The projects, studies and initiatives that need to be completed in order to further develop Saskatoon’s downtown have been laid out in this year’s City Centre and District Plan, which was approved unanimously by the city’s Governance and Priorities Commitee on Wednesday.
Ian Williamson, senior project planner for the City of Saskatoon, says the new plan builds on the now-outdated document from 2013, and includes several long-term proposals to improve all five districts of the city centre, which are the DEED, the warehouse district, River Landing, the historic downtown and the area around Spadina Crescent.
He adds that the plan identifies streetscape projects, catalyst facilities, green spaces and transportation opportunities that share a common goal of attracting more residential and commercial development in the downtown core.
“The proposed event centre will energize the city centre and district, creating a next-generation entertainment destination. An expanded and renovation contention centre and theatre will better accommodate modern event needs and activate surrounding public spaces, and additionally the new central library will serve as a vital social infrastructure, driving economic growth.”
There are also three streetscape projects outlines in the report.
“Twenty-second street will be redesigned to include wider sidewalks, and it will create space for large gatherings and community events. Improvements to Idylwyld Drive aligned with the Imagine Idylwyld Drive concept will strengthen connections between westside neighborhoods, Riversdale and downtown, making travel easier and more efficient.”
Twenty-third street is slated to be transformed into an urban-linear greenway. This will connect downtown with the Meewasin trail.
There are no funding requirements right now, however, if the plan is approved at the City council meeting later this month, Administration would prepare a report outlining what would be needed to execute the plan which would be presented during 2025-26 budget deliberations.
A public information session will be held on September 17th at Midtown Plaza.
