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

UNITY
Does the downtown have strong leaders who collaborate to
achieve a shared vision?
In general, the shared vision for downtown Saskatoon
is of an intensified urban core that is able to attract a
diverse mix of land uses. However, this vision is in
many ways still evolving and will be more clearly
articulated through current downtown planning
initiatives. A key part of the vision is the
redevelopment of the City Yards at the north end of
downtown and the River Landing at the south end of
downtown, with the aim that growth will be spurred in
between these strategic parcels. Additionally, the
City envisages the downtown as the key to unlocking
and connecting the entire City of Saskatoon, which is
divided by the South Saskatchewan River.
Vision
The first comprehensive plan for downtown
Saskatoon was adopted in 1989 and updated in 2000.
The City is in the process of producing the successor
to this plan. The new City Centre Plan will focus on
the central business district as well as adjacent areas
situated along key corridors. This document is
expected to be completed in 2013. As one of the first
steps in the City Centre Plan process, a study on
public spaces has been completed, which
comprehensively measures the level of activity in
Saskatoon’s urban core, and how people are using
the downtown. This study also identifies opportunities
to intensify and diversify uses within the core. There
are also City policies within its Official Plan that aim to
strengthen the downtown along with attracting
commercial, residential and mixed use development.
These progressive downtown-focused planning
initiatives are prioritizing the downtown in a new way
and starting to clearly articulate a bold and more
urban vision for downtown Saskatoon.
Above: Frank & Ellen Remai Arts Centre
Above: River Landing
Saskatoon’s vision extends into the future as a new
master plan to develop a new civic plaza will be
developed in 2013-14. The plan will include a new
library, gathering space, retail and transit terminal.
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