Growth Plan Implementation Underway in Preparation for Fall Launch
The City of Saskatoon is moving forward with implementation of its Growth Plan to Half a Million. In preparation for a public launch in fall 2017, Saskatoon City Council today awarded contracts for the planning and design of the City’s future Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, and city-wide Growth Plan Engagement.
At its July 26 meeting, City Council approved the award of two contracts:
- BRT planning and design experts, HDR Inc., with sub-consultants CIMA+ and Dillon Consulting, to work on detailed planning and design for Saskatoon’s city-wide Bus Rapid Transit and Conventional Transit system, and
- Planning and engagement firm, O2 Planning + Design to work with the City to develop scalable in-person and online engagement in support of multiple Growth Plan projects.
Both firms were the highest scoring firms in competitive bid-processes that drew international attention from industry-leading teams.
City Administration will make two additional recommendations in August for contracts relating to the Transit Village Concept Design along the BRT lines, and a Brownfield Renewal Strategy in support of the Corridor Growth Program.
Background:
At its April 25, 2016 meeting, Saskatoon City Council approved in principle the Growth Plan to Half a Million which includes plans for a re-envisioned transit system based around Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and infill at strategic locations in the city including downtown, the university endowment lands and along major transportation corridors. Following this approval, the City created a Ten Year Action Plan to advance a number of the growth plan’s core initiatives.
The City and the Government of Canada will share in a total contribution of $7.65 million towards these growth projects through the Public Transportation Infrastructure Fund. In support of these projects the City has issued Requests For Proposals (RFPs) on a number of projects:
- Bus Rapid and Conventional Transit Planning, Design and Engineering Services
- Transit Village Concept Plans
- Growth Plan Engagement
- Corridor Growth Program – Brownfield Renewal Strategy
Quotations:
“As Saskatoon continues to grow, it is important that our transit options are strong, that citizens are able to get around and that neighbourhoods are connected. The implementation of our Bus Rapid Transit system is crucial in achieving this and to creating a truly 21st Century City, one that is ready to address the needs of people and respond to rapidly changing technology. It is important that the investments being made in transit are as effective and efficient as possible so that we can be the city that gets it right.” – His Worship Charlie Clark, Mayor, City of Saskatoon
This update highlights some of the ways the City is preparing for its growth plan implementation this fall. More details on these projects and the City’s larger work on growth plan implementation will be presented in the coming months.