City councilors to consider reports on DEED at March 25 council meeting

Saskatoon city councilors will have some extra reading to do ahead of their March 25 council meeting.

According to a news release from the city issued late Wednesday afternoon, two reports are being prepared for city councilors to consider, with options on how to move forward with the future of the Downtown Event and Entertainment District.

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According to the release, “the reports focus on how the City can continue progress toward building a vibrant Downtown, including work on a long-term funding strategy regardless of Council’s decision on a proposed Private Partner agreement.”

The first report will provide additional information council requested on a proposed private partner agreement with Oakview Group 360 at a meeting in October 2025. It’s expected to include financial projections, fees and commissions, performance management, and reporting.

“The agreement will also address important community benefits including maximizing economic opportunities for traditionally marginalized groups, employment that will work with existing employees and unions and benefits for community non-profit events,” the statement read.

A second option will outline a “city-building” initiative, however, no additional information on what that might mean was included.

In a statement in January 2026, SaskTel Centre finance chair, Trevor Jacek, signaled his organization would be eager to run a new arena and conference centre.

“We’re confident that the SaskTel Centre team can effectively operate the DEED if the City decides to not engage a third-party operator and are grateful that we were able to share that message with the Mayor as well as City Councilors, Administration and members of the business community that attended the event,” he said.

TCU Place CEO, Tammy Sweeney, backed that idea.

“If we can raise local capital to be able to match or exceed what Oakview Group is bringing to the table, and we have the expertise to run it … then it makes sense to stay local,” she added. Without sharing names, Sweeney suggested there were local groups that had already stepped forward and offered to do just that, and may bring even more money than OVG 360.

The city said no matter which decision is made by city councilors, work will continue toward making the DEED a “reality,” including working with other levels of government to secure the funding that’s needed.”