Martensville agreement, new interchange on Saskatoon council agenda

SASKATOON – City council meets Monday evening to discuss a water distribution agreement with Martensville and the construction of a new interchange on Monday.

This evening, Saskatoon could decide whether to negotiate an agreement with the City of Martensville to provide water and wastewater services.

Officials in Martensville approached Saskatoon to consider allowing a connection to the city’s existing waste water treatment plant as its lagoon is reaching capacity.

Councillors will also be asked to authorize planned borrowings to finance seven wastewater and water treatment plant projects.

The borrowings are being proposed within the capital budget plan with debt repayment covered through utility rates.

Combined, the projects total $35,530,000 and allow for 10 per cent in variance.

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While administration has preferred ten-year terms of debt in the past, the terms will be reviewed based on multiple factors.

The alternative for the city is not to proceed with construction or to finance without borrowing.

Also on the agenda, council will be asked to receive an update on the Stonebridge & Highway 11 interchange project. It is currently being designed with full access to the highway via Victor Road.

Administration will be asked to report to the administration and finance committee prior to going to tender, in regards to a funding strategy and adding another ramp for potential savings.

The project is being funded 50 per cent by the interchange levy and the rest by a special levy on the Stonebridge neighbourhood.

Construction is expected to begin in 2014.

Council will be asked to receive information regarding communications plans and community engagement for the Growing Forward! Shaping Saskatoon initiative.

READ MORE: City launches website for shaping booming Saskatoon

Growing Forward! is a proactive way of planning the city’s future to help navigate challenges associated with a booming population.

A public event will be held on Feb. 25 at TCU Place to start discussions.

Also on the agenda, is a request for proposal (RFP) for the city’s bylaw enforcement services related to animal control.

Administration is asking to negotiate an extension of the current agreement with the Saskatoon Animal Control Agency (SACA) to allow for a transition into the new contract.