Province overturns city decision to block 112-unit condo development in downtown Saskatoon
A provincial appeal board has overturned a city decision to block the development of a 112-unit apartment on former Knox United Church land.
Saskatoon’s Meridian Development is behind the project, which would see the construction of a condo tower on Spadina Crescent between Knox United Church and St. John’s Anglican Cathedral.
Meridian CEO Karl Miller told city council in 2021 the building was an opportunity to advance the city’s desire for more infill downtown. He said it would not diminish the heritage value of the adjacent church.
“This is simply about land and progress. A gravel parking lot does not belong on our riverbank,” said Miller.
Knox United stands to gain a new revenue stream in the development through ownership of parking spaces.
City council approved the subdivision of Knox United’s property in 2021, but the building permit itself was denied prior to that because the city said it didn’t meet zoning requirements, according to the Saskatchewan Municipal Board appeal committee report.
Meridian tried to appeal to Saskatoon’s development appeals board, but was rejected again, saying approving the project would “amount to a special privilege” and would be injurious to its neighbour St. John’s Cathedral, which opposed the project.
According to the report sent to Saskatoon’s municipal heritage committee, the province overturned that decision in December.
The 112-unit condo development can go ahead, as long as it meets certain conditions for the front-facing portions of the building.
Allowing some variances from the zoning requirements “would not give a special privilege to Meridian, would not defeat the intent of the bylaw; and would not negatively impact neighbouring properties,” the provincial committee said.
The municipal heritage advisory committee, which opposed the subdivision of the land, will receive the report at its meeting on Tuesday.
-With files from Matt Young
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.