Category Archives: VVCA

November 2022 board meeting

VVCA, VVCA News & Events,

Thanks for those who attended our November board meeting on Wednesday November 16. Here is a broad overview of some of the items we discussed:

– VVCA to order tent for outdoor events (City to partially reimburse such permanent promotional items)
– Grosvenor Park ski trail may be done this week by City. VVCA is holding discussions with a community member about having President Murray Park done.
– UPDATED: Main and Clarence intersection City decision postposed until the new year. More City public engagement is planned for Winter/Spring 2023.
– encourage community members to view City videos about College Corridor Plan and partake in surveys, here: https://www.saskatoon.ca/engage/college-corridor-plan
– Residential Permit Parking (RPP) is expanding in Varsity View and signage should be go up late December or early January https://www.saskatoon.ca/moving-around/parking/parking-programs-permits/residential-parking-program
– small external group held discussions regarding petty crime and Grosvenor Park Shopping Centre noise and disturbances. Some recommendations from group: 1) start 8th Street Business Improvement group to speak with one voice about concerns, 2) stronger police response to nuisance and disturbances (ticketing), 3) install No Loitering signs on affected businesses so enforcement is easier, 4) encourage community members to report issues to police, either by phone or online – police need data to prioritize response, 5) provide awareness article and police phone and online links in newsletter.
– new basketballs bought for program
– thanks to Fredy for work on rink. One flood has been done by Kenton!
– programs beginning January 2023 listed on website. Registration nights are January 10 and 12.
– appoint Gary Ayotte as VVCA rep at Albert Community Centre board.
– newsletter deadline is November 22. Will be published and distributed to neighbourhood between Christmas and New Years.
– let Zoom licenses lapse. Not currently using them.

College Corridor Plan – surveys

VVCA, VVCA News & Events, , ,

Surveys on Prioritizing Public Realm Improvements

The feedback the City received on public realm improvements was compiled and shared in September – please see https://www.saskatoon.ca/engage/college-corridor-plan.

The City has taken the feedback and developed a list of potential open space and streetscape improvements for the area. Now, we would like your help in prioritizing where resources should be focused when we develop the plan.

If you have the time we would appreciate it if you could share your preferences in one or both of the following surveys.

Open Space survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/collegeopenspace

Streetscape survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/collegestreetscape

In addition, we are hosting a walk-through of the surveys on November 21 at 7pm to allow for questions and clarifications. This will be a hybrid event (online and in-person) and will be recorded and posted to the website. It isn’t intended to be a traditional engagement event: rather the focus will be solely on helping people fill out the survey.

Meeting Details
When: Monday November 21, 2022 at 7:00 pm
To Join Virtually: Find link on our website here: https://www.saskatoon.ca/engage/college-corridor-plan
To Join in Person: Meeting room #3, Saskatoon Field House (2020 College Drive, main floor).

January 2023 program registration

Programs, VVCA, ,

Welcome back everyone! Can’t believe it is that time again!  Mark January 10th & 12th from 7-8:30 pm in the small gym at Brunskill School, on your calendars! It is winter registration!

I am excited to tell you we are offering two new programs. For all who want to try something different come and check out Fibre Explorations and Going Within. 

FIBRE EXPLORATIONS – A new project will be started most weeks, some will take two classes. All are suitable for beginners. Needle felting; Spiderweb weaving – using paper plates; Amish Knot Coaster – use old t-shirt; Botanical Printing – silk or paper; Embroidered Bookmark; Decorated Sewing kit – using wool blanket.

GOING WITHIN – a series of meditative activities. All are suitable for beginners. Vision Board/Treasure map; Rattles – pottery; Rattles – leather and wood/bone/antler handle with option to embellish with simple beading; Soul Stones – clay “stones” with impressed words such as peace, love, solace; Mandalas – using natural materials pencil crayons, ink, etc.; Neurographica – off loom weaving; faceless doll/red dress/orange shirt; embroidered item – book mark. The instructor is a juried member of the Saskatchewan Craft Council and has extensive teaching experience.

Time to get busy, try yoga or badminton! If you are planning a trip, brush up on your Spanish! If stick men are your artistic capabilities, broaden your capability by taking an art class! Want something to do with whole family, then come on out and give Tae Kwon Do a try!

How about learning a new skill, skating on our new rink! (we need some workers to step up or this will not be a possibility)

There are a few options to consider!!! See you soon!

If you cannot make the registration nights, you may contact me at blgiles@sasktel.net and I will be happy to assist.

– Barb
programs@vvcasaskatoon.com

VVCA Spring 2022 Outdoor Soccer

VVCA, VVCA News & Events, , ,

We are launching registration for the outdoor soccer season. This year we will offer Under 5 and Under 7 leagues in VVCA.

Registration will close on March 14. Teams need to be in by March 21.

We are also looking for coaches. The number of coaches will depend on the number of players registered.

Cost is $65 per player.

SEASON LENGTH: May 2nd to June 28th
DIVISIONS and GAME DATES: 

UNDER-5 (born 2017 only) – CO-ED 
• 3 vs. 3 format; no goaltenders
• 1 regular game per week (day to be decided)
• 8 games plus Mini FOS Tournament (June 10-12)
• Practices: TBD (at discretion of coach)

UNDER-7 (born 2015 & 2016) – CO-ED 
• 4 vs. 4 format, includes goalkeeper
• 1 regular game per week (Day to be decided)
• 8 games plus Mini FOS Tournament (June 10-12)
• Practices: TBD (at discretion of coach)

We need coaches for each team and looking for volunteers. If interested please email David Pupo at davepupo6@gmail.com

Register at:  VarsityViewCA.rampregistrations.com

Sum Theatre 2021

City of Saskatoon, VVCA, VVCA News & Events, ,

The Theatre in the Park schedule has been approved by the city: Sum Theatre will be performing in Grosvenor Park on Monday, July 12th! We will do 2 performances – 5.30pm and 7.30pm.

Please note that due to COVID restrictions free tickets must be reserved online at sumtheatre.com. They will be available as of June 18th.

https://sumtheatre.com/shows/the-other-side-of-the-river/

Theatre in the Park is an original play offered free of charge in neighbourhood parks around Saskatchewan each July. Created in response to a current issue, it’s a fun and thought-provoking performance for people of all ages. Catchy original music and colourful sets, props and costumes bring our stories to life.

This year’s offering is a family friendly rock opera about two sides of the same river. Based on a story by Yvette Nolan, The Other Side of the River was devised by the Sum Theatre ensemble with original music composition by Amanda Trapp. Created in response to Indigenous Lives Matter, Black Lives Matter and the international movement towards racial equity and anti-racism, The Other Side of the River transports the audience on a joyful journey to a place they never expected to be.

Run for the Cure 2020

VVCA, , ,

This year, since we can’t meet in person, the Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind experience with both physical and virtual components.

On Run Day, Varsity View community residents will join the live-streamed online opening ceremonies at 9:30 am CST before heading out to walk or run in the neighbourhood. Several 1 KM and 5 KM routes are set up in the city for people to use on Run Day. The North Route and the Central Route are the routes closest to the Varsity View community but residents are welcome to use any route they would like to take.

Being physically apart won’t stop us from coming together to change the future of breast cancer. Join us and run or walk your way on October 4th. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Saskatoon CIBC Run for the Cure Committee through their facebook group “Saskatoon – Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run For the Cure”. Register today at cibcrunforthecure.com.

Outdoor Festival Site

City of Saskatoon, VVCA, ,

The Permanent Outdoor Festival Feasibility Team is working to identify, select, study and plan for the future development of a City of Saskatoon Permanent Outdoor Site.  Consultants from HTFC Planning & Design are leading the feasibility study on behalf of the City of Saskatoon.

Why a Permanent Outdoor Festival Site?

The riverbank parks near downtown were not designed or constructed to accommodate large outdoor events hosted over multiple days.  As a result, the riverbank parks are susceptible to mechanical and physical damages associated with staging large scale extended events.  Continued use of the riverbank parks by a number of large scale outdoor events has resulted in deteriorating turf and tree conditions.  

The Permanent Outdoor Festival Site Feasibility Study will identify both a location(s) and design plan for a permanent centrally-located festival site, which would take into consideration all the typical needs of outdoor events, including access to water, power, staging, parking, accessibility needs, etc.  The study will also take into account infrastructure requirements for such a festival site to ensure protection and long-term sustainability of any associated green infrastructure.

Online Survey

Our Team is looking to get your input on these three topics:

  • Which of the three sites do you prefer and why?
  • What should be the criteria for an ideal permanent outdoor festival site?
  • What program elements and features would you want to see?

The easiest way to provide your input on these topics is by completing this online survey.  The survey will be open for responses from 8:00am on Thursday, September 17th until 5:00pm on Tuesday, September 28th.

More information: https://www.saskatoon.ca/engage/permanent-outdoor-festival-site

Work the Civic Election

City of Saskatoon, VVCA, ,

Work the election. Get paid.

Saskatoon’s Civic Election is on November 9, 2020.
We’re hiring election workers (age 16+) to assist with various voting opportunities this fall. Positions range from $16/hour to $20/hour plus paid training.

Do you speak a language other than English?
Our goal is to recruit workers who speak languages represented in Saskatoon’s diverse community.

There are great reasons to get involved:
• Earn cash
• Build your résumé
• Get involved in your community

Apply before September 20 at saskatoon.ca/electionjobs or call 306-657-VOTE (8683).

BRT Update – August 2020

City of Saskatoon, VVCA,

Thank you for your continued interest in the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. These have been unusual and challenging times. The pandemic has more than ever emphasized how important public transit is to the functioning of a city, transporting essential workers to and from jobs and acting as a support for economic stability and social equity. BRT remains a crucial part of the City of Saskatoon’s growth plans and we are happy to provide you with an update on the progress of the project.

Project planning has continued according to projected timelines. The following developments have occurred, moving us ever closer to the launch of Bus Rapid Transit:

On March 29th, existing high frequency transit service (routes 8, 81, 82, 83, 84 and 86) was rerouted from the Sid Buckwold Bridge to Broadway Avenue. Routes 1 and 6 were rerouted from Broadway Avenue, to the Sid Buckwold Bridge, to maintain transit service along 8th Street west of Broadway Avenue.

Technical drawings have been received for each BRT station location, including design of the operational components.

Plans are being developed to build a pilot station to test the physical and technical requirements of each BRT station, to ensure they work well in all seasons. The testing phase will start upon installation and will be observed by a technical team including transit operators and staff.

Coordination between software companies continues to evolve to ensure the traffic signals and transit software systems will work together to provide Traffic Signal Priority (TSP).  Three intersections will be used as test sites.

We will continue to update you regularily as the project moves forward. Feel free to pass this newsletter along to anyone else you may feel would be interested.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Bus Rapid Transit project, please email us at brt@saskatoon.ca.

Saskatoon Transit Update

Saskatoon Transit has had major disruptions to normal business due to COVID-19; however, as many doors closed, Saskatoon Transit remained open providing an essential service. Modifications were made to keep customers and employees safe.

Due to the rapidly evolving changes to Saskatoon Transit service, please frequently visit SaskatoonTransit.ca or follow on Twitter at @stoontransit for current information.

Curb Side Swap 2020

City of Saskatoon, VVCA, ,

List your own event or partake in events created around the city to refresh your space—all while making room at the landfill. #yxeCurbsideSwap

Let’s redefine “what’s old is new again” Saskatoon!

Reduce the amount of garbage ending up in the landfill by giving away your stuff to someone or finding free stuff of your own. At a Curbside Swap, you place your unwanted items in good condition on your property (next to the sidewalk or curb) and mark them as free for anyone to pick up or go out on a treasure hunt of your own to find what your neighbours are giving away for free.

Plan a curbside swap this summer or join the annual city-wide curbside event on September 19, 2020.

Good Neighbour Guide

City of Saskatoon, VVCA,

The City is pleased to launch the first edition of Saskatoon’s Good Neighbour Guide. The Guide is intended to provide a handy overview of the most common bylaws, standards and regulations to help keep Saskatoon neighbourhoods safe, clean and beautiful.

The Guide includes information on:

  • Boulevard and Back Lane Maintenance
  • Property Drainage
  • Fences
  • Fire Pits
  • Garage and Yard Sales
  • Garbage, Recycling and Composting
  • Home-based Businesses
  • Home Development
  • Hot Tubs and Swimming Pools
  • Landscaping
  • Noise
  • Parking
  • Responsible Pet Ownership
  • Snow and Ice on Sidewalks
  • Untidy Properties
  • Making a Bylaw Complaint

For more information and to download a copy of the Guide, visit saskatoon.ca/goodneighbour.

14th Street Permanent Closure

City of Saskatoon, Nutana, VVCA, , , ,

The City of Saskatoon is undertaking the design of the permanent closure of 14th Street East
between Lansdowne Avenue and Temperance Street. This connection was recommended for
closure through the Nutana Neighbourhood Traffic Review which was conducted in 2014 and
adopted by Council in May 2015. The closure was installed temporarily in 2016. The permanent
closure has been approved by City Council.

Thank you to everyone that has provided input so far. We received your feedback via the design
charrette (September 2017), and multiple stakeholder working group meetings (Spring and
Summer 2018). We considered all of the concerns and feedback as we developed designs for
the permanent closure options.

The proposed design for the 14th Street permanent closure has been posted to Saskatoon.ca/ntr and will be discussed at the Teams Live meeting. We would appreciate the opportunity to get your thoughts on the design. There are two ways to participate and provide us with your feedback:

Microsoft Teams Live Event
Thursday, September 17th, 8:30 pm
Link to the meeting is available at Saskatoon.ca/ntr
You do not need to download the app to participate.

Project Information: Saskatoon.ca/ntr
Go to www.saskatoon.ca/ntr
Click on the 2014 accordion
Details for the meeting will be shown under the Nutana heading

Next Steps
 FALL 2020: Finalize design.
 WINTER 2021: Tender contract.
 SPRING/SUMMER 2021: Construct permanent closure.

Contact Us:
You may also submit your comments directly:
Email: Nathalie.Baudais@Saskatoon.ca
Phone: 306-986-3097

An informational video about the permanent closure will be posted to the Saskatoon.ca/ntr webpage one week prior to the meeting.