City planners don’t want to rely on outward expansion as Saskatoon readies for 500,000 residents over the next 30 years.
Administration staff are expected to present a 30-year growth plan report to city councillors on Monday. Building new neighbourhoods is still included in the plan, but developing residential and commercial properties in core areas, like the north downtown, will be key to the city’s long-term growth, the report states.
“Growth will occur with or without a plan,” Alan Wallace, the city’s planning and development director, said in a media release. “Proactively addressing the challenges of growth allows city council to make smart investment decisions to help build a community that’s a great place to work, live and play.”
The plan emphasizes developing and redeveloping Saskatoon’s major corridors, like the Eighth Street and Idylwyld Drive areas, and focusing on infill growth in the downtown regions and on University of Saskatchewan-owned lands.
“This is an important time in Saskatoon’s history, with significant choices to be made about how the city will continue to grow,” city manager Murray Totland said.
Improving transit services, establishing rapid bus transit on major roads, and building a bridge connecting 33rd Street to Preston Avenue are also part of the plan.
The report, which included public consultation, has been in the works for two-and-a-half years.
Residents will be invited to speak on the growth plan following Monday’s meeting, the city says. The meeting will be streamed live online at saskatoon.ca/watchcouncil.
