Tag Archives: City of Saskatoon

Dutch Elm Disease in Varsity View

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

Fall 2024

The City of Saskatoon Parks Department has confirmed a new positive case of Dutch elm disease (DED) in an elm tree in the Varsity View neighbourhood and has initiated its DED Response Plan. DED is a serious disease caused by a fungus that clogs the elm tree’s water and nutrient conducting system, which eventually causes the tree to die. In Saskatoon, elms make up 25% of our urban forest. Help protect our elms by learning how you can help prevent DED.

What is DED?

DED is a serious disease caused by a fungus that clogs the elm tree’s water and nutrient conducting system, which eventually causes the tree to die. DED was introduced in North America in the 1930s and has since wiped out millions of elms across Canada and the United States.  

How is DED spread?

In Saskatchewan, the disease is spread by several species of elm bark beetles. These beetles can fly farther than two kilometres in search of elm trees. The DED fungus has tiny spores that stick to the body of the beetle. Elm bark beetles can carry these spores and infect other elm trees. The fungus can also be spread through root grafts between trees and by infected pruning tools. 

What does DED look like?

American elm trees with DED may start showing symptoms as early as June. Typically, the leaves will start to wilt and turn yellow, then curl and turn brown. Residents who start to notice any of these symptoms, are encouraged to complete the online form below or call Urban Biological Services at 306-975-2890.

https://www.saskatoon.ca/services-residents/housing-property/city-owned-trees/tree-diseases-pests/dutch-elm-disease

September 18 2024 board meeting

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

Good crowd at our board meeting last night! Thank you all for coming out and your interest in keeping our community welcoming and safe!

Overview of discussions at our September 18 regular board meeting:
– general discussions about safety and personal and property security in the neighbourhood. Incidents of garage arson, thefts and the like were shared. What are solutions? VVCA to share important contact info in future newsletters (police, property bylaw enforcement, nuisance animals, encampments, etc). NOTE that Constable Tomaz of the Saskatoon City Police will speak at our October meeting.
– Holly Ann will join the newsletter committee.
– Dylan is our new soccer coordinator.
– VVCA anniversary party is being planned for next summer. Tentative date is Saturday, June 14 2025, 11am – 7pm, in President Murray Park. Have to book park with City (2 permits required), plus more if we want any streets closed. Ideas for party: interactive games, crafts, book swap, ethnic dancing, cafe, history table, artists’ works, live music, bouncey castles, food trucks, vendors? Need planning nailed down by early December so can apply for Sask Lotteries grant in January. Budget approx $10,000, hope to recoup half with grant.
– City is reviewing its relationship with Community Associations. Upcoming meeting on Sept 23 – encourage CA members attending or filling out the online survey.
– finances good. Payments to program instructors later this fall. Hope to move some money to higher interest savings.
– programs are doing well. No registrations for Art for Adults – registration has been extended.
– basketball coordinator has a volunteer ‘shadowing’ Tammy to learn the ropes
– 2 teams in soccer, U7 and U9.
– Albert Community Centre occasionally gets inquiries to VVCA still. Bookings are not an immediate thing, so potential bookings need some patience while ACC manager sorts out spaces. Renovations to building are also 2 months behind, which throws another wrinkle on room rentals.
– community garden will have a work-bee later this fall to clean up the site and prep for winter. Large garbage containers have been removed and replaced with residential-sized recycling bins. Some issue with a tent being pitched in the garden area.
– suggestion to be proactive with any Grade 8 potential ask for a graduation donation by asking for volunteer time throughout the year, ie: rink, community cleanup, anniversary party.
– next meeting is Wednesday, October 16, 7PM, Brunskill School library.

Keeping secure and safe depends on strong community

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

A gathering of nearly 30 friends and neighbours came together at a home on University Drive in September to share concerns about personal safety and property security in the neighbourhood. The gathering was a strong indication of the importance of neighbours watching out for neighbours.

Following numerous on-the-sidewalk chats with Ward 6 neighbours about what appears to be an uptick in break-ins, suspicious and threatening behaviour, theft, confrontations, a serious assault, property damage and vandalism, a neighbourhood couple arranged a meeting with Constable Jason Tomaz, Community Engagement, Saskatoon Police Service.

Constable Tomaz made various recommendations about personal safety and reminded residents that common sense, as well as that tingling sense at the back of the neck, is often the best protection. He advised carrying a cell phone, avoiding walking in dark alleys at night, be aware of surroundings when walking, lock car doors when traveling/parking, avoiding groups of people when in a potentially vulnerable situation, and keep home, garage and shed doors locked.

He made several suggestions in the event of a confrontation, including staying calm, complying with demands like turning over a purse or wallet, avoiding physical retaliation, and call police immediately. Do not pursue the person (if a canine unit is dispatched, the dogs need a clear starting point to begin a search). He noted that it’s easy to say “keep calm,” but it’s important in a potentially dangerous situation. He reminded people to stay alert, and take note of as much detail as possible to assist police. Try to give as an exact location as possible, and provide information about what the person/s was wearing, the vehicle/bicycle, anything unusual about the person, if you heard voices, noises. Note the time. Constable Tomaz said the more immediate the reporting and the more detail, the better chance police, K9 units and police aircraft have of locating the suspects.

Residents at the neighbourhood meeting wondered if all incidents need to be reported, especially if they appear to be minor or items stolen “might not be worth that much.” Constable Tomaz  said all incidents need to be reported so police have a clear and ongoing picture of activity in a neighbourhood. What is a minor theft to one resident might be connected to more serious incidents down the block or may be connected to suspects stealing even small items to sell for drug money. Make neighbours aware of suspicious or criminal activity. Email networks, or free phone apps like WhatsApp are useful tools.

Homeowners Karin and Rick, hosts for the neighbourhood gathering, said they started a communications network years ago. “We began connecting with neighbours with the ulterior motive that people would keep an eye out for our son who has a disability. We knew he could get help if he ever needed it. That network has grown a lot over the years and we now keep in touch about break-ins, lost cats, can you keep an eye on our house while we’re away, someone was causing a disturbance on the street at 3 a.m. Our neighbour Sheila is organizing a WhatsApp group. It was great to hear Constable Tomaz reinforce how important it is for a community to stay connected.”

The Saskatoon Police Service crime map outlines the various types of criminal activity/incidents, and reviews can be done by date, neighbourhood: https://map.saskatoonpolice.ca/

If the situation is an emergency, call 911.

A variety of incidents can be reported to the Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) at 306-975-8300. Online reporting is available at the SPS website under “Report A Crime”. Check the list for what qualifies for on-line reporting. Use this link for crime reporting FAQs: https://saskatoonpolice.ca/onlinereporting/faq. Alternatively, reports can be submitted in person at the Saskatoon Police Station. Constable Tomaz recommends doing so in the mornings, if possible, as afternoons can be busier with a longer wait.

There is a bylaw against encampments in parks and along the riverbank. Enforcement mostly falls to the Fire Department. For non-emergencies, call 306-975-3030. If urgent (i.e. active fire or if one feels threatened) call 911.

Cumberland Park dry storm pond information event

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

In 2025, the City will begin construction of a dry storm pond in Cumberland Park which, once complete, will reduce the flood risk for several properties in your neighbourhood during intense rain events.

You are invited to a come-and-go event to learn more about the upcoming project:
Wednesday September 11, 2024
Brunskill School – Large Gym
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

This is where you will have an opportunity to talk about the new dry storm pond with City staff, provide feedback, and ask any questions you may have.

Additionally, we are now pleased to share renderings that can show you what the dry storm pond and surrounding area will look like once complete. Please visit saskatoon.ca/engage and find the “Cumberland Park Redesign” tile. This is where we have uploaded a recorded presentation that includes the renderings, information on how the dry storm pond will function, and an explanation on the various stages of construction. Please watch this video presentation prior to the event as it may answer some of your initial questions you may have about the upcoming project.

Lastly, a survey has also been launched on the Cumberland Park Redesign webpage, which will allow you to share any initial feedback you may have about the project. The survey will remain open until approximately a week after the information session has been completed.

https://www.saskatoon.ca/engage/cumberland-park-redesign

June 12 board meeting

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

Overview of discussions at the June 12 2024 board meeting:

– Movie in the school grounds is Thursday June 13. Set up at 4pm, pizza at 6pm and movie at 6:30pm
– Community cleanup is this Saturday June 15, 8am – 1pm, Church of Latter Day Saints parking lot (10th and Cumberland). Volunteers and trucks most welcome to help out!
– Some Brunskill grade 8 grads will be helping out in the Grosvenor Park area. Thank you!
– Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) flyer was delivered around the neighbourhood. VVCA did not end up funding the printing or distribution.
– discussion about HAF. 4 storey development no okay in interior of neighbourhoods. Need a made-in-Saskatoon solution to housing. Will this create affordable housing? Why isn’t U of S College Quarter being developed?
– tree planting on 14th Street went well. 31 people came out to help plant 19 trees, 6 grass shrubs and 18 yards of mulch. Thank you to the City of Saskatoon, Luke at City Gardens, SOS Trees and all the volunteers who came out to help!
– newsletter deadline for photos and articles is July 1. Newsletter will be delivered near the end of August/early September.
– finances in good shape. Still need to pay some instructors and other expenses.
– working on fall program booking. New programs: Babysitting, Home Alone, and possibly Adult and Child Learn to Folkdance. Registration is scheduled for September 5 & 10.
– when does Indoor Soccer registration start? Saw a post on SYSI Facebook about it…
– we should be getting a ‘No Dogs’ sign from the City to install on the rink. Irresponsible owners don’t clean up after their pet.
– Albert Community Centre has hired a new Building Program Coordinator. ACC will enter the website and social media era!
– Community Garden had their work bee in May. Theft from the garden (shed) is an issue.
– City is proceeding with dry pond at Cumberland Park. Information was distributed to the community by the City. More information to come in the summer.
– Sask Polytech is seeking input on its planned move to U of S Innovation Place area.
– no VVCA meetings in July and August. Next meeting is Wednesday, September 18.

Cumberland Park dry pond

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

 On May 29, 2024, Saskatoon City Council approved the City’s fifth Flood Control Strategy (FCS) project. In 2025, new storm water infrastructure will be installed near Cumberland Avenue South and Main Street, which will connect to a new dry storm pond in Cumberland Park. The dry pond will temporarily hold storm water that would have previously ponded on the streets and nearby properties. Once the overall system has capacity, the dry pond will drain through the existing storm sewer system to the South Saskatchewan River. 

 The current timeline is as follows: 

  • Excavation and landscaping in Cumberland Park: February-October 2025 
  • Installation of new storm sewer infrastructure: May-October 2025 
  • Re-establishment of park landscaping: October 2025-Fall 2026 

Please visit https://www.saskatoon.ca/engage/cumberland-park-redesign to learn more about the project and timeline from now until the project is complete. 

May 2024 board meeting

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

Overview of discussions at VVCA board meeting of Wednesday, May 15, 2024:

– Concern that many residents don’t know about the proposed zoning changes. VVCA to fund distribution of zoning information flyers to Varsity View and Grosvenor Park neighbourhoods. Flyer to printer tomorrow and then delivered this weekend or early next.
– Jon to attend (via video submission?) Municipal Planning Commission (May 28) and City Council (June) to ask that zoning changes be delayed. Too many changes, too fast. Concerns about infrastructure, schools capacity, parking, BRT implementation, etc.
– date of Community Cleanup changed to June 15.
– introduction of committee to plan VVCA’s 40th Anniversary event next year. Committee will do research and gather ideas and ballpark pricing for event. Grants or sponsorship could be available. Sask Lotteries grant application due mid-January. Possible dates in early June 2025.
– ask from Brunskill Grade 8’s for funds for graduation party. VVCA will donate in exchange for help at a community event, such as flyer delivery or working at the Community Cleanup.
– Brunskill SCC ask for joint sponsorship of Movie in the Park on Thursday June 13. Earlier start to movie with a daylight screen, selling popcorn and pizza. VVCA will joint sponsor.
– Tree planting on 14th street planned. Tree species picked. Grass must be killed and rototilled. City paying for trees, shrubs and mulch. 22 volunteers signed up. Water tanks should be on site by June 6. Planting on June 9.
– SUM Theatre in the Park on Thursday May 16, 7PM. VVCA holding a bbq at 5:30 before the show. Food will be purchased later in the day. Concerns about the weather?!
– August newsletter deadline for ads, articles, photos is July 1.
– signing authority has been changed to new board members.
– indoor programs going great. Fall programs to be submitted early next week. Registration dates and program listing will be ready next meeting.
– basketball coordinator has created a ‘job description’ for future coordinators.
– rink will be sprayed for weeds in the future. Possibly install a ‘no dogs’ sign due to inconsiderate owners not cleaning up after their pets. Add stabilizer to snowblower fuel.
– community garden is underway with 15 new gardeners. Had their workbee on May 11.
– Sask Polytech planning to relocate to Innovation Place location. May be some community engagement/info sessions coming up.
– next meeting tentatively planned for Wednesday June 12, Brunskill School library. To be confirmed.

Dry Pond at Cumberland Park

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

Information from the City of Saskatoon Water Department – April 2024

A dry pond to hold and then release storm water into the storm sewer system is being considered to help mitigate flooding near Cumberland Park. It will be the City of Saskatoon’s fifth Flood Control Strategy (FCS) project and will help mitigate flooding during extreme rain events for approximately 35 homes around the intersection of Cumberland Avenue South and Main Street. 

A project approval report will go before the Environment, Utilities, and Corporate Services Committee on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. From there, the report will go to City Council for approval on Wednesday, May 29, 2024. If approved, detailed design and community engagement will move forward, and then construction in Cumberland Park will begin in early 2025. 

To review previous FCS related reports to City Council and Committee, please visit saskatoon.ca/meetings. Then, on the calendar, use the arrows to scroll back to the following dates: 

  • December 17, 2018: FCS Approval and W.W. Ashley Park Project 
  • March 22, 2021: Churchill Park Project 
  • April 25, 2022: Weaver Park Project 
  • May 31, 2023: Brevoort Park South Project 

If you wish to speak to or comment on the report at the Committee or Council meeting, please visit saskatoon.ca/writetocouncil. Reports are available for viewing at saskatoon.ca/agendas on the Wednesday evening prior to the meetings. 

The FCS was approved by Saskatoon City Council in 2018 and includes a total of 9 projects to be completed by 2028 within 10 of Saskatoon’s top flood zones. For more information on the strategy, and current and future FCS projects, visit saskatoon.ca/floodplan. 

 If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. 

Thank you, 

Mitch McMann
Saskatoon Water
Phone: 306-986-0914
E-mail: stormwater@saskatoon.ca 

Join us for tree planting!

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

Join us for tree planting Sunday, June 9, 2024 at 11:00am

The 14th street multi-use pathway between Cumberland and Preston will be getting new trees and shrubs this spring!

This enhancement will make for a better experience for all those using the pathway, will help clean the air and provide additional habitat for pollinators.

Use the QR code to vote for which types of trees you want to see!

If you would like to help, bring a shovel/rake, some water and a chair. We could always use more hands. RSVP to trees@vvcasaskatoon.com.

The trees and shrubs are being planted through a partnership between the City of Saskatoon and the Varsity View Community Association.

Green-Modern-Tree-Planting-Volunteer-Poster-1Download

Water rentention/dry pond construction

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

The City of Saskatoon presented at our March 20, 2024 board meeting, telling us all we need to know about the dry ponds that are planned in our neighbourhood. Good attendance from the community as well. Thanks for coming out!

Two dry ponds are planned (#5 and #6 of the various water retention ponds projects scattered across the City). Plans are still at early stages, so details may be changing.

– Cumberland and Main Street, with the dry pond constructed in Cumberland Park. Will be presented to council in May, then detailed design, then public engagement, with construction starting early 2025. Construction done late 2025, with another year for landscape to establish. Park to reopen fall of 2026.

– Cumberland and 14th Street, with the dry pond constructed on University of Saskatchewan land, east of McEown Park (University high rises). Similar schedule to the previous one, subject to agreement between the City and University. No formal public engagement as the pond will be on private University land.

https://www.saskatoon.ca/…/storm…/flood-control-strategy

Storm Water Flood Control

City of Saskatoon, VVCA News & Events, ,

The City of Saskatoon (City) is proposing a joint storm water management project with the University of Saskatchewan (USask) to help reduce the summer storm flood risk near the intersection of Cumberland Avenue South and 14th Street East. If approved by City Council, it would be the sixth of nine projects under the Flood Control Strategy (FCS) adopted by City Council in 2018.

This project would be similar to the first two under the FCS in W.W. Ashley Park and in Churchill Park, which temporarily hold storm water that would otherwise cause nearby flooding during intense rainfalls. Both of those projects have already proven to be successful at preventing flooding. The City and USask are in discussions to construct a storm water storage area on USask land north of 14th Street East, between Cumberland Avenue South and Preston Avenue North.

As a key stakeholder, I wanted to reach out to you about next steps for the proposed project:

• We are planning a presentation for the Varsity View/Grosvenor Park Community Association on March 20, 2024 at the Brunskill School Library (7:00 PM). Please contact your Community Association if you would like to attend. Attendees will learn about the FCS and preliminary information of this proposed project.

• A report requesting the City enter into an agreement with USask to complete this project will go to City Council later this spring (we will inform you when a date is finalized) where we will request approval to move forward with design and construction plans. Construction is tentatively scheduled to start in February 2025.

This project would reduce the flood risk for as many as 30 properties that typically experience flooding during intense rainfalls.

If you have any questions in the meantime, please feel free to contact the City. To learn more about the FCS, visit saskatoon.ca/floodplan.

Mitch McMann
Storm Water Utility Manager
Saskatoon Water
306-986-0914

https://www.saskatoon.ca/…/storm…/flood-control-strategy

February 2024 board meeting

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

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.

Corridor Proposed Land Use Plans

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

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

College-Dr-Feb-2024Download
8th-Street-East-Feb-2024Download

January 2024 board meeting

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

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.

December 2023 board meeting

VVCA, VVCA News & Events, , ,

Overview of discussions at the December 20 2023 VVCA board meeting:

– tree planting proposal along 14th Street has been submitted to the City. The City is working on a new Community Planting guideline that will properly assess the proposed project, hopefully in early 2024. Some links to possible grant options were provided that may offset some, or all, costs. Watering trees may be an issue.
– discussion about evergreens in President Murray Park. Any City actions forthcoming for dying trees?
– planning retreat to be discussed next meeting.
– letter of support for Bridge City Hens pilot project approved to send to City. Require rigorous evaluation of project.
– City: 14th Street designated a ‘Neighbourhood Bikeway’. Speed reduction for car traffic. Implementation in spring.
– City: first step to eliminating parking minimums in Saskatoon. Still opportunities for engagement and reports before it becomes a bylaw.
– request from community member about ski trail signage in Grosvenor Park – can it be permanent? Jon to inquire with City.
– Discussion regarding proposed changes to zoning and parking. Any EV plugin requirements? Will developers rely on street parking? Parking changes possibly tied to federal Housing Accelerator Fund. Zoning map and CBC News article shared. There are benefits to greater density and walkable spaces.
– program registration night is January 9 and 11, 2024, 7-8:30PM at Brunskill School.
– basketball gym times booked. 12 teams for Nutana, Buena Vista and Varsity View.
– new soccer coordinator. Thank you Ian!
– rink boards fixed to allow for expansion. Ad board replaced. One more to be replaced in spring. Rink has been flooded and new lighter, more flexible hoses have been purchased. Thank you to the rink crew!
– newsletter printed (and delivered). Next newsletter out in March to provide notice of April AGM.
– Albert Community Centre’s booking manager has retired. New staffing not yet finalized.
– Ward 6 meeting of community associations in January. Some VV volunteers to attend.
– next meeting Wednesday, January 17, 2024.