Saskatoon Construction

[Jerry]

Weir hydro study on hold

City pauses to determine if 'micro-dam' a money-maker
By David Hutton, The StarPhoenix March 14, 2011 3:05 AM


An in-depth study to determine if the proposed $65-million hydro power facility and whitewater park at Saskatoon's weir is worth building has been put on hold this year as engineers literally test the water.

The city's power utility is looking to do smaller-scale studies to more accurately predict how much energy -and revenue -could be produced from the small-scale hydro power station. [...]

Read more: http://www.thestarphoenix.com/travel/Weir+hydro+study+hold/4433822/story.html#ixzz1GYuVvJNX

[kgc087]

Originally Posted by Jerry

Weir hydro study on hold

City pauses to determine if 'micro-dam' a money-maker
By David Hutton, The StarPhoenix March 14, 2011 3:05 AM


An in-depth study to determine if the proposed $65-million hydro power facility and whitewater park at Saskatoon's weir is worth building has been put on hold this year as engineers literally test the water.

The city's power utility is looking to do smaller-scale studies to more accurately predict how much energy -and revenue -could be produced from the small-scale hydro power station. [...]

Read more: http://www.thestarphoenix.com/travel/Weir+hydro+study+hold/4433822/story.html#ixzz1GYuVvJNX

I don't feel that there is any rush to get this project in construction phase and with something so "risky" to the public eye, it's probably a good idea to research as much as possible. I just hope that a more intriguing and engaging final design is developed if this is found to be a feasible proposal.

[TheCricket]

I remember hearing the same thing... and apparently it will look much like the project at the top of the Broadway bridge at five corners.

Originally Posted by 111ddd

I have a vague recollection of hearing that Ellen Remai owned the empty lot and was hoping to buy the big weird house.

It was quite a long time ago and I can't remember where I heard it, so take it with a grain of salt.

If that is case, expect a generic condo building I guess.

[TheCricket]

Someone sent me this link and it was incredible, to say the least. I don't think any of this video is beyond the near future.

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=6Cf7IL_eZ38&vq=medium

[1ajs]

Originally Posted by TheCricket

Someone sent me this link and it was incredible, to say the least. I don't think any of this video is beyond the near future.

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=6Cf7IL_eZ38&vq=medium

only thing hold all that back is the cost.......

• Video Link

[dsim249]

City committee approves $60K plan to create 'vision' for Riversdale, fight 'lingering negative perceptions'

- David Hutton's Twitter

If you guys don't have Twitter, following David Hutton is reason enough to get it.

He tweets in real time from city council meetings. It's a cool way to be the first in the know. He also tweets other funny/informative things relative to S'toon.

[dsim249]

Weren't we supposed to get a new thread after 10,000 posts/500 pages? And this one moved to archives?

Does someone just need to make it? haha.

[circle33]

Not exactly construction related, but local band the Sheepdogs have advanced to round 2 (the final 8) of the Rolling Stone Choose the Cover contest. If they managed to win and grace the cover of the magazine it would give our fine burg some mighty fine international (or at least US) exposure. We'd all like that, wouldn't we?

So, in the spirit of fair play, I suggest my fellow forumers stuff the ballot box here.

[jw6969]

Is Saskatoon going to start a new construction thread for being over 10000 posts.

[prairieguy]

Originally Posted by circle33

Not exactly construction related, but local band the Sheepdogs have advanced to round 2 (the final 8) of the Rolling Stone Choose the Cover contest. If they managed to win and grace the cover of the magazine it would give our fine burg some mighty fine international (or at least US) exposure. We'd all like that, wouldn't we?

So, in the spirit of fair play, I suggest my fellow forumers stuff the ballot box here.

Just cast my vote and sent a link along to my network of friends. How cool would it be for a Saskatoon band to be on the cover of Rolling Stone??!
And although it is not construction related, this is the kind of publicity you just cannot buy, because you know if they win, there will be all kinds of googles on Saskatoon!!!

[Caswellian]

Last week the Municipal Planning Commission meeting (held March 8th) had a few items on their agenda dealing with Preston Crossing.

In particular there was a request to approve changing the zoning from DCD3 (direct control district) to DCD5 or DCD6. The basic change would be allowing some retail stores less than 930 sq ft, in DCD3 zones stores can't be smaller than 930 sq ft. A second request was to change the NW corner (between WalMart and Circle Dr) from Agricultural Control to DCD5 or DCD6.

Of note, included in the agenda for these items was a market share analyses for a sporting goods store (to be located to the north of Walmart). That store - Cabela.

I suspect this would come to Council next week.

[Stormer]

Saskatoon's River Landing project dead


Oops. Newstalk really messed up this headline: It is definitely misleading, although I guess it is part of River Landing.

Saskatoon's River Landing project dead

Global financial crisis being blamed
Reported By Chris Carr
Posted March 16, 2011 - 3:40pm
The global financial crisis is being blamed for the demise of a major development at Saskatoon's River Landing.
The blueprints called for a mix of condo, and retail space with some offices. The development was being touted as an environmental friendly, and socially responsible project. It was to be built across from the farmers market, but after several years of planning the brains behind the Rivergreen Eco Village project says he's pulling the pin.
Paul Hanley with Prairie Ecovillage Development Corporation says he has not been able to come up with the cash for the estimated $35 million project within the mandated time line set out by the city.
"I guess something similar happened with the Lake Placid project. They weren't able to put together the financing, and someone came forward and helped them out. We were not able to find that person," said Hanley.
The company blames the global financial crisis and the resulting "radical change" on the urban condo market. Deposits paid on about 100 condos are now being returned. At the same time, PEDCO will also be turning down 15 expressions of interest on commercial space.
But the news may not be all bad, at least for the city. River Landing Project Manager Sandi Shultz says the city will now likely sell the land for nearly double the $1.5 million it would have sold it to PEDCO for under the original agreement. That's because the value of parcel 'A' has increased exponentially since 2007 when the deal was first struck with PEDCO.

[drm310]

Ecovillage at River Landing won't go forward

By David Hutton
Wed, Mar 16 2011
City Hall Notebook

The Prairie Ecovillage Development Corp. (Pedco) failed to come up with money to finance its green housing development at River Landing.

The developer had until June to get all of the approvals necessary for the mixed use project, but said in a press release Wednesday the development has now been canceled.

Read more: http://communities.canada.com/saskatoons...e-at-river-landing-won-t-go-forward.aspx

[neoen]

No doubt it did! When I first saw it, the first thing I thought about was the RLV. Then I was kinda suprised when it wasnt!

[drm310]

A gaggle of chimpanzees could write better material than News Talk 650 most days.

Originally Posted by Stormer

Saskatoon's River Landing project dead
Oops. Newstalk really messed up this headline:

[kgc087]

That is so unfortunate, that is the one project I was really looking forward to have move forward in Saskatoon. I don't understand why no one can find financing, over 100 condos are being built in downtown toronto and all over the suburbs, someone is supplying someone with money. Perhaps Nasser will buck up the extra dollars and just create a mega complex. How much money do they need? Perhaps I should talk to a friend who is interested in becoming a developer in Saskatoon, this could be their break through project.

[dsim249]

Originally Posted by kgc087

That is so unfortunate, that is the one project I was really looking forward to have move forward in Saskatoon. I don't understand why no one can find financing, over 100 condos are being built in downtown toronto and all over the suburbs, someone is supplying someone with money. Perhaps Nasser will buck up the extra dollars and just create a mega complex. How much money do they need? Perhaps I should talk to a friend who is interested in becoming a developer in Saskatoon, this could be their break through project.

It might have something to do with the following:

Greater Toronto Area = 5,600,000
Saskatoon CMA = 265,000

But yes, you should talk to your friend. Don't take no for an answer!

[Bdog]

Originally Posted by kgc087

That is so unfortunate, that is the one project I was really looking forward to have move forward in Saskatoon. I don't understand why no one can find financing, over 100 condos are being built in downtown toronto and all over the suburbs, someone is supplying someone with money. Perhaps Nasser will buck up the extra dollars and just create a mega complex. How much money do they need? Perhaps I should talk to a friend who is interested in becoming a developer in Saskatoon, this could be their break through project.

If an established developer is walking from this project because of the lack of financing, I'm not sure a rookie developer would want to go in on a project this risky for their first project (especially if it was all going to be paid with primarily his own equity...)...

[Stormer]

Originally Posted by drm310

A gaggle of chimpanzees could write better material than News Talk 650 most days.

They have now clarified by putting an "A" in front of the headline:

A Saskatoon River Landing project Is Dead

[Ruckus]

This is rather unfortunate. I understand the concern, but is a fitness park the best alternative to volleyball? How about a few basketball courts...there are none along the entire MVA trail system. I suspect they would get used a lot during the summer months (animate the area).

Needle fears puncture riverbank park plans
Beach volleyball courts nixed; fitness playground eyed
BY DAVID HUTTON, THE STARPHOENIX MARCH 15, 2011 COMMENTS (8)

For the last five years, the master plan for Saskatoon's River Landing has included three riverfront beach volleyball courts on the far western edge of the $82-million development.

But the city, concerned with upkeep costs and safety issues with needles hidden in the sand, is exploring a different approach -an outdoor fitness playground where people can work out on the riverbank.

"There was concern about keeping (the beach volleyball courts) clean," said Sandi Schultz, the city's special projects manager. "There was concern about needles being found in the sand and people who walk their (dogs) and about the cost of maintenance to keep it safe at all times."

Fencing off the beach volleyball courts would have solved upkeep problems, "but in a public park, a closed area is not what we wanted to have," Schultz said.

Instead, the steering committee for River Landing is exploring an outdoor fitness park for the site, which would include permanent workout equipment. Fitness playgrounds are becoming popular across North America. They often include machines such as chin-up bars, squat machines and stair climbers.

[...]

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Read more: http://www.thestarphoenix.com/health/Nee...k+plans/4439969/story.html#ixzz1Go5e4DHw