Saskatoon’s Sutherland neighborhood prepares for 2,400 new residents as a 45-acre University of Saskatchewan property undergoes development planning
New Housing Development Planned for Sutherland Neighbourhood
Saskatoon’s Sutherland neighbourhood is preparing to welcome up to 2,400 new residents over the next five years.
The new homes will be built on a vacant 45-acre parcel of land owned by the University of Saskatchewan. This land is located in the southwest corner of the neighbourhood, just north of College Drive and east of Circle Drive.
Development Plans and Timeline
Darryl Dawson, the city’s development review manager, shared details at Tuesday’s municipal planning commission meeting. He said the corporation overseeing the development has submitted a concept plan for the parcel.
The commission, which is mostly made up of local residents, will likely review the concept plan in the summer or fall after city administration has assessed it. Dawson noted, “I know USask [Properties Investment Inc.] would like to see it developed sooner than that, but we’ll say [the neighbourhood will be built in] one to five [years].”
Messages from CBC to USask Properties were not returned.
Community Engagement and Planning
The corporation held information and consultation sessions last year with nearby residents. These sessions also included discussions about U of S land south of the field house and Merlis Belsher Place, as well as adjacent land on the east side of Preston Avenue. This latter development is called Stadium Square.
The U of S and Saskatoon city council endorsed the University Sector Plan in 2021. This plan outlines the strategy to develop 448 hectares of university-owned land, which includes 33,980 new housing units for 57,146 residents.
Details of the Sutherland Development
The 45-acre parcel in Sutherland is the smallest of five awaiting development. The plan indicates that Sutherland and the Stadium Square property already have sufficient water and sewer infrastructure.
It suggests 1,249 new residential housing units, accommodating 2,411 new residents in Sutherland. The parcel south of Merlis Belsher is projected to potentially add 1,901 new units and 3,319 new residents.
The information shared with Sutherland residents last year shows a mix of apartment buildings, townhouses, and single-family homes on the land.
Rezoning and Community Concerns
The community is planning for the new neighbours. The planning commission unanimously endorsed a request to rezone three properties on Central Avenue, which includes three houses, one built in 1912. This will allow for an apartment-style building to be constructed.
The Sutherland Business Improvement District opposed the rezoning. They believe it will prevent the business area from expanding south. Brenda Southam, the district chair, expressed concerns that the new residents will increase the need for commercial businesses.
Alan Wallace of Wallace Insights, representing the Action Group of Companies, stated that the land is too small for both an apartment building and a commercial component. He noted that most apartment buildings require at least one acre, while the property on Central and 107th Street West is less than half an acre. He said a building with 18 to 24 units would be the largest possible, including on-site parking for residents.
“We think having more people living on Central Avenue is going to benefit the Sutherland [business district],” Wallace added.
City council must approve the changes to accommodate the plans for the property.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| New Residents | 2,400 |
| Parcel Size | 45 acres |
| Housing Units in Sutherland | 1,249 |
| Projected Residents in Sutherland | 2,411 |
| Projected Units South of Merlis Belsher | 1,901 |
| Projected Residents South of Merlis Belsher | 3,319 |
