It’s funny, and almost scary, how fast time can fly. Here we are in 2018 talking about how Saskatoon’s arena, SaskTel Centre and our convention centre, TCU Place, have reached their “best before” dates and deliberations are underway as to how to replace or at worst upgrade these venues. I was looking back at a Coffeetalk I did 12 years ago this month, April 2006, in which I said how these are exciting times in the city with signs that things are on the move and changing. Drive down 22nd Street East and see how TCU Place, the former Centennial Auditorium, expansion project is shaping up. Our Arts and Convention Centre is literally doubling in size and by June will be ready to handle just about any local, national or even international convention or meeting. Then there is the continuing expansion of Prairieland Park, enhancing its ability to host trade shows, banquets and conventions. The downtown riverfront development continues to take shape and the casino project at Whitecap south of town is proceeding as we speak. And, of course, let’s not forget we have the largest indoor venue in the province (then) called Credit Union Centre without which we wouldn’t be able to attract the big name entertainers we do now. That was 2006 and now it’s 2018. The city has grown substantially, touring concerts and shows need ever bigger and better equipped venues, and some conventions need larger facilities. Worst of all I’m 12 years older.
That’s Coffeetalk. I’m Vic Dubois.