Relocation of downtown City Yards, Administration recommends land purchase

 

On Monday, September 14, the Standing Policy Committee on Finance will consider a report for the purchase of two properties in North Saskatoon for a future City operations yard which would provide the opportunity for phased relocation from the Downtown City Yards and allow for the redevelopment of portions of North Downtown.

 

The report recommends the purchase of 3815 Wanuskewin Road and the adjacent 3802 Arthur Rose Avenue, conveniently located in North Saskatoon to support the operational aspects of our growing city.

 

“A north district yards site creates efficiencies and cost savings for our operations, such as reducing back and forth commuting from work zones, proximity to the adjacent Liquid Waste Hauler Facility utilized by operational groups, and providing closer proximity to work areas for our slower moving operational vehicles,” says Dan Willems, Director of Technical Services. “The north district yards site will improve operations in northeast and northwest Saskatoon, and provide much needed space for personnel and equipment.”

 

The Downtown City Yards, located in North Downtown, have been the central civic operations hub for the City since the 1940s, providing a point of origin for staff, fueling and maintenance for civic vehicles, and storage of equipment and materials the City relies on for maintaining roads, water and sewer infrastructure, garbage collection, and fleet maintenance.

 

“Phasing operations out of the Downtown City Yards allows for the redevelopment of North Downtown in the longer term,” says Mr. Willems. “The City’s Growth Plan identifies North Downtown lands as having potential to accommodate significant growth in the future.”

 

The two properties would be purchased for $16.8 million with an 8 year leaseback of the one property, resulting in a net purchase price of $7.8 million. The funding plan includes Gas Tax funds, the sale of surplus City assets and borrowing.

 

If approved by City Council, the relocation of City Yards Downtown would take place in 2028.