The City of Saskatoon has one of the most vibrant economies in the country. As research published by the Conference Board of Canada indicates, Saskatoon is considered to be a leading city for economic investment and it will continue to attract many new business and industrial development opportunities. To assist in developing a land use framework that will guide planning decisions for existing and potential commercial and industrial growth, the Planning & Development Branch has recently completed a Commercial and Industrial Development Study that was developed in partnership with a consulting firm and members of the business community.
The Study includes an examination of commercial and industrial development in the City’s newest areas and in the existing built up areas, providing direction regarding the amount and type of development areas needed to meet projected growth and identify the policies required to support the revitalization of existing developments.
Another component of the Study is a review of the City’s commercial hierarchy, which is set out in the Official Community Plan (for example, Downtown, Regional Commercial, Suburban Centre Commercial, District Commercial, Arterial Commercial and Neighbourhood Commercial). It examines the relationship between the commercial classes within the hierarchy, including the geographic distribution of commercial and industrial development and provide general recommendations to be considered in guiding the form and function of development within each class.
In keeping with the direction of the Official Community Plan, it is essential that adding to or modifying the current stock of commercial and industrial space is done in a sustainable manner. It must take into account the location and timing of projected population growth, the potential impact on existing neighbourhoods, businesses and industries as well as give consideration to growth in developed areas versus growth in new areas of the city. In recognizing the significance of maintaining an appropriate balance in land use and development, it is important to analyze the amount and type of existing commercial and industrial development in the city so that we may accommodate growth and economic development as well as identify any gaps in service provision or development potential.