A Saskatoon group is optimistic about a potential deal to make the site of the future downtown arena designated an urban reserve. The designation would grant the land special status under federal law, allowing it to be used for community and economic development by Indigenous groups.
What is an urban reserve?
Urban reserves are parcels of land within a city that are designated as reserve land under the Indian Act. This status allows First Nations to use the land for commercial, residential, or community purposes while maintaining tax exemptions and other benefits. The proposed site for the new downtown arena in Saskatoon is currently owned by the city but could be transferred to a First Nation or Indigenous organization under this arrangement.
The group involved in the talks has not been named publicly, but sources indicate they are optimistic about reaching an agreement. The urban reserve designation would require approval from the federal government and the city of Saskatoon.
Potential impact on the arena project
The future downtown arena is a major infrastructure project for Saskatoon, expected to cost hundreds of millions of dollars and serve as a hub for sports, entertainment, and community events. If the land becomes an urban reserve, it could affect the project's timeline and financing. However, supporters argue that the designation would bring economic benefits to the local Indigenous community and create new opportunities for partnership.
According to a spokesperson for the group, the urban reserve status would allow the land to be used for mixed-use development, including retail, housing, and cultural spaces, alongside the arena. This could generate revenue for the First Nation and provide services to the broader community.
Next steps in the process
The talks are still in the early stages, and no formal agreement has been reached. The city of Saskatoon has not commented on the negotiations, but city council would need to approve any transfer of land. The federal government would also need to designate the land as a reserve under the Indian Act.
If successful, the urban reserve would be one of the first of its kind in Saskatchewan. Similar designations have been used in other Canadian cities, such as Winnipeg and Vancouver, to support Indigenous economic development and self-governance.
