SASKATOON – A number of big projects are on the agenda when Saskatoon city council meets Monday.
Councillors will be asked to approve a contract to O2 Planning + Design Inc. for the development of the Saskatoon North Partnership for growth in the Saskatoon area.
The cost of the contract and project is $926,000 with each partnering municipality contributing funds.
Partners in the project are Saskatoon, Martensville, Warman, Osler and the R.M. of Corman Park.
It is estimated the population of Saskatoon and surrounding area could reach 500,000 within 20 years.
City council will also be asked to award a contract worth up to $200,000 for the development of a downtown parking strategy.
Currently, 26 per cent of surface area in the downtown core is dedicated to parking lots.
The funds would be used to hire a parking consultant through a request for proposal to develop a strategy by examining existing parking conditions and look at more structured parking to ensure the future growth and success of the downtown over the long term.
The strategy would also look at the use of parking meters, which are widely reported to be used by people working downtown instead of the intended short-term or transient use the meters are intended for.
Also, administration is looking for $2-million in funding for an overpass at Boychuk Drive and Highway 16 as well as McOrmond and College Drives.
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The money would be used to begin design work on the interchanges, which are expected to cost an estimated $35-million each.
“We’re working to finalize the funding plan, which may include investments from both the Ministry of Highways and the adjacent developers as part of the developments in Brighton and Rosewood,” said Angela Gardiner, the city’s transportation manager.
According to a report going to council, city growth is now leading to significant delays at the intersections during peak hours and development of new neighbourhoods will significantly increase pressure.
The city hopes to have the interchanges completed by the end of 2017.
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