Urban Design
Business Improvement Districts
The Urban Design unit works primarily within four Business Improvement Districts (BIDS) in Saskatoon: Downtown, Riversdale, Broadway, and Sutherland. If other community groups are thinking about forming a BID, Planning & Development can also supply some background information and research to help to initiate that process.
Upcoming Projects
20th Street Streetscaping
The City of Saskatoon’s City Centre Plan recommends establishing 20th Street as a “Pedestrian Priority Street.” Much of 20th Street from Avenue E to Avenue H has been upgraded over the years, and the next portion to complete is from Idylwyld Drive to 2nd Avenue, improving the pedestrian corridor between Riversdale, Downtown, River Landing, and Broadway. With support from the Natural Infrastructure Fund, the new pedestrian corridor will add a planting/furnishing zone that will green the street by adding trees and seating in strategic locations. The site will also include some stormwater diversion to capture, structural soil cells to support tree growth, narrowing of lanes to help shorten pedestrian crossing and additional pedestrian lighting to help improve the overall space.
Greening the Downtown Business Improvement District
Urban Design will green downtown with the help of the Natural Infrastructure Fund. The focus will be the raised medians along 3rd Avenue from 19th Street to 23rd Street and a parking lot along 4th Avenue between 20th Street and 21st Street. By adding perennial flowers and grasses to create a meadowscape in these locations, Urban Design will help support the biodiversity area and create visual interest in downtown.
Questions? Contact us at UrbanDesign@Saskatoon.ca
Streetscape Projects
The Urban Design team strives to reinforce Saskatoon's unique identity to build a city that is healthy, inclusive and distinct. Streetscape development projects are complex; the collaboration of numerous City departments and several outside community groups is required in order for these projects to be successful. Their aim is to transform public space in key commercial districts by highlighting elements of Saskatoon’s distinct identity in a way that is accessible to all. Streetscape improvements include amenities such as traffic-calming measures, sidewalk improvements, street trees, pedestrian lighting, street furniture, public art and other special features. For more information please refer to the related documents
21st Street Streetscape Renewal Project (Downtown)
This streetscape renewal project brought new life to one of the original streetscape projects, the 21st Street in Downtown Saskatoon is one of the most recognizable streets. Flanked by the iconic Delta Bessborough Hotel on the East and the popular Midtown Plaza on the West. This initiative aimed at maintaining and renewing the streetscape elements of this historical retail street within the Downtown BID Summer 2017. The streetscape renewal project extended the old elm trees lifecycle, enhanced sidewalks, amenity areas, bulbs & curbs, installed new irrigation, installed new wayfinding directories, installed new street furniture and installed new lighting features. The overall goal was to ensure 21st Street remains a prominent and desirable retail and entertainment destination within Saskatoon Downtown.
Photos
20th Street West Streetscape Improvements (Riversdale)
This streetscape improvement project helps to enhance the vibrancy of the Riversdale Business Improvement District, as recommended in the City's 20th Street Streetscape Master Plan. By supplying street corner bulbs to improve pedestrian safety, a paved amenity sidewalk strip, street trees, new sidewalk furniture, and unique artistic features, pedestrian comfort is improved while the diverse character of the area is celebrated. This project was substantially completed in 2014.
Photos
Central Ave Streetscape Improvements (Sutherland)
This streetscape improvement project helped to enhance the Sutherland Business Improvement District, as recommended in the Central Avenue Master Plan. Through the creation of street corner bulbs, a paved amenity strip, street trees, new sidewalk furniture and public art, pedestrian safety and comfort is improved while the area's unique character is celebrated. This project was substantially completed in 2014.
Photos
Flower Pot Program
Removable seasonal planters provide a portable landscape that provides instant colour in our public spaces. Planters are placed throughout the Downtown, Riversdale, Broadway and Sutherland Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and River Landing. Today, the City of Saskatoon Planning and Development Division partners with the Parks Division, Environmental & Corporate Initiatives Division, Saskatoon Transit and four BIDs to coordinate and implement the program between the end of May and mid-September, weather permitting. For more information please refer to the related documents.