Saskatoon Construction

[Echoes]

That's great to hear, I can't wait to see something.

Oh, and nice work everyone on 7,000 posts!

[prairieguy]

Hate to bring up the always contentious Lake Placid, but don't you think the 'pending' signature to secure financing would have been received by now?? Hasn't it been 2 to 3 weeks since this was suppose to happen within days? I am not a basher of this project or developer, I just really hope that it happens!

[rrskylar]

Don`t hold your breath, Lake Placid seems more interested in a piece of prime Kelowna property than ever re-starting their dead projects in Calgary and Saskatoon

[kgc087]

Payment deadline set for Prairie Ecovillage at River Landing

By davidhutton Tue, Dec 15 2009 COMMENTS(0) City Hall Notebook

Filed under: PEDCO

A deadline has been set for the Prairie Ecovillage Development Corp. (PEDCO) to come up with $1.5 million to purchase land for their green housing development at River Landing.

The developer has until May 31, 2010, to come up with the money for the land, council agreed to Monday night. The new closing date would be March 31, 2011, to get all of the approvals necessary. Excavation must be completed within 18 months of the closing date, the agreement says.

The $25-million 65-unit green housing development is planned for the corner of Avenue C and 19th Street as part of River Landing.

Like Lake Placid’s condo-hotel-retail megaproject the development has attracted great interest but has had difficulties raising the money to begin construction.

Ecovillage is intended to showcase green building technology. Proponents are targeting LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) platinum status, the highest recognized level of green building certification.,

A letter from Paul Hanley, the secretary of the board for PEDCO, said the company remains committed to the project.

The project has received 100 deposits on units, completed the architectural design, but haven’t been able to secure funding because of “the global financial crisis,” the letter says.

http://communities.canada.com/saskatoons...prairie-ecovillage-at-river-landing.aspx
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This is very exciting! Developments like these should be seen across the city. Rather then building all the mid density condos in thew suburban areas why not build mid-high density GREEN condos, ones that would also adress the issue of pedestrianism.
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Council backs Copenhagen resolution

By davidhutton Tue, Dec 15 2009 COMMENTS(0) City Hall Notebook

Filed under: Copenhagen, environment

The start of a few late items from the council meeting on items that were passed after press time.

City council cast its eye on Copenhagen Monday night, backing a resolution from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) urging the federal government to reach a “meaningful agreement” during negotiations taking place in the host city of the international climate change summit this week.
“It’s a chance to have that local recognition that this very important discussion is happening,” said Coun. Charlie Clark, who made the motion. “We do have a large carbon footprint and we know we need to tackle that.
“I think we have an opportunity to become leaders as a province and a city that even in places with as cold of temperatures as we’re experiencing and with low density that we can really turn things around.”
Cities play a crucial role in reducing the impacts of urbanization through recycling, mass transit, water conservation, energy conservation, neighbourhood design, and cycling and walking infrastructure, said Sheri Praski, the city’s manager of environmental services.
“A compact, well-designed city has the potential to use a fraction of the energy,” Praski said.
Municipalities can slash Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions at a fraction of the cost of reducing pollution from large industrial facilities, a report produced for the FCM said last week.
It is estimated municipalities can deliver 15 to 40 per cent of the reductions required to meet the federal Conservative government’s target of lowering emissions of heat-trapping gases roughly to 1990 levels by 2020, said the report.
The reductions could be achieved in activities under direct municipal control, the report said, such as improving energy efficiency in buildings, facilities and fleets of vehicles operated by the municipalities.
Cities could also modernize waste management operations through the recovery of landfill gas for energy and improving recycling.
The City of Saskatoon is investing more this year in capital projects related to the environment than previously, beginning the construction of a $7.5 million organics recycling facility, pumping $2-million into the bike network, revisiting plans for downtown transit, and starting two energy projects at the landfill.
One of those projects, an 80-metre tall $5-million wind turbine, was given the go ahead on Monday night with $380,000 allocated this year to study if there’s enough wind to make the project viable.
The city determined that one tall wind turbine, which would generate electricity for 600 homes, was a stronger alternative to several small ones.
“This is a significant project,” said Jeff Jorgenson, the city’s utility services manger. “The energy this wind turbine will generate will be sold back to the grid.”

http://communities.canada.com/saskatoons...council-backs-copenhagen-resolution.aspx
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This is absolutely crucial to the future development of the city. Recognizing our environmental impact and (re)developing to minimize this will alter the face our Saskatoon forever. I'm sure we can look forward to increased density, transit and "green" planning. As well seeing a national urban commitment to reducing greenhouse gases through proper urban design is just a beautiful thing, almost brings a tear to my eye!
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Two-year planning process to shape Saskatoon's future


The StarPhoenixDecember 15, 2009



Let the conversation on Saskatoon's future begin.

City council gave the go-ahead Monday to begin a $400,000, two-year public engagement and planning process that will guide the city's planning and growth agenda and lead to a document that charts a new direction for Saskatoon.

In a two-minute speech, city manager Murray Totland laid out the need for a community visioning process in the face of a rapidly changing city with increasingly complex issues.

"If we simply sit back and believe what has worked for us in the past will serve us going forward . . . we will have little chance to gain significance on the national and international stage," he said.

"Saskatoon is changing."

The community planning process was strongly supported by councillors, many of whom spoke to the need for engagement and city-wide planning.

"This, in a lot of ways, is laying the foundation for the bricks and mortar for years to come," said Mayor Don Atchison.

The process needs to be build on past plans and existing values, said Coun. Pat Lorje.

"We have to . . . be making sure it's not a free for all," she said.

"We won't be going out with a blank piece of paper," Catherine Gryba, the city's manager of strategic planning. "There will be a framework so the discussion can be guided and shaped a little bit."

More details on how the consultations will work and what will be discussed will be presented to council in early 2010, Gryba said.
© Copyright (c) The StarPhoenix

http://www.thestarphoenix.com/news/year+planning+process+shape+Saskatoon+future/2341256/story.html
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This is probably the best thing ever that could have happened for us! This is really our opportunity to each create some sort of proposal and send it to the city. They are wanting to know public input. I would say the survey is for people who have no idea about urban planning so we would not be in the wrong to submit a report based on our ideas of the future of Saskatoon! Here's to future SPP meetings for "Our Vision of Saskatoon"
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City shouldn't help farmers' market: rival

City, market to begin discussion on new lease for River Landing site

By Jeanette Stewart and David Hutton, The StarPhoenixDecember 15, 2009Be the first to post a comment



The president of the group operating satellite farmers' markets in the city says "not one dollar" of civic tax money should be spent on the Saskatoon Farmers' Market at River Landing.

Mike Parsons, president and managing director of the Community Farmers' Market in Saskatoon, says the five locations operated by his group are "growing and prosperous" because they respond to customers' needs.

The alternate market began four years ago after the Saskatoon Farmers' Market moved from its City Hall location.

"It comes down to what people want," said Parsons.

He said he and his wife have conducted a customer survey during the past two years. A "staggering" 90 per cent of his customer base wanted markets across the city.

"They were heartfelt, they wanted us in their neighbourhood," said Parsons. The satellite farmers' markets are managed by the organization's board.

He said he does not believe the City of Saskatoon should give the Saskatoon Farmers' Market downtown a leg up.

"Not one dollar of taxpayers' money should be spent on a farmers' market," said Parsons. "As a board of directors we pay for every location we've got. There's no freebies; we don't believe in it."

The Saskatoon Farmers' Market runs its operations out of the city-owned facility at River Landing.

According to the current lease, in 2010 the Saskatoon Farmers' Market will pay a rent of $10 per year to the city, $17,856.40 in property taxes and $14,640 to the maintenance reserve fund, the equivalent of 1.2 per cent of the replacement value of the farmers' market building. Regular maintenance of the building must be shared between the farmers' market and Ideas Inc.

As part of talks with the city on a new lease, the Saskatoon Farmers' Market also asked for $30,000 from the city for a part-time marketing co-ordinator position to help secure permanent tenants, special events and rental opportunities.

City administration did not support this proposal in a report to council. Funding a marketing co-ordinator for an independent body such as the farmers' market would set a "dangerous precedent," Coun. Pat Lorje said last week.

The River Landing location will catch on in time, said Lorje, whose ward includes the market.

The report to council also pointed out the Saskatoon Farmers' Market's failure to fulfil lease obligations, which include keeping the River Landing building open five days per week. Civic administrators say they'd like to see a market run more frequently in the space.

Council gave city administration the go-ahead Monday to enter into lease negotiations with the Saskatoon Farmers' Market.

Those discussions will focus on hours of operation, setting up an advisory committee and marketing the site, city manager Murray Totland said.

[email protected]
© Copyright (c) The StarPhoenix

http://www.thestarphoenix.com/news/City+shouldn+help+farmers+market+rival/2341226/story.html
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This makes no sense to me. The person that wrote this is running a private farmers market while the one in the city space is a city owned farmers market.? Am I correct on this? If so of course it makes sense for the city to fund a city venture even if it means tougher competition for the private market!

[exploration camper]

Originally Posted by kgc087

This makes no sense to me. The person that wrote this is running a private farmers market while the one in the city space is a city owned farmers market.? Am I correct on this? If so of course it makes sense for the city to fund a city venture even if it means tougher competition for the private market!

Founded in 1975, the Market is a member-owned non-profit cooperative providing residents and visitors the best in local agricultural products, baking, prepared foods and crafts. In 2007, the cooperative moved to its year-round location at River Landing development. - http://www.saskatoonfarmersmarket.com/

[jrm857]

wow its dead lately lol. Anyways rumour has it that the city is planning a new neighborhood around solar patterns to maximize light and reduce heating.

[kiwi4life]

Originally Posted by jrm857

wow its dead lately lol. Anyways rumour has it that the city is planning a new neighborhood around solar patterns to maximize light and reduce heating.

wow!!! sweet!, where did ya hear this from?????, bc thats cool and interesting, like to know more and wherebouts this neighbourhood is to be.

[jrm857]

Im a planning student, and a classmate of mine works for the city. as far as i know its going to be east side, my best guess would be in the recently annexed area.

[kiwi4life]

Originally Posted by jrm857

Im a planning student, and a classmate of mine works for the city. as far as i know its going to be east side, my best guess would be in the recently annexed area.

oh nice!! thanks!

[Echoes]

River Landing balancing act
Gallery, theatre need equal billing, architect says

By David Hutton, The StarPhoenix December 19, 2009

The renowned architect about to embark on creating the blueprint for the $58-million destination centre at River Landing says his challenge will be to ensure the art gallery won't be overshadowed by the performing arts theatre, or vice versa.

"I don't believe in trade-offs," said Michael Lundholm, a Toronto-based architect and museum and art gallery planning specialist hired by the city to tackle the functional plan for the destination centre.

"I don't want to say we'll favour one user over another. The question is, how to do we preserve and strengthen the independent identity and image of the theatre and the gallery?"

The 85,000-square-foot centre will wrap around Persephone Theatre.

It is slated to include the Art Gallery of Saskatchewan, an atrium, a gift shop, a community art studio, a restaurant, a multimedia theatre and an expanded backstage theatre.

Lundholm will arrive in January to begin a functional program plan for the gallery, which will eventually be handed over to the architects and design team in charge of constructing what is seen as the cultural anchor of the south downtown and what will be one of the most scrutinized public structures built in Saskatoon.

Lundholm's background, which includes designing the functional plan for the war museum in Ottawa, is impressive enough that city council approved hiring him at a cost of $150,000 to create the functional plan for the building without requesting proposals.

Mendel Art Gallery director Vincent Varga said Lundholm is the foremost expert in Canada when it comes to creating functional plans for public galleries and museums and has tackled several similar projects in mid-sized Canadian cities.

The planning step was necessary to ensure every element of the space works together "seamlessly," Varga said, and so mistakes aren't made on basic things such as where art is loaded into the building and where the vaults, the lecture theatre and the community studio are located.

"These complex things need to be woven together appropriately," Varga said. "This model puts the function in front of what the thing will look like. I'm more interested in making sure the art experience is first and foremost, rather than building a big edifice. Let's make sure the things work. Then we can dress it up if we have the money."

Varga said he's in favour of the Art Gallery of Saskatchewan taking the lead role in how the facility is known instead of as the "destination centre."

"An art gallery is going to be much easier as something to grasp," he said.

River Landing, the Art Gallery of Saskatchewan and Persephone Theatre have to create "a good, strong equilateral triangle," he said.

Lundholm cautioned in a 2005 interview on the Mendel expansion against building art galleries in multi-use complexes because it often undermines their stature.

He said Friday the challenge that lies ahead is ensuring the Art Gallery of Saskatchewan and Persephone Theatre work together in tandem but also maintain their separate identities.

"Sharing the same building presents potentially extreme problems with identity," he said. "The way this project has developed as a podium on which there would be two distinct masses, I see every potential they can still be connected in a way that makes it more than the sum of their parts."

As Lundholm and several consultants prepare the detailed plan, they will look at the viability of a restaurant and parking on the site, a proposed layout and the framework for what the building should look like.

"I believe that it's perfectly appropriate to address the way (the gallery) wants to present itself in the public eye and not to leave that entirely up to architects to decide.

"I won't, of course, say it has to have pointy bits or look like a crystal or anything silly like that," he said.

[email protected]

MAN WITH THE PLAN

Michael Lundholm, the planner in charge of creating a framework for the destination centre, spoke Friday on a variety of issues he will tackle in the coming months as he designs the requirements for the site.

ON AN ART GALLERY IN A MULTI-USE COMPLEX:

"This site does have some physical limitations, but I think it's way too early to say this can fit or this can't fit or that we're trying to crowd too much or not. Part of my problem will be to rationalize (all the uses) and make sure it can work and serve every need as well as possible."

ON MOVING THE MENDEL ART GALLERY TO RIVER LANDING:

"I'm well aware of the history and the Mendel has a very good reputation in the world of art galleries that is reflected in very high visitor numbers per capita, and I think one of the challenging and interesting things is to work with this prestigious institution and make sure this new building makes sure it moves forward and is better."

ON THE CONTROVERSY THAT HAS ENSUED:

"I understand the issue. I understand how the Mendel board in one context would have favoured an expansion on site and why it could also see advantage in an opportunity to build a new building. I don't find those as contradictory, even though I'm well aware of the controversy it's created."

ON HIRING A FOOD SERVICES CONSULTANT:

"There's a dream to have a fine restaurant at this site that would serve gallery visitors and the theatre visitors and the users of (River Landing). But food service is difficult in cultural buildings."

ON BLENDING THE LOOK OF THE BUILDING WITH PERSEPHONE THEATRE:

"I think architecture has to respond to its context, but that doesn't mean you have to copy details or materials. There are very creative ways to make things harmonious."
© Copyright (c) The StarPhoenix

Source
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Judging by Lundholm's past experience, it looks like he knows what he's doing. That's encouraging. He sounds level-headed and realistic too, not making grandiose or ridiculous claims about what the AGS can and will be (e.g.- fine dining in the AGS does sound like a stretch, a cafe/coffee shop similar to Museo seems more realistic/appropriate). He is after all just in charge of the functional plan, the one charged with the architectural design of the final product will be ???

This is a little worrisome from Vince Varga though: "I'm more interested in making sure the art experience is first and foremost, rather than building a big edifice. Let's make sure the things work. Then we can dress it up if we have the money."
I understand what he's saying, the AGS needs to be functional for its intended use, but the "big edifice" is pretty important too. Especially since, as the article pointed out, the AGS will be one of the most heavily scrutinized public buildings in Saskatoon. So it had better look good. In this case, form and function are of equal importance.

[newflyer]

Originally Posted by Stormer

Nice Photoshopping on the colour of the Red River!

That wasn't photoshopped ... I think its more a reflection of the sky.

[JayM]

Originally Posted by newflyer

That wasn't photoshopped ... I think its more a reflection of the sky.

I can't say even on the best summer* the Red or Assiniboine have looked that damn blue! HA!

*Minus the bodies, the dead trees, shopping carts and the random garbage from the litter bugs. They don't call it muddy waters for nothing.

[swilley]

Originally Posted by newflyer

That wasn't photoshopped ... I think its more a reflection of the sky.

Must of been some reflection...


source

[1ajs]

the red can get blue but not that blue

[dsim249]

Originally Posted by JayM

*Minus the bodies, the dead trees, shopping carts and the random garbage from the litter bugs. They don't call it muddy waters for nothing.

Originally Posted by swilley

Must of been some reflection...

[dsim249]

I took some pictures around town the other day (you can see some of them now in the Canada thread, under 'Post some pictures of your city'). I'll post the rest once I'm done finals. In two more days................

[ninipanini]

Looks like plans for the College Quarter are moving forward! This looks really promising, the U of S hasn't disappointed with the buildings they've constructed in the last few years... it would be nice to see this spill over beyond the old campus!


FINAL memo
College Quarter
Dec. 21-09

DATE: December 21, 2009

TO: PAC, Department Heads

FROM: Richard Florizone, vice-president finance and resources

RE: College Quarter Master Plan

At its meeting Dec. 16, the University of Saskatchewan Board of Governors approved the master plan for College Quarter, a mixed-use development that will eventually include student residences and academic facilities in a vibrant neighbourhood setting.

Encompassing about 145 acres bordered by College Drive, Preston Avenue, Cumberland Avenue and 14th Street, College Quarter could potentially accommodate up to 3,000 new student residence beds situated among various amenities such as sports facilities, shops, restaurants, cafés, bookstores, grocery stores, offices, clinics, cultural destinations and green spaces. The development will not only enhance the experience of students at the U of S, but will also contribute to our competitive advantage in recruitment and retention of students and faculty.

With the initial plan approved, we will now embark on extensive community-wide consultation, with the City of Saskatoon engaged to help establish appropriate zoning for the mixed-use village.

The intent of the College Quarter development is to create an inspirational student environment that will attract both university users and the surrounding community. The master plan details a network of streets and paths that provide easy access to the main campus and surrounding community, a focus on preserving existing trees and creating new open spaces, an emphasis on all-season pedestrian use, and building and site design guidelines that will ensure a cohesive, high-quality image and environment.

The vision for College Quarter has been in development since 2006. Utilizing external consultants as well as internal expertise, we have refined the scope and potential usage of the project through extensive consultation. Further consultation on the master plan will take place both internally and externally throughout 2010 with cost estimates and business plans to follow in 2011 and beyond. The plan will be available on the university’s website early in 2010.

Feel free to contact my office if you require more information.

[drm310]

Here's the concept plan, from 2007:

Originally Posted by ninipanini

Looks like plans for the College Quarter are moving forward! This looks really promising, the U of S hasn't disappointed with the buildings they've constructed in the last few years... it would be nice to see this spill over beyond the old campus!


FINAL memo
College Quarter
Dec. 21-09

DATE: December 21, 2009

TO: PAC, Department Heads

FROM: Richard Florizone, vice-president finance and resources

RE: College Quarter Master Plan

At its meeting Dec. 16, the University of Saskatchewan Board of Governors approved the master plan for College Quarter, a mixed-use development that will eventually include student residences and academic facilities in a vibrant neighbourhood setting.

Encompassing about 145 acres bordered by College Drive, Preston Avenue, Cumberland Avenue and 14th Street, College Quarter could potentially accommodate up to 3,000 new student residence beds situated among various amenities such as sports facilities, shops, restaurants, cafés, bookstores, grocery stores, offices, clinics, cultural destinations and green spaces. The development will not only enhance the experience of students at the U of S, but will also contribute to our competitive advantage in recruitment and retention of students and faculty.

With the initial plan approved, we will now embark on extensive community-wide consultation, with the City of Saskatoon engaged to help establish appropriate zoning for the mixed-use village.

The intent of the College Quarter development is to create an inspirational student environment that will attract both university users and the surrounding community. The master plan details a network of streets and paths that provide easy access to the main campus and surrounding community, a focus on preserving existing trees and creating new open spaces, an emphasis on all-season pedestrian use, and building and site design guidelines that will ensure a cohesive, high-quality image and environment.

The vision for College Quarter has been in development since 2006. Utilizing external consultants as well as internal expertise, we have refined the scope and potential usage of the project through extensive consultation. Further consultation on the master plan will take place both internally and externally throughout 2010 with cost estimates and business plans to follow in 2011 and beyond. The plan will be available on the university’s website early in 2010.

Feel free to contact my office if you require more information.

[milanboy]

Originally Posted by drm310

Here's the concept plan, from 2007:

From what I have seen, the plan has changed significantly since 2007, but their website will tell the story in early 2010.

[milanboy]

Originally Posted by milanboy

From what I have seen, the plan has changed significantly since 2007, but their website will tell the story in early 2010.

This is the latest from the UofS website:

Project Background:
Enhancing the student experience at the University of Saskatchewan is a key objective because it has been shown to positively impact student and institutional success. On-campus housing is convenient and the academic and social benefits derived from sharing space with other students are an important part of the student experience. With the realization that accessible and affordable housing is an important consideration for students, the University of Saskatchewan is moving forward with plans for a student residence development in “College Quarter”, an area located directly east of the Williams Building and north of the existing McEown Park student residences.

Within the next five years, the University of Saskatchewan plans to increase its available student housing to accommodate about 15% of the student population, up from the current housing level of about 6% of students. The ultimate goal is to add at least 1,700 residence beds on campus.

Project Development:
The province of Saskatchewan, through the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, has provided $15 million of funding towards the first phase of the student residence project, which will create 400 beds

The University has partnered with a local firm, Meridian Development Corp., to create the new student residence development. The creative collaboration between the University, the province and Meridian is unique in the University’s history and will provide a high level of expertise to the project, ultimately enhancing the U of S student experience.

Location:
The University has identified a 6.2 acre site, within College Quarter, for student residence development directly east of the Williams Building and north of the existing McEown Park student residence towers. The plan for the new apartment-style, multi-storey buildings is to ultimately accommodate 800 primarily undergraduate students. The current Phase 1 would accommodate 400 students and be followed by a second phase providing the remaining 400 beds.

[see site plan here] http://www.usask.ca/studentresidenceproject/

Project Schedule:
Construction is expected to begin in December 2009 with the first phase of 400 beds completed by fall 2011.


Construction Updates
November 25, 2009: Activity is underway on the site of the University of Saskatchewan’s College Quarter Undergraduate Student Residence Project, located just off Cumberland Avenue and directly east of the Williams Building. The construction site will be fenced off and the public should avoid this area for safety reasons.

If you compare the area behind the Williams building in the current site plan with the 2007 plan for the same area, you will see that the 2007 plan appears to have been completely ignored ... so what of the rest of it ... probably being ignored again. After all, the UofS did a master plan a few years ago and almost every construction project started since then has completely ignored the master plan.