New funding bringing more transit buses, new leisure centre to Saskatoon

Saskatoon is getting a new leisure centre, a number of new buses and other improvements to its transit system thanks to more than $151.9 million in new funding.

The funds come from the federal, provincial and municipal governments. Ottawa is chipping in $60,789,075, the province is putting up $33,986,861 and the city will invest $57,196,751.

The money is earmarked for projects including a new leisure centre in the Holmwood Suburban Development Area on the city’s east side.

“The facility will be fully accessible with proposed features including a pool for lane swimming and leisure activities, a fitness and weight room as well as multipurpose and childminding spaces,” the three governments said in a joint statement.

“The new East Side Leisure Centre will provide nearly 70,000 residents of this east end community with more opportunities to come together, stay active, and make long-lasting memories.”

The proposed design for the new facility includes a large pool for lane swimming and leisure, a fitness space, and a children’s area, all of which will be fully accessible.

The funding also includes $60 million earmarked to purchase “approximately 25″ new zero-emissions buses to add to the city’s transit fleet, along with 30 diesel buses “to replace and upgrade the existing fleet.”

According to the joint statement, the new buses will support Saskatoon’s growing population, while also addressing “the current bus shortage.”

Earlier this month, Saskatoon Transit warned of potential service disruptions throughout the winter due to the aging fleet.

The funding will also go towards heated shelters, benches and information displays at bus stops.

Other measures that will contribute to the development of Saskatoon’s bus rapid transit (BRT) program will also benefit from the joint funding.

“Through today’s funding, the first of three planned BRT lines will have 16 new stops along approximately 15 kilometres, running between the west and northeast areas of Saskatoon,” the announcement read.

Part of the funding will be used to improve roadways connected to the BRT lines, and another chunk of the money will go towards the installation of a fibre-optic network “for a new intelligent transportation system and transit signal priority along ancillary transit routes connecting to the Red, Green and Blue BRT lines.”

Saskatoon Transit warned of a number of breakdowns and service disruptions this winter due to its aging fleet. (650 CKOM file photo)

Charlie Clark, Saskatoon’s mayor, described Thursday’s announcement as a “transformational investment” which he said will be crucial to creating a vibrant city.

He said the announcement is extremely timely for the city, as 14,000 people moved to Saskatoon last year.

“The Bus Rapid Transit system and related roadway infrastructure improvements will make moving around our city more efficient and reliable for all users,” Clark said in a statement.

“The new East Side Leisure Centre will provide much needed sport, recreational and cultural opportunities. Thank you to our partners in the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan for making these projects possible.”

His comments were echoed by Don McMorris, Saskatchewan’s minister of government relations.

“Public transit plays a vital role in the flow and function of a large centre like Saskatoon, and residents deserve a reliable bus system to carry them to their destinations,” McMorris said in the same statement.

“One of those destinations will someday be the new leisure centre, where I’m sure countless memories will be made, and experiences shared. These are investments in Saskatchewan people and the great lives that are built in this province.”

Jenna Sudds, federal minister of families, children and social development, said Ottawa is working to build a more sustainable future.

“That means investing in infrastructure that builds stronger, healthier communities and helps connect residents to work, school and each other,” the federal minister said.

“Projects like today’s announcement support our shared vision of a greener, better connected Saskatoon. The transit improvements and expansions will improve commuters’ experience and comfort, while the new recreation centre will promote active lifestyles. We will continue to invest in projects that help lower emissions and make it easier for Canadians to get to their destinations.”

Sudds added that it speaks volumes when all levels of government are able to collaborate together.

“I think it’s a demonstration of the art of the possible when we come together with the best interest of communities,” she said.

–With files from 650 CKOM’s Mia Holowaychuk.