Watch above: Saskatoon residents are being asked for their input as the city plans for future growth. Aaron Streck stopped by the open house to see what the response has been like.
SASKATOON – Saskatoon is one of the fastest growing cities in the country. What will Saskatoon look like in 50 years or when the Bridge City reaches half-a-million people?
Nobody knows for sure but the City of Saskatoon is projecting and planning ahead with its “Growing Forward” proposal.
“This is a once in a career type of project for anyone involved in urban development, urban planning anyone interested in transportation, these opportunities don’t come along very often,” said Alan Wallace, the city’s planning and development director.
With two previous consultations under its belt, the city held another one Tuesday and its starting to see some solid recommendations.
“What people are going to see now, you’re going to see some leading candidates or some leading recommendations start to emerge from this process around a core bridge, growth around corridors, new transit system and a new BRT (bus rapid transit) system for Saskatoon,” said Wallace.
Watch below: The City of Saskatoon is planning ahead for future growth. Alan Wallace, the city’s planning and development director, explains the growing forward plan and how people can get involved.
A pivotal point in the process; the room at TCU Place was packed with curious residents concerned about how these decisions will impact them down the line.
“I had heard rumours of a 33rd Street bridge and I live near that intersection, I was kind of concerned about that and what it would mean to my home, I realize it’s a future projection but still… ,” said Elaine Dziadyk.
“There are all kinds of things they should be considering and more bridges, I think that’s a good thing, I think they have to think about more options than buses and that sort of thing,” said Dee Winslow.
“I’m mainly interested in the transit part of it because I use transit a lot and so I think that will be an interesting aspect,” said Ralf Arthurs.
READ MORE: Sask. population may grow to 1.52M by 2038: StatsCan
While the new rapid transit bus system and river crossings drew the biggest interest at the discussion, the growth plan committee continues to encourage residents for feedback in other areas.
Another public input session is set for March 10 at the University of Saskatchewan.
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