Wildwood Golf Course
City Administration will be moving forward with a feasibility study on the relocation of Wildwood Golf Course.
Ward 10 Councilor Zach Jeffries proposed the idea to make room for additional residential housing. He hoped a feasibility study would help determine the short- and long-term financial implications of the move, and how redevelopment could contribute to corridor planning and infill development targets.
However, Saskatoon residents weren’t having it, with fourteen people submitting angry or disappointed comments. Councilor Jeffries took some time to clarify his intentions.
“There’s going to be no loss of affordable, high-quality golf in our city. Something might be a few minutes further to the east in the future, but that replacement course would have to be better than what we have today. That’s important.” He adds that a replacement course would have to be ready before the take-down of the old course.
Councilor Scott Ford says he understands the intent behind his motion.
“I don’t think it’s coming from a bad place, but I do have concerns about the direction it sets and the signals it sends, particularly when we’re talking about a function, well-used asset.”
Councilors Pearce, Davies, Ford, Dubious and Mayor Block voted against the feasibility study, but the motion was passed 6-5.
Avenue C Warming Shelter
A member of the Riversdale Business Improvement District is urging City Council to rethink the Avenue C South warming shelter that is expected to open on Monday.
Dentist at Pleasant Hill Dental Centre Ephthymia Kutsogiannis says there was a lack of engagement between the City and area-businesses regarding the $805,000 project, which was confirmed just one month ago.
“Warming centres and drop-in centres are detrimental to the businesses and residents in the Riversdale area. Detrimental in economics, safety, security, physical and emotional aspects. Shelters and drop–in centres only treat the symptom temporarily. We need to get to the root of the problem.”
She adds that there is a disproportionate number of social agencies in the area already, and adding another will worsen the social situation. She suggests placing the new shelter on the east side or the outskirts of the city.
Despite her comments, the lease agreement and a tax exemption were approved for the shelter, meaning the city will not collect $1,540 per month in property tax and the Province will pay all utilities.
