The Government of Saskatchewan has prioritized Saskatoon’s Downtown Event and Entertainment District (DEED) among two others it is open to matching federal dollars to support, Minister Ken Cheveldayoff announced this week. Premier Scott Moe formally endorsed three major regional infrastructure projects seeking funding through the federal government's Build Communities Strong Fund:
 

• Downtown Event and Entertainment District (DEED) in Saskatoon
• Prince Albert Convention and Cultural Event Centre
• Battlefords Arena and Event Centre in North Battleford 

Through this infrastructure funding program, the Province is prepared to cost-match federal contributions, up to one-third of eligible project costs, should the project receive funding approval.

Mayor Cynthia Block has been working closely with provincial officials to promote Saskatoon’s vision for downtown re-development that would co-locate the city’s event centres in a new commercial district.

According to a study commissioned by your Chamber in 2023, the economic impact of a new downtown district could potentially inject $1.37 billion into the city’s economy through spending, job creation and hotel stays, strengthening Saskatoon’s case for better air service and making downtown safer.
 
Read the news release
Coverage of the announcement