Saskatoon city council has directed administration to begin negotiations with Muskeg Lake Cree Nation on a potential partnership tied to the Downtown Event and Entertainment District.
The decision was made at council’s June 24 regular business meeting. City officials say the vote does not approve a final agreement, but allows administration to begin direct negotiations toward a possible development partnership.
Mayor Cynthia Block said the discussions could open the door to a unique opportunity for both communities.
“Great cities are built through strong partnerships and a willingness to think differently about the future,” Block said. “By authorizing these discussions, Council is creating the opportunity to explore a unique partnership with Muskeg Lake Cree Nation and what that partnership could mean for both communities.”
Muskeg Lake Cree Nation Chief Kelly Wolfe said the Nation is encouraged by council’s decision, but stressed the talks are still in the early stages.
“This is an important first step, but it is still an early step,” Wolfe said. “There is significant work ahead, and any potential agreement will need to be carefully considered and approved by both Councils.”
The potential partnership could go beyond development of entertainment and hospitality components of the district. City officials say discussions may also include operating partnerships for the convention centre and event centre, along with the possibility of establishing the lands as a new urban reserve.
Muskeg Lake Cree Nation has a long history of economic development in Saskatoon. In 1988, it established Asimakaniseekan Askiy, also known as Soldiers’ Land, as Canada’s first commercial urban reserve.
Today, the urban reserve is home to roughly 50 businesses, supports more than 750 jobs and includes Lakeside Medical Centre, the largest non-hospital medical facility in Saskatchewan.
Saskatoon currently has eight urban reserves, with several more at different stages of development or approval.
City administration says it will report back to council every two months as negotiations move forward. Any major financial commitments, land agreements, governance arrangements or legal agreements would require future approval from city council and Muskeg Lake Cree Nation’s own governance process.