Saskatoon Construction

[Echoes]

^Ummm pretty sure this article is about a new multiplex for Moose Jaw's downtown, not ours. Hence the "Moose Jaw Times Herald" and references made to MJ's spa and casino.

But, I would like to take this opportunity to encourage our city to build a new arena downtown for us Saskatonians (eventually.. )

[Ruckus]

Originally Posted by Country

^Ummm pretty sure this article is about a new multiplex for Moose Jaw's downtown, not ours. Hence the "Moose Jaw Times Herald" and references made to MJ's spa and casino.

But, I would like to take this opportunity to encourage our city to build a new arena downtown for us Saskatonians (eventually.. )

Eventually.....that could take several decades right? What is the physical or utility lifespan of CUC? Maybe 30-50 years, until it is maxed out for seating capacity, or does not meet some modern standard for attracting certain entertainment/sports events.

What would trigger the construction of a new arena bigger than CUC? Dramatic, continued, internal and foreign immigration doubling our CMA population within a decade to 470,000 (e.g. more than 20,000/year for 10 years!).....can't comprehend this occurring over the next 10 years; 10,000/year for 20 years is more probable, but still unlikely.

We could push for an outdoor baseball/multi-use stadium in the downtown area......but a large indoor arena? A few decades, if not several decades for that to materialize.....if downtown arena's are still the "smart" or "beneficial" concept in the future.

[Jonitecture]

meh, i'd rather have a skyscraper

[Echoes]

Originally Posted by SASKFTW

Eventually.....that could take several decades right? What is the physical or utility lifespan of CUC? Maybe 30-50 years, until it is maxed out for seating capacity, or does not meet some modern standard for attracting certain entertainment/sports events.

What would trigger the construction of a new arena bigger than CUC? Dramatic, continued, internal and foreign immigration doubling our CMA population within a decade to 470,000 (e.g. more than 20,000/year for 10 years!).....can't comprehend this occurring over the next 10 years; 10,000/year for 20 years is more probable, but still unlikely.

We could push for an outdoor baseball/multi-use stadium in the downtown area......but a large indoor arena? A few decades, if not several decades for that to materialize.....if downtown arena's are still the "smart" or "beneficial" concept in the future.

Good points. I know we've discussed the downtown baseball stadium before, and I (like others) would LOVE it if we had one. Building one as part of the redeveloped city yard sounds best. Spending a nice summer night in the stands, watching a game under the lights with downtown stoon and the warehouse district in the background... Awesome!

And then maybe an arena next to the baseball stadium? One can dream anyways...
Perhaps if something unfortunate was to "happen" to CUC that would prompt the construction of a new arena?? hmmm...

[prairieguy]

If we are going to build any kind of stadium downtown, I think it should be a multi-purpose stadium. I think building a baseball stadium (a sport with dwindling participation numbers, and quite honestly, pretty minor spectator support locally) may not be the best option.

With the number of kids (and adults) playing soccer, I think there is a huge opportunity down the road for a pro team (albeit minor league) to establish itself in Saskatoon. This is the "world's sport" and I believe will only continue to grow. Just for the record, I am not a soccer player nor do I have kids that play soccer, but I recognise the potential that exists and the popularity of this sport.

If we were to build a soccer stadium, it would be prudent to include an athletic track as part of the facility (think Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton). This would allow us to also host national and international track events and also allow us to bid for mult-sport games (think our 'lost opportunity' to host the world University games this year - I am still pissed at that city council for pulling their support at the last minute. All indications were that we were a shoe in after the international delegates visit. We could have had a legacy of great facilities with federal support for building) such as pan am games or commonwealth games??? With a new Olympic standard pool already being constructed this would be a great opportunity to add additional international standard venues.

[prairieguy]

Just read in the Star Phoenix that the federal government is committing $20 million dollars and the provincial government is committing $17.5 million to a new arena complex in Regina.

Good news for Regina for sure, but I get so sick and tired of our 'capital' city receiving so much fiscal support, especially from the provincial government. There seems to be no parity in support. Some examples include Regina's version of our Centennial Auditorium - yes, I still prefer to call it that, which is hugely subsidized, their major art gallery - hugely subsidized, science centre, etc. In the meantime, in Saskatoon, it is the municipal government (local tax payers) and good business plans that are needed to run the equivalent facilitites.

I congratulate Regina on this new venture, but just wish the provincial government would also step up to support Saskatoon, Saskatchewan's largest city, as well! Yes, they have identified funding for recent developments like River Landing and some funding for the Mendel expansion, but it certainly pales in comparison to Regina projects recently and the many years of ongoing subsidization of public facilities.

Just a bit of a rant.

[ReginaGuy]

Originally Posted by prairieguy

Just read in the Star Phoenix that the federal government is committing $20 million dollars and the provincial government is committing $17.5 million to a new arena complex in Regina.

Good news for Regina for sure, but I get so sick and tired of our 'capital' city receiving so much fiscal support, especially from the provincial government. There seems to be no parity in support. Some examples include Regina's version of our Centennial Auditorium - yes, I still prefer to call it that, which is hugely subsidized, their major art gallery - hugely subsidized, science centre, etc. In the meantime, in Saskatoon, it is the municipal government (local tax payers) and good business plans that are needed to run the equivalent facilitites.

I congratulate Regina on this new venture, but just wish the provincial government would also step up to support Saskatoon, Saskatchewan's largest city, as well! Yes, they have identified funding for recent developments like River Landing and some funding for the Mendel expansion, but it certainly pales in comparison to Regina projects recently and the many years of ongoing subsidization of public facilities.

Just a bit of a rant.

Support Saskatoon as well? Oh please..

I'm tired of people from Saskatoon complaining every time Regina recieves some money from the provincial government. The government provides just as much funding to Saskatoon as it does to Regina. How many millions per year does the Provincial Government spend on the UofS? What about River Landing? Synchrotron? I don't know why it would seem as if Regina recieves way more than Saskatoon..

and "Regina's version of our Centennial Auditorium"? What about your version of your centennial Auditorium? They were both built with government money. In fact, they're both the exact same building! They were a joint project to celebrate Canada's 100th Birthday. I hardly think you can use that as an example against Regina


I have never seen any evidence that Regina recieves an unfair amount of help from the provincial government. If you have any, please share

[macca]

Can we please not do this here?

[prairieguy]

I agree Macca! It certainly was not my intent to 'bash' Regina. Far from it! I think it is great that Regina is getting what sounds like a great facility, and probably much needed. My post was never intended to start a Saskatoon versus Regina exchange.

Just one point of clarification regarding our respective performing arts theatres...although they both may have been built with government funding, Saskatoon's does not receive any funding for operations, while Regina's does from the provincial government. Both are wonderful facilities that meet a community need and provide Saskatchewan people great opportunities to see world class shows in world class facilities.

Again, I want to emphasize that I fully support development in Regina. Any development in either Regina or Saskatoon contribute to the quality of life and economy of our provinces.

My apologies if I unintentionally stirred the pot. Time to move on....

[ReginaGuy]

Sorry, I didn't mean to start anything either, I'll behave

[macca]

Thanks. I don't mean to be an ass. This thread is a really good source for development info and I'd hate to see it get bogged down with bickering between our fine city and your festering cess pool. smily face.

[Echoes]

Just got home from the fireworks and light show at River Landing. It was quite spectacular, as is to be expected. If I'm not mistaken SASKFTW said he'd have the event captured on film??? I anticipate that with much excitement.

One minor malfunction was a section of the LED lights on the second arch of the Traffic Bridge that did not light up during the show. I didn't mind so much because I thought the rainbow of colors pulsing through the lights was gawdy and rather "Vegas." However, when the fireworks ended the bridge was re-illuminated with sparkling blue and cool white lights. I thought that looked rather good. As long as they stay away from using reds for the lighting and stick to cool whites and such it should look fairly classy.

[Ruckus]

Originally Posted by Country

Just got home from the fireworks and light show at River Landing. It was quite spectacular, as is to be expected. If I'm not mistaken SASKFTW said he'd have the event captured on film??? I anticipate that with much excitement.

One minor malfunction was a section of the LED lights on the second arch of the Traffic Bridge that did not light up during the show. I didn't mind so much because I thought the rainbow of colors pulsing through the lights was gawdy and rather "Vegas." However, when the fireworks ended the bridge was re-illuminated with sparkling blue and cool white lights. I thought that looked rather good. As long as they stay away from using reds for the lighting and stick to cool whites and such it should look fairly classy.

Correct you are Country....although I didn't quite capture the firework display as intended (didn't use multi-shot option ), the results speak for themselves.

I too thought they were quite "Vegas" , but after the show the lights switched between several lighting schemes with an assortment of colors....I prefer the purple, pink, blue, or some combination. The lights really warm the area, much more friendly and welcoming

Here's the photo thread http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?p=3068368#post3068368

[Jonitecture]

any one seen the large whole forming in the side of the rumely? what time is it? picture time.

[Ruckus]

Building costs impede student centre progress
September 21, 2007
By Colleen MacPherson

As with so many capital projects, both on campus and off, rising construction costs have slowed progress on the University’s plans to build space dedicated to the needs of aboriginal students.

In early 2006, the Board of Governors gave preliminary approval to the location, design, program and schedule for a $5.5 million centre to be built in Wiggins Court between the Murray Building and the Arts tower. According to President Peter MacKinnon, the projected cost now stands at $12-13 million, despite the scope of the project having been scaled back.

“The problem is the same as with all projects like this, and that is huge inflation in construction costs,” he said. “Planning has also been more complicated than most. It’s involved more collaboration so that we build this properly, so that we build it in a way that meets the needs of aboriginal students and is respectful of the protocols of a project like this.”

Original plans called for the aboriginal student project to house student spaces, the Student and Enrolment Services Division (SESD) Aboriginal Students’ Centre and the Department of Native Studies. MacKinnon said the department will no longer reside in the centre, which will now focus on student services, and social and ceremonial spaces.

MacKinnon said while the University has some money for the project, it amounts to less than 50 per cent of the cost, “and I want at least 50 per cent in place before seeking final approval to proceed.” The University is actively fundraising, he said, approaching corporations, governments, businesses, aboriginal financial institutions and individuals.

The project architect, Douglas Cardinal, has been very helpful in adjusting the project to deal with the escalating construction costs and programming changes, said the president. Cardinal is probably best known in Canada for his design of the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Hull, Que.

MacKinnon said he is feeling impatient to proceed with the aboriginal student centre, an initiative that began in 1998 with a $1 million donation from NOVA Chemicals. “I feel a particular urgency with this one. We’ve been talking about it for a long time, and we’re all at the point where we’re anxious to see it happen.”

Ideally, MacKinnon would like to see the project go before the Board for approval to proceed before the end of the year, with construction starting early in 2008 and finishing in time for the incoming class of 2009.

Source
http://www.usask.ca/communications/ocn/07-sept-21/1.php

Exterior elevations of the aboriginal student space project.

Image courtesy Douglas Cardinal Architect Inc./Rajani Blaser Mannix Architecture.

Rendering of the entrance of the Aboriginal Student Centre to be built in Wiggins Court.

Image courtesy Douglas Cardinal Architect Inc./Rajani Blaser Mannix Architecture.

Exterior elevations of the aboriginal student space project.

Image courtesy Douglas Cardinal Architect Inc./Rajani Blaser Mannix Architecture.

[Ruckus]

Library ready for Phase II of renovation
September 21, 2007
By Kirk Sibbald

Work on the second stage of the University Learning Centre (ULC) is expected to start in early October, as authorities hope to see the extensive $6 million project completed in about 12 months.

ULC director, Jim Greer, said all construction tenders have been received and the successful bidder should be notified soon. Phase I construction in the Murray Library, which includes the Gwenna Moss Centre for Teaching Effectiveness, along with the writing and math help centres, was completed Jan. 15.

Greer said Phase II includes a number of additional projects, most which focus on providing students with a collaborative study environment. There will be several group study areas as well as the PAL (peer-assisted learning) program where senior undergrads lead their junior colleagues in courses like study skills, note taking and how to curb procrastination habits.

To make room for these new services – which will also include a café on the library’s ground floor – staff are being moved to the sixth floor, where books have already been transferred to an off-site storage facility. Ken Ladd, associate dean of client services at the libraries on campus, explained that as learning increasingly moves to a web-based platform, libraries are focusing more on providing social learning spaces for students as opposed to storage for books.

“Libraries are transforming, in North America and around the world, where you’re seeing collaborations going on to help create more student-centred space, rather than traditional 80 per cent stacks and 20 per cent user space,” said Ladd, adding that much of the library’s journal collection can already be accessed online.

Phase II construction will begin with staff offices on the sixth floor. Once all employees are moved, their old offices will be demolished and work on the café and other student spaces will begin, likely next January or February. Although renovations are extensive, Greer said it has been planned so normal library services will remain undisturbed for the entire 12-month construction cycle.

Authorities are also using this project as an opportunity to make the library more environmentally friendly. In accordance with internationally recognized Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, Greer said a number of sustainability initiatives will be undertaken.

Source
http://www.usask.ca/communications/ocn/07-sept-21/8.php

[Jonitecture]

anyone else go to the meridian hideaway open house on 11th? the house was pretty nice, and so were the outsides of the others. also, some one from winnipeg created a free-way free forum, wat is everyones opinion about how idlwyld going through downtown? i personally thing it cuts riversdale off from downtown and i wish they had built it going through the city edge, not downtown. that would make it harder for people to access downtown from the suburbs and increase the amount of people living in downtown! any other comments?

[Echoes]

I don't think it's accurate at all to call the downtown section of Idylwyld Drive a freeway. Yes the Idylwyld Freeway exists on the east side of the river but once you're over the Sid Buckwold Bridge it's all at grade intersections until you hit Circle Drive, 51st St. etc. in the north end.

However, that is not to say Idylwyld is not a major traffic carrier. I do agree that the roadway does isolate Riversdale from downtown as it can certainly be a daunting barrier for pedestrians.

I remember seeing pictures of the roadway back when it was still Avenue A. There were a number of neat warehouses and buildings that reflected our city's rail heritage. But with the downtown re-development that gave us Midtown Plaza, we lost many of those buildings. Would've been neat if an old loft warehouse or two had been incorporated into the mall design! It's too bad that there is not better streetscaping or architecture along Idylwyld to make it a sort of "grand avenue" for our downtown's western edge.

[drm310]

It will be interesting to see what happens when the south bridge is built. That will divert the traffic that wants to get to the far west of city, as they won't need to drive through downtown anymore to get across the river. Perhaps that will be an incentive to "dress up" the bridge, as it won't be used so much as a freeway, but rather a direct route to access downtown.

Originally Posted by Country

I don't think it's accurate at all to call the downtown section of Idylwyld Drive a freeway. Yes the Idylwyld Freeway exists on the east side of the river but once you're over the Sid Buckwold Bridge it's all at grade intersections until you hit Circle Drive, 51st St. etc. in the north end.

However, that is not to say Idylwyld is not a major traffic carrier. I do agree that the roadway does isolate Riversdale from downtown as it can certainly be a daunting barrier for pedestrians.

I remember seeing pictures of the roadway back when it was still Avenue A. There were a number of neat warehouses and buildings that reflected our city's rail heritage. But with the downtown re-development that gave us Midtown Plaza, we lost many of those buildings. Would've been neat if an old loft warehouse or two had been incorporated into the mall design! It's too bad that there is not better streetscaping or architecture along Idylwyld to make it a sort of "grand avenue" for our downtown's western edge.

[Jonitecture]

ive said it before and ill say it agian, PICTURES! the whole is looking larger in the side of the rumely.