As your Trusted real estate partner in Saskatoon, I am committed to finding the perfect place to call home. I am passionate about real estate and aim to exceed your expectations. In my latest article,I share the skinny on the 2024 zoning changes in Saskatoon.
Saskatoon: Live, Build, Invest, and Lifestyle Opportunities…
Recently, Saskatoon significantly changed its zoning plan, emphasizing greater home density along some main traffic and public transportation corridors. This plan did not pass without significant debate with both supporters and opponents. Based on the City of Saskatoon’s research and consultation, with the information provided, here are some possible benefits that may result.Â
Saskatoon is a vibrant and rapidly growing city with an increasing emphasis on sustainable urban development. The city’s Corridor Zoning and Home Plan represents a significant step forward in urban planning, designed to create more livable, accessible, and connected neighbourhoods along key transit corridors. This approach to zoning and development aims to strike a balance between growth, environmental sustainability, and quality of life, offering substantial benefits to residents and businesses alike.
Here’s a look at the key advantages of Saskatoon’s Corridor Zoning and Home Plan
Enhanced Urban Density and Walkability
The Corridor Zoning Plan focuses on increasing density along major transit corridors, allowing more people to live, work, and play in close proximity. By clustering homes, retail spaces, and workplaces together, the plan supports a more walkable urban environment. This means that residents have greater access to amenities, grocery stores, cafes, schools, and parks—all within walking distance. Saskatoon can reduce traffic congestion, create safer streets, and improve air quality citywide with less reliance on cars.
Affordable Housing Options
A significant benefit of the Corridor Zoning and Home Plan is its potential to create more affordable housing. By building up instead of out and allowing for higher-density residential developments, Saskatoon can accommodate more housing units within the same space. This increase in supply helps alleviate pressure on housing costs, making it easier for individuals and families to find affordable housing options close to essential services and employment opportunities.
Improved Public Transit Accessibility
The Corridor Zoning Plan aligns with major transit routes, enhancing accessibility for residents who rely on public transportation. By developing housing and businesses along these corridors, the city is promoting transit-oriented development (TOD), which encourages greater transit use and more efficient public transportation services. With increased density near transit routes, Saskatoon can potentially reduce travel times, improve transit service frequency, and offer residents a viable alternative.
Environmental Sustainability and Reduced Carbon Footprint
As cities grow, sprawling developments can lead to greater environmental impact. The Corridor Zoning Plan mitigates this by promoting infill development and mixed-use spaces along existing infrastructure. This approach minimizes the need for new roads, water, and utility extensions, which can be costly and environmentally taxing. Furthermore, by encouraging more people to live near transit and walkable amenities, the city is effectively reducing greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with global sustainability goals and contributing to a greener Saskatoon.
Supports Local Businesses and Economic Growth
Corridor zoning encourages mixed-use buildings, where residential units coexist with retail, office, and commercial spaces. This is especially beneficial for local businesses, as it creates a built-in customer base. With more people living and working in close proximity to businesses, foot traffic increases, and small businesses have the opportunity to thrive. This supports the local economy and can lead to job creation, making Saskatoon a more dynamic and economically resilient city.
Promotes a Diverse and Inclusive Community
Saskatoon’s Corridor Zoning and Home Plan is designed to accommodate a variety of housing types and price points, from single-family homes and townhouses to apartments and affordable housing units. This diversity in housing options promotes inclusivity, allowing people from different backgrounds, income levels, and family structures to live in the same area. A more diverse population enriches the cultural fabric of neighbourhoods and fosters a greater sense of community among residents.
Enhances Community and Social Interaction
One of the key aims of the Corridor Plan is to create vibrant, engaging spaces that foster social interaction. Mixed-use developments encourage people to spend time in public areas, whether they’re meeting friends at a local café, shopping at a boutique, or enjoying an event at a nearby park. These shared spaces foster a sense of community and belonging, enhancing the quality of life for residents and creating a welcoming environment for newcomers.
Increases Property Values Over Time
While increasing density may initially raise concerns among residents, studies from similar cities have shown that well-executed corridor zoning plans can positively impact property values over time. Enhanced accessibility, greater amenities, and a higher quality of life attract new residents and investors, ultimately leading to a stronger real estate market. For homeowners, this translates to greater equity and potential financial growth as the area becomes increasingly desirable.
Future-Proofs the City for Growth
Saskatoon is growing, and planning for sustainable expansion is essential. The Corridor Zoning Plan is a forward-thinking approach to accommodate future growth without compromising the city’s character or stretching its resources thin. By developing vertically along transit corridors, Saskatoon can preserve its green spaces, manage infrastructure demands, and maintain a high quality of life as it expands. Future-proofing the city this way ensures that Saskatoon remains a desirable place to live for generations to come.
Aligns with Broader Goals for Livability and Wellbeing
At its core, Saskatoon’s Corridor Zoning and Home Plan is about improving the overall livability and well-being of its residents. The plan creates an environment where residents can thrive by fostering walkable communities with a strong sense of place, promoting healthy lifestyles through reduced car reliance, and enhancing access to green spaces and community centers. This holistic approach to urban planning reflects a commitment to building a city that prioritizes the health, happiness, and welfare of its people.
Saskatoon’s Corridor Zoning and Home Plan offers a blueprint for sustainable growth, economic resilience, and improved quality of life. By focusing on development along key transit routes, the city creates a vibrant, connected urban core that’s environmentally responsible, socially inclusive, and economically beneficial. This approach doesn’t just build infrastructure; it builds community, fostering a Saskatoon that’s ready to meet the needs of today’s residents while anticipating the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
For those who live in or are considering moving to Saskatoon, the Corridor Zoning and Home Plan may signal a promising future where urban living is reimagined to benefit individuals, communities, and the environment.
Source:
https://www.saskatoon.ca/engage/corridor-planning-program
https://www.saskatoon.ca/engage/corridor-land-use-and-rezoning
https://www.saskatoon.ca/engage/saskatoon.ca/housingactionplan
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, Laddie James is the REALTOR® you can trust! Contact Laddie to chat about your real estate needs today.
