Saskatoon Construction

[midnightrambler]

Originally Posted by Morogolus

Why is that sign the "trifeca of imcompetence"? Are they not planning on building that anymore?

Nah it's just a reference to the three levels of government displayed on the sign...

It probably cost $10,000 and there was probably 100 pages worth of paper work just for the sign itself.

I think they still plan on building it... But I guarantee that it will not be completed by Oct of 2012... I'd put my money on July of 2013...

And yes Google accurately displayed what this place looks like 4 months of the year. Some of the shots are in summer though. The far west side mostly...

[Ruckus]

In response to previous posts, here's some stuff that hasn't been posted...

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.

[...]

I have lots to say about this plan, but my main beef is with the density targets (they're too low/not ambitious enough). There's too much pavement and green space. Otherwise, it's a great alternative to expanding at the fringes.

[mike474]

Originally Posted by midnightrambler

I pay taxes and vote in elections so I can say whatever I want.

I have often thought of running for public office. But you see the problem is political parties and the bureaucratic culture within them that restricts free thought and open conversation. In the end they all just end up toeing the party line, or at the very least, and rightly so, kicked to the curb like Jim Pankiw.

Politicians get the shaft everywhere. I don't disagree with all they do, but I am dissatisfied as much with the Conservatives and Saskatchewan Party and their tight wad attitude as I was with the Liberals and NDP's and their tax and spend attitude on useless projects.

The Conservatives have a chance to get it right. They need to spend some money. So do the Sask Party. I could care less about a 40% reduction in our province's debt. I don't think it helps us as citizens all that much. And there is a lot of places that have no regard for debt whatsoever. I'd like to see some money spent on useful, landmark, cultural, and symbolic projects. We have a chance to do all that with the bridge in this city right now.

Take the 1930s for example, which was also a difficult economic time. In Arizona/Nevada they built the Hoover Dam. In Saskatoon they built the Bessborough hotel.

How symbolic are those projects now?

There is just no imagination in architecture or design anymore and therefore no pride and no heritage. That is what I believe is what this blog is largely about, and what currently politicians fail to realize.

Of course you can say whatever you want, it's your obligation to voice your opinion. And yes, politicians unfairly get the shaft everywhere, so why does it make sense to spew off worthless drivel such as the 'trifecta of incompetence' and the ever-so-old Quebec gets whatever the hell they want? I know it was probably just a joke, but it hasn't been funny for a long time. Fiscal federalism is far too complicated to be reduced to such simplistic notions whenever a project is delayed, downsized or changed in a manner that does not conform to one's expectations.

As for the lack of imagination and thinking big, I can can agree with your sentiments in that regard. Everytime I see the exquisite ornamentation on the oldest university buildings or lament the lack of contemporary development downtown I think why everyone has to be so damn risk-averse. But since the 1930s governments (especially provincial and municipal) have taken upon themselves far more duties and when every piece of grandiose ornamentation can equal hiring more doctors, nurses, MRI machines, filling potholes etc. I would hope that the people on this board can offer something a little more constructive.

[mike474]

Are there any renders of the additions to the Williams Building? The old ones from a couple weeks ago don't show much. I sometimes cringe when they try to construct add-ons to old buildings.

[mike474]

http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/91-214-x/2008000/t021-eng.htm

This was posted in another thread, but I thought I'd repost it here. Recent CMA estimates show some pretty decent growth for Saskatoon. I'm especially impressed with the international migration. Only a few years ago iirc international migration might have brought about 1000 people a year to Saskatoon but it's over 4000 now. I know immigration destination is mostly towards Van, Tor, Mtl, but Winnipeg always seemed to do a much better per capita job of attracting immigrants so I thought why not Saskatoon? Good to see some provincial policies on this issue working.

[dsim249]

I have to agree with Ruckus on the density of College Quarter. Other than that, I think it's pretty exciting, the campus is really growing.

[Ruckus]

Originally Posted by mike474

Are there any renders of the additions to the Williams Building? The old ones from a couple weeks ago don't show much. I sometimes cringe when they try to construct add-ons to old buildings.

You may not like the artists rendering...very contemporary with all that transparent glass (though I doubt the decision makers would approve it...they'll want more stone).

They're just renderings though. Something to give you an impression of the scale and material relationship between new and existing buildings.

[Ruckus]

Originally Posted by mike474

http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/91-214-x/2008000/t021-eng.htm

This was posted in another thread, but I thought I'd repost it here. Recent CMA estimates show some pretty decent growth for Saskatoon. I'm especially impressed with the international migration. Only a few years ago iirc international migration might have brought about 1000 people a year to Saskatoon but it's over 4000 now. I know immigration destination is mostly towards Van, Tor, Mtl, but Winnipeg always seemed to do a much better per capita job of attracting immigrants so I thought why not Saskatoon? Good to see some provincial policies on this issue working.

That's fascinating and my anecdotal observations would not disagree with that.

What I find quite unusual, well interesting, is the intraprovincial numbers for Saskatoon and Regina. I would have thought rural depopulation was still occurring but perhaps the SK RMs and towns have been sucked dry over the last decade or so. That is certainly not the case for our neighbors to the west...Calgary and Edmonton continue to be attractive destinations for other Albertans.

[RTD]

Originally Posted by mike474

I know immigration destination is mostly towards Van, Tor, Mtl, but Winnipeg always seemed to do a much better per capita job of attracting immigrants so I thought why not Saskatoon?

Well, first off, Winnipeg is 3x the size of Saskatoon (and Regina too I guess). We also have well establish ethnic populations, notably Filipino (the largest per capita in Canada), and our East Indian and African populations are growing quite quickly, also due to well establish pre-existing populations, among other ethnicities. Saskatoon is only what, 230,000 people? Immigrants still might view Saskatoon (and Regina) as just small towns on the prairie with little opportunity. But you guys are growing, at very decent rates. It might take a few more decades for smaller cities like Saskatoon and Regina to attract and, more importantly, retain ethnic populations in order for them to become desirable destinations for immigrants. You guys will have your moment, just be patient

[Winnipegger@Heart]

That's like us trying to compare ourselves to Vancouver.

[ninipanini]

Thanks for the renderings ruckus! Looks great, I really hope the college quarter moves ahead quickly. Not only will it be great to get some new development in that much neglected area, but some new residences could re-invigorate campus. Compared to other universities, we've got one of the lowest student housing availabilities. Maybe with some more units available, the U of S can up its enrollment. Love to see the student population reach 25,000 (currently just under 20,000)?!?!?!?!

[mike474]

Originally Posted by RTD

Well, first off, Winnipeg is 3x the size of Saskatoon (and Regina too I guess). We also have well establish ethnic populations, notably Filipino (the largest per capita in Canada), and our East Indian and African populations are growing quite quickly, also due to well establish pre-existing populations, among other ethnicities. Saskatoon is only what, 230,000 people? Immigrants still might view Saskatoon (and Regina) as just small towns on the prairie with little opportunity. But you guys are growing, at very decent rates. It might take a few more decades for smaller cities like Saskatoon and Regina to attract and, more importantly, retain ethnic populations in order for them to become desirable destinations for immigrants. You guys will have your moment, just be patient

I didn't mean it as a slight to Winnipeg at all, I'm aware of the size difference and what that entails and I was aware of Winnipeg's huge Filipino population. Winnipeg has for the last decade (probably longer) punched well over its weight at attracting immigrants and it proved that cities/provinces simply weren't beholden to outside factors. That's the reason I used it as an example (and because it's similar to Saskatchewan cities in other ways). I've just wanted the same here (it's frustrating seeing your neighbour succeed at something you're failing at) and I'm glad it's finally happening.

[socialisthorde]

Originally Posted by Winnipegger@Heart

That's like us trying to compare ourselves to Vancouver.

I think that is a stretch. Saskatoon is much more like Winnipeg than Winnipeg is like Vancouver from an immigrant's perspective. From the many international immigrants I have known over the years (in both Vancouver and the prairies), they tend to consider economic/academic opportunity, climate and culture (i.e. number of their own people already there), and how well the city is known in their home country as most relevant in that order. Considerations such as architecture or history are rarely on the list. In those first four categories, Saskatoon is much closer to Winnipeg than Winnipeg is to Vancouver. Even with the noted density of Phillipinos, and increasingly Africans, Winnipeg is still a pretty white (and relatively small) place in most outsiders' estimation, if they have even heard of it. This is not to discount the many great points about Winnipeg, such as the arts and architecture, but Manitoba's international immigration efforts have been successful not because of these draws, but because of government initiatives, which we in Saskatchewan could (and are starting to) emmulate. Saskatoon, like Winnipeg is still going to be cold and relatively geographically isolated, unknown and unappealing to people from othr countries while Vancouver is always going to be relatively warmer and more geographically appealing, but we can certainly grow.

[mike474]

Originally Posted by Ruckus

You may not like the artists rendering...very contemporary with all that transparent glass (though I doubt the decision makers would approve it...they'll want more stone).

I don't mind contemporary, or even contemporary set amomgst historical. I just don't want them to mess with historical. There have been a few examples of this at universities (UBC library comes to mind, I'm not a big fan of the admin addition at the U of S either although it functions well) that impacts the original integrity of the building. Thanks for the rendering. You can't tell much yet and things are bound to change so we'll have to wait and see.

[jrm857]

In regards to the density on college quarter, the two new residences behind the williams building are over 500 beds each, all will be similar, thats not bad density. and they cant build any more dense the city sewer system and surrounding neighborhood can't handle it.

[ninipanini]

I went on the "IceCycle 2010" ride this afternoon around downtown. There was a great turnout, probably around 200 people. When I started winter biking in 2007, I didn't see hardly any other cyclists on the road... nowadays, I see at least a couple every day on the way to work. I really hope that the growing interest in cycle commuting prompts serious consideration and faster action regarding the cycling infrastructure deficit. If anyone's interested, I made a quick YouTube video of the ride...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaKCwyPxDyE

[Ruckus]

Originally Posted by jrm857

In regards to the density on college quarter, the two new residences behind the williams building are over 500 beds each, all will be similar, thats not bad density. and they cant build any more dense the city sewer system and surrounding neighborhood can't handle it.

Yeah, you're right. I'd actually give it better than not bad (maybe the parking lots and greenspace give it an illusion of less density).

Rough estimates for people per acre:

College Quarter - 61.6 (currently it's 13.8 )
Evergreen - 19.50
Lakeview - 15.8
Lawson - 14.7
Nutana 14.8
Rosewood - 14.7
City Park - 13.9
Varsity View - 11.54
CBD - 10.23

Maybe these comparisons aren't entirely fair.

I could get a higher ppa value if I simply selected 45 acres of a higher density area within any one of those neighborhoods (one cluster in Rosewood was around 25 ppa for 21 acres or so).

Funny stuff.

[Ruckus]

Originally Posted by ninipanini

I went on the "IceCycle 2010" ride this afternoon around downtown. There was a great turnout, probably around 200 people. When I started winter biking in 2007, I didn't see hardly any other cyclists on the road... nowadays, I see at least a couple every day on the way to work. I really hope that the growing interest in cycle commuting prompts serious consideration and faster action regarding the cycling infrastructure deficit. If anyone's interested, I made a quick YouTube video of the ride...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaKCwyPxDyE

Nice! 200 people is quite a good turnout. How many people came out for that ride in September last year, maybe 300-400?

[Jerry]

Saturday morning we had a chance to check out the new Riversdale Market . An An Market opened recently and as the sign says they offer eastern and western foods. Located at Ave A and 20th Street.

[Jerry]

We also had a chance to get into the Uptown Market and meet Rexy Silva. Rexy gave us a heart felt welcome and showed us around the store. Their equipment is starting to come and he is looking forward to opening the doors. He is genuinely interested in meeting the needs of his shoppers.


Check out the news story below the photos.












Uptown will be downtown - By Robert White

A father and daughter team is behind the plan for Uptown Market, a new grocery store in the main level of 2nd Avenue Lofts. The downtown market outlet will offer the convenience of getting groceries and supplies without driving.

“Ever since I was little, it has always been my dream to do something with my dad.” Tabitha Silva said enthusiastically. “He’s always been an entrepreneur and always served people in any way that he could. I moved to Saskatoon in September 2005 and my family came to visit me from BC. My father fell in love with Saskatoon and the friendly atmosphere that the community provided.”

She said the idea to develop a grocery store came from hearing from friends who live downtown about the need for this service.

The independent store, which will carry fresh produce, meats, dairy and other grocery store basics, is aiming to open its doors in March. Her dad, Rexy Silva, owner manager, is waiting for some freezers and coolers to arrive from overseas. Tabitha was very clear about the practical emphasis of Uptown Market.

“We’re going to be an everyday grocery store that has relatively the same price as a Sobeys or Safeway. We want to be welcoming to everyone. It is mostly for people working or living downtown. The bus terminal is kitty corner to us so people transferring from one bus to another can pick up a few groceries on their way home. Or just come and return on the bus.”

Uptown Market will be open until 8 pm and will include a deli and “a little coffee corner where you can get a quick bite to eat.”
Silva is confident that the enterprise will do well so her dad and family can move here permanently.

“We’re hoping to also bring in organic and local. My dad knows that the community wants to eat healthier. He wants to support the community. He’s been a supplier for downtown Vancouver grocers. There were a lot of immigrants who started their own little grocery stores. Because he’s such a social butterfly, he learned a lot from what these grocers had to say.”

He will also be sensitive to affordability, she asserted. “Growing up in a third-world country, he knows that some people struggle.”

They are open to suggestions and feedback. She said “My dad is going to put the names of all the people who contact us in a draw and when the store opens the first three names drawn will get a shopping voucher.” Email: [email protected].

Source http://www.theneighbourhoodexpress.com/index.html