What’s the Latest: Saskatoon committee to weigh expropriating land for BRT stations
Saskatoon’s transportation committee will decide whether to expropriate land needed for six Bus Rapid Transit stations after negotiations with property owners stalled. City administration recommends moving forward with taking over small parcels of land near concrete BRT platforms on 22nd Street West and 8th Street East.
The Saskatoon transportation committee will meet on Tuesday to consider recommendations for expropriating land necessary for six Bus Rapid Transit stations, following stalled negotiations with several property owners. According to city administration, discussions with landowners began in 2024, and while the city has successfully purchased 10 properties for the stations, six remain due to unwillingness from some owners to sell and a lack of response from others.
The City of Saskatoon’s transportation committee is set to decide on expropriating land for Bus Rapid Transit stations amid stalled negotiations with property owners, with a recommendation from city administration to proceed with the acquisition of six parcels of land. Councillor Bev Dubois noted that there may be further meetings with landowners before the matter goes to council at the end of November, indicating the final decision is still uncertain.
What remains unclear — It is not confirmed whether additional meetings with landowners will take place before the council decision at the end of November.
Saskatoon committee to consider expropriating land for bus rapid transit stations
Saskatoon’s transportation committee is set to decide on potential expropriation of small parcels of private land for six Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations, following stalled negotiations with property owners. The city administration has recommended the acquisition of land near planned BRT platforms on 22nd Street West and 8th Street East, with each site requiring approximately 30 to 57 square metres.
The city initiated discussions with landowners in 2024 and has already secured ten properties for the project, with plans to acquire five more. However, officials stated that some owners refuse to sell, while others have ceased communication. “There were some that were having some adjustments made already to that piece of land with the city, or discussions about possible adjustments, and then the conversation with the business just stopped,” said Councillor Bev Dubois, chair of the transportation committee.
Karen Kobussen, CEO of the Saskatoon West Business Association, expressed concerns regarding the surprise of property owners. She reported that many were notified just days before the committee meeting, leading to uncertainty and haste among landowners. “The ones I’ve spoken to have received emails on Friday, just basically saying consult your lawyer and here’s the meeting notice,” Kobussen said.
The committee’s report outlines alternative options, including relocating the stations to city-owned land, but the city regards this as “substandard” due to a lack of shelters and information for transit users. A recommendation will be made to city council following the committee meeting to determine the final decision regarding expropriation.
Kobussen emphasised the need for ongoing dialogue with landowners, advocating for smaller platforms as a compromise. “We absolutely agree that BRT and transit in general is very important for Saskatoon,” she stated. “But what can we look at so that both sides can say, yes, I can live with that and this is a great, happy medium.” The session is expected to attract considerable public input before a conclusion is reached.