Saskatoon Construction

[Ruckus]

Originally Posted by ninipanini

That dinner crane is the tackiest thing I've ever seen in Saskatoon. It looks like the construction site that may or may not ever be on that site!

Its a mobile crane with a platform, should we expect something more eye pleasing? I suppose its missing the color changing LEDs that so many people love to hate on the Traffic Bridge, though this dinner crane was not operating during evening hours.

[Cow-garian]

Originally Posted by ninipanini

That dinner crane is the tackiest thing I've ever seen in Saskatoon. It looks like the construction site that may or may not ever be on that site!

I do agree that it seems quite tacky. What's the reason behind having a dinner crane, is it just a 'for now' kind of concept or do they seriously want to keep it for the long term?

[Ruckus]

Originally Posted by Cow-garian

I do agree that it seems quite tacky. What's the reason behind having a dinner crane, is it just a 'for now' kind of concept or do they seriously want to keep it for the long term?

There has been talk of a larger one (100 person capacity) and perhaps a permanent home in Kiwanis Park right next to the Bessborough

[Scruff Bucket]

Originally Posted by Ruckus

There has been talk of a larger one (100 person capacity) and perhaps a permanent home in Kiwanis Park right next to the Bessborough

I wonder if the DITS (Dinner in the Sky) company (a Belgium company) has a new, larger capacity model in the making. Otherwise, they could use multiple cranes, but the space requirements are quite large! (Tech specs) Or is there another provider for this?

Looks like this company offers almost any dangling adventure, and then some!
http://www.benjifun.com/nl/products/extreme_attractions/

[ninipanini]

I completely agree that a restaurant with a view would be a GREAT addition to downtown, I don't want to sound like a total nay sayer. BUT... I think we can do better. I really hope this isn't a permanent addition. And besides what about the winter? Martinis, the restaurant that used to be on the top floors of Saskatoon Square, was a great destination that could be enjoyed year round. Lets keep fair rides on the exhibition grounds!

[Scruff Bucket]

Speaking of exhibition (off topic), how long has Saskatoon's ex been known as "Saskatoon Ex", and what other names do you remember it being called? This year Regina's exhibition is rebranding from it's former "Buffalo Days" to its new name "Queen City Ex". (Leader-Post link) Just wondering! Thanks!

[Cow-garian]

Originally Posted by ninipanini

I completely agree that a restaurant with a view would be a GREAT addition to downtown. ... I really hope this isn't a permanent addition. ... Lets keep fair rides on the exhibition grounds!

That sounds like a pretty sound policy to me.

In saying that, hopefully if it isn't a permeant addition, I think they can rake in some nice cash if marketed properly; such as "a limited time event"

[Ruckus]

Originally Posted by ninipanini

I completely agree that a restaurant with a view would be a GREAT addition to downtown, I don't want to sound like a total nay sayer. BUT... I think we can do better. I really hope this isn't a permanent addition. And besides what about the winter? Martinis, the restaurant that used to be on the top floors of Saskatoon Square, was a great destination that could be enjoyed year round. Lets keep fair rides on the exhibition grounds!

Don't fret, this event was a temporary one time event (though I could see it happening again...different location).

Yeah, I'm with you with the restaurant with a view...of great heights would be best.

But the exhibition grounds are ugly and booooooring! (worst combination, ever!) The river front is where all the action is, and people want to see more action

......but yeah, what about Kinsmen Park rides?...this is getting into another topic, but anyone remember plans to redevelop Kinsmen Park with a canal, lake and a some other niceties, and removes some or all of the ball diamonds. I found a City of Saskatoon report that explores redevelopment. I think it was commissioned in the 1980s, possibly early 90s. If there is interest from any of you I could go down there tomorrow and scan some of the pages (not sure how well they will copy, they looked to be copied one too many times...fading).

[Ruckus]

Originally Posted by Scruff Bucket

Speaking of exhibition (off topic), how long has Saskatoon's ex been known as "Saskatoon Ex", and what other names do you remember it being called? This year Regina's exhibition is rebranding from it's former "Buffalo Days" to its new name "Queen City Ex". (Leader-Post link) Just wondering! Thanks!

I've always know it as the Saskatoon Ex...may have been Pioneer Days way back (I'm probably wrong though).

Queen City Ex is a nice choice, incorporating the city nickname is different...I wonder what other names were being considered.

[ninipanini]

Originally Posted by Ruckus

redevelop Kinsmen Park with a canal, lake and a some other niceties, and removes some or all of the ball diamonds.

That would be awesome, I would love to see some new development there. A canal would be fantastic! I actually partially take back my prior comments about the skytower... if it wasn't too big (maybe 100 feet max) for the site, that could be good for Kinsmen Park. What does everyone else think?

It would be kind of nice to have a small city centre amusement park, kind of like La Ronde in Montreal.

[dsim249]

I don't understand why everyone is getting so worked up about Dinner in the Sky... It was obviously developed to create a unique and temporary dining experience. It's not supposed to look incredible to the person standing on the ground. It's meant to create an incredible experience for those who are actually dining.
If it was originally created to 'wow' select European dignitaries, I'm sure it's good enough to be set up in Saskatoon for a few days.

[joelpiecowye]

i agree that people shouldnt be worked up over dinner in the sky, infact i am rather impressed that we actually had it in saskatoon since it is usually booked for larger cities with 1 million+ in the population.

and as for the ex i believe it was always called the saskatoon ex or exhibition
on their website it says they are celebrating 125 years in 2011 and it shows an poster from 1931 saying the ex

http://www.saskatoonexhibition.ca/pdf/anniversary.pdf

i kinda find it weird that the ex turns 125 by 2011 whil saskatoon only turns 105 by 2011, i guess the fair came before the people did

[drm310]

The first settlement (Nutana) was here since 1883. In 1906, the towns of Nutana and Saskatoon, and the village of Riversdale merged to become the city of Saskatoon.

Originally Posted by joelpiecowye

i kinda find it weird that the ex turns 125 by 2011 whil saskatoon only turns 105 by 2011, i guess the fair came before the people did

[Ricopedra]

I distinctly remember the Saskatoon Ex being called Pioneer Days when I was a kid. And I think they changed it to make it sound more big cityish. And now out go Buffalo Days and here comes The Queen City Ex!

[Scruff Bucket]

Thanks everyone!

Funny, the Leader-Post article says that Regina's exhibition is rebranding away from its past, while Saskatoon's is celebrating just that! But then, Saskatoon's ex has reached a notable milestone (125 years), and Regina's is still getting there (115 years).

[Josh Shaw, event co-ordinator at Evraz Place] said the rebrand is being tied into the revitalization going on at Evraz Place, including the construction of six new hockey arenas.

"We're going to tie our fair blueprint around those arenas in the future," ... adding that ... it was becoming increasingly difficult to market a pioneer-themed event.

I'll likely visit Saskatoon later this summer and/or fall on some of the long weekends and for some of my continuing education conferences (other weekends), and to have a look see at all the new places! My wife loves Gerry's Food Emporium, and I have to get my fix of yummy and delicious dim sum from Yip Hong's!

Are there any other places (new or old) you suggest for dining, dessert, or coffee? (Souleio? ... )

[Ruckus]

Pretty sure this is the satellite bus barn under construction in the North Industrial.




Did you know Kinsmen Park is Saskatoon's first park (1903) and on some occasions served as the exhibition grounds

I was mistaken about the lake/canal, pond/stream is a better description of those water features. The combination would have made the park much more interesting (fountains, waterfalls/weir, habitat for waterfowl?), not to mention the potential for ice skating during the winter months.

And check out the 1980 plan and consideration of an outdoor amphitheatre. River Landing has one, well Phase I is not really an amphitheatre. Phase II on the other hand will have a performance platform, and seating built into the riverbank abutting Idylwyld Drive (IIRC).

They incorporated a mini-golf course in the 1991 preliminary plan. Reading up on the feedback from the public gives me the sense that people didn't want it in the park (because it would mean more people using the park, it would cost money for upkeep...etc).

I visit Kinsmen Park here and there during the summer months and with exception to the rides and playground area(s), a large part of the park (northern) is not well suited for active uses due to the topography (land slopes into a gully). The solution for this underutilized space is clear. Develop the pond/steam idea. The rerouting of the train to travel over a bridge that crosses the stream seems like a novel idea as well (I'm cool with just a stream/pond...we can leave the rides at their current location).



Kinsmen Park Development Plan 1980


KP DP 1985


KP DP - Site Characteristics


Preliminary KP DP May 1991


Preliminary KP DP May 1991


Preliminary KP DP May 1991


KP DP May 1991


KP DP May 1991


KP DP May 1991


KP DP May 1991


Source: City of Saskatoon, Kinsmen Park Development Plan, May 1991.

[Ricopedra]

Thanks for all the info. It's interesting to see what the planners are coming up with. I do like those old bridges in the north part of the park. It was always fun playing ninjas and what not.... A little NYC? >)

Oh yea - I talked to an oldtimer and family in Saskatoon this morning. They say that the Sask Ex and Pioneer Days were/are separate, but sometimes run concurrently. (I was just a little kid!) Back to surfing!

[circle33]

Originally Posted by Scruff Bucket

Are there any other places (new or old) you suggest for dining, dessert, or coffee? (Souleio? ... )

If you're going out for breakfast, the Park Cafe on 20th is definitely worth the trip.

[babtown]

Quick question... I was driving down 2nd ave today and realized that the pedestrian level of 2nd avenue lofts is still sitting empty. I know they had plans of leasing/selling the space for retail/coffee etc... Does anyone have any insider info regarding the status of those spaces? It would be nice to something going on there!

[socialisthorde]

Originally Posted by Scruff Bucket

Are there any other places (new or old) you suggest for dining, dessert, or coffee? (Souleio? ... )

Souleio was only serving a very limited part of their menu when I was there (pannini only), and it was very good. However, it was quite expensive particularly given that they were out of the "chips and pickle" they are intending to eventually serve with the sandwiches. I was also a little surprised that they did not offer any alternative (or price reduction) for the missing pickle/chips Anyway, the ambiance is great as they have a few sidewalk tables, and the feel is overall very urban (not in the hip-hop gangsta sense ). For similar food, and better coffee at a better price Cafe Sola (23rd and Pacific) is great. Best espresso in town is at the Mendel Art Gallery (can't recall the name).

If you like authentic Central American food, EE Burrito is great. There is also a new BBQ place, on Circle Drive I think. I don't know about their restaurant food, but the stuff they sell at various public events (e.g. Jazz Festival) is great, so it might be worth a try.