A group of Saskatoon residents is pushing for a public vote on the $1.2 billion Downtown Event and Entertainment District. They’ve launched a website to gauge public interest before deciding whether to pursue a formal referendum. Ken Wood, the former operator of the arena now known as SaskTel Centre, announced the website in front of one of the city’s controversial $300,000 art pieces at Diefenbaker Park Tuesday morning. “We thought it was one example of civic expenditures,” Wood said. He says the website is not an official referendum but rather a way to gauge if there’s enough interest before launching a formal campaign. “It will help us recruit volunteers, organize neighborhood canvasing and determine whether we’re ready to begin the demanding 90-day campaign.” An official referendum requires signatures from 10 per cent of the city’s eligible voting population, which Wood says is just under 27,000. The petition would need to be filed within 90 days of the first signature. He says regardless of someone’s position, “a public expenditure and commitment of this magnitude deserves the direct consent of Saskatoon taxpayers.” During the announcement Wood stood alongside two 2024 municipal election candidates, Courtney Saliken and Henry Chan. Saliken said the DEED remains a divisive issue in Saskatoon, making the case for a public vote. He pointed to the city’s history of using referendums to decide major issues, including the location of SaskTel Centre and the casino proposal. “Given the unprecedented scope and financial commitment of this project, it is reasonable to ask why this wasn’t put to a public vote earlier,” Saliken said. Chan said he believes the public should have a direct say in the project. “There is a deep, somewhat tragic reality in asking hardworking residents, many of whom will never in their lifetime contemplate buying a $300 event ticket, to shoulder the long-term tax burden of a facility that they may never step a foot in,” he said. Karen Kobussen, who also ran in the 2024 municipal election, attended the announcement as a concerned resident, and registered shortly afterward. “I’m definitely in support of the democratic process, and I just thinkthere has not been overly clear information as to financing and long-term implications,” Kobussen said. Some city councillors say there are still questions about what a referendum would ask voters to decide. Ward 6 Councillor Jasmin Parker says referendums are part of the democratic process, and the wording of the question will be important. “Referendums are kind of a tricky thing. I think we’re seeing it play out a little bit in Alberta. How is the question formed? What is the actual question being put to people?” Ward 4 Councillor Troy Davies agreed wording is important. “The question isn’t build new or not. The question is build new or renovate.” Davies says the city is waiting for an estimate on what it would cost to renovate SaskTel Centre, adding significant upgrades are also needed at TCU Place. He said the decision ultimately rests with the people. Wood said he expects to decide within a few weeks whether to move forward with a referendum, based on the response to the website.
