This crossing was to be redone in 2011, but was postponed by the railroad.  We now have their assurances that this crossing will be done in May 2012.  The City of Saskatoon cannot repair the crossing, as it is the property of the railway.  We are lobbying to have this crossing redone as soon as possible though.  I will try to give you advance notice concerning road closures.

Credit Rating:

Saskatoon has received a AAA Credit Rating for over 10 years in a row.  Standard and Poor’s has completed their annual assessment and Saskatoon is one of only 3 cities in Canada to receive a AAA credit rating.  This independent third party assessment is important because an impartial financial assessor tells us how well we do in managing our city’s finances, and how we compare to other cities in Canada.  Some quotes from the report:

“Saskatoon’s economic fundamentals, in our view, are excellent.”
“The city has strong budgetary performance.”

“In 2010, Saskatoon’s debt burden was a manageable 3.2% of operating revenues.”

“In 2010, and since 2001, cash investments have been well above 1000% of debt service.”

“Saskatoon’s financial management is sound, in our view.”

“Relative to both international and domestic peers, we view Saskatoon’s operating balances to adjusted operating revenues as exceptional.”

Visit my website blog at www.donauer.ca to see how Saskatoon compares to other Canadian cities like Regina, Winnipeg, Edmonton and Calgary, or to download the Standard and Poor’s report including their rationale.

New Ward Boundaries:

The Municipal Wards Commission has approved new ward boundaries for the 2012 Election.  There were no changes to Ward 5.  For details, and to download the city-wide map visit my website at www.donauer.ca.

Ten Year Strategic Plan:

City Council has approved our 10 year Strategic Plan.  Our city is growing fast, so it is important for leadership to stay out in front and have a balanced growth plan that goes well into the future.  Visit my website to download the plan and see what our priorities are. www.donauer.ca

College Quarter Concept Plan:

City Council approved a plan brought forward by the University of Saskatchewan to develop the land they own at College Dr and Cumberland.  The U of S intends to add student housing, and recreational facilities to their property.  The city merely approves zoning.  Funding and advancing the plan is the responsibility of the university.

Landfill Gas Project:

City Council has awarded a contract for a Landfill Gas Collection System and Power Generation Facility.  This project involves adding a clay cap to the current landfill, capturing the gasses given off by waste, and using those gasses to fire a generator that will create clean power for over 1300 homes.  Over 500 landfills in North America already operate gas collection systems, which also have a side benefit of helping to reduce odours coming from the landfill.

This project will actually bring a profit to the City of Saskatoon.  We will experience positive cash flows of $9.9 Million profit over the first 20 years of operation, after repayment of reserves.  Also, it is smart to do this project now, as it is likely new provincial environmental regulations will require a minimum of capping landfills and flaring the gas in the future.  By adding a power generation facility, instead of just flaring the gas, we will provide clean electricity and make a profit on our investment.

Tall Wind Turbine:

City Council rejected the proposal for a Tall Wind Turbine in Saskatoon.  The bids received were too expensive, meaning that the project is not economically feasible.

Contact Information:

Twitter:            For daily news/updates follow me on Twitter              @randydonauer

Facebook:       For weekly new/updates “Like” my Facebook page from the

homepage of my website www.donauer.ca (right side, under “Facebook”)

and you’ll receive Facebook updates every week or so.

Website: www.donauer.ca

If you know of anyone who would benefit from these Ward 5 email updates, please have them visit my website and click “Get Timely Emails From Randy” under “Newsletter Signup”

Family Skate Night

Now’s your chance on the following dates in the following classes.  Please email Michele Cozart at programming@silverwoodcommunity.org indicating your interest as we have limited space available in certain classes (We will email you the appropriate waivers you will need.).  If you try it and like it, please let Michele know so we can arrange a late registration with an adjusted class fee.

Saturday January 28

Pilates
9:15-10:15 am
Brownell School small gym
Bring a mat

Vinyasa Yoga
10:30-11:45 am
Brownell School small gym
Bring a mat

Tuesdsay January 31

Good morning Boot Camp
St. Angela School Gym
6:35-7:25 am
Bring a mat

Thursday February 2

Good morning Boot Camp
St. Angela School gym
6:35-7:25 am
Bring a mat

Butts and Guts [CANCELLED ON THIS DAY. SEE BELOW]
St. Angela School gym
6:00-7:00 pm
Bring a mat

Monday February 6

Butts and Guts
Brownell School large gym
8:30-9:30 pm
Bring a mat

Tuesday February 7

Fitness Kickboxing Circuit
St. Angela School gym
8:30-9:30 pm
Bring a mat

Wednesday February 8

Stretch and Strength
Silverwood Heights School gym
6:15-7:15 pm
Bring a mat

Nia
Silverwood Heights School gym
8:30-9:30 pm
Bring a mat

Thursday February 9

Butts and Guts [NEW TIME FOR THIS CLASS ONLY]
St. Angela School Gym
6:00 – 7:00 pm
Bring a mat

For program descriptions please check out our programs page.

“Silverwood Heights Community Association,

Thank you so much for supporting our school with a donation of $500 this fall.

We used the money to purchase indoor soccer balls, basketballs, basketball nets, a “pop up” portable goal for indoor + outdoor use, and a class set of pedometers.

Our students + staff are thrilled!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Genevieve Wood
Principal, Silverwood Heights School”

On behalf of the SHCA, you’re welcome!

Thank you!

Winter 2012 Registration
Wednesday, January 11th, 2012

6:30pm – 8:00pm –  St. Angela School Gym

And if you see our smiling Michele Cozart tomorrow please thank her for all of her extremely time-consuming hard work making Silverwood Heights’ Indoor Programming one of the most diverse and extensive in all of Saskatoon.

________________________________________

Good day all. Happy New Year!

New Ward Boundaries

Ward populations must be within 10% of each other, by law. Due to our rapid population growth some ward populations are outside of these margins, so new ward boundaries must be drawn before the next civic election. The Municipal Wards Commission is holding a public hearing on this matter on Tuesday, January 10 @ 7:00 pm in Committee Room “E” at City Hall. All are welcome to attend and provide input. I have maps for the 8 boundary options on my website.

Riverbank Construction along Whiteswan Drive

The City of Saskatoon will be repairing the interceptor trunk sewer in Meewasin Park north of Lenore Dr and south of the Wastewater Treatment Plant. This work is necessary to keep the main line that flows into the plant from deteriorating. Most of the work will be done underground to reduce odour issues.
Work at this location is scheduled through April 2011. The park will be restored when construction is complete.

River Landing to Return $8 Million Profit to City

On December 19, Council received a report indicating that, when all is said and done, River Landing will return an estimated $8 Million back to the city.  This will be a huge relief to tax payers, who may have had the perception that River Landing is a black hole that is costing the tax payers ever increasing amounts of money.  The latest report shows quite the contrary.  Any cost escalation from the original investment will, in fact, be covered by land sales for the remaining lots.  We also expect that the operating revenue at River Landing will cover the ongoing costs of operation.  The result is that River Landing will end up being a WIN/WIN project.  When it is complete, we will have rejuvenated our river bank, and we’ll realize an $8 Million return on our initial investment.  Furthermore, the commercial residents of River Landing will add multiplied millions of dollars in property taxes to the city every year.

New Website Design for City

The Administration is currently developing a new website for City Hall that is more user friendly, and able to serve the public better. We require your input on what you think of our current website www.saskatoon.ca and what you’d like to see incorporated into the new design. Take the online survey and provide your input. It only takes a few minutes.

Art Gallery of Saskatchewan Wins National Award

The Remai Art Gallery has been awarded the “2011 Canadian Architect Award of Excellence”. The proposed new gallery will be situated at River Landing. A public open house to view detailed drawings will be held at January 12 from 5:00 – 9:00 pm at TCU Place. Presentations will be made at 5:30 & 7:30 pm. All are welcome to attend.

Let’s hope this mild weather lasts. Until next month, enjoy your winter!

Randy Donauer
City Councillor
Ward 5
www.donauer.ca

Want to receive more regular updates on major civic and ward 5 issues from our City Councillor?

• Visit his website at www.donauer.ca
• Follow him on Twitter @randydonauer
• Follow him on Facebook
• Be added to his distribution list. Visit his website and click: “Get Timely Emails From Randy”

8-week fitness classes will be offered on Saturdays from January 21 until March 24. No classes on February 18 or 25 because of the spring break.

You can now sign up for these great classes:
Vinyasa Flow Yoga with Karen Roden
10:30-11:45 am
Brownell School small gym
*Please bring mat*
$50
Pilates with Diane Hein
9:15-10:15 am
Brownell School small gym
*Please bring mat*
$50

If you are interested in pre-registering for these classes, please contact Michele at programming@silverwoodcommunity.org