PUBLIC MINUTES

STANDING POLICY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

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Council Chamber, City Hall
PRESENT:
  • Councillor B. Dubois, Chair
  • Councillor S. Ford, Vice Chair
  • Councillor R. Donauer
  • Councillor K. MacDonald
  • Councillor R. Pearce
  • Mayor C. Block (Ex-Officio)
ALSO PRESENT:
  • General Manager, Transportation & Construction T. Schmidt
  • Deputy City Solicitor D. Kowalski
  • Deputy City Clerk S. Bryant
  • Committee Assistant H. Thompson

1.
CALL TO ORDER

 

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

2.
APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR

 

City Council, at its Inaugural Meeting held on November 27, 2024, made the following appointments for 2025:


Standing Policy Committee on Transportation

  • Councillor R. Donauer
  • Councillor B. Dubois
  • Councillor S. Ford
  • Councillor K. MacDonald
  • Councillor R. Pearce

The Committee was requested to appoint a Chair and Vice-Chair for 2025.

  • Moved By:Councillor Donauer

    That Councillor Dubois be appointed Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Transportation for 2025.

    In Favour: (6)Councillor Donauer, Mayor Block, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Ford, Councillor MacDonald, and Councillor Pearce
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
  • Moved By:Councillor MacDonald

    That Councillor Ford be appointed Vice Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Transportation for 2025.

    In Favour: (6)Councillor Donauer, Mayor Block, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Ford, Councillor MacDonald, and Councillor Pearce
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

    Councillor Dubois took the Chair.


3.
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA

This item has attachments. 
1.7.1.1 Communication - Derek Cameron - Strong Towns YXE_Redacted(1).pdf
2.7.1.1 Communication - Robert Clipperton - Bus Riders of Saskatoon_Redacted(1).pdf
3.7.1.1 Communication - Jory Vermette_Redacted(1).pdf
4.7.1.2 Request to Speak - Isaac Ransom - Neuron Mobility(1).pdf
5.7.1.2 Communication - Derek Cameron_Redacted(1).pdf
6.7.1.2 Communication - Jason Hanson - Saskatoon Cycles_Redacted(1).pdf
7.7.2.1 Communication - Mike Winter - Walking Saskatoon_Redacted(1).pdf
8.7.2.1 Communication - Jason Hanson - Saskatoon Cycles_Redacted(1).pdf
9.7.2.1 Communication - Stephan Belanger_Redacted(1).pdf
10.7.2.2 Communication - Robert Clipperton - Bus Riders of Saskatoon_Redacted(1).pdf
  • Moved By:Councillor Donauer
    1. That the following be added to item 7.1.1:
      • Submitting Comments
        • Derek Cameron, Strong Towns YXE, dated January 11, 2025;
        • Robert Clipperton - Bus Riders of Saskatoon, dated January 12, 2025;
        • Jory Vermette, dated January 13, 2025;
    2. That the following be added to item 7.1.2:
      • Request to Speak
        • Isaac Ransom, Neuron Mobility, dated January 10, 2025
      • Submitting Comments
        • Derek Cameron, dated January 11, 2025;
        • Jason Hanson, Saskatoon Cycles, dated January 13, 2025;
    3. That the following letters be added to item 7.2.1:
      • Submitting Comments
        • Mike Winter, Walking Saskatoon, dated January 12, 2025;
        • Jason Hanson, Saskatoon Cycles, dated January 13, 2025;
        • Stephan Belanger, dated January 12, 2025;
    4. That the letter submitting comments from Robert Clipperton, Bus Riders of Saskatoon, dated January 12, 2025 be added to item 7.2.2;
    5. That the item with a speaker be considered immediately following unfinished business:
        • 7.1.2
          • Isaac Ransom
    6. That the agenda be confirmed as amended.
    In Favour: (6)Councillor Donauer, Mayor Block, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Ford, Councillor MacDonald, and Councillor Pearce
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

4.
DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST

 

There were no declarations of conflict of interest.

5.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES

This item has attachments. 
1.Post-Meeting Minutes - SPC-TRANSPORTATION - PUBLIC_Dec10_2024 - English.pdf
  • Moved By:Councillor Pearce

    That the minutes of the regular meeting held on December 10, 2024, of the Standing Policy Committee on Transportation, be adopted.

    In Favour: (6)Councillor Donauer, Mayor Block, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Ford, Councillor MacDonald, and Councillor Pearce
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

    Item 7.1.2 was considered next.


6.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS

 

7.
ADMINSTRATION AND LEGISLATIVE REPORTS

 

7.1
Decision Reports

 

7.1.1
Saskatoon Transit 2025 Fleet Renewal Request [TS2025-0103]

This item has attachments. 
1.Admin Report - Saskatoon Transit 2025 Fleet Renewal Plan.pdf
2.7.1.1 Communication - Derek Cameron - Strong Towns YXE_Redacted.pdf
3.7.1.1 Communication - Robert Clipperton - Bus Riders of Saskatoon_Redacted.pdf
4.7.1.1 Communication - Jory Vermette_Redacted.pdf
5.TS2025-0103 7.1.1 Presentation - Saskatoon Transit 2025 Fleet Renewal Request.pdf

A report of the Transportation and Construction Division was provided.


The following letters were also provided:


Submitting Comments

  • Derek Cameron, Strong Towns YXE, dated January 11, 2025; and
  • Robert Clipperton - Bus Riders of Saskatoon, dated January 12, 2025; and
  • Jory Vermette, dated January 13, 2025.

General Manager, Transportation & Construction Schmidt presented the report with a PowerPoint and along with Chief Financial Officer Hack responded to questions of Committee.

  • Moved By:Councillor Pearce

    That the Standing Policy Committee on Transportation recommend to City Council:

    1. That the 2025 Saskatoon Transit Fleet Replacement request provided in Option 1 – Purchase Fixed Route Diesel Buses and Access Transit Gas Buses be approved, funded from $23.5M of city contribution borrowing approved in the 2024 and 2025 budget;
    2. That Capital Project P.00583 Transit Replacement Buses be increased by $23,900 funded from the Transit Vehicles Replacement Reserve; and
    3. That $923,900 of borrowing be removed from Capital Project P.00583 Transit Replacement Buses and transferred to P.02095 Access Transit Bus Replacement, subject to public notice.
    In Favour: (6)Councillor Donauer, Mayor Block, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Ford, Councillor MacDonald, and Councillor Pearce
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

    Item 7.2.1 was considered next.


7.1.2
Shared Electric Kick Scooter Program Pilot – 2025 Update [TS2025-0104]

This item has attachments. 
1.Admin Report - Shared Electric Kick Scooter Program Pilot - 2025 Update.pdf
2.Append 1 - Project Background.pdf
3.Append 2 - 2023 Shared Electric Kick Scooter Program Pilot - Regulatory Framework.pdf
4.Append 3 - Highlights of the Regulatory Framework.pdf
5.Append 4 - Pilot Project Outcomes - Bird.pdf
6.Append 5 - Pilot Project Outcomes and Survey - Neuron.pdf
7.Append 6 - Summary of Survey Results.pdf
8.Append 7 - Pilot Project Survey - Bird.pdf
9.Append 8 - City of Saskatoon Survey Results.pdf
10.Append 9 - Insightrix Survey Results.pdf
11.Append 10 - SHA Emergency Department Visits for Fall Involving Electric (Motorized) Scooter.pdf
12.Append 11 - Summary of shared e-scooters in western Canada.pdf
13.7.1.2 Request to Speak - Isaac Ransom - Neuron Mobility.pdf
14.7.1.2 Communication - Derek Cameron_Redacted.pdf
15.7.1.2 Communication - Jason Hanson - Saskatoon Cycles_Redacted.pdf
16.TS2025-0104 7.1.2 Presentation - E-Scooter.pdf
17.Neuron Saskatoon 2025 Council Update.pdf

A report of the Transportation and Construction Division was provided.


The following letters are also provided:


Request to Speak

  • Isaac Ransom, Neuron Mobility, dated January 10, 2025;

Submitting Comments

  • Derek Cameron, dated January 11, 2025; and
  • Jason Hanson, Saskatoon Cycles, dated January 13, 2025.

Director of Transportation Magus presented the report with a PowerPoint and responded to questions of Committee.

Isaac Ransom, Neuron Mobility, spoke in support of the Program with a PowerPoint and responded to questions of Committee.

  • Moved By:Councillor Donauer

    That the Standing Policy Committee on Transportation recommend to City Council:

    1. That Option 1 – Permit shared e-scooters on the public right-of-way be approved;
    2. That shared e-scooters be permitted under Bylaw 7200, The Traffic Bylaw, 1991, and that vendors be acquired through a competitive procurement process to a maximum of two qualified vendors; and
    3. That the City Solicitor’s Office be requested to amend Bylaw 7200, The Traffic Bylaw, 1991, as outlined in the report of the Transportation and Construction Division, dated January 14, 2025.
    In Favour: (6)Councillor Donauer, Mayor Block, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Ford, Councillor MacDonald, and Councillor Pearce
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

    Item 7.1.1 was considered next.


7.2
Approval Reports

 

7.2.1
Infrastructure Canada – Active Transportation Fund 2025 [TS2025-0102]

This item has attachments. 
1.Admin Report - Infrastructure Canada - Active Transportation Fund 2025.pdf
2.Appendix 1 - Project Descriptions.pdf
3.7.2.1 Communication - Mike Winter - Walking Saskatoon_Redacted.pdf
4.7.2.1 Communication - Jason Hanson - Saskatoon Cycles_Redacted.pdf
5.7.2.1 Communication - Stephan Belanger_Redacted.pdf

A report of the Transportation and Construction Division was provided.


The following letters were also provided:


Submitting Comments

  • Mike Winter, Walking Saskatoon, dated January 12, 2025;
  • Jason Hanson, Saskatoon Cycles, dated January 13, 2025; and
  • Stephan Belanger, dated January 12, 2025.

Director of Transportation Magus presented the report and responded to questions of Committee.

  • Moved By:Councillor MacDonald

    That the Standing Policy Committee on Transportation recommend to City Council:

    1. That Administration be directed to submit the proposed projects outlined in this report to the Active Transportation Fund;
    2. That if successful, the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the agreement with Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada under the Corporate Seal; and
    3. That if required, the Senior Financial Business Partner be granted delegated authority to sign and submit progress reports and financial claims related to the program.
    In Favour: (6)Councillor Donauer, Mayor Block, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Ford, Councillor MacDonald, and Councillor Pearce
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

7.2.2
McKercher Drive Extension Update – January 2025 [TS2025-0105]

This item has attachments. 
1.Admin Report - McKercher Drive Extension Update - January 2025.pdf
2.Append 1 - Erindale Neighbourhood Plan.pdf
3.Append 2 - McKercher Drive Extension Functional Plan.pdf
4.Append 3 - McKercher Drive Extension Parcel Information.pdf
5.Append 4 - Next Steps for Review of Remnant Lands Process.pdf
6.7.2.2 Communication - Robert Clipperton - Bus Riders of Saskatoon_Redacted.pdf

A report of the Transportation and Construction Division was provided along with a letter submitting comments from Robert Clipperton, Bus Riders of Saskatoon, dated January 12, 2025.

Director of Transportation Magus presented the report and responded to questions of Committee.

  • Moved By:Councillor Donauer

    That the Standing Policy Committee on Transportation recommend to City Council:

    1. That the future extension of McKercher Drive to Berini Drive be abandoned;
    2. That a portion of the lands be allocated for street right-of-way for the intersection of McKercher Drive and 105th Street as outlined in the report of the Transportation and Construction Division, dated January 14, 2025;
    3. That a portion of the lands in Parcel B allocated for the extension adjacent to the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation property be offered for sale to the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation as set out in the report of the Transportation and Construction Division, dated January 14, 2025; and
    4. Proceeds from the sale of lands previously allocated for right-of-way be placed into the Dedicated Roadway Reserve.
    In Favour: (5)Councillor Donauer, Mayor Block, Councillor Ford, Councillor MacDonald, and Councillor Pearce
    Against: (1)Councillor Dubois
    CARRIED

7.3
Information Reports

 

7.3.1
Committee Referrals – Standing Policy Committee on Transportation – January 2025 [TS2025-0101]

This item has attachments. 
1.Admin Report - Committee Referrals - Standing Policy Committee on Transportation - January 2025.pdf
2.Append 1 - Standing Policy Committee on Transportation - Referral List - January 2025.pdf

A report of the Transportation and Construction Division was provided.

General Manager, Transportation & Construction Schmidt presented the report. 

  • Moved By:Councillor Ford

    That the information be received.

    In Favour: (6)Councillor Donauer, Mayor Block, Councillor Dubois, Councillor Ford, Councillor MacDonald, and Councillor Pearce
    CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

8.
MOTIONS (Notice Previously Given)

 

9.
URGENT BUSINESS

 

10.
GIVING NOTICE

 

10.1
Councillor K. MacDonald - Snow Clearing on Neighbourhood Bikeways [TS2025-0106]

 

Councillor MacDonald gave the following Notice of Motion: 


"TAKE NOTICE that at the next Standing Policy Committee on Transportation, I will move:


Whereas residents have expressed concerns about safety regarding snow clearing operations on the Neighborhood Bikeways (formerly referred to as ‘A Bike Boulevard’) throughout the city.


Therefore, be it resolved that Administration report back to the Standing Policy Committee on Transportation with options and costs to include snow clearing on Neighbourhood Bikeways in the service levels for snow and ice management for consideration in the 2026/2027 Multi-Year Business Planning and Budget deliberations. "

11.
REQUEST TO SPEAK (new matters)

 

12.
COMMUNICATIONS (requiring the direction of the Committee)

 

13.
IN CAMERA SESSION

 

14.
RISE AND REPORT

 

15.
ADJOURNMENT

 

The meeting adjourned at 4:09 p.m.

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