Happy B'day to my love
Councillors OK extension for Station 20 West project
Lori Coolican, The StarPhoenix
Published: Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Proponents of the beleaguered Station 20 West project heard some encouraging -- and unanimous -- words of support Monday from city councillors.

Spectators broke into applause after council's executive committee voted quickly to give the project at least another year to begin construction before the city takes any steps to buy back the reclaimed inner-city land it sold to organizers for $1.

The original sale called for the first construction permits to be issued by September of this year, but a controversial decision by the Saskatchewan Party government to withdraw $8 million from the project has forced organizers back to the drawing board.

"Given the importance of this project to the city of Saskatoon, as well as in consideration of the amount of public money the city has put in with respect to remediation of the site, I think it's important that council give the extension and give the proponents an opportunity to regroup and decide what they're going to do on a go-forward basis," said Coun. Tiffany Paulsen.

Coun. Glen Penner said a number of people have contacted him about extending the project's deadline.

"I've never felt that there was any problem with the extension. . . . A good idea is a good idea," he said. "I think this was a good idea when it was first brought to our attention, I think it remains a good idea, and I hope by having the extension the folks that are involved in this will be able to raise more money and do more that they would like to do."

Station 20 West is a product of three or four years' work by many people in the core neighbourhoods who felt excited that a needed service was under development, noted Coun. Bob Pringle.

"I think it does enhance the services in the core area -- even a scaled-back version would do that -- and I think it also contributes to the revitalization of the core area. It's obvious that Station 20 West has good community support," Pringle said.

"I'm on board with that," echoed Coun. Myles Heidt.

"We were the first out of the gate to get this thing going and . . . I don't know why we wouldn't extend an extension -- and if this one isn't long enough and they're moving forward, why we wouldn't continue on (with a further extension next year)."

Project manager Paul Wilkinson told the committee a new design has been prepared for Station 20 West, covering 19,000 square feet on two floors, for an estimated total cost of $2.6 million -- significantly less than the $11.5 million originally envisioned for the facility. The new design includes space for a co-operative grocery store known as Good Food Junction.

Organizers recently learned members of the Saskatoon Co-op have resolved to look for ways to help the Good Food Junction be successful, Wilkinson said.

"We believe we can raise the money we need within the time period that we've asked for," he added.

Public reaction to the provincial government's decision not to fund Station 20 West has built new bridges in Saskatoon, said Jacqui Barclay, vice-president of the Riversdale community association.

"As an inner-city resident, I have been heartened by the outpouring of support from citizens from all parts of Saskatoon. It has drawn residents from the west side and the east side closer together in the spirit of helping each other."

lcoolican@sp.canwest.com