Executive/Council Briefs

Robert Thomas

Executive received reports from four Citizens Advisory Committees.

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The advisory committee had a delegation of residents from Iron Bridge request a pedestrian crossing from the development across Thatcher Drive. The delegation was made up of Shea Jamieson, Mike Daniel and Darryl New.

Jamieson spoke about safety for people crossing Thatcher Drive, especially children, now that a community group was donating playground equipment for the public park open to all residents.
Daniel spoke about the safety of his grandchildren crossing Thatcher.

New spoke about Thatcher being a truck route and the need to ensure the safety of the elderly and the disabled.

All wanted pedestrian crossing controls across the street.

Administration said that a traffic warrant study is on the list of things to complete. The delegation was also advised Administration would be checking with Iron Bridge’s developer about their plans for a pedestrian crossing.

CULTURAL DIVERSITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The committee received delegates from the Atamiskakewak Gathering held April 23 – April 28.
The committee also discussed a Welcoming and Inclusive Community held May 5th.
Also the committee received and filed the resignation email of committee member Tracy Moody.

SPECIAL NEEDS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The committee discussed a study to update the 2004-2005 Accessibility Guide. The assessment criteria and honorarium to Sask Polytechnic was discussed.

The issue was tabled until the next advisory committee meeting.

An email was discussed from Judy Havers regarding disability access to ride buses. Snow and ice were said to piling up on the accessibility ramps.

The committee also discussed follow up of an earlier motion to have blind person signage be erected in the Palliser Heights area.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
The 15 member commission barely made quorum, with only eight members in attendance.
Business commentator Paul Martin gave a presentation in economic opportunities which included China, the Global Transportation Hub and First Nations business opportunities.

A report was presented looking into the Province’s employment statistics in the City.
A motion was made for the two local MLAs to attend Economic Development Commission meetings.

Jim Dixon, Economic Development Officer, gave an update of his activities.

This included the provincial departments of agriculture and economy introducing nine different investor groups seeking to invest $30 million to $200 million in various agri-business ventures. The area they were introduced to is the new south-east industrial park.

Dixon’s report also included the budget for various initiatives.