Saskatoon Construction

[Ruckus]

Anyone else watch tonights council meeting or read the full agenda document?

Besides approval of Lake Placid's River Landing Village project, I thought Paul Van Pul's presentation and submission of River With Many Islands: Citizens Report on the Future of the South Saskatchewan River in Saskatoon (last 53 pages of council's full agenda) was quite interesting and exciting.

Mr. Van Pul has brought forward to our attention the possibility of restoring the river to a more natural state, which regrettably, includes removal of the weir and turning down the recent whitewater park proposal.

However, as an alternative, he suggests dredging operations for the river to create two channels, and many carefully placed islands with accompanying wildlife habitat and public park space. With the removal of the weir, the river could become navigable by all forms of watercraft, canoes, kayaks, boats, ferries...he illustrates the possibilities with the suggestion of river trips through Dakota Dunes, Beaver Creek, Saskatoon, Wanuskewan Heritage Park, Fish Creek and Batoche

I've always thought we could use a few islands (think Prince's Island Park, Calgary), especially near the Bessborough (he mentions this particular site as one of many. Mr. Van Pul breaks up the river into three segments, the Southern, Central, and Northern Reaches of the South Saskatchewan, each with its own chain of islands and beaches along the meandering primary and secondary channels.

I would suggest those who are interested in river development to have a look at Paul Van Pul's vision as City Council referred it to Administration and the Meewasin Valley Authority.

His vision is quite spectacular, and one I am sure many would support. Although it is my hope that we can still find a way to develop a whitewater park of some value, after all, not everyone wishes to enjoy a leisurely canoe/kayak/ferry ride down the river, and how can anyone object to the possibility of hosting international competitions...can we not have our cake and eat it too

[kgc087]

Originally Posted by SASKFTW

Anyone else watch tonights council meeting or read the full agenda document?

Besides approval of Lake Placid's River Landing Village project, I thought Paul Van Pul's presentation and submission of River With Many Islands: Citizens Report on the Future of the South Saskatchewan River in Saskatoon (last 53 pages of council's full agenda) was quite interesting and exciting.

Mr. Van Pul has brought forward to our attention the possibility of restoring the river to a more natural state, which regrettably, includes removal of the weir and turning down the recent whitewater park proposal.

However, as an alternative, he suggests dredging operations for the river to create two channels, and many carefully placed islands with accompanying wildlife habitat and public park space. With the removal of the weir, the river could become navigable by all forms of watercraft, canoes, kayaks, boats, ferries...he illustrates the possibilities with the suggestion of river trips through Dakota Dunes, Beaver Creek, Saskatoon, Wanuskewan Heritage Park, Fish Creek and Batoche

I've always thought we could use a few islands (think Prince's Island Park, Calgary), especially near the Bessborough (he mentions this particular site as one of many. Mr. Van Pul breaks up the river into three segments, the Southern, Central, and Northern Reaches of the South Saskatchewan, each with its own chain of islands and beaches along the meandering primary and secondary channels.

I would suggest those who are interested in river development to have a look at Paul Van Pul's vision as City Council referred it to Administration and the Meewasin Valley Authority.

His vision is quite spectacular, and one I am sure many would support. Although it is my hope that we can still find a way to develop a whitewater park of some value, after all, not everyone wishes to enjoy a leisurely canoe/kayak/ferry ride down the river, and how can anyone object to the possibility of hosting international competitions...can we not have our cake and eat it too

First off, congrats to the city for making possibly the best decision regarding the south d/t development and approving riverlanding . I breezed through Paul Van Pul's proposal and I'm very impressed. I'm always one to promote positive environmental initiatives and I quite enjoy this one. I think natural spaces along the river would be fantastic and there really isnt any large ferry use so it wouldn't really inhibit that. It would be nice to see less islands possibly or some variety in size and more natural shapes but overall a stellar proposal and I hope city council really considers this one.

[Stewie]

Originally Posted by SASKFTW

... includes removal of the weir and turning down the recent whitewater park proposal.

Correct me if I am wrong, but wouldn't removal of the weir raise the possibility of a bare riverbed during dryer years (most years other than recent few)? Has anybody seen the river near Outlook, St. Louis, or Whitecap when the dam is closed during most summers? What would Saskatoon look like with a 40 foot trickle instead of the river we enjoy today?

[swilley]

We now have a 15,000 seat stadium in the middle of nowhere!

Loan Approved for CUC
Tuesday, 16 September 2008
Credit Union Centre will be borrowing money from the city to expand its seating. A loan for 2 million dollars was approved at City Council last night(mon.) to add on 3 thousand more seats. The addition is in preparation for the World Junior Hockey Championships in 2010. The loan will be repaid to the city over 10 years.

Source

[Ruckus]

Originally Posted by Stewie

Correct me if I am wrong, but wouldn't removal of the weir raise the possibility of a bare riverbed during dryer years (most years other than recent few)? Has anybody seen the river near Outlook, St. Louis, or Whitecap when the dam is closed during most summers? What would Saskatoon look like with a 40 foot trickle instead of the river we enjoy today?

Yeah, that's what I was thinking too.

I'm no hydrology expert, but, according to some we should expect more drought like conditions in the future and removing the weir and performing subsequent river restoration work (e.g. dredging channels, island creation, etc) will provide a better defense system against the possibility of more extreme and undesirable environmental outcomes (e.g. completely bare riverbed).

I think Paul Van Pul undertook this research to signal to our elected officials the wide ranging benefits the river provides for our community, and how to best secure and improve those many benefits for future generations.

Van Pul's report brought into view a host of implications for pursuing the whitewater park proposal, and the outcome of ignoring the other, potentially more pressing and damaging factors that could lead to the demise of the South Saskatchewan.

We should expect at the very least a response from the Meewasin Valley Authority on current restoration practices and future considerations, as well as supplementary literature to educate the wider community on the state of the South Saskatchewan River Basin (actually, I think a report has already been done, or is currently being conducted???) and future implications for Saskatoon and area.

Paul Van Pul deserves a good deal of appreciation and thanks for pursuing this alternative proposal, it really shows how incredibly connected and passionate people are about development in our fair city.

[Dalreg]

Originally Posted by swilley

We now have a 15,000 seat stadium in the middle of nowhere!

Loan Approved for CUC
Tuesday, 16 September 2008
Credit Union Centre will be borrowing money from the city to expand its seating. A loan for 2 million dollars was approved at City Council last night(mon.) to add on 3 thousand more seats. The addition is in preparation for the World Junior Hockey Championships in 2010. The loan will be repaid to the city over 10 years.

Source

Correction a 15,000 seat Arena.

[noseyparker]

Originally Posted by Stewie

Correct me if I am wrong, but wouldn't removal of the weir raise the possibility of a bare riverbed during dryer years (most years other than recent few)? Has anybody seen the river near Outlook, St. Louis, or Whitecap when the dam is closed during most summers? What would Saskatoon look like with a 40 foot trickle instead of the river we enjoy today?

The story I heard behind the weir was that it was a make work project in the 30's to raise the water level to hide the newly formed sand bars. The problem with it was that it slowed down the flow of water, creating more sand bars than we had to begin with. I am not sure if this is true or not.

I would personally like to see it demolished. I think this would increase the opportunities for recreational use... like rafting down the river like they do in Calgary.

[swilley]

Originally Posted by Dalreg

Correction a 15,000 seat Arena.

Also, they will be upgrading around 1,000 lower bowl seats to make 'club seating' which means they will be cushioned. The total hockey attendance will be 15,281 by my calculations.

[socialisthorde]

Originally Posted by swilley

Also, they will be upgrading around 1,000 lower bowl seats to make 'club seating' which means they will be cushioned.

Which is important because after the long drive out there, your butt gets sore.

[swilley]

^^^ and of course the justification to charge an extra 20%

[rrskylar]

Originally Posted by noseyparker

The story I heard behind the weir was that it was a make work project in the 30's to raise the water level to hide the newly formed sand bars. The problem with it was that it slowed down the flow of water, creating more sand bars than we had to begin with. I am not sure if this is true or not.

I would personally like to see it demolished. I think this would increase the opportunities for recreational use... like rafting down the river like they do in Calgary.

Or in a real dry year you could use it as a soccer pitch or a parking lot!

[socialisthorde]

Originally Posted by rrskylar

Or in a real dry year you could use it as a soccer pitch or a parking lot!

We have lots of parking lots and many buildings that can be torn down to create more, and we already have an overpriced soccer palace, but we could use a giant mud wrestling pit.

Seriously though, if you read the guy's proposal, it is very well thought out and researched, and one of the rationales he provides to support the idea is the likliehood of decreasing flows, so he has considered the likliehood of low flow years and he does aknowledge that further technical study would be required. I was in support of the whitewater park, perhaps less so after I saw the renderings and even less so now that I see this proposal, as it seems to offer a lot more in terms of potential uses and environmental benefits.

Who wouldn't like a beach or two in town? I used to swim at Beaver Creek and it was great - big sand beach clean warm water, but very dangerous current. This would eliminate the latter and provide the former right in the city. The idea of having boat tours to Wanneskewin would also be very cool, although he portrays it as traditional and I wonder if the plains Indians ever actually used canoes? I can't imagine hauling around a Birch Bark canoe for the rare opportunities to travel by water on the Canadian Prairies.

[jaysfan99]

does anyone have pictures of the new version of the lake placid development? I'd like to see how it looks with the updated 12 storey hotel.

[joelpiecowye]

Saskatoon one of best places in Canada to live: U.S. service
Darren Bernhardt, TheStarPhoenix.com
Published: Monday, September 15, 2008
An American-based company has confirmed what Saskatonians already know: The city is one of the best places to live in Canada.

Relocate-Canada.com, an online service that assists home buyers with community information and real estate resources throughout North America, has cited Saskatoon as "a vibrant and diverse city . . . a community with that rare combination of big city amenities and small-town spirit."

In its annual listing of the Top 20 cities in Canada, released Monday, the Michigan-based company referred to the city's abundance of sunlight and its beautifully landscaped parks and natural areas, and acknowledged it as a world leader in agriculture biotechnology, a base for mining and manufacturing and a flourishing high-tech centre. The report also called Saskatoon "a cultural oasis" that boasts many professional and amateur theatre groups, a symphony, numerous galleries, museums and libraries.


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Font:****However, the company seems to be confused about one thing, noting "Canada's sunshine capital is located in the heart of the great planes."

That should be the Great Plains.

No big deal, said Mayor Don Atchison. After all, it's true our airport is expanding, adding new routes and enjoying record passenger volumes.

"More and more people are starting to discover us, but it's no surprise," he said. "If you want to sit down, I could go on for two or three hours about everything we have to offer."

Though he didn't spend that much time on it, Atchison did list a wide range of attributes, ranging from the "clear and clean" quality of water to the international standards of its many sporting facilities, the public and private galleries, industry, education and innovation.

He even detailed the sites one would encounter on a walk-through the cultural corridor from Broadway Avenue, through River Landing, into Riversdale and into downtown.

"And that's all from the top of my head," he said, making sure to mention the city was named the Cultural Capital of Canada in 2006 for municipalities with populations exceeding 125,000.

To make it on Relocate-Canada.com's annual list, a community must be nominated. Then an editorial team conducts reviews and analyzes the area's growth, environmental highlights, educational and employment opportunities, crime rates and housing options.

"There has been such passion from our online community to share their personal insights on where they live in Canada and the highlights of each area. Our goal is that our list will educate and inspire others whether they're moving across town or across the U.S.," Steve Nickerson, president and CEO of Relocate-Canada.com, stated in a news release.

"The thing that sets our annual list apart is not only do we mine the data but we also focus heavily on the experiences of people that live there. The user comments that we receive reflect passion, wisdom and tell the story that the statistical data doesn't."

Neither Atchison nor Tourism Saskatoon CEO Todd Brandt had heard of Relocate-Canada.com before and are not responsible for the city's nomination.

"I think that brings validity (to the report) in the eye of the reader," said Brandt. "I can't buy that kind of attention.

The recognition is indicative of the city's fortunes, he added. On the same day the report was released the Conference Board of Canada released its latest metropolitan outlook, which indicates Saskatoon is on track to post its strongest rates of economic growth since 1997 and will lead the country for the second consecutive year.

"Four or five years ago we were saying, 'We're on the verge.' Now we're riding the wave," said Brandt.

[Hawker]

Originally Posted by socialisthorde

Which is important because after the long drive out there, your butt gets sore.

Long ride...come on...CUC is about 35 blocks north of where the only possible place for it to have gone downtown (the city yards area) Your butt shouldn't get sore biking out there, let alone driving.

[socialisthorde]

Originally Posted by Hawker

Long ride...come on...CUC is about 35 blocks north of where the only possible place for it to have gone downtown (the city yards area) Your butt shouldn't get sore biking out there, let alone driving.

Just kiddin. That's why they have these little thingies ->

[brannelford]

Originally Posted by SASKFTW

I thought Paul Van Pul's presentation and submission of River With Many Islands: Citizens Report on the Future of the South Saskatchewan River in Saskatoon (last 53 pages of council's full agenda) was quite interesting and exciting.....

........ His vision is quite spectacular, and one I am sure many would support. Although it is my hope that we can still find a way to develop a whitewater park of some value, after all, not everyone wishes to enjoy a leisurely canoe/kayak/ferry ride down the river, and how can anyone object to the possibility of hosting international competitions...can we not have our cake and eat it too

Quite honestly, I think this project would utterly ruin what is arguably the most beautiful, and undoubtedly the most photographed feature in Saskatoon. In the event that this proposal gets further consideration, I sincerely hope Council and the citizens of Saskatoon give this project extremely careful thought before acting upon any of its recommendations.

Aesthetics aside, having read the article, here are some concerns that I would note:

1. Initial Dredging and Design Costs: Costs to dredge channels in the shapes the author desires would be much more extensive than the costs to dredge a channel for rowing (by Victoria Park south of the Idylwyld bridge). Furthermore, the author suggests dredging channels up to Wanuskewin and even as far north as Batoche and south to Dakota Dunes, which seems unimaginably cost prohibitive.

2. Ongoing Dredging Costs: Dredging would have to be more frequent - in order to keep channels free and clear. Also carefully designed and landscaped islands would need to be constantly reinforced. Kudos to the author for trying to return the river to a natural state, but how natural is it if one needs to constantly be dredging something to keep two narrow channels free for boat traffic.

3. To Stewie's point, I have seen the South Saskatchewan near Outlook, and it ain't pretty.

4. Elimination of the Pelicans: The author admits that the pelicans would disappear, and most likely would stay near their nesting grounds on Redberry lake. I lived in Saskatoon in the 1980's, and the pelicans were always a pleasant attraction. I was there recently, and liked the new interpretive walks around the weir. It was a pleasant stroll, and much nicer than the previous gravel that existed in the 1980's.

5. No more international rowing or power boating features could take place if the river were nothing but a bunch of narrow channels and sandbars.

6. The author mentions swimming, but I can't imagine people would swim in waters that are downstream from the Queen Elizabeth Power Station. The discharge from the power station is powerful enough to keep the river ice-free all winter long throughout downtown Saskatoon. I don't know about others - but I wouldn't want to swim in that.

7. Beaches in downtown similar to Europe. (p.s. Ever notice how one can slap the name European on anything, and then charge twice as much ). I can't speak for Paris, but I know Vienna has tried putting a sand beach in the central core. I also know a number of Viennese roll their eyes at the impracticality of the whole thing. Sand tends to fly through the surrounding streets, creating a bit of a dust swirl on windy days. Besides, what's the use of a beach, if one still can't go in the water?

8. Picture the classic view of Saskatoon, the Broadway Bridge and the Bessborough - except rather than having a pristine blue river in the foreground, there is nothing but a series of marshy sloughs and a couple of narrow river channels that would be hidden by reedy sandbar islands.

9. Correspondingly, no more shots of the downtown skyline reflecting onto the broad river channel between the Broadway and University bridge (sort of blows the whole Paris of the Prairies motif)

10. Lastly, yet probably most importantly, with all the shallow pools and marshes being proposed - wouldn't this create an ideal breeding ground for mosquitos?


Undoubtedly this man has gone to a lot of work in preparing this proposal, but I'm not entirely clear that he appreciates the tremendous pride that a lot of Saskatonians take in having the river at its current level. I guess it's too soon to tell what will be done with this report, but I think it would be a shame if Saskatoon were to lose its wide and picturesque river as it currently flows today.

[kgc087]

Originally Posted by brannelford

Quite honestly, I think this project would utterly ruin what is arguably the most beautiful, and undoubtedly the most photographed feature in Saskatoon. In the event that this proposal gets further consideration, I sincerely hope Council and the citizens of Saskatoon give this project extremely careful thought before acting upon any of its recommendations.

Aesthetics aside, having read the article, here are some concerns that I would note:

1. Initial Dredging and Design Costs: Costs to dredge channels in the shapes the author desires would be much more extensive than the costs to dredge a channel for rowing (by Victoria Park south of the Idylwyld bridge). Furthermore, the author suggests dredging channels up to Wanuskewin and even as far north as Batoche and south to Dakota Dunes, which seems unimaginably cost prohibitive.

2. Ongoing Dredging Costs: Dredging would have to be more frequent - in order to keep channels free and clear. Also carefully designed and landscaped islands would need to be constantly reinforced. Kudos to the author for trying to return the river to a natural state, but how natural is it if one needs to constantly be dredging something to keep two narrow channels free for boat traffic.

3. To Stewie's point, I have seen the South Saskatchewan near Outlook, and it ain't pretty.

4. Elimination of the Pelicans: The author admits that the pelicans would disappear, and most likely would stay near their nesting grounds on Redberry lake. I lived in Saskatoon in the 1980's, and the pelicans were always a pleasant attraction. I was there recently, and liked the new interpretive walks around the weir. It was a pleasant stroll, and much nicer than the previous gravel that existed in the 1980's.

5. No more international rowing or power boating features could take place if the river were nothing but a bunch of narrow channels and sandbars.

6. The author mentions swimming, but I can't imagine people would swim in waters that are downstream from the Queen Elizabeth Power Station. The discharge from the power station is powerful enough to keep the river ice-free all winter long throughout downtown Saskatoon. I don't know about others - but I wouldn't want to swim in that.

7. Beaches in downtown similar to Europe. (p.s. Ever notice how one can slap the name European on anything, and then charge twice as much ). I can't speak for Paris, but I know Vienna has tried putting a sand beach in the central core. I also know a number of Viennese roll their eyes at the impracticality of the whole thing. Sand tends to fly through the surrounding streets, creating a bit of a dust swirl on windy days. Besides, what's the use of a beach, if one still can't go in the water?

8. Picture the classic view of Saskatoon, the Broadway Bridge and the Bessborough - except rather than having a pristine blue river in the foreground, there is nothing but a series of marshy sloughs and a couple of narrow river channels that would be hidden by reedy sandbar islands.

9. Correspondingly, no more shots of the downtown skyline reflecting onto the broad river channel between the Broadway and University bridge (sort of blows the whole Paris of the Prairies motif)

10. Lastly, yet probably most importantly, with all the shallow pools and marshes being proposed - wouldn't this create an ideal breeding ground for mosquitos?


Undoubtedly this man has gone to a lot of work in preparing this proposal, but I'm not entirely clear that he appreciates the tremendous pride that a lot of Saskatonians take in having the river at its current level. I guess it's too soon to tell what will be done with this report, but I think it would be a shame if Saskatoon were to lose its wide and picturesque river as it currently flows today.

Lots of really good points, really makes one reconsider the initial excitement of change and what it could really entail. Council has some major decisions ahead of it. Is there a way that the white water rapids could be constructed by the wier and allow for the excess sediments in the waters by downtown to flow more freely. I do like the idea of some islands but maybe this is more suited to northern and southern residential communities who may more readily utilize such a thing. I must admit not seeing the river as vast as it is in the base of photos would be very disappointing.

[Ruckus]

You've highlighted many valid concerns, and there is no doubt in my mind that many Saskatonians hold similar objections as the river is one our greatest natural assets. With those assumptions in mind, any potential modification proposal should be assessed with reasoned criticism and appreciation for the future (e.g. less glacial runoff from the Rockies...though I must admit, my knowledge of climate change in a regional context is quite dismal).

Originally Posted by brannelford

Quite honestly, I think this project would utterly ruin what is arguably the most beautiful, and undoubtedly the most photographed feature in Saskatoon. In the event that this proposal gets further consideration, I sincerely hope Council and the citizens of Saskatoon give this project extremely careful thought before acting upon any of its recommendations.

That is a given, development in or near the river is carefully weighed and measured with the strictest control. Much praise for the Meewasin Valley Authority.

Originally Posted by brannelford

Aesthetics aside, having read the article, here are some concerns that I would note:

1. Initial Dredging and Design Costs: Costs to dredge channels in the shapes the author desires would be much more extensive than the costs to dredge a channel for rowing (by Victoria Park south of the Idylwyld bridge). Furthermore, the author suggests dredging channels up to Wanuskewin and even as far north as Batoche and south to Dakota Dunes, which seems unimaginably cost prohibitive.

Agreed.

As a frame of reference, back in 2004 Regina's Wascana Lake "Big Dig" project entailed dredging the lake to a depth of 5.5 meters from the previous depth of 1.5 meters, and some areas of the lake being dredged to a depth of 7.5 meters to support fish habitat. Total cost for "Big Dig", $18 million (I believe a one time cost, but don't quote me on that), with funding coming from all three levels of government.

Yeah, the cost to dredge and maintain river channel depths appears to be excessive to say the least (especially so when drawing from our relatively small tax base).

Although we did spend $500,000 on an enchanting L.E.D. system for the Traffic Bridge.

Obviously we couldn't, nor should we commit to the entire proposal, but I do think more permanent beaches and perhaps some kind of island park might be doable.

Originally Posted by brannelford

2. Ongoing Dredging Costs: Dredging would have to be more frequent - in order to keep channels free and clear. Also carefully designed and landscaped islands would need to be constantly reinforced. Kudos to the author for trying to return the river to a natural state, but how natural is it if one needs to constantly be dredging something to keep two narrow channels free for boat traffic.

Yeah, I'm with you on the costs, a big sticking point for any development though. The question is, what do we get, or want in return? Everything costs money, what matters is how much value we can obtain for the money spent.

Originally Posted by brannelford

3. To Stewie's point, I have seen the South Saskatchewan near Outlook, and it ain't pretty.

Although not as far south as Outlook, last year first week of July a few friends and I did a short overnight canoe trip departing a few kilometers east of Pike Lake Provincial Park. We paddled for 6-7 hours and arrived at Shepley Island (former cadet training grounds), practically Cranberry Flats beach area. There wasn't too many sand bars before then, well one stretch in particular was quite shallow, must have walked for at least 5-10 minutes! After leaving Shepley Island and paddling into the city, the sandbars were non-existent, all very fast flowing currents.

I suspect there is more to sandbar creation than the weir itself, and of course Gardiner Dam plays a big part.

Originally Posted by brannelford

4. Elimination of the Pelicans: The author admits that the pelicans would disappear, and most likely would stay near their nesting grounds on Redberry lake. I lived in Saskatoon in the 1980's, and the pelicans were always a pleasant attraction. I was there recently, and liked the new interpretive walks around the weir. It was a pleasant stroll, and much nicer than the previous gravel that existed in the 1980's.

Yeah, pelicans are nice, but as mentioned, they may find another area of the river to exploit.

Maybe they could design something specifically to attract the pelicans, fish traps

Originally Posted by brannelford

5. No more international rowing or power boating features could take place if the river were nothing but a bunch of narrow channels and sandbars.

Some sections of the proposed river alterations show no islands or splitting, the stretch from the Idylwyld Bridge to the Broadway Bridge have no islands if I recall correctly. Van Pul made the suggestion that this area would maintain its identity as a vibrant watersports area (e.g. power boat races, fireworks, personal watercraft, etc).

The rest of the river would still be accessible, although with narrower widths instead of a wide open area for grand performances.

Originally Posted by brannelford

6. The author mentions swimming, but I can't imagine people would swim in waters that are downstream from the Queen Elizabeth Power Station. The discharge from the power station is powerful enough to keep the river ice-free all winter long throughout downtown Saskatoon. I don't know about others - but I wouldn't want to swim in that.

I have, and do swim in the river, and I'm not the only one The Sutherland Beach area just north of Circle Drive; sandbars behind the Bessborough aren't bad either; of course, just outside the city is Bareass/Paradise Beach and Cranberry Flats, both very popular destinations.

Originally Posted by brannelford

7. Beaches in downtown similar to Europe. (p.s. Ever notice how one can slap the name European on anything, and then charge twice as much ). I can't speak for Paris, but I know Vienna has tried putting a sand beach in the central core. I also know a number of Viennese roll their eyes at the impracticality of the whole thing. Sand tends to fly through the surrounding streets, creating a bit of a dust swirl on windy days. Besides, what's the use of a beach, if one still can't go in the water?

I thought the same thing when reading this, of course, the presenter knows this fact and made clever comparisons between Saskatoon and more established centres of The Old World

Originally Posted by brannelford

8. Picture the classic view of Saskatoon, the Broadway Bridge and the Bessborough - except rather than having a pristine blue river in the foreground, there is nothing but a series of marshy sloughs and a couple of narrow river channels that would be hidden by reedy sandbar islands.

Again, we wouldn't want the entire river comprised of just the above. Ideally, we would have a variety of environments. Some can enjoy the island park settings; fast flowing unobstructed widths for powerboat users; whitewater rapids for the adventure seeking.

Why design, or develop our river for one particular use or interest, can we not intelligently and cost effectively develop it for many competing and conflicting uses? The million dollar question.

Originally Posted by brannelford

9. Correspondingly, no more shots of the downtown skyline reflecting onto the broad river channel between the Broadway and University bridge (sort of blows the whole Paris of the Prairies motif)

See above.

Originally Posted by brannelford

10. Lastly, yet probably most importantly, with all the shallow pools and marshes being proposed - wouldn't this create an ideal breeding ground for mosquitos?

Maybe, I don't know...birds might be happy though

Originally Posted by brannelford

Undoubtedly this man has gone to a lot of work in preparing this proposal, but I'm not entirely clear that he appreciates the tremendous pride that a lot of Saskatonians take in having the river at its current level. I guess it's too soon to tell what will be done with this report, but I think it would be a shame if Saskatoon were to lose its wide and picturesque river as it currently flows today.

It is important that we take pride in our river, but at the same time, allow ourselves the option to improve our surrounding environment. The difficulty is how to best represent the many interests in a city with only one beautiful life giving river.

[Ruckus]

Library looking for proposals
The StarPhoenix
Published: Friday, September 19, 2008

Saskatoon Public Library is going back to the drawing board to revamp its downtown facility.

The library's board decided Wednesday to call for expressions of interest (EOI) from design teams to rebuild at 23rd Street and Second Avenue. They don't need to restrict themselves to the building footprint.

Proposals can include designs that extend the library into or over top of 23rd, although it's an unpopular idea with some members of city council. The library has also had preliminary discussions about potentially expanding the library over the Sturdy Stone Centre to the southwest. Management of the Sturdy Stone, which is owned by the province, has told the library it's open to ideas, director of libraries Zenon Zuzak said.

"We decided to leave (the call for ideas) quite open," Zuzak said. "They're the experts and there might be some whole new ideas there. Everything's on the table." The board wants to almost double the library's size, from 78,000 square feet to 150,000. The library opened in 1966 and is desperate for space The idea isn't just to make the library bigger. The new design could include more computers, laptop stations, an expanded fi ne arts area, coffee shop, a children's museum and other features, like a sculpture garden, for example, to attract more of the public.

"Libraries are becoming community gathering places," Zuzak said.

Before the call for ideas goes out, the library will set a dollar amount for architects to work with, Zuzak said. In the past, renovating the library has been estimated to cost at least $40 million.

The two-storey library can only handle the weight of one more fl oor if it's stacked with books, Zuzak said.

The public library has considered in the past six years new locations in south downtown and the former Bay building.

More recently, it fl oated a plan to expand the library north and close 23rd. Zuzak said in January he was told by city manager Phil Richards that council isn't behind the idea, but some councillors later said council hadn't taken a formal position.

Coun. Bev Dubois, who represents council on the library board, said she'd love to see the library tie into civic square somehow.

"If the logistics could be worked out, I think it would be very cool to have the library connected in that street and that area." Mayor Don Atchison said council has given expansion across 23rd "a resounding no." The EOI is a logical starting point for planning a new library, he said.

The library board will call for expressions of interest in October and turn them over to a consultant team to review them the following month. It would take much of next year to choose an option, get approval and decide on a fundraising plan.

Developing ideas for a downtown library won't slow plans for a new branch on 20th Street, Zuzak said. It will open next year.

Room is also set aside for a library branch in Blairmore, the area around Tommy Douglas Collegiate and Bethlehem Catholic High School, but the board hasn't set aside funding.

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The fastest-growing part of Saskatoon is getting a bigger library.

The Saskatoon Public Library board has approved a $3-million expansion to the Alice Turner branch that will add 6,500 square feet.

The branch, built on Nelson Road in University Heights in 1998 with 15,000 square feet, was designed for an eastward expansion as early as 2003.

The new space will allow for more materials, computers and a multi-purpose room.

"That community sure knows how to lobby," said director of libraries Zenon Zuzak. "They're on our case every week. We're fi nally able to do something there." The ward's councillor, Bev Dubois, said the library will also add parking.

"People want to use the library and it's just too small for the area," she said.

The library's capital reserve will pay for the entire project, meaning it won't affect the library's mill rate.

The project goes to tender early next year with construction starting in summer. It will be done by the end of 2010. The library branch is expected to stay open during construction, Zuzak said.

© The StarPhoenix (Saskatoon) 2008

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