Split emerges over who should run downtown Saskatoon arena district

A schism seems to be forming over Saskatoon city hall’s decision to find a private partner to run a proposed downtown arena district.

Officials from SaskTel Centre appeared at a business luncheon Thursday to make their case to keep operating the arena under the current model should the $1.2-billion downtown plan materialize.

The district would include a new downtown arena located north of the TCU Place convention centre, which would be upgraded and expanded, likely to include space on the YMCA property, which was purchased by the city in 2024.

“We’re punching above our weight class and we’re turning a profit with a subpar facility,” SaskTel Centre board member Trevor Jacek told the event, referring to the 38-year-old arena located on the city’s northern outskirts.

“We’re excited about the new arena and the entire [Downtown Event and Entertainment District] project and we’re confident that we could effectively and successfully operate it if the city decides to not bring on a third-party partner.”

SaskTel Centre CEO John Howden said “amen” after Jacek finished, to laughter from the crowd in a room at TCU Place.

Howden said staff at SaskTel Centre manage to cope with an outdated facility and still attract big events to Saskatoon.

“If we had a brand-new shiny facility that had all the modern amenities — not NHL standard, just modern amenities — we’d absolutely kill it,” Howden said.

But city hall administration remains committed to a private partner, according to a message sent Thursday. City council directed bureaucrats to find a private company to run the district three years ago.

Officials from the company chosen by city hall, OVG, appeared before council in October to answer questions about a proposed framework for an operating agreement. Council postponed a decision on the framework.

OVG officials are expected to return to council in March, the city administration says.

'Devil is always in the details'

The North Saskatoon Business Association, which staged the event at TCU Place, has shifted its position on the operation of the district, executive director Keith Moen said in an email.

The NSBA had likely favoured a private partner, but is now receptive to either model, Moen said, adding the “devil is always in the details.”

Coun. Zach Jeffries said Friday he is still “grappling” with how to proceed and it will depend on getting more answers to weigh the advantages of a private operator. Jeffries was among the councillors who voted unanimously to pursue a private partner in January 2023.

However, six new councillors were elected in 2024.

Stephanie Pocha of Discover Saskatoon said her organization, which promotes tourism in the city and strongly supports the downtown arena district, takes no position on which model the city should adopt for the new facilities. 

Pocha said Friday that she needs a better understanding of the finances under each approach.

“We need more details from city administration to be able to understand that,” Pocha said in an interview.

Jason Aebig, the CEO of the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce, said in an email Friday that the chamber will “reserve judgment” on either model until the matter is considered by council again. Aebig said each approach has advantages.

Kirby Wirchenko, the director of community engagement at TCU Place, said the venue had its best year in history last year, which speaks to the ability of the current staff.

“If we can keep all the money by running it ourselves and not having partners and having to share it out, why wouldn't we, if we know we can run it as well or better?” Wirchenko told reporters at the NSBA event.

Under the proposed framework with OVG, the company would contribute $15 million to construct the district, which is estimated to cost $1.2 billion, and would also share in the profits. No other funding has yet been secured for the project.

A city council committee voted unanimously last week to endorse a potential merger between SaskTel Centre and TCU Place, which are currently located seven kilometres apart.

Discussions about a new downtown arena started 10 years ago.