Update from Randy Donauer, Ward 5 City Councillor
Randy Donauer has lived in Saskatoon since 1989 and has resided in Ward 5 for the past 16 years. He and his wife Lauren own a home in Silverwood and have happily raised their family here. Here is an update from him on current civic matters. ________________________________________
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
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