South Caswell Hill Plan

Final Plan goes to City Council for Approval

2010-02-25T07:18:00.000-08:00

The South Caswell Concept Plan prepared by the MMM Group Ltd. has been finalized. The proposed plan will be presented to the City Planning & Operations Committee to be refer to City Council for Final Approval on March 16, 2010.

Thank you to all would contributed to designs, ideas and vision for this plan. We look forward to the development of this project over the following years.

The redevelopment of the South Caswell area will be dependent on finding new funds for the relocation of the existing Transit operations. At the present time, there is no timeline established. It is expected redevelopment will occur in phases.

The full South Caswell Concept Plan report can be viewed at: http://www.saskatoon.ca/DEPARTMENTS/Community%20Services/PlanningDevelopment/NeighbourhoodPlanning/Pages/SouthCaswellConceptPlan.aspx

What's Next?

2009-11-20T14:33:00.000-08:00

After comments received from the open house held in September, the City of Saskatoon is currently redrafting the concept plan. (To be Posted Soon!)

The revised plan will be presented to City Council for approval in early 2010.

The community will continue to be involved as this project proceeds. Next steps for the project will include:
1. Development of Design Guidelines for Area
2. Environmental Screening and Remediation Plan Developed
3. Expressions of Interest/Requests for Proposals on Sites
4. Community & Civic Review & Selection of Proposal Submissions
5. Land Use and Zoning Changes for new sites
6. Transit Facility Relocation
7. Environmental Remediation of Site(s)
8. Upgrade of Underground Utilities & Street Improvements
9. Consultation on Future Park Space
10. Development of Future Park Space
11. Site Redevelopment

Next steps will be dependent on the timing of the Transit Facility relocation and subject to capital funding allocations.

Proposed Concept Plan from Open House - Sept. 17

2009-09-18T12:09:00.001-07:00

The South Caswell Hill Concept Plan was well received by the public at the Open House held on Thursday, September 17th. More info to follow shortly.

Open House

2009-09-08T08:46:00.000-07:00

The public is invited to a “come and go” Open House on Thursday, September 17 at Caswell School to view and comment on the proposed concept plan for the South Caswell Hill area. Staff with the Planning & Development Branch and the MMM Consulting Group will be on hand to answer questions, and to gather comments and feedback.

Open House for South Caswell Concept Plan
Thursday, September 17, 2009
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (come and go)
Caswell School - gymnasium
204 – 30th Street West

Community Workshop: The Proposed Plans

2009-07-17T13:56:00.000-07:00

A Meeting of Minds: Community Design Workshop: June 20, 2009

2009-07-17T13:37:00.000-07:00

On June 20, 2009, Caswell Hill residents donated their Saturday to undtake a design workshop for the South Caswell Hill Area. This workshop was facilitated by the MMM Group Ltd.

The workshop was well attend with 37 participants from all different backrgounds attend. Participants included business stakeholders in the area, residents, local architects and developers, community association representatives, politicians (past and present), and City administration. The workshop was held at Christ Church Anglican (on the Corner of Avenue E and 28th Street).

The day started with some opening remarks from Councillor Pat Lorje and the Community Association. Then participants listen to a presentation from the MMM Group outline the project, the outcomes, and case studies from other Cities of similar sites. To view this presentation, visit: http://www.saskatoon.ca/org/city_planning/caswell_hill/SCCP_Design_Workshop_Presentation.pdf

Participants work together in groups throughout the day to developed 7 great plans in total.

Consultation: What Do the Neighbours Want?

2009-07-17T13:26:00.001-07:00

A large part of the planning process for the South Caswell Concept Plan is community consultation.

On May 25th a "Community Update" newsletter was distributed to all Caswell Hill residents detailing the what, where, and why's of the plan. It also encouraged residents to fill out an online survey to indicate their desires for the redevelopment of the area. To view the newsletter, visit : file://devoffice/vdx1aa0x_www/org/city_planning/local_area_plans/plans_being_implemented/5509031_newsletter.pdf

The online survey results can be viewed at: http://www.saskatoon.ca/org/city_planning/caswell_hill/SCCP_Design_Workshop_Presentation.pdf

The newsletter also called for residents and stakeholders to registered for the Design Workshop.

A Design Workshop invite was also sent out first to residents within the specific boundry area of the study and then to the entire neighbourhood.

Project Timeline: South Caswell Concept Plan

2009-07-17T13:22:00.000-07:00

Project Timeline

Start-up Meeting with Steering Committee: April 22, 2009
Send out News Letter/ Post On-line Survey: Mid May
Prepare Background Report: Late May
Design Workshop: June 20, 2009
Draft Concept Plan: Summer 2009
Present Draft to Steering Committee: Summer 2009
Public Open House: Fall 2009
Finalize Report Submitted: Fall 2009

Call for Proposals: South Caswell Concept Plan

2009-07-15T11:31:00.000-07:00

In 2008, the Neighbourhood Planning Section within the City of Saskatoon, allocated funding to pursue a plan for enhancing the Transit Facility site and surrounding area in the event that the Transit Facility moves out of the neighbourhood. The first step in this effort is to create a concept plan for the Transit Facility and surrounding area. This concept plan is to address a number of items and also serve as a means to complete the Caswell Hill LAP initially commissioned by the City of Saskatoon in 2001.

In January 2009, a request for proposals was announced. This called for qualified groups to submit a proposal to undertake a process to develop a concept for the area. A Steering Committee was arranged comprised of civic adminstration and representatives from the neighbouhood.

The Scope of the Work includes:

a) engage stakeholders by conducting a design workshop;
b) a process for general neighbourhood public consultation and input;
c) the SCCP must include a statement of Existing Infrastructure and Servicing Capacity;
d) the SCCP must address the neighbourhood’s current park space deficiencies status (available from the Community Development Branch);
e) consider the potential for adaptive re-use of the existing Transit Facility structures including the potential for site contamination (see Attachment 2);
f) a capital costing estimate;
g) develop a land use concept plan;
h) Recommendations emanating from the SCCP that may conflict with existing Caswell Hill LAP recommendations must be duly noted; and
i) hosting a public open house at the conclusion of the planning process.

Specific to the Caswell Hill LAP, the following recommendations must be addressed in the SCCP:

Rec. 4.1: “If the City of Saskatoon considers relocating the Municipal Transit Facility out of the Caswell Hill neighbourhood, the old transit site (or portion of the site) should be evaluated for park space and a community centre as an alternative use;” and

Rec. 4.2: “That Community Services Department continue to work with the Caswell Hill Community Association to identify potential park space locations in the neighbourhood.”

In total, the City of Saskatoon received a 7 proposals in total from local and western canadian consultants. After a large review by the Steering Committee, the MMM Group Ltd. out of Winnipeg, MB was awarded the contract.

SoCa Lofts: Live and Work

2009-07-15T11:08:00.000-07:00

On the corner of 23rd Street and Avenue D lies the second of two projects by MDF Warehouse Restorations Ltd. This was phase two of two projects within the area, the first being the T. Eaton Warehouse Condo Conversion.

The project involves the construction of five loft-style, live-work spaces in row house format facing 23rd Street West. As part of the requirements of its application to the City, MFD also constructed sidewalks and curbs along a section of 23rd Street West that currently had none. MFD has also undertaking landscaping work to improve the boulevard and is exploring the possibility of self-providing additional public lighting in the area.

To date, some of the properties are still available for purchase. To find out more, visit http://www.mls.ca/ , MLS®: 334506.

Another Before and After: SIIT

2009-07-14T12:12:00.000-07:00

Another project near by the South Caswell Hill Plan Area that has seen some major change is the building currently occupied by Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) at 501 23rd Street W.

The site (see picture left) was renovated in 2006 by the current owner for Hub City-Merrill Restaurant Supply. After Hub City moved the property sat vacant until SIIT came along.

SIIT undertakook approximately $200,000 worth of leasehold improvements (see pic right) to the property at 501 23rd Street West. This involved the construction of classrooms, internal dividers and other modifications necessary to prepare the location as a place for public assembly. Upon completion of the improvements, SIIT operates the space as a trade training facility for welding and carpentry students.

Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) is a First Nations post-secondary training institution offering a wide range of opportunities in campus- and community-based learning environments. SIIT initially delivered adult academic upgrading, introductory skills and trades, and basic management training to First Nations adults throughout the province. The programming mixture has evolved to include certified technical, vocational and trade programming.

T.Eaton Warehouse Conversion

2009-07-07T15:14:00.000-07:00

In September 2005, MFD Warehouse Restorations Ltd. purchased the T. Eaton warehouse and surrounding site at 211 Avenue D North in the Caswell Hill neighbourhood.

Phase I of this project involved the creation of 25 units of loft-style condominiums in the former T. Eaton building. The project has been very successful, and the units sold out quickly.

On Tuesday, February 19, 2008, the winners of the City of Saskatoon’s Heritage Awards were presented by City Council at its meeting . Architect James D. Zimmer for the T.Eaton Building coversion was awarded best "adaptive resuse" in Saskatoon for 2008.

Transition in South Caswell Hill

2009-07-07T15:06:00.000-07:00

As part of the implementation of the Caswell Hill LAP, a number of land uses changes were undertaken. A new zoning district was created to facilitate the transition of older industrial areas into more compatible uses such as commercial and residential spaces, and live/work units. These land use changes were adopted by City Council in December of 2005. To learn more about the MX1-Mixed Use Zoning District (section 12.12) check out the City of Saskatoon Zoning Bylaw at: http://www.saskatoon.ca/org/clerks_office/bylaws/7800.PDF

A new financial incentive program was also created called the Enterprize Zone. The programs offered in the Enterprise Zone are designed to encourage targeted businesses to locate or expand their operations in order to create more economic activity. As well, incentives are targeted to encourage property owners and developers to invest in the renovation, expansion, or creation of new housing, and to increase consumer and investor confidence in the Zone. For more information of the Enterpize Zone click: http://www.saskatoon.ca/org/city_planning/enterprise/index.asp

With incentives and land use in place, the area became an attractive place to invest in and allowed for unique redevelopment opportunities.

Conception: Caswell Hill LAP

2009-07-07T14:30:00.000-07:00

The first public meeting of the Caswell Hill Local Area Plan (LAP) was held on March 20, 2000, at the Caswell Hill Community School. An invitation to the public meeting was extended to residents, property owners, and business owners in the neighbourhood to inform them about the local area planning process being initiated in their neighbourhood.

From the Caswell Hill LAP Committee meetings a Vision Statement and Community Values were created. (ref. Page 8 of the Caswell Hill LAP, 2001);

Caswell Hill Vision Statement:

Caswell Hill is a vital, diverse residential community containing a strong group of businesses, community school, churches, parks, and services. The community respects its heritage and supports diversity in housing and population, businesses and services. The diversity means that Caswell Hill has all elements of a healthy community – local services; people of all cultures, ages, and backgrounds; and a sense of security.

Community Values included:

Green space and open space that exist in the neighbourhood, both in the park and on the boulevards. Benefits for the neighbourhood include not only recreational enjoyment, but also environmental and aesthetic considerations as well;

Affordable housing opportunities for all residents, but especially for seniors and students. The Caswell Hill neighbourhood location affords an opportunity to house seniors near to the Downtown and students close to Kelsey Institute;

Development that respects the community heritage and refers to heritage elements in design of infill structures;

Low levels of crime such as nuisance and vandalism in the neighbourhood;

Transportation networks that provide efficient movement of traffic at neighbourhood boundary, and minimizes short-cutting through the neighbourhood;

A diverse community with a mix of residents of all ages;

Safe pedestrian and bike passages - enhanced walk-ability of the neighbourhood; and

A compatible mix of land uses that accommodate living, shopping, and working within the neighbourhood.

The LAP Committee discussed various opportunities and challenges facing the community which included: industrial/residential land use conflicts, problems with traffic congestion and speeding on 25th Street and Avenue C North, pedestrian safety and the industrial nuisance around the Transit Facility site and the opportunity for redevelopment of this area, lack of park space in the southern part of the neighbourhood, the need for a buffer strip along the rail line and a community desire to maintain heritage features in the neighbourhood.

It is the original vision and dedication of the community that ultimately lead to this planning process and the creation of a redevelopment plan for the South Caswell Hill Area (SoCHa).

For more information on the Caswell Hill Local Area Plan, visit: http://www.saskatoon.ca/org/city_planning/local_area_plans/plans_being_implemented/caswell_hill.pdf

From the Beginning: What's a LAP?

2009-07-07T14:20:00.000-07:00

Local Area Plans are a public, participation-based approach to developing comprehensive neighbourhood plans, which gives residents direct input into determining the future of their neighbourhood. Through the assessment of current conditions, neighbourhood strengths and weaknesses, and identification of trends that may affect the neighbourhood, the local area planning process develops goals and actions aimed at the long-term success of a local community with due regard to city-wide goals and issues. Saskatoon has been working with communities since 1997 to develop neighbourhood plans.

Local Area Plans may include strategies designed to improve or maintain specific areas and provide a guide for future development of the local area. Strategies will vary from neighbourhood to neighbourhood depending on the issues and priorities identified, but will generally focus on issues of:

· industrial, commercial, and residential land use;
· neighbourhood safety;
· transportation, circulation, and parking;
· municipal services and infrastructure;
· neighbourhood heritage; and
· parks, open space, and recreation.

Caswell Hill's Local Area Plan process commenced in 2000, with a group of dedicated committee members representing various interests in the community and was adopted by Saskatoon's City Council on November 5, 2001.