Going into these budget deliberations I had three priorities: investing in the basic services and infrastructure that citizens rely on every day, creating higher quality of life for individuals and families, and stretching the value of tax dollars through problem-solving, partnering with different groups, and making investments in the short-term that will pay off in the years and generations to come.
lanning for a Downtown Arena District
This week City Council made another step forward in the replacement of SaskTel Centre and signalled that a new arena should be built downtown.
We didn’t approve the construction of a new facility (and this won’t happen for awhile), but we did begin making a plan for the future. We are making crucial decisions in the months to come about Bus Rapid Transit, North Downtown development, River Landing Phase II, Idylwyld Drive and others. Now is the time to ensure these decisions are made with a future Arena/Convention district in mind, so that all the pieces fit together to make a great downtown for generations to come. These next steps will involve many stakeholders and community discussions in developing and implementing this plan.
In partnership, we are working to create a healthy, vibrant and prosperous environment in the heart of our city. By focusing on key strategies in collaboration with residents and businesses, we want to accelerate the plan to create a dynamic, inclusive and welcoming Downtown where everyone belongs.
Here are five of the issues discussed and debated in City Council in May that will have an impact on Saskatoon and the people that live here: Hiring of a City Manager | New Multi-Use Safety Pathway along CP Rail Line from Ave D to Ave W | “Downtown: Where We Belong” Initiative | Green Infrastructure Strategy | Next step for Cannabis rules in Saskatoon
