The closure of Saskatchewan Transportation Company bus depots across the province has some speculating what could go in their place.

All assets owned by STC will need to be sold by March 31, 2018, according to a recent government order.

“The independent firm of KPMG has been hired to assess all assets for value, and to lead their disposal through what will be open and transparent processes,” a government spokesperson said in an email.

The email said there is no dollar amount for how much money the province is seeking.

For now, an agreed upon contract between STC and Greyhound Canada will allow Greyhound buses to continue running out of Saskatoon and Regina terminals until late September.

In downtown Saskatoon, the STC bus depot lot on 23rd Street East has sparked curiosity as to whether the city will buy the provincially-owned land. The city’s planning and development director says it’s an opportunity for future development, but no major suitable projects have been identified.

Lesley Anderson said the lot would not fit well with a city centre plan adopted in 2013. She added that the city is not ruling out the idea, but is looking to instead focus on residential and office development in the downtown core.

“It doesn’t align with our bus rapid transit plans so in terms of repurposing it for that, we don’t see that as an opportunity,” Anderson said. “It’s also adjacent to the north downtown master plan that’s currently under review for future development so there might be some opportunities that are identified in the future.”

Downtown Saskatoon’s executive director, Brent Penner, said he’s excited about the potential of the area. He’s said a change of ownership in the land could bring a unique opportunity.

“It’s a fairly large building. It gives exposure to three different blocks, faces along a corridor route and very close to Midtown Plaza, TCU Place, and a couple hotels,” Penner said. “It’s right in the warehouse district as well, so lots of potential here.”

Some are speculating the possibility of a downtown arena put in place of the depot, Anderson confirmed. The city is participating in a new arena study with Sasktel Centre and TCU Place, but no sites have been identified.