SASKATOON – He didn’t call them campaign promises, but Saskatoon Mayor Don Atchison noted several projects he’d like to see come to life during his annual speech. His state of the city address included thoughts on a downtown arena and the relocation of the city’s CP Rail lines.
The mayor was upbeat, often cracking jokes, at the podium before guests at a Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce luncheon Tuesday.
Atchison welcomed analysis and discussion around a sports and entertainment arena in downtown Saskatoon. Such a facility would make the area a hub for activity and business, he said.
“I’ve said all along that you need to have your development for the river first of all, because that in fact, will set the values for everyone that is away from the river,” Atchison said.
READ MORE: Should Saskatoon set aside downtown land for future sports arena?
The mayor also reiterated his hopes to see CP rail tracks moved outside of the city to increase safety and decrease traffic wait times. Another one of his ambitions focused on moving the city to a four-year budget cycle.
In November 2014, Atchison announced plans to seek a fifth term in office this coming October.
During his speech, the mayor noted how Saskatoon has seen 50,000 new jobs created in the last ten years, as reported by the Conference Board of Canada, and 90,000 people moving to the city in the last 15 years.
He also reflected on the importance of collaboration in creating facilities like the Shaw Centre, the SaskTel Soccer Centre and a replacement for Rutherford Rink.
Partnerships are “one of the special sauce pieces of Saskatoon,” according to Kent Smith-Windsor, executive director of the chamber.
“Prairie practical is a number of people coming together and saying ‘this is what we need, let’s go get it and can the city help?'” Smith-Windsor said.
“You saw that in spades with the SaskTel Soccer Centre,” he added.
Atchison made his thirteenth state of the city address at TCU Place.
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