City and Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities gift agreement proposes world-class basketball facility at River Landing: aimed at TRC Call to Action

The City of Saskatoon, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities (Jumpstart) and Hoist the Hoops have drafted an agreement that proposes the construction of a world-class outdoor accessible basketball facility in the River Landing area. Under the gift agreement, Jumpstart, with the support of local Canadian Tire Dealers, Dave Deplaedt and Paul Cairns, will provide a gift-in-kind for design and construction of the multi-court facility, with construction potentially to begin in 2022. The details of the updated project will be presented to City Council’s Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services (PDCS) on Monday, January 17, 2022.  

“The Hoist the Hoops initiative has done an amazing job to bring to life a vision where youth can play basketball outside with no financial, social or other barriers,” says Andrew Roberts, Director of Recreation and Community Development. “With Jumpstart’s support to the project, Saskatoon could soon see a sports facility that serves the community in a unique and important way and will offer other benefits like camps and sporting events.” 

Hoist the Hoops is a local initiative spearheaded by Michael Linklater, Marcus Storey and Michael Donauer who saw the need for an outdoor basketball facility to serve as both a sports opportunity and a way to bring community together in Saskatoon’s core neighbourhood.

City Council approved the original concept plan that was presented and agreed to provide other supports to the initiative. Jumpstart then reached out to Hoist the Hoops in the fall of 2021 to see what support they could offer, resulting in the gift-in-kind proposal and a revised concept plan. 

“At Jumpstart, we know that sport and play is about more than getting active, it’s about building stronger individuals, and more inclusive and healthier communities,” says Scott Fraser, President, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. “We are proud to work with our local Canadian Tire Dealers, the City of Saskatoon and the Hoist the Hoops initiative to bring this ambitious project to the River Landing community.”

The revised concept plan includes a full-size International Basketball Federation (FIBA) basketball court, two regulation 3-on-3 courts, lights, a shade shelter and up to six basketball standards with backboards, rims and nets.  

The concept is rooted in the Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action #90 “To ensure that national sports policies, programs and initiatives are inclusive of Aboriginal peoples.” Throughout the planning process, a representative from Hoist the Hoops has been in discussions with Elders, Residential School Survivors and community members about the outdoor basketball multi-court facility. These discussions will continue with the community to develop the facility name and other key elements.  

About Jumpstart: Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities is a national charity committed to ensuring kids in need have equal access to sport and recreation. With an extensive, national network of more than 1,000 grantees and 289 local chapters, Jumpstart helps eligible families cover the costs of registration, transportation and equipment, and provides funding to selected organizations for recreational infrastructure and programming. Supported by Canadian Tire Corporation, Jumpstart has provided more than 2.5 million opportunities for Canadian kids to get in the game since 2005. For more information, visit jumpstart.canadiantire.ca.