomed. Grosvenor Park should be soon. Permanent signage (don’t walk on the trails, etc) is not allowed in park, but temporary signage can be installed.
– VVCA will be celebrating 40 year anniversary in 2025. Any plans or ideas? Form a committee at AGM to plan?
– put some of current finances in short term investment?
– all programs running. Registration nights were extremely cold and blizzardy. Learn to skate is going ahead with kids and adult classes. For future years, can we canvas for used skates from community for participants to use? No storage available though.
– Brunskill School community council is planning a community winter event in early February. Would like to partner with VVCA in some way.
– soccer coordinator attended SYSI meetings in early January. Registrations begin early February.
– rink is going great. Thank you to rink volunteers!
– newsletter published and distributed late Dec/early January.
– Albert Community Centre renovations should begin in May, run for about a year. Hopefully minimal disruption to current tenants. ACC determining how to handle short term bookings. ACC preschool planning playground renovation.
– due to February school break, next meeting will be THURSDAY, February 29, 2024, 7PM, Brunskill School.
Land Use Along 8th Street Corridor Areas
Public Engagement Opportunity
The City will be working with the community to create land use and zoning plans for five specific corridor plan areas (largely within Circle Drive) to enable new housing development. Community members are invited to offer input on proposed land use plans that are intended to go to City Council for approval Spring 2024. If the proposed land use plans receive City Council approval, the City will lead the rezoning process in these areas at no cost for any interested landowner within a Corridor Plan Area. For landowners and other stakeholders, the ultimate purpose of the project is to simplify the process of creating new housing.
The next come-and-go engagement opportunity, for the 8th Street Corridor, is coming up next week and we are hoping you can attend and provide feedback.
Thursday, November 9, 2023
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
The Centre Mall (west side, door #1), 3310 8th Street E
An interactive online survey is available for people who want to participate virtually or are unable to attend in person. Project updates will be available at saskatoon.ca/corridorlanduse.
If you have any questions about the upcoming land use and rezoning engagements, please send an email to corridorplans@saskatoon.ca and someone will get back to you.
The City of Saskatoon is committed to working with the community to find ways to increase housing availability for all. More projects with a similar aim will be coming up as part of the Action Plan. You can find out more information at saskatoon.ca/housingactionplan.
If you are interested in joining our mailing list to stay informed of this rezoning opportunity and to find out about potential related incentives, please click this link and fill out the form.
If you are looking for information on any aspect of the City of Saskatoon’s Corridor Planning Program please reach out to our project team at corridorplans@saskatoon.ca. We are looking to make the Corridor Plans as inclusive as possible, so please feel free to forward this email to anyone you think may be interested.
October board meeting
Overview of some of the discussions at the Wednesday October 18, 2023 VVCA board meeting:
– update on tree planting proposal of last meeting. Costs for trees and upkeep added. Proposal to go to City for review and approval. If approved, then presentation to VVCA for possible financial contribution and/or community fundraising.
– board planning retreat possibly in the new year. Explore mission, mandate, community involvement and financial/project supports
– Airbnb still operating in VV without proper permitting or community consultation? No action yet from City on bylaw investigation.
– presentation from Bridge City Hens, looking for support for pilot project of allowing chickens within the City and to help spread word and get feedback. Web and form links to be shared on VVCA website and social media.
– work beginning on revisions/updating to VVCA policies and bylaws
– requesting two ski trails maintained this winter.
– some Sask Lotteries grants may be available for community events or projects.
– programs running smoothly.
– soccer players all assigned to a team. First game on Sunday. Niran may take over soccer coordinator position in spring.
– Finances in good shape. Instructor fees to be paid later in November. Rink funds to be broken out of totals for better clarity.
– City hosting engagement sessions on Land Use/rezoning along Corridors in October and November. Upcoming Preston Ave and 8th Street sessions may be of interest to VV. More info: https://www.saskatoon.ca/engage/corridor-land-use-and-rezoning
– VV street sweeping on Oct. 20.
– next meeting is Wednesday, November 15, 7PM.
Land Use Along Corridor Areas—Public Engagement Opportunities
In May 2023 Saskatoon City Council approved the Housing Accelerator Fund Action Plan.
As part of this, the City will be working with the community to create land use and zoning plans for five specific corridor plan areas (largely within Circle Drive, see map above) to enable new housing development. Community members are invited to offer input on proposed land use plans that are intended to go to City Council for approval Spring 2024. If the proposed land use plans receive City Council approval, the City will lead the rezoning process in these areas at no cost for any interested landowner within a Corridor Plan Area. For landowners and other stakeholders, the ultimate purpose of the project is to simplify the process of creating new housing.
We will be holding engagement sessions for this project in each of the five plan areas over the next couple of months, and everyone is invited to attend and give their feedback.
22nd Street
Wed. October 11
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Station 20 West
1120 20th St W
Nutana
Wed. October 18
6:00–8:30 p.m.
Cosmopolitan Seniors Centre
614 11th St E
Preston
Thurs. October 26
6:00–8:00 p.m.
Round Prairie Library
250 Hunter Rd – #170
Woodlawn
Wed. November 1
6:30–8:30 p.m.
St. Michael Community School
22 33rd St E
8th Street
Thurs. November 9
5:30-7:30 p.m.
The Centre Mall (West)
3310 8th St E (West side -door 1)
An interactive online survey is available for people who want to participate virtually or are unable to attend in person. Project updates will be available at saskatoon.ca/corridorlanduse.
If you have any questions about the upcoming land use and rezoning engagements, please send an email to corridorplans@saskatoon.ca and someone will get back to you.
The City of Saskatoon is committed to working with the community to find ways to increase housing availability for all. More projects with a similar aim will be coming up as part of the Action Plan. You can find out more information at saskatoon.ca/housingactionplan.
If you are interested in joining our mailing list to stay informed of this rezoning opportunity and to find out about potential related incentives, please click this link and fill out the form.
If you are looking for information on any aspect of the City of Saskatoon’s Corridor Planning Program please reach out to our project team at corridorplans@saskatoon.ca. We are looking to make the Corridor Plans as inclusive as possible, so please feel free to forward this email to anyone you think may be interested.
College Corridor Plan
Come discover the next steps in the College Corridor journey.
The City of Saskatoon (City) is creating corridor plans to transform major streets, or corridors, across Saskatoon into places for people. Corridor plans are a framework for future development near the future Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes. By encouraging infill development (new construction) in these older areas, corridor plans will create opportunities for more housing, employment, retail, recreation and other potential options.
Since 2021 we have been working with residents, businesses and other stakeholders on what a re-imagined College Corridor could look like. We would like to invite you to a come-and-go event where will be talking about changes to land use and zoning for the area.
COME AND GO EVENT
DATE & TIME: Wednesday, September 20, 2023, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Saskatoon Field House – Cafeteria
To learn more about the College Corridor Plan, including future engagement opportunities, visit saskatoon.ca/corridor where you can sign up for the newsletter.
If you are looking for information on any aspect of the City of Saskatoon’s Corridor Planning Program please reach out to our project team at corridorplans@saskatoon.ca.
Sidewalk snow clearing
Residents, please clear your sidewalks within 48 hours after a snowfall, and toss the snow onto your property, not onto the street. Businesses, please clear your sidewalks within 24 hours after a snowfall. Sidewalks should have at least 1.2 metres wide of cleared space and have minimal snow pack.
If your neighbour is elderly, has health concerns or mobility restrictions, please lend a hand (and warm their heart!) by clearing their sidewalk.
Report an uncleared sidewalk
Please call the Bylaw Compliance at 306-657-8766 to report an uncleared sidewalk. We look into all uncleared sidewalk reports. If necessary, the Bylaw Inspector will issue a Bylaw Notice requiring the resident to clear their sidewalk within 48 hours. If the resident doesn’t clear the snow, the City will clear the sidewalk and that resident will be charged on their property tax notice.
https://www.saskatoon.ca/moving-around/driving-roadways/winter-road-maintenance/sidewalk-clearing
Property Maintenance Complaints
Saskatoon’s Property Maintenance & Nuisance Abatement Bylaw 8175 requires property owners in the City of Saskatoon to maintain houses, buildings, and yards to an acceptable standard. Property owners are responsible for ensuring yards are kept free and clean from garbage and debris, junked vehicles, and excessive growth of weeds and grass.
The Bylaw applies to all residential, commercial or industrial properties in the City of Saskatoon.
if you have safety concerns about your house, contact your area inspector at 306-975-2578
if you feel that a building is a threat to public health or safety, contact your area inspector, or Fire Marshal during business hours or call the Safety and Property Maintenance Hotline at 306-975-2828 (Emergencies should be reported to 9-1-1).
https://www.saskatoon.ca/services-residents/housing-property/property-maintenance-complaints
Community Cleanup
Saturday May 13, 2023, 8:30AM – 1PM
Church of Latter Day Saints parking lot, 10th Street and Cumberland Avenue.
Bring your garbage to our big bins, come and volunteer and/or bring a truck to patrol the back alleys and collect refuse. Help keep your neighbourhood clean!
Security camera registry
The Security Camera Registry is a completely voluntary program where community members (individuals or businesses) can register their security camera(s) with the Saskatoon Police Services.
If you register your camera(s) with the Security Camera Registry, you may be contacted by the SPS to request footage you may have available, if a crime is being investigated in your area. It is up to you if you provide any footage to the SPS and you are under no obligation to do so.
Help us keep your neighbourhood safe by registering your camera(s) here.
College Corridor Plan
A summary report of the Public Realm Engagement is available on the City of Saskatoon website: College Corridor Plan: Public Realm Engagement Report February to December 2022
From February to December 2022, the Corridor Planning team conducted community engagement and technical analysis on the public realm. This built upon the preliminary decisions made in earlier stages regarding land use and density of future development to determine potential public realm improvements that are desirable and feasible.
Background and further information can be found here: https://www.saskatoon.ca/engage/college-corridor-plan
14th Street Parklet
The City revealed the design for the 14th Street parklet adjacent D’Lish in Nutana. Construction hopefully will begin this coming summer.
Options regarding memorial signage for Cathy Watts are still being considered.
February board meeting
Brief overview of discussions at the VVCA board meeting of Feb. 15, 2023.
– SUM Theatre will attend next meeting.
– Constable Tomaz of the Saskatoon Police Services attended the meeting to discuss neighbourhood crime and safety. While crime stats haven’t really changed year to year, there seems to be increase of alcohol, drugs and weapons. Big percentage of his day involve people with alcohol and drug addiction problems. Police have started a zero tolerance operational plan for incidents, issuing tickets for mischief, loitering, etc. Multiple tickets can mean criminal offence and arrest and banning from area (ie: 8th Street).
– ALL incidents, no matter how minor, should be reported to police. Helps police ‘connect the dots’ and deploy resources to where they are needed. No reports = no extra policing. Minor incidents can be reported online. May be revamping of online reporting and bike registry for better user experience.
– Saskatoon is growing and is experiencing bigger city problems. Police budget is comparable to other cities. Police budget is a large part of City budget (more policing = higher taxes).
– possible article in spring newsletter with advice and contact information for police.
– latest expansion to RPP has created more awareness of parking issues for University/hospital staff. University and hospital are responsible for parking requirements, but are now more engaged with City about possible solutions and transportation.
– Councillor Block to hold in-person meet-and-greet along with the Mayor on March 22, 7-8:30 at Aden Bowman cafeteria.
– neighbourhood spring cleanup City orientation on March 2. Details about cleanup date and location should be determined by next meeting.
– 14th Street parklet (adjacent D’Lish in Nutana) design has been revealed. Construction to begin in summer hopefully.
– Main and Clarence intersection community engagement session was held on Feb. 1. Well attended. Concerns about pedestrian and bicycle crossings. Decision will be in spring.
– City received grant for renovations to Albert Community Centre. Interest in other areas of City in preserving older ‘castle’ schools for community use?
– spring program registration will be on March 21, 7-8:30pm. Offering yoga, tae kwon do, art, badminton and Spanish. Website will be updated soon.
– outdoor spring soccer registration is coming, likely offering U5, U7.
– rink is well used and being maintained well by rink crew. Thank you!
– newsletter should be out mid-March, in time to announce the AGM in April.
– VVCA social at the Escape room was enjoyed by all who attended.
– next meeting Wednesday March 15.
Varsity View Water Main Replacement Project
In the 2023 construction season (May – October), the City of Saskatoon will be completing infrastructure upgrades in the Varsity View neighbourhood as part of the Varsity View Water Main Replacement Project. Details of this project can be found below and information scheduled to be issued to area residents January 24th can also be found below.
Work will include:
– The replacement of 1,367m of water main.
– Maintenance of 174m of water main.
– Replacement of 70 lead water and sewer service connections.
– Road, sidewalk and curb rehabilitation
In an effort to keep residents and businesses informed about this important infrastructure project:
– A construction notice will be issued in advance of work beginning to area residents and businesses within a 1-block radius of the project areas.
– Prior to and throughout the duration of the project, bi-weekly project updates will be issued to residents and businesses who subscribe to the updates and can also be found online at www.saskatoon.ca/construction.
– A project video that details what residents can expect will be issued to all those that subscribed to the bi-weekly project updates.
For community members who wish to subscribe to our project updates for the Varsity View Water Main Replacement Project, please email us at constructionupdates@saskatoon.ca and include your name and contact information. For those who do not have access to an email and wish to receive these updates, please contact us as 306-975-2476.
