The Value of Investing in Canadian Downtowns - International ...

SASKATOON
small town values meet big aspirations…..
Snap Shot of Saskatoon
“The river divides the city in
two, but we want to bring the
City together… The downtown
is the key to connecting both
sides [of Saskatoon].”
Largest city in Saskatchewan
Growing downtown population
Saskatoon is experiencing some of the
fastest economic growth in Canada
A strong agricultural base and evolving
knowledge based economy
An engaged and committed population
High levels of collaboration between
different sectors
In Saskatoon, the downtown is a primary location for
employment, shopping, entertainment, arts, culture and
tourism. The City of Saskatoon and the private sector have
reinforced this role by championing revitalization efforts such
as inclusive and progressive planning processes; investments
in the public realm and key pieces of infrastructure; and
initiatives to increase the residential population. These efforts
have put downtown Saskatoon in an excellent position to act
as a focal point for the entire City and absorb future growth.
Despite this, the downtown faces a range of challenges, such
as realizing intensification aims in the face of strong outward
growth pressures, developing ‘complete communities’ in the
core’s two emerging neighbourhoods - River Landing and the
Warehouse District, and increasing downtown’s vitality,
particularly outside of office hours.
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