It’s important to have the plans ready to go, because time is of the essence. That from the executive director of Downtown Saskatoon about the possibility of a new arena and convention centre downtown, as part of a Downtown Event and Entertainment District. Brent Penner notes that Saskatoon doesn’t get some of the larger performing acts right now because SaskTel Centre isn’t big enough and Regina is thinking of a larger indoor arena. He would rather if acts are looking for a spot to perform between Manitoba and Alberta, that the choice would be Saskatoon.

Penner adds that the convention facilities at TCU Place are in need of upgrading and more space. The current facilities can’t accommodate the larger conventions and conferences, which would bring people in to stay in hotels here, and shop and dine here.

Downtown Saskatoon’s executive director understands that there is a cost to this project and some of that will come from tax dollars. He says, we need to decide as a community whether we reinvest to stay vital and bring in the acts and people who generate the money. Other examples for funding, Penner suggests are ticket surcharges, government grants, a hotel tax, and a modest rental car tax.

The City recently established a Downtown Event and Entertainment District Advisory group to foster connections between business, community partners, the provincial government and the City. Penner hopes they will have some solid direction and a potential timeline for the project by mid-summer.

Downtown Saskatoon is advocating for a new downtown arena and convention centre, and has launched a promotional campaign to explore how Saskatoon can make it work. The conversation has begun on its social media channels.