Downtown Event & Entertainment District
Journey to the District
A vibrant downtown supports a strong economy, creates a sense of community and provides a place for people to come together, in addition to attracting more people to live Downtown.
Phase 1 Engagement Report and Information report on Downtown Market Analysis on Housing and Retail going to Governance and Priorities Committee on December 12, 2023.
The link to the agenda, as well as related documents, can be found on the DEED Engage Page.
Did you know we have a YouTube playlist for all videos related to the District? You can check out the playlist on YouTube, through the City of Saskatoon channel.
Developing and re-envisioning Downtown Saskatoon has been identified as a priority area in the City’s 2022-2025 Strategic Plan. A potential Downtown Event & Entertainment District will create a place for people and businesses to come together for the economic, cultural and social success of the city and surrounding area. Linked to the rest of the city by the future Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, the vision for the Downtown Event & Entertainment District is that of a centre of commerce, tourism, services and entertainment. From major arena events, to shopping, restaurants, conventions, nightlife and a thriving business community, Downtown Saskatoon will become a destination with something for everyone.
A new Downtown event centre/arena, a new/enhanced convention centre, and the future BRT are the public infrastructure investments that will drive investments in other areas of the District, benefiting Saskatoon and Saskatchewan.
As we work together on this city-building project, we acknowledge our ancestors and future generations. We honour Treaty 6 Territory and the Traditional Homeland of the Métis, by sharing this land under Treaty with the Cree, Saulteaux, Dakota, Nakota, Lakota, Métis, Dene and Non-Indigenous peoples. We are all Treaty People.
Going forward, the City will work with people, businesses and other orders of government to develop an innovative funding plan that minimizes future property tax increases for the major infrastructure investments to support the development of the District.
Journey to the District - The Story So Far
The journey to the creation of a Downtown Event & Entertainment District started with the recognition of aging infrastructure and has evolved into a vision for an active, exciting and economically-vibrant Downtown - and the journey continues.
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Designing Reasons to Come & Connections to Get There
Together, an event centre/arena and convention centre will anchor the new Downtown Event & Entertainment District, while future Bus Rapid Transit routes will reliably get people to and from the area.
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Benefits to the District
A Downtown event centre/arena and new/enhanced convention centre, connected to the rest of the city with a Bus Rapid Transit system, will drive investment in Downtown Saskatoon and create significant economic benefits.
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Project Governance
The Journey to the District is built upon collaboration. The governance structure is key to this by engaging stakeholders from across the community.
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Meet the Advisory Group
The Downtown Event & Entertainment District Advisory Group has been established to foster connections between the City and key community stakeholders.
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Downtown Districts in Other Cities
Other cities around North America are undertaking similar journeys - revitalizing their downtowns by developing reasons to travel, play and live there.
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How the Future Site was Selected
Selection of the potential event centre/arena sites was based on a number of technical criteria. Those criteria covered everything from land area to proximity to parking and development costs.
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