Two business groups supporting proposed Midtown arena location

A pair of prominent organizations representing Saskatoon businesses say the best option for a new arena is the choice located in the heart of downtown.

Last month, the City of Saskatoon announced that it had narrowed its list of potential sites for an arena to two locations: either the current parking lot north of Midtown Plaza shopping centre, or the land presently occupied by the city yards on the north edge of downtown.

This week, leadership with both the Downtown Saskatoon Business Improvement District and the North Saskatoon Business Association voiced support for the Midtown location, along 22nd Street East and First Avenue South.

Downtown Saskatoon Business Improvement District executive director Brent Penner said a downtown entertainment district, anchored by an arena in the Midtown Plaza parking lot, “is going to keep Saskatoon on the map and boldly position our city and province to keep us moving forward.”

Downtown Saskatoon cited among its reasons a central location for people coming in and out of downtown, whether they're using public transport or parking in the area; nine hotels and more than 1,500 rooms in downtown Saskatoon; and more than 100 restaurants or lounges in the area.

“This district will be where we hold our biggest events, conferences, concerts and sports,” Penner said.

“These public assembly facilities will stimulate the economy and bring renewed energy and life to Saskatoon's downtown.”

The organization says building across the street from Midtown mall, with its proximity to TCU Place, “will create the most synergy with existing downtown businesses, including robust spinoff for restaurants, hotels and nightlife establishments.”

The alternative location is the city yards, north of 25th Street. That location, Downtown Saskatoon says, “would take longer to grow and develop towards it.”

The NSBA says it has advocated for such a project for years and remains convinced it will “be the start of revitalization in our downtown.”

NSBA executive director Keith Moen said the Midtown Plaza location best aligns with the city's overall growth strategy and will help spur other infill developments in the area.

“When travelling for conferences, concerts, or sports, one factor to consider is the distance to amenities like hotels, restaurants, bars and even grocery stores,” Moen said, adding that the Midtown location “fits the needs of a successful downtown destination remarkably well.”

Moen also noted that being so close to TCU Place would create “an opportunity for collaboration of a true district that houses both an arena and convention centre.” That, Moen said, “potentially enables the (City of Saskatoon) to renovate and refurbish the current facility to modern-day standards.”

Last week, the city opened an online survey on its website to help gauge public opinion on the location of the new arena to replace the 15,000-seat Sasktel Centre.

Input gathered through the online survey and in-person surveys is expected to be presented in November. Once a site is chosen, work can begin on more detailed design and funding plans, all leading to a final council vote on whether to proceed with the project.