Not in Saskatoon's best interest: committee advises nixing City Yards proposal

Arbutus Properties pitched a plan for Saskatoon's City Yards that they call "worth the time and investment," but the city's administration isn't biting.

In a report to city council's finance committee, Saskatoon's administration says "there are no immediate plans to relocate the Yards," and it does not believe the plan "is in the City's best interest..."

"We were disappointed in the decision," said Arbutus president Jeff Drexel

"We will likely look elsewhere and do something else, and if the timing works for us if and when this comes around, we'll be here."

Drexel believes Arbutus submitted a proposal in line with the city's overall priorities.

Still, the report states "any future sale would take place through an open and transparent process," not a direct sale to a private buyer.

City Yards still in use

The report estimates it would take approximately 30 years to redevelop the yards for use in other capacities.

"We expect it will still be a longer-term build-out. It's about 31 acres of land we're talking about in that area," said director of planning and development for the city Lesley Anderson.

Before that happens, though, a plan needs to be drawn for the relocation of the city's public works services. About 700 staff work out of the buildings in the area.

Another spot needs to be found to accommodate the work, equipment, and staff.

"All of the operations that are in there may not need to stay together," said Anderson

"We have to find the appropriate land and size of building and funding to develop that."

Another reason the report gave for not endorsing Arbutus' proposal is the possible need for cleanup and decontamination of the land.

"Why not let us invest our money in doing the due-diligence and sorting through it and not having the city spend their money on doing the due-diligence?" asked Drexel, in reaction to the administration's findings.

Anderson says a future buyer may be tasked with the cleanup, but the city isn't ready to let go of the property yet.

Planning focused on downtown core

While a North downtown plan is in the works, Saskatoon's focus is on the downtown core.

It will address some concerns of citizens that there are few residential spaces available in the area.

"We have a city centre plan in place that speaks to developing residential and we're actively working on different policies and incentives to help support that goal within the downtown itself," said Anderson.

Nearby River Landing is also in development currently, with several new residential projects underway.

Saskatoon council's finance committee will vote on whether to accept or reject the report's findings on Tuesday.