      |
For June 28, 2010 Award of Architects for River Landing Destination Centre: City Council approved the consultant team of Kuwabara Payne McKenna Blumberg (KPMB) Architects in association with Smith Carter Architects and Engineers for the design of the Art Gallery of Saskatchewan. The team will also design the underground parking garage and the expansion of Persephone Theatre. Their fees are $5.4 million (including P.S.T. and G.S.T.). A two-stage, quality-based selection process started with 15 firms submitting Expressions of Interest, which were shortlisted to five firms (one team withdrew for internal reasons), of which KPMB was the unanimous choice of the selection committee. KPMB and Smith Carter have collaborated on the new Canadian Embassy in Berlin, Germany, and the Manitoba Hydro Place in Winnipeg. In addition, both have extensive gallery and museum experience. Proposed Permanent Closure of Saskatchewan Crescent Off-Ramp: City Council referred to the Planning and Operations Committee a report from Administration recommending that eastbound traffic on the Saskatchewan Crescent off-ramp at the east end of the University Bridge be permanently closed to traffic in order to improve pedestrian access to the bridge. Saskatchewan Crescent has been temporarily restricted to traffic since 2008 for construction work to stop the riverbank slope failure in the area. Permanent closure is being recommended in order to allow the area to be redesigned for improved access to the bridge for pedestrians and cyclists. Circle Drive/Preston Avenue Interchange: City Council approved as part of the Circle Drive South Project, that an interchange (overpass) at Circle Drive and Preston Avenue be constructed at an estimated cost of $30 million. Due to the bid submitted by the contractor for the whole Circle Drive South Project being below anticipated budget costs, unallocated funds are available to support this project. By making construction of this overpass part of the overall Circle Drive South Project, it will mean less of an inconvenience to drivers in the long run as there will not be the delays or detours associated with two consecutive major roadway construction projects. The interchange for Preston Avenue will pass over Circle Drive, and be of a diamond configuration similar to the Circle Drive/Clarence Avenue interchange. River Landing – Sale of Parcel “A”: City Council approved the recommendation that Parcel “A” in River Landing be sold to the Rivergreen Ecovillage Inc., a corporation set up by the Prairie Ecovillage Development Corporation (PEDCO), for $1.5 million. PEDCO is a non-profit entity formed for the purpose of building “ecovillages” in Saskatoon. An ecovillage is a mixed-use development allowing residents the opportunity to “live more lightly on the earth.” The $24 million development incorporates affordable housing, commercial space, live-work opportunities, three-season gardening space, and public demonstration features. Parcel “A” is the area of land west of the Farmers’ Market in River Landing Phase II. 2009 Report on Service, Savings, and Sustainability: City Council received from Administration the 2009 Report on Service, Savings, and Sustainability: How the City of Saskatoon is Improving its Productivity. As noted in the report, the City is seeking new and innovative ways to provide the existing and emerging services to our citizens. Administration is taking a fresh look at how we operate, and how the organization can be more adaptive and responsive with a focus on improved services, increased savings, and growing a sustainable city. The projects listed in the report estimate a savings of approximately $65 million and a potential increase of revenue by approximately $3 million annually. Proclamations Drowning Prevention Week, July 18-25, Lifesaving Society Muscular Dystrophy Month, September 2010, Muscular Dystrophy Canada International Literacy Day, September 8, Saskatoon Literacy Coalition For further information: This document is a summary of issues that may be of general public interest. Complete Council Agendas and Reports are available for viewing at all Saskatoon Public Libraries or through the City Clerk's Office: 975-3240. Visit us on-line: www.saskatoon.ca
|