The city of Saskatoon could have three railway overpasses in it’s future after Monday’s meeting of city council. The transportation committee forwarded a report earlier this month concerning the prioritization of overpasses on Preston Avenue, Marquis Drive and 11th Street West.

City administration had recommended these locations in comparison to 6 others in the city, due to the fairly low impact construction would have. The report had included figures for possible underpasses or overpasses at busier locations like 22nd Street West,Central Avenue and the crossing at Idylwyld Drive and 25th Street, but ultimately recommended against moving forward due to the high impact construction would have in multiple areas. If passed by council the three recommended locations would by put on the Transportation Strategy Infrastructure list for further planning.

Other topics up for review at council include a report on the Solid Waste Reduction and Diversion Plan and a report regarding the banning of conversion therapy in Saskatoon.

A report to draft a bylaw that would outlaw businesses from providing conversion therapy it set to go in front of City Council Monday. The report on conversion therapy, a discredited practice of trying to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity using psychological, physical, or spiritual interventions was first viewed at this month’s Governance and Priorities meeting. A motion to send the report which calls for a bylaw to be drafted, has substantial penalties for any businesses that would violate it, and was approved by the committee 8-2. Penalties include a $10,000 fine for individuals who continue to provide conversion therapy, or $25,000 for corporations that do the same.

The only opposition came from Councillors Randy Donauer and David Kirton, based on the opinion it’s not the city’s place to legislate conversion therapy and that it should be left to the Federal Government. If the report is passed by council it will be drafted into a bylaw and voted on in February.