The City of Saskatoon is one step closer to establishing a collection model for multi-unit organic waste.
At Tuesday’s Environment, Utilities, and Corporate Services meeting, Administration presented four different options.
City of Saskatoon’s environmental performance manager Katie Burns says Option one, the choice Administration recommended, would see the City deliver a multi-unit organics service to all properties and charge residents on their utility bill. Option two would have the City determine a service level, conduct procurement, and negotiate a multi-year service agreement with one service provider for a city-wide collection service. The third option allows each property to pick the service provider of their choice, whether it be the City or a private service provider. Finally, Option 4 is similar to option three, except the City would not be an option as a service provider.
“We found that Option 1, the City provided service, provided the most advantages, was the most preferred, and was projected to be the lowest cost,” Burns explained.
The committee unanimously voted to proceed with Option 1, which would cost the average household $2.95 per month, about one to two dollars cheaper than the other options. City Council still has to approve this decision.
Four events taking place in Saskatoon this summer have been given the green light to be louder, later.
The City’s Committee on Environment, Utilities, and Corporate Services has voted in favour of extending the noise bylaw for Swinging on the Saskatchewan, Festival Fransaskois, Hudson’s Annual Block Party, and Hockey Heroes in the Park.
Greg Clark with Hudson’s says in past years, his event hasn’t caused any disturbances.
“Last year, we moved the footprint over to 4th Avenue. That helped reduce noise impact on nearby hotels that were there, the Bessborough and the Sheraton. The result of that were zero noise complaints, with the exception of one noise complaint that came in prior to the event that was then rescinded.”
The motion was unanimously approved, pushing ‘quiet time’ back several hours to various times for all four events. City Council still must give the thumbs up at an upcoming meeting.
Saskatoon’s Committee on Environment, Utilities, and Corporate services has also voted to prolong the life of Archibald Arena.
At Tuesday’s, Administration told the city that the 53-year-old area has several deficiencies, including an outdated, undersized ice plant, an unheated and uninsulated ice slab, insufficient insulation, and significant air leakage through the walls and roof. Administration has applied for over $7 million in federal Green and Inclusive Community Buildings funding programs, but the funding has not been secured yet. Pending funding approval, Administration is asking the City for $775,000 from the Comprehensive Civic Buildings Maintenance Reserve. This would be added to the money the city has already allocated to this project from the Major Capital Funding Plan.
Committee member Troy Davies is fully on board with the request.
“Even if we have to come up with these dollars if we are denied this request, it is essential for lacrosse, hockey, the amenities that we have. We cannot afford to lose another rink in this city.”
The recommendation was passed unanimously, but City Council will ultimately have to approve the motion at an upcoming meeting.
