PUBLIC MINUTES

GOVERNANCE AND PRIORITIES COMMITTEE

Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 9:30 A.m. - 5:30 P.m.

Council Chamber, City Hall

PRESENT:

• Deputy Mayor B. Dubois, Chair
• Mayor C. Block
• Councillor T. Davies
• Councillor R. Donauer
• Councillor S. Ford
• Councillor Z. Jeffries
• Councillor H. Kelleher
• Councillor K. MacDonald
• Councillor J. Parker
• Councillor R. Pearce
• Councillor S. Timon

ALSO PRESENT:

• City Manager J. Jorgenson
• City Solicitor C. Yelland
• City Clerk A. Tittemore
• Deputy City Clerk S. Bryant

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1.

CALL TO ORDER

The Chair called the meeting to order on Treaty 6 Territory and the Traditional Homeland of the Métis People and confirmed roll call.

2.

CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA

It was noted that Tanzy Janvier had withdrawn their request to speak.  

• Moved By: Councillor Donauer
  1. That item 11.1 be added and that the Police Chief be heard immediately following adoption of the minutes;
  2. That the following letters be added to item 6.1.1:
     1. Requesting to speak - Hai Vu, dated September 8, 2025
     2. Submitting comments - Trung Nguyen, dated September 8, 2025
     3. Submitting comments - Ashu Solo, dated June 25, 2025
  3. That the following letters requesting to speak be added to item 7.1:
     1. Tanzy Janvier, Indigenous Teachers For Two-Spirit Youth, dated August 11, 2025; WITHDREW SPEAKING REQUEST
     2. Jennifer Lenny, Indigenous Teachers For Two-Spirit Youth, dated September 8, 2025;
  4. That the items with speakers be heard immediately following adoption of the minutes in the following order:
     1. Item 11.1 - Police Chief McBride
     2. Item 6.1.1 - Hai Vu
     3. Item 7.1 - Jennifer Lenny
  5. That the agenda be confirmed as amended.

   

  
  

  In Favour (11)

  Councillor Davies, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Donauer, Mayor Block, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Kelleher, Councillor Ford, Councillor MacDonald, Councillor Parker, Councillor Pearce, and Councillor Timon

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

3.

DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of conflict of interest.

4.

ADOPTION OF MINUTES

• Moved By: Councillor Ford

  That the minutes of meeting of the Governance and Priorities Committee dated August 13, 2025, be adopted. 

  
  

  In Favour (11)

  Councillor Davies, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Donauer, Mayor Block, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Kelleher, Councillor Ford, Councillor MacDonald, Councillor Parker, Councillor Pearce, and Councillor Timon

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

  Item 11.1 was considered next. 

  
  

5.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

6.

ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGISLATIVE REPORTS

6.1

Decision Reports

6.1.1

Protocol Policy GPC2023-0501 and GPC2024-0305

A report of the City Solicitor's Office was provided.

The following letters were also provided:

• Request to Speak - Hai Vu, dated September 8, 2025
• Comments - Trung Nguyen, dated September 8, 2025
• Comments - Ashu Solo, dated June 25, 2025

City Solicitor Yelland presented the report.  

Hai Vu spoke as a refugee, expressing concern about the raising of the Vietnamese flag at City Hall, stating it represents oppression and suffering for many in the Vietnamese community. They urged council to reconsider the practice of flying flags of other countries.

City Solicitor Yelland and City Clerk Tittemore responded to questions of Committee.

• Moved By: Councillor Pearce

  That the Governance and Priorities Committee recommend to City Council:

  1. That subclause 3.4.4(d) of Council Policy C01-028, Protocol Policy be amended to prohibit the flying of other country’s flags in accordance with option 2 contained in this report;
  2. That a definition for charitable and non-profit organizations be added to Council Policy C01-028, Protocol Policy to provide clarity that these organizations must be legal entities and registered;
  3. That clause 3.4.4(b) of Council Policy C01-028, Protocol Policy be amended to provide clarity that requests can be considered from city departments and other government organizations;
  4. That clause 3.4.4(c) of Council Policy C01-028, Protocol Policy be amended to require the organization requesting the flag raising, proclamation, or light display to be located in Saskatoon or have a clear connection to Saskatoon;
  5. That Part 4 – Letters and Resolutions of Support of Council Policy C01-028, Protocol Policy be amended as outlined in accordance with option 2 contained in this report;
  6. That the City Clerk’s Office be instructed to amend Council Policy C01-028, Protocol Policy as outlined in this report; and
  7. That the City Solicitor’s Office be instructed to amend The Procedures and Committees Bylaw, 2014 as outlined in this report.
  
  

  In Favour (11)

  Councillor Davies, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Donauer, Mayor Block, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Kelleher, Councillor Ford, Councillor MacDonald, Councillor Parker, Councillor Pearce, and Councillor Timon

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

  The meeting recessed at 10:59 a.m. and reconvened at 11:10 a.m. with all members in attendance with the exception of Councillor Pearce.

  Item 7.1 was considered next.

  
  

6.2

Approval Reports

6.2.1

2026 Appointments of Deputy Mayor [GPC2025-0901]

A report of the City Clerk's Office was provided. 

City Clerk Tittemore presented the report.  He indicated that there is flexibility for Councillors to switch months if required throughout the year.

• Moved By: Councillor Parker

  That the Governance and Priorities Committee recommend to City Council’s Organizational Meeting approval of the 2026 appointments of Deputy Mayor, as described in the September 10, 2025 report of the City Clerk's Office and detailed in Appendix 1.

  
  

  In Favour (10)	Councillor Davies, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Donauer, Mayor Block, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Kelleher, Councillor Ford, Councillor MacDonald, Councillor Parker, and Councillor Timon
  Absent (1)	Councillor Pearce

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

6.2.2

2026 City Council and Committee Meeting Schedule [GPC2025-0902]

A report of the City Clerk's Office was provided.

City Clerk Tittemore presented the report. 

• Moved By: Councillor Davies

  That the Governance and Priorities Committee recommend to City Council that the 2026 Council and Committee meeting schedule as set out in Appendix 1, be approved.

  
  

  In Favour (10)	Councillor Davies, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Donauer, Mayor Block, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Kelleher, Councillor Ford, Councillor MacDonald, Councillor Parker, and Councillor Timon
  Absent (1)	Councillor Pearce

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

6.3

Information Reports

• Moved By: Councillor Ford

  That the reports submitted as Items 6.3.1 and 6.3.2 be received as information.

  
  

  In Favour (10)	Councillor Davies, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Donauer, Mayor Block, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Kelleher, Councillor Ford, Councillor MacDonald, Councillor Parker, and Councillor Timon
  Absent (1)	Councillor Pearce

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

6.3.1

Consolidated State of Infrastructure GPC2025-0904

A report of the Utilities and Environment Division was provided. 

City Manager Jorgenson provided a brief introduction of items 6.3.1 and 6.3.2.

Asset Management & Operations Portfolio Lead Duriez presented the report with a PowerPoint and responded to questions of Committee along with Director of Saskatoon Water Munro.

6.3.2

Asset Management Investment Funding Options GPC2025-0903

A report of the Utilities and Environment Division was provided.

Director of Saskatoon Water Munro presented the report with a PowerPoint and responded to questions of Committee.

7.

MOTIONS (notice previously given)

7.1

Mayor C. Block - The Recreation Facilities and Parks Usage Bylaw [GPC2025-0804]

Mayor Block provided the following notice of motion at the Governance and Priorities Committee meeting held on August 13, 2025:

"Whereas the City is host to approximately 500 outdoor special events annually in our public spaces; 

And whereas The Recreation Facilities and Parks Usage Bylaw, 1998 provides for the use of parks and recreation facilities;

And whereas the provisions of the Recreation Facilities and Parks Usage Bylaw, 1998 have not been reviewed for a number of years; 

Be it resolved that the Administration bring forward a report outlining possible options to update the language and enhance the requirements for who can use public spaces and recreation facilities."

The following letters were provided:

• Wendy Gore-Hickman, dated July 23, 2025
• Jenna Walls, dated July 24, 2025
• Lesley Biggs, dated July 24, 2025
• Saskatoon Pride Board of Directors, dated August 1, 2025
• Jacqui Quinn, dated August 3, 2025
• Ailsa Watkinson, dated August 4, 2025
• Tanzy Janvier, dated August 8, 2025
• Monica Johnson, dated August 8, 2025
• Margaret Corbett, dated August 9, 2025
• Tammy Gariepy, dated August 11, 2025
• Dale Jack, dated August 11, 2025
• Tanzy Janvier, dated August 11, 2025
• Nathan Coppens, dated August 11, 2025
• Gaye Burgess, dated August 12, 2025
• Erin Redekop, dated August 20, 2025
• Jeanne Corrigal, dated August 21, 2025
• Ale MacLeod, dated August 22, 2025 (2 submissions)

Requesting to Speak

• Tanzy Janvier, Indigenous Teachers For Two-Spirit Youth. dated August 11, 2025
• Jennifer Lenny, Indigenous Teachers For Two-Spirit Youth, dated September 8, 2025

Mayor Block put forward their motion.

Jennifer Lenny, representing Indigenous Teachers for Two Spirit Youth, spoke about concerns regarding the approval of an event featuring a performer known for anti-2SLGBTQIA+ rhetoric. They described the harm and hostility faced by Indigenous educators and youth, called for stronger safeguards against hate in city facilities, and requested the creation of a community advisory table centered on Two Spirit and Indigenous queer voices, as well as proactive safety planning for youth.

It was noted that Tanzy Janvier had withdrawn their request to speak. 

Discussion followed.

• Moved By: Mayor Block

  That the Administration bring forward a report outlining possible options to update the language and enhance the requirements for who can use public spaces and recreation facilities.

  
  

  In Favour (10)	Councillor Davies, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Donauer, Mayor Block, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Kelleher, Councillor Ford, Councillor MacDonald, Councillor Parker, and Councillor Timon
  Absent (1)	Councillor Pearce

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

• MOTION ARISING

  Moved By: Councillor Parker

  WHEREAS a large-scale public event was held at Diefenbaker Park on August 21, 2025;

  AND WHEREAS the event generated a significant volume of public concern and inquiries, particularly regarding its alignment with Saskatoon’s designation as a 2SLGBTQIA+ Safe City and the use of public land for a performer with controversial views;

  AND WHEREAS there have been a number of questions concerning the City’s safety protocols for the event that were not shared publicly, raising concerns about transparency and accountability;

  THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Administration be directed to prepare an After Action Report detailing:

  1. The operational planning and execution of the event, including identification of the successes and challenges;
  2. The nature and volume of community feedback received;
  3. Any incidents or concerns raised during or after the event;
  4. The legal and policy considerations that informed the City’s response; 
  5. Potential risks and costs of cancelling events; and

  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the report includes a cost comparison to other public events that require EMO coordination, and a comprehensive breakdown of costs absorbed by the City, including but not limited to:

  1. Staff time and overtime;
  2. Security, event, and city resource coordination;
  3. Communications and public engagement;
  4. Park maintenance and infrastructure use; and
  5. Any other relevant expenditures. 

   

  
  

  In Favour (10)	Councillor Davies, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Donauer, Mayor Block, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Kelleher, Councillor Ford, Councillor MacDonald, Councillor Parker, and Councillor Timon
  Absent (1)	Councillor Pearce

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

  Item 6.2.1 was considered next. 

  
  

8.

URGENT BUSINESS

9.

GIVING NOTICE

10.

VERBAL UPDATES

10.1

Council Members - Her Worship the Mayor, FCM/SUMA, Boards, Committees and Commissions

10.2

Administration

11.

REQUESTS TO SPEAK (new matters)

11.1

Chief of Police, Cam McBride

Police Chief McBride addressed Committee providing an update on police deployment changes, staffing challenges, rising service demands, the importance of a balanced policing approach, expansion of the Alternative Response Officer program, and the need for strong community partnerships to tackle complex social issues.  He responded to questions of Committee.

• Moved By: Councillor Kelleher

  That the information be received.

  
  

  In Favour (11)

  Councillor Davies, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Donauer, Mayor Block, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Kelleher, Councillor Ford, Councillor MacDonald, Councillor Parker, Councillor Pearce, and Councillor Timon

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

  Item 6.1.1 was considered next.

  
  

12.

COMMUNICATIONS (requiring the direction of the Committee)

13.

IN CAMERA SESSION

• Moved By: Councillor Ford

  That the Committee move In Camera to consider the following items.

  
  

  In Favour (10)	Councillor Davies, Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Donauer, Mayor Block, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Kelleher, Councillor Ford, Councillor MacDonald, Councillor Parker, and Councillor Timon
  Absent (1)	Councillor Pearce

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

  The public portion of the meeting recessed at 12:09 p.m.

  
  

13.1

Verbal Updates

13.1.1

Council Members - Her Worship the Mayor; FCM/SUMA; Boards, Committees & Commissions; Personnel Subcommittee (if required)

13.1.2

Administration

13.1.2.1

City Manager Updates

[In Camera - Sections 13, 14(1), 15(1), 16(1), 17, 18(1), 19, 20 and 21 of LAFOIP]

13.2

Appointments - Boards, Commissions and Committees [CK 225-4-3]

In Camera - Consultations/Deliberations; Personal Information - Sections 16(1)(b) and (d) and 28 of LAFOIP]

13.2.1

Appointments - Members of City Council to Standing Policy Committees

13.2.2

Appointments - Members of City Council to Personnel Subcommittee [CK 225-81]

13.2.3

Appointments - Members of City Council to the City Agency Recruitment and Evaluation Committee (CARE)

13.2.4

Resignation - Saskatoon Appeal Board

13.2.5

Resignation - Saskatoon Environmental Advisory Committee

14.

RISE AND REPORT

The Committee convened In Camera at 12:21 p.m. The following were in attendance as noted: 

• All Committee members, with the exception of Councillor Pearce
• City Manager Jorgenson
• City Solicitor Yelland
• City Clerk Tittemore
• Deputy City Clerk Bryant

Councillor Davies excused himself at the conclusion of the In Camera session.

The Committee moved to rise and report. The In Camera portion of the meeting recessed 12:59 p.m.  

Committee reconvened publicly, and reported as follows:

• 13.3    Verbal Updates

  13.3.1 Council Members - Council Members - Her Worship the Mayor; FCM/SUMA; Boards, Committees & Commissions; Personnel Subcommittee

  Moved By: Councillor Ford

  That the information and the discussion remain In Camera under Sections 13, 14(1), 15(1), 16(1), 17(1), 18(1), 19, 20 and 21 of LAFOIP.  

  
  

  In Favour (9)	Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Donauer, Mayor Block, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Kelleher, Councillor Ford, Councillor MacDonald, Councillor Parker, and Councillor Timon
  Absent (2)	Councillor Davies, and Councillor Pearce

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

• 13.4    Appointments - Boards, Commissions and Committees

  Moved By: Councillor Ford

  That the recommended appointments to Boards, Commissions and Committees and any further direction, as noted by the City Clerk, be reported to the September 24, 2025 Regular Business meeting and that the discussion and information remain In Camera under Sections 16(1)(b) and (d) and 28 of LAFOIP.

  
  

  In Favour (9)	Councillor Jeffries, Councillor Donauer, Mayor Block, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Kelleher, Councillor Ford, Councillor MacDonald, Councillor Parker, and Councillor Timon
  Absent (2)	Councillor Davies, and Councillor Pearce

  
  
  
  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

15.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 1:02 p.m.