JonNaylor4ward6
14th St E S7H0A8

Our Councillor's priorities for growth in our ward are efficiency, reducing sprawl and supporting public transportation. How about this alternative: promoting health, environmentally friendly development, and efficient use of our tax dollars? What do you think?

Some controversy about Council’s plan to build a permanent downtown festival site between the Broadway and Traffic bridges. We even had a realtor weigh in with a proposal to keep outdoor venue sites temporary and spread the wealth around a bit (use several sites). What do you think?

Spring is on the way! The city has pruned the boulevard and my seedlings are up! A bit early but they can harden off in the sun-room.

How much does urban sprawl cost? Density proponents tell us density will reduce taxes. Real life studies are not so clear cut. One economic analysis found that medium and lower density cities had lower costs than either very low density or high density cities. Most everyone agrees that there comes point at which high density infill becomes very expensive, due in part to the cost of retrofitting saturated services e.g. digging up roads to install bigger sewers. https://www.heritage.org//the-costs-sprawl-reconsidered-wh

As you may know, council passed the motion to rezone 1414/1416 Main Street for a 4-story condo. They made it clear we can expect more of the same within the corridor growth areas. Councillors believe residents opposition is misguided and born from a lack of communication. A communications problem that could have been easily avoided, did your Councillor come to your door during election and say she stood for 4 storey condos on Main/Bate/Osler? I support our community having meaningful input into development in our neighborhood.

Property Tax. Why do medium/high density developments like those proposed along the corridor growth areas i.e. bus rapid transit routes, need subsidies from us tax payers? Once approved, our councilors will likely line up to give these properties a 5 year property tax abatement. Until our infill levy system is reformed they will not pay appropriate development fees. Is this a good use of your money?

According to Thursday’s Star Phoenix (Jan 14), over a hundred City employees receive free downtown parking as a special benefit for senior employees. On the other hand, the City is busy rezoning BRT corridors for medium density to help provide enough bus passengers to make the system more viable. Seems inconsistent, at the very least.

Thanks for all your support this past year. Wishing you all a Happy and COVID free New Year. Enjoy the link to the Saskatoon Children's Choir post. My daughter is one of those who does not sit still (thanks Phoebe for allowing this). Best wishes to all. https://youtu.be/0YiUCscQzjU

Things to do this winter ... see the Christmas lights. We all piled into our family cars, the kids chatted / discorded (whatever that is) each other on their tablets and we all enjoyed hot chocolate and each others company. Best sites on our tour were 2706 Clinkskill, Smurphy Crescent, the incredible Snocovid dragon on Cairns and of course Ted's great display on main.

In a surprise move, council last week voted to reduce our property tax increase by 1%. All of us who voted for change can take some credit. The new increase is over 2% above inflation so we still have work to do.

Thank you to all my supporters. I learnt a lot from you on the campaign trail. I regret that I will not be able to represent your concerns about tax increases, the environment, and better infrastructure. Congratulations Cynthia on your re-election.

Voting locations: Friday the 13th! 9 am to 8 pm. Cosmo Civic Centre, Lawson Civic Centre, Lakewood Civic Centre, Shaw Centre, City Hall and now also Prairieland Park. City transit to the polls is free. Bring a mask (at the Monday polling locations masks and pens were available if you forgot).

In memory and thanks to all who fought on our behalf, including my uncle who flew with Coastal Command.

Last chance to vote!: Friday, November 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Cosmo Civic Centre, Lawson Civic Centre, Lakewood Civic Centre, Shaw Centre, and City Hall (Committee Room E).

Civic election, in response to residents concerns, polls close at 6:30 pm today. Postponed till Friday the 13th at selected sites. See news release for details. https://www.saskatoon.ca//2020-civic-election-city-takes-a Below: community in action, back alley snow team.

Snow angel and snow blower. Really deep snow so allow lots of time to get to the voting booth. The Province has authorized the returning officer to postpone voting if they wish but no sign of that yet.

Last day of door knocking? Best wishes to all, stay safe.