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Urban Design

The Urban Design Program. Image shows a completed streetscape by the urban Design Team.
 

The Urban Design team strives to reinforce Saskatoon's unique identity to build a city that is healthy, inclusive and distinct.

Locations

The Urban Design unit works primarily within four Business Improvement Districts (BIDS) in Saskatoon: Downtown, Riversdale, Broadway, and Sutherland. If other community groups are considering forming a BID, Planning & Development can provide background information and research to help initiate that process.

Urban Design undertakes a variety of work which includes major streetscape projects and public realm enhancements.

Streetscape Projects

Streetscape construction projects are complex, and their success requires the collaboration of numerous City departments. Their aim is to transform public space in key commercial districts by highlighting elements of Saskatoon’s distinct identity in a way that is accessible to all. Streetscape improvements include amenities such as traffic-calming measures, sidewalk improvements, street trees, pedestrian lighting, street furniture, space for public art and other special features. 

Current Projects

20th St E (Downtown)

Project Status

Streetscaping is complete.

 

Project Area  

20th Street streetscape project area in orange. Click to enlarge the image.

click to enlarge image

 

The scope of this project includes the design and construction of enhanced streetscaping with a focus on improving pedestrian connections between the Downtown, Riversdale, and River Landing to make 20th Street a pedestrian priority street (as identified in the City Centre Plan). Project work includes the addition of a planting/furnishing zone that will green the street by adding trees and seating in strategic locations. The site will also include some stormwater diversion to capture water runoff, structural soil cells to support tree growth, narrowing of lanes to help shorten pedestrian crossing, and additional pedestrian lighting to help improve the overall space.

Urban Design is coordinating streetscape work with Asset Preservation (AP) for a cost-effective approach to streetscape design and construction. AP's work includes roadway and sidewalk resurfacing. Additional financial support is being provided from the Natural Infrastructure Fund.

 

20th Street streetscape featuring new trees, planting area, sidewalks, and benches.

 

20th Street streetscape featuring new trees, planting area, sidewalks, and benches.  
20th Street streetscape featuring new bench and pavers.

 

Ave B, D, and 21st W (Riversdale)

Project Status

Design will begin this summer. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026.

Please see the  Information Session presentation for further information.

Project Area  
Ave B, D, and 21st Street streetscape project area in orange. Click on image to enlarge.

click to enlarge image

 

The scope of this project includes the design and construction of enhanced streetscaping with a focus on improving the pedestrian experience, exploring on-street parking options and green infrastructure, specifically on Avenue B, Avenue D between 20th St W and 22nd St W, and 21st Street East between Idylwyld Dr and Avenue D.  

Urban Design is coordinating streetscape work with Asset Preservation (AP) for a cost-effective approach to streetscape design and construction. AP’s work in Riversdale involves replacing infrastructure, roadway, and sidewalk resurfacing throughout Riversdale in 2025 and 2026. For more information about APs project visit the City's website.  

 

Central Avenue Entry Feature

Project Status

Entry feature construction is complete.

Project Area  

Central Avenue Entry Feature location in orange. Click on the image to enlarge.

click to enlarge image

 The purpose of this project is to design and construct an entry feature as a gateway to welcome visitors to the area and help brand the Sutherland BID. The entry feature was identified in the Central Avenue Masterplan, 2009 and is proposed on the southeast corner of 108th Street and Central Avenue. The entry feature will have illuminated signage, planters, and decorative banner poles and street lights. 

Past Projects

14th St Parklet (City Wide)

This 14th Street Parklet project brought new life into the triangular traffic island at the intersection of Temperance Street, Lansdowne Avenue, and 14th Street East.  Originally, the island was home to a number mature lilac shrubs, old benches, and seasonal flower pots.  With the introduction of the City of Saskatoon active transportation plan, 14th Street East was designated as one of the bike routes within the plan.  In order to reduce vehicular, cyclist, and pedestrian conflicts at the intersection, the 14th Street roadway surface was reduced to only allow for cyclist and pedestrians.  Corner-bulbing was introduced at the intersection to ensure pedestrian safely.  In addition to the bulbing, landscape upgrades were proposed for the island as well.  Construction included a concrete walkway area, pedestrian lighting, tree and shrub plant material c/w wood fibre mulch, feature boulders, and benches.  As the area  is one of the oldest in Saskatoon, a heritage component was incorporated into the project.  Old streetcar rails unearthed from Temperance Street and cobblestones removed from the area were reused on the site.  Final component yet to be added to the project is an interpretive panel to provide some history on the heritage elements.

Image showing 14th Street parklet area before construction. 
Before

 

Image showing 14th Street parklet after construction during the day. The parklet feature decorative heritage rails, new concrete walkway, plantings, benches, bike racks, and lighting. Image showing 14th Street parklet after construction during the day. The parklet feature decorative heritage rails, new concrete walkway, plantings, benches, bike racks, and lighting.
   
Image showing 14th Street parklet after construction at night with snow on the ground. The parklet feature decorative heritage rails, new concrete walkway, plantings, benches, bike racks, and lighting. Image showing 14th Street parklet after construction at night. The parklet feature decorative heritage rails, new concrete walkway, plantings, benches, bike racks, and lighting.
After 
21st Street Streetscape Renewal Project (Downtown)

This streetscape renewal project brought new life to one of the original streetscape projects, the 21st Street in Downtown Saskatoon is one of the most recognizable streets. Flanked by the iconic Delta Bessborough Hotel on the East and the popular Midtown Plaza on the West. This initiative aimed at maintaining and renewing the streetscape elements of this historical retail street within the Downtown BID Summer 2017. The streetscape renewal project extended the old elm trees lifecycle, enhanced sidewalks, amenity areas, bulbs & curbs, installed new irrigation, installed new wayfinding directories, installed new street furniture and installed new lighting features. The overall goal was to ensure 21st Street remains a prominent and desirable retail and entertainment destination within Saskatoon Downtown. 

20th Street West Streetscape Improvements (Riversdale)

This streetscape improvement project helps to enhance the vibrancy of the Riversdale Business Improvement District, as recommended in the City's 20th Street Streetscape Master Plan. By supplying street corner bulbs to improve pedestrian safety, a paved amenity sidewalk strip, street trees, new sidewalk furniture, and unique artistic features, pedestrian comfort is improved while the diverse character of the area is celebrated. This project was substantially completed in 2014. 

20th Street west street before construction. Image highlights poor state of the public realm. 20th Street west street after construction. Image highlights a rejuvenated public realm with new unit pavers, street furniture, and trees.
Before After
20th Street west street before construction. Image highlights a deteriorated sidewalk and poor state of the public realm. 20th Street west street after construction. Image highlights a rejuvenated public realm with new unit pavers and street furniture.
Before After
Central Ave Streetscape Improvements (Sutherland)

This streetscape improvement project helped to enhance the Sutherland Business Improvement District, as recommended in the Central Avenue Master Plan. Through the creation of street corner bulbs, a paved amenity strip, street trees, new sidewalk furniture and public art, pedestrian safety and comfort is improved while the area's unique character is celebrated. This project was substantially completed in 2014.

Image showing Central Avenue after streetscape after construction. Image highlights new decorative fence, pathway, light poles with banners, and seasonal flower pots. Image showing Central Avenue after streetscape after construction. Image highlights new street furniture and unit pavers..
   
Image showing Central Avenue after streetscape after construction. Image highlights new street furniture, unit pavers, and trees. Image showing Central Avenue after streetscape after construction. Image highlights new unit pavers and seasonal flower pots.

 

Public Realm Programs & Projects

Facade Conservation & Enhancement Grant Program

The City of Saskatoon encourages the conservation and enhancement of commercial building facades by providing grant funding to property owners and businesses located in established commercial areas to cover a portion of the eligible costs of facade improvement and/or conservation work.

Please visit the Facade Conservation & Enhancement Program website for detailed information.

 

Opportunity Response Program

The Opportunity Response (OR) program is designed to fund projects that help create unique spaces or benefits for the public realm. The OR program operates in the Downtown, Riversdale, Broadway, and Sutherland BID's and can fund up to 50% of the project costs to a maximum of $30,000 in partnership with BID's, businesses, and/or other organizations. Projects must contribute positively to the public realm and be publicly accessible. Applications are awarded funding on a first-come, first-served basis with limited program funding.

We recommend reaching out to Urban Design early in the project development process to confirm that the concept is in alignment with the program goals and to reserve funds.

  • Projects that are eligible under the Façade Program will not be eligible for Opportunity Response funding.
  • Festivals and events will not be eligible at this time.
  • Proposals for seasonal lighting that would coincide with the SL&P seasonal decorations program need to be approved by SL&P.

Please contact urbandesign@saskatoon.ca for more information.

 

Banner Program

Banner Program. Example of a banner fixed to a light pole in the Broadway area. 

The City of Saskatoon manages the Banner Program throughout Downtown, Riversdale, Broadway, Sutherland and other city-wide locations.  The program adds colour and visual interest to our streets while promoting a variety of events, awareness campaigns, and other community-building efforts.  If you are organizing a public cultural event such as an art festival, a sporting event, or an awareness campaign, street banners could be a way to get the word out. The City can install both pole mounted and cross street banners in specific locations for eligible events.

Please visit the Banner Program website for detailed information.

 

Flower Pot Program

Flower Pot Program - example image of flower pot on street corner.  Removable seasonal planters provide a portable landscape that provides instant colour in our public spaces. Planters are placed throughout the Downtown, Riversdale, Broadway and Sutherland Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and River Landing. Today, the City of Saskatoon Planning and Development Division partners with the Parks Division, Environmental & Corporate Initiatives Division, Saskatoon Transit and four BIDs to coordinate and implement the program between the end of May and mid-September, weather permitting. For more information please refer to the related documents. 

Public Realm Maintenance Projects 

Maintenance projects are typically smaller and less complex than streetscape construction projects. The aim is to rejuvenate a space through smaller interventions. Maintenance can include replacing or repairing existing street furniture or unit pavers, installing new street furniture, or installing unique and creative elements to the space. 

Maintenance Issues

If you wish to report any maintenance issues such as damaged garbage receptacles, benches, bike racks, etc. or broken pavers please contact the following:

  • If the instance is in one of the following Business Improvement Districts - Downtown, Riversdale, Broadway, and Sutherland - please contact Urban Design at   urbandesign@saskatoon.ca
  • All other instances please visit the Customer Care website.

If you wish to report instances of graffiti please visit the Graffiti Reduction website.

Questions? Contact us at   UrbanDesign@Saskatoon.ca