Saskatoon Minute: Secret Bid, Building Demolition, and Bridge Construction Delayed

Saskatoon Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Saskatoon politics

This Week In Saskatoon:

• On Wednesday, at 9:30 am, there will be a Regular Business Meeting of City Council. The agenda includes the Public Art Advisory Committee’s 2025 Work Plan, a Non-Residential to Residential Municipal Property Tax Ratio Update, and a Capital Plan Application for the Canada Public Transit Fund 2025.
  
  
• Also on Wednesday, at 6:00 pm, there will be a Public Hearing Meeting of Council to gather feedback on several land use amendment proposals. These include a proposed discretionary use application for a 20-person daycare at 440 Evergreen Boulevard and bylaw amendments to support redevelopment at 1902 Broadway Avenue.
  
  
• The Saskatoon Environmental Advisory Committee will meet on Friday at 11:30 am. The Committee will receive a presentation from the Meewasin Valley Authority regarding planting initiatives. Also on the agenda are updates on the Climate Adaptation Workshop and the Energy Code.

Last Week In Saskatoon:

• The University of Saskatchewan said it will demolish two historic buildings at 113 and 114 Seminary Crescent after restoration plans proved too costly and impractical. An estimated $55 - $60 million was needed to restore the 114 building, and none of the five submitted bids met financial feasibility standards. The structures, once part of the Lutheran Theological Seminary, have seen years of neglect, with security calls in 2024 revealing fire damage, vandalism, and unauthorized occupancy. Despite their architectural value, the university emphasized public safety and financial responsibility over preservation. The site may be repurposed as recreational space and could form part of a proposed national urban park.
  
  
• Council has been asked to support a $350,000 bid to host a major national sporting event in 2027. Discover Saskatoon estimates the event could generate $15 million in economic benefits, attract over 100,000 attendees, and result in 13,000 hotel room bookings. Although the specific event has not been disclosed, it is expected to be nationally televised and draw significant media attention. Funding would come from the City's reserve for major special events, which currently holds over $880,000. Final details about the sporting event will be released if the bid is successful.
  
  
• Construction on Saskatoon’s Broadway Bridge has been delayed to May, giving businesses along Broadway Avenue more time before disruptions begin. The $13.1 million rehabilitation project includes arch repairs, asphalt and sidewalk upgrades, and changes to nearby intersections and bus stations. Despite the inevitable traffic and access challenges, the Broadway Business Improvement District is planning promotional events like block parties, sidewalk sales, and a spend-and-earn program to draw foot traffic. A new community patio and increased busking opportunities are also part of efforts to keep the area lively. The Business District emphasized the importance of letting people know that, while the bridge may close, Broadway remains open and accessible.