A group opposed to Saskatoon’s proposed Downtown Event and Entertainment District (DEED) officially launched a petition campaign Saturday, calling for a referendum on the project. Organizers began collecting official signatures in the Hampton neighbourhood, starting a required 90-day period to gather enough support to trigger the referendum process. Organizers are feeling good about their success. “Since our announcement this last Tuesday, that we’re going live with the paper petition, we’ve had hundreds of more registrations, volunteer signups, emails, direct messages indicating the interest and all positive messages that we’re going forth with this,” Courtney Saliken, project co-chair, told CTV News. “So, we’re very confident that we can achieve this hopefully. Well, within the 90 days.” The group, Saskatoon Citizens for a Referendum on DEED, says it is aiming to collect 30,000 signatures during the campaign. Organizers say the petition is intended to give Saskatoon residents a direct say on what they describe as one of the largest projects in the city’s history. Saliken says their opposition is about whether the project is the right fit for Saskatoon, given current economic challenges and the substantial cost of the project which is projected to be more than $1billion. Those behind the petition aren’t necessarily basing their plan on what has happened in other cities, but rather say the project is not the right fit for Saskatoon right now. “Things that we won’t utilize or there’s no need for right now,” Saliken said. The DEED plan is centred on a new downtown arena and an expanded or new convention centre, along with public spaces and connections to the future Link rapid transit system. The city expects the district will support downtown revitalization and create a hub for entertainment, tourism, business and community events. The proposed arena would replace the aging SaskTel Centre and is planned to accommodate approximately 15,900 spectators. “SaskTel Centre is a suitable event centre for the size of our city,” Saliken said. The project has been under development for several years. This spring, city council reaffirmed its commitment to moving the project forward with a refreshed funding strategy after deciding not to pursue a private operating partner. The petition campaign also comes as the city continues to work on the project’s funding and development plans, one of which is a potential partnership with Muskeg Lake Cree Nation. Organizers say the first official paper signature received Saturday marks the beginning of their 90-day campaign. They are encouraging residents who support a referendum to register with the campaign and sign the official petition when and where signing opportunities are available. Those signing the petition must be Saskatoon resident. The petition will be moving through various Saskatoon neighbourhoods in the coming days and weeks to gather additional signatures.
