Developer wants eco-community prioritized by Saskatoon city council

A Vancouver-based developer looking to create a $1 billion dollar sustainable community in Saskatoon wants city council to prioritize its project.

Arbutus Properties is behind Solair, a proposed neighbourhood on the southeast outskirts of Saskatoon incorporating solar power and storm water retention.

The company’s goal is for the area to be completely self-reliant, power-wise, by installing rooftop solar tiles on homes to harness the sun’s energy.

Gardens designed to collect rainwater would mean no other drainage would be needed unless a one-in-100-year flood hits the 2,200 homes.

“Given the principles of this development, it should be prioritized,” Arbutus Properties Jeff Drexel said.

Drexel appeared before Saskatoon’s planning, development and community services committee Tuesday to explain Solair.

Arbutus bills the development as “Canada’s largest sustainable community,” resulting in a $1 billion investment over the next five to seven years, while providing hundreds of jobs and lowering emissions.

“I think that this is something that hopefully will change the way development’s done and I don’t see a point in delaying that,” he said.

Most of the land included in the plans is under the jurisdiction of the rural municipality of Corman Park, though it is expected to be annexed in the coming years.

“We hope to be in ground within the next three years, but we’re really looking for direction from council in order to facilitate that,” Drexel said.

The company has hired former Saskatoon city manager Murray Totland as its project director to help bring the development to fruition.

“He’s the right choice because of his experience and his knowledge, particularly in city planning and policy,” Drexel said.

Councillors asked city administration to report back on the feasibility of the development while continuing to meet with Arbutus officials.