We often criticize our elected officials for their decision making and policy positions with regards to our City's growth pattern, but, its appears they have finally caught up with the general sentiment of the electorate. I am encouraged by our Mayor, and Councilors beliefs in Saskatoon's future, and their assurances that our Downtown plays a major role in that future.
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Saskatoon's urban evolution
By Don Atchison; Charlie Clark; Bev Dubois; Myles Heidt; Darren Hill; Pat Lorje
The Star Phoenix March 12, 2009
Converting 21st Street into town square would make downtown memorable
Photograph by: Richard Marjan, The Star Phoenix
EDITOR'S NOTE: In a four-part series on Saskatoon's downtown published by The StarPhoenix in January and February, Calgary-based architect Richard White encouraged the city to "Think BIG and dare to be different in designing this space." Now, it's the turn of the mayor and city councillors, who are in the position to shape and guide the development of Saskatoon, to share their vision for the potential and future of the downtown.
While they agree that a healthy and vibrant downtown is key to maintaining Saskatoon's sense of community, they each have some strong ideas on how to proceed with building on our strengths and making things even better for the future.
Balance growth around heart of city
By Mayor Don Atchison
Downtown is the heart and soul of a community. Opportunities such as those now before us sometimes come only once in a lifetime.
We want to make sure that Saskatoon continues to have a strong, vibrant and healthy downtown, which is key to a healthy city.
Otherwise one ends up with many neighbourhoods without a common vision or goal.
Saskatoon's downtown must remain geographically at the city's centre; therefore balanced growth in all directions is required.
Allowing growth just along the river valley would make for an extremely beautiful city.
However, the cost of maintaining such linear growth would be prohibitive and create several high-density business districts that would not be successful on their own.
What is required is a high-density mixed use of commercial, retail and housing development in the downtown. Without housing, we'd have a city centre invigorated Monday to Friday, 9 to 5, and a ghost town in the after-hours. Downtown needs to be warm, inviting and, above all, safe and secure.
The first goal is to have 10,000 people living in the city centre. We should then set a goal of having a percentage of the city's population living downtown. We currently sit at approximately two per cent, with a far-too-low goal of 3.5 per cent.
If we do not strive for higher density, it won't happen on its own. Some exciting examples of downtown growth are the planned extension of 25th Street, the revitalization of the warehouse district and the adaptive reuse of the King George Hotel and the former Bay.
The downtown must remain the cultural hub, which includes the continuation of art in public places.
With Persephone Theatre relocating downtown, along with many galleries, our citizens have numerous cultural opportunities.
The suburbs have big box retailing while downtown should continue to be the centre of all forums of art. We must hold fast on this very critical issue.
Transportation in the area also must be addressed. We do not want the success of the downtown to discourage people from coming due to inadequate transportation and parking in the area.
We need to make travelling to and around the city centre highly convenient. This must include planning for LRTs, in some form.
River Landing has already contributed to the vitality of our downtown and created a better connection to Riversdale. As the build-out continues on River Landing with the Lake Placid project, the Ecovillage and more residential units west of the Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge, we will continue to see a renaissance in downtown Saskatoon.
Efficient city vibrant, sustainable
By Coun. Charlie Clark
The conversation about the downtown is a conversation about the future of our city.
Skyrocketing costs of maintaining and rebuilding our aging infrastructure have made it clear: We are fooling ourselves if we think we can keep building a sprawling city for the single-occupant vehicle and big backyards, while maintaining reasonable taxes.
Climate change and the end of cheap oil aren't the only drivers for smart growth. Economics is in the mix, too. The good news is that a more efficient city also can be more vibrant, sustainable and inclusive.
Many people agree that a denser, less car-focused city is a good idea, but they don't think we can do it in Saskatoon. Our own past tells a different story.
Saskatoon's original core was built as a medium-high density downtown surrounded by very walkable, mixed-use neighbourhoods such as Nutana, Riversdale and City Park. Regular streetcar services brought people to and from work, shopping and leisure.
We have a great opportunity to build on this original core while limiting sprawl and preserving heritage buildings. The rebirth has begun with the residential renaissance in converted hotels, warehouses and department stores.
There is abundant open land from the city yards right across to River Landing and around 22nd Street and Idylwyld Drive. The Rivergreen Ecovillage is pioneering a model of newly built energy efficient housing.
It's critical to extend green, affordable, attractive and multi-generational housing throughout the downtown. These foster a more efficient transportation system of walking, cycling and transit. Perhaps the streetcar could be returned to anchor the system.
As the meeting place for east-side and west-side, wealthy and poor, newcomer and old-timer, gay and straight, people of all cultures, the downtown is also key to bridging our divides.
Great cities begin with great public centres whose democratic spaces invite the mingling and traffic that create new ideas and help establish common ground.
The Farmer's Market and the water park at River Landing are a beginning; next, I hope, is a vibrant library redevelopment in conjunction with Civic Square.
Culturally rich environments also nurture the "creative communities" that are economic drivers of the future. Success will depend on informed, community-wide discussion.
Our city is filled with thoughtful, entrepreneurial, and compassionate people. As a councillor, I hear more and more from people that this is a critical moment in the conversation.
Now is the time to think and act big to create a vibrant, sustainable and inclusive Saskatoon.
'Outside the box' thinking needed
By Coun. Bev Dubois
In my mind, Saskatoon has always been a unique special city with special people, and will continue to be into the future. It's a great place to live, work and raise a family.
I believe it is very important to link the past, present and future to the things we do, including the development of the city. I also think it is important to think "outside the box" and not do the same old things because that is the way it has always been done.
We do have a strong urban character and it is vital for that to continue for all of the citizens of Saskatoon as well as visitors to be able to enjoy and participate in, and at the same time learn about our history.
I agree with the possibility that our city centre could become the equivalent of a Halifax or Victoria as a place for locals and tourists to "play." It is important to complete River Landing, and when the entire project is done, it will be fantastic! We will continue to enhance what the city already does with public art, streetscape designs and green space.
The new police station, the Third Avenue upgrade and streetscape enhancement as the main entryway from downtown to River Landing will all have a positive effect on the city centre. The new central library will be such a great destination spot for the entire public. It is open and free to everyone and will have amenities and opportunities second to none for a civic public centre.
The issue of inadequate parking needs to be addressed as more and more people frequent downtown. Having said this, I believe in striking a balance for accessibility for pedestrians, transit, cyclists and vehicles. I want to encourage more use of transit as well as cycling as a regular means of transportation, for young and old alike.
We already have the Meewasin Trail, the Farmers' Market and wonderful existing green spaces like Kiwanis Memorial Park and Rotary Park across the river and the River Landing green spaces will complement all of this. The above combined with what River Landing has to offer, plus encouraging unique retail shops and restaurants, and properly planned residential opportunities, downtown Saskatoon will be a vibrant, thriving people place to live, work and play moving into the future.
High density buildings are key
By Coun. Myles Heidt
The one thing about the downtown is that everyone has an opinion about it. It was like that in 1994 when I first got elected, and it's the same today.
It's great that the citizens of this city care what happens to the downtown and want to be part of the decision-making process.
We need a downtown where everyone wants to live or visit and feel safe doing so. We need to ensure we have the proper infrastructure to accommodate traffic, pedestrian and bicycle traffic safely and efficiently.
We will have to change zoning to allow only high density buildings. That will require providing incentives for builders and residents.
We will have to maximize the use of the riverbank, which can be accomplished by expanding the trails and creating a destination centre that will make us all proud. The Farmers' Market is a very good start and will grow as the population does.
I believe a destination center that caters to all segments of society and is affordable to everyone in the community will make us the envy of all cities.
We have a window of opportunity to get started and we can't plan forever. We have to get started immediately. A great example of this is council's decision to proceed with the River Landing. It's in place now and we are proud to take visitors there.
There is much more to come. By infrastructure I also mean affordable, safe housing. People with fewer resources need to be part of our community, too.
Our downtown can be used for some innovated projects to facilitate such much-needed housing. I also see our transit system playing a big part in providing the type of infrastructure required in a vibrant and exciting downtown.
We will need strong leadership to make the tough decisions, as many great ideas will be coming forward on what we should do. We must try to engage as many people as possible in this process to generate a wide range of ideas.
Once this process is complete, we will need a communication plan to get community support and make the downtown the best it can be.
We all want Saskatoon to be a people-friendly place that we want to share with the rest of the world, and ensure it's where we want to raise our families.
Providing access for all important
By Coun. Darren Hill
In every great city, the downtown is where you find its heart. No matter where we live in the city, downtown belongs to all of us.
Saskatoon's downtown is developing into a place for people of all ages, thanks to the efforts of stakeholders from the business, tourism, heritage, cultural and social sectors that have been working together with the city. Our city boasts parks and open spaces, retailers, residences, restaurants, office buildings, public art and multiple venues for arts and entertainment. I think we are headed in the right direction, and I look forward to continuing the momentum to ensure Saskatoon downtown is a magnet that draws us all.
I envision downtown core that has been planned to facilitate access for citizens, including those who wish to use alternative modes of transportation such as bicycles, long boards, Segways, electric scooters and so forth. I am excited about the plans for the new bus mall and potential new programs to encourage more transit use to the downtown core; I believe this is just one step toward access for all.
I would like to ensure that the downtown includes space for all, including transitional housing for those who are new to town, just getting settled, or who need temporary support. I would also like to see the downtown library expanded to support its vital role in our community. Also, I think the addition of a destination centre for the River Landing development is necessary to help celebrate Saskatoon and its people.
We all know that nothing makes a city feel alive more than people on the streets. We see it happening at River Landing, where a whole new downtown history is being created. My hope for Saskatoon is that with increased downtown activity by the expansion of city-wide programs such as festivals, and sporting events, we will be drawn together into the downtown to embrace a sense of community and be warmed by a sense of civic pride.
Develop central gathering place
By Coun. Pat Lorje
Saskatoon is at a crossroads. We are on the verge of becoming a big city and still have the chance to get it right and become a great city.
Unlike other cities that have had explosive population growth and spread out into loosely connected suburbs, Saskatoon has kept the possibility of having a vibrant downtown core. Even complaints about trouble finding a parking spot downtown are, in some odd way, a tribute to the fact that people see our downtown as an important destination.
This didn't happen by accident. Citizen input, work by downtown merchants, lobbying from artists and businesses alike, as well as council decisions for the past 30 years, have all contributed to a sense that downtown is an important, integral part of Saskatoon. I think the key thing missing is a focal downtown gathering point. We need an obvious core, a heart.
We have the riverbank and all the great things happening at River Landing. At the other end, we have City Hall and the possibility of wonderful condominiums in the warehouse district. But these are on the periphery. At the centre, we still need a gathering place. That's what distinguishes great, memorable cities from those that you just pass through. Think of New York, London, Venice, Seattle, San Francisco. What is memorable about them are unique city squares that encourages people to come together for no other reason than just to be in an exciting city centre.
City squares are where children and older people hang out together, where industry and artists meet, where business people and consumers relax. These are places that encourage festivals, celebrations, hope, maybe even protests! They break down barriers and build new acquaintances.
Twenty-First Street could be the natural city square if we dared to make it a people place, and stop thinking the car is king. What if we closed off the street? What if we had a skating rink in the middle of the street in the winter, or built a huge fountain, or planted a small grove of evergreens? What if we put in some benches and dedicated the street to pedestrians?
These things might be just we need to make the downtown a place where people want to gather, to have fun, to shop and play. These are the sorts of features that might work to create a heart in downtown Saskatoon for everyone from all walks of life to claim this city for themselves.
© Copyright (c) The StarPhoenix
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Saskatoon's urban evolution
By Maurice Neault; Tiffany Paulsen; Glen Penner; Bob Pringle; Gordon Wyant
The Star Phoenix March 13, 2009
Farmers' Market is an example accessible downtown development that fosters success
Photograph by: SP File Photo by Richard Marjan, The Star Phoenix
EDITOR'S NOTE: In a four-part series on Saskatoon's downtown published by The StarPhoenix in January and February, Calgary-based architect Richard White encouraged the city to "Think BIG and dare to be different in designing this space." Now, it's the turn of the mayor and city councillors, who are in the position to shape and guide the development of Saskatoon, to share their vision for the potential and future of the downtown.
While they agree that a healthy and vibrant downtown is key to maintaining Saskatoon's sense of community, they each have some strong ideas on how to proceed with building on our strengths and making things even better for the future. This is the second of a two-part series.
CREATE ONENESS IN RIVERSDALE, BROADWAY
By Coun. Maurice Neault
The downtown area of Saskatoon to me is 19th Street to 25th Street, and Spadina Crescent to Idylwyld Drive. Within this area are districts: North Downtown, business, residential, warehouse and River Landing.
Saskatoon's downtown must weave these districts together to create a oneness that connects with Riversdale and Broadway.
The downtown area must be functional, clean and safe -- creating traffic patterns that flow safely and efficiently for vehicles, transit, pedestrians and bicycles. Parking is one of the most important aspects.
"Pretty" is nice, but functionality and operational challenges must take precedence. Let us not build a monument to summer weather: downtown must work for the city all 12 months of the year.
As the southern anchor of downtown, River Landing is doing what it was designed to do. With private and public investment, River Landing will continue to move forward. The challenge will be to create the destination that will draw people to this area year-round.
The Persephone Theatre is wonderful. The Live-Work Village concept will work well, reaching into Riversdale. The private sector development (hotel, condos, commercial) is a great addition.
As for the destination centre, I feel that the Mendel Art Gallery, operated and funded by the citizens of Saskatoon, should be located next to Persephone Theatre, along with a discovery centre for music. As taxpayers, we can only afford to operate one cultural centre, not two.
Budgets for development must be balanced for all the downtown areas -- by putting all of our money in one area, we lose the opportunity to create the essence of oneness throughout the downtown.
ACCESSIBILITY MUST BE FOUNDATION
By Coun. Tiffany Paulsen
In Saskatoon, the words "South Downtown" have become synonymous with "jewel", "heart" and "gem". Unfortunately, the words "controversy", "disagreement" and "conflict" also surface.
The question that has been put to city councillors is: What is your vision of South Downtown? It would be easy to spout the mantra -- "people place", "gathering spot" or "destination centre."
However, the real question is not the what, but the how. How does city council capture the pride and passion attached to South Downtown and create a world class development that respects the environment, honours our history and celebrates our accomplishments and culture?
One may argue that the goal is too lofty. However, I would argue that the development thus far has already achieved that goal; a fantastic Farmers' Market, a stunning riverbank park, an exceptional free stage, Persephone Theatre, the list goes on.
How do we continue our success? One of the obvious themes from the projects is that the venues are all accessible to the public in one form or another. From my perspective, public accessibility must be the foundation upon which anything is built in River Landing.
That accessibility comes in many forms. It's not just physical or financial, but also encompasses a desire to truly access a place. If no one wants to work, live or play at River Landing, the time and taxpayer dollars spent will have been wasted. There needs to be serious reflection on what the citizens of Saskatoon value and how to place that value into River Landing.
Again, back to the question posed. Features I find valuable in a public gathering place are green space (lots of it!), sunlight, cleanliness, safety, a river view, unique street-front shops and cafes, as well as interesting performances on the free stage.
While I am not generally opposed to tall buildings, we must be careful not to build something that simply creates wind tunnels and blocks the sun. Cold winters are an inescapable reality in Saskatoon.
There is a need to build structures that are architecturally sensitive, not just from a beauty perspective, but are climate and weather appropriate as well.
There is not one right answer as to what should be built at River Landing. I do know it is critical for the decision makers to listen to the ideas, proposals and concepts from the citizens of Saskatoon to continue the success that has already begun!
ENSURING PUBLIC SAFETY INTEGRAL TO SUCCESS
By Coun. Glen Penner
A decade ago, our downtown was uninviting and cold, river access was virtually impossible, and parking was not a problem.
Today, River Landing provides access to the river valley and links Friendship Park to Victoria Park. The Farmers' Market has a permanent home, with 19th Street being upgraded to provide a more positive link from downtown to Riversdale. Persephone Theatre is part of River Landing and Block 146 has been developed. The long-awaited Lake Placid Development will be underway soon.
The entire life of the south downtown has been rejuvenated, and to find a parking place is no longer easy.
I have supported all of this development and believe that the seeds have been sown for more downtown growth. Redeveloping the King George Hotel, the Bay building and the warehouse district into housing will help achieve our goal of having more people living downtown. This is important because as the city grows, we should not "just spread out." We need to make our inner city neighbourhoods and the downtown attractive for development. We need to better utilize our existing infrastructure. Building "up" downtown is essential.
The Third Avenue streetscaping will add immeasurably to the continued vitality of the downtown and a revamped bus mall will keep the city centre as a transit hub.
Saskatoon has one of the highest rates of bicycle use in the country despite our climate.
Continued focus on this type of travel -- in and out of downtown is important for many reasons and this is one of the reasons the Third Avenue restructuring is appealing. Part of the reason our downtown is so vibrant day and night is that we tend to feel safe as we move about. I suppose there is a feeling of safety in numbers. Whatever the reason, keeping our downtown safe is an integral part of our future potential growth.
Cities have become the economic engines of Canada. For growth to continue in a positive manner, we will need to rely on more than property tax to keep the economic engine running.
Property tax is a regressive tax, but unfortunately it's the only one at the city's disposal. As we move forward to meet our potential, sustainable and predictable revenue sources are required. I am confident this will happen and I am confident in our potential for growth as a city and as an exciting, vibrant downtown.
DOWNTOWN MUST BE DAY-NIGHT DESTINATION
By Coun. Bob Pringle
Downtown Saskatoon should be a place where we all want to come -- to live or work, shop, dine, learn and gather and experience its beauty. It should be economically vibrant, affordable, fully accessible, welcoming and safe.
A group of young people recently told me they want public engagement in River Landing and core area development. They desire more benches and public washrooms, dark-sky lighting, art displays, green spaces, important cultural symbols, festivals, entertainment, cycling paths and many small businesses. The Mendel Art Gallery and the Public Library have relatively high visitors/members because they are accessible -- both by location and affordability. This is not the case in every city in Canada.
The youth also would like to see a general grocery store -- a common concern among many who reside downtown.
Those of us who do not live downtown need to be able to get there safely when the need or desire arises. Our transit ridership is increasing significantly, which is positive. Some of us may need to drive, and the city has plans for additional parking spaces.
Saskatoon enjoys the second highest per capita rate of cyclists in Canada and the city has plans to provide greater road safety for this environmentally responsible practice. Fundamentally, our businesses have to be doing well for our downtown to thrive, and the signs here are generally very positive.
Many people tell me they like to sit outside at quaint coffee and eatery places: around food is always a great place to socialize. We should continue to plan and design gathering places for children close to the river, and these will become family places. (eg: Kinsmen rides). Additional murals on "character buildings" would brighten up the downtown and, at the same time, display the creative talent of our artists.
Regardless of how we get to downtown, a vibrant city ensures that its citizens want to be there on both evenings and weekends, as well as during the workday. While downtown needs to be a desirable destination, we must ensure that all areas of Saskatoon are appealing and vibrant -- the two are connected. Our entire community should be a desirable place, where all citizens can participate in the life of our community in a meaningful way.
CREATING DESTINATION CENTRE IMPORTANT
By Coun. Gordon Wyant
Downtown historically has been the heart of Saskatoon. However, as the city has grown, we have seen some traditional downtown amenities move to the suburban areas, which tends to create a vacuum of sorts in the downtown.
There is no question that the downtown has retained its character as the location for the majority of office space. The challenge for planners and council is to sustain an agenda that serves to revitalize the downtown, recognizing the strategic importance of the area to the city as a whole. We see examples across North America where downtowns have been neglected and we hear about the issues that arise when a vacuum is created in the middle of a community.
The key to a successful downtown is to create a destination; a place where people want to go not only to work in the daytime but to have fun in the evening. Council's strategy to bring more residents to the downtown is one important way of bringing more vitality to the area. This strategy will also ensure the return of some amenities that have been lost from the downtown, which I envision will include a grocery store.
In addition, projects such as the River Landing help support the vision of the downtown becoming a destination for all residents. The Landing helps create a vibrant downtown and also serves as a bridge between communities.
Augmenting this project is the Persephone and Galaxy Theatres and ultimately, a destination centre and hotel project that will help ensure there will be activity for much of the day, helping to support a renewed sense of community in the downtown core.
As a city, we have come a long way with our downtown. However, more work needs to be done. It's also of utmost importance to develop policies that will ensure the downtown continues its growth as a destination through innovative housing and development initiatives.
Our downtown is fast becoming the envy of many Canadian cities. We should all be very proud of it.
© Copyright (c) The StarPhoenix
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