Saskatoon city council green-lights Muskeg Lake Cree Nation DEED negotiations

Saskatoon city council has unanimously green-lit administration to begin negotiations with the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation on a significant partnership to develop a downtown event and entertainment district. This move paves the way for discussions surrounding Indigenous ownership of the ambitious project, estimated to be worth upwards of $1.6 billion.

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If this is the next step, it is a mighty one.

Mayor Cynthia Block expressed strong support, calling the decision a "mighty step forward." The council's decision reflects a prevailing sense of optimism and urgency, with some members, like Coun. Troy Davies, emphasizing the immediate need for action given the city's current arena situation. The approval allows city administration to define the partnership structure and land development details.

Potential land arrangements include establishing new urban reserves within Saskatoon, a prospect that Muskeg Lake Cree Nation Chief Kelly Wolfe views as a stride toward reconciliation. Wolfe also highlighted the potential to access federal grants, which could be shared for the project's benefit.

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Because, as of right now, where we stand in the city of Saskatoon, where we stand with our current arena, there is no plan.

However, the decision was not without its dissenting voices. Coun. Robert Pearce cautioned against sole-source negotiations for a project of this magnitude, suggesting an open expression of interest would be more transparent. He cited a recent survey indicating public demand for greater transparency from the city.

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But also, it opens doors to federal grants the First Nation may have access to that we’re willing to share with the project as well.

Despite these concerns, Coun. Randy Donauer expressed confidence in the current approach, viewing it as a crucial first step. He stressed that any final agreement would require careful consideration and approval from both councils. The city is also seeking provincial and federal funding, committing that no municipal tax increases will be used for the project.

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There is a reason we don’t see sole source negotiations on a project of this scale.