Saskatoon Construction II

[The Bess]

I don't want see Saskatoon be like Ott1wa, go ask People from Regina if they want there city to be like that, all I was suggesting is that leave the downtown for high rises, there is plenty of land in the city yards area that can be developed into low to medium rise buildings. And no CCF isn't right these are all just are opinions, you state as many examples of what you think is right, and the next person can do the same of he thinks is right. Any ways enough of this CCF you brought up some good points but I will agree to diagree with you.

[jigglysquishy]

I'm from Regina. I'd trade it any day of the week for a streetscape like Ottawa, Montreal or Paris.

High rises are good, but only if the market demands them.

[Treesplease]

Originally Posted by The Bess

I don't want see Saskatoon be like Ott1wa, go ask People from Regina if they want there city to be like that, all I was suggesting is that leave the downtown for high rises, there is plenty of land in the city yards area that can be developed into low to medium rise buildings. And no CCF isn't right these are all just are opinions, you state as many examples of what you think is right, and the next person can do the same of he thinks is right. Any ways enough of this CCF you brought up some good points but I will agree to diagree with you.

Ottawa is very comfortable city - lots of green belts and lots of ammenities and distinct neighborhoods with good density - I would be happy if Regina was like ottawa - it has soul and character. I wouldn't want Regina to be like Calgary -(nice buildings downtown though)

[Dougler306]

If i recall, i think i remeber someone from sasktoon city concuil or even the mayor saying that if we could be like calgary that would be great. In my opion your already on your way there with putting walls on ur freeways, taking away from green space. I would hate for regina to be like calgary aka concret city, we take pride in our gren spaces

[c@taract_soulj@h]

The funny thing, is that the new sudden development downtown and surrounding area has only come from the last couple of years. So it's like being given this gift (the boom the city and province is experiencing) and wanting to make use of it as soon as possible like a little kid with birthday cash. Raising the minimum and allowable height is a great start. I have a feeling River Landing will be a true catalyst for development or better yet, the "Renaissance Centre that didn't fail" haha

CCF's point though about a handful of low-midrises downtown rather than one hugeass spire is a great one. Mind you, Dubai sucks their buildings out of the sand because they can lol so the scale is a little different but I know where you're coming from.

Regarding Stoon though, just work on infill and density for the time being. There appear to be a shitload of brownfields and empty lots/buildings that are prime for development. Keep the heritage properties though, those are a must to preserve history. Also, the vacency rate (I think) is already at a super low so start small and work your way up, litterally!

The VIA Station is funny just cause of where it is. I'd hate to be out there at 3am with nowhere to go. I think maybe as the city grows, relocation may be looked at perhaps with a tie-in to a lrt line. It just sort of reminds me of that ghost train that whizzes by throughout the night that no one sees

[Crisis]

^^^^^^^^^
If you're working in the North Industrial area and want a relatively easy commute, I'd look at the River Heights, Lawson Heights, Silverwood neighbourhoods. Most of the homes/townhomes in these areas would be 25 - 40 years old and the majority of them have undergone at least one renovation. There is now bus service to the North Industrial area, but it's not great.

Alternatively, if you're OK with a longer commute (in distance, not much longer in time), you could condsider one of the bedroom communities (Warman, Osler, Martensville) to the north of the City. A major reason for the dramatic growth of these towns is their proximity to the new business in the North Industrial area.

[dsim249]

Originally Posted by djforsberg

Hi all, just thought I'd ask a couple questions about your fine city considering I just accepted a job there and will be moving from Regina within a month! The job is in the (far) north industrial area, so I know with the traffic situation in Saskatoon, I must take that into consideration when searching for a place to live. My girlfriend, two cats and I are looking to rent for now while we rent out our house is Regina and will most likely be looking for a townhouse in a decent area close to my work. Obviously the north area will be an obvious destination but what is the traffic like for someone commuting from/to the north east area? There are some nice places in that area but am concerned the commute will be ridiculous. What is the northish west area (around and north of 33rd) like? I hope its OK for me to post here about this!

Yeah, like Crisis suggested, River Heights, Lawson Heights and Silverwood would be the most logical choices. Hampton Village would also be reasonable if you're looking for a suburban/new area. These are all nice and quite safe neighbourhoods. I think there's lots of decent options for you on Pinehouse Drive, in particular (lots of townhouses/apartments).

North Park and Richmond Heights are also options. Although farther from the North, closer to downtown. Perhaps not quite as safe, but still very good options.

While you would be close to work in all these neighbourhoods, you'll still run into a lot of congestion. The worst in the city, IMHO. But it is what is it. You'll survive I'm sure.

Good luck with the move and welcome to the Stoon!

[kgc087]

Obviously my proposed minimum 25 was over zealous, and it actually is causing quite a problem here in Toronto. St. James town was the first cluster of high density housing in the city and now it's basically a slum (mind you the canadian version which just means low income). All of downtown is now seeing mega condos, up to 80 floors, being built, which are all glass, and pretty much everyday I see a story about how they are falling apart and will last 20 years before they need to be replaced. I would say the minimum 6 stories is VERY reasonable. When you do look at any of the european cities, but specifically Paris, the streetscape is vibrant, and proportioned to human scale and it's extermely dense. Saskatoon is VERY lucky that it has extermely wide 6 lane roadways so mid sized density such as 6 would be quite beautiful. It woudl be amazing to see some really interesting mixed use structures injected into the suburban area of downtown, down with the parking lots and up with density. Something interesting in Toronto's downtown that would be a good fit in Saskatoon is a network of parks. Toronto has basically a "green path" from the lake to the north border of downtown. It would be cool to see SAskatoon make a green path or pocket parks from say the mendel area and riverlanding to the warehouse district. It would be a nice way to pull the downtown together, promote pedestrianism and just ensure a suitable number of green areas. Perhaps this would also stimulate more families to move into the core?

[Echoes]

Control guidelines prove worth

By Gerry Klein, The StarPhoenix November 24, 2011

Almost from the day they were first established, the direct control district guidelines for Saskatoon's south downtown development were criticized for being too rigid.

The DCD zoning for the land, touted by civic officials to be among the most desirable development opportunities in North America, was meant to create some certainty for developers that their investment in any single project wouldn't lose value because of a lower quality development going up next door.

This was considered necessary, in part, because the property along Saskatoon's riverfront had multiple owners, including the city and the Saskatoon Public Board of Education.

The problem is that these guidelines seemed too detailed. The city was accused of scaring off potential developers concerned with having to jump through too many hoops before they could proceed. However, Bert Wellman, former head of planning and development for the city, pointed out years ago that the DCD guidelines were specifically made to provide council with the flexibility to make changes when necessary.

[....]

Read more: http://www.thestarphoenix.com/Control+guidelines+prove+worth/5758961/story.html#ixzz1edKFTE92

[Cicero]

More cuts mean fewer services, says Saskatoon city manager

The City of Saskatoon has tabled a 2012 draft budget that proposes a tax increase of 4.71 per cent, the majority of which comes from hikes to police spending.

Heading into council deliberations in early December, the preliminary operating budget totals $345.3 million, up from $325.4 million this year, while the capital budget sits at $340 million, down from $351 million due to big-ticket Circle Drive South nearing completion.

The tax hike translates to $70 annually for the average homeowner (with a home assessed at $200,000).

“Saskatoon is changing and it’s changing quickly,” said city manager Murray Totland, who during a news conference at City Hall painted a picture of a rapidly growing city in which civic services are being stretched to keep up.

“We’re in a new era and it looks like we’re going to be in an era of sustained prosperity. This is not a blip on the radar. There is no suggestion this is slowing down.”

Read more: http://www.thestarphoenix.com/news/More+...manager/5756239/story.html#ixzz1eeLu7SRg

[Hatched]

Okay, I have been a lurker for a very long time.

I have grown up in Saskatoon and think right now is the best time to be here. The decisions made now will shape this city into being whatever.

So, a little off topic, but here are a few of the ideas that I had. the VIA rail station, IMO, should be located either on airport drive or up by the airport. That way the operating and parking costs could be shared with the airport and when the city starts the LRT it could be connected and serve both the airport and VIA station.

I would like to see the Mendel building turned into a science center. When I was in elementary school we took field trips to Regina just to go to the science center and see the IMAX. If the Mendel building was turned into a science center an addition could be added and an IMAX put in and would draw people down to the water and to Kinsman Park.

[kgc087]

Originally Posted by Hatched

Okay, I have been a lurker for a very long time.

I have grown up in Saskatoon and think right now is the best time to be here. The decisions made now will shape this city into being whatever.

So, a little off topic, but here are a few of the ideas that I had. the VIA rail station, IMO, should be located either on airport drive or up by the airport. That way the operating and parking costs could be shared with the airport and when the city starts the LRT it could be connected and serve both the airport and VIA station.

I would like to see the Mendel building turned into a science center. When I was in elementary school we took field trips to Regina just to go to the science center and see the IMAX. If the Mendel building was turned into a science center an addition could be added and an IMAX put in and would draw people down to the water and to Kinsman Park.

I think it's an interesting idea to have the train station at the airport but I don't know if it makes much sense beyond shared costs etc. An airport is far away and people expect to drive to it etc, they leave there cars and thats fine. But a train is sort of like a bus, it's nice to be able to get off and just be d/t, walk to your hotel or have very easy access to a transit terminal that will take you anywhere. I completley agree about the science centre, how ever it would be interesting to see it as an interactive childrens museum and science centre. A place for learning and culture! Can someone tell me why Saskatoon doesn't have an IMAX, galaxy would do SSSOOOOOO well with an IMAX

[kgc087]

http://www.archello.com/en/product/eco-whisper-turbine here is an interesting product that is awaiting some patents, but perhaps this could be a unique addition to the SAskatoon landscape. I really think the U of S should invest in energy production. Why not put a row of turbines through the test plots? Could be enough to power the city.

[casper]

Originally Posted by gowest

The east bound Via goes thru in the summer about 6-9 AM. In the winter I see the trains going thru at 3 AM. Who wants to goes to a station in the middle of nowhere in the middle of the night and spent alot of money and not know when you will reach your destination.

That depending on when they run the seat sales. The sales are usually 75% off the regular price. (http://www.viarail.ca/en/deals) I did Saskatoon to Vancouver for $120 (one-way) on Via during the summer in economy. Departing Saskatoon at 10:00 pm the return train arrives in Saskatoon at 9:00 AM. The times have improved quite a bit from a few years ago. Having daily trains would be an improvement.

[Jerry]

Hey Hatched & casper



.......and djforsberg welcome to Saskatoon

[Hatched]

For the train I was more thinking of the sky train in Vancouver. My brother lives in Vancouver and I find it way more convenient to pay $2 and hop the train then pay $50 and take a taxi.

But I would also like to see a bullet train rather than VIA.

[Echoes]

Building permit values approach $1 billion

By Scott Larson, The StarPhoenix November 24, 2011

SASKATOON — The value of building permits in Saskatoon for 2011 is heading toward a record $1 billion.

In announcing the city budget this week, city manager Murray Totland told reporters that buildings permits were set to crack $1 billion for the first time.

Bob Baran, who is with the city’s buildings and standards branch, said the value of permits might not hit that amount, “but it will be a record amount.

“My guess is we will be at $875 million by the end of the year. We are at $833 million right now,” he said.

Last year, the city issued 4,100 permits valued at $666.1 million. This year the number of permits will be close to 4,600.

“If that does happen it will be the highest number ever in the 104-year history of Saskatoon issuing building permits,” Baran said.

And the increases have been across the board.

[....]

Read more: http://www.thestarphoenix.com/business/B...billion/5763559/story.html#ixzz1ejCtTiAa

[Morogolus]

Originally Posted by Hatched

For the train I was more thinking of the sky train in Vancouver. My brother lives in Vancouver and I find it way more convenient to pay $2 and hop the train then pay $50 and take a taxi.

But I would also like to see a bullet train rather than VIA.

One can dream but unfortunately Saskatoon will likely never see a light rail system. Things like cost, sparse population density, low transit ridership numbers, lack of infrastructure and lack of political will make it a pipe dream.

Also a bullet train system in Canada will never happen. Too expensive and the population is too spread out. It would likely cost 10s of billions of dollars. Bullet trains work in Europe and Asia because the population is quite condensed and the cities already have light rail infrastructure in place so when you get off the train you actually have someway to get around.

[CCF]

Originally Posted by Morogolus

One can dream but unfortunately Saskatoon will likely never see a light rail system. Things like cost, sparse population density, low transit ridership numbers, lack of infrastructure and lack of political will make it a pipe dream.

Also a bullet train system in Canada will never happen. Too expensive and the population is too spread out. It would likely cost 10s of billions of dollars. Bullet trains work in Europe and Asia because the population is quite condensed and the cities already have light rail infrastructure in place so when you get off the train you actually have someway to get around.

I wouldn't say never. Kitchener-Waterloo has already approved plans for their LRT system and it faces its own issues relating to cost, density, etc. The one advantage I would say is that KW has a lot of students who utilize transit.

[jigglysquishy]

The population density of Toronto-Ottawa-Montreal is higher than quite a few of the HSRs in Europe.

Saskatoon's density is basically the same as Calgary's and look at how successful their light rail is.