River Landing noted as possible location for downtown Saskatoon arena

A report to Saskatoon city councillors has flagged a site in River Landing as a potential location for the city's Downtown Entertainment District.

The report flags Parcel G, an area north of the city's historic Pumphouse and west of Idylwyld Drive as a possible location for a downtown arena.

"Upon completion of the engagement and reporting process for the Downtown Entertainment District, Saskatoon Land will then be in a position to either release the River Landing site for sale, or formally announce that the development site will not be released," read the report.

Council has been exploring the possibility of an arena in the city's downtown since 2016. The city is looking at replacing the aging SaskTel Centre, as well as TCU Place, which reports have flagged as needing to be replaced or rehabilitated.

In May, council said it wanted a decision on the location of the complex by the end of the year. Councillors had decided they wanted the complex to be located downtown last year.

The most recent report deals with long-term plans for the River Landing area. The report noted Parcel G was supposed to be released for sale this summer, but was pulled off the market when it was flagged as a potential location for the entertainment district.

The River Landing report deals with the long-term economic viability of the area. While maintenance costs are currently paid for by the City, property taxes and other revenue are expected to replace that money and the area will become self-sufficient by the end of 2028.

City workers will examine a number of factors in choosing a location for the arena, including urban design issues and transportation impacts.

It's estimated it would cost more than $100 million to renovate and repair SaskTel Centre. A replacement for the arena and TCU Placewould cost an estimated $350 million.