River Landing Destination Centre Before Saskatoon Council
Council to talk about proposed framework for downtown centre
The proposed framework of the River Landing destination centre comes to city council for the first time Monday evening. And discussions over the Mendel Art Gallery will be front and centre.
Councillor Pat Lorje is expecting several pointed questions about the proposal.
The meeting will mark the first time council will be asked to decide whether to move the Art Gallery to River Landing. Lorje wants to learn more about the needs of the community before proceeding.
"Then we're on firmer grounds. Just to build it simply because we want to complete something at River Landing is not good enough," says Lorje.
Councillor Glen Penner says there's nothing controversial about the move. He supports the new building at a new location.
At the risk of losing provincial and federal millions already allocated for the project, Councillor Myles Heidt supports anything that will draw more people to the area.
"When you can get that kind of a commitment from the federal and provincial governments, I just have no idea why you wouldn't take advantage of that," he says, "because if we as the City of Saskatoon don't, there's other cities that would grab it in a heartbeat."
But the city still needs to raise close to $8 million. The $58 million project would include an atrium, gift shop, and restaurant, as well as the Art Gallery of Saskatchewan. The steering committee has also been looking at everything from a 165-seat Imax theatre, to a sports and music hall of fame.
Comments
Yep, a skyscraper is just
Yep, a skyscraper is just what is needed to complete a river bank view -- NOT. Get your heads out of the sky, and enhance what already exists - a wonder river, river bank, etc., instead of obliterating it for what? another tall building that blocks the view, creates an uninviting atmosphere, and maybe damages the riverbank.
The 45 Story tower is an
The 45 Story tower is an observation tower. You go up and view the city and landscape. It does not block any views, it creates one. Sounds good to me. Its not an ofice tower.
Yeah, because no real cities
Yeah, because no real cities have tall buildings downtown.
Corrupt
Where has Councillor Glen Penner been the last eight months? In a cave? River Landing is without a doubt one of the most corrupt projects in the history of Saskatoon.
Lose goverment money what a shame
Deciding if a project based on losing a government handout versus what is really needed should not be the reason for proceeding. Because you've been able to panhandle government funds for a make believe project with minimal opportunity to generate long term financial investment. 58 million for an atrium, gift shop, and restaurant, as well as the self proclaimed Art Gallery of Saskatchewan. Where is the business support for this project, oh yeah its make believe as well.
Think before you speak.
I can't get over how people think this project is corrupt and nothing but bad for the city. You are the ones that need to get your heads out of the clouds and realize that projects like this propel a city onto the next level. If it was up to everyone who wants to preserve the heritage Saskatoon would be some old dust road still. Welcome to the future everyone it is called development, growth and prosperity. The public realm does not need to be envolved so heavily with the design process. The input has been documented and is being followed.
The AGofS will bring nothing but positive cultural opportunities for Saskatoon. Mendal was a man who wanted to grow and cultivate Saskatoon's art scene not preserve it to be traditional prairie style. This is an opportunity for our city to host larger art events and become more nationally and internationally recognized in the art world. Why would anyone so proud to live in Saskatoon that they make the time to voice a comment want to hinder this opportunity. Really give your head a shake and let the professionals trained for developments like this take care of it. Most likely the individuals contributing comments have no clue about positive urban planning and progressive development. As well they probably have no idea what is considered to be modern by international standards.
It really is just tiring to hear people only complain about growth and development. If you want to complain about something then complain about all of the suburbs being approved. That is what hinders our cities development, not a multi million cultural injection into our downtown.