Public reports and consultations entering 10th year

A City of Saskatoon council committee today received an information report tracing the history of the proposed downtown event and entertainment district (DEED). It covers Council’s key decisions since 2016, the land purchased for the district, and the planning, design and financial analysis completed so far. The Chamber has reviewed the report, and three themes stand out.

First, it’s all on the public record. Nearly 50 reports have gone to committee or Council since April 2016.

Second, the direction hasn’t changed. The City’s first venue evaluation recommended major investment in or replacement of TCU Place, and replacement of SaskTel Centre. A 2018 market analysis said SaskTel Centre’s replacement should be built downtown. Council has also been consistent on funding: minimize reliance on property taxes (2018), no property tax contributions (2021), and a funding strategy with no property tax increase (2024).

Third, money comes first. No part of the project moves to detailed design or construction until Council approves a funding plan, and the City is working to secure federal, provincial and partner commitments.

Progress on DEED has been made – and needs to continue. The Chamber has warned that delay drives up construction and labour costs, while operating and patching existing facilities keeps getting more expensive. Meanwhile, Regina, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Calgary have built or planned new venues in redeveloped districts. Each one pulls major events and conferences away from Saskatoon, costing millions in economic activity, weakening our case for air service, and setting back efforts to make downtown safer.

Read the report