City Council considering reports focused on advancing Downtown Event and Entertainment District

At its March 25, 2026, Regular Meeting, Saskatoon City Council will consider two reports related to the Downtown Event and Entertainment District (the District). Together, the reports focus on how the City can continue progress toward building a vibrant Downtown, including work on a long-term funding strategy regardless of Council’s decision on a proposed Private Partner agreement.

One report provides additional information requested by Council in October 2025 related to the approval report on the Private Partner Agreement Framework. Specifically, the report provides additional details related to the financial projections, fees and commissions, and performance management and reporting.

“OVG360 has the necessary experience and credentials to not only run a successful operation but it also values and understands the importance of social responsibility and leadership in our community,” says Dan Willems, Director of Technical Services. “The fact that we attracted the interest of a world-class expert in facility management reaffirms the potential and the strength of the overall vision for a Downtown Event and Entertainment District in Saskatoon.”

The October 2025 report sets out the agreement framework for a private operating partnership with OVG, one of the world’s leading full-service facility management teams. It has over 300 client-partners around the globe that span arenas, stadiums, convention centres and performing arts centres.

Between a contribution up-front and yearly revenues from the proposed operating partnership with OVG, the City projects $250 million in net cash flow over a 15-year agreement, with an exercised option for a 15-year extension. This includes a $15 million up-front capital investment and an additional $235 million in forecasted operating revenue sharing over a potential 30 years.

The agreement will also address important community benefits including maximizing economic opportunities for traditionally marginalized groups, employment that will work with existing employees and unions, and benefits for community non-profit events.

The second information report lays out the City’s approach toward advancing the Downtown Event and Entertainment District as a ‘city-building’ initiative - one designed to maintain and bolster Saskatoon’s long term national competitiveness and market position in attracting major touring events and large conventions while strengthening Downtown as a key economic and cultural hub.

No matter what decision is made by City Council around a potential Private Partnership agreement, work will continue toward making the District a reality. This will include a funding strategy refresh, working with community partners as well as working with other levels of government to secure the funding needed.

“The funding strategy is a living framework that will be refined over time as firm commitments and the necessary legislative authority are confirmed for specific funding sources,” Willems says. “While securing a Private Partnership has been a priority of the work to date, we still have other funding options that we are working on to help realize the vision of a Downtown where people can live, work and play.”

For more information on the Downtown Event and Entertainment District please visit saskatoon.ca/eventdistrict.