After kyboshing a proposed partnership with OVG360 earlier in the year, the City of Saskatoon is now entertaining Muskeg Lake Cree Nation as the managing and operating entity of the Downtown Event and Entertainment District.

On June 24th, City Administration will present details to Council in hopes of gaining its approval to begin negotiations. The report states that, “Early discussions with representatives from Muskeg Lake Cree Nation have identified opportunities that could extend beyond entertainment and hospitality development to include an operating partnership for the new convention centre and event centre, with the lands for these venues potentially established as new urban reserves within Saskatoon.”

MLCR has already established an urban reserve in Saskatoon. The City is home to Canada’s first commercial urban reserve, established in 1988.

If approved by council, the negotiation work is anticipated to include defining the proposed partnership structure, roles and responsibilities, land and development arrangements, operating opportunities, and any financial or legal implications requiring future approval.

Once negotiations have progressed to the point where the key terms are sufficiently defined, the Administration would report back to City Council with the details of the proposed partnership.