Saskatoon Construction

[Echoes]

Originally Posted by Measuring Stick

...Lake Placid's eventual office building.

Knock on wood.

[ue]

Originally Posted by edmontonenthusiast

When is phase one of River Landing expected to be completed? And when will the whole thing be completed by? It looks like an amazing project.

Anyone?


.

[Echoes]

Originally Posted by edmontonenthusiast

Anyone?


.

Ooooh, tough one. The agreement between the City and Lake Placid Developments to have this thing built is a complex beast, and there are still many uncertainties.

First - Lake Placid has until November 1 to provide documentation showing that they have financing in place to at least construct the parking garage and bring the project back to grade level.

Second - Once Lake Placid has begun construction, they have 18 months to build said parking garage and bring it to grade.

As for the actual buildings above ground? No timeline set by the City as far as I can tell. The developer says he can build it in 3 years and expects to starting digging this fall.

[kgc087]

Saskatoon's downtown parking among cheapest in country: Colliers

By davidhutton Mon, Jul 19 2010 COMMENTS(2) City Hall Notebook

Filed under: Parking

Saskatoon's parking is among the least expensive in the country.

According to a Colliers International survey of global parking rates, the monthly, unreserved median parking rate in Saskatoon is US$145. Calgary, the costliest in Canada, is $433, while Regina, the cheapest, is $136. The daily parking rate of $8.24 in Saskatoon is second lowest in the country to Regina's $7.33.

Regina's rates, though, jumped the most in the country, rising 25 per cent.

Calgary's rate is less than the sky-high London monthly rate of $932.99 but more than major global centres such as San Francisco, Boston, Geneva and Oslo.
_______________________________________________
This is the key to getting all levels of people to utilize transit. The only reason Calgary's transit system is so efficient (second most used in North America only to NYC when comparing raw #'s) is b/c people are not willing to drop $400 to park. Think of what the city could do if they even just doubled parking prices downtown. They could revamp every street and make it a really pedestrian, cyclist, transit friendly place. As well over the years of surplus they could beef up transit to make it more efficient for commuters and people just going d/t.

[circle33]

The only reason Calgary's transit system is so efficient (second most used in North America only to NYC when comparing raw #'s)

You sure about that? Can you provide a source to back this claim?

[kgc087]

Originally Posted by circle33

You sure about that? Can you provide a source to back this claim?

CBC did a documentary called Living City in 2009 that went from the East to West coast examining the urban planning and transit models in each city. The talked about the successes and the failures. They talked about how Calgary was the only city that had a very rapidly growing demand for transit, they are rapidly increasing in density and how they have the money to extend transit, the just don't have the workers to accomplish everything. Pretty much to sum it up, every major Canadian city can almost quadruple its density to accomplish a much more efficient urban planning model and transit model.

[ninipanini]

Originally Posted by circle33

You sure about that? Can you provide a source to back this claim?

I think this statistic refers to "light rail systems"... if you take metro systems (traditional heavy rail subways), into account then Calgary would be no where near the top of the list. There are about 1/4 million users/day in Calgary, while cities like Toronto and Montreal have about 1,000,000 on their metro systems. New York would be much higher than that. Having said that... good on Calgary for it's success in light rail, maybe we can learn from their system

[Echoes]

Well, downtown parking is certainly going to become a hotter and hotter issue in the coming years. We've got comparatively cheap rates, yet an apparent shortage of downtown spaces. Personally, I rarely have trouble finding a spot downtown (unless it's Jazz Fest or something like that) but so often I hear the comment: "Why go downtown? There's nowhere to park!" or "I'm not going downtown, you have to pay for parking there!"

Saskatonians love their cars, it's true. And I'm guilty of driving my car to and from my downtown job (in summer that is, in winter I bus it when I've got my U-Pass). While raising parking rates downtown could help force people out of their car, there needs to be an efficient transit system to back it up. But increased parking rates are not going to shift a culture or trigger a revolution in transit use. Chances are people and business would launch a mutiny of sorts on downtown and the City if parking rates were to become ridiculously expensive and short(er) in supply.

So, we must walk a fine line. In our auto-oriented, cold weather, mid-sized Canadian city, we cannot expect to force the cars out of our downtown outright or overnight. A place for cars and parking on our downtown streets must remain, sad but true. Of course, pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure needs improvement and expansion downtown, but they can exist harmoniously with cars. You just have to get creative.

I think that part of the success of our strong retail core downtown is because of the availability of metered parking on streets like 2nd and 21st. Take those spots away, or jack the prices up too much, and you risk seriously hurting the businesses that rely on those spaces and contribute to the respectable vibrancy that our downtown enjoys.

Take away that parking altogether and you've got trouble. I've always entertained that fantasy of 21st Street as a thriving pedestrian mall. But, I know that converting 21st into such would not be a wise or practical planning decision. Take away that parking, and I'd venture to guess that the street would fail. Businesses need that proximate parking, especially in winter. And, downtown still lacks the critical mass of residents, office workers, and shops to support such a mall. Regina's Scarth Street Mall is no hub of vibrancy, except maybe during the lunch hour. Jennifer Keesmat, who oversaw that city's recent Downtown Plan, described the mall as problematic at a presentation in April. Ottawa's Sparks Street Mall, despite being close to some of the nation's most significant landmarks, can be described as dull. The shops along that street are underwhelming (souvenirs, souvenirs, souvenirs) and restaurants and bars are lacking. Even look to our bus mall here in Saskatoon, which has created a dead zone by shutting down one block to traffic.

Sorry for going on at length, but the cars need to stay downtown. At least for now. Room can be made for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit too.

[socialisthorde]

I agree with everything you said Country. I think one other thing the city could do to increase people's willingness to go downtown and also lower their expectations with regard to having "a cheap parking spot in front of your destitnation at first pass", would be to build in disincentives for suburban developments to offer so much free parking. A start would be not allowing big box centres or parking fronted strip malls, where parking is the primary design focus. If there is a demand for products, bussinesses will emerge to provide those services under any resstrictions the city imposes, we don't need to kowtow to Walmart and Canadian Tire in order to have access to reasonably priced t-shirts and tires.

[kgc087]

I agree completely with your statements. It's definitely a mentality that the auto is the only efficient and comfortable way around a city. Slowly the city will transition as roads become more congested and density starts to increase. I think with improved bus safety and comfort (articulated buses) as well as frequency, people will begin to rely more on it and demand more of it. If the city really works on say doubling the density of the neighbourhoods within circle drive I think a more transit oriented, higher parking fee city could be sustained.

[TheCricket]

Did anyone see the apartment block on Arlington, south of Taylor, that is no more? The article about the building was in the April 30, 2008 StarPhoenix "Condo investor apologizes, rescinds eviction notices. A Calgary-based investor with controversial plans to convert an Arlington Avenue apartment building into condominiums came to Saskatoon this week on what he called a "damage control" mission." The condo is now all but rubble! It would be interesting to know whether it will be a new condo? Anyone know anything about this site?

[ue]

Originally Posted by Country

Ooooh, tough one. The agreement between the City and Lake Placid Developments to have this thing built is a complex beast, and there are still many uncertainties.

First - Lake Placid has until November 1 to provide documentation showing that they have financing in place to at least construct the parking garage and bring the project back to grade level.

Second - Once Lake Placid has begun construction, they have 18 months to build said parking garage and bring it to grade.

As for the actual buildings above ground? No timeline set by the City as far as I can tell. The developer says he can build it in 3 years and expects to starting digging this fall.

Thank you.

Originally Posted by kgc087

CBC did a documentary called Living City in 2009 that went from the East to West coast examining the urban planning and transit models in each city. The talked about the successes and the failures. They talked about how Calgary was the only city that had a very rapidly growing demand for transit, they are rapidly increasing in density and how they have the money to extend transit, the just don't have the workers to accomplish everything. Pretty much to sum it up, every major Canadian city can almost quadruple its density to accomplish a much more efficient urban planning model and transit model.

You could probably say similar for Edmonton. We have the issue of jam packed LRT at peak hours now, and this is without the huge rush of University students that will come in the fall. Maybe the massive expansions will help.

Originally Posted by ninipanini

I think this statistic refers to "light rail systems"... if you take metro systems (traditional heavy rail subways), into account then Calgary would be no where near the top of the list. There are about 1/4 million users/day in Calgary, while cities like Toronto and Montreal have about 1,000,000 on their metro systems. New York would be much higher than that. Having said that... good on Calgary for it's success in light rail, maybe we can learn from their system

I believe, per capita, Calgary has the highest ridership in North America for a city smaller than 2 million. I think it's in the top 10, too.

[EarlyByrdProductions]

Anyone check out our newest club Tequila which had its grand opening this weekend? (renovated and new owner for past Rylys).

Trying to turn it into a nice, dress code, possibly age restricted (25+) DJ Club.

Will be interesting to see how it does when it has to fill up the giant 1,200 person capacity space, especially being out in the boonies.
At least add a new big sized venue for big name DJ's to Stoon.

[kgc087]

So the soft opening of 302 is on August 6, and the grand opening will be September long weekend. The club is looking AMAZING! I don't have an online photo account so I can't post and pictures of it, but their website will be posting pictures after the soft opening. We have been keeping it a bit on the DL to create some hype. Some stats, it is 5000 sq. ft., the unit underneath Jax. I did the interiors and would have to say there isn't any other gay club like this in Western Canada or so far Eastern Canada. It's quite upscale. Minimal dress code, staff is well groomed and dressed. The one thing we are trying to really push is that it is identified as a gay club that is straight friendly so EVERYONE can enjoy it. I think increasing Saskatoon's nightlife is integral to retaining young professionals and making the city more attractive! I hope you all take the time to check it out!

There are 4 photos on facebook if you are really curious.

[Ruckus]

Originally Posted by EarlyByrdProductions

Anyone check out our newest club Tequila which had its grand opening this weekend? (renovated and new owner for past Rylys).

Trying to turn it into a nice, dress code, possibly age restricted (25+) DJ Club.

Will be interesting to see how it does when it has to fill up the giant 1,200 person capacity space, especially being out in the boonies.
At least add a new big sized venue for big name DJ's to Stoon.

Heard about that -- something about tables being flipped...haha.

1,200 eh? Word of MSTRKRFT is in the air

Boonies is true. Pretty lively for the boonies though -- would be wicked if SIAST built residences.

[Jerry]

New Four Points by Sheraton Hotel Opens in Saskatoon, Canada

Posted on: 26 Jul 2010 at 09:44 AM in Hotel News

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. today announces the opening of Four Points by Sheraton Saskatoon in Saskatchewan,Canada. Owned and managed by VJ Management, the newly constructed 119-room hotel will delight business and leisure travelers alike with terrific service, comfortable and stylish guest rooms and everything guests need to travel the way they like for a great price.

Over the past five years, Starwood and its partners have invested more than $1 billion into renovations, conversions and new build properties at Four Points to make the brand’s portfolio of hotels better than ever. As a newly built hotel, Four Points by Sheraton Saskatoon exemplifies the brand’s revitalized look, showcasing the Four Points signature classic yet modern style.

“We are thrilled to expand our portfolio in Canada with the opening of this brand-new hotel in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan’s largest and most vibrant city, close to the university, businesses and entertainment,” said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President, Specialty Select Brands for Starwood. “Four Points is known for making travel easy by giving guests what they want and need to be comfortable and productive, always for a good value.”

Guests can relax with a fresh cup of coffee served throughout the day in the hotel’s warmly decorated lobby and stay connected via complimentary Internet terminals in the family room. The stylish guest rooms and suites feature a spacious work area, flat screen television, free bottled water and free high-speed Internet. And guests can get a great night’s sleep in the brand’s signature Four Points by Sheraton Four Comfort bed featuring a plush mattress, assortment of pillows and stylish duvet. Spacious Jacuzzi suites include more room to work and relax, plus pull-out sofa beds.

All-day dining is available at Ric’s Grill, while local craft brews are served at Ric’s Lounge, courtesy the brand’s signature Best Brews(R) program. Additional amenities include a beer and wine outlet, indoor pool, whirlpool and waterslide, state-of-the-art fitness room, and approximately 1,100 square feet of meeting and conference facilities.

Saskatoon is a popular destination for travelers for its numerous festivals, lively arts scene and numerous riverbank parks and trails. Just minutes from the heart of downtown, Four Points by Sheraton Saskatoon is conveniently located near the University of Saskatchewan, Royal University Hospital, Fort Battleford and Credit Union Center. Guests will also enjoy proximity to numerous businesses, including Deifenbaker Canada Center and Midtown Plaza - the city’s largest shopping center.


Source

[EarlyByrdProductions]

"conveniently located near the University of Saskatchewan, Royal University Hospital, Fort Battleford and Credit Union Center"

yeah...I guess if there is a hotel in Saskatoon it is conveniently located near everything.

[Jerry]

That line gave me a real chuckle.

[Morogolus]

Ya know I was driving to Regina last weekend for the Rider game and got to thinking that a passenger train that runs between Saskatoon and Regina would be a great idea. Is this something that they've ever thought about?

Edit: Never mind I found the thread

[gowest]

Many, many years ago they had a Rail Liner runing on this route. It was a self powered passenger unit. Usually only one unit.