Director of Municipal Affairs & Policy Monitoring

Director of Municipal Affairs & Policy Monitoring

Primary Mandate: To serve as the strategic link between the FSAA and the City of Saskatoon’s governing bodies. This role ensures our conservation goals are aligned with municipal priorities and that we are proactive in advocating for the forests.  (This is a volunteer two year term)

Key Responsibilities:

• Monitor SPC Meetings: Regularly attend (virtual or in person) or review the agendas and minutes of the Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services Standing Policy Committee (SPC). This is where critical decisions on climate change, water, and waste—which directly impact our 194 hectares (480 acres)—are first debated.

  
  

  Monitor Rural Municipality RM and Town Hall Meetings: Regularly attend or review the agendas and minutes of the Clavet area. This is where critical decisions on climate change, water, and waste—which directly impact our 13 hectares (5 acres)—are first debated.

• City Council Watch: Track City Council meetings for topics regarding land use, "Green Network" expansions, and municipal heritage designations related to the Richard St. Barbe Baker and George Genereux areas.

• Conference & Symposium Envoy: Monitor and, where possible, attend relevant environmental and municipal conferences. Report back to the Board on emerging trends in urban forestry, biodiversity, and non-profit governance.  Report on means of participation with poster, presentation or speaker.

• Strategic Reporting: Provide a monthly "Policy Pulse" brief to the Board, identifying upcoming motions or reports where the FSAA should submit a letter of support or request to speak as a delegation.

• UNEP Alignment: Ensure that local municipal policies being tracked are cross-referenced with our UNEP accreditation goals, helping the City of Saskatoon see how our local forests contribute to international sustainability targets.

Why this role is critical for the FSAA:

Decisions at the SPC level often move quickly. By having a dedicated board member monitoring these meetings, the FSAA can:

1. Intercept Issues: Catch potential rezoning or utility projects near the afforestation areas before they are finalized.

2. Highlight Success: Ensure that the Clavet Memorial Forest (5 hectares / 12.35 acres) is recognized in the Rural Municipality, Town hall climate reports as a key contributor to the rural area’s canopy goals.

3. Build Relationships: Become a familiar face to the City Councillors who sit on the Environment SPC, positioning the FSAA as a "trusted advisor" rather than just an outside group.

 #YXE #Saskatoon #YVECivic #Policy"