Saskatoon Organizations Advocate for Fiscal and Environmental Responsibility in Freeway Debate
In Saskatoon, a coalition of local groups is working to reshape the conversation surrounding a proposed freeway and its implications for urban development. These organizations are emphasizing both fiscal prudence and environmental protection as critical factors in the ongoing discussion about the city's future infrastructure.
The Proposed Freeway and Its Projected Costs
The proposed freeway, envisioned as a four-lane, 55-kilometre divided highway connecting Highway 11 south of Saskatoon to Highway 7 west of the city, was initially estimated at approximately $2 billion in 2014. According to Derek Cameron, president of Strong Towns YXE, who created a cost calculator for the project, inflation adjustments now place the estimated cost closer to $3 billion in today's dollars.
Cameron argues that this substantial funding could address numerous existing urban needs. "People have a lot of complaints about the existing roads in this city," he stated, noting that the $3 billion could fund all capital improvements to Saskatoon's current road network while leaving about half of that amount available for other municipal priorities.
Environmental Concerns and the Northeast Swale
Environmental groups, including Wild About Saskatoon, have expressed strong opposition to the freeway project due to its potential impact on the Northeast Swale. This native wetland, located north of the Evergreen and Aspen Ridge neighborhoods, represents a sensitive ecosystem that could be disturbed or destroyed by the construction of major roadways through or near the area.
Wild About Saskatoon is hosting a webinar to discuss urban sprawl and highlight how fiscal arguments from groups like Strong Towns YXE align with environmental conservation goals. The organization aims to demonstrate that responsible fiscal management and environmental protection are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary objectives.
Alternative Uses for Freeway Funding
The cost calculator developed by Strong Towns YXE allows residents to explore how the projected freeway budget could be allocated to other community needs. Options include pedestrian road crossings, enhanced public transportation with city buses, additional firefighters, increased tree planting, and the construction of leisure centers and schools. This tool illustrates the opportunity cost of proceeding with the freeway project versus investing in existing urban infrastructure.
Current Status and Timeline of the Freeway Project
The freeway project remains in its preliminary stages, with a functional planning study expected to be completed this year. A public information session is anticipated in the spring, providing residents with an opportunity to learn more about the proposal and voice their concerns.
According to a representative from the provincial highways ministry who addressed city council in 2024, construction of the freeway is at least 15 years away and could potentially be delayed for up to 35 years. This extended timeline allows for continued discussion and evaluation of the project's merits and alternatives.
The Broader Context of Housing Density and Urban Sprawl
Cameron also addresses the economic implications of urban sprawl, noting that development on the city's periphery often comes with higher costs for municipal services. Strong Towns has created a map showing whether individual properties contribute more or less than the expenses required to service them, assuming uniform distribution of city costs.
"It's a bit of a crude measure, but it shows a few things, including that our downtown is incredibly tax productive, as are places like Broadway," Cameron explained. He contrasted this with areas like Arbor Creek, where residents incur higher costs for infrastructure such as roads compared to those living in more central locations.
Housing density has emerged as a significant topic for Saskatoon's city council, with some councillors raising concerns about sprawl. Initiatives like the federal Housing Accelerator Fund and the city's Link Bus Rapid Transit system are working to promote more housing in areas with existing infrastructure, aiming to create more sustainable and cost-effective urban growth.
As the debate continues, Saskatoon residents and policymakers are faced with critical decisions about how to balance infrastructure development with fiscal responsibility and environmental stewardship. The efforts of local groups to reframe this conversation highlight the complex interplay between economic, environmental, and social factors in shaping the city's future.
