Downtown Event and Entertainment District: A Decade of Public Planning, Transparency and Progress

An information report presented today at the Governance and Priorities Committee meeting of City Council illustrates how the Downtown Event and Entertainment District (the District) has been considered through public Council processes for more than a decade.

The District is more than a future arena/event centre. It is a long-term vision for a vibrant, inclusive and welcoming downtown that would bring together entertainment venues, convention facilities, public spaces, cultural amenities, transportation connections and supporting infrastructure to create a destination for residents and visitors alike.

The discussions began in 2016 after the SaskTel Centre identified the facility was aging and facing increasing challenges in meeting industry expectations and remaining competitive in attracting major events. Since April 2016, nearly 50 public reports have been presented to City Council and the Governance and Priorities Committee.

“The work to date has been intensive,” says Dan Willems, Director of Technical Services. “It has included market analysis, public engagement, site selection, conceptual design, land assembly, funding analysis, planning and partnership development. We’ve been in front of Council many times over the last ten years as the project has moved forward to make sure the project has been considered through public and transparent discussions and decisions.”

Key Council decisions have included:

• 2018: Council directed Administration to plan for a future downtown arena, convention centre and entertainment district.
• 2021: Council confirmed the District and bus rapid transit (now known as Link) as City priorities and directed work on funding options, public engagement, Indigenous partnerships and sustainability.
• 2022: Following public engagement on site selection, Council selected the Midtown Shopping Centre north parking lot as the preferred site for a future event centre/arena.
• 2024: Council approved the District’s initial funding strategy, and Saskatoon’s City Centre and District Plan as a framework for future implementation.
• 2026: Council directed Administration to explore a potential strategic partnership with Muskeg Lake Cree Nation.

The District could include a renovated and expanded TCU Place and theatre, a future event centre to replace SaskTel Centre, parkade and improvements to streets, parks, utilities and public spaces.

The vision has been structured in a manner that allows portions of the project to move forward in phases due to physical site requirements and because funding is expected to be achieved in phases. The first phase is anticipated to include underground and public realm improvements, followed by TCU Place renovation/expansion including construction of more than 500 underground parking stalls; followed later by the construction of the event centre (SaskTel Centre replacement).

The City is working to secure funding from other orders of government and is exploring partnership opportunities. Detailed design and construction cannot proceed until a funding plan is approved by City Council.

Any future decisions related to funding, partnership agreements, project scope and construction will require further consideration and approval by City Council through public meetings.

Find out more about the Downtown Event and Entertainment District and history by visiting saskatoon.ca/eventdistrict.