City of Saskatoon considers re-location of new east side leisure centre

Saskatoon city administration is considering a big change to plans for the newest high schools, along with the new leisure centre, located just east of the Brighton neighbourhood, near McOrmond Drive and just north of Taskamanwa Street.

The high schools, once built, will be able to accommodate up to 3,600 students and will be the largest in the province.

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In a report to the planning, development, and community services committee Wednesday, Jan. 14th, Celene Anger, general manager of community services, told councillors that the new Holmwood leisure centre will need to be located just south of two new high schools, rather than remain part of the same building.

“As planning advanced, challenges emerged in accommodating all facilities on the original shared site,” she told councillors.

According to Anger and a report presented to the committee, multiple design options for the two schools are now being considered, however, two major concerns have been raised by stakeholders –  including both the Saskatoon Public School Division (SPSD) and the Greater Saskatoon Catholic School Division.

Those concerns include traffic congestion and site access and how to safely move thousands of students in and out of the area daily.

“In response, both school divisions have expressed support for relocating the ESLC to an alternative site south of the original location. This alternative site remains east of McCormond Drive, and within walking distance of the schools,” she explained.

Administration has approached the land developer about an adjacent property directly south of the current site.

Letters from both the SPSD and Catholic School Division indicate that up to 4,200 people may be moving on and off the “campus style” site every day.

A request for a second entrance to be added to the site was also made by the Catholic School Division, given that current plans only allow for one entrance and exit.

The proposed new location of Saskatoon’s future east side leisure centre. (City of Saskatoon/Submitted)

“A third lane can be added to McOrmond Drive to allow for an additional entrance that can be used for public transit or school bus parking. Future expansion of McOrmond Drive to a third lane is already contemplated as part of the neighbourhood concept plan,” the letter read.

The total project budget remains at $65 million, with possible minor adjustments. However, Anger said there could actually be some savings.

“In particular, through the design process, as fewer concessions will need to be made when compared with situating the site leisure centre on the same site as the future schools,” she said.

Construction on the leisure centre is expected to begin sometime in 2027 with a 30- to 36-month build period, while both school divisions are hoping that the new high schools will be open and accepting students by 2029.

Saskatoon councillors will still have to approve the proposed re-location of the new leisure centre at a future council meeting.