As we work together on this city-building project, we acknowledge our ancestors and future generations. We honour Treaty 6 Territory and the Traditional Homeland of the Métis, by sharing this land under Treaty with the Cree, Saulteaux, Dakota, Nakota, Lakota, Métis, Dene and Non-Indigenous peoples. We are all Treaty People.

A thriving Downtown is built around great public gathering places and amenities. In Phase I Engaging on Ideas, we asked for your ideas on what would make Downtown Saskatoon more welcoming and accessible, and what features you think are the most important for the District.

Developing and re-envisioning Downtown Saskatoon has been identified as a priority area in the City’s 2022-2025 Strategic Plan. A potential Downtown Event & Entertainment District will create a place for people and businesses to come together for the economic, cultural and social success of the city and surrounding area. Linked to the rest of the city by the future Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, the vision for the Downtown Event & Entertainment District is that of a centre of commerce, tourism, services and entertainment. From major arena events, to shopping, restaurants, conventions, nightlife and a thriving business community, Downtown Saskatoon will become a destination with something for everyone.

A new Downtown event centre/arena, a new/enhanced convention centre, outdoor public spaces, and the future BRT are the public infrastructure investments that will drive investments in other areas of the District, benefiting Saskatoon and Saskatchewan.

Full project information can be found at saskatoon.ca/eventdistrict.

Completed Public Engagement

Thank you for taking part in the Phase I public engagement. A results summary will be posted to this site when available.

Next Steps

Phase I will be followed later this year with opportunities to help with Building a Plan (Phase II) and Feedback on Draft Designs (Phase III).

Indigenous Community Elders

The City has been working with Indigenous Community Elders to develop important themes around the District and find out how the District can better support and recognize the Indigenous experience and history of Saskatoon.

Themes shared during Individual Interviews with Indigenous Elders (November/December 2023)

 Downloadable pdf version

Representation 

• Honour our heroes, our heroes are universal 

• Profile youth athletes 

Youth 

• We are building for our future 

History 

• Visual representation of an Indigenous timeline of the Saskatoon area 

• “We are more than bridges” 

Recognition of Nations and Treaties 

• Importance of flags: Métis Nation and Treaties 

• Recognition of Treaty Territories, (4,6,10) 

• A great example is the Nation medals you see at Dakota Dunes  

Culture and Traditions 

• Teaching and cultural space that is round and reflects the tipi structure 

• Recognition of lacrosse as Indigenous game 

• Wood logs and natural elements for the décor 

Cultural Spaces 

• Ensure appropriate ventilation systems for ceremonial support 

Language 

• Importance of Indigenous languages in signage