Saskatoon Construction

[zachjeffries]

Originally Posted by joelpiecowye

i wonder what the location will be, i still hope it will be in riversdale, i believe that if it is built there it will be one of the major steps to renew the area to its former glory

I had a conversation with the Police Chief Weighill a couple of weeks ago about the new Police HQ location. He indicated that the most likely location will be on the 25th Street extension near Idylwyld. IIRC, he mentioned a 4.3 acre site for the construction of a station that should last 50 years (with additional room on site for expansion).

As for what becomes of the old Police HQ location, Weighill said it would most likely become offices for the City of Saskatoon to relieve the overcrowding at City Hall. The proximity of the old HQ to City Hall makes that option attractive to the city administration. There is nothing wrong with the building structurally, and apparently, the conversion to offices will not be a massive effort.

[Echoes]

Originally Posted by studentview

maltman is pretty quiet and with the moving of his main tenant(lucky horse shoe) from the adilman, he may need to start making decsions.

So the Adilman is/will be vacant once again? Where did the Lucky Horseshoe go? Well that pleases me, the Adilman has much more potential than to just house a bingo hall.

[molasses]

Originally Posted by Country

So the Adilman is/will be vacant once again? Where did the Lucky Horseshoe go? Well that pleases me, the Adilman has much more potential than to just house a bingo hall.

Apparently it shut down...moving from it's previous location lost them some customers and in general, bingo's haven't been doing well since the smoking ban (which I'm quite alright with...despite charities losing an income source...the health care saving makes up for it, I'm sure).

Also, someone mentioned the crescent program. They have a website (http://thecrescentsaskatoon.ca/) that is pretty cool. The idea came from the cultural capitol program a couple years ago....and unfortunately, they had funding to create the marketing campaign/development study, but not to actually implement any of the recommendations, so currently this is the only public result of that....but there was a lot of great recommendations that came from the study which the BIDs are working on and also working with the city to try to implement.

The two resulting documents can be viewed here. I think alot of people here will appreciate what they suggest....now if only there was some money to follow through with the recommendations.
http://thecrescentsaskatoon.ca/pdf/marketing_strategy.pdf
http://thecrescentsaskatoon.ca/pdf/development_strategy.pdf

[madsad]

PM Harper in Saskatoon Friday, south bridge could finally become reality
Harper, Premier Brad Wall, Mayor Don Atchison holding photo-op Friday at Prairieland Park
Rod Nickel, TheStarPhoenix.com
Published: Thursday, June 19, 2008

Friday could be the day Saskatoon's south bridge stops being just wishful thinking.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper will join Premier Brad Wall and Mayor Don Atchison Friday morning for a photo-op at Prairieland Park, near the location of a proposed southeast expansion of Circle Drive. Harper is scheduled to make an announcement at 9 a.m. in Prairieland's Terrace, which city officials expect to be about Circle Drive.

The city has asked Ottawa and the provincial government for $95 million each to build a south bridge and complete Circle Drive. The city would contribute $70 million. There has been no official indication from the Prime Minister's Office, however, of the content of the announcement.
After his Saskatoon appearance, Harper flies to Regina where he and Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day have a photo-op scheduled for the RCMP academy, followed by an announcement. At 1:30, he has a meeting scheduled with Wall.


© The StarPhoenix 2008

Can't ever have enough roads...

[kgc087]

I quickly skimmed through the crescent proposals and they look very promising. I feel like there will never be any formal recognition that the crescent is taking shape since there is no commitee for it but if you look at the progress each neighbourhood is making, it is slowly being formed. With increased residential density in the d/t area and on broadway and with the redevelopment of riversdale I feel the crescent will take shape in about 10 years and could formally be called Saskatoon's cultural crescent.

I'm very excited to here what Harper has to say, the next major step for Saskatoon's infrastructure is the development of the south bridge. A project like this would also show Canada that Saskatoon is growing and could possibly que some people's/company's interests!

[shmakim]

So quiet from everyone, and on the verge of 200 pages of postings! Will mine be the first to grace the 200th page?............. damn.

[kgc087]

Government announces $1.8M for design work on courthouse addition
TheStarPhoenix.com
Published: Thursday, June 19, 2008
The government will spend $1.8 million to complete detailed planning and design work for an addition to the Saskatoon Court of Queen's Bench courthouse, Justice Minister Don Morgan announced Thursday.

The Ministry of Government Services will soon put out a request for architectural services to undertake the preliminary work required for the project. Funding for this phase of the project was approved in the 2008-09 provincial budget.

According to a government release, the Saskatoon Family Law Division of the Court of Queen's Bench has serious deficiencies in design and security, which require immediate attention.

Once detailed planning has been completed, decisions will be made regarding the next phase of the project.

The Family Law Division deals with family law matters, such as separation and divorce, custody and access, child support and spousal support.

© The StarPhoenix 2008
_____________________________________________
I don't really know what the court house looks like right now, but additions and almost 2 million dollars in details sounds very promising!

[kgc087]

Board of police commissioners approves new station site
Rod Nickel, TheStarPhoenix.com
Published: Thursday, June 19, 2008
Saskatoon's new police station will be built near Idylwyld Drive on an extension of 25th Street.

The city's board of police commissioners approved Thursday a new station on an almost six-acre site currently used in the city yards. The site is west of Ontario Avenue and east of the CP tracks.

The station, expected to open in 2013, will replace police headquarters on Fourth Avenue. It was built in 1977 for 300 officers - about half the force's current size.

The next step is for the city to choose an architect to design the station, which will include a training range.

Check back for later updates . . .

[email protected]

© The StarPhoenix 2008
_______________________________________________
How exciting! This is exactly what we wanted to happen! I really feel this will commence the development of the warehouse district and will anchor the north d/t!

[madsad]

Planet S article on light rail and transportation in general in Stoon:
http://www.planetsmag.com/content.php?vn=6&is=22&an=797&sc=2

I agree with Charlie Clark. Saskatoon is simply too small at this point to warrant light rail. Stepping up the quality of the BRT routes would be a better way to go. Cycling remains the best hope, though. Stoon is flat, small, and easily suited to cycling...now if we could do something about the winter...

[kgc087]

Originally Posted by madsad

Planet S article on light rail and transportation in general in Stoon:
http://www.planetsmag.com/content.php?vn=6&is=22&an=797&sc=2

I agree with Charlie Clark. Saskatoon is simply too small at this point to warrant light rail. Stepping up the quality of the BRT routes would be a better way to go. Cycling remains the best hope, though. Stoon is flat, small, and easily suited to cycling...now if we could do something about the winter...

It really makes me feel reassured that Saskatoon is really focusing on smart development. I could see a small LRT being developed and implemented within the next 10 years. The BRT routes and possible bike lanes are a great place to start, which I feel will increase the population density which will allow for an LRT to be put in place!

[Ruckus]

Originally Posted by madsad

Can't ever have enough roads...

Well, we are the Bridge City

PM Harper in Saskatoon Friday, south bridge could finally become reality
Harper, Premier Brad Wall, Mayor Don Atchison holding photo-op Friday at Prairieland Park
Rod Nickel, TheStarPhoenix.com
Published: Thursday, June 19, 2008

Friday could be the day Saskatoon's south bridge stops being just wishful thinking.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper joins Premier Brad Wall and Mayor Don Atchison Friday morning for a photo op and announcement at Prairieland Park, near the location of a southeast expansion of Circle Drive.

The city has asked Ottawa and the provincial government for $95 million each to build a south bridge and complete Circle Drive. The city will contribute $70 million.


The completion of Circle Drive may soon become a reality - StarPhoenix file photo

City officials are expecting, but not certain of, a good-news Circle Drive announcement from Ottawa, which Wall would likely match. Roadways appear to fall under the category of state secrets within the Harper government.

The government MP for the riding that includes the bridge location, Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar Conservative Carol Skelton, said Thursday even she isn't privy to details.

"I really don't know what's going to be announced," she said in an interview.

As of Thursday afternoon, the Prime Minister's Office also wasn't telling city officials what to expect - just to be there.

"We're cautiously optimistic," said city manager Phil Richards.

Harper's announcement today comes two days after his government unveiled plans for a new bridge connecting Windsor, Ont., with Detroit.

Skelton said federal officials have been working on the Circle Drive project for about two years.

"With the new government in Saskatchewan, everything had to be in place and things are going forward," she said. "It's a marvellous thing if it's the south bridge (being announced). It's interesting how the city has grown the last few years. If there's a way to get around the south side of the city, that'll be huge."

The Conservative government got started last spring funding Circle's expansion with a $20-million commitment to building interchanges at Lorne Avenue and the Idylwyld Freeway where they will meet with the extended Circle Drive. Circle currently ends abruptly at 11th Street on the west side of the river and near CN industrial land in the east.

A completed Circle Drive has been planned since 1913. It's never been more important to Saskatoon than now, Atchison said. New neighbourhoods are filling up on both sides of the river and too much traffic is funneling through downtown, he said.

Atchison said late Thursday he still hadn't received confirmation from the Prime Minister's Office that Harper will back the bridge.

"It's like Christmas, I'm waiting by the phone. Instead of being a little kid waiting to tear open the presents, I'm ready to grab the phone."

The city has been working for several years designing the new stretch of Circle Drive as it waited for commitments by Ottawa and the province.

Once the city gets senior government commitments, it still needs to finance its own share. Richards said administration could have a report to council by July with a financing plan. Based on early calculations, the city should be able to fund the project without raising the mill rate, Richards said. It would likely use its federal gas tax revenue to pay for other infrastructure projects, freeing up other funds for Circle Drive.

Construction could begin this fall. Traffic would flow as early as fall 2011 or as late as spring 2012 - 99 years after Circle Drive was conceived.

After his Saskatoon appearance, Harper flies to Regina where he and Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day have a photo op scheduled for the RCMP academy, followed by an announcement. At 1:30, he has a meeting scheduled with Wall.

[email protected]

*****

Completing the Circle?

At $300 million, the completion of Circle Drive with a south bridge is Saskatoon's most expensive public works project. It includes:

- A bridge across the South Saskatchewan River north of the CN bridge

- Seven km of four-lane freeway leading up the bridge. The bridge will be six lanes

- Interchanges at Idylwyld Freeway, Lorne Avenue and Valley Road

- Once the city's population hits 250,000, the bridge is expected to carry 27,500 vehicles per day

- Benefits include an estimated 35 per cent reduction in traffic on the Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge during afternoon rush hour.

- Some truck traffic would be diverted off 22nd Street West

Source: City of Saskatoon

Source

[Ruckus]

Here are a few maps of the 25th Street extension through the warehouse district.

Sounds like the site is the highlighted tract of land running parallel to 25th Street on the north side.

Originally Posted by SASKFTW

[...]



Source - Zoning map

Source - Technical drawing for 25th Street extension

[madsad]

For $300 million, we could have one or more of the following:

• a new police station
• a damn nice library in the downtown
• a new city hall to replace the current disgrace
• all the pedestrian facilities and bikeways you would ever need
• a proper, reserved lane BRT system
• a light rail system

I thought, due to the silence over the past year on this project, and perhaps, with the end of oil and the ridiculousness of the automobile-age coming to a close, Circle Dr would never happen. I dunno, maybe it still won't. Words and promises from politicians are always meaningless until shovels are in the ground...and even then...

[newflyer]

I think the warehouse district will be a great addition to inner city Saskatoon.

The potencial to add new restaurants, bars, retail, office space and warehouse condos could see this area transform into a thriving area.

[Ruckus]

Originally Posted by madsad

For $300 million, we could have one or more of the following:

• a new police station Will soon begin construction
• a damn nice library in the downtown AFAIK, $32 million is sitting in the bank collecting interest
• a new city hall to replace the current disgrace Yeah, a very unappealing structure, but you don't just build a new one because the old one is ugly...other cities maybe, not Saskatoon
• all the pedestrian facilities and bikeways you would ever need These will develop regardless of the south bridge development (a south bridge will add to our existing Meewasin Trails)
• a proper, reserved lane BRT system Soon, we need higher density neighborhoods on the periphery and more infill development
• a light rail system 10 year wait minimum, read above comment...we'll need more than $300 million, likely close to $1 billion depending on negotiations with CP and CN

I thought, due to the silence over the past year on this project, and perhaps, with the end of oil and the ridiculousness of the automobile-age coming to a close, Circle Dr would never happen. I dunno, maybe it still won't. Words and promises from politicians are always meaningless until shovels are in the ground...and even then...

I understand your position...it seems the money could be better spent elsewhere.

The automobile age won't come to a close, more likely to adapt, same goes for freight transportation. Our future includes road construction, although investments into improving the network will be based on different energy sources (e.g. hydrogen; electric) and higher density, integrated urban landscapes.

[joelpiecowye]

yes it will if that is 25th street ever gets built, it also needs a good anchor for the area, that is why i hope the library gets built in that area and the bus barns to leave that area.

[Ruckus]

Originally Posted by zachjeffries

I had a conversation with the Police Chief Weighill a couple of weeks ago about the new Police HQ location. He indicated that the most likely location will be on the 25th Street extension near Idylwyld. IIRC, he mentioned a 4.3 acre site for the construction of a station that should last 50 years (with additional room on site for expansion).

As for what becomes of the old Police HQ location, Weighill said it would most likely become offices for the City of Saskatoon to relieve the overcrowding at City Hall. The proximity of the old HQ to City Hall makes that option attractive to the city administration. There is nothing wrong with the building structurally, and apparently, the conversion to offices will not be a massive effort.

Saving money FTW!

We'll get a new city hall in due time (20 years?), something prominent...like Toronto City Hall

[Ruckus]

Originally Posted by joelpiecowye

yes it will if that is 25th street ever gets built, it also needs a good anchor for the area, that is why i hope the library gets built in that area and the bus barns to leave that area.

Not sure why you think the library would move to the John Deere building, it's a nice idea, but I'd rather the city sell it to some developer to convert it into lofts (the city hinted at this possibility a few months back).

Expand the existing, or build a new one...cheaper to expand the existing one, and they may even try to integrate it with a redesigned bus mall...oh, that would be ideal...maybe

[Ruckus]

Originally Posted by newflyer

I think the warehouse district will be a great addition to inner city Saskatoon.

The potencial to add new restaurants, bars, retail, office space and warehouse condos could see this area transform into a thriving area.

Indeed it will, I would also add the that list a small pocket park, or a large park if density and land availability permits...we have a lack of green space towards the west side of the downtown core.

[Ruckus]

Originally Posted by studentview

To add to the downtown vacancy number Suncorp Valuations Ltd is taking up the entire third floor of the Campbell Wilson Millar Building on 1st Avenue. The fourth floor will be meeting rooms and a lunch/lounge for staff of Suncorp as well as a law office and a finaical adivsor office which is currently there.This completly fills this building and if you get the chance be sure to check out the offices. Very modern and very cool designs throughout!

Yesterday I attended a luncheon with the 3 bids(business improvement district) exectutive directors. They all talked about the new initative to link the 3 downtown areas called "the crescent". Broadway, Riversdale and the downtown. The directors talked about their respective neighborhoods and what they hope to develop and and expand in the years to come. They were all great speakers and very, very passionate about what they are doing.Retail vacancy downtown as well as Broadway is at zero percent and as rivesdale continues to clean up, Randy indicated they expected to be quite "broadwayesque" in the coming years. A direct question asked if he knew what was goin on with the barry site after its demo'd and he, i think ligitimately, had no idea. maltman is pretty quiet and with the moving of his main tenant(lucky horse shoe) from the adilman, he may need to start making decsions.

Terry Scadden the partnership exec, commanded a lot of the conversation and he sat at my table before the panel began. He told us the busiest corner in saskatoon was 21st and 2nd at 2000 in an hour during the summer! i think this has been mentioned on here before but still, an astonishing number.

Thanks for all the inside info, really adds value to some of my thoughts.

Curious about Suncorp Valuations LTD, Saskatoon is corporate HQ for their North American Operations; offices in the U.S., Vancouver, Edmonton, and Toronto.

Why Saskatoon? They probably have dealings with Cameco, convenient location a block away from their soon-to-be completed downtown offices, or something...

Good stuff