Saskatoon Construction

[circle33]

Well then hats off to the new guy for breaking news. It's just that we don't take kindly to strangers in these here parts...

[BizumSkizum]

I thought I'd get a little doubt since I am not a regular and a newbie as well ... but I can assure you that if I ever have any tips / knowledge to post here I will try to qualify it with a :
"I heard through the Grapevine, so this is TOTALLY rumor"
OR
"I actually heard this information from a reputable source"

I found it hard to believe that it was true also, but it does make sense as a temporary solution ... They will surely need more space in the future (and I also assume a downtown location).

[CtrlAltDel]

Ahhh, temporary, that makes more sense.

[zachjeffries]

I also had the very same information from a reputable source who has professional involvement relating to Cameco. Unfortunately, I was told not to say anything, but I'm glad to see that the word is now out! This very same source said that Cameco is looking at a downtown location with a ten year timeline in mind for relocation.

I was particularily interested to hear about one site that is under serious consideration: The Court of Queen's Bench on Spadina and the adjoining parking lot across from the Bess. Apparently, there is a distinct possibility of a complex that includes Cameco and a consolidated Court of QB & Provincial Court. The source poured water on the idea of Cameco constructing a building near the Galaxy Cinemas when I mentioned that rumour.

Originally Posted by BizumSkizum

Hi everyone, I am a newbie ... so be gentle, it's my first time

I have been reading some threads about rumours of where Cameco might end up ... well I think I have some information. I have it on good authority that Cameco has leased the entire "North 48" complex on the corner of 48th and Miller.

The "L-Shape" of the building will have all of the doors taken off and replaced with plate glass glazing, and the ONLY way in to the building will be at the "Tower" in the corner where security guards / reception will grant entrance to those who are approved guests. Also as a side note, the stand alone building on the corner of the lot is supposedly leased to "Saskatchewan's Largest Commercial Realtor" ICR.

I hope that I am not breaking any trust or confidentiality here, but it just looked like something that people might be interested in.

[Ruckus]

Maybe...it's a trap!

Source

[Ruckus]

Originally Posted by zachjeffries

I also had the very same information from a reputable source who has professional involvement relating to Cameco. Unfortunately, I was told not to say anything, but I'm glad to see that the word is now out! This very same source said that Cameco is looking at a downtown location with a ten year timeline in mind for relocation.

I was particularily interested to hear about one site that is under serious consideration: The Court of Queen's Bench on Spadina and the adjoining parking lot across from the Bess. Apparently, there is a distinct possibility of a complex that includes Cameco and a consolidated Court of QB & Provincial Court. The source poured water on the idea of Cameco constructing a building near the Galaxy Cinemas when I mentioned that rumour.

Interesting about the consolidated courts and Cameco, somewhat doubtful though.

We know Cameco has no desire to own a newly built office tower, so perhaps the thinking goes: government builds a new office tower complex; Cameco leases space from them (see Regina McCallum Hill Centre...glass towers); Courts consolidate and occupy remaining space.

Anyone know if the adjacent parking lot is included with the Court of QB property, or is it owned by another interest?



The Galaxy location is based on: proximity to River/River Landing; gateway to downtown location (adjacent Idylwyld Freeway); Murray Lyons hinted the location as a possibility; CtrlAltDel has stated a location near River Landing.

[kgc087]

Millions set aside for new St. Mary Community School
Darren Bernhardt, TheStarPhoenix.com
Published: Tuesday, May 13, 2008
The Pleasant Hill community is getting a multi-million dollar makeover, which includes a brand new school.

Premier Brad Wall on Tuesday announced his government's commitment of $8.3 million for the construction of a new St. Mary Community School, daycare and wellness centre. An additional $8 million is earmarked for the development of affordable housing in co-operation with local community groups.

"Saskatchewan is transforming into a place of opportunity and growth," Wall said. "And with today's investment we will help local people continue developing this neighbourhood into a place of growth and opportunity, where the young people that have joined us today can achieve their highest potential."

He made the announcement inside the St. Mary gymnasium, which was crammed with students, staff, municipal and provincial politicians, school trustees from both the Catholic and public divisions, and police.

"New investment in Saskatoon's core neighbourhoods is crucial to building a sustainable city," Mayor Don Atchison said. "Projects such as the Pleasant Hill Revitalization Project are rare opportunities to take a large area within an existing neighbourhood and renew it with parks, housing and a new school."

The City of Saskatoon is contributing $500,000 on top of the provincial funding to build a community centre within the new St. Mary School. The space will serve as a central place for public meetings, community association programming and essentially a hub for the neighbourhood residents.

St. Mary Community School has already been effective in forming partnerships with organizations like the Saskatoon Tribal Council, the University of Saskatchewan and the Saskatoon Health Region. Services currently offered include a clinic for young children, a pilot program aimed at reducing obesity rates in students as well as various cultural and spiritual activities.

It is expected that construction will begin on the new school within 12-18 months, according to Atchison. The new school will be located directly across the street from the current one.

© The StarPhoenix 2008
____________________________________________
This sounds great! I wonder what they'll do with the existing school, possibly converting it into a community centre of some sorts. I like the idea of additional park space as well.

[Ruckus]

Originally Posted by kgc087

Millions set aside for new St. Mary Community School
Darren Bernhardt, TheStarPhoenix.com
Published: Tuesday, May 13, 2008

____________________________________________
This sounds great! I wonder what they'll do with the existing school, possibly converting it into a community centre of some sorts. I like the idea of additional park space as well.

A very welcome contribution towards our core neighborhoods. What to do with the old St. Mary school though? It has been reported that the possibilities are: Demolition; a community centre; a private developer comes forward with a plan for residential or other ideas, I assume they would acquire the building for a nice price.

I think the wrecking ball is coming...not an effective method for preserving history, but good for park space?

[kgc087]

Hopefully the wrecking ball does not come near the school. I always found it to be quite welcoming to see a neighbourhood with an old school in it. Maybe a developer will convert it into lofts of some sort!

[jaysfan99]

2nd Ave Lofts looking good with the top floor added. I wonder if they will be doing any other improvements to the exterior.



The Franklin, built in 2000. A nice looking building in my opinion. Let's hope Remai can build something as nice on Spadina. I still can't believe how gross the Riverfront looks.

[Ruckus]

Originally Posted by jaysfan99

The Franklin, built in 2000. A nice looking building in my opinion. Let's hope Remai can build something as nice on Spadina. I still can't believe how gross the Riverfront looks.

Decent, but not something I would support for Spadina...also a seniors complex, which probably explains the lack of balconies, parking (maybe that's a good thing?).

[Jerry]

Originally Posted by kgc087

Hopefully the wrecking ball does not come near the school. I always found it to be quite welcoming to see a neighbourhood with an old school in it. Maybe a developer will convert it into lofts of some sort!

I would really hope my old school does not meet the wrecking ball. Its a great building and as you say some developer may find some new life for it yet.

[circle33]

Those old castle schools great and I feel they should be preserved. Even if they are no longer feasible in as strict dollars ans cents fashion they do offer intangibles such as a sense of history and attachment to the community as well as a (very small) sense of grandeur. I know demolishing Buena Vista school was discussed a few years back because the could replace it with a 'better' school for less cost. Fortunately they made right decision.

[jaysfan99]

Originally Posted by SASKFTW

Decent, but not something I would support for Spadina...also a seniors complex, which probably explains the lack of balconies, parking (maybe that's a good thing?).

Are you saying that the Riverfront is a better looking building? I'm just saying that I hope they can come up with a nicer design.

[swilley]

Originally Posted by jaysfan99

Not much going on at the King George, but I'm sure The Meridian will do a good job.

I believe there is quite a bit going on at the KG, It's all structural now... They need to build up the columns before we see any exterior work (which is what they are doing now). Can't we get a leaked render somewhere?

[kgc087]

Originally Posted by swilley

I believe there is quite a bit going on at the KG, It's all structural now... They need to build up the columns before we see any exterior work (which is what they are doing now). Can't we get a leaked render somewhere?

I do believe they said they were going to restore it to its former classic french glory while embelishing it a bit more. There was an archived photo of the King George not too long ago in that new Saskatoon living magazine. I think that gives a pretty good idea of what it will look like. They specified they were going to remake the statues, gargoyles and iron awnings! Hopefully it all works out!!

[kgc087]

Luxe plans come out tomorrow!!

[kgc087]

New subdivision presents challenges
Rod Nickel, The StarPhoenix
Published: Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Saskatoon's newest city within a city will come with three interchanges, five access points and its own 65-acre walkable wetlands.

Welcome to Rosewood, a future neighbourhood almost the size of North Battleford on the southeastern corner of Saskatoon. If it's unique for its features, it also brings special challenges.

The land bounded by Taylor Street, Boychuk Drive, Highway 16 and the CP tracks is pocked with sloughs.

The city was skeptical enough of developing three soggy pockets in particular that it asked for the most extensive study ever undertaken for Saskatoon neighbourhood development, including drilling to bedrock to gauge the water table.

Having done their homework, city officials and home builders say construction is viable despite the high water table.

"That was a very serious issue," Tim Steuart, the city's manager of development review, told the planning and operations committee Tuesday. "We're confident these issues can be addressed as the neighbourhood is built out."

"None of them are insurmountable," said Ron Olson, general manager of Boychuk Investments, one of five Rosewood land owners.

The wetlands actually come in handy for draining stormwater. Instead of installing storm sewer mains to empty into the river, the city will direct runoff into the wetlands and some engineered ponds, Steuart said.

Some homeowners in neighbouring Lakewood have had chronic problems with basement flooding. WaterMark Consulting, in a report to Boychuk, writes that Lakewood's sanitary sewer system doesn't have capacity in its trunk sewers and lift station to support Rosewood. The city plans to increase the station's capacity and extend a sewer main next year at an undetermined cost.

The city will also build up Rosewood's elevation by using more fill in grading and install special underground drains. In the wettest areas, it could restrict the depth of basements, Steuart said.

The city's planning and operations committee passed a motion Tuesday recommending city council approve Rosewood's concept plan in principle.

Coun. Pat Lorje said she's not convinced five entrance and exit points are enough for what will be one of the city's largest and most dense neighbourhoods.

"We're building what anywhere else in Saskatchewan would be called a city," she said.

The interchanges also pose a financial concern, she said. The cost of a $10-million ramp off Highway 16 into the centre of the neighbourhood will be shared by the city and developers. No date has been set for construction of any of the interchanges.

The city, developers and Saskatoon Public Schools have more talking to do. The school division recently told the city it thinks the designated site for a possible elementary school is too small.

[email protected]

ROSEWOOD

- Will be home to 10,700 residents on 724 acres

- Expected to take 15-18 years to complete

- Boychuk Homes hopes to sell 150 single-family lots this summer

- 65 acres of wetlands in the northwest corner

- Three interchanges on Highway 16, at Boychuk Drive and two locations farther east

- Village square with shops

© The StarPhoenix (Saskatoon) 2008
____________________________________________________________
How exciting! I feel like this neighbourhood could either be a construction disaster due to the high water table or prove to be an oasis! The 65 acres of wetlands will be a sensational feature!

[midnightrambler]

I heard a rumor that United Airlines is supposed to start flying into Saskatoon pretty soon.

Sweet. Direct flights to Denver.

[drm310]

Heh, watch the prices of houses for sale in Lakewood drop with this story!

My friend who works for the city had a tip for us as buyers last year... watch out for basements remodeled in 2005 (year of the big flood).

Rosewood might actually work out. The linear parks that wind their way around the neighbourhood have the potential to make it a lot more pedestrian-friendly. Plus the wetlands might do a better job of managing storm water, as well as providing habitat for wildlife.

Originally Posted by kgc087

Some homeowners in neighbouring Lakewood have had chronic problems with basement flooding. WaterMark Consulting, in a report to Boychuk, writes that Lakewood's sanitary sewer system doesn't have capacity in its trunk sewers and lift station to support Rosewood. The city plans to increase the station's capacity and extend a sewer main next year at an undetermined cost.