Saskatchewan Polytechnic Breaks Ground on New Campus Development

The development of the new Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus at Innovation Place is underway, with significant milestones expected in the coming months. Currently in the early stages, the request-for-proposal phase is set to close in November 2024, marking a crucial step in the project’s progression.

The first structure planned for the Joseph A. Remai Saskatoon Campus will be the Skilled Trades and Technology building. This facility is currently in the procurement phase, with a successful contractor anticipated to be selected in December 2024. According to Saskatchewan Polytechnic, construction is slated to commence in early 2026, although a definitive completion timeline has yet to be established.

Groundbreaking for the new campus began at the end of August 2024, and site preparation followed in September 2024. The procurement for the building adjacent to the University of Saskatchewan initiated in January 2025, setting the stage for future developments.

In a significant commitment to education, the provincial government announced a funding allocation of $200 million for this project in September 2023. Premier Scott Moe emphasized that the new campus aims to establish an “innovation corridor” that will leverage the strengths of Saskatchewan Polytechnic, the University of Saskatchewan, and Innovation Place.

The concept for the campus renewal has been in discussion since 2015, with the provincial government first earmarking $500,000 in 2014 for initial design work. In January 2025, the province allocated an additional $16 million for the project, while the 2024-25 budget included $6 million for design and pre-procurement expenses.

Larry Rosia, President and CEO of Saskatchewan Polytechnic, stated that the new project is essential for expanding the institution’s capacity. “It will increase program capacity and create a skilled talent pipeline to help grow the economy and increase our competitiveness in attracting investment to Saskatchewan and Canada,” he noted.

The current campus, originally established as a vocational school in the 1940s, features numerous outdated buildings that require costly maintenance. This new project aims to consolidate 11 decentralized facilities into a modern complex focused on learning and research.

While no specific completion dates have been announced for the Skilled Trades and Technology building, Innovation Saskatchewan indicated that the target opening date for the facility is set for fall 2029. They estimate that both the new building and renovations to the existing structures at 116 Research Drive and 121 Research Drive will be completed by that time.

According to the Innovation Saskatchewan website, “Construction and transition to the new campus is anticipated to occur gradually over time.” As this project unfolds, it promises to enhance educational opportunities and contribute significantly to the local economy and workforce development in Saskatchewan.

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