Saskatoon Construction

[shmakim]

Originally Posted by lbird

Florida's work has been proved to be complete bs time and time again, I hope his name isn't used often on this forum. Saskatoon and Saskatchewan are booming because of the developing world's demand for food, oil and other natural resources, mostly produced in this province by blue collar workers in F150's, not because of the 'creative class'.

Sure, but it's an indication of economic diversification away from just the blue-collar, resource driven sectors. Calgary had its initial boom in oil extraction - pretty blue collar stuff - but that ridiculous influx of cash and the development of their economy around that allow, for example, pipeline control systems companies to flourish in Calgary. That's what drew me there in 1998. I'm hardly blue collar, so the original economic activity diversified into something that attracted a _somewhat_ creative class like me - software developer.

I moved back to Saskatoon in 2006 and have been excited about the economic boom here: yes, it revolves around mining, farming, and oil, but with that sustained activity, I'm hopeful for more and more industrial IT companies to operate here.

I didn't find the "gay index" assertion to be unreasonable - it makes decent sense to me. If gay/creative/diverse people are drawn to Saskatoon, that's an indication that there's something here (i.e. jobs) that appeal to them, which indicates there's a diversity of jobs here, not just oilfield work out of an F150.

[prairieguy]

I think what is making Saskatoon such a vibrant and exciting mid-size city is that there is diversity here! We are developing an economic engine that meets the need of blue collar as well as what is being referred to here as the 'creative class'. I know from personal experience that many visitors to our city are surprised and overwhelmed by the level of culture and arts that exist (many galleries, professional theatre, ochestra, independent boutiques/fashion, etc.). I have organised numerous national conferences in our city, and it always gives me pride in the positive comments that our city receives for its natural beauty, historical integrity (21st Street, 2nd Ave and 3rd Ave) and cultural amenities. The historical part often surprises me as I think we could do a much better job, but when you do look around downtown, we have maintained many of the buildings form the early boom time.

So, I think one of the signs that a city has "arrived" is that it supports and provides opportunities and interest to all of its citizens.

Now if we can just add a bit more modern architecture to compliment what we already have...

Good luck with the new club!

[molasses]

Yeah, sorry lbird, but I think you are jumping the gun a bit, Florida's work definitely has not been proven to be BS time and time again. Yes, his analysis doesn't work in every situation and people have disagreed with it, but it is quite valid in many cases. Sure, blue collar work is an important driver for many economies, but so are creative industries. To suggest that creative industries or diversity and culture have nothing to do with the economic success of an area is a bit narrow minded.....similarly if Florida were to suggest they are the only indicators of successful economies, he would be missing the mark.

As mentioned above, the gay index and diversity/culture, can easily be shown to attract people in some industries. Look at any urban, inner city area that has been revitalized or in the process of being reviatalized (Queen West, Mile End....even Riversdale or City Park) and chances are it fits with some of Florida's ideas. It young people in socalled creative class professions that tend to drive those revitalizations and it does make more attractive cities, which draws more people to them. It's not the only economic driver...but a diverse, welcoming city with loads of culture will definitely attract people, which will help the economy.

[Echoes]

I don't have much to add to the "creative class" debate except to say that I don't think anybody, including Richard Florida, believes that his creative class theory is the panacea to the economic development question. It is simply another tool for a city's economic toolbox.

His work warrants some attention, I think. Saskatoon may very well owe its recent fortunes to booming commodities, but it is in the interest of the city over the long term to diversify its economy, develop higher order economic activities that stem from already established industries here (such as our Ag/biotech sector) and to create a city that is attractive and liveable to educated, talented, and - yes - creative types.

To me it makes intuitive sense. A city that supports a diverse mix of people, lifestyles, and activities will benefit socially, culturally, and economically.

So, is another gay bar in Saskatoon in line with what the city's vision for its future should be? Absolutely. So is the whitewater park, River Landing, an expanded dining scene, music, theatre, art, etc. etc.

[kgc087]

One thing I really have to commend Saskatoon for is it's dining scene. Compared to almost every city I've been to in Canada it kicks a**. We have a large variety and the higher end restaurants are always reasonably priced but offer an INCREDIBLE meal. My favourite is Calories. As well the chains in Saskatoon such as Earls and Moxie's easily outrank any other one I've seen or been to. I think making dining a priority in city development really is an easy way to secure tourists as well as new residence.

[drm310]

I played host to my sister and her husband this weekend, who were visiting from Vancouver. They were both impressed with the places we went... fine dining like Calories and Truffles, and casual spots like the Broadway Cafe and Homestead Ice Cream. We took them to the Farmer's Market and the new Cava wine shop, which they thought rivals the better wine shops in Vancouver. They also enjoyed shopping on Broadway, as well as walking along the Meewasin trails and out at Beaver Creek.

It's nice to get an outsider's view of the city... they definitely thought that Saskatoon has a "coolness" factor to it.

Originally Posted by kgc087

One thing I really have to commend Saskatoon for is it's dining scene. Compared to almost every city I've been to in Canada it kicks a**. We have a large variety and the higher end restaurants are always reasonably priced but offer an INCREDIBLE meal. My favourite is Calories. As well the chains in Saskatoon such as Earls and Moxie's easily outrank any other one I've seen or been to. I think making dining a priority in city development really is an easy way to secure tourists as well as new residence.

[dsim249]

^ Hah. I'm playing tour guide currently. I have 11 people staying at my house this weekend (for a friends wedding). Friends from Italy, Mexico, Austria, BC, AB, MB, Washington, Oregon, California and Arizona. The final 5 come tomorrow, but I've had some guests since Saturday. So far they have all been pleasantly surprised, and think Saskatoon is very beautiful. My friend from Arizona can't get over how green it is here. She said streets in Buena Vista/Nutana etc., look like they're straight out of the movies. I think that's something we really take for granted. There are no huge lush trees in the desert . They love Broadway -The Better Good was a particular favorite. Also, took them to the Berry Barn. A cliched must for any out-of towner! They loved it, of course (who could resist those waffles?!).

[kgc087]

Originally Posted by dsim249

^ Hah. I'm playing tour guide currently. I have 11 people staying at my house this weekend (for a friends wedding). Friends from Italy, Mexico, Austria, BC, AB, MB, Washington, Oregon, California and Arizona. The final 5 come tomorrow, but I've had some guests since Saturday. So far they have all been pleasantly surprised, and think Saskatoon is very beautiful. My friend from Arizona can't get over how green it is here. She said streets in Buena Vista/Nutana etc., look like they're straight out of the movies. I think that's something we really take for granted. There are no huge lush trees in the desert . They love Broadway -The Better Good was a particular favorite. Also, took them to the Berry Barn. A cliched must for any out-of towner! They loved it, of course (who could resist those waffles?!).

This is a very reassuring thing! Now only if Saskatoon tourism could some how get this message across to travellers that Saskatoon is a great visit! I've talked to about 5 people this year who were visiting Canada from Europe and Saskatoon was not on their list of places to stop but once I showed them some pictures they were pretty interested!

[S'toon guy]

I was at an info session the other night for the new elementary school in Willowgrove. It looks like it will be an impressive facility.

The info night was hosted by the public school board, so the details only pertained to the public side of things. A few things I remember from the meeting:
-The school will house both the public and Catholic schools under one roof. However, there will be no integration (eg common gym, library, etc), rather just two schools sharing a common area (daycare, community space) and HVAC/utilities.
-Due to space limitations on the site, the schools will be 2-storey. The architects seemed quite excited about this.
-Cost is $35-$40M. The school will house 1100 students at its peak!
-Depending when construction starts, it will be ready for either the 2012 or 2013 school year. They indicated that they only have approval for design right now, and if they get timely approvals they may have it ready for 2012. However any delays from any level of gov't will push it back. I would think 2013 is the likely finish date. Either way, though, construction should start in 2011.
-They only had GA's of the floor plans out to see (no elevations), but it seemed that the design will be impressive. There will be an atrium in the middle to ensure natural light is provided to every classroom. They talked of a glass wall on one side of the gym, facing this atrium.
-The provincial government mandates that 40% of classroom space is modular. The public side had room for 12 modular classrooms in the design, with 4 being constructed with the initial build.

Overall, I was very happy with the presentation. They had a good concept, and were very willing to listen to feedback. It appeared that they are shooting for a high quality facility, and I have confidence that they will come up with a very exciting design.

The only downside was the seeming unwillingness of the Catholic division to integrate facilities. For example, each school had their own stand-alone gym, resulting in both being somewhat small. Why not build a really big one with dividers? That way each school can still have their own space, but it can be opened up for the community and special events/tournaments/etc.

[swilley]

^ Thanks for the update and welcome. Have any other news on Willowgrove development? I wonder when they will start the retail in the square?

[Jerry]

Just received this from Paul Hanely at Prairie Ecovillage for those that might be interested.


Electric Vehicles are Here! - Event cosponsored by Rivergreen Ecovillage




...............................................................................................................................


.......and a warm welcome to the forum S'toon guy

[prairieguy]

Originally Posted by drm310

I played host to my sister and her husband this weekend, who were visiting from Vancouver. They were both impressed with the places we went... fine dining like Calories and Truffles, and casual spots like the Broadway Cafe and Homestead Ice Cream. We took them to the Farmer's Market and the new Cava wine shop, which they thought rivals the better wine shops in Vancouver. They also enjoyed shopping on Broadway, as well as walking along the Meewasin trails and out at Beaver Creek.

It's nice to get an outsider's view of the city... they definitely thought that Saskatoon has a "coolness" factor to it.

Good to hear that your sister and husband enjoyed their brief stay in Saskatoon. Just curious what age group they fall into? As we try to move Saskatoon forward and become more cosmopolitan, it seems to me it is imperative that the city be seen as 'cool' by those in that 20-45 age demographic.

I myself am just over (48) this age group, but recognise the importance of attracting and retaining this age group to Saskatoon.

[Morogolus]

I hate to be a negative Nancy but I think if I were to put myself in a tourist's shoes I would think Saskatoon is boring. When it comes down to it there's not really much to do. Yeah, we got a nice riverbank and the older core neighborhoods are nice to walk around in but that kind of stuff doesn't attract tourists. Same thing with the restaurants, they're ok but not the kind of dining scene to really get the word out. The clubs are gross and full of annoying people and overpriced drinks although there are a few new clubs opening so maybe that's changing.

Most of the major Western centres have some kind of tourist destination including Regina. Saskatoon doesn't really have one, I don't think Waneskuwin or the Western Development Museum counts.

On a positive note though festivals like the Jazz Festival and The Fringe are pretty kick ass.

[socialisthorde]

Originally Posted by S'toon guy

...

-Cost is $35-$40M. The school will house 1100 students at its peak!
...

The only downside was the seeming unwillingness of the Catholic division to integrate facilities. For example, each school had their own stand-alone gym, resulting in both being somewhat small. Why not build a really big one with dividers? That way each school can still have their own space, but it can be opened up for the community and special events/tournaments/etc.

One other downside is that with an expected student body of 1100, our dismal public transportation system, and pedophiles lurking around every corner (this one is facetious) only a small proportion will be walking. In my kid's school, people drive their kids if they live more than three blocks. I can imagine this school will draw from many miles.

More cars

Mega malls, mega community centres, mega schools, if I were a conspiracy theorist, I would have to suspect the automakers have a hand in our civic design.

[drm310]

They are in the late-40s to early-60s age bracket, but that doesn't negate their assessment. They are the young-at-heart, adventurous type that you would normally associate with a younger age group.

Originally Posted by prairieguy

Good to hear that your sister and husband enjoyed their brief stay in Saskatoon. Just curious what age group they fall into? As we try to move Saskatoon forward and become more cosmopolitan, it seems to me it is imperative that the city be seen as 'cool' by those in that 20-45 age demographic.

I myself am just over (48) this age group, but recognise the importance of attracting and retaining this age group to Saskatoon.

[shmakim]

Originally Posted by Country

So, is another gay bar in Saskatoon in line with what the city's vision for its future should be? Absolutely. So is the whitewater park, River Landing, an expanded dining scene, music, theatre, art, etc. etc.

Contributing to the cultural scene, I've started a Japanese drumming group in town - we'll be appearing at Canada Day in Diefenbaker Park, the Dragon Boat Races (Jul 23) in Rotary Park, the Fringe, and hopefully at the Fireworks Festival.

</shameless self plug>

[Regina Boi]

Originally Posted by shmakim

Contributing to the cultural scene, I've started a Japanese drumming group in town - we'll be appearing at Canada Day in Diefenbaker Park, the Dragon Boat Races (Jul 23) in Rotary Park, the Fringe, and hopefully at the Fireworks Festival.

</shameless self plug>

I Just wanted to say that it's great see to so much support on this forum for the contributions the gay community brings to Saskatoon. I absolutely love how diverse Sasktoon has become. My partner and I usually try to have a mini vacation in Saskatoon at least twice a year (we love you Sheraton). Every time we go, there is always something new and exciting to see.

As I'm sure you know, there is quite a bit of new and exciting stuff happening in Regina, but culturally speaking, Regina is probably 10 years away from being where Saskatoon is now.

Can't wait for the next road trip to check out the new club!!

[circle33]

This just in..

Affordable housing complex to be built in downtown Saskatoon

A new 65-unit affordable housing complex is being built in Saskatoon, thanks to an $11.5 million investment from the federal and provincial Affordable Housing Trust.

The project will be constructed next to the Lighthouse Supported Living facility at 227 20th Street East, which currently offers 63 units for low-income individuals.

Units at The Lighthouse are fully furnished, have private bathrooms and come with full cable and air conditioning. Meal service, as well as weekly housekeeping, linen and laundry service is available on-site....


photo: thestarphoenix.com



SP Story

[Jerry]

I wonder if Stoneset Equities will be building it. I checked the government site but no info on the builder.

Government of Sask. Release
PROVINCE INVESTS $11.5 MILLION IN SASKATOON AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT

[kiwi4life]

i wonder who is to be the general contractor on this job, they have a year and a half to complete this affordable housing project