Technical Advisor selected for Downtown Event & Entertainment District: draft vision, guiding principles to Council committee
Through a competitive process, Stantec has been chosen as the City’s Technical Advisor for the Downtown Event and Entertainment District. Stantec has partnered with HOK and LMN who have a wealth of experience in similar projects, including Rogers Place and Edmonton’s ICE District, the Seattle Convention Centre and the Calgary BMO Centre Expansion in Calgary.
“Stantec has put together a highly experienced team of experts for this project,” says Dan Willems, Director of Technical Services. “When it comes to developing event centres and convention centres, our technical advisors bring international expertise to the project. This, combined with the ability to leverage Saskatoon-specific knowledge through City Council, the District Advisory Group, and local stakeholders and rightsholders, gives us confidence we will have a successful project.”
Additionally, at the February 14th Governance and Priorities Committee Meeting, a draft of the Vision and Guiding Principles for the District Plan will be presented in an Information Report.
The Vision and Guiding Principles are designed to outline the aspirations of the District Plan, with the goal of repurposing Downtown Saskatoon into an entertainment and cultural hub, with vibrant public spaces that are welcoming and accessible for everyone.
“The vision for the Downtown Event and Entertainment District will combine the new event centre, a new or updated convention centre and a plan for the larger area, including enhanced public spaces that will be accessible to everyone through the Bus Rapid Transit system,” says Willems.
“The District Plan creates the foundation to support commerce, tourism, services, residential properties, entertainment and more, and is the key component to the future success of the District.”
The full draft Vision and Guiding Principles can be found through the meeting agenda. The main principles being proposed for the District, including:
- A distinctive identity through placemaking/placekeeping
- Architectural and public realm design excellence
- Reconciliation by honouring Indigenous histories, languages and culture
- Reliable and efficient transportation options
- Downtown density with a focus on housing
- Leadership in sustainability and resiliency
- A robust and diverse economy
- A healthy and safe community
Other aspects of the Downtown Event and Entertainment District continue to progress. The City is continuing to develop funding strategies with the goal of funding the project with little or no additional increases to property taxes. Conceptual design of the new facilities will begin in February.
City Council will be asked to make a decision on the guiding principles at its meeting in March.
For more information visit the project website at saskatoon.ca/eventdistrict.