Saskatoon Construction III

[prairieguy]

Originally Posted by Crisis

Beyond further study, I'm predicting that there will be acknowledgement that the status quo is not acceptable, but there is also not funds available for a "wish list" project such as a new arena, so additional money should be allocated for ongoing upkeep and renovations to the existing facility.

I agree with most of what Crisis has said. Even if there is a recommendation to pursue a downtown facility of some kind, it is not like City Council is going to say "Ok...let's build it!". Once a recommendation is made, it will be up to council to then develop a plan to actualize it. That, unfortunately, could take years.

Too bad we did not have a philanthropist like Remai, who is as passionate about a downtown arena as she is about art and culture!

[roryn1]

would it be premature to create an arena thread?

[nook]

Originally Posted by roryn1

would it be premature to create an arena thread?

I wouldn’t think so. Based on the reaction and general enthusiasm by council, I think this report is truly step one.

It will get done. It might not be an arena/convention centre, and it might not be downtown if it’s just an arena, but it’ll get there.

[Dalreg]

Originally Posted by nook

I wouldn’t think so. Based on the reaction and general enthusiasm by council, I think this report is truly step one.

It will get done. It might not be an arena/convention centre, and it might not be downtown if it’s just an arena, but it’ll get there.

No information other than a report is a bit suss.

Can I start a thread for the new stadium being built on the University Grounds?

[nook]

Originally Posted by Dalreg

No information other than a report is a bit suss.

Can I start a thread for the new stadium being built on the University Grounds?

Or perhaps a general "New Saskatoon Arena(s)" thread. I'd like to see some interior renderings of Belscher Place... Haven't seen any yet.

[Dalreg]

Originally Posted by nook

Or perhaps a general "New Saskatoon Arena(s)" thread. I'd like to see some interior renderings of Belscher Place... Haven't seen any yet.

I was talking about the future CFL stadium....

[nook]

Originally Posted by Dalreg

I was talking about the future CFL stadium....

Well you know that one won't happen.

[Dalreg]

May happen before a new arena?

[Crisis]

Originally Posted by Crisis

Beyond further study, I'm predicting that there will be acknowledgement that the status quo is not acceptable, but there is also not funds available for a "wish list" project such as a new arena, so additional money should be allocated for ongoing upkeep and renovations to the existing facility.

Well, I did get one part right:

“The status quo is not an option,” a consultant told Saskatoon city council of the city’s current arena and convention centre.

Here's the link to the S-P story on the report:
http://thestarphoenix.com/news/local...-option-report

And here's the report:
https://postmediathestarphoenix2.fil...ena-report.pdf

[micheal]

I think with a good reno and creating more access points to get in and out it will be a fantastic facility! It's still relatively in good shape compared to the Brandt centre which is looking pretty rough.

[prairieguy]

I think the challenge that will face the city is the direct comparison of costs between reno's and new facility downtown. They need to present a strong business case, as has been identified already in this report, that consideration has to go beyond building costs and look to economic impact to city. Perhaps the Broadway, Dowtown and Riversdale Business District boards need to step forward to support the downtown option, as it could directly impact the vibrancy of these areas. And perhaps, this support needs to go further then just "spoken support", but maybe there is a minimal 'entertainment district' tax that could be applied that demonstrates their commitment and support.

Just brainstorming here..... really want to see the downtown option progress!

[Brutopian]

*There's a good video report in this article*

New arena and convention centre recommended for Saskatoon

By Wendy Winiewski, Global News
March 19, 2018

Replacement of SaskTel Centre and TCU Place is recommended rather than renovations or status quo. The suggestion comes from a report commissioned jointly by three consultants and presented Monday afternoon at the city’s governance and priorities committee meeting.

The cost to replace the Saskatoon facilities is estimated at $330 million to $375 million.

[........]

Read more:
https://globalnews.ca/news/4091718/n...tre-tcu-place/

[YXE]

Originally Posted by prairieguy

I think the challenge that will face the city is the direct comparison of costs between reno's and new facility downtown. They need to present a strong business case, as has been identified already in this report, that consideration has to go beyond building costs and look to economic impact to city. Perhaps the Broadway, Dowtown and Riversdale Business District boards need to step forward to support the downtown option, as it could directly impact the vibrancy of these areas. And perhaps, this support needs to go further then just "spoken support", but maybe there is a minimal 'entertainment district' tax that could be applied that demonstrates their commitment and support.

Just brainstorming here..... really want to see the downtown option progress!

You hit it spot on. Your point is exactly what I have been trying to articulate to my friends and family. Your point is also why I worry about directly comparing costs of a reno vs a new build DT, because a new build will generate an unknown amount of additional business activity in the area. Not to say that we would have the same benefits as Edmonton from building DT, but look at what has happened there!

I'm confident that city council understands the bigger picture at play here; however, I worry that there will be so much public outcry that they will pull back on the idea. Look at how many people were crying about Remai Modern. Some people, unfortunately, struggle to see the bigger picture and associated benefits.

[mitchellk12]

Originally Posted by YXE

You hit it spot on. Your point is exactly what I have been trying to articulate to my friends and family. Your point is also why I worry about directly comparing costs of a reno vs a new build DT, because a new build will generate an unknown amount of additional business activity in the area. Not to say that we would have the same benefits as Edmonton from building DT, but look at what has happened there!

I'm confident that city council understands the bigger picture at play here; however, I worry that there will be so much public outcry that they will pull back on the idea. Look at how many people were crying about Remai Modern. Some people, unfortunately, struggle to see the bigger picture and associated benefits.

the people who cry and outburst are only thinking of themselves and how its affecting them. they dont consider the future new businesses, the economy, or how it affects other people and the positive impact it could have on a city.

i think the city knows the amount of outburst that will happen , on whatever decision will be made. In the end, i think the Downtown arena will be built. We have too many infill strategies, BRT plans and development opportunities to pass this project up, the city from what it seems like is really beginning to change how we develop.

[YXE]

Originally Posted by mitchellk12

the people who cry and outburst are only thinking of themselves and how its affecting them. they dont consider the future new businesses, the economy, or how it affects other people and the positive impact it could have on a city.

i think the city knows the amount of outburst that will happen , on whatever decision will be made. In the end, i think the Downtown arena will be built. We have too many infill strategies, BRT plans and development opportunities to pass this project up, the city from what it seems like is really beginning to change how we develop.

Completion some time between 2025-2028? Let's play the guessing game

[Wyku]

I was surprised to see the poll results on the CTV Saskatoon News last night--I guess the scary "what about parking?!?" has a real effect on people:

Would you like to see an arena built in downtown Saskatoon?
Yes - 738 (37 %)
No - 1261 (63 %)

Total number of votes: 1999

Source: https://saskatoon.ctvnews.ca/more/poll-results

[Wyku]

An analogy I was thinking about is Canada Day fireworks at Diefenbaker Park vs. the fireworks festival at River Landing--getting in an out of the area around Diefenbaker/Praireland is pretty bad when there's lots of people around (much like SaskTel Centre) where you can approach getting to River Landing from so many different points it's hardly frustrating at all dealing with getting there/leaving. People also come downtown before the event and stay longer after and disperse completely differently than when the fireworks end at Diefenbaker since there's nothing left to do/walk to after those are done.

[North_Regina_Boy]

Originally Posted by Wyku

An analogy I was thinking about is Canada Day fireworks at Diefenbaker Park vs. the fireworks festival at River Landing--getting in an out of the area around Diefenbaker/Praireland is pretty bad when there's lots of people around (much like SaskTel Centre) where you can approach getting to River Landing from so many different points it's hardly frustrating at all dealing with getting there/leaving. People also come downtown before the event and stay longer after and disperse completely differently than when the fireworks end at Diefenbaker since there's nothing left to do/walk to after those are done.

That is the paradigm. Parking a walking 5 blocks feels further for some people because they can't see the building. In Sasktel lotyou can be as far as 5-6 blocks away but you don't feel that distance.

Looking at the majority of major sports venues in North America most of them are in downtown or are building there.

Perception is key, but parking may be their outward issue but there are others they may not understand they are opposing.

[WoodlandCritter]

Originally Posted by North_Regina_Boy

That is the paradigm. Parking a walking 5 blocks feels further for some people because they can't see the building. In Sasktel lotyou can be as far as 5-6 blocks away but you don't feel that distance.

Looking at the majority of major sports venues in North America most of them are in downtown or are building there.

Perception is key, but parking may be their outward issue but there are others they may not understand they are opposing.

The last few events I have attended at SaskPlace (always will be) I have always taken the bus. It is so easy and convenient. So people complaining about parking can bark all they want, but really there are other options that are convenient to get to where you need to go. (don't get me wrong I like driving as well, but I know the pain it can be when going to those events.)

Just read the comments section of any news article and its parking, parking, parking. You are correct 5 blocks is not that far in a city like Saskatoon. Such a weird mentality.

[Crisis]

Originally Posted by Wyku

I was surprised to see the poll results on the CTV Saskatoon News last night--I guess the scary "what about parking?!?" has a real effect on people:

Would you like to see an arena built in downtown Saskatoon?
Yes - 738 (37 %)
No - 1261 (63 %)

Total number of votes: 1999

Source: https://saskatoon.ctvnews.ca/more/poll-results

I'm really surprised at that overwhelming resistance to a downtown arena. Though an online poll really carries no weight and many are likely looking solely at the capital cost, it still doesn't bode well for a downtown location.

Remember that the #1 job of most politicians is to get re-elected, so they typically lack the courage to do anything that will cost them votes in the next election. This is the same city that originally voted for the arena to be built out in the sticks and voted no to a downtown casino, so a new downtown location is far from a sure thing.