Overview of discussions at the April 15, 2026 board meeting:

– SUM Theatre shows on May 13 and 21.
– Spring cleanup on Saturday May 30
– new valve needed for the tree planting area on 14th Street
– “Community Safety Committee” reported on issues around Colonial. City parks department will be doing weekly cleaning of areas around Cumberland Park. Garbage from the bins at the back of the hotel are often scattered.
– finalizing reports needed to submit to City for annual grant.
– spring programming all going ahead. Need a new equipment coordinator. Soccer balls and pumps funding provided for outdoor soccer program.
– community garden registration is open.
– civics: letter sent to City opposing upzoning request for development on Clarence Ave. Civics committee will develop a policy statement regarding upzoning to next board meeting for consideration.
– City has approved proclamation for Bulb & Flower Festival for 2026. Clinton will place an ad in the newspaper about it. VVCA will foot the bill.
– suggested forming a ‘Heritage Committee’. Clinton will develop a proposal for next meeting.
– next meeting is Wednesday, May 20, 2026.

Overview of discussions at the January 21, 2026 VVCA board meeting:

– Brunskill rink is on the City’s list to have its light poles replaced in the future.
– City community cleanup meeting is February 5.
– VVCA bylaw review to be done by small committee.
– 9-10 trees to be planted in President Murray park later this year, once stumps are gone.
– City park improvement grant applications open next month. Could be used for additional trees? Or assist with Albert Childcare Coop playground upgrades?
– discussion about issues around Colonial Square Inn. Homeless, vagrants appear to congregate, causing problems in area and neighbourhood. Collected data showed ~60% of nuisance and crime issues in neighbourhood were related to the Colonial. Manager in attendance noted problems seem to have started during COVID. They have placed ‘no loitering’ signage and employed security people and cameras, but would like better police enforcement and action. Small VVCA committee will arrange meeting with police liaison, City Councillor, Colonial manager, others.
– cross country ski trails have been groomed in Grosvenor Park.
– thank you to Angela (and Barb) for organizing the Skate Party at Brunskill rink on January 16. Well attended event even though the weather was very cold. Also big thank you to rink crew – the ice was great despite the melt earlier in the week.
– most programs going ahead, except for Learn to Skate and ESL Written English due to low registrations. Cost as a barrier funds could be used for low enrolment programs. Spring program registration scheduled for March 24.
– rink in good shape. Cost for water shed too prohibitive. Will make do with longer hose. Some more rink advertiser renewals confirmed.
– spring newsletter content and ad deadline Feb. 25. Need to print and distribute before spring registration date. Also to give notice of April AGM.
– discussions about whether VVCA should have a ‘blanket’ response to non-conforming developments or review case-by-case. Issue raised due to 6-storey development proposed on Clarence Avenue, which is a 4-storey maximum zoned area.
– concerns by resident about a proposed 4-storey development adjacent his house near Wiggins and 13th. Development is part of City / Housing Accelerator Fund rezoning.
– next meeting is Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

Overview of discussions at the October 15, 2025 VVCA board meeting:

– VVCA to send request for grooming of neighbourhood cross-country ski trails to the City for consideration.
– provide letter of support for local resident promoting “Official Tulip and Flower Festival” next year. Possible newsletter article in spring.
– possible advanced ESL classes coming in VVCA January 2026 programming.
– Trees Canada planting along 14th Street may have some conflicts with proposed USask Stadium Square development roadway. City may need to move plantings to accommodate.
– discussion about state of trees in President Murray Park. No information from City or Parks yet. VVCA will form a committee to advocate for the park and meet with City. Article for newsletter planned.
– programs running well, with only Folkdance not going ahead this session. Winter session programs to be finalized by end of October.
– 2 basketball teams formed, one co-ed spuds and one girls mini. Games start this coming weekend.
– 2 soccer teams, one U7 and one U9.
– equipment for soccer and basketball is out to teams. May need new jerseys in the spring, depending on enrolment.
– rink snowblower needs servicing, will be taken in soon. There will be a work session at the rink this Saturday at 2PM to clear the rink of weeds and ready it for winter flooding. Need a new hose to fit around school portables. Need to contact rink board advertisers to renew board contracts.
– deadline for newsletter articles is Nov. 19 (next board meeting).
– community garden had last meeting of the year last week. Small surplus in finances. Compost was dealt with easier this year by using large City supplied containers.
– proposed regulation changes to allow underground parking under front yards of multiplexes – excavation and construction may damage trees.
– College Corridor plan: concern with plan to remove green space between housing and College Drive. Leave feedback on City site before plan goes to Council in November.
– infill group recommendations to remove or change side wall rule and site coverage may result in bigger houses but not more houses and lessen green space. Public consultation coming later in October.

Next meeting is Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 7PM in Brunskill School library. The general public is always welcome to attend.

Overview of discussions at Wednesday March 19, 2025 board meeting:

– presentation by USask Properties regarding development of Stadium Square land, south of Merlis Belsher Place. Mixed-use, medium-density housing, walkable, encouraging very little vehicle use. Likely higher-density, 4-6 stories, from perimeter.
– VVCA got partial grant to help cover some of the expenses of 40th anniversary event.
– August newsletter deadline, July 1. To be distributed late August.
– Community Cleanup Saturday May 3. Volunteers needed, and trucks and trailers. Location yet to be confirmed.
– SUM Theatre Thursday May 15, Grosvenor Park. VVCA possibly selling popcorn and hot chocolate. Good opportunity to promote 40th anniversary event.
– Annual General Meeting is Wednesday April 16. What board positions will be open?
– VVCA 40th Anniversary event. Need volunteers for the day. Helpful to have a list with time slots and categories. Donors or sponsors also wanted. She’s working with school to distribute information.
– VVCA bylaws need to be updated. Report next meeting on progress, if any?
– rink news: need a sign for flooding times; snowblower will need servicing and more fuel; spray for weeds; hose needs replacement; need sand/salt to deal with ice. Submit expenses for City’s rink operating grant?
– finances good. Need to pay for newsletter and soccer.
– water tanks will be moved back onto the 14th Street tree planting site in April. More mulch to be added.
– spring program registration went well.
– basketball season almost over. Possible new coordinator?
– outdoor soccer: U5, no teams, transferred to another community association; U7 Boys, 2 teams; U7 Girls, 1 team; U9 Boys, 1 team; U9 Girls, no teams, transferred to another association.
– Albert Community Centre: tender for renovations tentatively made but not finalized.
– community garden folks are looking forward to spring. Garden cleanup will be mid-May.
– ski trails: how often were trails done in Grosvenor Park? Can we hire someone to groom President Murray park trail? Put request in fall newsletter?
– next meeting will be Wednesday, April 16, 2025, Brunskill School library. AGM will start at 7PM. Regular board meeting will follow.

Overview of discussions at the Wednesday, November 20, 2024 VVCA board meeting:

– VVCA asked to co-host a Brunskill SCC school-only event on February 27, 2025. Skating, sledding, etc on school grounds. VVCA will contribute towards sleigh rides.
– Sask Lotteries grant applications for 40th anniversary party due Jan. 15.
– Grosvenor Park will be groomed for cross-country ski trails by City. President Murray Park will not be groomed. Does we have someone else to do this?
– January newsletter deadline December 1. To the printer Dec. 15.
– City rep encouraged VVCA keep inventory of Association items stored at school.
– follow up to sort out ISC Corporate Registry issue.
– anniversary party info: VVCA pay deposit on photo booth. Encourage local restaurants to supply and sell food? Budget numbers being worked on. School may be booked as a fallback venue due to possible inclement weather. Letter for sponsors distributed. Generators needed for City’s portable stage?
– Brunskill School is purchasing new tables. VVCA will buy 5 additional ones for our own use.
– sign developed for the tree planting area on 14th Street. To be printed by the City on coroplast.
– winter program bookings has been done. Registration is January 7 and 9, 2025 at Brunskill School small gym.
– basketball has three teams. VVCA in need of a new basketball coordinator and a junior boys coach.
– may have to move VVCA equipment out of school equipment storage area?
– rink boards worked on. Weeds removed. Two sign boards replaced. Hockey nets need restringing. Flooding soon?
– newsletter distribution coordinator will be stepping down after spring issue delivered. Possible fundraising option for a group?
– Albert Community Centre once again has a VVCA rep on the board. VVCA website updated to include ACC rental info and pricing. Renovation construction work to go to tender early in the new year.
– some community and safety resources added to the VVCA website.
– next meeting is board members only at Amigos.

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.

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.