Responses to the LiveableYXE Survey Click on any question to see the responses from the candidates.
Karen Kobussen
Densification where it is most needed is a priority. Core neighborhoods have a disproportionate number of vacant lots, abandoned buildings and condemned houses. Not only are these unmaintained properties and lots a blight on the surrounding homes and areas, they are not contributing equally to their share of property taxes. Given the current affordable housing crisis, I will take immediate action to identify derelict or abandoned properties and underutilized city-owned land and buildings, to then enforce bylaws, and restore, repurpose and revitalize our core neighborhoods through creating housing solutions where they are needed most. Public transit and active modes of transportation must then be monitored, matched to demand and prioritized in these areas where owning a car may not be financially feasible and public transit is needed. In new areas, I will advocate for transit to be planned at concept stage, and operational as soon as they are occupied, whether as on demand, a loop connector or full route service.
Fraser Kent
There needs to be a balance of need and supply as we consider densification. We cannot simply expect residents of the city to accept higher levels of housing density without consideration of the costs economically, socially, and from an infrastructure capacity standpoint. For instance, does current infrastructure support the project as planned? Do the water, sewer, electrical, and gas connections allow for the increased demand, or are there extensive upgrades needed. Has the parking issue around the development been addressed? Have safety, noise, increased traffic, potential loss of greenspace, and social concerns been addressed? Densification is a commendable goal, but without significant community engagement our communities will become more divided. Densification projects need to reflect the character of the neighborhoods where they are situated. I support densification on a case-by-case basis in places that have received community consultation and acceptance.
The current proposals regarding the Bus Rapid Transit, along with the Housing accelerator fund have not received adequate consultation with residents of the city. Transit systems that will increase commute times for people going to work will not increase ridership. I have ideas around transit which have been successful in other cities, which should be considered. The safety of both riders and staff must be addressed in our transit system to make it a viable option going forward.
Senos Timon
I would advocate zoning amendments for mixed-use, high-density housing near transit, extend and modernize public transit including BRT networks, and invest in safer infrastructure for walking and biking. I'd also support transit-oriented construction, and educate the community to encourage sustainable transport options.
Jean Beliveau
Reducing urban sprawl
Improving access to services
Maintaining community connections
Support and develop local economies to ensure that individuals can live, work, and play in a localized area. All economic classes should have equal opportunities to thrive in a healthy and vibrant neighborhood. The values and desires of all residents must be continuously considered to foster a caring and inclusive community.
Transportation should be reliable and accessible 24 hours a day across all city areas. Different modes of transportation should work together seamlessly to provide a consistent and harmonious travel experience. Additionally, low-income individuals should receive subsidies to ensure they have easy access to transportation.
Karen Kobussen
In January 2024, Saskatchewan adopted the 2015 National Building Code, and with that, section 9.36, which deals with energy efficiency in new residential construction. Under provincial legislation, Saskatoon adopted NBC 2020 at the same time. The Energy Code (section 9.36) is a tiered pathway to achieving NetZero by 2030, with 5 "steps" or tiers that consist of increasing the energy efficiency of new homes and buildings with each progressive step (where, 1=minimum energy efficiency standards and 5=NetZero). Saskatchewan led the way in the Prairies, choosing the energy efficiency minimum standard to start at Tier 2, or 20% better than baseline energy efficiency, with Tier 3 (30% better) to be implemented January 1, 2026. New homes today are constructed to the highest energy efficiency standards, based on National Building Code, and provincial oversight and authority. Industry has adapted to changing technology and is preparing to adapt even further, with energy efficiency standards set to apply to renovations with the adoption of the 2025 NBC. With all the advances in building code, technology and performance measures, Saskatoon home builders are already exceeding energy efficiency minimums and balancing the costs passed off to consumers through utility savings, better indoor air quality and healthier homes through these efforts.
Fraser Kent
Housing affordability and sustainability must be coupled with environmental concerns. The ability of the city is limited because housing falls under provincial regulation. Where the city can have an impact is around municipal bylaws, permit approval, and red tape reduction during that approval process. People are currently struggling with affordability which leads to insecurity for homeowners and generally leads to an unsustainable market. Building material advancements have led to greater efficiency for energy consumption, and current federal and provincial government grants help with the cost of retrofitting existing housing, which should be encouraged in all cases. Regulation by mandating of certain energy saving technologies need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Because certain technologies work in one part of our country, does not necessarily translate into success in another. Regulation and implementation of those technologies need to be done at the community level and not mandated by a government that is removed from our reality.
The Housing Accelerator Fund is just that type of regulation; It is imposed by a higher level of government, and their funding is tied to the adherence to their regulations. This program doesn’t allow for innovation and locally developed solutions to our environmental, physical, and social needs. I will firmly resist if the Housing Accelerator fund encourages or allows the development of high-density housing on green space land. I would advocate for all the green spaces we currently have, and in the development stage of new neighborhoods, greenspace inclusion should be required.
Ward Two has many vacant and boarded up houses. Investigation needs to be done to the status of the property; and measures taken to, either force owners to cleanup and utilize the property, or if there are tax arrears the city should oversee the remediation of the property into affordable housing units.
Senos Timon
To ensure Saskatoon has access to environmentally and economically sustainable housing amid rising temperatures and climatic extremes, I’ll advocate for energy-efficient building designs, such as heat pumps and solar panels, while leveraging the Housing Accelerator Fund to promote affordable, eco-friendly construction. I’ll also urge urban design to focus on proximity to public transit and protect green spaces to develop resilient and sustainable communities.
Jean Beliveau
There is a need for:
High-performance insulation
Energy-efficient windows
Sustainable building materials
Incentivize builders to use solar panels and heat pumps to reduce energy costs.
HAF: New builds should minimize vehicle use by being located around public transit corridors. Additionally, these buildings must be energy-efficient and incorporate green building practices.
Greener Neighborhoods: Food forests are an excellent way to enhance green spaces with consideration for our climate.
Educational Component: It is crucial to educate the community about the benefits of living efficiently and sustainably moving forward.
Karen Kobussen
The LEC (Low Emissions Community Plan) was an ambitious goal for the City when it was first approved in 2019. Since then, funding has been allocated for plans, reports and projects to the end of 2025, and a new plan is in progress. This is again, primarily provincial and federal jurisdiction, with the National Building Code and the National Energy Code for Buildings already being implemented (2020) or in development (2025). EV's (personal) and electric bus technology is finding it's way into mainstream transportation, and that will additionally reduce GHG reduction targets. I believe the largest impact the City can have on our commitment to meet stated LEC goals is to focus on civic operations and retrofit city buildings and facilities, IF we have budget to do so. The single most pressing issue Saskatoon faces is a lack of housing, and with that, new housing and renovations to existing stock will take an innovative approach to balance the costs required to be energy efficient with the need to reduce GHG's and meet targets by 2050. This will be something that council will need to consider as we review the revised LEC Plan in late-2025.
Fraser Kent
The Low Emissions Plan focuses on mandates that are in some cases not workable in our climate and is dependent on other levels of government for funding; this gives up autonomy for communities to develop workable solutions. Requirements, for instance like requiring solar panels in new construction, or expensive energy retrofits place financial burdens on individual homeowners and business, which may never be recovered through cost savings.
In the race to electric vehicles, we have ignored transitional technology that would reduce emissions immediately. Propane powered heavy vehicles already meet future environmental standards for emissions, yet they are punished by the same carbon tax as diesel fuel and remain underutilized. Carving out an exemption for this and other transitory, existing options needs to be considered. Immediate, real, incremental emissions reductions can be achieved while still allowing development of better solutions.
Saskatchewan has limited ability to develop Hydro electric power; wind and solar have some limitations that don’t allow their use to fully supply the demand for power; so, the conversation around electrical sustainability needs to include the option of small nuclear reactors, which meet the goal of reducing emissions, while providing a safe, stable supply of energy. Saskatoon and Saskatchewan would be the beneficiary of this type of development, being a world leader in supply of Uranium. Projects that require a high level of government subsidy often die once the subsidy is removed, so projects that stand on their merit need to be pursued. We need to work towards long term sustainability which meets the goals of reduced emissions and is economically stable.
Senos Timon
I am dedicated to supporting the Low Emissions Community Plan by advocating for more comprehensive policies on renewable energy, energy-efficient infrastructure, and public engagement. However, I’ve not put much thought into this.
Jean Beliveau
Low Emissions Community Plan
As a future city councillor, I am committed to a plan that ensures our future is sustainable by creating more green jobs and protecting the neighborhoods we call home from the harmful impacts of climate change.
In my opinion, the rapid advancement of technology and the lack of proper enforcement measures are the primary reasons we are not meeting our targets.
As with many initiatives, insufficient funding is a significant factor in the lack of progress. We must develop policies that enhance enforcement and ensure technologies are focused on creating greener solutions. Additionally, we need to build collaborative partnerships with everyone in the community to guide us toward a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.
Karen Kobussen
I am opposed to the freeway, full stop. While this is also under provincial jurisdiction, and they do not need the City's endorsement or approval, as citizens we should be concerned with both the environmental and financial implications this could potentially mean for Saskatoon in the future, with added maintenance costs passed off to the taxpayers, loss of natural areas and flora/fauna and wildlife, and the negative environmental impact of GHG emissions from embodied carbon associated with a project of this size. Building this freeway will not reduce congestion, as research shows. Congestion remains constant due to induced demand. We have 10-15 years to reconsider this project, and much can (and will) change within that time.
Fraser Kent
As the city of Saskatoon grows, there is a need to consider future development and how that development interacts with the environment around it. Careful consideration needs to take place regarding designated sensitive areas. The proposed freeway has the potential to affect sensitive areas in the long term and should involve extensive consultation from our community before approval. Past development projects have been short sighted and unintended consequences have been the result. The South Circle Drive project has led to an exponential increase in both light and heavy traffic through the Avenue C intersection, resulting in commuter delays, increased accidents, and idling vehicles at stoplights, which increases our impact on our environment. At the time of construction, much of the heavy traffic could have been diverted to a westside city bypass to help alleviate some of these consequences. Dalmeny Road could have been part of that solution, but now the city has turned that thoroughfare into a low-speed access point for some new developments. Expansion of that road would not have impacted sensitive areas on the west side of the city. Many Ward Two residents are now directly affected by these past decisions every day. Careful consideration of future projects, guided by the success or failure of projects in ours or other cities, needs to go into our decision-making process.
Senos Timon
I apologize, but I’m unfamiliar with the Saskatoon Freeway project. However, I am eager to learn more about the project and its potential impact on the Northeast and Small Swales ecosystems.
Jean Beliveau
We must find a balance that does not come at the expense of our natural ecosystems
The Northeast and Small Swales are vital habitats that support a diverse range of wildlife and contribute to our city's overall ecological health.
We have the chance to set a precedent and build a city that prospers economically and environmentally.
Karen Kobussen
I believe Saskatoon does a really good job at being inviting, welcoming and inclusive. Through partnerships with organizations like Open Door Society, Global Gathering Place, Saskatchewan Intercultural Association, and through close connections with Indigenous Governments, the City has created a welcoming and supportive environment for the population it serves. Saskatoon currently invests about $12M/year in arts, culture and community supports, but the latest budget reveals a decline in the number of community events held, lower attendance at festivals (paid admissions) and, decreased use of recreation facilities by lower-income families and individuals. I think we may need to look at this trend of decline, and find ways to re-engage and activate our citizens in culture, recreational and social programming.
Fraser Kent
Ward Two is perhaps one of the most culturally diverse wards in the city. We need to foster that mosaic and recognize diversity, understanding we all belong to the Human Race with each person exhibiting different expressions of various traits. Each person needs to be free to live out those differences in safety from violence, discrimination, and prejudice. Many people in Ward Two will not have the privilege to vote in this civic election, being either recent arrivals or permanent residents. Engagement and inclusion of this group of people will help inform decisions by learning from the life experiences gained prior to arrival in our city. First Nation engagement must be sought as the city moves forward. Their rich culture and identity enhance the lives of all citizens of this city.
Senos Timon
To make Saskatoon a varied, inclusive, and attractive environment, it's vital to promote accessible services, equitable opportunities, and culturally sensitive programming that celebrates the city's diverse communities. Promoting intercultural relationships, supporting mental health efforts, and ensuring that public spaces encourage a sense of belonging for everyone are vital to building a welcoming and healthy environment for all inhabitants. I have done substantial work on this topic and just delivered a report to the City of Saskatoon on creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Jean Beliveau
Making Ward 2 More Diverse, Strong, and Vibrant
Creating a greener environment to promote healthy living in the ward.
Ensuring feelings of safety and security through mutual respect.
Fostering skill development to help individuals reach their full potential.
Developing policies to support entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Engaging with all community members to contribute to building our neighborhood.
Promoting and building upon the rich and diverse community already present.
Karen Kobussen
The DEED, like any mega-project, will not save our City. The core neighborhoods are in decline – deteriorating infrastructure, issues around lack of safety and our sense of community wellbeing is eroding. Public sector economic development is the process by which the well-being and quality of life of a city, local community, or individuals are improved according to targeted goals and objectives of social outcomes. My platform includes three pillars: 1) Transparent Municipal Accounting. In recent years, the plans, goals and vision of the City have mainly been based on large scale “mega-projects”, over-reliance on federal and provincial funding, lack of basic infrastructure maintenance budgeting and over-hiring at City Hall. We are at a critical juncture in our City’s financial solvency. If elected, I will ensure to inform citizens of the actual state of city finances, and work to restructure the budget with identified priorities that will bring about positive change not only in the future, but in the here and now. 2) Safe and Productive Streets. We all deserve to feel safe in our communities. In our homes. And on our streets. Increasingly, Ward 2 residents are seeing rising crime, public misconduct, theft and vandalism. I would like to see police become decentralized, and walk around areas that are of concern to seniors and vulnerable people as a way to alleviate their fears. 3) Solvent Land Use. Vacant spaces, city-owned land, right-of-ways and underutilized buildings, are properties are just sitting, there, not collecting any tax revenue. This leaves all taxpayers to subsidize this wasted space. Property tax is the only way a city generates revenue to support ALL the services it needs to offer that are not a utility – street sweeping, park maintenance and snow removal are three main examples. I will continue to support development of city-owned land that will generate revenue and provide a return on investment for all tax payers.
Fraser Kent
Municipal spending priorities need to focus primarily on the infrastructure we have already invested in. e.g., we have the Harry Bailey Pool that is currently unusable, which stretches the capacity of other facilities in the city beyond their limits. Forward planning has failed in the city by not anticipating the life, scope, and cost of repair of that facility. We cannot neglect the infrastructure we have to the point that it is uneconomical to upgrade and renovate, just so we can engage in another expensive building project. The DEED project currently has a projected budget of $1.2 billion. That is a figure that will certainly rise and deserves much greater public input before implementation. Discussion has not included the possibility of renovation of SaskTel Centre, beyond comments that if renovations are undertaken the residents of Saskatoon will have to bear the costs alone. Fiscal responsibility would dictate that all options are explored and the greatest good for all the citizens of Saskatoon would be undertaken.
Senos Timon
Since the Downtown Event & Entertainment District (DEED) project has been approved to proceed, I am not opposed to development, but my main concern is the cost. If given the opportunity to serve the residents of Ward 2 and Saskatoon, I will ensure that whatever agreement is in place does not burden taxpayers with additional costs.
Jean Beliveau
This subject is quite controversial. As I was not on council when the decision was made to move forward with this, I will reserve comment at this time. I will say the majority of residents in Ward 2 are flatly against it. Building a more equitable, sustainable, and vibrant community should be our primary focus. This includes ensuring affordable housing for all.
All members of our community should have easy access to higher education.
Healthcare should address mental health issues and provide a specialized approach to any health concerns within the community.
Public transit should be encouraged in an environmentally friendly manner.
Economic equity must be fostered to ensure that all community members have equal opportunities.
Public safety is already being discussed, but it needs to become a higher priority to promote healthier communities.
Finally, the community should be involved in all decision-making processes that affect us all.
Karen Kobussen
The solution to homelessness is housing. As an act of reconciliation, my plan to address homelessness is to call for and enact bylaws that will lead to strict enforcement of vacant and abandoned, boarded up and condemned properties (up to and including seizure without compensation, similar to Winnipeg), which will then be turned over (at low- or no-cost) to Indigenous and not-for-profit housing providers who will turn them into housing for those in need, especially in core neighborhoods. Property owners have a right to keep their properties vacant, but they must keep them maintained and visually acceptable. The blight these eyesores have on the surrounding homes and the community as a whole brings down everyone's property values. There are over 35 vacant, abandoned and boarded up homes in Pleasant Hill alone, with dozens of vacant lots and land parcels that could very quickly be renovated, repurposed or rebuilt into housing for the families and individuals who need it urgently. According to the 2022 Point in Time Count, addictions and mental health was reported by 80% of individuals as the RESULT of losing their housing, NOT the cause of it. 31.4% cited "not enough income" as their reason for becoming un-housed. Currently, a Saskatoon based Indigenous housing provider has over 600 people (individuals and families combined) on their waiting list. The City of Saskatoon, Council and Administration can solve this for the majority of unhoused people by taking title on land and buildings, divesting in city-owned land, and providing these buildings and properties to housing providers to build, renovate and repurpose as soon as possible. This will be the very first issue I address as Ward 2 Councilor, as these are solutions that we can absolutely act on quickly, especially with city-owned land.
Fraser Kent
Homelessness is a multifaceted problem in our community and some of the leading causes of why people are homeless include mental challenges, drug addiction, alcoholism, and financial hardship. Homelessness cannot be accepted as a way of life but needs have to be addressed in ways that allow people caught in this lifestyle to transition into permanent solutions. Key players must be involved to support and help alleviate the root causes, and not simply throw money at the problem in the hope that something works. People’s life experiences of overcoming some of the challenges should help inform our choices. Healthcare professionals, Indigenous organizations, Police, Paramedics/Fire, Education providers, and all levels of government must begin working together for the good of the people affected, ignoring their own self interests. Abandoned, boarded up properties are numerous in Ward Two, and need to be utilized as a part of the solution. This is not a total solution, but one that can have rapid impact and is a good starting point.
Senos Timon
To address homelessness in Saskatoon, I'll advocate for a Housing First approach that should be prioritized, paired with comprehensive support services like mental health care, addiction treatment, poverty reduction, re-zoning for shelters, domestic violence support, and expanded access to substance abuse treatment programs.
Jean Beliveau
I have a plan to address the critical issue of homelessness in our community in a comprehensive and compassionate manner.
There are many boarded-up houses in Ward 2. Let’s start by renovating these properties and then assisting individuals in securing stable housing.
A comprehensive approach involves not only providing housing but also addressing mental health and addiction treatment, job training, and other essential social services.
The "Housing First" model should be our guiding principle. To effectively combat homelessness, we must also tackle root causes such as poverty, injustice, discrimination, and intergenerational trauma.