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Shovels aren’t yet in the ground, but the future cost of Saskatoon’s new east side leisure centre could reach at least $95 million, according to a new city report.
The building will be located near the new Holmwood Collegiate and Catholic high school just east of the Brighton neighbourhood, with construction expected to begin sometime in 2027.
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The report, to be presented to city council on Wednesday, cites inflation — including U.S. tariffs on steel — construction costs like materials and labour, enhanced building systems for energy efficiency and sustainability, along with better accessibility and security as the primary reasons for the increase from the original $65 million budget in 2023.
The report said $15 million would come from the future Neighborhood Land Development Fund, while the city could borrow about $17 million without impacting the operating budget. Council would have to approve the additional money.
Four options for the leisure centre are on the table, including the original scope of the project, which would include a 4,000 square foot fitness and training area, a six-lane lap pool, leisure pool, and instructional areas, along with gym space for court sports and community programming, which would cost at least $95 million.
The second option, recommended by administration, includes the original scope of the project while also exploring a proposal from the YMCA for two additional swimming lanes and a much larger 11,000 square ft. fitness and weight training area, along with other ideas.
The price tag for that would range from around $103 to $108 million, and could add up to another year on to the construction timeline. Four months to explore the YMCA proposal has also been included in the recommendation.
The third proposal would de-scope the project, keeping it at $65 million, while the fourth option would cost about $100 million and add only four additional swimming lanes to the project.
The report indicates that the east side leisure centre will function as a district recreational facility and is not intended to be a competitive training facility like Saskatoon Field House or the Shaw Centre.
Between the spring of 2024 and winter of 2025, the city also asked the public for its take on what should be included in the new facility. More than 5,000 people took part in the survey.
The top priorities included a recreational swimming pool with a water slide, hot tub, lazy river, zero depth pool entry, lane swimming, a walking track, fitness rooms, private change rooms, a gym, and good security inside and outside of the facility.
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