Saskatoon Construction II

[North_Regina_Boy]

Originally Posted by scotty c

Eastbound was back down to one lane for a stretch leading up to and under the Preston overpass at lunch today. Not as bad as it was the last few weeks but still a slow down compared to this morning's commute.

For someone living in Fairhaven and working at the University it's great that it's open. I love that I can use an actual freeway to get to places rather than stopping and starting at every light.

I would imagine that it will be open for the Evening Rush hour. If they are smart... IF.

[Echoes]

September 5, 2013

Downtown Saskatoon building commemorates centennial by building a better block

By Jacob Morgan
Metro Saskatoon

The owners of the Drinkle Building in downtown Saskatoon are celebrating the structure’s 100th birthday by recognizing its heritage and its role in improving the area for the community.

Dave Denny and his wife Genevieve Dessomes are the owners of the multi-storey property. They’re organizing the Drinklefest Better Block Party this Sunday, featuring live music, an innovative urban planning project and a special family reunion.

“The Drinkle family — John Clarence Drinkle is the founder of the building — moved away to B.C. years ago,” said Denny.

“They’re having a family reunion and all flying in to Saskatoon for this party.”

John Clarence Drinkle’s 11-year-old great, great granddaughter will blow out the candles on a cake and Mayor Don Atchison will be there to say a few words.

Another aspect of the event involves the quality of life in the district.

Inspired by the Better Block initiative, a grassroots movement that originated in Dallas, the organizers will temporarily change the face of the site between 21st and 22nd streets along 3rd Avenue South.

In addition to brightly painted bicycle lanes, the city has given permission to set up outdoor cafes for two weeks “to enliven the downtown,” Denny said.

[....]

http://metronews.ca/voices/backstage-pas...s-centennial-by-building-a-better-block/

[Echoes]

Group touts traffic-free Traffic Bridge

By Charles Hamilton, The Starphoenix September 5, 2013

A group of Saskatoon residents who are renewing calls to rethink the future of the derelict Traffic Bridge say a new bridge shouldn't involve vehicle traffic at all.

"Lots and lots of people have changed their minds about that bridge. We've lived without it for three years," said Marcel D'Eon, one of the founders of the Saskatoon Coalition to Revisit and Reimagine Our Urban Bridge. The group, formed in June, is the latest to call for a pedestrian-and cycling-only bridge to replace the iconic 104-year old span, which was closed permanently in 2010 because of safety concerns.

During initial public consultations, a majority of residents said they wanted a pedestrian-only bridge. Despite those findings, city council pushed ahead with plans to build a $35-million replica steel truss Traffic Bridge capable of carrying vehicles as well as people and bikes.

While there is still no funding for the bridge, city officials have applied to the federal government's P3 fund for joint Traffic Bridge and Parkway Bridge projects that have a combined value of over $230 million. The province's portion of the cash is expected to come through the provincial government's SaskBuilds program. Neither level of government has confirmed its support for the project.

If funding is approved, the Traffic Bridge would be complete by 2017. It would be financed under the same scheme and built by the same company as the parkway, to save around $250,000 in costs.

By bundling the construction of a new Traffic Bridge with the north parkway project, council effectively decided for the second time that the bridge would be a vehicle bridge.

D'Eon said the fact council could send out a contract by November makes the call for a rethink even more desperate.

"We don't need another bridge. There would be three bridges within a kilometre of each other ... we think there is a tremendous amount of urgency here," D'Eon said.

[...]

http://www.thestarphoenix.com/news/Group+touts+traffic+free+Traffic+Bridge/8871489/story.html

[urbandesigner]

I'm still new to this forum. Can somebody explain to me how to post a photo in my document rather than a link to a photo. Thanks.

[gowest]

I like the idea of a traffic free bridge but how much use will it get for the winter months compared to the price. It would work well in warmer climates but here having traffic year round makes more bang for the buck.

[skSK]

Originally Posted by urbandesigner

I'm still new to this forum. Can somebody explain to me how to post a photo in my document rather than a link to a photo. Thanks.

Urbandesigner, if you're trying to upload a photo from your comp onto the forum, it won't work. You first have to upload it to a photosharing website, such as Flickr. Then click on the "insert image" button in the message toolbar and enter/copy the url of the photo should make it work.

Here are the SSP guidelines: http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/faq.php?faq=vb_faq#faq_post_images Hope this helps and welcome to the forum!

[Wyku]

I would like to see a "signature" non-traffic bridge go up in place of the Victoria bridge, like what the Peach Bridge in Calgary is like. The location is perfect for a bridge like this (the concept, not a bridge exactly like the Peace Bridge) with it linking directly into River Landing and downtown, and not really being needed for traffic (as has been proven) with easy access to Broadway and Idylwyld right next to it. Obviously there are costs involved with this and people will be up in arms over spending money on it either way, but how much would a traffic bridge cost vs. doing a signature non-traffic bridge? There's an opportunity to do something special in that location and really live up to our "City of Bridges" moniker, but I don't hold much hope of that actually happening.

[Arts]

Originally Posted by Wyku

I would like to see a "signature" non-traffic bridge go up in place of the Victoria bridge, like what the Peach Bridge in Calgary is like. The location is perfect for a bridge like this (the concept, not a bridge exactly like the Peace Bridge) with it linking directly into River Landing and downtown, and not really being needed for traffic (as has been proven) with easy access to Broadway and Idylwyld right next to it. Obviously there are costs involved with this and people will be up in arms over spending money on it either way, but how much would a traffic bridge cost vs. doing a signature non-traffic bridge? There's an opportunity to do something special in that location and really live up to our "City of Bridges" moniker, but I don't hold much hope of that actually happening.

Me too. The city certainly doesn't "need" this crossing for vehicles, and in fact I believe making a vehicle crossing there would only be detrimental for traffic: gridlock issues in south downtown and heavy commuter traffic in quiet Nutana. However I do think that pedestrian/bike crossing offers tremendous benefit for both the south downtown and residents on the Nutana side alike. Suddenly "walking the bridges at lunch" becomes much more feasible for those that work downtown, walking and cycling to events downtown becomes possible for many more people, less need to drive and park downtown which relieves pressure to those who commute.

A signature pedestrian bridge would be used heavily, even in the winter. A traffic bridge would also be used heavily by pedestrians and cyclists, but unfortunately it will not be nearly as nice an experience with cars and trucks whizzing by.

[North_Regina_Boy]

The traffic bridge issue. Oh what a thing to have.

Anyway I like what I saw when I was at the Regional and Urban earlier this year. It was a roadway ontop and a wide pedestrian walkway connecting rotary park and river landing with a sweeping deck.

Now there would be two amendments I would make to it. For the area directly under the road deck would be coffee shops and boutiques, with pass throught to the other side every so often, and glass walls where the patrons would sit and enjoy year round. Opening them up during the spring / summer / fall months.

Then instead of having "traffic" reserve it for ONLY Bus Rapid Transit. That would connect downtown and point west with 8th street and points east. THAT way you can ensure a dedicated route across the river that buses don't content with traffic whilst crossing.

Also with the BRT in mind. ensuring the bridge is capable of being structurally sound to accommodate a switch to LRT once it is required. Similar to the switch Ottawa is currently doing.

Just my two cents.

[Echoes]

Block by block, Second Avenue evolves

By Charles Hamiton, The StarPhoenix September 6, 2013

It is dusk on Second Avenue, and the air smells of cigarettes. Groups of young people gather outside the pubs and restaurants that line the street, laughing and chatting. A woman in a dress sits on a nearby bench asking for change in a high-pitched voice. Cars circle the block looking for a parking space.

It’s a Friday night, and this street is alive and buzzing. The after-work drink crowd is slowly being replaced by nighttime revellers who have chosen this street — and more specifically this block — for a night out on the town.

“We live close by Broadway and we used to hang out at Broadway lots. Now we actually come here almost every Friday and Saturday night,” says Tyler Friesen as he and a friend lock up their bikes outside one of the pubs.

Not long ago, there was no after-work drink crowd downtown — or at least, not many places for them to go. While downtown has been home to a few pubs for decades, Second Avenue could never compete with the nightlife scene of Broadway or the clubs along Eighth Street.

But Second Avenue is changing, and the bar scene is just one sign of a once-desolate downtown street coming into its own.

At the south end of the avenue, River Landing is slowly rising from the ground. Farther north, family businesses are closing and new ones are cropping up almost on a monthly basis. High-priced condos offer views of the bus mall and the panhandlers on the street. Saskatoon’s most storied downtown thoroughfare is evolving block by block.

[....]

http://www.thestarphoenix.com/entertainm...oon+evolves+with+bars/8875623/story.html

Really, really interesting article on the successes, opportunities, and challenges of the changing face of 2nd Avenue (and of downtown in general).

[Brutopian]

Enrolment up in most Sask. school divisions

CBC News Sept. 4, 2013

Figures from the province's Ministry of Education show that enrolment is up for most school divisions in Saskatchewan.

The Saskatoon Catholic school system noted the largest increase over the past few years. With a 7.2 per cent jump a year ago and another jump of 3.3 per cent, expected this year.
Final numbers for this school year are expected at the end of September.

The Saskatoon public system is the largest school division in the province. That division saw a 5.36 per cent increase two years ago to last year. It too is projected to see a 3.3 per cent increase this year.
In some cases, the extra bodies have forced schools to be innovative with their use of space.

At Saskatoon's John G. Egnatoff school, the band class has moved to the gymnasium and a portion of the library has been taken over by a grade five class.

The principal is hoping two new portables, expected to be ready in late October, will help.

"We've got some very flexible parents that have been outstanding," Principal Harold Robertson said of a community that has shown patience with the space issue.

Ray Morrison, from the public school board, told CBC News that Saskatoon will soon need more schools, especially in growing neighbourhoods.

"Certainly Hampton Village, Stonebridge and Rosewood, are all neighbourhoods that are burgeoning and blossoming," Morrison said. "We're going to be needing almost one a year for the next six years."
[........]

Read more:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchew...l-enrolment-regina-saskatoon-130904.html
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Interesting to see that enrollment growth at Regina Public is sluggish compared to Saskatoon Public and Saskatoon Catholic. Looking at the enrollment stats in terms of actual student numbers at the bottom of this article, Saskatoon's school divisions (and Prairie Spirit surrounding Saskatoon) certainly have a strong argument that they are the most in need of newly-built schools.

[nook]

Originally Posted by Brutopian

Enrolment up in most Sask. school divisions

CBC News Sept. 4, 2013

Figures from the province's Ministry of Education show that enrolment is up for most school divisions in Saskatchewan.

The Saskatoon Catholic school system noted the largest increase over the past few years. With a 7.2 per cent jump a year ago and another jump of 3.3 per cent, expected this year.
Final numbers for this school year are expected at the end of September.

The Saskatoon public system is the largest school division in the province. That division saw a 5.36 per cent increase two years ago to last year. It too is projected to see a 3.3 per cent increase this year.
In some cases, the extra bodies have forced schools to be innovative with their use of space.

At Saskatoon's John G. Egnatoff school, the band class has moved to the gymnasium and a portion of the library has been taken over by a grade five class.

The principal is hoping two new portables, expected to be ready in late October, will help.

"We've got some very flexible parents that have been outstanding," Principal Harold Robertson said of a community that has shown patience with the space issue.

Ray Morrison, from the public school board, told CBC News that Saskatoon will soon need more schools, especially in growing neighbourhoods.

"Certainly Hampton Village, Stonebridge and Rosewood, are all neighbourhoods that are burgeoning and blossoming," Morrison said. "We're going to be needing almost one a year for the next six years."
[........]

Read more:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchew...l-enrolment-regina-saskatoon-130904.html
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Interesting to see that enrollment growth at Regina Public is sluggish compared to Saskatoon Public and Saskatoon Catholic. Looking at the enrollment stats in terms of actual student numbers at the bottom of this article, Saskatoon's school divisions (and Prairie Spirit surrounding Saskatoon) certainly have a strong argument that they are the most in need of newly-built schools.

Education funding from the Province needs to increase exponentially before they can even think of building a few more schools in Saskatoon. Dundonald is sitting at more than 800 students in a school built to house maybe half of that.

[skSK]

River Landing project faces toughest hurdle

By Charles Hamilton, The StarPhoenix September 7, 2013

Saskatoon's latest riverbank development has cleared a major hurdle, but the biggest test is still to come.

The Meewasin Valley Authority board approved plans by Victoriabased developer Chris LeFevre for "The Banks," the latest project at River Landing.

Read more: http://www.thestarphoenix.com/health/River+Landing+project+faces+toughest+hurdle/8882526/story.html

[skSK]

Originally Posted by nook

Education funding from the Province needs to increase exponentially before they can even think of building a few more schools in Saskatoon. Dundonald is sitting at more than 800 students in a school built to house maybe half of that.

The ministry seems miles behind the times not only in providing the capital for new school construction, portable acquisitions, and school renovations, but also in providing for the huge amounts of support staff required to keep up with incoming students from other countries (educational assistants, EAL-trained teachers, etc). And that's just one dynamic of the "new Saskatchewan" that the Sask Party keeps saying they're prepared for.

[nook]

Originally Posted by skSK

The ministry seems miles behind the times not only in providing the capital for new school construction, portable acquisitions, and school renovations, but also in providing for the huge amounts of support staff required to keep up with incoming students from other countries (educational assistants, EAL-trained teachers, etc). And that's just one dynamic of the "new Saskatchewan" that the Sask Party keeps saying they're prepared for.

Which they're not.

Saskatchewan is growing, our schools are growing, but schools are expected to do more with less. Eventually that model won't work.

I used to think that modular schools would work to help with the crunch, but then I realized that the areas that need really need schools are Stonebridge, Hampton, and Rosewood... all of which would fill a standard sized school the day it opened.

[North_Regina_Boy]

Originally Posted by nook

Which they're not.

Saskatchewan is growing, our schools are growing, but schools are expected to do more with less. Eventually that model won't work.

I used to think that modular schools would work to help with the crunch, but then I realized that the areas that need really need schools are Stonebridge, Hampton, and Rosewood... all of which would fill a standard sized school the day it opened.

The worst part is, children aren't getting the support they need to develop and learn properly. So not only are we under funding schools they are undermining the efforts of teachers to provide an adequate learning environment. This leads to less ability to do well as they grow older and as they enter the work force they will be under-prepared.

Also if you think it is bad now with 650-900 kids in an elementary school imagine what will happen when collectively they start emptying those large numbers into the high schools of the city. Sad state of affairs here people.

And really the only school that is growing in any real size is Weyburn Comprehensive. And a lot of that size increase is for the Southeast Education Centre for post-secondary education. But alas, maybe it'll come to head soon who knows. But I hope we don't see that (likely however, we will)

[nook]

Originally Posted by North_Regina_Boy

The worst part is, children aren't getting the support they need to develop and learn properly. So not only are we under funding schools they are undermining the efforts of teachers to provide an adequate learning environment. This leads to less ability to do well as they grow older and as they enter the work force they will be under-prepared.

Also if you think it is bad now with 650-900 kids in an elementary school imagine what will happen when collectively they start emptying those large numbers into the high schools of the city. Sad state of affairs here people.

And really the only school that is growing in any real size is Weyburn Comprehensive. And a lot of that size increase is for the Southeast Education Centre for post-secondary education. But alas, maybe it'll come to head soon who knows. But I hope we don't see that (likely however, we will)

I'm a teacher, so I know. It's a tough situation... for both school divisions in the city. The situation isn't ideal right now, but it's manageable. But if we actually hit the lofty population projections the city and province have set for themselves, well... It won't be pretty.

[frenchy]

Originally Posted by Brutopian

Enrolment up in most Sask. school divisions

CBC News Sept. 4, 2013

Figures from the province's Ministry of Education show that enrolment is up for most school divisions in Saskatchewan.

The Saskatoon Catholic school system noted the largest increase over the past few years. With a 7.2 per cent jump a year ago and another jump of 3.3 per cent, expected this year.
Final numbers for this school year are expected at the end of September.

The Saskatoon public system is the largest school division in the province. That division saw a 5.36 per cent increase two years ago to last year. It too is projected to see a 3.3 per cent increase this year.
In some cases, the extra bodies have forced schools to be innovative with their use of space.

At Saskatoon's John G. Egnatoff school, the band class has moved to the gymnasium and a portion of the library has been taken over by a grade five class.

The principal is hoping two new portables, expected to be ready in late October, will help.

"We've got some very flexible parents that have been outstanding," Principal Harold Robertson said of a community that has shown patience with the space issue.

Ray Morrison, from the public school board, told CBC News that Saskatoon will soon need more schools, especially in growing neighbourhoods.

"Certainly Hampton Village, Stonebridge and Rosewood, are all neighbourhoods that are burgeoning and blossoming," Morrison said. "We're going to be needing almost one a year for the next six years."
[........]

Read more:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchew...l-enrolment-regina-saskatoon-130904.html
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Interesting to see that enrollment growth at Regina Public is sluggish compared to Saskatoon Public and Saskatoon Catholic. Looking at the enrollment stats in terms of actual student numbers at the bottom of this article, Saskatoon's school divisions (and Prairie Spirit surrounding Saskatoon) certainly have a strong argument that they are the most in need of newly-built schools.

I was reading an article in the Leader Post which talks about another school division not mentioned in here which actually had a higher growth rate than any of the school divisions in the province. One of the schools, Ecole Canadienne-française, is in Saskatoon. At one point, it was a k-12 school, but it began bursting at the seems, and about 5 years ago, they purchased an elementary school on Louise for the high school. At that point, there were 40 kids (grades 8-12), but had around 30-40 kids per grade in the elementary, guaranteeing a large number in the future. The government only allocated money for a high school with 40 kids, but with 140-150 kids today and 400ish in the elementary, they're now trying to figure things out (like all other Saskatoon schools). You have to wonder if the government will ever start thinking of the future instead of always building for the present to do patchwork.

Here's the article in the Leader Post: (no wonder it's an "Unknown school division" when it never comes up in the Ministry of Education's stats).

http://www.leaderpost.com/life/unknown+school+division/8814312/story.html

[Echoes]

I went to check out progress at College Quarter, including the fantastic new Graduate House, and the first phase of the College Quarter Greenway.


IMG_4603 by echoes320, on Flickr


IMG_4602 by echoes320, on Flickr


IMG_4607 by echoes320, on Flickr


IMG_4610 by echoes320, on Flickr




IMG_4619 by echoes320, on Flickr


IMG_4620 by echoes320, on Flickr

What's most exciting is that this new urban street has begun to emerge where only a couple of years ago there was just an open field:


IMG_4614 by echoes320, on Flickr


IMG_4609 by echoes320, on Flickr

[Chadillaccc]

You should post that in the new "Post some pictures of your city" thread Echoes! That looks awesome. Is it all student residential?