Responses to the LiveableYXE Survey Click on any question to see the responses from the candidates.
Robert Pearce
One of the critical questions is how do we do densification responsibly. In many of Saskatoon’s core communities, densification involving infill is going to potentially be problematic as the core infrastructure was not designed for the potential population growth densification would bring. However, going forward I see Stonebridge and Kensington make great examples of combining residential, commercial and recreational spaces, and I think new developments especially need to consider such concepts.
In terms of transit, it’s a well established fact our transit service has a lot to be desired. Routes are often not helpful, rider and operator safety is always a concern, and it’s clear there needs to be some changes. Many people in Ward 3 rely on our transit system, and if elected I’ll work with transit users, Council and Saskatoon Transit to help find better solutions for all concerned so that using the bus will be more readily considered as a safe, efficient and reliable option!
I will also support responsible plans that provide for the safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers to ensure Saskatoon is an accessible city that encourages active transport.
Mike San Miguel
I would support higher-density housing, particularly in areas near transit corridors and commercial hubs. Mixed-use developments, which combine residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, can help reduce urban sprawl while creating vibrant, walkable communities. In addition I would support the expansion of transit routes, improved frequency, and infrastructure upgrades that make public transportation a more attractive option for residents. Walking, biking, e-scooters should be safe, convenient, and accessible options for everyone and it is important to have an interconnected network of cycling infrastructure in the future that encourages more people to choose biking & e-scooters as a mode of transportation as it reduces traffic congestion, promotes healthy living, and makes Saskatoon a more accessible city for everyone.
Robert Pearce
I’ve been watching and visiting my neighbour as he builds his new house on the empty lot on our crescent, and it’s amazing the massive changes in the materials for building homes and how they are so environmentally friendly. As such, I see the marketplace and the materials available, along with building codes, already help in this regard.
I do believe the Provincial and Federal governments need to work harder on creating better, more consistent programs that positively and economically encourage homeowners to embrace more efficient heating and cooling systems, residential solar power options, and improving insulation, windows, etc. in older homes.
As to green spaces, to me they are a necessity for every community! I regularly made use of the parks around my home to go for walks, play disc golf, etc. before the shelter in Fairhaven opened and it became unsafe to do so.
In regards to the HAF, I confess I have reservations about it. Being forced to make a decision without the Federal Government providing all the details and conditions is not the way deals should be done. If we’re investing in affordable housing, then let’s invest in it and let the cities use that investment most effectively. What I can promise is I’ll support any responsible program or project that ensures affordable, sustainable and safe housing is a priority in Saskatoon!
Mike San Miguel
I would support the adoption of green building standards and energy-efficient technologies in both new developments and retrofits of existing homes. This could include better insulation, energy-efficient windows, and renewable energy systems like solar panels. These upgrades reduce energy costs and make homes more resilient to environmental changes. In addition, it will be important to leverage the Housing Accelerator Fund while developing and strengthening partnerships between the city, developers, non-governmental and non-profit organizations to create affordable housing that also meets high environmental standards. Offering incentives, such as tax abatement or grants, for sustainable construction practices can help ensure that eco-friendly housing is accessible to everyone, not just higher-income residents.
Robert Pearce
I confess I’m not an expert in this area, but the goals of reduced emissions and economic growth need to go hand in hand as we can’t responsibly have one without the other. Undoubtedly the covid pandemic played a huge impact in missing some targets not just in Saskatoon, but across the globe! Added to that, As I speak with businesses in the City, I do know some of the goals have not been met because there are significant up front investments often required, and some goals were not well communicated or are not easily translated into practical actions.
As we continue forward, we need to have the LECP in the forefront of our considerations for growth and development, try and find creative ways for implementation costs to not be burden, and ensure these goals can be reasonably and responsibly met in the future!
Mike San Miguel
While I may not be an expert on low emissions and targets, I firmly believe that addressing climate change is crucial to securing a healthy and sustainable future for all Saskatoon residents. My main concern with the current Low Emissions Plan is its potential financial impact on local businesses and residents. It’s essential that we balance environmental goals with economic realities to ensure the plan is fair and feasible. To get the plan back on track, we need to prioritize accountability by implementing transparent progress reporting and setting realistic, achievable timelines. I would also strongly advocate for greater community engagement, empowering residents with incentives to adopt greener practices. Securing additional funding and forging partnerships with both the federal and provincial governments will be critical to supporting infrastructure improvements, expanding public transit, investing in renewable energy, and retrofitting buildings to enhance energy efficiency.
Robert Pearce
Anytime we do construction, road works, etc., we have to consider every aspect of the project, especially the environmental impact. In terms of this specific project and the potential damage to this area, I believe we need to revisit this decision from last May and ensure the Province does a full environmental study, along with real public consultation as soon as it is reasonable before any future decision is made.
As the actual construction for this will not be started for 10-15 years, we should make the most of this time to ensure we are doing this responsibly, and I’d also advocate for real expert knowledge in this area to be a part of the decision making process going forward!
Mike San Miguel
I am not familiar with the full details of the Saskatoon Freeway project as currently proposed. But with a vision for Saskatoon 10 to 15 years from now infrastructure improvements are necessary for the city's growth, but should not come at the expense of our natural environment. These swales are home to unique that contribute to the natural heritage of Saskatoon. Once disrupted, such habitats are difficult—if not impossible—to restore. We need to prioritize sustainability and find alternatives that both support infrastructure development and protect these crucial environmental areas. I would recommend a thorough environmental assessment and explore options to reroute the freeway or adopt other mitigation measures that preserve the integrity of the swales. It’s essential to strike a balance between economic progress and environmental preservation to ensure that future generations can benefit from both.
Robert Pearce
I have worked alongside the Saskatoon Open Door Society in helping them deliver their programs for clothing exchanges, art therapy programs, etc. in Fairhaven, and we have been very active for several years now helping many refugees from Ukraine in finding a place to live, finding work, transportation, etc., and helping the Homeless in our community who come from all over the Prairies.
Saskatoon itself is an incredibly diverse city and as we need to celebrate it and focus on the things that unite us. In Ward 3, as the shelter located in Fairhaven has affected thousands of people throughout the ward, I’ve noticed that the things that could divide us are no longer a factor, but the only things that matter are working together for the common things we all desire: everyone wants to be welcomed, everyone wants to feel safe, and everyone wants to enjoy personal liberty in their pursuits!
As a city, these are the things that need to be encouraged as a diverse people come to live together. We’re all human beings, and we all have a basic needs, and we should want everyone in Saskatoon to enjoy those things as well!
Mike San Miguel
Engaging with Indigenous and multicultural organizations and communities is essential to making Saskatoon a more inclusive and inviting place to live and work. An Elder once shared with me the importance of preserving one's cultural heritage, language, and traditions, and how sharing these cultural differences can help unite the people of Saskatoon. The City of Saskatoon has made significant strides with initiatives like the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee, which helps foster engagement and raise awareness within our communities.
Building future projects with cultural sensitivity and inclusiveness is also key. A great example of this is the collaboration between the Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI) and developers on the Round Prairie Elders’ Lodge. This project beautifully incorporates Métis traditions, strengthening the identity of the Métis people and proudly showcasing their cultural heritage in Saskatoon.
Looking ahead, I would love to see the creation of a financially feasible multicultural indoor and outdoor space that incorporates Indigenous and cultural design elements. This would be a space where both cultural and conventional sports can be played, and where cultural celebrations can take place—open and welcoming to all residents of Saskatoon. By investing in such spaces, we can further enhance the city's commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Robert Pearce
The approach I’d like to see with municipal spending and investment is simple – I think we need to start with a proper list of municipal responsibilities and priorities, complete a line by line review of all city expenditures, and determine exactly what we are spending, where we are spending it, and weigh it responsibly to the core responsibilities of the City with priority to ensuring core services are properly delivered, communities are safe, etc.
As for the DEED, I think we need to do some downtown renewal, but I’m against the way we have been approaching the DEED because it’s been a questionable process to date. For example:
– The Downtown Improvement Committee has been meeting for quite some time, and yet all their meetings have been “in camera”, meaning private meetings with no recorded minutes. This is likely going to be the most expensive project the city has ever done, and there is no public meetings for accountability,
– There is already a negotiation for a 25 year management contract with a US based company to manage the new arena before we even had a cost analysis of the project, and the contract has been found by a resident expert (Ken Wood, long time Executive Director of Sask. Place) to be a very unfavourable deal for Saskatoon,
– The recently approved cost of $1.2B is likely unrealistic when considering every capital project to date (PA Hospital expansion, downtown library, Harry Bailey renovations, etc.) have all started at a fraction of what they are now costing to complete, the DEED will not even be starting for a number of years, etc.
It’s time to pump the brakes on this, do a complete review and ensure it can actually be done responsibly and without putting financial hardship on the residents and businesses of Saskatoon!
Mike San Miguel
While the district may seem like a boost to our city's economy and entertainment landscape, with the current funding strategy, it is a project I am unable to support.
The significant cost of this project poses a financial risk in my opinion as Saskatoon is already facing challenges with infrastructure, affordable housing, and rising property taxes. Committing vast resources to this district could divert much-needed funds away from essential services like snow removal, road repairs and transit.
While I recognize the potential cultural and economic opportunities, I believe we must prioritize investments that address the pressing needs of our community.
Instead of focusing on large-scale developments, we should invest in grassroots programs, affordable housing, and local business support, which provide long-term benefits to our residents.
Ultimately, as a candidate for Ward 3, I believe in a balanced approach that ensures the well-being of all Saskatoon residents before investing in a project of this magnitude.
Robert Pearce
Living and working in Fairhaven within 300 meters or so of the shelter for the past 22 months, and helping many of the Homeless in our community as well as previously along 20th Street, addressing homelessness and the surrounding issues involved needs to be a priority. I have already been advocating for over 17 months with other community members and possible stakeholders for the Homeless so the Province will deliver real solutions that invest in people, such as:
– Those with complex needs (untreated mental illnesses, severe addictions, FAS, etc.) need proper, long term treatment facilities throughout the Province,
– Emergency shelters should not be in residential areas, but in safe, properly zoned locations with wrap around services available either onsite, or close proximity, with a staffing ratio of 1:5, proper bathroom and shower facilities, food services, etc.,
– Transitional housing should be created for those wanting to get off the streets and do not have complex needs, centrally managed by Social Services for clients registered with a plan for wrap around services and support, and able to stay there for a number of months so they have a permanent address to get ID, support, etc. until they are back on their feet.
– Social Assistance needs to be a livable amount, and possibly involve trustees to help clients who can’t manage their own finances so landlords and utilities get paid, clients can learn to manage their money, etc.
While the responsibility does rest with the Province, the city is tasked by the Province to determine appropriate sites for shelters so we can better help the vulnerable in our city by doing everything possible to find safe and appropriate locations that are not in residential communities, develop sound bylaws for shelters that properly define their operation, specify parameters like appropriate staffing levels, proper wrap around support, etc. and ensuring the safety of the Homeless and the residents of this city.
Mike San Miguel
Finding a solution for housing the homeless requires collaboration from a wide range of stakeholders.
First and foremost, the voices of those experiencing homelessness should be included, as their insights are critical to developing effective, sustainable solutions.
All levels of government officials, community organizations, and social services must play a key role in driving policy and allocating resources available. Non-profit housing providers and advocates for affordable housing should also be at the table to help identify and create viable housing options.
I would like to see the engagement with healthcare professionals, including mental health and addiction specialists, is vital, as many individuals experiencing homelessness face complex health challenges. Law enforcement and public safety officials should also contribute, ensuring that solutions are equitable and safe for both the homeless population and the broader community.
Finding a safe location is difficult and setting proper policies and procedures is important to make sure that it's safe for the unhoused and the area a development could be located.
There are a lot of discussions on how to address homelessness and not one organization or one person can find a solution.
Earlier this year I was in the City of Kelowna and I took some time to visit a tiny home project “STEP PLACE” which stands for Supported Transitional Housing with Embedded Programming that encompasses 60 (60 sq ft) single unit homes developed in a safe and stable environment that was completed in just over 4 months from its initial presentation.
This is a project I could see develop for Saskatoon with the collaboration of the provincial government, as the City of Saskatoon has land that can be utilized.