Developer regroups after city council nixes plans for nordic spa, hotel in Saskatoon

Travis Batting is determined to bring a Nordic-style spa and hotel to Saskatoon despite a lack of support at the community and city level.

On Monday, city council unanimously rejected the redevelopment plans for the Willows neighbourhood that included a $30-million spa and hotel to be built near the golf course.

“We’re shocked and sad,” said Batting, the president of Scandvik Hotels & Nordic Spa. “We felt this was the right community, the right location. It’s absolutely not dead.”

Strong opposition from residents in the golf course community ultimately was the main factor in how council voted.

The hotel and spa was just one piece of the proposal led by Dream Development that would see the golf course reduced to 18 holes to accommodate new residential homes.

“We’re just a small element at play for the Willows. There are other elements at play that have to be figured out,” said Batting.

“I think the city does believe in what we are doing. The city does want a place where we can destress and (gain) a lot more wellness through the Nordic spa. We just have to find the right chord.”

Batting has no problem owning his share of the responsibility for the project not receiving the green light. He said changing the minds of politicians starts with getting residents onboard first.

“The thing that has to happen is the trust from residents has to be there from Day 1,” he said. “That was clear that it wasn’t.

“Now we have to go back to the table and just be open, transparent and really work with the residents to help them understand.”

Batting isn’t ruling out another location for the spa and hotel but Saskatoon remains the preferred location.