COUNCILLORS REFLECT,
The Starphoenix asked Saskatoon’s 10 city councillors to submit 50 words on what they achieved during the first two years of the current term and their goals during the next two years. Phil Tank shares their responses.
DARREN HILL (WARD 1)
Did not respond
HILARY GOUGH (WARD 2)
Progress has been achieved in big and small ways. Some of the most important accomplishments have been the partnerships established around the Community Safety and Wellbeing priority area. Whether it’s the Smart Cities Challenge application, or partner groups like the Safe Community Action Alliance, there is a renewed commitment to collaborative progress for the well-being of all in our community.
The City and community have prepared for progress on a number of issues through considerable planning and work in the past two years and more. To me, some of the most substantial are around improved transportation across all modes, measurable progress shifting toward infill development, and collaborative progress addressing the meth addiction crisis in our community.
ANN IWANCHUK (WARD 3)
I was pleased to be able to work with residents in Ward 3 to improve neighbourhood traffic flow following the traffic reviews, seeing the dedicated road levy through to completion, opening of the Chief Mistawasis and the Traffic bridge(s), opening of the Remai Modern, and the work completed as chair of the personnel subcommittee, including leading the process of hiring our new city manager.
In the next two years I want to see this council place a greater emphasis on core services. We need to continue addressing infrastructure deficits, improve our snow clearing and removal service, and give citizens a break from higher than average tax increases.
TROY DAVIES (WARD 4)
For me there are a few accomplishments that have been in the works for a while. The first is another two arenas in the city thanks to our partnership with the U of S and many private donors. Next are the two bridges we opened (this month), and on a more ward specific level we have now begun construction in the new Hampton Village Business Park and fixed many streets and sidewalks in my ward.
RANDY DONAUER (WARD 5)
In my first few years on council, I focused on core infrastructure such as road repair. Now I am focusing on the amenities people appreciate in our city. The improvements to SMF Field and Gordie Howe Bowl, the opening of Merlis Belsher Place with the first two new ice surfaces built in decades, the opening of the Nutrien Playland at Kinsmen Park ... and, of course, the opening of Chief Mistawasis Bridge.
I want to keep working on improving the quality of life for our residents. Through partnerships, we are improving sport and recreation in the city such as enhanced ball facilities, a new world-class track and field facility, and a new speed skating oval and Nordic ski track at the Gordie Howe Sports Complex. We are partnering ... for the construction of the Optimist Hill Winter Recreation Area, the completion of the Children’s Discovery Museum, enhancing Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan.
CYNTHIA BLOCK (WARD 6)
We have seen the completion of some very big projects, including Remai Modern, Chief Mistawasis Bridge and the Traffic Bridge. More than buildings and infrastructure, they speak to reconciliation, history and active transportation. Also, downtown development gained sharper focus with new tools designed to break down barriers for growth.
We are in the implementation phase of the growth plan, which is exciting, challenging and critical to the long-term success of our city. At the same time, we still face basic infrastructure deficits and parking congestion in older residential neighbourhoods. In many ways, the growth plan could be a catalyst to solutions.
MAIRIN LOEWEN (WARD 7)
Some of the most notable highlights of the last two years have been the completion of two new bridges and the opening of the Remai art gallery. The success of the gallery in the first year has been very encouraging, with membership and attendance figures far outpacing expectations.
We need to arrive at a financially and environmentally sustainable approach to waste in Saskatoon. We need to continue to make progress on ensuring sustainable and adequate funding for core services. Another priority for me is to implement the next steps in the growth plan, including ( bus rapid transit), and establish a clear vision for our downtown.
SARINA GERSHER (WARD 8)
Completing asset management plans for the City was an important accomplishment, as this formed a baseline for the state of our assets. This has allowed the continuation with funding strategies for core services (e.g. roads, sidewalks, parks) and starting to resolve funding gaps (e.g. street sweeping, parks). Remai Modern’s successful first year was very exciting.
Implementing the growth plan will be one of the most important things that this council does. This plan is setting up our city for the next 30-plus years of development and growth. Addressing the shortfall with waste services (recycling, garbage, organics) will be an important, yet difficult issue to resolve.
BEV DUBOIS (WARD 9)
There have been so many accomplishments. The Boychuk and Highway 16 interchange comes to top of mind. To have this open one year ahead of the original schedule and be able to move traffic in a very busy and growing ward is so great for Ward 9 as well as the rest of the city. I am happy with infrastructure improvements in the Nutana Suburban Centre. Sidewalk repair, roads fixed and improved transit.
What I want to accomplish in the next two years: Keep taxes down. Fix growing pains in Rosewood. Respond and act on the traffic reviews that were held in Ward 9. Get the BRT ( bus rapid transit) figured out. Continue to work with the provincial and federal governments for project funding.
ZACH JEFFRIES (WARD 10)
In the past two years I’ve been proud that our city has made real progress on our infrastructure. From fixing roads to opening overpasses and bridges, we’re finally catching up from a decade of significant growth.
In the next two years, I want to see us bring more efficiency to city hall, continue optimizing our transportation network (including smart traffic lights systems), and make progress on our lack of recreation infrastructure in northeast Saskatoon. I am also committed to getting our growth plan implemented so our city is prepared for an expanding population.